The Start of the Beginning:
Two days passed in Arizona City without any real problems. After the incident on the interstate, Chiron had mentioned that even if the police officials don't realize the crash was Greek-related, the Program would. So for the past two days, one centaur, a satyr and four half bloods had been living in a three bedroom apartment, with only one bathroom. If you add all that up, it equals Chinese takeout every night, and one very ** off Thalia.
"Are you sure you're not PMSing?" asked an extremely gutsy Nico. Well, either extremely gutsy or extremely ignorant. You don't talk about female issues with a hunter, especially a temperamental hunter who happens to be the daughter of Zeus and your cousin.
"Are you sure you're not high?" Thalia spat back at him, venom laced in her voice. Lately, the two of them had really been going at it. Nico with his childish, but clever comments that he said just to ** off Thalia and watch her blow up on him, and Thalia, with her more authoritative and a little more complicated comebacks that are only really effective when she adds her famous death glare. One would think that after four years of having Thalia around, one would get use to her glares, but the famous shut-the-hell-up glares could still send shivers down Nico's spine.
As if on cue, Thalia took one look at Nico with her electric blue eyes that honestly seemed to have sparks flying out and Nico got the hint to shut up.
Next to me, Grover stifled a laugh. I turned to talk to my best friend. For the past two years after the war, Grover had been constantly busy. Whether it was finding the new half bloods and escorting them to camp, or dealing with the conservation movements the satyrs and wood nymphs want to perform, he never seemed to have any free time to catch up or even just hang out. I don't blame him or anything, of course. Actually, I'm kinda proud about all the work he's doing and what he'd been able to accomplish. After all, he is my best friend. It's just been far too long since we really talked, and last time I'd heard he was thinking of getting serious with Juniper, his tree nymph girlfriend.
"G-man, how have things been lately?" I asked as I watched him nibble on the Styrofoam box of Sandra's sweet and sour chicken.
He ran a hand through his curly brown mess some would call hair. His horns had gotten much bigger, so he was forced to grow his hair out. He still wore a hat, now that he's upgraded to a beanie.
"Good. Well, as good as things can be right now." He sighed. "I haven't seen Juniper in a month, man. I mean, I talk to her through Iris Messages and all, but, it's just not the same."
I didn't know how to respond to that. I've never been the best with girl problems. Normally, I'm the one who's complaining to Grover.
"Is she still at camp?"
"Yeah. I've been trying to find a way and place to move her, but the whole process is risky and, well, she's happy there." I didn't need an empathy link with him to see how beat up he was about this. He's been head over heels for Juniper for years now, and I know firsthand how much it sucks to not be able to see the person who means the most to you.
"Did you ever pop the big question?"
At that he looked up at me and laughed. "You're really not all that tactful, are you?"
A smile spread on my face, "Nope. Never have been, and never will be."
Grover shook his head. "Nah, I never actually go the chance. But I did tell her that when things were safe again, I'd come back and that would be it. I would marry her and things would be perfect." He sighed. "I just don't see that time coming anytime soon."
I was about to respond with something really smart, like, "It will" or, "Don't worry so much" when Sandra's intercom rang.
"Sandra Martin," said a very official sounding voice. Everyone froze. "We know you are up there and we know you are housing half bloods. Half bloods who are very powerful and dangerous. You will escort all three half bloods down, and your life may be spared if you work with us willingly."
"Damn!" whispered Sandra. "You all have to get out of here! They can't get you."
"What about you?" asked Chiron, anxiety creasing his brow. "How do you plan to escape?"
Sandra ignored him. "Climb out the fire escape and when you reach the third floor—"
"Everyone on the couch NOW!" whisper-yelled Nico. At the skeptical looks everyone gave him he rolled his eyes and said, "Just trust me, guys."
"You have ten seconds to come outside before we come in and restrain you all." The man's voice reverberated through the room.
"Sandra. Is there any place with water around here, like a lake or a river?" asked Nico.
"No. Why? How is water going to help us?" she replied, exasperated.
"Both of you shut it, and Nico, get us out of here!" yelled Thalia.
When the Program officers broke through the door, they got the pleasure of seeing six people crammed onto a four person couch. They raised their tasers, preparing to shoot. The next second, they were looking at an empty living room and those six people were looking at a crowded pier.
Hey everyone. Im am terribly sorry about not updating for a very,very long time. School has been crazy and things just calmed down anough to write, edit and post. This chapter is really just a filler, not very good, the next one, I promice you will be out by the end of the month, and trust me, it is worth the wait! So please forgive me for the wait, I know bad me, and please read this chapter and look for the next one. Im really, really excited about chapter 8, its the start of all the action and we really get into the story!
Please forgive me, keep reading and Review:)
Thanks
