Typhon's Revenge

Chapter Nine

Fire

I didn't know what was wrong with me. Whatever was going on, I had perceived since we arrived to the Underworld. I didn't know if it had anything to do with my connection to this place or just my powers becoming unpredictable. Which was why I had asked Mason to accompany me once we were both freshened up. 

Even though there was a questioning look in his eyes, he nodded his head and followed after me while Andrew took a shower. It had been strange being in a room with him, even if we weren't alone. A part of me missed him but a bigger part of me was still hurt because of what had happened. 

So I made sure to keep my distance, especially because I felt my hands tingling uncomfortably when I was near him as if I needed to release a surge of power to feel better. But I couldn't, not then. Although I was becoming more and more eager to get back to training as soon as possible, maybe that would help me channel and control my abilities better. 

It was both frustrating and confusing not being able to control my powers fully. It was something that had never happened to me, not since the first week of training with Barbara. 

"What's on your mind?" Mason asked as soon as we closed the door behind us. 

I stiffened but didn't say anything as I led the way. I wasn't very sure of where I was going and I didn't answer Mason's question until we were both standing outside of the training room Noah had mentioned. 

Mason raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything as he followed me inside and we turned on the lights. Noah had been right, this place was a mess. There was dust on every corner. Mats and weights were sprawled all around the room and the weapons hanging from the walls had started to fall and some of them were on the ground. 

"Woah," Mason said in shock and I nodded my head.

"We better get to work. I'm going to go find some wipes and a broom to get started," I said before Mason could say anything else and I was out the door in a flash. 

Thankfully, the storage room had everything we needed and more. I took a whole bottle of wipes and a broom and a dustpan. When I got back to the training room, Mason was trying to place the weapons in their respective place. 

His eyes landed on me when he heard me walk in and he quickly took the wipes from me. 

"I'll clean the mats first, but why don't you tell me the real reason as to why you brought me here?" Mason said as he eyed me cautiously and I bit my lip uncomfortably, unsure of how to start. I wanted to tell him everything and that scared me. I was surprised that we had grown so close in a very short time, I wasn't usually like this and I guessed it had something to do with our family bond.

"You're right. I brought you here because I don't know what's wrong with me. I think I'm losing control of my powers and I don't know why or how to stop it," I confessed and his eyes widened.

"And you're asking me? The guys who just recently learned that he is the son of gods?" He asked with a chuckle. I rolled my eyes and nodded my head. "But what about Andrew? Isn't he Athena's son?"

"Yes, he is. But things between us haven't changed, we still haven't gotten anywhere. I can't say I feel comfortable talking about this with him. And I know you've just discovered your powers, but you're the one with the healing capabilities. Maybe you can tell me if there's anything wrong with me," I insisted slightly and he eyed me closely.

"Aileen, I have scanned you before. There was nothing wrong with you then, I don't see how this time would be any different," he said slowly and I almost let out a groan of frustration.

"I know, Mason. But this started when we came down here. It has only become more present," I admitted and his eyes widened.

"Why didn't you say anything before? You could have asked your father or Noah."

"It's not an easy subject. I know I should probably ask my father about it but I don't think it has anything to do with him or this place," I said in defeat.

"You are his daughter. Princess of the Underworld, I don't see how that wouldn't be a possibility," Mason said with a shrug. "But alright, I'll do it if it makes you feel better." 

Letting out a sigh of relief, I let go of the broom and dustpan as I extended both of my hands forward for him to take. We closed our eyes and remained silent for a couple of heartbeats until a slight warmth coursed up my arms and throughout my body. 

A shiver ran down my spine as I tried to keep still, until finally, Mason let go of me and frowned. For a second, my heart stopped in my chest as I expected the worst but he shook his head and I relaxed slightly. 

"I don't see or feel anything wrong with you, Aileen. Everything is fine. I mean, I have noticed your mood swings around Kalani but that was the only time I felt that you were losing control. Other than that, I haven't perceived it," he said thoughtfully and I shrugged. 

We didn't say anything as we parted ways and started to clean the big room in silence. I didn't think Mason would stay after I had finally told him why I wanted to talk in private, but he made no move to leave. I guess he knew how much I needed the comfort of at least having someone near to talk to. Someone I could trust. 

Time flew by as we cleaned as much as we could, and after a while, both of us were laying on a mat, looking up at the ceiling in silence. It didn't make me uncomfortable, he was family, after all. It was nice to know I did have one and that I was no longer just an orphan. 

"What's going on between you and Alex? Have you formalized everything? I mean, she hasn't told me anything, at least not in much detail. But I can tell she is very, very into you," I said with a smile as I turned to face my cousin.

Mason chuckled and blushed slightly under the lights before nodding his head. "I mean, I haven't asked her to be my girlfriend, if that's what you mean, but we do enjoy each other's company and to spend time together. She's a very sweet and smart girl."

"That she is. You have won over the most amazing girl out there, no doubt. But do you plan to? Do you want to formalize everything?" I asked as I propped myself on my elbow and turned to face him. 

Mason's blush intensified as he nodded his head and looked away. "I do. Something pulled me to her right from the beginning. I have never been the type of guy who made plans for the future because while I was growing up, everything was very uncertain and it wasn't the best idea to get your hopes up for nothing. But with Alex it's different. As I get to know her more and more, it's like a feeling inside my chest that screams at me with all certainty that we are meant to be together, that we will be for a very long time. And I do, I want to do things right. To ask her out, take her out on dates, give her cheesy presents and just... get to know her more and more with each day. Of course, all of this after we win the war. That's why I haven't said or made anything official yet. I'm probably talking nonsense to you right now, aren't I?" He asked sheepishly and I shook my head.

"Not at all. I know what you mean because... I thought I had felt the same thing as well," I said with a sly smile and he instantly stiffened. I looked away and turned my attention to the ceiling again. It did hurt to say those words out loud and admit it to the open. But it was true, I really thought I had felt what Mason was feeling but with Andrew. 

I didn't know if things would get better between us. I didn't know if I even wanted to see him again. I knew I had to see him because we were needed. But after that, I wasn't so sure of what the future would hold. There were endless possibilities circling in my mind now. 

"I think we should probably start to head back. I don't know how long we've been gone but I'm tired and I want to get some rest before we start training tomorrow," I said as I pushed myself to my feet.

Mason groaned internally and I could hear it echo in my mind, making me chuckle. "Already? But we just got here." Mason whined like a small child and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him. 

"The sooner the better, cuz. But tomorrow we'll talk about our training during breakfast. Don't worry, I won't wake you guys up at the c***k of dawn," I said teasingly and to my surprise, Mason sighed in relief, making me wonder if I was really a very strict trainer. 

Gently, I shoved him and he smiled. The two of us walked out of the room and headed back to our rooms. After talking to Mason, I felt much better now. Almost as if I were floating through the air. At that moment, nothing could make me stumble. 

But I spoke too soon.

As soon as we turned the corner to get to the hallway that led to our rooms, I saw them. 

Kalani and Andrew were embracing themselves in a very fond and caring way that sent a burst of rage down my spine. I could feel my body start to heat up unconsciously, but I still wasn't aware that I was losing control. 

Kalani and Andrew pulled away just as Mason yelped in surprise before jumping far away from me. One of his hands was grabbing his arm protectively as he looked at me as if I were radioactive. I stiffened as I felt both Kalani's and Andrew's bewildered expression on me as I raised my arms and noticed my body start to glow. As if I were about to burst. 

With my eyes wide, I didn't say anything as I rushed towards my room and rushed inside, making sure to close the door after me. My breath hitched in my throat as I tried to calm myself but nothing seemed to be working. 

Quickly, I headed for the roller tray and grabbed a bottle of water, gulping it down as if I hadn't drunk anything in days. The cool liquid ran down to my stomach, making the fire inside of me subside slightly. 

Still feeling jittery, I shook my head and sat down on the floor while leaning against the window. The last thing I wanted was to set the bed on fire. So I sat on the cold floor and closed my eyes as I focused on breathing. 

My racing heart slowly started to return to its normal speed, until finally, it was over. And I was left with nothing more than a hollow feeling inside of me, as if all the energy, all of the emotion had consumed me. I couldn't stand up, I felt that weak. 

So I just sat there and looked at the bed, as if I could make a wish and I would appear on it. But I didn't. It was just me sitting in the darkness looking at nothing while feeling everything around me start to crumble. 

A great sadness engulfed me and I managed to pull my knees to my chest and rest my head on them while wrapping my arms around me. Silently, tears started to stream down my eyes as I cried into the night.

What was wrong with me?