Chapter 17 – Percy's Point of View
I woke up suddenly, my muscles still tense from the previous night. I hadn't slept well, barely managing to close my eyes for more than an hour before a different monster showed up to disturb me. Every moment of quiet, I was forced to fight or flee, and my body was starting to feel the effects of this constant exhaustion.
But that wasn't the worst part. Every time I closed my eyes, the conversation I had with my mom replayed in my mind. Her words, the pain in her voice… how could I just forget that? I tried to push those thoughts to the back of my mind, but they kept resurfacing, always in moments of silence. My sixth birthday, which I had the night before, meant nothing to the monsters, and to me… well, it was just another day trying to survive.
I looked at Leo, who was lying near me. He was getting better, but still trembling and weak, slowly regaining his strength. Sometimes, he'd even get up, barking at anything that seemed to threaten his reign (mostly sticks) until he was sure they had submitted to him and would go back to sleep. He still couldn't walk for long, though, so I was still his personal transport. I sighed, knowing I'd have to carry him again.
I carefully broke down the camp. The rocky and harsh terrain had worn down my shoes long ago, and the cuts on my feet, though constant, healed quickly. One advantage of having this regeneration power is that despite the pain, the wounds didn't last long. But the pain… that stayed. Each step was a stab that disappeared almost instantly but left mental exhaustion in its place.
I gently lifted Leo and placed him on my shoulders. He gave a small protest growl but settled down, too tired to fight back. "I know, Leo. But we need to get out of here. There's no game, and I'm starving." He looked at me with his dark, tired eyes but didn't make a sound.
I started descending the mountain. The sharp stones under my feet were becoming unbearable, but with each step, my cuts opened and closed again, a constant routine that was wearing me down. Of course, I was starting to adapt to the pain and strain, but I was still eager to leave this place behind.
After what felt like hours, I finally saw a change in the landscape. Vegetation. Trees. I felt a bit of relief. Maybe there was food here.
The rocks gave way to something softer, and the smell of eucalyptus and pine gave me hope that I wouldn't starve today. I quickened my pace, trying to be careful with Leo, who held on as best he could to my shoulders.
We reached a small forest, and I looked for a good spot to set up camp. The ground was soft, a welcome change after days of walking on the rocky mountain terrain. I set up the fire and arranged things quickly. Hunger gnawed at my stomach, and I knew I needed to find something to eat soon.
"Come on, Leo," I said, putting him back on my shoulder. Whenever I had the chance, I took him hunting with me, hoping he'd learn something for the future… I didn't name him that for nothing, you know?
I activated my ability to sense water around me. It was useful for finding prey, and soon I sensed something small—a wild boar grazing a few hundred meters away. "Perfect," I thought. I grabbed my old bow, which I had found along the way, and started tracking the animal. "I just need to catch it by surprise…"
I moved carefully, each step calculated to avoid making noise. The boar was distracted, eating roots. When I got close enough, I prepared the arrow, adjusting my aim. I knew I could do this, knew the arrow had to hit the right spot… until Leo, on my shoulder, decided to bark.
The boar immediately raised its head and bolted. "Ah, crap," I muttered, running after it. I knew I didn't have much time—if I lost sight of it, it would be almost impossible to track it again.
My accelerated regeneration allowed me to run without feeling the effects of the wounds on my feet, but the persistent pain and the branches cutting my skin were annoying. I kept running after the boar, dodging trees and rocks along the way, with the sound of it getting further and further away.
I tried to stay calm, focusing on my ability to sense water. The boar was getting farther, but it was still within my range. I concentrated on its movements, adjusting my path until I finally saw it again. It had stopped briefly to search for more food, and that was my chance.
I crouched, readied another arrow, and took a deep breath. I had to be quick. My ability to manipulate water could help me, and this time, I used it to part the water particles in the air, ensuring the arrow wouldn't meet resistance. The boar lowered its head to eat.
I knew I only had this one opportunity, the world slowed down. I steadied the bow and pulled the string until I heard creaking from the aged wood.
I held my breath, and after a second of hesitation, I released the arrow.
As it traveled through the air, I could feel how the tiny water particles in its path moved aside, almost as if they feared being vaporized.
The arrow cut through the air with precision and buried itself into the animal's skull in an instant.
After confirming the kill, I carefully approached. The boar was dead, its body still warm. I could feel the blood moving slower as its heart stopped beating. "Rest in peace, and thank you for the meal," I murmured, kneeling beside it.
There was always a certain respect for the prey. It was something I had learned over time, and this ritual became almost a silent prayer.
I used my small stone knife to cut the boar's throat, letting the blood flow to the ground. Once I was done, I started preparing the body, removing what wasn't edible and making sure the meat was ready for transport.
Dragging the boar back to camp was easier than I thought. Despite my body still looking like that of a six-year-old, I knew I was far from weak. My battles and the constant danger I faced had strengthened me, both mentally and physically.
Back at the camp, I cleaned the boar with a little water I summoned and prepared an improvised oven over the fire. I added some herbs and plants I had collected along the way, which would make the meat taste better.
"Don't even think about eating it yet, Leo," I said as the small hellhound watched the roasting boar with sharp eyes. He raised his head, letting out a small growl, but knew he didn't have the strength to fight for a piece now.
I smiled, sitting by the fire, waiting for dinner to be ready. The smell of roasting meat soon filled the air, giving me a sense of comfort.
While I waited, I couldn't help but think about my plans for the future: the blades, the camp, the gods, and… my mom.
There were so many things to worry about, so many that I spent hours thinking about how to fix everything. Before I knew it, Leo was nibbling on my shirt, looking at me with teary, hungry eyes.
"Oh! Right… the boar," I mumbled, still dazed.
With a small jump, I got up, went to the now warm clay and branch oven, and slowly took out the boar.
It was wrapped in some leaves, so it took a while to make everything presentable, but when I managed, a beautifully roasted boar with golden, crispy skin greeted me.
"Grrr," my stomach growled.
I stayed calm and slowly washed my hands in a small puddle of water. Then, I separated a large, fatty leg for Leo, and the dog immediately sank his teeth into it. After that, I ate my portion slowly.
It was a good sixth birthday.