Chapter Text
The little child had the potential of a fierce warrior.
That was what Gleeson Hedge thought when he first layed eyes on the little demigod: such a small, but fierce girl. He turned toward the girl sleeping on the ground...unaware of the terrifying dream that had awakened him
The choice was killing him... leaving this little girl without getting her to camp, knowing she would most likely die...or visiting his mother right away to make sure she was safe.
How could he be a protector when he couldn't even make a decision?
He had been given a mission so far from home; In Arizona.
Of course, Gleeson took up the challenge. He could do it! In a day or less, he bet.
He underestimated how far Arizona was from New York. Which brought them to West Virginia, under a cheap tent that was dripping from a previous rainstorm.
The little girl was feisty. A little too much so. He had gotten the girl from her mother, where Gleeson explained how the young demigod was to make it to Camp Half-Blood. All that fun satyr stuff.
After a while, the girl's mother agreed hesitantly. But not before giving him a warning.
Of course, he didn't listen.
He rubbed his legs from where she had bitten him before, a grin on his face. Most of them from when they were in New Mexico. Despite the annoyance, he was proud of the little chomper.
He layed down on the grass. The tree shading him from the moonlight. The feeling of the grass soothed him into sleep.
Of course, not a very good one.
The sky was dark. The wind was strong. The clouds loomed menacingly over him.
He looked around, going to grip his baseball bat only to feel nothing.
He cursed. Looking around until he spotted a figure in the distance.
She was flowy, and floating. Her hair was soft like silk, her arms as fuzzy as wool. Her face was anything but peaceful.
She wailed in agony, clutching herself and a whirlwind of darkness covered her.
His eyes widened, and he tried to reach out futilely. "What the hell- Mom!"
The woman looked over at her son. "Gleeson...Gleeson I-"
The whirlwind engulfed her, leaving him screaming until he shot up.
He breathed heavily. "Mom!?" He looked around violently.
A smaller figure got up tiredly from the tent, slowly opening up to reveal the face of a disheveled, angry, and determined-looking girl.
"Gleeson! Gleeson! Who's attacking you?! I'll get em!"
"Clarisse..." He breathed, slightly relieved that the girl was still safe. "It was nothing...a bad dream."
"Then I'll beat your bad dreams up!"
That managed to get a slight smile of fondness. "I bet you will." He tried, but the contents of the dream shook him more than he'd like to admit.
"So, is it time to get moving?" The girl asked, packing her things up. She was quite eager to get to Camp after he had told her about the sparring and the rock-climbing walls with lava.
"...Yeah."
She nodded and continued to get her things ready. They have already agreed to leave the tent behind, knowing it would make them fall behind.
Walking on foot was hard enough. They didn't need extra baggage.
It was easier when they took the train. They had made it from Phoenix to Frankfort via train ticket but had been kicked off due to an epic battle with some monsters. Of course, the humans saw it as Clarisse throwing a big tantrum, including smashed plates and torn curtains. They had been walking the streets ever since.
He still couldn't get that dream out of his head. Dreams always had a meaning! For every Greek creature in existence. Which was why most demigods went to the Apollo cabin after having dreams of their teeth falling out.
He tapped his foot on the grass. His mother could be in danger...was in danger. He would have to get to her right away.
"Alright! Im done," Clarisse grinned, hauling all the bags in her arms.
His mother was in danger...now. He had to get to her...but...
Gleeson looked at Clarisse, the spark in her eyes was not to be ignored. It reminded him of a flame.
Most missions Gleeson got were in the state, so he didn't get the opportunity to travel more than 2 hours with them. But Clarisse...they had crossed 9 or so states together. He didn't like to admit that he had grown attached...only cause of her violent nature. The kid can throw a punch.
If he went to see his mother now, he would have to leave Clarisse or bring her along on an even longer trip. And what would be waiting for her there? His mother was in danger. If he brought her along, who knows what monsters would get her before she even got to camp?
Then there was just leaving her here...Which was not an option! He got this mission. He was a protector! The best damn satyr alive if he does say so himself. She may be rowdy but monsters are rowdier.
'Im sorry, Mom' He thought. "...Let's go, kid." He gently grabbed her arm, which she let happen this time.
'Don't worry, Mom...I'll be there soon, just need to get this kid to safety.' He led Clarisse to the path.
'Just wait for me...I'll protect you."