Chapter 2: The Art of Survival – Diplomat of Heroes
---
Morning in the dense jungle near Mount Pelion
A crystal-clear stream flowed serenely through the forest. Two wild deer stood at the water's edge, their ears twitching as they drank. The gentle rustle of leaves and the occasional call of a bird added to the tranquil scene.
Hidden in the bushes, two figures crouched silently, their breaths synchronized with the rhythm of the forest.
Jason wiped his brow, his blond hair sticking to his forehead. He whispered to the larger figure beside him, "Are we really going to sit here all day for deer?"
"Patience," Hercules replied, his deep voice low but firm. His broad shoulders were tense, his hunting bow already drawn. "They're almost in position."
Jason sighed. Unlike Hercules, he didn't have a hunter's instinct. He shifted uncomfortably, brushing away a persistent mosquito. "You could've at least warned me about the bugs."
Hercules didn't respond, his focus locked on the deer. His bowstring creaked as he adjusted his aim. Then, without warning—
Whoosh!
Two arrows shot through the air, their flight quick and precise. Both deer collapsed where they stood, the silence of the forest broken only by the soft thud of bodies hitting the earth.
Jason stood up, brushing off his tunic. "You could've left one for me, you know. A guy likes to contribute."
Hercules chuckled, his voice rich with amusement. "You want to contribute? Next time, try keeping still. I could hear you fidgeting the entire time."
Jason rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Fine, fine. At least I get credit for moral support. Venison tonight, right?"
"Right," Hercules said as he slung the two deer over his shoulders effortlessly. His strength was almost absurd for someone so young.
"Seriously," Jason said as they started back toward the cave, "how do you do that? Two deer, one shot. It's insane."
Hercules glanced at him. "Years of practice. If you trained with me, you could do it too."
Jason shook his head quickly. "Pass. Leave the hero stuff to you. I'm good where I am."
Hercules sighed. "Jason, you're wasting your potential. Even Teacher Chiron says you have the makings of a great hero."
"And I say he's wrong." Jason smirked. "You'll be the hero, Brother Hercules. I'll be the guy cheering you on from a safe distance. Just remember to save me when things get dicey, okay?"
Hercules gave him a sidelong look but eventually nodded. "Alright. I promise, if you're ever in trouble, I'll be there. But don't get too comfortable. One day, you'll have to stand on your own."
Jason laughed, clapping Hercules on the back. "Sure, sure. But until then, I'll be counting on you."
---
Back at Mount Pelion's Cave
The warm light of midday filtered through the trees as they approached the cave. A young man emerged to greet them, his dark eyes lighting up at the sight of Jason.
"Meleager!" Jason called out, his grin widening.
"Jason, you're back." Meleager's voice was calm and friendly, though his gaze shifted to the deer on Hercules' shoulders. "Good hunt?"
"Very," Hercules replied curtly.
Meleager hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and took one of the deer from Hercules' shoulders. The action was stiff, almost awkward.
"Thanks," Hercules said after a pause.
"Don't mention it," Meleager replied, his tone quiet.
Jason, watching the exchange, couldn't help but grin. "You two always like this, or is today special?"
Neither answered, but the tension between them was obvious. Jason decided to let it go—for now.
As the three moved toward the cave's entrance, Jason's gaze drifted. Under the shade of a nearby tree sat Chiron, his half-equine form relaxed but imposing.
Jason's heart sank. He had hoped to avoid the centaur today. He turned sharply, ready to slip away unnoticed.
"Jason," Chiron called out, his calm voice cutting through the air. "A moment, please."
Jason froze, his face a mix of dread and resignation. Forcing a smile, he turned back. "Teacher Chiron! Good morning!"
"Good morning." Chiron's gaze was steady, though there was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "I wanted to confirm something with you. Are you still set on focusing only on auxiliary studies—music, literature, art?"
Jason nodded eagerly. "Yes, absolutely. I think those areas suit me best."
Chiron sighed, his massive shoulders rising and falling. "Jason, you're capable of so much more. You have the potential to achieve greatness, yet you refuse to pursue it. Why?"
Jason hesitated, scratching the back of his head. "It's not about greatness, Teacher. I just… I think there's more to life than fighting and glory. Can't I contribute in other ways?"
Chiron studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he nodded. "Very well. But I hope you'll reconsider in time."
Jason exhaled in relief. "Thanks, Teacher! I'll give it some thought."
As Jason hurried off, Chiron watched him thoughtfully. Despite Jason's reluctance, the centaur couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the boy's choices than met the eye.
---
Jason's Thoughts
Walking away, Jason couldn't hide his grin. Sure, Chiron thought he was wasting potential. And maybe, by traditional standards, he was. But Jason wasn't interested in tradition.
These were the future heroes of Greece—Hercules, Meleager, Theseus, Peleus. Legends in the making. Right now, they were just kids. But in time, they'd grow into the strongest allies anyone could ask for.
Jason didn't need to be a hero. He just needed to survive.
And if that meant forging bonds with these future legends, then so be it. When danger came, he wouldn't stand alone.
"Connections over combat," Jason muttered to himself with a smirk. "Let them swing the swords. I'll handle the talking."
Unbeknownst to him, Chiron continued watching from a distance, his sharp eyes narrowing as he observed Jason's interactions with the others. He couldn't put his finger on it, but something about Jason's newfound enthusiasm struck him as… calculated.
For now, however, the centaur let it be. After all, the bonds Jason was forming had already brought a newfound warmth and camaraderie to the once-serious cave.
And maybe, just maybe, that was enough.