Apart Of The Same Ocean (PJO Fanfiction)

Chapter 5: News from the Wolf

Osa's Pov

What was I thinking? I can't live with him. That wouldn't end well at all. Well, it's too late to take it back. For a few days now I had been thinking about it, but I still hadn't come to a solution. I kinda want to live with him too though. Ugh, my female brain. Even Fluffy looked disappointed in me as I ate my dinner, consisting of air. I should probably get up off the couch and go grocery shopping.

It took me an hour to eventually reach the store. It wasn't crowded, so I had the luxury to take my time. The first thing on my list was bacon. It was always a priority ever since I came to the country. My parents never liked to have too much meat in the house. Fruits are next on my list followed by frozen foods. I only had four bags to take out to my car after I purchased my things.

Night had fully taken the sky, but I didn't feel scared. I used to use the night like a tool. Oh, how far I fell. That crappy apartment would make my parents so sad. They prepared me to take the world in my hands. Now, the only things my hands had were oven burns and paper cuts. Sometimes I feel so guilty that I'm in California instead of home. Their killer was still out there and yet I ran away. Shaking my thoughts away, I drove back to my place and carried the groceries up the stairs (there was no elevator). For a second time I found my door open, but instead of a note, he came to face me personally. A smile broke through as I embraced Masa.

"It's been awhile," I said, pulling back.

"A year is nothing to me," he claimed.

"Well, we can't all be immortal."

I gestured for us to have a seat on the couch. Fluffy came walking out of my bedroom and hissed when she noticed Masa. "I see Deandra still hates me."

I shrugged. "She hates everybody and her cover is Fluffy. So, what brings you to my humble home?"

His dark almond-shaped eyes focused back on me. "Either you chose to ignore my note or you're staying."

"We should leave the U.S. It's not safe for everyone around us if a war breaks out."

Masa shook his head. "What happened to you, kitten?" he muttered.

"Don't call me that," I practically whispered.

"Why? It is your nickname from me."

"Leave Masa. I have it good right now," I said, quickly standing up.

Masa grabbed my arm when I try to walk away. He doesn't speak until I turned to face him. "Hey, just listen to me."

He used to be of high rank back home and now like me he's stuck in this life. For the past year, he has stayed isolated in the mountains due to a recent loss. Even now I can spot the sadness or desperation in his eyes. A benefit of having him as a guardian. Though our connection isn't what it used to be. "What do you suggest then, Masa?"

He gave a small smile and took my hand, bringing back to the couch. "We should regather the teams. The more we have the easier it'll be to find where the key leads to."

"I'm guessing you've found out some info."

Masa combed through his black hair that was pulled back into a ponytail. He always refrained from cutting it since he believes in keeping his Asian roots. "I decided it was time to stop sulking after Yumi's...passing, so I looked for some answers. Those attacks on campers aren't by some random monster."

"We figured that much."

"Ekon must be searching for the key," Masa concluded.

"If he's just now looking for it, then he must need it now," I said.

"Then he must have what the key opens." Masa lightly squeezed my hand with big eyes. "There is a chance we can stop him so long as we have the key. You've got to take the risk."

I turned away from Masa to look around the apartment. Earlier in the day, I had put aside boxes. Whether I was packing to leave the States or move in with Troy was undetermined. Staying with Troy just became even more appealing. I was sick of being on edge. Ekon couldn't get to me if I moved to New Rome. Troy and I could have the family we always talked about. "Masa, I don't think--"

Fluffy's black hair stood up as she stared at the door. She meowed at Masa, which he appeared to understand. "Deandra senses an unknown presence," he informed. He sniffed the air. "I smell many people surrounding the building. I'll check it out." His eyes turned an electric blue as his inner wolf surfaced. Masa went out the window while I waited at the door with a gun in hand. As soon as a someone knocked I opened the door with the gun pointed.

"Woah! Troy didn't tell me you were packing."

A tall, Hispanic boy dressed in a faded purple shirt and blue jeans stood at the door. "Who are you?"

He gestured for me to put the gun down. When it was clear I wouldn't answer he said," I'm Aristeo, a co-worker of your boyfriend." I arched an eyebrow at him. "Man, he should've mentioned how stubborn you are."

"Well, I come from a place where you don't just trust strangers," I said.

"Understandable. Maybe this will convince you." The boy got out his phone and dialed a number. "Hey. I'm fine. No, she's fine too. Um, she isn't exactly cooperating. Yeah, hold on." He hands me the phone. I keep the gun on him as I held the phone up.

"Troy?"

His Southern accent greeted my ears. "Hey, Osa."

"What is going on, honey?"

"You need to go with Aris. He will take care of you until I come back."

"Why? Did something happen?" I asked.

A loud roar sounded in the background. "Let's just say we have a lot to talk about when I see you again."

"That doesn't answer my question."

"I know, but it's best to talk about this in person. Please go with him."

I finally let the gun drop to the side. Something bad had to have happened for Troy to suddenly want to spill his not-so-secret secret. "Fine, I'll go. But you've got to promise to be safe wherever you are." There was no point in pretending I'm clueless anymore. It was about time we had that talk.

"I promise I will. See you later, Osa."

"Bye."