The cabin disbanded. Each member rushing off to plan or just sitting around and talking. Leon didn't really feel like planning for a game. After all, it was a game. As be turned to leave, Beckett grabbed his shoulder.
"Hey there Leon. Would you mind a quick to Chiron? He's gotta prepare you for the game."
Leon nodded. The sky outside had brightened considerably now. Outside the barrier, rays of light peaked through the clouds, making for a dramatic backdrop to the camp. For some reason it put a smile on Leon's face. He decided today would be a good day, death game or not. After about ten minutes or so of walking, he found Chiron. He was near the shores of the sound giving an archery lesson to some of the newer campers, but as Leon approached, he put down the bow and turned to him.
"Ah. Leon. I see we meet again. What brings you here today?"
Leon suppressed a blush as all eyes turned to him.
"Beckett sent me sir."
Chiron chuckled.
"No need for formalities here Leon. I assume he wanted to prepare you for the game?"
Leon nodded. Chiron smiled, then without a word, unslung the quiver from his back and handed him both it and the bow. Leon stared at it for a second. He wasn't sure how he felt being put before a handful of strangers and being asked to teach them, but a look from Chiron made him grab it. Instinctively he bought the bow up to cheek height and drew an arrow. As he stood there, prices began falling into place. Draw to maximum length. Mark target. Calculate wind and power difference. Adjust. Release. The arrow flew straight and true. Bullseye. Leon released a breath he didn't know he'd been holding. He looked back. First at the campers behind him, then at Chiron, who nodded for him to continue.
Unconsciously, Leon decided he'd miss a few. Drawing another arrow, he repeated what he'd done before, but instead of aiming for the center, he aimed above it. A minute later the quiver was empty and Chiron was giggling to himself. Leon looked back at him with a questioning look. Chiron pointed to the target and Leon immediately blushed. He'd made a perfect smiley face. Chiron patted him on the shoulder.
"It seems you are prepared for the game."
Leon looked at him eyes wide with confusion.
"But I...it was.....It was luck." Was all he could get out. Chiron pointed to the bow.
"Normally I'd take a new camper to the armory, but this time around it seems the weapon has chosen you. However, I'd like to hang on to my bow. How about you go to the Hephaestus cabin and see if they can't whip you up something."
Leon nodded dumbly, walking back to the main campgrounds. What had come over him there? When had he learned to shoot a bow and arrow? Chiron had said the weapon had chosen him, but did he even want to fight. The thought of hurting anyone in the camp made a knot form in his stomach.The game was today and he had to participate. Panic and confusion blended in his stomach. Suddenly his legs grew weak. Unbeknownst to him a memory came to him. He was 5. It was early in the morning. Leon had had a nightmare of his mother leaving. Bleak white light filtered through the drawn curtains, painting the house in a pale somber light.
Daddy where's mommy?
She'll be back soon sweetie, but for now it's just you and me.
When will she be back? Daddy where is mommy?
She'll be home before you know it.
But...But.
Shhhh. Leon. Do you remember when mommy took you to the carnival? Do you remember the ferris wheel?
Leon nodded
It was fun! We went way up high!
Remember the stars that night? You were up so high you couldnnt have missed them!
Dad gave a chuckle.
Yeah! We were up really high. I could see the whole sky!
Remember when I said Mommy was coming home?
Is she?
Daddy smiled.
Why of course she is! But until then I want you to look up at the stars whenever you miss her. If you look hard enough, you can see mommy wherever she is. Ok?
Leon smiled.
Ok!
And suddenly the bleak light became warm and daddies smile seemed to brighten the room.
Leon snapped out of the memory. Instinctively he looked up. There were no stars, but suddenly the darkening sky became softer, and the shades of orange painting the setting sun brushed the sky a warm hue. Leon smiled. A smile only he could see, and continued walking. Eventually he reached the Hephaestus cabin. As soon as he knocked the door swung open. A kid who looked as if he's downed five energy drinks welcomed him in.
"Hey there newbie! Welcome to the Hephaestus cabin! Or as I like to call it. The Smith Masters Shi..."
Another kid cut him off.
"Shuttup Dexter!"
A hulking black kid walked into the room. Sweat drilled off his forehead as if he's just walked out of a sauna. Leon guessed their was probably a furnace in the room somewhere.
"Whaddya want?"
"Well....uh. Chiron said I should go here to get a weapon for the game tonight."
The kid rolled his eyes.
"The weapon chose you huh?"
Leon laughed nervously. Unfortunately, the boy picked up on it. A massive hand came down on Leon's shoulder.
"It's alright kid. We've all had our first days. You'll get over it. Come back in an hour or so, we'll have something for you."
Leon smiled and nodded. As he turned to leave, the kid spoke again.
"Any preferences?"
Leon thought for a moment.
"Make it a long bow."
The kid nodded and Leon exited the room.
It was twilight now. The stars weren't out yet, but Leon couldn't help but look up. He wasn't sure what he was looking for, but as the air cooled and the night set in, he searched for a sign. A star that looked like his father.
Gender:
Points: 2003
Reviews: 62