Something Forbidden

Chapter 8: Raili

RAILI

I rubbed my bandaged arm after i had gotten a deep cut from yesterday's capture the flag. I sat on the soft grass near the lake thinking about what had happened yesterday.

***

Hiding under the bushes, Nico and i waited. I held my paintbrush tightly, my helmet with a blue plume not helping.

"You ready?" Nico asked me,

"No,"

"Oh well," he said teasingly.

Before i could think of a good comeback, the conch horn blew. I heard yelling and clashing of swords in the dark, this was it.

Avoiding the reds, we ran to the north woods. I caught a glimpse of Roshan with a few others fighting off the reds, Hermes popping up from the bushes with swords. 'Nice strategy,' i thought.

···

Trying not to make a sound, we crept up to the red's border patrols and tried to figure out a way to get the banner without them noticing, or else, fight. Which i wasnt really hoping for.

"Now i know why they used Hermes to get the banner all these years," i whispered,

"Psh... we can handle this." he whispered proudly,

"Good luck," a voice from behind us said.

Before i could react, i felt a cold bronze blade on my neck. I tilted my head a little, not being able to move with a blade near my neck. I saw Nico with his hands behind his back gaurded by a bulky girl holding an ax. Amazing how she could carry the weight of that thing.

Soon, i felt my hands being tied up too.

"Nice work, Florienne, i dint think you could do it." the girl with the ax said,

"Do what?" Florienne snapped,

"Tie someone's hands together without complaining about your nails, Aphrodite." she snapped back.

"Whatever, Hannah." she snobbed, checking her nails.

After a few seconds of death stares, they decided to gaurd their flag again. I looked at Nico, who was looking around. It was clear that he was thinking of a plan to escape.

Soon, he had noticed me staring and gave me a questioning look.

"Got a plan?" i mouthed,

"Yeah," he mouthed back.

"Well, tell me."

"The only way for us to escape and get the flag, is for me to shadow travel." he whispered.

"What? But you told me-"

"It doesnt matter! I'll be fine, promise. Been practicing,"

I nodded, though i still disagreed.

"After i get you out, run back with the banner. Cross the boundary line," he whispered to me.

I nodded again, closing my eyes. I felt a hand on the rope that was tied to my hands, it was Nico. He looked really tired as he untied the rope. I made sure Hannah and Florienne werent looking.

I told Nico to rest while i finish the job. Sneeking towards them, i threw a rock just enough time to grab the flag. I started running but was stopped by what seemed like a steel grip. Hannah grabbed my wrist tightly, not letting go.

I tried to wriggle out, but it was no use.

"You cant get out, Apollo!" she told me, "Hephaestus kids have hands of steel!" she said proudly.

She suddenly grabbed her ax and tried to hit me. She missed her target but hit my arm instead, having no choice since i couldnt move it. I felt the deep cut on my arm, warm liquid pouring out. I screamed in pain, which i dont normally do, but then again, this isnt a normal game.

Before she could try again, someone pushed her, letting go of her grip.

"Nico?"

"Told you i've been practicing," he said, but he still looked really tired, like he was about to collapse any moment.

"Come on!" i said, before that would  happen.

Holding the banner high in the air, we ran back to the south woods followed by Will Solace and a few others.

We ran until we had crossed the boundary line, cheers from the blue team rang out. We won!

"Thanks," i told Nico,

"For what?"

"Saving me," i said, though all he did was push a girl.

"No sweat," he said.

His smile faded, looking at me seriously,

"Raili..."

"What is it?"

"I- I... nevermind."

"Oh," i said in disbelief.

I was torn a little. What did he want to say to me? My curiosity killed me, but i forced a smile.

***

"Whats up with the creepy smile?" a voice behind me asked.

Snapping out of my flashback, i looked around to find Will staring at me the whole time.

"Oh... nothing." i lied,

"You feeling better?" he asked.

"Yeah, im good."

Suddenly, he started laughing.

"Whats up with you?" i asked, creeped out.

"Youre good, eh? Had fun with Nico, i suppose." he said, grinning.

"How'd you- Wait a minute! You planned this, did you!?"

"Plan what?" another voice asked, it was Nico.

"Uhm... no- nothing." i lied.

Will burst out laughing, rolling on the grass. Despite my injury, i managed to punch him multiple times.