Mixed Worlds

Chapter Thirteen - Good To Have You Back

        It’s been two months since Ally found out she was a Demigod. It’s also been two months since she’s been asleep. While she has been in her deep slumber, Jack and Lucas have taken turns watching over her, working on their mission to help her, and trying to get some sleep. They hooked her up to a heart monitor to keep an eye on her pulse, and other than it occasionally rising, she has made no progress. Her skin is pale, and she looks weak. Jack had fashioned her hair into a braid, and has her covered with blankets to keep her comfortable. 

        Meanwhile, Ally has been on a mission of her own inside her head. 

         “Hey Mimi. Time to wake up.” Ally says. She’s back on her Nana’s farm, with a tray of breakfast and tea in her hands. “We have to turn the horses out and roll the hay over and fill the trough.”

          “Oh just five more minutes my love. Come lay with me.” Violet pats the empty space on the bed beside her. “I don’t know how much time I have with my girl.” Her many wrinkles shape into a smile.

            “I know I have to wake up soon, but I need to keep seeing Athena and train. I know I’m okay out there. Caspian updates me every day. Plus, I don’t know when I’ll see you next. I don’t know what the world has in store for me when I wake up.” She sighs. She knows she’s been asleep for a while, but there are things she needs to do for herself first. She knows jack and Lucas are watching out for her.

            “I know. But a part of me wishes you would wake up. I don’t want you to get used to being here and think you can use this as an escape. I know you’ve never been one to run from things, but-“

            “Mimi, I know. Just a little longer okay? I have a few more things I need to do and then I’ll go back.” Ally sits down on the bed, and rests her head on Violets shoulder. “I promise.”

            After a little while Ally and Violet get up, and get out to the barn to take care of the horses and tend to the gardens. She sees Athena waiting in the clearance in the middle of the field, where Ally has been training and learning for the past week. “I’ll see you at lunch Mimi. Se agapó.” Ally has been taking Greek lessons from Athena, and trying to use it in simple ways.

            “I love you too my flower. I’ll have lunch ready at noon.” Violet heads back into the barn, and saddles up a horse for a trail ride.

             Athena stands with her hands together in front of her, and is wearing a knee-length white dress with a brown belt around her waist. “Good morning.” She says with a smile. “Are you ready for the day?”

            “About that... I don’t think I need more physical training. Why don’t we sit in the garden and you can teach me about herbs and flowers? You know, stuff that’ll help healing and potions and things. I know have to wake up soon, and the more I can learn here, the better prepared I’ll be out there. Who knows when I’ll be able to call you after I do.” Ally puts her hands in her pockets, and c***s her head a little. “Is that okay?”

            Athena smiles. “Whatever you like my sweet.” She walks beside Ally as they make their way to the garden. Over the next couple of hours, Athena goes over different healing potions, summoning mixtures, and banishing spells that can be made out of simple ingredients. Eventually lunch rolls around and Violet walks out to greet them.

            “Lunch is ready! I’ve got some soup and sandwiches made up for you.” She turns and heads back to the house, and picks a few flowers to bring inside.

            “Thanks for the lesson today. I think I’m going to spend the afternoon riding, and then I think I’m going to wake up. It’s been a week, and I miss Jack. Caspian keeps telling me they’re worried no matter how much he tells them I’m okay. And I probably need to shower. Also, you’re welcome to have lunch with us, and you can stay for dinner if you want.” She stands up and rubs the grass and dirt off of herself, and stretches her hand out to Athena. Athena takes her hand, and as she gets up, a big smile ones across her face.

            “I would love to. I’ll be sad that we won’t have more quiet time together, but I agree that it’s time that you wake up.” They walk arm in arm to the house, and have their lunch while Ally and her Mimi talk about Ally’s childhood, filling Athena in on all the moments she had missed.

            After a ride on the horses, and their bellies full from dinner, Ally calls out for Caspian. “I’m ready to go Cas. Time to go home.” She thinks with a heavy heart. Moments later, Caspian shows up and waits at the end of the driveway for Ally to walk out.

            “I’ll see you around, okay Mimi? I love you so much. I’m going to miss you. I promise I’ll keep you updated when I can, okay?” She hugs her Mimi tightly, and sheds a tear.

            “I know flower, I know. I’m going to miss you too. And keep that Jack of yours close. I hope one day you can bring him up here to meet me.” She pulls away, and holds Ally’s hands in hers. “And keep Lucas in check. Don’t be afraid to kick his ass when he steps out of line.” She says with a smile.

            “Of course Mimi. Of course.” Ally walks over to Athena, and holds out her hand for a handshake. “Thank you for spending time with me. I know I still have a lot to work on, but you’ve been a big help in the short time I’ve been here.” Athena’s hand met with hers, and she grips it tightly. With tears welling up in both of their eyes, Ally drops her hand and goes in for a hug. Shocked, Athena throws her arms around her daughter, and begins to cry. “I’m really gonna miss you, mom. I hope it isn’t not too long before I can see you again.”

            “That’s the first time you’ve called me that. I’m so happy that you’ve let me into your life. I promise I will never abandon you again. Zeus’ law is a tough one to get around, but myself and others that have children are sad and fed up with it. We are planning to make a stand against him and have it changed. Demigods are powerful beings, and you and a few others are almost as powerful as us, if not more. I love you so much, my sweet daughter. I’m proud of the woman you’ve become.” Athena pulls away, and kisses Ally on the cheek. “Forever and always, I will love you.” 

            With a final hug, Ally smiles and turns towards Caspian. “Alright you, let’s wake me up.” Caspian sets his hand on her shoulder, and lets out a small smile.

            “It’ll be good to have you back.” 

            They walk into a beam of light, and after that, darkness soon follows. Slowly, Ally’s eyes begin to open, and the first thing she sees is Jack hunched over on the bed seeping, and holding her hand. She smiles, and grips his hand. 

            She rubs her eyes and stretches, and with a dry mouth she says “Hey sleepy head.”

            Jack shoots up, and with a big smile he jumps into bed and hugs her. He takes her face in his hands, and kisses her, hard. He holds her close, and then realizes what has just happened.