The Descendant II: Week Four: Trust

 Lane didn’t know what it was like to get hammered on a friday night but he imagined the feeling he woke up to felt similar to the one he was having at the moment. He woke up in a hotel bed, Alex in the one next to him, and a unmade couch bed in the other room separated by glass. He couldn’t remember the day before after he followed Court with Alex by his side to what seemed to be a town square and now he couldn’t help but wonder where they were.

 Rolling onto his side, Lane glanced over at the stand with a white glow to it. On it, held a note. Rubbing his eyes, Lane reached for the note and put together the mess of letters. ‘Meet me downstairs. -Court.’

 Glancing over at Alex, Lane stretched then went over to her bedside and lightly pushed her. “Alex. We need to meet Court downstairs.” He said, unsuccessfully being able to reach her.

 After ten minutes or shoving at her and rolling her from one side of the bed to the other, Lane decided against making her fall off the bed and allowed her to rest. Switching into a clean pair of clothes, Lane grabbed a key card and closed the door behind him. He didn’t know Alex well enough and certainly didn’t want to get on her bad side. As a hunter, he knew that the time of day was already late although the clocks read ten in the morning, Lane still felt a slight discomfort.

 Reaching the dining room which was still serving breakfast, Lane spotted Court sitting alone picking at a muffin. He wore a new set of clothes and looked fresh except for his eyes which seemed to be dead. Grabbing a small breakfast or bacon and eggs, orange juice, and a yogurt, Lane took the seat in front of Court and unwrapped his plasticware.

 “I tried to get Alex up but-” A shake of Court’s head interrupted Lane.

 “Didn’t need her. That’s why I left the note for you.” Court said, his voice still groggy.

 “Me?” Lane said, head still aching. “Please tell me I’m not the only one going through this.” He muttered, as he pushed the eggs around on his plate.

 “You’re not.” Court sighed. “But it does seem like we have a change in plan.”

 “We had a plan?” Lane asked still uncertain of what happened yesterday.

 “Mind filling me in on what I can’t remember yesterday?” Lane questioned, trying to sound of authority but the ring in his ears prevented his focus.

 “I told you that I had a dream before the prophecy was spoken.” Court said, still picking at his muffin. “What I didn’t tell you is that it had a plan that I was to follow.” He said, waiting for Court to reply. Not receiving one, he continued. “The plan was to head straight for New York but now…” Court sighed. “I don’t exactly know how we’ll get there or what we’re going to do about the situation outside.”

 “Situation?” Lane said, finally looking up from his eggs. “What situation?”

 “Someone lead a cerberus to our hotel doors and it won’t leave unless it had its target.” He said, not meeting Lane’s eyes.

 “You’re the target?” Lane asked, somehow not surprised by the call.

 “No.” Lane said pushing away what was left of his muffin. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t bring you into this.” He said, his arms crossed.

 “Then who?” Lane asked, glancing in the direction of the hotel entrance.

 “Alex is.” Court replied, allowing Lane to process his words.

 “Is that why I couldn’t get her up? You did something to her to make sure she didn’t get down here?” Lane questioned.

 “Yes.” Court sighed. “She won’t wake up until I tell her to. It’s a sleep drug () showed me. She only wakes to the one who gave her the drug.”

 “Well that doesn’t sound peaceful household like.” Lane said in amazement. “How do you think we should get rid of it?”  

 “The Cerberus is waiting patiently at the door. Either something is preventing it from coming in or stopping us from getting out, I haven’t exactly figured out which but all I know is that Alex is in trouble and it’s taking a toll on me to do what I can to save her.” He sighed.

 “You’re using magic.” Lane stated in confusion. “Did you learn that from Hazel or?”

 “A man can learn many things.” Court sighed. “This isn’t one of them.”

 “Why is it that I’m having a hard time believing you.” Lane frowned, chugging down his orange juice and pocketing his yogurt.

 “Because. I haven’t been clear this whole time but trust me, Lane, that Cerberus is here to kill her and it doesn’t matter to it who it kills on the way now are you going to help me or not?”

 Anger filled Lane’s stomach, something had washed over him and Court seemed to be the target. Taking off his metal bracelet, Lane gripped it, materializing a boy and a quiver of arrows in his hand. Drawing back the string, Lane growled.

 “The truth, Court. Or I won’t hesitate to another second to kill you.”

 “I’d like to see you kill me, Dolas.” Court smirked, eyes glowing a golden color.

 Lane laughed, a deeper darker laugh than normal. Meeting Court’s golden eyes were a purple haze. “The boy had no idea does he?” Dolas smirked.

 “If that were half true, I wouldn’t be in this mess.” Court growled. “Now do something about the Cerberus.” He ordered.

 “Your mother may be able to command me, but you cannot.” Dolas laughed again.

 “I was told you were better at this than most her disciples so now, Court,” Dolas grinned. “Prove it, by playing my game.”

 Stepping back into the darkness, Court reappeared behind Lane’s body and held a knife to his throat.

 “This isn’t funny, Dolas.” He hissed.

 “Oh but it is!” Dolas hissed back. “You can save one of two friends. If they’re you’re friends anyway.” He smiled. “I know you may not care for them but your camp might be upsetting finding out that you killed them.”

 Court released his grip on the knife. “And how do you suppose you’ll kill Lane if I save Alex?” He questioned, reappearing in front of Lane’s body.

 “Common suicide tricks are fun. Then I’ll leave his body as soon as it drops.” Dolas smiled.

 “There’s a way for you to save them both but that won’t be any fun.” Dolas grinned, making Lane hold his own knife to his throat.

 “Now choose.” Dolas grinned.

 Huffing, Court stood silent. He had to calculate how quickly he could stop the Cerberus from reaching Alex on the top floor. Lane was an easy fix.

 Deception. Court thought to himself. There wasn’t much energy left in what wall Court had mustered to stop the Cerberus. If he let it down for a moment he could save Lane. Frustrated, Court met Lane’s eyes.

 “Leave him.” Court said, eyes glowing golden. Confused, another voice emerged from Lane.

 “I don’t suppose that’s-”

 “Leave him.” Court hissed. Eyes, flashing gold then back to purple, Court sighed.

 “I see, so that’s your choice.” Dolas’s voice emerged from a different mortal.

 Feeling his energy fade, Court grunted. “Alex.” He said grabbing Lane then stepping into the darkness and emerging into the hotel room.

 Scared, Lane brough his arm away from his neck. “Court…?” He said, baffled as to how they went from the dining room to the hotel room.

 “Cerberus.” Court struggled to say before weakly uttering Alex’s name.

The Descendant II: Week Two: Golden Eyes

 In the distance, Court spoke with someone. Sitting on a bench not far, Lance sat quietly next to Alex who clearly didn’t like the situation they were in. Why is he talking to that guy? Who is he? Does he know Court? How does he know Court? Does Court even know where he’s going? Why aren’t you answering any of my questions? Lance? Lance?!

 Lane glanced over at Alex and sighed. “It’s Lane, Alex and I don’t know. I trust Court knows what he’s doing and if he doesn’t. Well…” He shrugged. “I know how to live on my own and return to camp, what about you?”

 “What if we don’t need to go on this quest?” Alex questioned, watching as Court returned to them.

 “A God showed up and said we were to be on this quest, Alex, I’m positive that we’re supposed to be here.”

 Alex frowned and crossed her arms as Court came into speaking range. “Who was that guy?”! She started and before she could continue Court’s eyes turned golden, making Alex’s do the same. Eyes turning back to brown, Court sighed, and looked at Lane.

 “Did she ever tell you who she legacy to or daughter of?”

 Lane shook his head. “No.” He said as he glanced back at Alex who’s eyes turned back to light green. “May I ask how you did that?”

 Court shrugged. “I’d settle for a thank you instead.”

 Receiving a nod, Lance agreed then stood. Beside him, Alex stood silently.  “Where to?”

 “Our opponent has a tracking device on her and Alex here knows how to activate that tracking device actually.” Court said, glancing back at Alex.

 “I do?” Alex said, then shook her head. “Oh yea! Of course I do.” She grinned. “Why didn’t you say so?”!

 Raising an eyebrow, Lane gestured for her to take the lead. “Then what are you waiting for?” He questioned.

 “I was waiting for Court’s permission, duh!” She grinned, sending a helpless look then returned to her ecstatic one. Facing Court, Alex cleared her throat. “Our opponent was last spotted in New York!” She exclaimed with a big smile. “We should probably head there!”

 “Excellent.” Court said, keys jingling in his hand. “Then let us go.”

 Shooting a look of concern at Alex, Lane met Court’s eyes. “None of us are old enough to drive.”

 “Who said we were?” Court shrugged. “That humble man over there decided that we could borrow his car for this trip so I don’t see why we don’t take this as an opportunity.”

 “Court.” Lane said, looking at the keys in concern. Behind him, a man appeared with a boy. “Did I hear that you kids needed a driver?”

 “Ah, Blake. It’s nice to see you again.” Court smiled, gesturing for the two to follow. Allowing Alex to get ahead of them, Court slowed to meet Lane’s steps. “Do you have a problem with the way I’m getting this quest done, soldier?”

 “No.” Lane said, not meeting Court’s eyes. “But I have a feeling you know more than you’re letting us in on.” Lane frowned. “I don’t mind working with you but if I do work with you I need to know more details. An example would be what you did to Alex.” Pausing, he stood in front of the open door looking at Alex then added. “But I’ll let that slide for now, sir.”

 Court nodded then got in on the passenger side. “Glad to see we’re on the same side, Lane. Now where did you say we were going, Alex?”

 “New York!” She said cheerfully, reaching for Lane’s hand across the seat. Meeting Alex’s eyes, Lane looked at her in confusion.

 Taking out his wallet, Lane opened it to show Alex a picture of his girlfriend. Shaking her head, she continued to hold out her hand. Uncomfortably, Lane lightly took her hand in his, feeling a rushing pain shock through his body.

 “Everything alright back there?” Court asked before turning to meet Lane’s golden eyes. He was sitting in the middle seat holding Alex’s hand. Nodding quietly, Lane replied. “Yes, sir.”

 “Don’t you have a girlfriend, Gutav?” He asked, now looking forward with a grin.

 “I do.” Gutav replied, squeezing Alex’s hand. “But she’ll understand that this is friendly.”

 Court smirked. “I hope so. I don’t want to have to explain to her any trouble.” He said, looking at the driver who was grinning as well.

 “I have to say Mr. Court, you’re quite the genius.” He smiled.

 Shaking his head, Court smirked. “I don’t hold the credit my kind, sir. There was already a plan in motion, all I am is to insure success.”

 The man nodded. “Although we will have to take bathroom breaks. New York is quite a ways.”

 Court nodded. “I understand. I’m sure the other two will need to do their thing as well. It’s a matter of how much will they have left at the end of this.” He said only loud enough for the man to hear.

 “I see. Friends of yours?” He gestured with his shoulder to point at the two in the back seat.

 “Acquaintances.” Court replied. “But I’m sure they’re good people.” He shrugged. “It wouldn’t exactly be easy if I brought along Frank Zhang for example.”

 “Ares would not happy with us, no.”

 “Exactly.” Court smirked. “I am a bit concerned about Diana but overall I have confidence in these two.”

 “That’s good to hear.” The man smirked. “Although, do you know who the real enemy is?” He asked, meeting Court’s eyes.

 “My mother speaks and I obey.” Court replied. “No questions required. I am my mother’s son.”

 The man nodded then returned his eyes to the road. Court frowned at the remark. Who would doubt his mother, especially one of her disciples? Turning back to Lane and Alex Court smirked. “I’m sure this quest has it’s time. Is there anywhere you two would like to stop by on the way up there?”

 Lane smirked. “There are a couple of parks on the way up there. Could we check out at least one of them?”

 Court nodded. “Sure, Lane, it’s the least we can do.” He said then turned to the man. “You can choose when we stop.”

Week Seventeen: The Descendant: A Roman Centurion

  Michael Kahale shook Court’s hand. Court hadn’t gotten through the Roman War Games without a scratch but he did come out to be more successful than Michael had imaged. Since Octavian’s death and even before Court had spoken to Michael about the matter. Court was a good soldier but Michael had his doubts about being centurion but this had been the First Cohort’s third win since Court had been appointed centurion.

  Court had always been in the background. Michael knew of Court’s abilities the moment he had arrived from the Wolf House. Now, Court stood by his side leading the Cohort. Michael had the senior status which held Court in line but Michael knew he’d trust Court if something were to happen to him.  

  “If you’re free for the weekend we could get to know each other better.” Michael grinned and Court rolled his eyes. “Don’t use any of your Venus magic on me Kahale, I’d gladly sword fight with you any day.” Court said as he felt a stir in his stomach.

  “I’ll take that as a challenge tomorrow afternoon?” Michael grinned.

  Court shook his head. “Wouldn’t be the first and will never be the last.” He said as he left Michael’s room to let him sleep. Entering his own, Court’s eyes flashed. His stomach turned. Disappearing into the night, he turned to face her.

  “Mother.” He said with a bow. “What brings you here?”

  “You have been called to action my son,” The woman in a black dress smiled. “Be ready.”

  “As I always have been.” He said as he looked down at the shield burned into his arm. Bellow it were nine bar line to prove his years of service in the legion and above were the letters SPQR.

  “I trust this task upon you,” She smiled. “My beloved son, do not fail me.”

  Court looked up at his mother with slight hurt in his eyes. “You doubt me, mother?”

  “Your opponent is strong and if weak, strong willed. You must take them out. For they defy the order in this world.”

  Court bowed. “Yes, mother.”

--

 Court took a tour around the camp once more. Soon, he’d being going on a quest. On the inside, he knew that the slight chance of never seeing his home would make him bicker. In the afternoon, a challenge awaited against his new rival Michael Kahale. Sometimes Court wondered how a guy that talented ended up with Venus as a mother but he didn’t protest against it. Court couldn’t image how Michael would be under Mars’ rule. Court shook the feeling off. Kahale was a good guy, as he called Court a good solider, Court called him a good solider as well.

  Taking a right, Court took a stroll toward the Jupiter Optimus Maximus. He wasn’t planning on giving an offering but he had the feeling that he wanted to check the place once more. Crossing the bridge, Court bowed to Reyna Avila Ramirez-Arellano one of the praetors of the legion. Holding up her hand to tell him to rise, he did.

  “I understand the respect you have for me,” She said with a stern nod. “But please, a handshake will do.”

  Court smiled and held out his hand. “May I?”

  Argentum and Arum sat down seeing the gesture. Reyna looked down at them in amusement and then took Court’s hand.

  “You and Michael are at it again, this afternoon?”

  Court grinned. “I think he wants to make it a weekly challenge.”

  “The score so far?” She asked with an eyebrow raised.

  “Two to one.” Court grinned.

  Reyna nodded in amazement. “I didn’t take you for the skilled typed against Michael but I’m guessing not everything is known with a simple glance.”

  “If you paid more attention to me during the War Games you’d notice my abilities.” Court smirked, even though he hardly use his special abilities during battle.

  Reyna smiled a small smile. “That, Court.” She paused. “I will.”

  Wagging their tails Arum and Argentum took to Reyna’s sides as she went her way. Walking passed the temple of Pluto, Court grinned to the sight of the newest praetor, Frank Zhang. To his surprise, the girl that was always with him was not at this moment.

  “Zhang.” Court said as he approached him at Mars temple.

  “Court.” Frank said, turning to face him. “What brings you here?”

  Court shrugged, there was no sense in lying. “I wanted to see the place before I went on my quest.” Court explained. “I don’t know what it is yet or if I’m to go alone or not but I do know that I had a dream about a quest last night.”

  Frank nodded and gestured for Court to sit down. Frank was two years older than Court. He remembered the baby face that Zhang used to have and now, after the toll with Gaea he had changed.

Court hardly knew anything about Frank but he did know that Frank had an aura of experience in the past year.

  “You don’t have to tell me.” Frank assured giving a slight nod. “I come here every now and then to clear my head. Even though my father isn’t one of the most peaceful coming here can always give me some time to myself.”

  Court nodded. “Penates is the God of the household.” He said pointing to the shield. “Being the son of a guard doesn’t always come with its peacefulness.”

  Frank nodded. “But even so, I wish you luck.” He said with a smile.

  “I will accept that.” Court grinned. “By the way,” He shrugged. “Excuse me for not knowing the daughter of Pluto’s name but where is she?”

  Frank shrugged. “I believe her and Reyna were going somewhere to ease the tension from our last battles. Hazel really wants to get to know her since they haven’t had many memories.”

  “Ah.” Court said with a smile. “Girl time.”

  Frank nodded. “Yea, that.”

  “Well,” Court shrugged. “If it’s not too much trouble, would you like to accompany me on my trip around the Camp?” He asked with a small smirk. “If you’re with me, Michael might not be so willing to follow.”

  Frank laughed. “You honestly think Michael likes you like that?”

  Court shrugged. “You can never know everything about a guy.” He grinned as Frank followed him out.