There, another chapter that 200 words longer than the last one C: I decided to treat you guys with two in one day :D I hope it's alright.
"No, no Percy don't say that! We'll find the cure," Annabeth said with tears in her eyes.
I instantly regretted announcing my death so frankly. I didn't even realize how apathetic I sounded until I saw her face. Guilt welled up inside me as our eyes met.
"Yeah, seriously we can't give up now. At least we have a lead on where to look," Jason said.
Chiron turned to the two of them, "Do either you two know where those demigods came from?"
"Yes actually," Annabeth replied, "After I left Percy with Jason one of them confronted me before they disappeared. He was the one who pushed you over the cliff," she said, turning to me.
"So that's why you took so long. What did he tell you?" Jason asked.
"'If it doesn't kill him first, we'll be back to finish him off and if you're desperate enough, come visit us to the northwest on a salty, spring evening.'" she quoted.
"Northwest?" Jason asked.
"On a salty spring evening?" I repeated. It sounded bizarre to me.
"Why on a salty spring, evening? It's the middle of summer, spring isn't until next year," Jason said, he seemed to be just as confused as the rest of us.
Then it hit me. My mom had been planning on going there for a holiday, "British Columbia," I muttered.
"British what?" Jason asked.
"British Columbia, it's a province in Canada," Annabeth explained.
"What does a salty spring evening have to do with British Columbia?" Jason asked.
"There's an island called Saltspring there," I replied. I looked up at her and I saw her smile, glowing with hope.
"They're camp is to the northwest on Saltspring Island, BC, Canada," she said, putting it all together.
I smiled at her, proud to have a girlfriend who was so damn smart.
"We need to go then," I said.
"We?" Jason and Annabeth asked at the same time. They turned to me, surprised at how eager I sounded.
"Percy, not to bring you down or anything, but in case you haven't noticed you have two broken legs," Jason pointed out.
"He's right though," Chiron pointed out, "If the two of you go he might be gone by the time you get back. This quest might take longer than you think."
At this, Annabeth grabbed my hand and squeezed it. I squeezed back and gave her a reassuring smile.
"Then we'll go, the three of us," she said.
"How is Percy going to get around then?" Jason asked.
"His legs should be healed enough for him to at least stand on them, crutches should work," Chiron said.
After being so focused on the conversation I didn't realize that the pain was gone, all of it. I coughed a little and cleared my throat and I felt fine.
"Percy, you ok?" Annabeth asked, worry etched on her face again as she studied me.
"Yeah, actually I feel a lot better," I said, laughing a little. I was glad she could stop worrying for now. Her face relaxed into a relieved smile and she gave me a warm hug. It felt nice and I hugged her back.
"It's wearing off," Chiron observed, "Be extremely careful when you're out there," he told me.
"I will," though it would probably turn into a lie. Sometimes no matter how careful you are it doesn't make a difference to what happens.
"You should have some ambrosia and nectar Percy," Chiron said, "It might slow the poison from spreading. I'll give you some for the journey; you should take it every so often. Jason could you go grab some?"
"Alright," I sighed. Jason left the room as I settled into the cushions.
"But remember not too much or you-"
"I'll spontaneously combust, I got it," I said.
Chiron smiled, "Make sure you come back alive Percy."
Jason returned with a glass of nectar, a square of ambrosia and a pair of crutches tucked under his arm.
"Here," he said, handing me the glass and ambrosia as he leaned the crutches against my bed.
The ambrosia was small enough to fit completely in my mouth as I popped it in and started chewing. As soon as I'd finished it I downed the nectar, not realizing how thirsty I was until I started drinking.
After eating and drinking the food of the gods I felt better than ever. I swung my legs over the side of the bed and set my feet on the floor as Annabeth handed me the crutches and I slowly stood up. Both she and Jason stood at the ready in case I fell. I wobbled a bit but felt no pain as my weight spread evenly between my feet. Grabbing the crutches, I cautiously stepped forward.
"Careful don't push yourself," Annabeth warned me.
I turned to her and smiled, "It's ok, I'm fine."
I started walking around the room and she hovered around me.
"Do you really need those crutches? You seem fine," Jason remarked.
"Yeah, to be honest they're not helping me at all," I said, putting them aside.
I began walking around again. With only a slight limp I could walk on my own and Annabeth stopped hovering.
Chiron smiled, "You seem fit enough for travel at least."
"Great then let's get going," I said.
Annabeth laughed as she walked over and gave me a kiss. I kissed her back and smiled, "I'm fine, really."
"Better stay this way until we get to Saltspring, Seaweed brain."
There might be another chapter later on if I get lucky with time. I've gone and done an all nighter writing. I hope its good enough C: School starts tomorrow (fml the end of the world has come early) and so I must unfortunately say that updates will take longer. I apologize for any future delays on updates.
Sweet Nightmares...
