Camp Half Blood: One "Salty" Adventure

Chapter 40

Ben's POV:

I'm a confused mix of tired and anxious. Cole and I walked for two days straight before we finally found the prison. We set up Camp in some woods close by. Cole was fast asleep, talking to Damian. Cole told me to get some rest too, but how could I? My princess is less than a mile away. She's so close it hurts. I need to see her. I have to make sure she's safe. Gods... I don't know what I'll do if she isn't. "Ben?" Cole called out drowsily, stumbling over to me. "I just talked to Damian-" He stopped mid sentence to yawn. "He said Corbyn and Rose are coming out to see us soon, and Corbyn has half a skull painted on his face, but not to fight him." Cole rubbed at his eyes tiredly.

"Rose is coming? When?! How long?" I paced around in front of him. Cole put a hand on my shoulder and stopped me.

"Dude, just go get some sleep. Rose won't want to see you like this. I'll wake you up as soon as she comes, I promise." Cole lightly shoved me towards my sleeping bag.

"No! I'm fine... I need to wait for her. I have to make sure she's alright!" I snapped. Cole rolled his eyes.

"Go sleep. She's just going to get mad at you if you act like this around her." Cole stated, turning away from me and going into his bag, probably getting food rations for himself. I wanted to protest, but I knew he was right. The last thing I wanted was for Rose to be angry with me. Especially right now. I crawled into my sleeping bag and tossed and turned for awhile before falling into a restless sleep. My nightmares were all centered around Rose's condition. I want to be with her so badly. To be there in her place... I'm coming princess, I promise.

"Ben? Hey, Ben. Wake up." A soft voice coaxed. I slowly opened my eyes to see Rose kneeling down next to me. I wasn't sure if she was real or not. I had a dream like this around a week ago.

"R-Rose? Am I dreaming again?" I sat up quickly. Dreaming or not, I needed to see her.

"Well that was sweet, but no." Rose smiled and I felt myself melt. She was real, alive, and safe. I took a moment just to look her over for wounds.

"Are you okay? What's going on?" I looked around to see a strange boy talking to Cole. They both wore serious expressions, and Cole looked severely worried.

"I'm fine. Corbyn brought me here to show you everything is fine. Look! I'm all good. How are you? You look tired..." Rose cupped my cheek in her hands, gently turning me to face her.

"I-I... I'm okay..." I looked down, avoiding eye contact. She needs me to be strong so I have to be. Even if I'm pretending. If I look her in the eyes I'll end up telling her the truth...

"Come on, Ben. Don't lie. When was the last time you slept?" Rose asked again, tilting my chin up. I didn't try to resist. I miss her so much. I'll take any kind of attention I can get.

"...I don't remember." I mumbled, stretching and yawning. Rose sighed and gave me a worried look. I felt my stomach twist with regret. I don't want to upset her...

"Come on, Ben... how about food? Have you been eating?" Rose prompted, looking me directly in the eyes.

"Yeah, whenever Cole hunts." I responded truthfully. I hunted with him a lot at the beginning of the quest, but ever since I started getting visions, Cole made me stay behind.

"Alright... well I guess Corbyn and I should get going then..." Rose and I looked over to see Corbyn and Cole waiting for Rose.

"No! Please don't go. Please, Rose." I begged her, starting to panic. I can't lose her again. I won't let her out of my sight.

"Ben, we're gonna see each other after all of this is over. And I have to get this anklet off too. And get my weapons... this isn't the safest place to be right now." Rose did her best to calm me down, her hands running lightly through my hair while she spoke. She was making it hard for me to stay awake, but I struggled to keep my eyes open.

"W-Wait... anklet?" I asked, stopping to yawn again.

"Yeah. It keeps me from using my powers. It's fine though. Don't worry about me." Rose soothed. She made it sound like it wasn't a big deal.

"You're all I think about..." I shivered as she slowly ran her hand from my hair down to my collarbone.

"Awe... thanks, Ben. I... that means a lot..." She gave me a sad smile, pulling away from me. I almost pressed her, but I quickly decided to warn her instead.

"You'll be careful, right? Stay safe. No matter what." I instructed, grabbing ahold of her hand and squeezing it.

"I promise. Everything will be fine." She came back and pulled me into a hug.

"Alright..." I muttered, closing my eyes and relaxing into her arms.

"Bye, Ben." Rose pulled away and kissed me lightly. All I could feel was the ghost of her lips against mine, sending warmth through me.

"Bye, princess." I replied groggily. Rose pushed me back down into the sleeping bag again. I fell back asleep before she left my side, but when I woke up a few hours later, she was gone. Cole was slumped against a tree looking worn out. The sun was setting now. We'd be leaving soon. I sat down next to Cole and he sighed quietly. "You alright?" I asked, looking over at him. Cole stared blankly ahead.

"Things aren't looking good for Myra." He said flatly. "Corbyn told me. He's been taking care of her. When she can remember me, she asks for me, but gods... I don't know how I'll handle seeing her like this again. What if she hates me? Or she doesn't know who I am?" Cole hid his face in his hands.

"You'll get to her in time. If anyone can help her, you can." I encouraged. Before he could respond, a voice called out.

"Cole? Ben? It's Damian." He came into the clearing we were camped out in, Cole greeted him quickly and introduced us.

"We're all set. Ready when you are." Cole told him anxiously, rocking on his heels. Damian nodded.

"Alright. Here's the plan. We'll meet Rose inside. Cole, you'll follow her and get Myra out of here... Rose may use the backup plan if she feels it's necessary, but you can ask her about that yourself. Ben you're staying with me. We're breaking into Olthen's room and stealing back Rose's and Myra's stuff, but the weapons come first. Are we clear?" Damian asked, looking at each of us. I can't believe he's keeping me away from Rose, but her glaive does mean a lot to her. I'm also kind of curious about this 'backup plan'. Cole seemed like he was too. I could tell he was about to ask about it, but I cut him off. I have to save Rose.

"Yeah, let's go." I nodded my head. Damian quickly started walking with Cole and I trailed behind them silently. He slipped us through a back entrance. The prison was dark and hostile. The walls were a cold grey that made me feel claustrophobic. Damian lead us up through a maze of hallways until we reached Rose. We hugged quickly, but then her and Cole disappeared. Damian and I walked for what felt like forever until we reached a door. With a nod, he took out a key and unlocked it. Hopefully, we'll make it out of here alive.