I'm supposed to be reviewing for my midterm exams, but instead, here I am updating. Yey me!
It took me awhile to get this chapter ready. Sorry if it took this long. Anyway, thank you for the reviews and thank you for reading. You guys are awesome!
Long wait = Long chapter. Now, I present to you chapter 8.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything.
Chapter 8: Partners in Crime.
"So, where exactly are we?"
"Somewhere south of Illinois," Thalia answered. It made me wonder how she was aware of that, but I didn't dare ask. She probably already knew her way around the country from running away and being a hunter.
"We should head to-" I stopped as I heard someone call me.
"Percy!"
"Uh, Percy? You okay?" Thalia asked with concern on her face. They weren't aware of the voice.
I put my finger in front of them and closed my eyes. I tried to tap my empathy link with Grover. "Grover?"
"Percy!"
There it was again, but it sounded like it came from the woods. I glanced at Thalia and Nico as their eyes widened. It did come from the woods!
I turned around in time to see Grover clopping towards us. "Perrrcy!" he bleated.
He looked just like the last time I saw him in my dream. He was a lot more furry. I would've told him to shave, but I didn't want to hurt his feelings. Besides, being a satyr, it is in their nature to appear goatly.
"Hey, G-man," I said, patting his back as he gave me a bear hug. Or a goat hug?
When he finally pulled away from me, he gave Thalia and Nico their own hugs. Thalia didn't mind. He was a close friend and a satyr, so I guess it didn't go against the being-a-hunter thing. Nico though, made gagging faces like he was about to puke. But he returned the gesture anyway.
After the greetings, we sat down on the grass as Grover started to complain how there were no good enchiladas in the wilderness. "They taste like trash!" he complained. It was no surprise that he knew what trash taste like.
We told him what we've gone through so far, and he informed us about his trips going back and forth from the wilderness and Camp Half-Blood.
"How did you find us anyway?" I asked.
"I felt our empathy link tingle a few hours ago, so I tried to contact you. But you were so out cold, not to mention too busy with your dream of Annabeth," he beamed. I didn't remember dreaming about Annabeth, but I felt my cheeks burn as they all grinned at me.
"As I was saying," he continued, still unable to hide his glee, "I was aware of your surroundings. Ever since Pan's death, I knew my way around the wild. So, I came to look for you."
"Well, now that you're here, we better get moving. I'll just send Chiron an IM. Can you do the tracking spell for the mean time?" I asked and he nodded.
I grabbed a bottle of water and a golden drachma from my backpack, and walked a few feet into the woods where it was still a bit of foggy. I sprinkled some water in the air and willed it to conjure a mist. "Iris, O Goddess of the Rainbow, accept my offering." I tossed the drachma into the mist and it vanished. "Chiron. Camp Half-Blood." The mist shimmered and showed an image of a centaur slowly striding around his room while humming the song his boombox was playing, something that sounded like Sammy Davis, Jr.
"Chiron," I called.
He turned to face me and smiled, "Hello, Percy. I'm glad to finally hear from you. How's your journey so far?"
I let him know that we've finally met up with Grover. It has only been a day, so I skipped the details and told him about our encounter with Laelaps. His smile slowly faded as I explained to him that he had red eyes.
"Percy, you should take caution. You know the story of Laelaps," he said.
"He never fails to catch his target," I finished.
"Yes," he nodded. "Laelaps is only loyal to his master, which is Artemis, or to whomever he is bestowed upon. Like what Thalia has told you, he is supposed to have silver eyes. The red eyes must mean that he is being possessed or controlled by someone."
"Krios," I muttered.
He shook his head, "We are not sure of that, my boy. But it is apparent that Laelaps' sudden appearance is not a coincidence."
I nodded. "I'll see you soon, Chiron. And thanks." He smiled as the vision shimmered and faded.
I went back to the others. They were lying on the ground, heavily laughing. When they finally noticed me, they stopped and pursed their lips, trying to hold their laugh.
"What's so funny?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. They all looked down, still trying hard not to laugh. It was evident that they didn't want to tell me, and I knew that it was something about me. They always talk behind my back, or more like laugh behind my back. Backstabbers.
I ignored it and sat down next to them. "So, what did the acorns say?" I asked, turning to Grover, who was still trying not to burst out laughing.
After a few moments, he finally composed himself and answered, "Well, we were discussing what the acorns meant when Nico mentioned that you-"
"What?" Nico answered hastily. "But you were the one who started it! You told us about that time when Percy-" he paused as they both looked at me hesitantly while Thalia tried not to laugh. I rolled my eyes.
"Uhm, never mind. Anyway, here we are," Grover said, quickly pointing to a group of acorns. "And here is where we're supposed to go," he continued, pointing to an acorn far from the others.
"Where exactly is here?" Thalia asked.
Grover pointed to a trail leading towards the woods. "I passed by a small town there. That's where the acorn is telling us to go."
"It's not anything like Talos, right?" I asked, then suddenly realizing that I shouldn't have brought it up. We had a very unfortunate encounter with Talos, a defective model at that, a few years ago. I glanced at Nico as he stared down, his face paling. We lost Bianca, his sister, during that time.
I turned back to Grover as he shook his head. "No. I can sense if it is a threat or not. That something," he said, pointing at the acorn, "is waiting for us."
"What do you mean waiting for us?" Nico asked aggrievedly.
"I'm not really sure. It's some kind of gift, I think," Grover answered.
"Well, there's only one way to find out," I said, standing up." Let's go."
Grover led us deep into the forest, following the narrow trail he used to find us. I inhaled the humid air and looked ahead, watching the sun rise. I could feel the warm wind whistling through the woods as Apollo drove his fiery chariot- old-fashioned term for his Maserati- across the sky.
We were running deep in the forest as arrows flew pass us.
"Here!" Annabeth said, grabbing my arm and dragging me behind a bush.
We sat down trying to catch our breath. "I think we've lost them," I said, breathing heavily.
"Sshh!" she hissed, putting her finger on my lips. The bush behind us rustled as few of the campers passed by.
"Where are they?" Will Solace from the Apollo cabin asked.
"I don't know. Let's just keep going. They couldn't have gone that far yet," Travis Stoll answered.
"I couldn't believe those two! Pulling a prank against the worst masterminds!" Connor Stoll complained.
"Uhm, worst?" Will asked.
"Yeah. You know, like evil scientist. Evil is bad, then after bad is worse, then after worse is worst. So, we're the worst scientists! I mean, worst masterminds!" Connor answered. I put my hand on my mouth to hold my laugh. I glanced at Annabeth who was doing the same.
"Ugh! Just shut up!" Travis groaned.
"Come on, you two," Will said. I swear I could feel Will roll his eyes.
We waited for a few moments as the sound of steps died down. I peered through the bush we were staying in to make sure they were out of sight.
"They're gone," I whispered. I looked at Annabeth who was smiling playfully. We burst out laughing.
"I told you it would work," I said in between laughs.
"Of course it would! I did everything," she replied.
"Hey! I was the one who got the fart arrows! You don't even have any idea how hard it is to bribe Thalia to give those. We're partners in crime. At least give me credit," I complained.
"Then, technically, Thalia is my partner in crime and you were just the envoy."
"Do envoys bribe?" I asked.
"Actually, they do," she huffed as a matter-of-fact-ly.
"Whatever, Wise Girl," I grumbled. She stood up and gestured me to follow. I turned my gaze on her shoes, pouting.
She frowned. "Stop being a baby."
I kept silent staring at the ground.
She sighed, "You'll always be my partner in crime, you know that."
"Wow. You just told me I know something. Are you trying to be sweet?" I smirked. She rolled her eyes.
"Shut up. I'm just giving you credit like you wanted. Now, come on. Before they get back," she said, reaching out her hand.
"They will eventually find us at camp. Why not stay here for awhile," I answered.
She raised her eyebrow, "What do you have in mind?"
I looked up at her and grinned. I grabbed her hand and pulled her onto me. Her face was a few inches from mine. She flustered. "Seaweed Bra-" But before she could finish, I pressed my lips against hers.
"You talk too much," I said. She curled her hands around my neck and returned the kiss. We wrestled for awhile, getting tangled with the bushes. I pinned her down as she laughed. She smiled and pulled my head closer to hers. I was about to kiss her when the bushes near us rustled as Will, Travis, and Connor jumped out.
"Gotcha! Now, we're-" Will stopped when he noticed me on top of Annabeth. I stood up hastily as I felt my cheeks heat up.
"We were just... uh, we-" I stuttered as the three of them smirked at us.
"Uh-huh," Connor said, grinning mischievously.
"We'll wait for you at camp," Travis grinned, and they left us blushing like tomatoes. I glanced back at Annabeth as she put her head on her hands.
"Ow!" I groaned, rubbing my temples. Thalia and Nico just looked at me quizzically while Grover smiled teasingly. I guess he knew what I was daydreaming about.
"Why were you hugging that tree?" Thalia asked, slightly amused.
"Uh, just thinking," I answered.
"Yeah, right," Nico smirked.
"Actually," Grover started. I shot him a death glare and he grinned. "We should keep moving. We're almost there," he finished.
We finally reached a clearing, and went on top of a hill to get a view of the town. It was like looking over at camp from Half-Blood Hill. There were a few houses scattered from block to block. The largest building, which appeared to be an inn, was by the edge of town. And near it is a long river, hugging the borders of the land.
"Wow. It really is-" Nico started.
"Small?" I finished.
"Actually, I was going for puny," he stated.
"Look who's talking," Thalia said sarcastically.
Grover laughed as Nico scowled, trying to think of a comeback, "Well, you... you're-"
"Come on, guys. Let's just get this over with. Whatever is waiting for us, it won't be hard to find," I said, cutting him off. "Grover, any monsters?"
He shook his head. "There's nothing within miles from this town. The place is completely secluded."
"Then, let's get started," I said walking down the hill.
We walked across a few blocks, passing a couple of people greeting us and asking if we were new in town. We tried to look normal as others stared at us. I couldn't blame them. Four wanderers appearing out of nowhere is very strange. We reached a small store in the middle of town and stopped.
"Well, this is boring," Nico mumbled.
I sighed. "There's nothing out of the ordinary here. It's just a simple and peaceful town. Are you sure this is where we're supposed to be?" I asked turning to Grover.
"Percy, the acorns don't lie" he answered softly. He looked a little offended.
I sighed. What's wrong with me? I have to stop sighing. I mentally sighed. Now, that's just plain weird. "I'm sorry. I'm just a little stressed out. We still don't have any clue where we're supposed to be going, and now we don't have any idea on what to do next," I said, throwing my hands in exasperation.
"It's okay. I can feel your emotions, remember?" he smiled.
"If you guys will just keep talking, I'll check out the store for awhile and ask," Thalia said irritatingly, storming across the street and into the store. I understood how it felt to be restless. Half-Bloods have attention deficit problems making us feel uneasy when we couldn't stand just waiting around.
I turned to Nico who was looking at me pleadingly. I nodded and he ran across the street, following Thalia.
I flopped down on the grass and looked up at the sky. Grover sat down next to me and we sat in silence. After a few minutes, he patted my shoulder. "You worry too much. We'll find her, Perce."
"I know. It's just," I sighed as I started fiddling with my fingers, "I feel guilty. This is all my fault. It's me they want, and now they're using Annabeth as a bait."
Grover looked at me sympathetically. He was about to say something when Thalia and Nico came back. "Here," Thalia said, handing me a muffin.
"Blueberry?" I asked before taking a bite. She smiled and nodded. As I took a bite, I could feel all my worries disappear. It tasted so good. But after munching the muffin, all my thoughts came flooding back.
"So, what did you find out?" I asked as I licked my fingers.
"The cashier told us there's nothing really special in this town except for that old inn," she answered, pointing towards the inn near the river. "But he did give us a map," she said handing me the map. I looked at the map and my brain started to fizzle. Just looking at it made my head hurt, what more if I tried to analyze it. So I did the most noble thing, I handed it to Grover.
I stood up and brushed my pants. "Let's just check the inn before leaving," I said.
The inn was called The Grand Rose Hotel. It looked like it has been newly renovated, but its description that was posted in the front lawn said it was built during the 1800's. It's a two-story brick structure painted ivory white. It has a veranda that overlooks the river, and by the river banks was a small gazebo. It looked amazing for a 19th century architecture. Annabeth would've loved contemplating the view, but she was not here with us. The thought made my heart twist.
"It's beautiful," Thalia gasped. Nico and Grover nodded in agreement.
"Yeah," I mumbled. I ignored their comments. It just made my heart clench as it kept reminding me of Annabeth. I gazed at the view of the river instead. It was silent and very still, but it didn't help calm me down.
The other three were busy regarding the historic site, so I left them and strolled around. As I reached the center of the lawn, something caught my attention. An old olive tree was standing alone in the middle of a grove. It had an owl perched on one of its branches, who was regarding me viciously with both of its eyes. I approached the tree and noticed for the first time that there was an old gray ranch truck parked behind it. Olive tree, owl, gray. I sighed. Athena.
She didn't need to go all through that trouble just to give me a sign. I guess she really thinks I'm that hopeless.
I went to check the driver's side of the truck and noticed the key inserted in the ignition. The fuel gauge was indicating that the tank was full.
"Thank you," I whispered. I started the engine and the truck growled to life. I adjusted the side and rear view mirrors. Brake. Check. Shift gear. Check. Headlights. Check. Wipers. Check and check. I didn't really need to check those. I just felt like it.
I drove the truck back to the others. They were still busy mulling over the site when I came back. I honked the horn and they all jumped in surprise. Their eyes widened when they noticed me on the driver's seat. I stepped out of the truck and grinned as they hastily approached.
"What? Where? How?" All three of them asked simultaneously. I told them about how I came across the olive tree, the owl, and this truck when I was wandering about the place.
"Well, what are we waiting for! Let's go. I'll drive," Thalia said excitedly.
"Woah, woah, woah. I'm driving," I said, grabbing her by the shoulder. She turned around and gave me a death glare. Uh-oh. Bad idea.
She snarled at me. "I'm older than you."
"No. I'm already sixteen and about to turn seventeen. You're still fifteen and a day away from turning sixteen. Forever," I smirked, emphasizing every word, especially "Forever".
"I've lived longer than you!" she yelled at me, her face a few inches away from mine.
I was about to answer when Grover stepped in between us. "If we're talking about how many years we've lived, then I'll drive!" he said, punching the air.
"What?" Thalia and I asked both at the same time.
"I've lived more than thirty years!" he said gleefully, like he has won the argument.
"Guys!" Nico shouted.
We all turned on him, waiting for what he has to say. "I'm driving," he grinned. We stared at him, surprised on what he said. "Hey, I've lived longer than all of you combined. I'm actually more than eighty years old," he shrugged.
The argument on who's going to drive kept going on and on, until I finally had enough. I inwardly groaned. It's pointless arguing about this when we're supposed to be out on the road already.
"Stop! Who has a license?" I asked aggravated.
"Who needs a license when the road is deserted!" Thalia screamed.
"Then, uh, who has the most experience driving?"
"I do!" Nico answered hastily. I rolled my eyes. Yeah, right.
"No, bad question. Uhm," I paused thinking of what to ask. Then it hit me. I smiled smugly, "To whom do you think Athena gave the gift to?"
They all went silent. They looked down and their shoulders slumped in defeat. I smirked. I win. "Let's go," I said, getting in the truck. Grover took shotgun while Thalia and Nico got on the pickup bed. I drove following the deserted road while Grover navigated with the map.
"So, you haven't told me yet why we are going to Kansas," Grover said conversationally. I explained to him my dream like I did with Thalia and Nico. He nodded and we drove in silence for the rest of the way, except for the occasional sounds coming from the smack on Nico's head (I assume it's his head), Nico groaning, and Grover munching tin cans.
We've reached St. Louis by dusk, and we stopped by a Shell gasoline station for a pit stop. Grover, Thalia, and Nico checked the convenience store while I stayed to refill the fuel tank. I leaned my back on the truck, waiting for the others, and glanced around. Neon signs across the street started to light up as twilight came. Cars were bustling along the streets, and a few people were walking around the avenue.
I took my attention back to the the pump handle as it made a clicking sound. I was about to check on the others when they came barging out of the store. I gave them a questioning look, but all they did was point behind me. Before I could look, I heard someone hissing. I turned around to see that it was not someone, but a something. A hydra, with six heads, to be more precise. It was slowly crawling towards us, crossing the street.
I drew out Riptide just as the others stood next to me. "Who has a lighter?" I asked.
"Are you crazy!?" Thalia roared.
"Uh, yeah?" I answered foolishly.
She rolled her eyes. "We can't use a lighter here. We'll blow up the gasoline station," she articulated with hand gestures making an exploding motion.
"Right. So, what are we supposed to do?"
"Watch this," she ordered as she drew an arrow out of her quiver and notched it on her bow. At first, the arrow looked very ordinary. But as Thalia prepared to shoot, the tip started to glow green.
We watched as the arrow glowed brightly, flying and hitting the hydra right where its necks connected. Starting from where the arrow landed, the hydra started to burn and soon melted into a green gooey slime that instantly evaporated, the way monsters do when they die.
Thalia smirked as our jaws dropped. "Now, that's how you do it," she said proudly.
I was the first one to recover from amazement. "What was that?" I asked as I placed the cap on Riptide, and put it back in my pocket.
"TIGF arrow," she answered matter-of-fact-ly, like I even had an idea what she was talking about.
I was about to ask her what it stood for, but instead I said something stupid. "Don't you mean TGIF?"
"Thank God it's Friday?" Nico asked.
"Gods," Grover corrected and Nico nodded.
"No, you dimwits," Thalia glowered. "TIGF. Thermal Incindiary Greek Fire. Arrows that cause Greek fire upon impact."
"Awesome!" Nico said exhilarated.
"I'll get one of those next time," I said.
"Sure. Hundred drachmas," she stated.
"What? I thought fifty was our deal."
"Those were fart arrows!"
"Whatever. How did you get them anyway?" I asked.
"Ever since I took over as lieutenant of the hunters, I convinced Artemis to improve our equipments. I respect Zoe and all, but she never did anything to get with the times, you know. We can't remain ancient forever, so we made a few upgrades."
"Like what?" Nico asked.
She grinned. "You'll find out when we have another friendly capture the flag."
I rolled my eyes."Can't wait," I muttered. I turned to Grover. "Didn't you sense the hydra before?" I asked.
He looked down and shook his head. "No. It's like, it just suddenly appeared out of nowhere."
I didn't need the ability of reading emotions to know that he was blaming himself. I put my hand on his shoulder for him to look up. I gave him an encouraging look and he smiled.
"Well, now that that's over, we better get moving. Thalia you take the wheel. I need some nap," I declared. My invulnerability is really taking a toll on me.
"Hey, why does she get to drive," Nico complained. I was too tired to pay him any attention, so I grabbed him by the arm and dragged him onto the pickup bed, where I laid down and slept.
For the second time, I had a dreamless sleep. I drifted into unconsciousness, where all I could feel was the cold darkness and eerie gloom.
"Percy!" Nico yelled in my ear, again.
I groaned and tried to hit him, again. But this time he was prepared. He jerked backward as my hand flew pass his face. He laughed while I glared at him. I was ready to jump him when I noticed that we have stopped. I looked around. It was still very dark and there was no light for miles.
"Why did we stop?" I asked, postponing my motive of hitting him again.
His smile faded. "You should see this," he said, signaling me to follow.
We jumped out of the pickup bed, and stood beside Grover and Thalia who were standing in front of the truck. The headlights were turned on brightly. I tried to focus on the direction of the light was beaming at, but my eyesight was still a little blurry.
"What's wrong?" I asked, rubbing my eyes. They didn't answer, instead they kept their gaze on whatever they were looking at. I tried to focus again as things started to appear more clearly.
I stood straight when I finally caught sight of what was in front of us. A small town, or what is left of it. Half-demolished buildings stood from block to block, ashes from scorched houses were being carried by the wind, metal scraps and pieces of wood were scattered everywhere, a water tank was laid down on the street, and the most disturbing of all, there were huge craters on the ground. It looked like a meteor shower took place here months ago, and no one out of town was aware of it. The only thing that stood unharmed was the welcome sign a few feet away from us. I tried to read it but I couldn't make out the words.
I pointed at it and asked Grover, "What does it say?"
"Welcome to Smallville."
AN: The next chapter is already prepared. I'd probably put it up later tonight or early tomorrow.
Anyway, a few notes. Sammy Davis Jr., the one I refered to that Chiron is listening to, is a member of the Rat Pack. If you remember, Rick has used Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin already, who are both part of the same group. Don't ask me how I know. I just do. I'm not old! And I'm not paranoid!
Another one, Smallville is a fictional town/city in Kansas. It is the place where Superman/Clark Kent grew up. This will not turn out as a crossover. And no, Superman will not make an appearance. Explanation on why I used it will be on the next chapter. No, I'm not a comic geek! I just know these stuffs, okay?
Well, that's it. The next chapter will be up shortly. If I don't foget. LOL.
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