Half of What I Could Be

Chapter 25

Chapter 25: Mae

"Fuck!" He screamed again. This monster was different from the last. This one was huge, monumental, and somewhat of a legend. We all learned the story in elementary school about Hercules killing the Hydra. We also knew that the hydra basically couldn't die. We had no weapons, just Jacin's wolf and the bear trap I was currently standing in.

The monster slowly got closer to us. Every step it took the more of it I could see. The nine heads were that of a snake, most likely a python. The skin was bluer than I thought it would be, and when the rays of sun hit it, an iridescent rainbow was reflected. From what I could see, it had multiple legs, anywhere between six to eight, and all of them ended in webbed feet. I could see the second head from the left's tongue sizzle out and lick its lips.

Jacin stood up. We both knew he couldn't take this monster. We both knew he would probably die. He looked at me for one second, "I promise, I'll let nothing happen to you," and with that, he got on his knees and fully transformed.

His full wolf was beautiful. It was pure black with a gray tuft on his underbelly. His eyes were yellow, like all wolves, but some of his blue still clung on. Looking at his wolf, I felt a swelling in my heart. He was a larger wolf for sure. He stood at 6 feet on all four legs. He gave me one last look and ran into action.

The hydra was stomping toward us. All nine pairs of eyes were locked in on one thing, me. Of course I just had to be stuck in a bear trap and completely useless. Jacin sprinted with his two front paws hitting the forest ground first, quickly followed by his hind legs. It was like the sprint of a cheetah. I probably should have yelled at him to stop, and run, as it was evident to both of us these monsters only wanted me. He could have made it out unscathed. I, on the other hand, would not.

The hydra moved its disgusting, fish-smelling body forward, almost stepping on Jacin in the process. At the last second Jacin leaped into the air, and landed on one of the Hydra's necks, mouth first. I could hear his teeth pierce the leathery skin of the creature, followed by an ear-drum-blowing screech on the Hydra's part.

The Hydra started to twist and turn in an attempt to get the Jacin sized gnat off it's neck, yet nothing would unheave his grasp. Jacin started gnawing and gnawing, and I knew what he was trying to do: cut its head off.

Right away, I felt a flash of a memory pop into my head

"The dubious, legendary Hydra!" My second grade Mythology teacher yelled, "Out of all the mythological creatures told in folklore since the beginning of supernatural time, the Hydra probably carries the most fear and awe. We all know the story, but can any of you tell me who was able to take down this monstrous creature?"

All the kids started waving their hands in the air, some were even jumping in their seats a little. Of course, I was the only one who kept her hands firmly on the desk, and casted her eyes downward.

"Mae, can you tell me who killed the Hydra?" she asked, leading to many moans of sadness from the overachievers in the class.

"Uh," I whimpered out. I knew who it was, I just hated speaking in front of anyone, "Uh, Hercules?" I stated in more of a question format.

"That is correct! And do any of you remember what happened when Hercules tried to cut off one of their heads?"

And at that question, everyone screamed the answer

"Two grew back in its place!"

"Jacin! You can't cut its head off you stupid imbecile!" I screamed at him. I doubt he heard me over the screeching of the creature, but I had to try anyway. Next thing I knew, the Hydra backed up into a large oak tree, causing it to lean unnaturally to its side. After a few seconds of incredible pressure, it shattered. Little bits of oak hit my torso and my cheek. I was pretty sure that specks of blood soon followed.

The Hydra fell in slow motion. Jacin was still attached to one of the necks like velcro. Maybe because the whole gruesome scene was traumatizing, but I could make out every individual tendon being ripped. I could hear the sound of arteries being torn and punctured. I could smell pennies, which I assumed was linked to the odor of the monster's blood. It actually surprised me how anatomical this monster was. For a myth, I could still make out the vertebra, esophagus, etc. In what seemed like hours, Jacin made one final chomp. The head fell off.

The Hydra sprawled over the foliage like a wounded elephant. It was dead, but wouldn't be for that long. My eyes danced around the scene in search of the stupid idiot. I quickly found him, but instead of the black fur that I was expecting, my eyes were seared with the image of his naked body. I closed my eyes as fast as my brain was willing. I must say that my mind seemed to enjoy the image a little too much for my liking. Only I could get turned on when a mythical creature was just trying to kill us, and would start again in the matter of minutes.

With my eyes closed I could not make out how far Jacin was to me, "Can you cover up or something!" I yelled.

"It's pointless when the Hydra will come back to life in a matter of seconds," Jacin whispered into my ear. I couldn't help but open my eyes in shock over how close he was to me. His breath left a warmth of tingles on my skin. I looked up to his eyes, which were only a few inches from me.

"If you knew that, why would you cut its head off? It will only get stronger," I whispered back. I felt his hands wrap around my waist. It was gentle, as he was probably scared to move me and cause me to lose a foot.

He ignored my question, "Listen to me, you are going to make it out of here just fine. Nothing is going to happen to you, I'll make sure of it."

He was completely serious, which scared me even more. He tilted his head down toward me, which caused his face to be brought even closer to mine. My hands slowly reached for his biceps, partially because I just wanted to touch him, and partially because I was scared I was going to fall from how close his presence was.

"How could you possibly know that? In a matter of seconds, that monster is going to come back alive, and attack again!" I yelled.

He didn't answer. Instead, he brought his hand up to my chin. Even with all the chaos entombing us, his hand felt endearing, calm almost. He tilted my head upward. His face descended toward mine. I looked between his blue eyes and his full lips. I knew without a doubt what was about to happen. And I wanted it. It did not matter how disgusted I felt about our previous encounter. I still wanted him.

His grip on my chin transformed from gentle to firm. His thumb rubbed small circles on the rear of my jaw. I almost instinctively stood on my tip-toes, but remembered where I was.

Right before our lips touched, he whispered, "I'll always make sure of it."

And with that, his lips touched mine. They were warm and smooth. I couldn't help but wonder if he wore chapstick on a daily basis. I cautiously wrapped my arms around his neck and brought him closer. It was a slow kiss. I wanted to savor every last part. It wasn't hot and drug induced like the time at the club, but more sensual, passionate... loving? A kiss that you gave when you were scared you would never get one again.It was addicting. My mind went haywire. I couldn't make specific thoughts besides feelings of happiness and need. I wanted the kiss to last forever, but just as fast as it started, it ended.

I opened my eyes, and knew. I was no longer stepping on the bear trap. He was.