No excuses, I haven't updated. Sorry, but here it is!
Disclaimer - I do not own Percy Jackson and the Olympians, sadly enough.
Ch.7 We Make Camp in the Land of the Living
Okay, another point for Joelle in the amazing wit category.
Arachne turned to face us, "Now, what to do with all of you?"
Grover looked confused. "Nothing? You shouldn't have a problem with us."
Arachne croaked out a laugh. "Do you honestly believe that? You affiliated yourselves with that creature of Athena. Why should I let you be?" The smaller spiders began to crowd around us, forming a sea of black.
"Arachne, your problems with Athena should not transcend to us and our parents. Do you really want Hephaestus and Poseidon after you? You are," I strained to say this, "beautiful and happy so go on with your existence, and leave us alone." I took one inconspicuous step back.
"Yes. You do have a point. Fine, then I will let you be. Come, my children. I'm sure there are other demigods that could use your attention." Arachne left the countryside with her children.
Once she was out of sight, Joelle began clapping her hands mockingly. "Way to go, smooth."
"What is your problem? Percy just saved us! I'm tired of your attitude," Grover said, flailing his arms.
"My attitude?" Joelle asked. "My attitude? I am helping you people out. I will leave you guys right now if that's what you want! This is not what I signed up for, and I hope you realize that. What have you contributed to this quest anyway? I mean besides complaining, whining, and playing those god-awful pipes of yours. I'm tired of your attitude!"
Grover started to whimper softly.
I shot Joelle a dark look. "Grover, bud, she didn't mean that. I'm sure it's just because of the stress. She's not as experienced as we are."
"She's right, though. I am not a help in this quest."
"Yes, but you will be. We need you. Don't give up on me." I put a hand on his shoulder. "We're in this together. And Joelle, we're a team so don't act like your above this quest or like you have something better to do because this is what you signed up for."
"Oh, we're a team? Okay, then who gave you authority to tell me what to do, huh? I am your equal, Mr. Big Three," she shot back.
"I know that!" I yelled back at her. "Joelle, I don't know why your so insecure about who your parents are, but that can't be your excuse for your behavior anymore. Don't you get it? The fate of the world rests on our shoulders and it's not something I'm going to let you screw up! This whole quest is not going to be in jeopardy for the rest of us. If your not ready for this kind of responsibility, leave. At least that would clear up a part of the Delphi's prophecy." I realized that my words were beyond harsh, but she asked for it.
"You think that I'm going to be the one to 'lose hope and give up on our plans'?" she asked sourly. "Let me fill you in, Percy. I am not insecure about my parents. I cannot believe you would even say that! Come down off your high horse already, would you? Grover, I am sorry for flipping on you, but get real. I am not going to change my personality for you. Okay?"
I looked down for a second, then met her eyes. "I'm sorry, Joelle. We just need to set aside our differences and accomplish this quest."
"I agree with Percy," Grover added.
"Fine then. Let's get moving. Sun's about to go down, we need to cover some ground," I said.
Joelle looked at me seriously. "Do you really think that's a good idea?" she asked. "Nico and Annabeth are going to phase back to this spot. Not to mention, they probably won't be back until tomorrow, anyway. Nico will need rest. It takes a lot out of him to phase with another person. Think about it. We should just make camp here in the land of the living because they're probably doing the same in the land of the dead."
"She's right, Percy," Grover agreed. "Let's make camp."
She was right, and I was impressed, not that I would admit to that. "Okay. Let's set up camp right here then."
It didn't take long to set up camp. Joelle surprised me by sitting down next to me when we were finished. "Are you okay?" she asked.
Her question caught me off guard. "Um, yea, I guess. Why do you ask?"
"I know that you and Annabeth are very close, and it must kill you to know that she's down there without knowing all of the details."
"Oh," I said. "I'm not that worried actually. Nico's on his home turf. Besides, Annabeth is capable of taking care of herself." I smiled at her. She really isn't so bad, I thought. "What about you? How're you holding up on your first quest?"
She shrugged. "Eh. I've been better, but I've been worse, too." Joelle stared into my eyes.
"What?" I asked.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Aren't you asking me something already?" I joked and mock-shoved her.
"I'll take that as a yes, then. Do you really think that I'm going to be the one to give up on this quest? I mean if not who do you think will?" She watched her hands as she twiddled her thumbs.
"Well, if you want to be technical," I said as she nodded eagerly, "you already did put up a fight and threaten to leave." I laughed.
"Percy, I'm being serious. Come on, talk to me."
"Okay, well seriously, I don't know," I said. "I don't really know you, but you seem to be strong in your abilities and beliefs. I do know, however, that Annabeth, Grover, Nico, and I have been through a lot. I don't see any of us giving up on this, either."
She nodded in understanding. "I thought you'd say something like that. You just need to know that I won't give up. I refuse to. Simple as-" she stopped short. "Percy," she hissed, "do you hear that?"
I could make out a faint rustling behind us. I noticed Grover was no where to be seen. "Grover?" I asked. "Is that you?" I heard a squeal of pain that could only belong to Grover.
"Percy, Grover is in trouble. That's obvious."
"We need to find something to do to help him with whatever he has gotten himself into. Let's go," I said with determination.
"What about Nico?" she asked cautiously. "And Annabeth? We can't just leave."
"What about Grover, Joelle?" I countered. "You said so yourself, Annabeth and Nico will probably make camp down there. We have all night to save him. We need to go!"
Well, hope you liked it! 10 reviews to update! Thanks again for sticking with me.
