A Reunion Between A Lost Pair

Chapter 20- Hope For A Cure

Michael's POV

Ritchie left not longer after Austin came in. I mean it sounded important so...

Basically, I've been sat on my bed thinking ever since, thinking about Hera said. She may have messed my life up, but she seems to know how I can fix it, and that's kind of my priority now.

Her advice wasn't exactly the best but its better than nothing. I've got to think outside the box, that's what she meant. But how big is this box and where in the underworld is the line I don't want to cross, because I know damn well I'd cross it in the hope of solving this and end up worse than before. That's not a risk I can take.

I sighed, pulling myself up from my bed. I pulled out the box from under my bed, dusting off the lid as I did so. I pulled out the book from within, coughing slightly as dust flew into my face. If any book's going to have the answer to my problem, it's this one.

Today's going to be a long day.

Ritchie found me about 12 hours later in the same position, on the floor, leaning against the side of the bed. He shook his head at the sight in front of him then fell to the floor next to me. "Your book really that good?"

I laughed, "If only,"

He reached over bending the cover forward so that he could read it. "Book of the gods, huh? Haven't seen you read that in a while. Thought you hated it?"

"Hate doesn't even cover it but it's the only book that has everything, and I mean everything,"

"Good luck with that, I'm bored already and I'm not even reading it,"

I sighed, "It's so damn boring,"

"You sure you can't read something else?"

"Nope, plus I've made it to Apollo so I'm not stopping now,"

"Fair," he said, "You eaten?"

I gestured towards the plate next to me. Ritchie took this as a suitable answer and got comfy next to me. I'm not sure whether he attempted reading with me or if he was content just thinking for a while, but after about 20 minutes I felt a head land on my shoulder, followed by silent snores.

An hour later I had made it Asclepius and was still going. Ritchie was still fast asleep despite the rising sun and the roar of the birds.

However, it didn't last long. The door of the cabin awoke Ritchie from his slumber, and me from my haze. Austin strode in, wincing like he usually does when the door slams against the wall.

Ritchie had sat up beside me, he was staring intently at Austin. You could tell he was tired from the dazed look in his eye.

Austin immediately began, "I had another!"

Ritchie sat up straight. He attempted jumping to his feet, but ended up on the floor as his arm got tangled with mine. "Who?"

"I don't know, it wasn't a camper. He was an old guy with loads of pills and stuff. Dude looked like a doctor,"

I spoke up, "Grey hair, glasses? Looks like the kindest dude on earth?"

"Yeah that sounds like him"

Ritchie stopped looking between us for a second to speak, "You know him?"

"Asclepius. I'm reading about him right now," I turned the book around and gestured towards it.

"Why's a god in trouble?"

"Hell, if I know," Austin sounded fed up.

I folded over the corner of my page and placed it on my bed-side table. "So, does anyone want to tell me how we know he's in trouble and what you had another of?"

Ritchie and Austin exchanged a glance. Ritchie spoke up, "We'll have to tell him eventually, it's about him,"

Austin continued hesitantly, "I think I gained prophetic powers,"

I was amazed to say the least. "Wow, that's amazing dude! That's so rare. I don't think I've heard of a child of Apollo with that. Ones that aren't gods at least. Usually he just gives them to whoever he trusts. That must mean he thinks you're important. This is huge-"

Ritchie interrupted me before I could continue, "Michael, I know you're excited, but this is important," I noticed his solemn face, the same one Austin wore. My mood dropped.

Austin took a breath, "I've seen visions of what's about to happen in camp" I waited for him to continue. "But so far, they haven't been exactly the best,"

Ritchie took over when he stopped, "He saw the events of the ball the night before,"

I was silent. My mind was running with words, phrases and emotions but not even one of them could form a coherent sentence.

He saw it, and others?

Wait, "Was it me that did the others?".

Ritchie waited before replying, looking to Austin first. "We don't know,"

"Did one feature Colin? Another Mario?" I asked hesitantly.

Ritchie nodded silently.

I rested my head back against the mattress, closing my eyes to hide the tears. The nightmares were real. I felt Ritchie's hand on my shoulder, but it did nothing to help the pain I felt.

"I should have left" I said carefully, "Like Hera said,".

Ritchie spoke up immediately, "No. No, you shouldn't,". He looked to Austin for help, but he just looked confused, hurt. He continued, undaunted, "Austin, you said you saw Asclepius, right?" He nodded. "He's a god. He can't be hurt. Maybe it means we need to go find him,"

I sat up straight, eyes wide. That's it. That's what I need to do. It can't be a coincidence that Austin had a vision at the same time I was reading about him. "He can heal me,"