The Start After the End - Demigods
ANNABETHS P.T.V
I was sleeping. In my dreams I revisited the memories of these past months. Defeating Gaia, returning to camp, repairing relations with the Romans, two months of pure and undulated happiness with Percy. It was bliss. I heard an insisting voice waking me up.
"Come on wise girl," murmured Percy. "We need to go, Leo just told me Chiron wants us in the Big House."
I sighed, opening my eyes to the brilliant sun over Percy's head. We were on the beach, he had packed a picnic this morning and after a perfect date I fell asleep on Percy's lap, with him playing with my blond curly hair. After our trip to Tartarus our gray flashes of hair reappeared. I shuddered at the memory.
Percy frowned, worried. With the sun turning his incorrigibly tousled raven-black hair into a halo of light, his captivating sea green eyes flashing with emotion, and his tanned complexion, he really did look like a minor god.
"You look cute when you're worried," I said teasingly. While he grinned that mischievous grin that he was known for, I stood up. Gently I said, "Come on they're all probably waiting for us."
By the time we arrived at the Big House all the other Head Councilors were already there. They shot us amused looks at our tardiness. We made light conversation until Chiron showed up. He had a glint of excitement in his eyes that instantly got adrenaline shooting through me.
"Hi guys. I'm sorry to interrupt you from what you were doing. The thing is an old friend of mine Albus Dumbledore invited us to take part in an inter-school competition." Chiron explained. "You see they just finished a war, the same as us, and he thought that his students could do with a little bit of fun. The whole camp can come but only ten representatives will be chosen to take part in the competitions – so volunteers only, we can decide on those later. Any questions?"
I raised my hand. "Uh yeah, how are we supposed to compete against normal mortals and make it a fair competition, it seems kind of one-sided." People started murmuring, competing against mortals didn't seem fun.
"Oh yeah sorry I forgot to clarify, too excited I suppose," Chiron amended sheepishly. "You see the tournament is going to take place in Hogwarts an amazing school for witches and wizards."
Everything was silent for a moment, and then the room exploded. Some people shouted things such as "What? Wizards!" and the other half laughing at the name "Hogwarts" while the rest of the people just sat there in stunned silence.
Chiron started explaining, "A long time ago Hecate, the goddess of magic, blessed a handful of people with the power to perform magic – even if they need a want to do it. Sort of like Prometheus gave mortals fire. Since then the wizarding community has steadily getting bigger and bigger." He took a breath, "So my old friend Dumbledore invited us to a friendly competition to 'lick our wounds' and maybe even form bonds between demigods and young witches and wizards."
Travis Stoll spoke up, "so, uh, can we get on to the volunteering, please?" When everybody nodded he continued, "I think that the big seven should be part of it for sure," he stated to various nods of approval.
I looked over at Percy who was already looking at him and we had a silent conversation with our eyes communicating our feelings. Grey eyes on green. I saw desire, excitement, and competiveness – which mirrored my own feelings. We both nodded.
"Count us in – I've been craving excitement," Percy said with a lopsided smile. I leaned over to kiss his cheek.
After us seven said yes, after some hesitation – Leo needed reassuring that Calypso would be able to come. Ever since Leo rescued her from the cursed island they were practically inseparable. I nodded in approval, it was surprising but they fit well together.
After a the usual bit of arguing, threats, and a lot of Piper's charmspeak to get everybody to calm down we came down to ten representatives for Camp Half-Blood.
Percy
Connor
Annabeth
Leo
Frank
Piper
Hazel
Jason
Travis
Clarisse
We had originally planned on giving the last spot to Nico, but he refused. He said that he preferred being on the sidelines – cheering people on. He then glanced shyly at my and Percy's direction, but I assumed that was just his crush on me. Jason looked worriedly at this exchange. I was confused, but the conversation moved on and I forced myself to pay attention.
Chiron cleared his throat, instantly captivating our attention. "So with that decided we'll be travelling by plane tomorrow-"
Percy and Nico instantly shot up to their feet shouting things such as: "this is suicide" and "Zeus TOLD ME NOT TO fly in the sky, DO YOU WANT TO KILL ME?" There were many people cracking up, me included. I quieted them down by saying "Jason is going to be flying with us, do you think he's going to blast his own son out of the sky, Kelp Head?" They relaxed a little bit – not entirely, but enough to accept the plane ride.
" – Ahem, if I may continue?" He looked at Percy and Nico who nodded consent. "As I was saying, I won't bore you with travelling arrangements, but we'll be arriving at their beginning-of-the-year feast." He paused for just one moment, "remember that they have gone through a war too – so don't be afraid to ask them for help."
And on that happy note, we went to pack.