Percy Jackson and the Wizards of England

Desperate Flames

Leo's POV:

    Festus clicked and whirred his mechanical speech to me as he sailed over the Atlantic. "Do we really have to go so fast?" I hated pushing him like this but going over this ocean at the pace we went last time was not something I wanted to go through again.

"I'm sorry, buddy, but we can't risk any monster attacks! This is way too important to go slow! Remember the mission, Festus. We can't let anything stop us."
    I clenched my fists as hard as I possibly could, feeling my nails pierce the skin of my palms. Blood stained Festus' newly-polished reigns, but I didn't care about that right now. We broke the sound barrier a few times already, and Festus' scales groaned with the speed. Despite the chilling temperature of the stratosphere, Festus felt hot enough to melt mortal steel. His eyes glowed brighter than usual. I admired his determination and ability to just continue. It must've been a product of Hephestus' blessing. The automaton has cheated death more than I have, and that's nothing to scoff at.
    I felt the rushing air on my foot, to my surprise. Looking back, I saw bits of sneaker evaporating on Festus' scales and watched the other one spontaneously combust. Letting out a grim chuckle, I turn back to the front and close my eyes. Breathing deeply, I imagined my anger as a flame in my mind's eye. It was burning erratically, spreading everywhere without control. Slowly, I imagined all of the fire coalescing into a single point. The smaller it got, the hotter it got, but the more focused it felt. I took a few deep breaths, opened my eyes, and gripped the reins even tighter. In the polished scales of Festus' neck, I saw my irises wreathed in flame. It surprised me, but I hardly cared. All I could think about was wrapping my hands around that snake-man's throat and watching his flesh crumble to ash. If he truly was immortal, I'd do it over and over and over.
    I wiped a tear from my cheek, remembering what Tartarus's evil magic goon did to Calypso... The way his right hand shimmered in the moonlight... The way he took me out without even trying...
    "This Dark Lord Moldyport guy sends a rat to kidnap my girl? Let's show them just how hot this McShizzle can get!"

Author's Note:
I'll be writing this when I get the chance. I'm at work and had an epiphany, so I thought I'd get it down as soon as I could before I lost it! Hope you enjoy a new chapter after so long! I really do want to finish this thing...
Stay sassy, demigods and wizards!!