Betrayed and Alone

Joining And A Prophecy (50)

CHAPTER 50: JOINING, AND A PROPHECY (last chapter)

My POV (WolfHowler1)

I opened my eyes. I groaned, feeling a little battered, and like a zombie. Wait.... Wasn't I on Mom's couch? Unless... I really woke up! Next thing I know, some dark-haired girl screams "Esperanza!!!" and leaps at me, tackling me in a hug. I grunt at impact, and it takes me a second to remember that I'M Esperanza, and this crazy girl is my best friend Faith. I wrap her in a tight hug.

I couldn't stop a smug smile from spreading on my face. "Did you miss me?" I asked, half teasing. "I missed you so much! I'm so glad you're okay!" Faith practically squeals. "Me too...." I whisper, two meanings in those words, 1. I was glad to be alive, 2. I missed Faith too. Then I continued. "Faith, are you still hurt?" I practically growl. No way was I going to be almost dead only to realize that Faith is possibly crippled somehow.

But Faith shakes her head and says, "Only a little. It's just a couple scratches." I narrow my eyes. Jeez, what is wrong with this crazy girl? Doesn't she know that if she got those scratches infected, I would say, "I told you so"? (Faith finds it a little annoying). I glare at Faith before muttering, then yelling: "Ugh, you and your damn loyalty. HEALER!" Almost instantly does a girl with sky blue eyes- probably a daughter of Apollo- comes up with some ambrosia and nectar.

A son of- Apollo, I think?- brings bandages and ointment. I zone out a little as they heal Faith. Should I tell Faith what Nyx told me? Or should I deal with my problems by myself, the way I usually do? "Okay, I'm better now!" Faith calls out, pulling me out of my thoughts. I just shake my head at Faith. No, I shouldn't tell her. What if she thinks that I'm going to become a monster? I grab myself some ambrosia and nectar, to help anchor myself.

I stuff the ambrosia in my mouth, enjoying the taste of warm, homemade, gooey chocolate chip cookies. Then I swallow my nectar. Mmmm. French Vanilla cappuccino. What? Okay, I might be a little ADHD, but I can control it.... Usually. I swing my legs off the uncomfortable bed and stand up, about to walk out of the door, when the same guy that I saw at the border grabbed my arm. I don't think he's a camper.... The other campers flash him looks of guilt.

I notice he's wearing a dark cloak. "Come with me." He orders. His voice sounds like an ordinary 17-year-old teen's, but it's weighed down and filled with authority. He looks at Faith and then grabs her hand, and pulls us along with him. There's something familiar about them.... Do they share the same godly parent. Sea green eyes.... He leads us to a clearing in the woods, and waves his hand.

The air around us shines, and I get the feeling that we can't be heard or seen. Part of me is terrified that he's going to kill us, but he has an aura around him, and I feel like I can trust him. Not a privilege given to just anyone. The guy coughs, bringing me out of my thoughts. I see a sheepish look on Faith's face, and have the feeling that she was zoning out, too. "I am Omega, one of two commanders of Chaos' army." The guy says importantly, but also in a bored tone.

I instantly get the idea that he said that exact line many, many times. Faith's eyes widen. "Chaos? Like, the creator of the Universe, Chaos?" Faith asks in bewilderment. Omega chuckles. "Yes. Exactly like that." Then I get curious. What does he want with us, then? "And what does the Commander of his army want with our awesome selves?" I prod, looking for answers. But I have a feeling that I already know.

Omega suddenly becomes formal, like this was a serious matter. "I would like to offer you two a place in my army. Your potential is great and from the fight I witnessed, I would say that both your parents are powerful and Zeus will want to strike you down. Do you know who your parents are?" Omega says, shooting me a look, probably, why-didn't-you-leave-me-any-monsters-to-kill look when he mentioned the fight.