Chapter 14: Contact
Hours later
Third-person point of view:
The surrounding scenery was oppressive. A mountainous space with sharp angular rocks rising in threatening peaks, as if nature itself wanted to ward off any living being. The mountains were steep, and the wind blowing between them carried a sense of desolation. The sharp stones were like blades, ready to cut anyone who dared walk there.
And, in this distressing and terrifying environment, a five-year-old boy walked with precision that seemed inhuman. At first glance, Percy Jackson seemed like an ordinary child. His small stature and face still carried the traits of a child, but as someone got closer and saw his cold, calculating eyes, they would realize something was deeply wrong. His steps were silent, controlled, as if he already knew exactly where to step to avoid the worst of the rocks.
Every step he took was a battle against the terrain. The sharp rocks cut his feet like razors, opening wounds that glowed bright red for a brief moment before closing with supernatural speed. The bloodstains on the ground told a story of pain that anyone else would not have endured. Yet Percy walked as if he felt nothing. His face was a mixture of ice and stone—completely expressionless.
It was almost as if he were no longer human. His firm steps, fixed gaze, and the way he breathed indicated that his body was constantly adapting to the circumstances around him. His walk seemed programmed to minimize effort, as if even his blinks were measured.
However, on his shoulder, a small reminder of his humanity remained. A small, firm black bundle rested there, immobile. Percy occasionally cast worried glances at it, and in those brief moments, some spark of emotion could be seen in his eyes. The bundle was actually the puppy of a hellhound, his newest companion, Lealaps—or simply Leo. The small animal was injured, with an improvised bandage around its ribs, covering a deep cut that, although no longer bleeding, was still grotesque.
Percy, the boy who once couldn't even imagine killing a monster, now carried the weight of battle with him. He had transformed radically in the past few weeks, and if he could look in the mirror, he might not even recognize himself anymore. He was now a warrior.
Switch to first-person point of view:
I walked with slow, calculated steps. Every movement needed to be careful. Not just because of the sharp rocks cutting my feet, but also because I didn't want to wake Leo. He was sleeping on my shoulder, probably recovering from his wounds. Or maybe my shoulder was just too comfortable for him.
I don't know exactly why I decided to keep him. Maybe I wanted someone by my side, even if it was just an injured puppy. Actually, I don't think I even knew how to deal with it. My mind was already so overloaded that deciding to help the dog seemed like the most natural thing to do.
My name choices for him weren't the best at first. I thought of Fenrir, Cerberus… But those names didn't feel right. Then I remembered Laelaps, the infallible dog from mythology. Loyal and unbeatable, just like I needed to be. So, Leo ended up being the choice.
After walking for a few more hours, I reached a smoother part of the mountain, where I could stop to rest without having to deal with the sharp stones. I sat down and closed my eyes, trying to feel the water around me. This new sense I had developed, my ability to detect water nearby, had become something vital for my survival. I could feel even the smallest particles in the air, giving me a complete vision of the environment.
I took a deep breath, letting the sense of calm envelop me. No threats nearby. "Better safe than sorry," I murmured to myself.
My survival instincts had sharpened since I left the plain. At first, I was careless. Now, every movement was strategic. I had learned the hard way that underestimating the enemy could be fatal.
With the place secured, I decided to set up a small camp. I pulled out some wood from my bag and used my flint to create sparks, which soon turned into a small fire. The wave of heat washed over me, and the accumulated exhaustion of the last few hours finally began to dissipate.
I took some water from an underground vein I had detected and heated it over the fire. Carefully, I gave Leo a bath, who was all dirty with mud and blood. He resisted at first, fidgeting restlessly, but then seemed to relax. His half-closed eyes watched me with a mix of curiosity and relief.
Clean and with his wounds treated, Leo finally settled into my lap, snuggling up and putting aside his initial caution. I gave him a small piece of meat I had hunted earlier. He ate slowly, chewing carefully, as if he still wasn't sure if he could fully trust me.
After eating, Leo fell asleep. The sound of his slow, steady breathing brought me a strange sense of peace. I knew that, even with all the fights and challenges, having someone by my side made everything seem a little more bearable.
Now that everything was calm, I searched through my bag for something I had found days ago. After rummaging a bit, I pulled out a small, weathered leather wallet, and from inside, I took out an object that glowed in the firelight.
It was a golden drachma.
I had found it while exploring some Greek ruins. At first, I had no idea what it was, but curiosity led me to keep it. Now, I knew I could use it in a special way. A chance to contact someone I missed. Someone whose voice I needed to hear.
"Mom…" I whispered to myself as I looked at the coin. The golden gleam of the drachma seemed to reflect the hope I felt at that moment.
I walked to a more open spot, with a good view of the night sky. I knew it was important to be in the right place for what I intended to do. I positioned myself in front of the fire and, with a delicate motion, made the water form a small arc in front of my body. It was an improvised rainbow, but it would be enough.
With a silent prayer, I murmured, "Oh Iris, goddess of the rainbow, accept this offering."
I tossed the drachma into the water, and it disappeared in a flash of light.
"I want to speak with Sally Jackson, New York," I pronounced, my voice heavy with emotion.
End of chapter.