Typhon's Revenge

Chapter Forty-Three

FIRE

It didn't take long for Andrew, Mason, and I to fill in Alex and Kalani on what had happened. They had listened without interrupting and every so often I would see them raise their eyebrows in surprise or a look of discomfort would flash across their faces.

To my surprise, both of them took the news pretty well, as if they had already expected something like this to happen soon. But Kalani was the one who surprised me the most. She never lost her composure nor did she seem too worried when I told her that her father was missing. In fact, a blank expression had covered her face as she nodded her head in understanding.

On the way back from the other side of the Underworld, Mason, Andrew, and I had discussed whether or not we should tell Kalani the whole story or just leave out the part about Zeus. Mason had said he wasn't sure if the news would cause any major stress or damage to Kalani's memory, and he didn't recommend we do so. But in the end, Andrew placed the deciding vote when I met him halfway to the dining room.

"It's best she finds out now from us rather than later in Olympus and realizes that we had known all of this the whole time. I think the betrayal would hit harder than the worry," he had commented and I agreed with him.

Mason didn't look too pleased but he didn't try to stop me from telling her everything.

And on our way back to the bedrooms, I walked alongside Kalani. The others were a couple of steps in front of us while Kalani and I trailed in the back. We didn't say anything at first and it was me who broke the silence as I cleared my throat.

"You took the news about Zeus pretty well. I'm actually surprised. Aren't you worried about him?" I asked slowly as I looked at her from the corner of my eye.

Kalani chuckled and nodded her head. "Of course I'm worried, but at this point, I know that if I worry too much, I'm going to overthink everything. That's why I'm trying to keep my head cold. We're going to find him, I'm sure of it, and when the time comes, all of us need to be rational and conscious of every move we make," she explained softly and I nodded my head in understanding. She did have a point.

"True, and that's something I've been meaning to ask. How are you dealing with your powers? Have you tried to use them? And if you have, how did you feel?" I asked as I turned to face her.

Kalani's blue eyes met mine as she shook her head. "I can't say I have used my powers, but I can feel them in there. And it's like a small voice is speaking to me at the back of my mind, telling me what to do and how to use them. Maybe it's just my subconscious getting the best of me, or maybe not. Either way, I haven't used them because I'm scared that I'll mess it up by hesitating and doubting myself," she admitted softly before quickly turning her attention back to the front.

I raised an eyebrow as I looked at her. I could understand how she was feeling. At least slightly. She was scared. And I knew that was our worst enemy right now.

Slowly, I came to a stop and Kalani followed my lead as she looked at me in confusion. Gently, I placed a soft hand on her shoulder and she instantly stiffened under my touch. She might look like the same girl I have made peace with weeks ago, but she certainly wasn't. This girl didn't know me and so, didn't trust me.

Slowly, I moved my hand back to my side and cleared my throat as I gave her an apologetic look. "Look, I know it might be frustrating not to be able to completely comprehend what is going on all around us and not being able to know if we can trust our powers. Our instincts. Believe me, I know how that feels because I have been there. But from experience I will tell you this; trust your gut. Most of the time, if not all of the time, it will be correct. But you're also right. If you doubt yourself and your capabilities, you won't be able to get very far. Just try to let go. Feel your powers and let them guide you. Maybe that's also a key to recovering your memories," I suggested softly.

Kalani seemed surprised by my sudden outburst of advice, but a small smile appeared on her face as she nodded her head in understanding.

We continued walking and it didn't take long for the five of us to reach the bedrooms. Andrew and Mason were quick to say their farewells as they commented they wanted to get some sleep before dinner. Because once dinner came around, we'd set our plan in motion and we might need all the concentration we could get.

"That's alright. See you at dinner," Alex said as she smiled at Mason and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. My cousin blushed slightly before disappearing into his room after Andrew.

The rest of us made our way into Alex's and Kalani's room. It was all neatly organized and put away and I knew that was all Alex's doing. Kalani might be part Goddess, but she certainly wasn't much of an organizer, much like me.

"Okay, we're here. Are you sure you don't want to get any sleep? You do look tired, Aileen. How long have you slept?" Alex commented as she eyed me closely.

Waving her off, I sat on the edge of her bed, suddenly realizing it felt very comfortable. Have these beds always been like this? I asked myself before shaking my head to look at Alex.

"I'm not sure. A couple I guess," I answered with a shrug as a yawn started to accumulate inside of me. It didn't take long for it to leave my mouth and Alex raised an eyebrow as she looked at me. "A couple?"

Blushing, I shrugged and moved closer to the front of her bed. "Maybe I will take a short nap. But only a short one. You have to wake me up in an hour, okay?" I asked as I looked at Alex and Kalani in the eyes.

"Sure thing," Kalani said and I nodded my head before letting my head drop the pillows.

Faster than ever before, I was asleep.