Apple of Discord: Chapter 2
Suddenly, everything seems so heavy and unknowable.
You start to mutter under your breath.
“This is all taking too long. I just want to know things.
Why can’t you just know things, you wonder aloud.
Training is pointless. Why?
Because it’s all so stupid and..."
There is no hope.
The purple vortex flashes brilliantly for a moment. Cat’s head pokes out. Just her head. Then, there is a head and a hand. The hand points at your face.
“I hope you’re ready to train, demigod!”
“Not really,” you mumble like you had a mouth full of marbles.
Cat smiles for the first time. “That is the perfect place to start. Sounds like you already have your mouth guard in too. Awesome.”
You’re a little sweaty because you were doing it right.
You could feel the frustration and hopelessness melt away as Cat got further into her training with you.
Maybe it was as simple as presence, you think. Feeling like someone was really focused on you and what you were needing to accomplish.
Being there.
Being present for someone else.
Powerful stuff.
Physical exertion is pretty wonderful too.
Grey chirps, “We have a lead on a possible Apple piece, but it will require going through the BELCH to another location. You up for it?”
“Do I have a choice?” You laugh.
“Of course. I’m not a monster,” Grey replies, cooly.
“We are what the monsters fear,” Cat smiles. “Get your sword, demigod. I’ll come with you through the BELCH. You got this.”
“Cat, do you remember Howard Fishman from camp last summer?” Grey asks.
“Totally. Love that guy. Fish man in an awkwardly tailored suit. What’s not to love?” Cat shrugs happily.
“His relatives have moved into a park near camp. Howard says you need to find his cousin Filet O’ Fishman. I kid you not.” Grey sighs. “Apparently he lives beneath the storm grates in the park. He claims to have seen a piece of the Apple. He’s been spooked by Nero’s cronies and is in hiding. Be careful, you two.”
Cat gives you a quick nod and cracks her knuckles. “Time to get dirty!”
<Initiating BELCH>
The BELCH opens, like a great yawning purple mouth.
