Heir of Aphrodite - 1 Heroes of Us

3 - C H A S E

Hello, Chase here. So my sister finally decided to let me tell my half of the story, which is a lot different than yours. And as much as I think you and Aaron make a cute couple, I have my story to share. (Come on, Kayla, both Taylor and I have noticed you two. You guys are adorable) But anyway, getting off track. My turn to share.

"Just hold out for a bit," a familiar voice spoke in my head. It made me jump at who it sounded like. Kayla? Her voice didn't come back, starting to make me doubt my mind.

A large hand grabbed me by my torso, unlocking my chain and placing me on the floor. Taylor followed behind my release, and her shirt rubbed upwards showing a black mark on her right forearm.. People our size surrounded us, blocking any exit.

An older guy with a wispy beard, who sort of struck me like a leader smirked at us. "Newbies, huh? Well then, gonna need someone to teach you the ropes." He called out to one of his men, "Jack! Get over here and teach this young man what we do! Lindsey teach the girl what you do!"

A boy with brown hair, and hazel eyes approached me. But the thing about him that stood out were the moles dotted around his face. His frame showed muscle, as if he ran every day and night. Maybe even did some weights. "I'm Jack," he said, smiling at me.

"Chase," I replied, smiling back.

A girl around our age with chocolate brown eyes and blonde hair that was in an up braid walked up to Taylor. "Hello, i'm Lindsey," she waved and smiled, and surprisingly Taylor waved and smiled back.

"I'm Taylor," she said simply. Lindsey led Taylor over to a group of girls while the warriors left Jack and I alone.

I looked at Jack, "So, what is this place?"

"This is the land of Cyclops," he replied, saying the name sourly. "They take kids from all of the Camps and bring them here to work as slaves."

I gulped. "Slaves?"

Jack's eyes searched mine, "Yea, you'll get used to the term." He led me to an area with a lava bucket in one place and a water bucket next to it. Boys and one girl were making weapons; swords, daggers, arrows, hammers, everything. Some made sculptures out of the steel instead, just for decoration. "This is the forge, one of the jobs we do."

He continued on, showing me around till we made it to his job he was assigned. "And this is the dancing group."

I stared at him in disbelief, "Dancing?"

"Yeah," Jack said a little sour, "my group has to dance. It's for the most athletic ones. If you fail one move, your a goner. This is surprisingly the hardest job for both guys and girls. They have to dance too." Jack continued, "I'm gonna guess with the fact they told me to show you around, they want you as a dancer. I'll show you the moves quickly, remember them with your life, because it depends on this dance now."

I nodded, "Show me the steps, i'm ready." Then I glanced at my foot, "Actually, never mind, got anything to fix my ankle?"

Jack put a bandage on it before backing away, "There."

I stared at it before shrugging, "Okay. That'll work."

Jack dragged me over to an open spot, and grabbed my hand, placing it on his side, while the other was holding his hand. "This is how you start. Now step right with your right foot." I did as he asked. "Right with your left foot. Then right with your right foot again. You spin all during this, but don't go to fast."

"It's like a ballet?" I asked.

Jack nodded, "Quick learner, got it." He spun holding onto only the beginning hand we held, my hand above his head. When he stopped he was looking at me again. "You do that after one slow round. Then the girl tilts like this." Jack leaned back, making me hold his weight. "Got it, Chase?"

I nodded, "Got it."

The dinner bell rang, calling all us dancers near the table while all the other jobs ate in their rooms. Jack gave me a thumbs up before jumping up and down, flexing his fingers, preparing for dancing.

Once the Cyclops finished eating, one by one, all the kids near me were pulled into a dance, including Jack.

A gasp sounded from the front of the biggest table, making everyone stop in their tracks. "Bring me the last boy!" a small voice yelled. A couple Cyclops shrunk to my size, grabbing my arm and leading me towards the voice.

The last thing I expected to see was a girl Cyclops that shrunk to meet me. Pink hair that bursted with color, pulled into pigtails. Her eye was a dirt brown, and on top of her head was a silver crown. "This one shall dance with me," she said, her eye never leaving me.

The Cyclops who held me let go and bowed to her. "As you wish, Princess Emily," one said before all of them left us alone.

"You may all continue now!" A loud gruff voice said. People obeyed, and continued dancing their hearts out.

In the corner of my eye I saw Jack giving me a sideways smile, Don't fail my dude, looked to be what he was saying.

The princess gripped my hand, which made my hand reflexivity go for her waist. She giggled a bit before starting to dance. Jack drilled the steps in my head before dinner, so it was pretty easy to dance with her.

Dancing went by pretty quickly. Every once in awhile Princess Emily would giggle to me, sort of bouncing, messing the dance up a bit.

When I got my food and was able to sit down, I breathed out. Jack patted my shoulder as he sat too. "Well done, Chase," he said, smiling at me.

I smiled back, but then let my thoughts take me back to Kayla.

I wonder if she's doing okay. Wonder where her and Aaron are now. Is she hurt? Is he hurt? I shook my head at myself. She can handle herself, and if Aarons like Taylor, so can he. I bet the two of them are working together, maybe trying to find us?

I sighed, chewing my steak. It may take a bit to get rewarded here, but the food is so worth it. Cause the welldone steak melted in my mouth, sending chills throughout my body.

Jack laughed before grabbing my hand. "Calm down there, Chase. The foods not gonna leave anytime soon, just savor it. Trust me, that's way better than eating it in a few seconds."

I took his advice, slowing down as I chewed, savoring the melt. My mouth was full as I spoke a thanks to Jack, "Tank you, zack." Jack laughed as I coughed and swallowed my food. "Sorry, I meant to say Thank you, Jack."

Jack laughed again. "No problem, Chase, just remember, i'm here for you."

"With this experience, I think I can remember that." I pointed out, "Besides, I just learned a dance in one day thanks to you, and aced it."

"Sure," Jack said, a smirk playing on his lips, "you aced it after about twenty fails when you were trying with me."

I playfully glared at him, "Yea, but at least when it mattered most I aced it, Jack."

Taylor sat down next to me, she seemed a bit bruised. "I hate it here."

"What was your job?" I asked.

She glared at me. "Dancing with a big dude who had large claws. I messed up a few times, which he gave me a warning to never mess up again."

I grimaced, "Ouch."

"Yep," Taylor said before she stopped talking, obviously leading to her not saying another word.

When it was finally time to sleep, as soon as my head hit the pillow I was given, I passed out. Guess Jack's gonna be waking me up tomorrow.