One Last Adventure Chapter 4

I don't understand. Why doesn't he remember?

"What? You know, pretty girl, with dark hair, and light copper skin?"

He still has a confused expression on his face.

"Somewhat Asian? Doesn't it ring a bell?!" I almost cried in frustration. This must be some lame joke he planned. It must be.

"Look, Ms... Whoever you are, I have no idea who Penny is, and I'm not sure that we're having this conversation in real life. How did you even get here?!"

Oh gods. I don't know what Penny would do when she finds out about this. My hand found its way to my chin, signalling that I'm in Sherlock mode.

"Well, you're probably dreaming just like me, and I suddenly found my way here. Maybe some sort of force created by Penny.. This is kinda like what Nico does in the last chapter.." I mean, maybe my recent knowledge from that chapter helped me in believing it could be possible in this world.. Or maybe..

"Nico does this stuff?" he said, snapping me from my thoughts, "Wait, how do you know who Nico is? How do you know who I am?"

"Look. Okay. I know you're freaked out a bit. Here, think of it as entering someplace different, but slightly parallel to reality, but the catch is, it's all fictional. I am from that reality, and this place right now is the parallel reality."

"Huh?"

I sighed deeply in disappointment, running both of my hands through my hair.

"You see Leo–I'm gonna say it to you straight–all of this," I gestured to the whole Argo II, "is fictional, it is not real, it does not exist. Got that covered? Now, you, Percy, Annabeth, Coach Hedge, Grover, even his girlfriend Juniper, are characters. Fictional characters. You all come from a book series, specifically 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians', and 'Heroes of Olympus'. You may be wondering, if I was a character, then what's the point of my existence? Or How did this supposedly real girl come here? Am I right?

He nodded like a kindergarten student.

"Well, you see, since you're from a book, your simple purpose was to entertain, motivate, and give inspiration to readers like me. But, some readers, like me and Penny, are thankful for this fictional world, and of your purpose. We take refuge in fictional worlds –figuratively speaking–like in books, movies, or shows, to escape something that we fight, or are against every single day. Let it be boredom, socializing, something you regret doing, or sometimes your own reasoning. Penny.. Penny was the person who told me this was possible. It was a gift passed on by our family bloodline. (Don't ask me how, I don't know) And if you haven't noticed she has been in this situation before. She experienced it with you."

"Uhh.. Me and the guys in the Argo II right?" He said, pointing to himself, then to the ceiling.

"Well yeah.. But um.. But kind of, mostly, you" I muttered the last part," And then, it's all happening again.." I trailed off for a bit.

"Hey! What–Where are you going?"

"What do you mean? I'm not going anywhere."

"You're fading–"

Fading?

The whole scene changed. I wasn't in the Argo II engine room any more. And I don't think I have woken up yet.

I'm in a cabin. Or I think it is. It had bunk beds, with comforters and lots of pillows. A soft fire crackled in the fireplace, spilling soft, golden light around the room. The shadows flickered as the fire moved with its grace and beauty. A branch dripped cloudy water into a bowl on the mantel piece. A chubby, blonde curly haired kid slept dozily on an armchair, wearing white, fluffy bunny slippers.

So this is the Hypnos Cabin?

Well, Nico was right about how strong these kids were, always pulling you out of track, making you accidentally pass by here. How was this possible? I thought I collapsed from exhaustion, and now, I'm doing this imagination thing again. Why did it have to be me? No, I didn't want to be literally sucked out of reality! I didn't want to be embarrassed in front of the fictional characters I know and love! Why do I have to be here?

"Hey."

I know that voice.

"Stop thinking like that, I can feel your thoughts flying everywhere." The voice said again.

I turned around, and saw someone I wasn't expected to see.

"Penny?!"


"I thought– I thought you were still back home! How did you– Why are you– What?!"

"Woah, hey, calm down." She said, putting a hand on my arm.

"How can I calm down when I'm in this situation!?" Even though I slightly raised my voice, these Hypnos kids are still knocked out cold.

"Shh.. Hey, remember that the same thing happened to me?" She said.

"Uh-huh."

"And I had my grandmother guide me in a form of a dream too?"

"Uh-huh."

"So, could you please calm down so I can explain?"

"Uh-huh."

She slumped her shoulders a bit, and sighed. "Great."

"So, you know the whole basics of this right? Where you enter a slightly parallel universe because of your imagination? And that the possibility of this is because of the brilliance of the human mind? Well, that's not the only thing."

"Wait–What? Why?" I replied, completely dumfounded.

"Well.. You see... Every 'adventurer' has a reason, a purpose why he/she has been transported to that universe. I found out when I came back from my adventure, that I was sent to the story because of what –Or specifically who–I was escaping from. My grandma also had a reason why. You, you also have a reason, and it is for you to find out, and only then will you be able to come back. Now, I know that you know, that when you do come back, it will be like nothing ever happened. Well, right now, the real Penny Smith is still at London, with her mom, and yours."

"But–But, who are you then?" I stammered.

Fake Penny smiled.

"I'm simply just a guide portrayed by your imagination. It happens to everyone with this talent who experience it the first time. I would only portray a person you may, or may not know who had recently practiced it. For you, it was Penny, for her, it was her Grandma. I'm only here to give you, let's say instructions to how this all works. The only difference is that you've seen how it is practiced before you've experienced it yourself."

I nodded to show that I understood.

"So, what happens if we get caught?" I asked, "Like, what if someone caught me doing it? Using my imagination?"

"Well, that depends on you, if you want that person to remember it or not." Fake Penny replied.

"But, that would make people in our bloodline super powerful. We have the capability of using this for our selfishness and would probably lead to destruction!"

"You're actually right. It is possible. But the thing is, not everyone in your bloodline is capable of this, and you are not the only family who is capable to practice it. The people who use their imagination are good natured, they simply need a temporary sanctuary to escape reality. And other than that, the over usage of this could also harm the adventurers."

"So that explains why I collapsed?"

"Yes." The guide replied.

"Is there anything else I need to know?"

"Hmm.. Not really. You should go now. Nico and the others are waiting..."

And with that she faded, and I woke up.


"No.. You can't go to this waterslide.." A female voice said.

My vision was blurry from sleeping.

"But Miss! We really want to go there!" A whiny child said.

"No.. No.. The waterslide's broken for now.." The girl replied.

The children groaned, "Aw, no fair."

I looked at the direction where the conversation was coming from. In the other side of the Athena Parthenos, I saw Reyna, along with some children, who were wearing their swimsuits and floaties. It was a little late afternoon, and the breeze was warm, and the sun was golden. It was indeed a perfect time to on to a waterslide. But there was no waterslide in sight.

I walked toward them and asked in a friendly manner, "What's going on?"

"That lady," A little girl points to Reyna, "Won't let us go unto the waterslide!"

Reyna looked at me. Help. Was what I could register by looking at her. I nodded.

Looked at the children and smiled. "Oh are you talking about that one?" I said, while pointing to the Athena Parthenos. The children nodded.

"Well," I bended both of my knees, and placed both of my hands there to make myself level to them. "You don't have to go there." I said, still smiling.

"Why?" One of them said curiously.

I waved my hand in front of them, "Because it was never there."

Their eyes turned misty for a second, and then they went back to normal. At first, they were confused, then one of them–their leader I suppose– said, "Hey! Let's go to the snack bar!"

The others yelled happily and went after him.

I stood up and looked at Reyna. "How.. How did you do that?" She said.

I shrugged, and just as I did, I immediately felt weak and had to hold on to Reyna for support. Pain pulsed in my skull.

"Are you alright? You just slept."

"I -I'm fine." I stuttered out while clutching my head, "Where are the others?"

"Well Nico's still asleep, but he might wake up soon, and Coach Hedge went strolling, just in case we'd run into some monsters."

The throbbing in my head slowly receded. "Oh. Um.. If you don't mind, could I.. Also go for a stroll?"

"Sure. Just don't get yourself hurt. I'll take care of Nico for the meantime."

And with that, I took one last look at Nico, and went off.


As I was walking down the steps, I felt at peace. It was the only time where my mind and body feels at rest. I could feel the breeze blowing my red locks of hair away, the sun kissing my slightly freckled nose, the summer colors being drunk by my silver-like eyes. With each breath that I take, I feel like its cleansing me, calming me. At this moment, I try to push back my current problems, and linger at the atmosphere around me. I stopped walking, and leaned on a railing.

I try to ignore the people bustling and enjoying their vacation. Ignore the fact that I'm in this situation. Ignore the debate in my head of why I was sent here. Ignore the stinging weight of my abnormally dark past. Ignore the fears haunting me in my dreams and in my reality.

I, for a second, ignore my existence.

But of course, all peaceful moments would come to an end.

I suddenly felt like I was swimming in darkness. I couldn't move a muscle. My throat felt constricted, like it was being filled with dirt. I was sweating. My mind felt like putty, and my body felt sore. I could've attracted a lot of attention at this state, but no one came to my aid. All this suffering I was experiencing wouldn't show. I need help! Help me!

This is hopeless! The only making it worse are the whispers in my head, along with the malevolent, condescending, power-lusted cackling in the distance. My tongue was dry, my mouth tasted like blood.

There's no use. A female voice said sleepily.

You do not belong here. You're a useless, disgraceful brat. Just give up.

No.

You're not worth it.

No. Stop it! Stop!

Give up.

Give up.

Give up!

Stop! Someone! Anyone! Help me!

Give up!

Give up!

"Quinn"

GIVE UP!

"Quinn we need to go."

GIIIVEE UUUP!

"Quinn?"

"Nico." I breathed. I turned around, and I saw him.

"Nico." I nearly stumbled as I wrapped my arms around him tightly.

I was trembling, and my heart was beating fast. I clung to him like he was a lifeline. I clung to him like he was my cure. I clung to him because he saved me.

And I am thankful.


Soo... Fourth Chapter... Yay! Look guys, sorry that I posted this late. I was too busy making my projects that I didn't have enough time to write this. I hope you guys understand my situation, and I hope you don't have plans on killing me. But.. Other than that.. How was this chapter? Did it clear out your confusion? Was it entertaining? Please let me know by reviewing.. :)

But.. If you don't want to, that's alright. No biggie.