Camp Half Blood: One "Salty" Adventure

Camp Half Blood: A Salty Sequel//Chapter Twenty-Five

Ben's POV:

After my fight with Rose, I decided to go straight to my sleeping bag to go to bed early. I needed to just forget about everything that happened. I would've gone to talk to her, but after I... hit her... she looked so scared of me. I felt so horrible... I made my princess scared of me... I knew it was the last straw and I still did it... I didn't want to hit her, but there was this force in me that just made it happen. It was so... weird. She probably went to go with Nathan anyways... I mean, she deserved to be treated better than that. I knew I could be better if I put my mind to it, but she broke up with me... I mean, she didn't specifically say it, but she looked done. And, she said she didn't want to be my princess anymore... I lost her... if only there was a way to get her back... with that thought, I drifted off into a deep slumber. "Welcome to the castle, Ben." I knew that voice. It's been awhile, but it was unmistakable.

"K-Khione? Wait wait what's going on." I asked, nervous. This must be a dream, but I was still scared anyways. She was one of the most powerful goddesses and she could only become more powerful now.

"Relax. I called you here to make you an offer. I couldn't help but notice your situation." Khione said walking towards me. I wanted to take a step back, but she caught my curiosity. I knew what she was talking about... I just didn't want to lead her on.

"I... I have no idea what you're talking about." Obviously I didn't do a good job at that and Khione let out a small laugh and stared at me with wonder.

"Of course you do. I wouldn't be a good mother if I didn't keep an eye on my daughter, now would I? I simply overheard your problem." She was talking with her hands, reminding me a lot of Myra. She seemed full of it... but at the same time I wasn't exactly sure...

"Whatever you're offering, I'm not buying into it, Khione." I said, feeling slightly more confident in myself.

"Really? Not even a way to get your Rose back?" My jaw slightly dropped, but I caught myself and immediately closed it.

"Y-You can't fix that... nothing can fix that." I said, starting to feel the pain of my regret once again.

"I am a goddess, Ben. Of course I can fix it. I just need you to do me a favor." She said walking around me slowly, only to stop directly in front of me again. She sent chills down my spine with every movement.

"I... I don't know..." I said back, thinking. Rose wouldn't want me to do this... would she? Rose would be furious if she ever found out about this.

"All you have to do is lead everyone into the castle. You must enter through the back door, go down two flights of stairs and take the first left. That's all. I'll take care of everything else." She said. It seemed simple enough... but this was Khione talking. I knew she was up to no good. Maybe... maybe I could trick her? Maybe...

"What's the catch?" I asked, starting to consider this.

"There isn't one. You end up with Rose. We both get what we want. Unless... You don't want Rose to yourself?" She said looking into my eyes with her crystal, cold ones. They seemed to stare into my soul.

"Of course I want Rose back." I said back, rapidly.

"I highly doubt there are any other ways to get her back to you." Khione said blankly. She caught me off guard... but she was right. I loved Rose with all my heart... and the only way to get her back would probably be this. I messed up so so bad this time there aren't even words to describe how badly... but, then again, what about everyone else?

"W-we won't be harmed, right? You won't hurt my friends?..." I asked feebly.

"My daughter, Cole, and Nathan are staying with me." She replied back.

"... but, why? What will you do with them?" I asked, beginning to fear for them if I agreed to this. Making this deal... gods I'm so stupid, but it's Rose. I'd do anything for her.

"It isn't wise to question a goddess, Ben. I'm feeling generous today so you're lucky. Do you have any idea what it's like for me? To be separated from my only daughter? She's in constant danger. Cole makes her happy so he will stay with me too. And I'll keep Nathan with me so you can have Rose. Sound fair?" She asked. I heard humanity in her voice, but maybe she was just a good actress. There really was no way to tell at this point.

"I... I guess so... I-I guess this could work..." I said after a moment more of thought.

"All I want is for Myra to be safe. If we work together then everyone can be happy. You want that don't you?"

"Well, of course I do..."

"Swear it on the River Styx and our deal is done." Khione replied urgently.

"... I-I swear it on the Styx that I will bring them to you." I said with a moment's hesitation. I mean, I said I'd bring them to her, I never said I wouldn't try to fight... or agree to anything else. I mean, what Rose didn't know wouldn't hurt her, right?

"Perfect. I promise you won't regret this. Now go and get some real sleep. You have a long day ahead." Khione said as everything faded to black. I then had a dreamless sleep. Probably being the weirdest thing that's happened to me as I fell asleep. I couldn't believe I had just made a deal with a goddess... and swore on the Styx to her... if anybody ever found out, I'd never hear the end of this.