Artemis and Caspian: The Awakening

Chapter Twenty Seven

Caspian held Artemis close, melting into her touch. His mind exploded with pure joy, constantly on the brink of losing control. Wanting more, he pulled her even closer, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist. She responded eagerly, deepening the kiss, a content sigh escaping from her lips. Cas could feel himself smiling uncontrollably as he kissed her over and over again. He was euphoric, floating above everyone and everything, tangled up in the kiss of a witch. Too soon, she pulled away, breathless. Caspian looked down at her and pressed his forehead against hers, happier than he had ever been. He softly closed his eyes and reveled in her touch as her hands moved from his hair to his chest, resting there gently. Artemis closed her eyes as well, inhaling his intoxicating scent. He still smelled like the air after it rained.

"I have to go," she whispered softly, stroking his face tenderly. Cas let out a disappointed groan.

"Cas, the water is cold. My legs are getting numb," she giggled, untangling herself from him.

Cas gave her a reluctant sigh and watched her swim back to the edge of the pool. He eagerly followed her and pulled himself onto the bank, tentatively grabbing for her hand. He relaxed when she gave it a reassuring squeeze and the two sat on the bank, soaking in the warm sunlight.

"So do we do this ritual alone?" Cas wondered aloud, throwing his head back. "We haven't seen a single soul since we arrived."

"No," Artemis answered, curiously looking around. "I was certain Arwen said..." She was curtly cut off by a bellowing voice that echoed down the waterfall.

"That you would meet your final guides?"

Caught off guard, Artemis whipped her head around and reached for the knife kept in her shoes, just out of reach.

"Easy, young witch," A gentler voice responded as the two saviors tracked the direction of the voice. At the top of the waterfall stood a very short man and a large tan griffin, looking expectantly at the young pair.

"Who are you?" Caspian yelled up, trying to sound brave.

"I am Badrick," spoke the short man, brandishing a rather impressive silver ax. "And this is Wylie."

The griffin had his eyes narrowed, inspecting the two saviors with a cold glare. Cas squirmed uncomfortably under his gaze. Badrick cleared his throat and gently elbowed Wylie in the side.

"We are here to guide you through your final journey."

Cas gulped hard, he wasn't ready to meet the sun god and he could feel Artemis tense up next to him. Sensing their uneasiness, Badrick let out a hearty laugh.

"Relax young saviors, you've learned everything you need to stop this great war and we'll be here to ease you into the world of the gods." The witch and warlock exchanged nervous looks. The griffin was much less sympathetic.

"Get your rest, we start tomorrow." He pointed a claw in Cas's direction "You go first. We start at noon, sharp." Both nodded quickly and he stomped away. Giving a casual shrug, Badrick slung the ax over his shoulder and trudged after him. Cas gave Artemis a nervous laugh and swore she was thinking the same thing he was. Tomorrow they were going to meet the gods. Tomorrow they were going to seal their destinies.