Apple of Discord: Chapter 2
“I’ve noticed, more than once, that I’ve been asked to meet every obstacle with a sword.” You rub the back of your neck while thinking. “Is it the right example to be setting?”
“Nero won’t hold anything back, if that’s what you’re getting at. He will destroy you at any cost.” Grey replies, dryly.
“I mean, I know you’re not wrong. It’s just, I’m at an impressionable age. There have got to be other options to deal with him,” you wonder out loud.
There is a digital sigh. “Well, there are other options, actually. I suggest you learn how to meet a few obstacles with your fists. You should train with Cat, Camp Half-Blood Austin’s hand-to-hand combat instructor.”
“I don’t think you’re understanding…” you mumble.
“I do understand. I understand the nature of demigod heroes. You’re doing important work. You need to know how to handle yourself. Remember how cramped your fight with the Scythian Draceanea at the park was? Not a lot of room to swing a sword in that environment.”
“What about a non-violent approach?” You smile, weakly.
Grey is quiet for a moment. “I’m not asking you to enjoy the fighting and mayhem. The world is a dangerous place for a demigod. In order for the rest of the world to live in relative safety, there need to be heroes like you. The ones who know how to love, show kindness where it’s needed, and drop the toilet seat on the ones who need a good butt-kicking.”
You smile. “You’re an interesting digital assistant, Grey”
“I try my hardest,” Grey coos.
There is a pause, then Grey says, “You should probably go. ”
The pop and fizz of a belch opening meets you. You grab your sword and begin to step through the belch, when you hear Grey’s voice go fuzzy and garbled.
“Warning… kreeech… something else has… ftzzt… the belch!”
“Nero won’t hold anything back, if that’s what you’re getting at. He will destroy you at any cost.” Grey replies, dryly.
“I mean, I know you’re not wrong. It’s just, I’m at an impressionable age. There have got to be other options to deal with him,” you wonder out loud.
There is a digital sigh. “Well, there are other options, actually. I suggest you learn how to meet a few obstacles with your fists. You should train with Cat, Camp Half-Blood Austin’s hand-to-hand combat instructor.”
“I don’t think you’re understanding…” you mumble.
“I do understand. I understand the nature of demigod heroes. You’re doing important work. You need to know how to handle yourself. Remember how cramped your fight with the Scythian Draceanea at the park was? Not a lot of room to swing a sword in that environment.”
“What about a non-violent approach?” You smile, weakly.
Grey is quiet for a moment. “I’m not asking you to enjoy the fighting and mayhem. The world is a dangerous place for a demigod. In order for the rest of the world to live in relative safety, there need to be heroes like you. The ones who know how to love, show kindness where it’s needed, and drop the toilet seat on the ones who need a good butt-kicking.”
You smile. “You’re an interesting digital assistant, Grey”
“I try my hardest,” Grey coos.
There is a pause, then Grey says, “You should probably go. ”
The pop and fizz of a belch opening meets you. You grab your sword and begin to step through the belch, when you hear Grey’s voice go fuzzy and garbled.
“Warning… kreeech… something else has… ftzzt… the belch!”
