Demigod-Wizard-Gatekeeper: Hehe, well, it's on the title. You'll have to wait and see/read ;). And yup, Annabeth and Percy are important in this story; in fact,...the title of this chapter gives away a small surprise.
Tsuki: Thank you for reading :)
Micaylarocks: Aw! I'm so happy to hear that! And I'm sorry about the delay, but at the end of the chapter I explain a little, even though there's no real excuse for taking this long. Thank you for reading and the review. PS: I like your username.
Pretending to be: Well, thanks for reading my crazy ideas,lol. I'm glad you like it and yeah, I get what you mean. I know some people prefer to be alone (I am quiet introvert myself) but some stories are too much, like, the character doesn't talk to anybody? Really? Every human being needs at least one person to interact with, we're social beings. So yeah, I actually wanted her to have people she could talk to, who would help her shape her future decisions...and in time you'll notice I'm worse than Maleficent, hehehehe.
Chapter 5: Alexandria, saviour of me...crying orphans.
February.
I couldn't stop laughing at Luke's grumpy expression.
It was opening night of a small production of "You can't take it with you" and he had missed the entire first act. Turns out I gave him the wrong schedule.
"Don't worry. I wasn't very good" I tried to comfort him.
It was true. I hadn't been at its finest. I had barely come out of a cold, and I was so nervous that I had forgotten a few things. Thanks the Gods for improvisation.
Lee wouldn't be proud, and this meant that he would make me work harder.
"Don't bring yourself down" he said, placing an arm around my shoulders.
Almost unconsciously, I leaned into his side. The night was chilly, and I didn't want to get sick again.
"Whatever" I replied, letting my eyes take in my surroundings.
Mortals walked around us, all of them too focused in their own world. Almost everybody had umbrellas. It hadn't rained that day, but the weather had been off ever since december.
Chiron hadn't said a word about it, and he hadn't come back to camp for easter, but I knew he and Grover were worried about all these changes. Those two weeks in winter, the centaur kept looking up, as if expecting for Zeus himself to come down and kill us all. He had even established a night patrol schedule for all the cabins, one that would begin again when all the campers returned in june.
The sea had been quite aggressive as well, but I tried to ignore it. The Gods were always fighting, but a small part of me wanted to dive into the deep waters and hide there.
For the past few months, I hadn't been able to shake the feeling that I was being watched closely, that someone or something was waiting in the shadows.
It wasn't my secret admirer, that much I knew. He would always sit in the back and leave five minutes before the end, I would go backstage to change and someone would hand me a bouquet of white roses with a small note of congratulations. He always called me "Siren", and I always hid the flowers from Luke. I wanted to throw them away, but they were so beautiful, and as haunting his eyes were, I always did my best when I felt him watching. It was all a bit messed up, which is why I never told anyone about him. Ever since december, he had stopped coming, and the only flowers I got were from Luke. A part of me was glad, but a bigger one wondered what had happened to him.
I was losing my focus and the nightmares didn't help either.
I dreamed with a horse and an eagle fighting in a beach, but I could never reach the horse in time. After that night, I only dreamt about an island. It was small and I was stuck there, nothing but ocean wherever I looked. At least it helped me sleep better, but sometimes I could hear the echo of a dark voice calling out to me.
"Alex?"
I didn't realize I had drifted off until I collided with someone.
"Oh Gods! I am so sorry!" I apologized to the poor woman, kneeling down to help her pick up her groceries. Luke was doing the same, trying to hide his smirk.
The woman gave me an odd look, and her eyes sparkled with recognizon.
"Did you say 'Gods'?" she asked, moving her curly brown hair out of her face "As in plural?"
Luke didn't say anything, chasing after an apple.
"Uh, no. I said 'God' " I smiled nervously, placing her things inside the paper bag and handing it to her "There's only one, I believe"
I offered my hand and she accepted it, getting up from the hard pavement.
I dusted off my green coat (a present from Silena) and looked back at the woman.
"Again, I'm so sorry. I wasn't paying attention"
The woman gave me a kind smile, the type of kind that only the best people had.
"It's fine, nobody was harmed"
"Here" said Luke, walking back towards us with the apples in hand. He placed them inside the bag the woman had in her arms with his million dollar smile "Are you sure you're ok?"
"I'm sure, thank you"
"Do you need us to carry those for you?" I offered. I felt terrible, and I wanted to make it up to her somehow.
"No that's fine, really…uh..."
"Oh! I'm Alex. This is Luke" I introduced us, reading the question on her hazel eyes.
"You're very kind, Alex, but I can manage. My name is Sally"
"Sure?" I asked once more.
She chuckled.
"Yes. Is she always like this?"
"Sometimes" shrugged Luke.
I sent him a woman gave me a curious look.
"You look familiar…"
I didn't know what to say. I had never seen her in my life.
"She's into musical theatre. Maybe you've seen in her in a play" mentioned Luke.
The woman, Sally, didn't seem convinced.
"Maybe" She kept on looking at me " You have pretty eyes. They remind me of my son's"
What was I supposed to say to that?
"Thanks" it sounded more like a question.
She seemed to have returned to earth, and checking her wrist watch she paled "I gotta go. Thank you for your help; it was nice meeting you both"
"Sorry again" I called after her as she walked down the street.
We stood there, like idiots, for about a minute.
"We still got time before Argos comes to take us back. Wanna eat something?"
I gave Luke a peck.
"You know me so well."
I jumped on his back and he laughed, placing his hands on my legs and walking towards the closest McDonald's
I was braiding Annabeth's hair.
The sun hadn't set yet, and we were making the most of it. We were sitting near the strawberry fields.
I took a moment to adjust my scarf, I didn't want to jeopardize my voice. Lee was very strict about it .
"You've been quiet" I said lightly.
I knew there was something bothering her, but I didn't want to pressure her into telling me.
"It's nothing"
I tried not to roll my eyes, but I couldn't contain my smile. I was glad she couldn't see me. I finished one of the braids and grabbed the rest of her hair, starting a new one.
3...2...1…
"I'm worried" she began with an exasperated sigh, like she just wanted to tell me so I would finally shut up.
You don't say.
She gave me her termos and I took a sip of her delicious tea.
"About what?"
"About whatever has been going on with the Gods" her grey eyes went up to the sky, and I lost grip of her hair. I had to bite my tongue to not yell at her for moving.
I undid the braid and started over.
"They fight all the time" I said, shrugging.
"Yeah" she said slowly, sipping from her tea "But this is not the same. I think it has to do with the prophecy"
"What prophecy?" I frowned.
Annabeth froze and tired to stand, but I yanked her hair, keeping her in place. I wasn't doing this a third time. She could either stay still for five minutes or go around with only half her hair done.
"Forget it"
I quickly finished the second braid and tied it. Grabbing Annabeth by the shoulders, I leaned around her to look her in the eyes.
"Annabeth, what prophecy?
She avoided eye contact.
"I promised Chiron I wouldn't tell anyone"
In times like these, I was thankful for my sister Kyla's acting lessons.
"But I thought you trusted me"
I put in my best wet puppy face and ignored the guilt of playing the guilt card on her. Annabeth seemed to get along with me better than with her own siblings (when I wasn't too annoying), and I was abusing of her trust.
"I…
"I won't tell, I promise" I smiled reassuringly.
"It's about a child of the Big Three"
I didn't say anything, waiting for her to continue.
"It talks about the possible end of the world when this kid turns sixteen"
I digested the new information and nodded.
"Ok; but, why are you worried? The Gods vowed not to have more children"
"And then Thalia was born"
"Thalia is a tree" I quickly regretted my words upon seeing the expression on her face "I'm sorry Annabeth, but that's how it is"
She fidgeted with her fingers.
"Chiron thinks he found another"
"Another kid of the Big Three?"
My friend nodded and I moved so I could sit in front of her.
"Well, it doesn't necessarily mean that this new kid is the one of the prophecy, right?" I gently grabbed her chin and looked into her scared silver eyes "Don't worry, for all we know, this could happen tomorrow or it could happen in the next century. We might not even be alive for this"
One look was enough to let me know I hadn't eased her fears. Maybe if I helped her to understand it, she would feel better.
I sighed, I wasn't about to let her go around scared of something for no reason.
"Do you remember the prophecy?"
She nodded and began to recite it:
"Two half-blood of the eldest Gods
Shall reach sixteen against all odds
To choose weather to rule or to serve
Three times allegiances must change
They will see the world in endless sleep
The hero's soul, cursed blade shall reap
A single choice shall end his days
Olympus to preserve or raze."
"So it could be any demigod. 'Eldest Gods' means any of the twelve original, right?"
She nodded.
"Yes, but 'Gods' is male"
"And your godly parent is a woman" I tried to lighten the mood "Honestly, Annie, I should be more worried than you"
She swallowed, and the scared look on her face made my heart freeze.
"Chiron said that it was probably a child of the big three"
"So? I still don't understand why you care so much. The burden won't be on…
"He also said that you and I will play a big part in it" she blurted out at the speed of light.
"...your shoulders. Oh"
I looked to my left, where I could see the stables.
This was all new information for me. I didn't know for how long Annabeth had known about this prophecy, and I wasn't sure I wanted to know.
"You got to promise you won't tell anyone, not even Luke" she begged, taking hold of my hands.
We stared into each others eyes for a minute. I didn't know what to make of this new information. The idea of me being involved in a prophecy was scary, something I never thought would happen, but the thought of Annabeth being a part of this sacred me more. In these past two years, I had grown to love her like a sister.
I pulled her into an embrace.
"Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you"
She wrapped her shorter arms around me and didn't let go.
April.
"And ready to know what the people know,
asking my questions and get some answers.
What's a fire and why does it- what's the word?
Burn?"
I tried not to look at the sheet in front of me as I reached the ending. It wasn't my first time playing Ariel, but this new production was bigger than the first one I had been in, and even though I used to know this music by heart, I didn't seem to be doing it right.
"When's it my turn?
Wouldn't I love, love to explore the shore up above?"
I messed up that last note. It sounded nice, but there was something missing, I just knew it.
"Out of the sea,
Wish I could be,
Part of your world"
I sighed, running my eyes through the paper in front of me.
Growing up, Little Mermaid was my favourite film. Who wouldn't love to be a redhead and have a tail? When I played Ariel the first time I was ecstatic, I didn't care that the production wasn't successful, I was happy to have portrayed this character, and I had given it all my effort.
When Lee told me about this bigger production of the same tale, I didn't hesitate to prepare an audition. Then, rehearsing started, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get completely into character.
"Need a hand?"
I turned around and saw a tall guy leaning against a tree. He was blonde and had blue eyes. When had a new camper arrived? Hi curls and tanned complexion made me suspect he could be a new brother. He wasn't wearing the camp t-shirt either, though I couldn't blame him. Orange wasn't flattering, no matter who wore it.
"What?"
There was something off about him. He had an easy smile, but his eyes showed such a sadness, as if he had lived through some tragedies.
He pointed to the paper in my hand.
"You're not getting it"
"What is there to get? Ariel is a fifteen year old who wants to abandon her family for a guy she has never talked to, just 'cause he's hot"
He smiled, walking towards me.
I suddenly remembered my mother, and how she had always said that I shouldn't talk to strangers, but these guy radiated a serene vibe, and I didn't feel threatened by his presence. Besides, who would want to hurt me? He couldn't be a monster in disguise, we were still within the camp's borders.
"She's a girl who's thirsty for knowledge. She's innocent, so she expects the best from people, and she is fascinated by the world of men, just like nowadays people are fascinated by mermaids. She saw Eric in a vulnerable moment, so she has seen who he truly is.
I didn't say anything, weighing his words.
"In any case" he kept talking, snatching the music sheet from my hands and looking it over "This particular song doesn't mention white Aladdin; it's about how she yearns to be part of something else, how she wants to learn from us. I'm Fred, by the way"
I shook his hand, while considering what he had said.
"Alex"
"The last bit is the one suffering the most"
"Hey" I complained, Grabbing the sheet from him "Who are you? Alan Menken? I've played this character before, I know what I'm doing."
I didn't know what I was doing, but my pride was too big to admit that to a stranger.
He smiled, as if he knew something I didn't
"You forgot her essence" he said, matter of factly
"I didn't"
"Let me rephrase: you changed since the last time you played this character, so it's harder to get in sintony with her"
Maybe what he was saying made a little sense.
His blue eyes remained on my face, they showed kindness.
I looked to my left. I couldn't see, but I could hear the waves not so far. The sound was mesmerizing.
"What are you thinking about?"
Fred's soft voice brought me back to reality. I could see in his eyes that he knew what my answer would be.
I longed for the sea, for some strange reason, but I didn't dare to go near it. I didn't understand why. Most of the time I wanted to run to it, but sometimes I couldn't even stand the smell of the salty water, and the sight angered me greatly.
Today, was one of those normal days where I wanted to go.
"Whatever it is, keep it in mind and sing again. From 'what would I give' "
Trying not to think too much about the idea of taking advice from a complete stranger, I did as he said.
I instantly felt better. I wasn't playing Ariel anymore, I was Ariel, and I wanted to go into the sea and learn everything I could.
"Much better" clapped Fred, flashing me a bright smile. His teeth were so white it almost hurt my eyes. "You still need to improve your breath control though. Do you want to sing it again?"
With a quick nod, we went through the songs once more. It felt easier, and I was actually enjoying myself. Fred gave me some good tips, and I wished Lee was here. He would have loved a lesson with Fred.
"So,.. did you arrive today? I didn't see you in the Mess Hall?" I asked, turning my back to him.
I was looking for the script, which laid on the grass. I kneeled down to grab it.
"Your father would be proud"
A golden light surrounded me, and I didn't waste time in getting up and turning around.
"What?"
His smile was ever present.
"You have an interesting future ahead of you, Alexandria. Blood runs deep; your family knows of forgiveness, but don't take them for granted"
"What?" I repeated.
"ALEX"
I turned for a second upon hearing Luke calling and when I felt a wave of heat and a golden light surround me.
Fred was gone.
I stared wide eyed at the spot where he had been standing. There was no sign of his presence.
What did he mean? Why would he mention my father? How could he say such a thing?
Before I could think too much about it, I heard Luke calling for me.
I met him halfway through the woods.
"Are you ok?" he asked, taking notice of my expression.
His hands cupped my face, but I escaped his grip.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Why?"
His eyes scanned our surroundings, as if expecting someone to appear. I wondered if he had seen Fred as well, but he would have told me if a new camper had arrived.
His eyes landed on mine once more and he smiled. I had never minded his scar, but for some reason I found myself shivering. There was something in that smile that I didn't' like.
"No reason"
He placed his arm around my shoulders and lead me to the cabins.
As I prepared to go to bed, I thought of Fred. I didn't tell Luke about him; I wasn't sure why, but I didn't think it would be a good idea.
How had this guy snuck up on me and then disappeared after a comment like that?
"I should have asked more questions." Was my last thought as I dozed off.
June.
I sat next to Silena while she switched the sword from one hand to the other,...and again, and again, and again. She was clearly uncomfortable.
I had asked Luke to teach her at least a few basic moves, but she didn't see the point in it.
To my right, Karen had long since fallen asleep on the ground.
I leaned down and took a small stick out of her hair.
"Maybe the sword is too heavy for you" I said, suppressing a yawn.
She gave me a funny look.
"There's such a thing?"
I tried not to laugh.
"We'll get you a new one tomorrow. Maybe, if you're nice, Beckendorf will paint the handle pink for you"
Her eyes lit up at the idea.
I had missed their company in the past few months. I had Annabeth, but it wasn't the same. I was thankful for Iris messages, but it wasn't as good as having these two right in front of me, in person.
Ever since Annabeth had told me about this prophecy, I had been on edge. The nightmares got worse. If Luke had noticed, he hadn't said anything; he was too engaged in his own little world. He had bags under his eyes, and it had gotten worse after he returned from visiting his mother. I was worried about him, but I was also glad he was somewhat distracted enough to not notice my changes.
He was not too happy. His nightmares had gotten worse, and he didn't like me knowing about them. I told him to suck it up
Silena and Karen were a good distraction. They were always talking and demanding attention, which didn't allow me to duel in my inner demons. I often wondered if the guy from the woods had something to do with those. He had been quite weird, and I was stupid enough to trust him. He could be one of the kids from the prophecy for all I know, and I let him go.
Shaking my head, I tried to focus on my current task.
We stared at the darkness ahead of us in silence. On the distance, we could hear the other Aphrodite's and Apollo's kids walking around. Chiron said that it was part of our training, but I didn't believe him.
I had mentioned it to Luke, whom had shrugged and replied with a "maybe".
I still had to visit Chiron. I had refused to see him these past few days. I remembered Annabeth's words, Chiron knew she and I would take part on the scary prophecy, and still he decided to keep me in the dark. How would I prepare if I didn't know anything? Sure as hell I was planning on surviving the upcoming shitstorm, but a little heads up from my favourite teacher would have been nice.
Ever since I had found out about the prophecy, I had been training nonstop. Luckily, there weren't many people at camp until two weeks ago, so I had had the arena all for myself, and Luke, of course. He didn't ask any questions regarding my new schedule, and insisted on staying up with me training until we dropped. We would fall asleep as soon as our head hit the pillow on Cabin 3 and we would repeat the same thing day after day.
Even though I was exhausted, it wasn't enough to keep my nightmares at bay. It was almost the same as always, but recently something had changed. I was still all alone on a small island, and everywhere I looked I could only see the sea, and on the horizon, what looked like black mist. The mist never got to close to the island, but I found myself trying to reach it more than once. Everytime, horses would appear and block my path.
I had mentioned it to Luke, and he had gone pale.
I didn't want to think about it. I was scared of what was in store for us.
"I wonder if he could also add a few amethysts" Silena pondered, studying the sword.
I tried to smile.
This time, I couldn't see nor hear anything. Not blinding sun, not waves. I couldn't even see my hands, which I waved right in front of my face. Nada.
I spun around, but it was no use.
A shiver ran up my spine and a devastating sense of horror began to take over me.
Starting to panic, I ran.
My heart was pounding and I could feel a sense helplessness creeping up on me.
I heard a deep, rumbling voice, but I couldn't make out what it was saying.
I didn't know where I was going nor did I care; I just wanted to get away from that voice. I just wanted some light. The absence of the sun and sea were unsettling, and now I just wanted to dive into the deepest parts of the ocean and never come out again.
"Come to me, Alexandria" I heard the voice, much closer than what I would have liked.
All of the sudden, my steps became slower and slower, until it seemed like I wasn't moving at all.
A dark chuckle travelled across the space towards me and I froze. Whatever it was, it was too close; there was no point on running.
Deciding that I wouldn't go down without a fight, I tried to locate the voice.
"Oh, that is useless. I am nowhere" spoke the voice.
How did he…
"I have been watching you, Alexandria Agapov" the voice sounded right behind me, and my eyes widened "You despise the Gods and everything they represent."
I didn't say anything. I couldn't speak. I couldn't move.
"Join my forces, Alexandria, and I will make you a queen"
A soft breeze flew by.
"You will say 'yes' to me"
"N-no" I muttered.
Even though I was terrified, I could still process what the voice had said. Yes, I wasn't very fond of the gods, and yes, getting rid of them would be nice; but something about that voice didn't sit quite well with me, and I just wanted it to stay away from me.
"Please"
A neigh was heard, and when I opened my eyes, I saw a dim light, and a horse made out of water running towards me.
All of the sudden, my feet could move again, and I ran towards the animal without a second thought.
The presence seemed to have fled, but still I didn't stop. I jumped on the horse and I let him take me away.
I woke up covered in sweat.
I sat on my bed and rubbed my eyes, quickly scanning the room. My siblings were fast asleep, snoring like there was no tomorrow.
"Are you ok, Alex?"
I gave a little jump, not expecting to hear anything.
I turned my head and smiled at Will, whom was rubbing his sleepy eyes with his fist. He looked adorable.
"Um, yeah. Just a bad dream. Go back to sleep" I whispered, standing up and walking to his bed. I arranged the bedsheets around him and moved his blonde locks out of his face.
He nodded and gave me a tired smile.
"Ok"
He closed his eyes and I stood up.
The sun was starting to rise, and it wouldn't be long before breakfast was served.
I got dressed and slowly walked out, careful to no wake anyone else.
I could see some campists from Ares and Demeter cabin walking around; they were coming back from patrol.
I walked down the steps of the porch and headed towards the arena.
I absentmindedly played with my necklace as I strolled. I couldn't remember what that voice sounded like, only that it wasn't something I wanted to repeat.
I entered the arena and immediately took notice of Luke, whom was practicing with his sword.
"Why are you up so early?"
He jumped and turned around, surprised to see me.
There were bags under his eyes, but the haunted expression on his face made my heart clench.
Luke was not just my boyfriend, but also one of my closest friends, and the fact that he was hiding something from me hurt a little. I didn't want to pressure him though; I knew how awful it was to talk about something you don't want to. I also knew he would tell me when he was ready. I couldn't help but feel a little frustrated though. I wanted him to trust me with everything.
It's not fair when you have your own secrets, I told myself.
"Couldn't sleep." He answered, grabbing a bottle of water.
"Did you have a nightmare?"
Normally, he would only deny it and say that he just couldn't conceive sleep, but this time he surprised me by nodding his head.
"Wanna talk about it?" I asked, stretching my arms.
He didn't say anything right away, and he wouldn't meet my eyes either.
A cold breeze flew by and a shiver ran up my spine.
I kneeled down to tie my sneakers and when I got up, Luke picked me up and smashed his lips against mine.
He took me by surprise again and the sun had yet to rise. We had kissed countless times, but never like this. It was almost as if it were the last time. He held onto me like a lifeline.
My feet weren't touching the ground so I wrapped my legs around his narrow hips and closed my eyes, returning the kiss wit the same ferocity.
My hands caressed his face, the skin on his left side was softer due to his scar, but I never minded it.
His hand gripped the locks at the base of my neck and I moaned. He took his opportunity, invading my mouth with his tongue.
I tried to put my feet on the ground (I wasn't exactly a lightweight) but he just held on to me with more strength. We separated gasping for air.
Well, shit.
His forehead touched mine but I kept my eyes closed.
"You know I wouldn't let anyone hurt you, right?"
I frowned. How bad could his dream had been that made him act like this?
"Right?"
"Yeah. I know"
I could hold my ground pretty well, but I didn't say that. He needed that comfort right now, he needed to reassure himself that he could protect me from,...whatever he was afraid of, and I wasn't about to start an argument about it right now.
I briefly wondered if he also knew about the prophecy.
I was glad the Stoll brothers weren't around. They would have teased us relentlessly.
Luke put me down.
"So I take it you don't want to talk about it?" I ask, taking off my necklace, feeling the trident growing to my height.
"What are you doing up so early?"
I shrugged.
"I just woke up and decided to enjoy the peace"
Maybe I was a little bit of a hypocrite.
Luke grabbed his sword as I lunged towards him
The beautifully haunting sound of the 'Schindler's List' theme was muffled by the water of the lake.
Silena was practicing for a contest. She insisted that the piece wasn't ready, while I thought perfection couldn't be improved, but I guess if the interpreter didn't feel it right, then it wasn't ready.
I waved at a naiad that swam past me.
I really enjoyed swimming. It made me feel alive, and all the creatures here were so kind and playful, that coming down here was becoming one of the best parts of my day.
I didn't know I could swim. I found out by accident a few weeks ago.
I was sitting on the dock behind Annabeth, and she read a book as I braided her hair when, out of nowhere, Clarisse ran past us and pushed us into the water.
My blonde friend knew how to swim, but I panicked in the spot, since I didn't know how, or so I thought.
Once Annabeth's banshee yell caught my attention, I noticed I wasn't drowning. I was actually floating. I didn't know how but I didn't even need to try; the movements came naturally, and by the time Travis jumped into the water to help me out, I was already climbing up back to the dock all by myself.
Luke had been furious when he heard, but all his anger vanished when I told him what had happened. He knew I couldn't swim, he had even offered to teach me in the past. While the rest of camp didn't thought much of it, Annabeth, Luke, Connor and Travis found it odd that I had taught myself how to swim in seconds.
Connor had suggested a boost of adrenaline, and Annabeth had agreed, but I knew she really didn't believe that theory.
She and I had gone back to the lake one afternoon, as everybody else had dinner. I was, in fact, able to swim. Annabeth had ran off, probably to talk to Chiron via Iris message, but I had stayed in the water; it felt too nice and I never wanted to leave.
She did came back a few minutes later, with a frustrated expression on her face. I guessed Chiron hadn't wanted to talk about it.
There was something about being down here that made me feel powerful, like I was invincible. I didn't feel tired, it was almost like drinking ten cups of coffee, something I had learned was a terrible idea, especially for a demigod.
I heard a splash and looked up. The way the last rays of sunshine barely filtered the water was beautiful. I knew I had to ge out soon, but I was tempted to remain here.
A hand grabbed mine, and I turned to see Silena. I smiled at her, but I wasn't sure she noticed. Her hand moved up to my arm and she started swimming up, pulling me with her.
"Are you out of your goddamn mind?" she practically yells at me once our heads break to the surface.
"What? I was just swimming" I don't understand the reason behind her anger, but I hope she decides to spare my life.
"I thought you were dead" she doesn't lower her voice, stamping her hands against the water.
I wanted to tell her to calm her tits down, but I figured she wouldn't appreciate it.
"I wasn't gone that long"
"It was over five minutes, Alex" she sounded hysteric.
Five minutes may not sound like a lot, but most people would probably pass out after that period of time.
"I'm sorry. I promise I was fine" I try to reassure her.
"I hate you" she sighs, but I can see the relief on her face.
"The feeling is mutual" I smirk, earning a splash of water on my face.
"Let's go. We have to change. Gods forbid we go to the Mess Hall in this state"
I let out a chuckle as El Jefe sighed.
"Oh man! That's so refreshing" said the pegasus as I washed him.
I scratched him behind his ears without stopping.
Silena had convinced me and Karen to help her bathe all the pegasuses...we've been regretting it for the past hour and a half.
"Studying dark matter would be easier" muttered my blonde friend, careful of her sister sharp ear.
I giggled.
"This crazy girl better stay away from me" said another pegasus, Blackjack, looking at Karen.
"Alex, that thing is looking at me" Karen leaned in closer.
"Thing?" Blackjack was clearly offended, but Silena walked towards him and took care of him.
I didn't say anything around the pegasuses, I only wished they would remain silent while I was near them. It was almost like asking Mr.D to change his diet coke for water.
Hoping is nice and free.
"Did you take your sword to Beckendorf?" I asked Silena, trying to distract myself.
Ever since I had woken up that morning, a bad feeling had settled in my stomach. The previous night had been rough; I barely slept, and whenever I closed my eyes I would hear that same voice. This time there was no horse to save clouded sky wasn't helping my mood. Something bad was coming our way.
Silena scrunched her nose.
"Yes. Is he always so rude?"
I couldn't help but be surprised at her question. Charles Beckendorf wasn't a talker, but he was polite and generous. He was the only one I trusted with my trident. He was humble and a hard-working guy, and my friend's inquiry made me question her sanity.
"Um,...he's usually nice. Why? What did you say?"
Silena could be quite imposing with her opinions, it wouldn't be the first time she bumped heads with another camper.
"I only suggested a change of wardrobe and some make up. Honestly, I don't understand his reaction."
Knowing Silena, she must have been pretty crude about it.
Karen gave me a look.
"What?" asked the brunette, stopping mid task.
"Hey"complained Blackjack.
"Nothing" I shrugged, squeezing the sponge.
"Alexandria"
"That's not my name" I sang with a goofy smile.
Karen snorted, and Silena placed her hands on her hips.
"Spit it out. Now"
Karen and I shared another look.
"Well…"I started, playing with the sponge "You can be a little too much sometimes"
"Too much?" she seemed genuinely confused.
"Yeah. We know you have good intentions, but sometimes, you can come across as…"
"A heartless cunt" finished Karen.
Wow. I wasn't expecting that word to come out of her.
"Language" reprimanded Silena, frowning. She thought about our words for a while "Well, I didn't realize that"
"It's ok. Just try to be more careful around those who don't know you too well"
"Ok...Even if I think they need an emergency makeover?"
"Always be polite about it"
"Alex, I love you, but you look like a fury. Can I please do your makeup?"
Karen snickered.
"She's got a point"
"That's progress, I guess. And, no"
A thunder lit up the sky, and I was thankful for the camp's borders, which kept the rain out.
I tried to muffle a small moan as Luke's lips descended down my throat.
"Someone will see" I complained, deciding that I had to be the one using that little thing called brain.
"No, they won't" said Luke, pressing me flat against his chest and sucking on the junction of my shoulder and neck.
"Luke, stop"
He listened, moving away. His hair was messy and his cheeks were red. I probably looked a little bit like him.
"I'm sorry. I got carried away"
I tried not to smile.
"You would've been sorry if you hadn't stopped"
He laughed.
"I'm sure I would"
I was ready to head to bed when I saw Luke waving from outside my window. I made sure no one had noticed me leaving and we sat there for a few minutes, just talking about nothing and everything.
"Shouldn't you be on patrol?"
It was nice to hear him laugh for a change.
"No. Chiron called it off. Annabeth didn't seem quite happy about it; I think she's talking to him"
We heard a cry, and we both stared in its direction.
I saw two figures heading towards the big house. One of them was screaming.
Without hesitation, Luke and I ran towards the figures.
They both seemed to be wet, which meant they were outside, and one of them was unconscious.
My eyes widened.
"¡GROVER!" I sped up, desperate to check on my friend.
The other figure, which was closer to me, fell, but I caught him before he hit the floor.
So it was a boy.
He was crying, calling for his mother and wet to the core. It broke my heart.
Luke took a hold of Grover, but I barely noticed. I was only aware of the boy in my arms.
"It's ok. It's gonna be ok" I tried to reassure him, but he wasn't listening to me.
I stood up, pulling him with me. He was holding something big and pointy, but I paid it no mind. I needed to get him to Chiron.
I dragged him with me towards the Big House, and he followed as best as he could. He seemed exhausted, but kept on screaming for his mother, blindly looking around him.
We reached the porch of the Big House and I was ready to kick the door open when Annabeth opened it.
"Move your ass"
She did as I told her and I walked in with the boy.
Mr.D got up from his armchair.
"What do you think you're doing, Andrea? Now the floor is covered in mud"
Chiron's head appeared from the kitchen.
"It's him" said the blonde, approaching us.
"Hush, Annabeth. Help Alexandria; take him upstairs."
A/N: This character needs no introduction ;)
I was planning on having this chapter posted on christmas or new year's eve, but for some reason even though I knew what I wanted to happen, I couldn't put it into words.
I'm actually happy for that. Even though it didn't go the way I planned, it has some scenes I would have regretted to not add. I also introduced two characters I was planning on saving up for later, but hey, again, I liked it.
What's more important: did you guys liked it?
I made a small change on the prophecy, what did you think of that?
Let me know everything on the comments.
Thanks a lot for reading! I promise we're getting closer to the good stuff, and a few more questions need to arise before you can find out the truth about Alex *inserts evil laugh*
Have a nice day/afternoon/night :)
PS: Is there any 'The Walking Dead' fans around here? I'm writing a Carl/Oc story, and you're more than welcome to check it out. It's called "La Vie En Rose" and you can find it on my profile.