Austin's P.O.V.

"Mom! Where's my lucky necklace?" Austin shouted in a frenzy Friday morning as he tore through his dirty laundry basket, looking for his guitar pick necklace.

"Are you wearing it, sweetie?"

Austin's hand went flying to his neck, and his body sagged in relief as he realized that he indeed was wearing it. When did he put it on? He could've sworn that he took it off to take a shower...

Shaking his head, Austin got back to his urgent, current job: Last minute packing for the trip. He grabbed the shirts in the top of his dresser, not even bothering to look at them, before shoving them into the duffle bag that was resting on his un-made bed. Thankfully the Rangers were going to provide the packs and supplies needed for the hike, all Austin needed was his clothes and [personal belongings.

But that was proving to be a challenge.

"Mom where's my beige swimming trunks?" He shouted down the hall as he ripped apart his bottom drawer, in search of said article of clothing. He glanced at the time. The bus was leaving in forty minutes. He had to get a move on.

"Mom?!" He shouted again, slightly more anxious.

"Check your closet dear," Mimi's voice rang up from the [kitchen. Austin obliged, and was rewarded with his favourite pair of swim trunks. He shoved it into his duffle with everything else, before spending five minutes at war with the zipper. By the time he was done packing, he felt as though he had already hiked the whole bloody canyon.

He did a once over of his room, before smiling in satisfaction. Throwing his duffle bag over his shoulder, and picking up the guitar case with backpack straps he and his mom sewed together the previous night, he was ready to go.

"Mom can you drive me to the bus station please?" He asked his mother as he walked into the kitchen. Annalei and Annabeth were in the middle of eating breakfast, Annabeth with a pancake on her head, and Annalei with nutella on her nose. As Austin walked by, he picked the pancake out of his sisters hair, wiped it on the chocolate on his other sister's nose, before popping it into his mouth. Annalei made a disgusted noise, while Annabeth clapped her hands together and giggled. Austin smiled fondly at his two younger sisters, before looking to his mom expectantly, his mouth full of pancake.

"Of course dear, just let me put this away," Mimi gestured to the cleaned frying pan in her hands. Austin put down his bags, before taking the time to say by to his sisters. He barely had time to open his arms, before the two blondes hurled themselves at him. He laughed, hugging them tight.

"Be good while I'm gone, okay?" Austin asked his sisters. He could feel them nod into his chest.

"When will you be back Aussie?" Annalei asked. Austin sighed.

"Two weeks."

"Two weeks?" They both moaned. Austin gave them both a sad smile.

"I know. But don't worry. The time will fly in no time and you'll have a victim to terrorize in the monrnings again," Austin laughed.

"Alright hun, I'm ready," Mimi told her eldest son, grabbing the car keys. Austin gave his little sisters one more squeeze, before letting them go.

"See you later, Pancakes," He winked at his sisters before standing up, grabbing his luggage. They bothe smiled back at him.

"Bye Pancake!" They shouted in unison, as Austin left. He closed the door behind him, before carefully climbing in with his guitar on his lap, and his bag at his feet. Mimi shot him an amused look as she pulled out of the driveway, and down the road.

"Are you sure you want to bring your guitar?" She asked her son, who just gave his mom a look. Mimi chuckled in compliance, before turning onto the main road.

"Be careful there, alright?" She asked her son. Austin nodded.

"I love you mom."

Mimi smiled fondly at her son, before reaching over to ruffle his already messy blonde hair. "I love you too, Austin. Take care of the kids and Ally."

"I won't let anything happen to them," Austin swore to himself more than to anyone else. "They're like my family. I just hope the other teens know what they're doing."

Mimi stayed quiet at her son's remark, but Austin could see the pride in her eyes. They pulled quietly into the station, several kids already there waiting. They still had a half hour before the bus departed.

Mimi leaned over, and wrapped her son in a hug. Before she could pull away, Austin kissed her cheek.

"Don't worry mom. I'll be fine," He assured her. She smiled.

"I know. Have fun."

"I will," He promised. "Tell dad I love him, and I'll call you guys as soon as I can," He told her, getting out of the car. Mimi assured him he would, and Austin watched withn a somewhat heavy heart as she drove away.

"You're really bringing a guitar?"

Austin swirled around, a smile lighting up his features at Ally's voice. The brunnette was standing behind him, amusement on her features. It was clean of makeup, just how Austin liked it. Her hair was pulled into a simple pony tail, and she was wearing sweats and a p[lain black t-shirt, no doubt wanting to be comfortable for the ten hour long bus ride to the park.

"Of course," Austin muttered, as he wrapped her into a hug, lifting her feet off of the ground. She giggled, before pulling away, and bringing her hand up to Austin's cheek.

"You have nutella on your face," She laughed, wiping it off. Austin chuckled.

"That would be Annalei's doing," He laughed, and Ally did too. He picked up his bags, and followed her to where the other students were waiting. Trish and Dez were standing together, bickering as usual. They didn't even notice Austin arrive. Something about the afternoon's broadcast and a kangaroo...

"Oh perfect! Good to see you Austin!" Mrs. Hiddleston smiled upon seeing the blonde. Austin smiled back.

"Yup, I'm here!" He reasurred her. She smiled, before going back to figuring out who hadn't arrived yet.

Ten minutes later, everyone had arrived. Everyone was packed pretty light, save for Kira and Cassidy, who both had designer bags on their arms, and suitcases behind them. They looked like they were about to catch a private jet to Hawaii - not take a ten hour bus ride to Zion Canyon.

"Listen up everyone!" Mr. Tom shouted to get the restless teens attention. "The children will be here in five minutes! The bus is three seats to a row, so I would like you to get with your partners, and stay with them please. When your child arrives, he or she will be sitting with you and your partner. No changing the seating arrangement. Understood?"

Several kids, mostly Austin's old friends, moaned in annoyance. But everyone obliged, and Austin grabbed Ally's hand, even though she was sitting right next to him already. Ally smiled at him, and he smiled back.

No longer sitting with their friends, the majority of the students pulled out their phones and started texting eachother. Lucy pulled out a book and read, Trish and Dez bickered, and Kira and Cassidy squealed together over who knows what. Probably shirtless pictures of Austin.

"Austin, Ally, may I speak with you a moment?" Mr. Tom and Mrs. Hiddleston walked over to the couple. They both looked up and smiled at the teachers.

"Principle Delanie has informed us that both of you know the children. Is that true?" Mrs. Hiddleston asked. They both smiled.

"Yeah, we volunteer at the orphanage," Ally told them sweetly. Austin nodded.

"They're our family."

Mrs. Hiddleston smiled at them. "That's wonderful. I just wanted to let you guys know then, that if you want to arrange anything, feel free to. You probably know what the kids enjoy doing more than I do," She told them honestly. Austin smiled at her.

"Thanks."

"Any time kiddos. Just try to let the others do their job as well," Mr. Tom told them. He looked up as a minivan pulled up to the station. "Looks like it's them now."

Austin and Ally both waved as Mary got out of the van. The door opened, and the seven children piled out, backpacks on their shoulders. Mary grabbed Thomas and Peter's hands, before walking over to the group.

The other teenagers looked up almost shyly at their new charges. The kids did a once over, before they're eyes landed on Austin and Ally. They all broke out in huge grins, before running away from Mary, straight towards Austin and Ally.

"Kids wait-"

"AUSTIN! ALLY!" They all squealed, ignoring Mary's shouts of protest as she tried and failed to grab hold of Thomas and Peter. The little army, flew past the startled teenagers, throwing themselves at the couple. Austin laughed, op[ening his arms wide and scooping up the little boys. The smile that stretched across his face went from ear to ear. The triplets ran straight to Ally, nearly knocking her over. Elise skipped along, throwing her arms over Austin too, all of them giggling. Thalia laughed and joined the group hug, giggles all around.

"Hey guys," Austin smiled, standing up. He lunged at Kalei who squealed as he thrwe her onto his shoulders. She laughed as she buried her little hands into his golden locks, grasping onto her familiar handhold as Austin grabbed Thomas and Thalia's hands. Peter clung to his leg, standing on his foot. Elise was holding Ally's hand, while Keenan and Kainoah fought for the other.

"Children!" Mary scolded, finally catching up, some-what out of breath. "Stop pestering Austin and Ally!"

Austin laughed good naturedly. "It's alright Mary. We've got the situation under control, as he felt Kalei switch her hand holds from his hair to his face. He heard Ally laugh, as Kalei giggled ontop of him. He rolled his eyes, before sticking his tongue out and licking her hands. She squealed, before quickly returning her hands to their previous position.

"Mary! It's good to see you," Mrs. Hiddleston seemed to wear out of her shock first as she smiled at the older woman. Mary gave her a weary smile back.

"You too. I'd love to stay, but I need to get back to the orphanage," She said somewhat apologetically. She turned back to the kids, who Ally was attempting to calm down, while Austin did the opposite and cheered them on. "Be good children. Don't harass Austin and Ally too much," She said some-what jokingly, some-what serious. They all nodded, before chorusing goodbye. Mary gave one last departing smile, before hurrying back to the van.

"Austin! I made you a crown!" Keenan and Kainoah suddenly shouted, ceasing their war for Ally's spare hand. Keenan opened his backpack, and pulled out a twisted mess of sticks. It was covered in glitter, and wrapped with multicoloured paper. Pom poms and pipecleaners were attached in various spots.

"Wow," Austin smiled at the boys. "It's awesome!"

"I put on the glitter!" Keenan raised his hand. Kainoah pulled it back down.

"Yeah, but I glued on the pom poms."

"Only the blue ones!"

"I put the green ones on too."

"Did not!"

"Did too!"

"Did NOT!"

"Did TOO!"

"DID-"

"Guys," Ally scolded, and they both quieted down. "It's a very beautiful crown, and you BOTH did it. So let's not argue, ok?"

"Alright. I'm sorry Ally," They both muttered heads down. Austin shook his head, He had no idea how Ally always managed to do that.

"Hey, Kalei, would you do the honours?" He asked the little girl sitting on his shoulders. She quickly agreed, and her brothers handed her the crown. Austin felt her meticulously place it on his head.

"Thank you," Austin smiled at the triplets. "I love it."

"You're welcome," They all chorused.

"I'm sorry to break this up," Mrs. Hiddleston's voice interupted them, "But why don't we introduce everyone."

Austin had completely forgotten about the others, in the presence of the kids. He was hesitant to agree. The kids were his. Well, his and Ally's, at least. He didn't want to taint that, but he didn't really have a choice. Reluctantly, he turned to face his classmates. Had Kalei not been on his shoulders, he would've doubled over laughing.

Everyone was staring at him, jaws dropped. Dallas, Trent, and Ethan's eyes were as wide as saucers. He couldn't help but smirk.

"Wait, you all know eachother?" Cassidy looked at the group dubiously. Austinnnoticed Ally's jaw tighten beside him. To most, nothing happened. But Austin had learned to read Ally like an open book. And boy, was he good at reading books.

"Yup!" Peter squealed, still clenched to Austin's leg.

"No ways, so Austin blew us off to hang out with little brats?" Trent raised his eyebrows. Cassidy's eyes went wide.

"They're the brats from the beach!" She said in realization. "I knew you knew them!"

Austin's vision tinted red.

"Don't you dare say that about them," He hugged Thomas and Thalia closer to himself protectively. Ally started to walk forward, so he dropped Thomas's hand and grabbed her arm, holding her back. "Yes, I know them, and they're much better company than you'll ever be!"

"Kids! Settle down now!" Mr. Tom said, somewhat flustered. "We're all friends here."

Nontheless, Austin grip on the kids didn't loosen.

"Now, why don't the kids come over here so we all can see them," Mrs. Hiddleston asked sweetly. Austin and Ally met eyes, and had a silent conversation. Ally sighed in reluctance, before walking the kids over. Austin followed her.

Mrs. Hiddleston smiled warmly at the children, but Peter still hid behind Austin's leg. Austin ruffled the poor boy's hair.

Kalei climbed down from Austin's shoulders, after much persuading from Ally. Seeing an opportunity, Keenan and Kainoah both ran for Austin's back. His eyes went wide and he barely had time to brace himself before the two climbed onto him like a jungle gym. He made sure that they didn't knock his crown off.

Alright," Mrs. Hiddleston sighed, realizing that there was no way to pry the kids off of the couple. She tried for a smile. "Do you want to meet your new guardians for the next two weeks, kids?"

Immediately, all of the kids froze, and they surged closer to Austin and Ally in fear, frowns upon their faces.

"Austin and Ally are our guardians," Elise spoke up quietly, her long blonde hair falling in front of her face. Ever since December, she had been growing it out, and it had started to curl naturally at the tips. She liked to call it her 'Annabeth Hair.'

"Yeah. They're our Prince and Princess," Keenan said defensively from Austin's back.

"King and Queen," Kainoah added in.

"Our family," Thalia whispered, and Austin's heart broke at the fear laced in her voice. He wrapped an arm protectively around the ten year olds shoulders.

Mrs. Hiddleston seemed baffled, and a bit flustered. "Well, how would you guys like a new family for a little bit?"

It was clearly the wrong thing to say.

The children's protests rang loud and clear through the station. Thomas and Peter started to cry, and Kalei and Elise hugged eachother, hiding behind Ally's petite frame. The boys on Austin's back buried their faces into his shoulders, and Thalia started to shake under Austin's touch. Austin looked to Ally, having no idea what to do. Ally caught his drift, and took a deep breath.

"It's summer time. And you are all that's on my mind. Everyday," Her voice rang out clear and crisp. The kids quieteed down and turned to look at her. Austin picked up the song.

"It seems like we, could stay up and talk right through the night. Oh what do you say?" His voice didn't need any music. He knew the others teens probably thought they were weirdos, but he shut them out. The kids happiness was his priority, and he wouldn't stop at anything until they were all smiling.

Austin and Ally met eachothers eyes, and several of the children looked up. They all remembered this song. They all knew the significance to it, even if no one else did. As they all opened their mouths to sing the chorus, Austin felt his voice run thick with emotion.

"Say you'll stay-ay-ay-ay, I just keep on wishing everyday-ay-ay-ay no more running around, oh oh, oh oh oh, running around," Austin took a deep breath, before catching Thalia's eye. Here eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and they both smiled weakly at eachother as they finished singing.

"Just say you'll stay."

Ally grabbed Austin's hand, and gave it a tight squeeze, a sympathetic smile on her lips. Austin tried for one back, but his mind kept flashing back to that fateful day. To Thalia's last words.

You left Austin. You left just like Everyone else. You promised! You said you were going to stay, and you didn't!

Austin convulsed at the memory. Suddenly he was no longer there, protecting his family. Rather he was back at that time. The time where he was the one hurting them.

And she jumped.

She freaking jumped.

But this time he couldn't catch her.

A bloody scream of pain ripped from Austin's body, as he dropped to the ground, head in his hands. The two little boys tumbled from his shoulders, eyes wide. Several students gasped in surrprise, and it was evident that Mr. Tom and Mrs. Hiddleston had no idea what to do.

But they did.

His family did.

The children quickly made a protective circle around the shivering blonde boy, as Ally leaned down, rubbing comforting circles on his back, and murmuring in his ear. The other children stayed quiet, but they conjoined hands, to let Austin know that they were okay.

But he wasn't okay.

He had let her fall.

He had Hurt her.

Austin closed his eyes, trying to burn away the images, only to find that they got brighter in his mind. The cold of the handcuffs around his wrist. The shouts of the police officers. Ally's cries of helplessness.

And Thalia's blue, blue eyes.

He hadn't been there for her like he had promised. It was his fault that she wanted to take her own life. There was no one to blame, but him and his own stupidity. Because he hadn't stayed.

"It's okay Austin," Thalia's shaky voice was trying to be strong for him. He knew that she hated seeing him like this, but he couldn't help it. "You caught me Austin. I'm here."

But what if I didn't catch you? Austin wanted to scream. All of this was his own goddamned fault, and he deserved all the pain. All the tears. All the nightmares.

"Please Austin."

Austin took a deep breath, and then another. He opened his red-rimmed hazel eyes, slowly focusing on Thalia's face. She was right there. She was okay. She smiled at him softly, and he managed a weak smile back.

Closing his eyes once more, he pushed away all those memories to the dark corner of his mind. He focused on Ally's hand on his back, and Thalia's smile.

"It's alright Austin. You caught her," Ally reassured him as well, helping him up. He stood up some-what shaky, but as soon as he was up, the little kids swarmed him. They hugged him, and whispered words of encouragement. After a few moments, he had pulled himslef together, and like every other time this happened, he made it look like nothing happened.

"Are you alright Austin?" Mr. Tom asked somewhat hesitantly. Austin waved them off.

"I'm fine. I just had a flashback."

Both teachers looked like they wanted to know more, but were too afraid to prod into the matter. They just nodded unsure, while Ally turned to look at the kids. Her hand never left Austin's, as did Thalia's. They were his support, and he was forever grateful.

"Listen careful kiddos," Ally's voice was soft and warm like butter. The kids all listened obediantly. "We'll always be a family. You know that. But right now we need you to pretend that the other teenagers are a part of your family too, okay? Just for this trip. And then everything will go back to normal. I promise," She whispered, smiling at a still shaky Austin. He smiled back.

For a moment, no one moved. And then slowly, Elise let go of Ally and Kalei. She hugged Ally, then hugged Austin even tighter before mumbling, "We're still a family," And stepping away.

The other kids slowly followed her example, hugging both Austin and Ally, before joining Elise. The younger boys puffed their chests out in an attempt at bravery, although their eyes still fleeted between the couple, sometimes inh desperation. Whenever Peter looked like he was about to cry, the two teens both put on their bravest smile for him. Even Thalia let Austin's hand go after a quick squeeze, before walking over to join the little kids.

For the first time since Cassidy recognized the kids, Austin looked at his fellow students. Some had a look of worry sketched onto their faces - mostly Trish and Dez who were aware of Austin's condition. But most were whispering among themselves, tapping on their phones. Austin wouldn't be surprised if his breakdown was all over twitter.

He didn't care though.

They weren't important. There were very few people who were important to Austin. And the majority were under ten and volunteering themselves to go with others for their sake.

Mrs. Hiddleston looked bat her watch, befoer letting out a shout of exclamation. "Oh dear! We have five minutes till the bus arrives. Quick quick! Let's get through this," She pulled out a clipboard, Austin watched detached, as his kids walked off towards different groups, shouting glances at him and Ally for support. He put a smile on his face.

It was fake.

And they knew it.

Mrs. Hiddleston had just finished telling Thalia to join Austin and Ally, when the bus pulled into the station. Austin picked up his duffle bag and guitar case, walking over to the side to put his guitar in the luggage depatments. He waited in line behind a couple others, before safely tucking his guitar in the back corner. He made sure it was safely secured, before climbing on the bus.

Ally and Thalia had chosen seat in the middle of the spacious bus. Ally was sitting by the window, and Thalia was sitting in the middle seat. Austin smiled, before taking a seat beside the little girl.

They were facing forward, and the seats in front of them were facing towards them. Trish, Dez, and Peter had claimed the seats for themselves, and Austin was somewhat relieved. At least he wouldn't have to deal with the populars for a while.

There was a single aisle on the one side of the bus, spacious because all the seats were on one side of the bus. In the seating group behind him, sat Elliot, Lucy, and Kalei were one partnership there, as well as Trent, Ethan, and Thomas.

In the seating group in front of them, sat Tilly, Dallas, and Kainoah, as well as Cassidy, Kira, and Elise. Elise and Kainoah huddled together, eyes wide as they watched their new group gossip and gigle loudly. Austin just wanted to wrap them in a hug.

Sitting in the seat by the very front of the bus, were Chuck, Brooke, and Keenan, along with the two teachers. As soon as everyone was settled, the bus driver started the engine. Austin shoved his duffle bag under his seat, and he grabbed hold of Thalia's hand. Thalia smiled at him.

"Thank you for catching me Austin," The little girl whispered, and Austin figured that everything was going to be fine.

If only he knew.

Hello again! I hope you liked this chapter, I had a lot of fun writing it.

Q. What is your favourite PJO book?

A. Probably either The Lightening Thief, The Battle of the Labrynth, or The Last Olympian. I honestly can't choose.

Q. Will the trip be of an adventure or a quest like in the PJO book?

A. Well, even if it's not, I'm pretty sure that the kiddos (And Austin!) will pretend that it is. And Ally goes along with all their tomfoolery. You'll just have to read to find out for sure ;)

Q. If you could be any PJO character, who would you pick?

A. Definitely Mrs. O'Leary. But Tyson is a close second.

And I must say, thank you for all your reviews. I laughed and smiled at how into this you all are. It really makes my day, so thank you! Also, please check out my Avengers Fanfiction called a Recipe For Disaster! I'm hoping to update it by tonight, so keep an eye out for that!

Also, for those who have Pinterest, follow me at Lauren Sherlock Holmes. It would be aweseome :)

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go destroy Jotunheim...

AAG1D over and out!