Ray Patel
Ray spread a map over his cot as the others gathered around him. Everyone was packed and ready to go, but Ray wanted to go over their plan in detail, so everyone knew what was happening before they left.
"Right, so this what's gonna go down." said Ray once everyone was ready. he tapped at the dot marking Raleigh on the map. "We're here. Team A, which is my team, will be taking a bus to Richmond." he said, tracing his finger up to the city.
"That will take about ten hours, since we were forced to pick a cheap one to conserve cash, so it's stopping in every possible place. Then we wait at the bus stand for two hours for another bus which will take us to DC-which will take six hours for the same reason." Some people grumbled , but they stopped when Ray glared in their direction.
"Team B," he continued "led by Mickey, will be taking a train from here directly to Washington D.C. That will take about twelve hours, since once again, it's on the cheap, so it will stop at every podunk town on the way, plus a three hour stop at Norfolk-which makes it fifteen hours in total. Now, as to-" Ray paused a he saw Roland's hand go up opposite him. "Yes, Roland?"
"Well, we do we have to call it Team A and Team B. That's sooo boring, plus it's demeaning to Team B i.e. us."
Ray glared at him. "Roland, that's not really important right now. We have to focus on safely-"
"You know, actually, I think that sounds like a good idea." said Ash, smiling at Roland. "We're demigods. Powerful ones. We should have names that reflect that."
Ray gritted his teeth. "Fine, what names would you like?"
Roland pondered this for a bit, a thoughtful expression on his face, Ray growing more and more frustrated at the pointless waste of time.
After a minute, he finally said, "Hey, I got it! Let's name them for our Team leaders." and he turned to Ray, index finger extended, "You guys will be Team Psychic! And-" he turned to Mickey, "We'll be Team Hellraisers!" and they high-fived.
Ray sighed. He's seen so much, yet he still feels the need to make cool team names. I ope this doesn't happen all the time. "Fine." Ray muttered. "If it makes you happy, we'll go with those names. Now, may I please continue?"
When no one responded to the contrary, Ray moved on. "Good. Now, each of our teams have a mobile. Myself-" and he lifted his Samsung S6, "And Mickey." and Mickey then lifted his own phone (technically one he 'borrowed' from somewhere, since he never had a previous need for one, being blind. Ray had already had one, which he used to contact his father when at camp.
Ray continued, "At Raleigh, we will call you, and at Norfolk, you will call us. Both times using pay phones only, using the other's number which is registered on your mobile, then scampering out of the area as fast as possible so you're not attacked. This is for checking in to tell us developments on your journey. For emergencies only will you use your own mobile. Monsters will be all along our path, drawn to the fighting of godly minions and half bloods in the region, and they'll be on the hunt, so don't forget that. For any other communication, we'll speak through Caroline and dream conversation. That is, unless she feels like she can get some sleep, in which case that is what she should do, since we need to all be well rested."
When Caroline tried to protest, Ray cut her off. "You need to rest, Rose. Take care of yourself. If you feel like you can sleep, do it. Tire's no need to check in unless there's a real problem. Got it?"
When she nodded, Ray moved on. "Another thing; stay together. This is crucial. No one can be left alone. Monsters could attack at any time, so to avoid getting separated, make sure you always in sight of your team." He looked around in everyone's eyes, hoping they understood his seriousness.
"Now, one last thing, Since Washington D.C. is holy to the gods, there is no combat between minions and half-bloods, and no monsters in the city limits, the former out of respect for it's sacredness, the latter because they are destroyed by guardian deities. But the way is through a war zone. Demigods, godly servants, and monsters from both sides will be battling across the area. Chances of attack are almost certain. That said, avoid combat as much as possible. We don't want either side to take too much notice of us. And Team B- I mean, Team Heraisers - since you're arriving earlier than we are, please make sure you don't make any moves until we arrive. It's too risky trying anything alone, we need to get what we need together. Everyone got that?" The others all nodded. "Then let's go."
Ray opened the gateway and stood at the side of the stairway as the others all moved out before putting a palm on the wall. "Return" he said simply and the magical bonds on the maze were drawn into his hand, returning the magical energy that was left in them to him. The maze creaked, able to move again, so Ray quickly left before the entrance could shift before closing it again.
Backpacks full, and their chambers emptied, the half bloods moved out. i sure hope we get through this alive... thought Ray grimly.
----
Ray sat on a bench separate from the others, lost in thought. It was mid-afternoon, and the Sun was shining brightly. They had taken longer than they had expected to pack, and since the train and bus timings seemed to be mainly in the afternoon, he decided to let them have lunch before leaving. Who knew when they'd next be able to eat in peace?
That reminded Ray of their financial situation. He had contacted Iris the previous night, and she had been able to send him what she could spare via a cloud nymph. It wasn't that Mich, but more than they had, so he split it between himself and Mickey. They decided to use it as a reserve, spending most of what was left of their earlier funds on train and bus tickets instead.
But what they had left was enough to feed them for less than a week in DC, and after that they were on their own, and would have to find cash elsewhere. But he pushed that to the back of his mind. No use focusing on that now. He told himself. It won't help matters.
Instead, he glanced at Olivia, who's seemed to be thinking of something. He couldn't get his mind off how disgusted she had looked when he'd asked her to accompany him. Well, he hadn't expected her to be thrilled, but still...they had been friends for a long time. Best friends, in fact, close to family. Soon enough, a memory floated to the top of his mind, and Ray let it play out.
----
A twelve year old Ray pummeled his aggressor as he grabbed him by the throat and shoved him against a wall. The taller boy, Victor, sneered at him angrily. "Painful, little bastard? Good. Do you think I'm a maniacal orangutan now? Huh?"
And he loosened his grip just long enough so Ray, who honestly still believed it,could croak "Yes." He instantly cursed his own stupid mouth as the son of Nike tightened his grip, his eyes boring into him. Victor's two friends kept watch in the meanwhile for counselors or Chiron-or campers who hated him, of which there were many.
"It's time you learn respect for those more experienced than you." He hissed as he clenched his fist even think tighter. Ray's vision blurred as he wheezed, struggling to pull air into his oxygen starved lungs. Suddenly, he heard cries of pain, and then he was released as Victor uttered one himself.
Ray slumped to the ground. For a few minutes, he could do nothing but stare into the air, gasping heavily, his vision blurred. When his sight cleared, there was a cool hand on his head, attempting to smooth down the obstinate tuft of her that always stuck up near the front, and a face above him. It was the fair face of a girl, about his age, framed in golden hair, which tumbled down to touch Ray's face, and blue eyes the colour of the sky and having just missed going into a coma, it was the most beautiful face he'd ever seen .
The first thing he asked her when he could speak was, "Are you a goddess?"
She lifted a hand to her face and chuckled. "No, silly. I'm Olivia, from the Ares cabin. You're Ray, right? The kid who came in last night? The one whom Hecate came herself to claim?" He nodded, blushing at his mistake.
She smiled at him before helping him up. "Victor's an idiot who can't take a joke. Plus, he's jealous that your mother came to claim you herself, the night you entered camp, while his own waited three years to claim him with a mere sign. Take no notice of him. If he gives you any more trouble, I'll take care of him, okay?"
Ray blushed again. "It's okay, I can take care of myself." he said hurriedly.
She laughed again. "I'm sure. You've got spirit, newbie. Tell you what, I've only been here a few weeks myself, and I've not made a great impression on a number of people. So, what if we look after each other, huh? How does that sound?"
At first, Ray thought it was little corny, but he then realized that she meant it. And that feeling warmed him. In a strange, slightly scary new place, she was the first person to be kind to him. For the first time since leaving home, he felt things could be alright. So he said, "Okay."
----
Suddenly, he was shaken out of his reverie as someone yelled. Ray got up quickly, immediately noticing the hellhound. Mickey rushed his dog onto the train, and it rattled off-with Roland still outside.
Olivia's quick chain-scythe work saved him, but the beast was soon free again, and bounding toward Mehenia, who raised her daggers. But with one paw swipe, the weapons went flying, and her eyes widened in fear as she backed away as her opponent approached.
The danger switched on Ray's survival mode. He had become protective of her over their time in the labyrinth, though he couldn't put a finger on why. But as he ran, he ran over his options in a split second. Not enough time to transform my amulet into my swords. Not enough time for magic with any real power. and, with that in mind, he leapt between them, wrapping his arms around Nehemiah interposing his body between the two.
The hellhound leapt with a growl, flying towards them...and bounced off of Ray's hastily prepared magic shield. Ray trembled as he released her. He hadn't been sure he'd be able to do it so quickly. But he didn't dwell on it as he watched the beast shake itself, recovering.
Mia blushed. "What-"
"Magic shield. Quickest way to do it." replied Ray curtly, as he glared at the hellhound stalking towards him, growling.
"Too late." Ray muttered, flinging out his arm. A long tentacle-like whip appendage of golden light extended from Ray's arm, knocking the creature to the side before Ray wrapped its tip around the hellhound's throat, carrying it up, struggling, into the air.
Ray then clenched his fist, and the tentacle sparked gold, the part touching the hellhound smoking as the beast gave a mournful howl. Ray then absorbed the whip back into his body, letting the hellhound fall to the ground.
The other half-bloods gave a collective gasp as they realized its throat was burned away, as it dissolved into shadow, and disappeared.
They all looked at him. Ray thought of what to tell them, but didn't have to as Rose sensed something else, and the son of Poseidon appeared. Ray watched their exchange carefully, ending with his escape.
He reprimanded her for attempting to kill the boy, but she shot back, "Don't tell me that we were going to go through all of this without ticking them off."
Ray was speechless, but only for a moment as his usual cool, intimidating manner which had been on edge in the labyrinth, finally slipped.
"Do you understand what's going on?" He hissed. "Yes, we're ticking them off,but as far as they're concerned, we're nothing more than a prick in their side, something to ignore as they focus on the larger threat of the to her side. Doing something like attacking one for their children could end that. The moment they think we're an actual threat, they'll hunt us down in the streets with all the deities and half bloods they can muster. Do you understand? We can't risk that! Luckily, this seems to be a case of a personal vendetta, and I think it may remain so rather than the war I hope will not come to us."
Ross's eyes.became downcast, turning towards the ground. Ray shifted uncomfortably, softening his tone, his anger dissipating, recalling what she had said to him, and who he was to her. "I'm sorry." He said at last. "I can feel what you're going through, I shouldn't have been so harsh, given what he did to you. Just...take into account what I said from now on, okay?"
She looked up, smiling slightly as Ray clasped her shoulder, and nodded. Ray smiled back in what he hoped was a reassuring way before turning to the others.
"Roland, you're a member of Team Psychic now." He said. "Right, guys, let's move to the bus stop. I'll lead, with Mia behind me and Rose and Roland on either side of her. Olivia, bring up the rear. We need to be on the alert for an attack this time." And in formation, the small group exited the platform.
----
Later, on the bus to Richmond, an hour into their journey, Ray scribbled the day's proceedings into his notebook. Mia sat to his right, at the window seat, while Olivia and Rose sat in the seats ahead of them, with Roland across the aisle, on the seat next to Ray.
Despite the fact that it was just afternoon, Rose and Roland had fallen asleep pretty quickly, already tired from the day's proceedings. Olivia was reading a book. But Ray kept vigil. His journal held the details of his daily life in camp -half a page a day- since his quest began.
He'd been a bit lax in updates over the past summer, but decided he needed to keep it up now. Writing it and reading recent updates helped remind Ray that they were in constant danger, keeping him alert.
Mia was asleep too, but Ray had only noticed it when she fell against him, her head falling on his shoulder. Ray, unused to such physical contact, had initially itched to move, but didn't have the heart to risk waking her, not after the day she'd had. What's more, she seemed to be feeling cold, as she had shivered and tried to snuggle again Ray in her sleep, though this had stopped since he had put his jacket over her, thankfully. He had gradually gotten used to it.
He glanced over her. There was just something about her that made him want to shield her, to keep her out of harm's way. He couldn't deny he found her sass a little annoying, but he still cared, like she was a little sister. But it was more than that. He just couldn't put his finger on it...then it hit him.
He looked at her, his eyes widening. She's...she's me. he realized. I was kinda annoying too... I was headstrong, confident, idealistic...just like her. I was more innocent too, and carefree, and fun-loving, like she is, too. She, and who I was, are so much alike. he thought, connecting the dots.
That's why I feel like keeping her safe. he realized. If I was like her once...she could become like me too, if she has enough near death experiences. And I can't let that happen. I lost most of my friends, the ability to have fun, the ability to appreciate the little things, the appreciation of everyone. It wasn't worth it.
Ray the. clenched his fist, determined., as he looked down at Mia, making a silent oath to himself. I will protect you. he promised. I will not let you lose almost everything, as I did.
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