The Hunt [BOOK 2: WAR OF MORTALS] [Completed]

Ken comes into the picture

"It's James" We all freeze. "He's going to make it, but there's no promise on how long he's going to make it. For all we know he may not even make it through the night. I'm sorry for having to be the one to deliver this news, but I knew someone had to do it." I stare at Jack before take a shaky breath.

"Thank you.. For letting us know, Jack. We appreciate it." I mutter softly. We all sit in silence as Jack carefully nods and leaves us alone. "Jack?" He stops and turns to me.

"You want to see him, I know. Just give us a minute. We're moving him to a different cot and then you can all come and see him. I'll come over to get you guys at that point," He presents. Jack turns again and leaves us all alone in that little section of this abandoned building.

"I'm really sorry.." Melody mutters. I look at my feet. I'm losing one of the two most important people in my life and it's all Michil's fault. Melody goes to hug me, but I push her way and run out the door and into the cold 1 am night air. As I huff and puff from running, I notice that I can see my breath. I dare not linger there any longer than I already have as I sprint down toward the wooded area that James had revived Cheshire in. The abandoned buildings around me pass in a blur and the gravel underneath my feet digs into the bottom of my feet. My bare feet burn not just from the running, but also from the gravel, but I dare not stop here. I keep running and running and running. I allow all my tears and anger and emotions to flow out, but with that comes a great price and I was willing to pay it. As I finally reach the wooded area, each tree I pass dies slowly until it falls or burns into a shrill nothingness. After running for a long time I fall to my knees in the middle of a clearing. I scream at the top of my lungs causing my throat to burn horribly, but I don't care. I continue to scream for what felt like hours before I heard a voice.

"Stand, my child. Thanatos will not claim James for a few days. I know that isn't very reassuring, but I can promise you there is a way to save James from Thanatos. You must go to Skymania and talk to Farryn of the meadows. She'll give you 7 quests to complete. Most of them are made to test your ability to think. I will do my best to help you, but if I cannot understand that it's very straining to get our power to reach another realm. Now, go. Your cousin is worried and James is wanting to see you." Then, it was gone. It felt like the way Ares showed up in my dreams and how Apollo made sure that Cheshire made it back into the over world okay. Only I knew them based on how they looked, she didn't even tell me or show me who she is. So, all I can do is guess, but she said that some of the quests are going to test my ability to think. So, would that be Athena then. I stand up and start walking back. The rain has started coming down again, but harder than earlier. I stand in my spot for a minute and look at the damage I had caused. I look up at the sky for a moment.

"Hey.. uh Demeter or Persephone. Look, I know this is unacceptable and I apologise, but can you please grow these trees back to normal?" I beg. I get nothing in response. So, I turn on my heel and start heading back to the building. I can't tell you what's happening in my head cause I don't know myself, but I can tell you that whoever spoke to me, had encouraged me. I sprint back, but slow down as I near the building. When I walk in Felix is vent to someone I've never seen. Or so, I think. I walk a little closer and notice that's its Dennis! Poor guy. He's been through so much shit in the past few days. Dennis spots me and gently turns Felix around. When my cousin's eyes land on me he runs up and hugs me as tight as he can.

"I didn't know where you went! We were looking everywhere! Where did you go? Are you okay? You're not hurt, are you?" I gently push him away and walk toward the medical area. I spot James on one of the cots and I want nothing more, but to just run up, pull him to his feet and say let's go on an adventure! Or something of that nature! He would do it for me, but seeing him laying there not moving at all is painful. I pull up a chair right next to his bed and watch him. He looks like he's sleeping, but I know he's not. I just know it. I take his hand into mine and just hold. That's all I do.