Pandora's Ghost [Book 2]

Chapter 57 : Protect

Dimitri's eyes remained calm and almost sympathetic. "If you die, everything will be for nothing. Epimetheus will hunt the rest of us down, killing the remaining gods. We won't be able to resurrect, we'll just cease to exist. Don't you get it?"

Hunter shoved him back, causing him to stumble. The triplet's frustration stirred beneath the golden pools of his irises. "But if we join, there's a fighting chance. Dionysus is one of the most feared gods -- now couple that with Zeus and Hades. I've seen you fight, especially when you're mad. We need you. I need you."

Dimitri regained his footing, his back now pressed to the lockers as the triplet closed in on him. He released a sigh and massaged the back of his neck. One hand held the strap of his bag over one shoulder. "There's no guarantee Hades and Dionysus will fight with us. Their control is limited so we can't rely on them throughout the entire battle.  We also lose our strength each time we use an ability. Just because we are powerful doesn't mean we are immortal. It'll be best if we stay. Epimetheus wants you and the farther you are from him, the better."

Hunter's nose flared in anger. It's like every word he uttered kept hitting a brick wall -- a wall with an obsession to protect. Hunter's eyes went pitch black and I could almost imagine Hades being slightly irritated. Yet, the god didn't intervene because I knew for a fact that Hades somehow agrees with Dimitri.

Hunter didn't back down. "That's exactly what Zion thought when he left Pedro back at Star-crossed Inc. Look where that got us. If we separate, it's easy to attack now that we're spread thin."

Dimitri didn't look phased in the least. It's like his friend's words went through one ear and out the other. He took in Hunter's pale skin, flushed cheeks, amber irises, and shivering hands. "You're cold."

He grabbed his puma cap and notched it over Hunter's tousled hair. He continued to straighten Hunter's collar but the triplet slapped his hands away. "I don't need you to always be protecting me!"

Dimitri halted in his tracks. He pursed his lips. His hands withdrew into clenched fists. "You haven't fully mastered your abilities yet. I'm only trying to help--"

"Just one day."

Dimitri blinked at Hunter's statement. "What?"

"Just give me one day to do things on my own for once. Don't trail behind me, don't come to my rescue, don't confine me into that forcefield of yours, just let things turn back to the old days -- back to the way we were before the knowledge of Greek gods plagued our lives. Back to us being best friends."

I was trying my best to be as discreet as possible. I chewed my nails, knowing when it comes to a conversation between these two, I'll practically be insignificant unless I speak up. I could understand both Hunter and Dimitri to some level. Hunter wants to prove he is strong enough to not need protection, and Dimitri is making sure his only best friend doesn't get killed because of the god he carries.

"Fine." Dimitri released a single breath of defeat. He reached out to straighten the puma cap on Hunter's hair. "You have twenty-four hours to show me what you can do. But if that fails, you'll have to put up with everything I say, until you're strong enough to fight on your own."

For a moment, Hunter stood like a dear caught in headlights. He definitely didn't expect Dimitri to give in so easily but was still hoping for it. Hunter cleared his throat with a fist to his lips. His eyebrows pulled together like he was already having second thoughts about this decision. And yet, pride got the best of him. He puffed his chest out. "Thank you."

Without wasting time, he grabbed my hand and pulled me down the hallway in the direction of the stairs. I wanted to speak up but chose better against it. I glanced over my shoulder at Dimitri. His irises were a bright purple as he made a small wave in my direction. I waved back, giving him a smile of my own. He wouldn't need to worry. Dimitri wasn't the only one keeping Hunter as far away from Epimetheus as possible.