Chapter 8
The dream came to Perseus again that night. It came most nights and each night it was just as much a blow to his being as ever. The dream took place the night before he left, the night his life came crashing down around him.
The news of the quest's demise came from Athena herself, her calculating gray eyes were unforgiving as she spoke of the demise of her son and his friends. She spoke only to her children, the cabin black with depression and Annabeth sat head in hands crying. Cold fury slowly began to replace the crushing sadness in her stormy gray eyes.
Perseus sat alone at the Poseidon table, picking at his food; his blue coke sat untouched upon the table. Everyone else sat laughing and joking, all except Athena's table which was devoid of campers.
The brazier in the centre of the pavillion died down dramatically and in its wake Annabeth followed, eyes raw from crying but her murderous expression sent any curious looks scarpering. Her face was screwed up tightly and her nails dug tightly into her palms, so close to drawing blood.
She stamped over to Perseus who sat bewildered at the demon that had posessed his girlfriend. The second she was within range Annabeth threw a vicious punch at Percy's face causing his head to snap to the side and blood to erupt from his nose. Perseud whipped his head back round to meet Annabeth's murderous gaze.
"What the Hades Wise Girl!" Percy cried out but his plead was quickly met by a hard shove from fell to the floor staring at Annaneth in shock.
"What have I done?" Percy once more pleaded.
"MALCOLM'S DEAD BECAUSE OF YOU" Annabeth screamed at him and whispers began to circulate around the crowd that had formed behind Annabeth.
The blood drained from Percy's face as he stared into Annabeth's eyes whishing desperately he'd find anything that could suggest it wasn't so.
"I'm sorry" Percy whispered softly, tears beginning to brim in his eyes.
"You're sorry! YOU'RE SORRY! SORRY WON'T BRING HIM BACK!" She spat out at him, her inner demons in full control.
"All you needed to have done was gone with him, protected him. But no, you were too damn selfish! So many people have died because of you Percy Jackson!" She paused to look at her boyfriend but his head was down and blood dripped steadily from his nose. The slightest flash of guilt registered briefly in her head before the demons once more took over.
"You have so much blood on your hands Percy all you do is get people killed. Bianca, Zoe, Beckendorf, Silena, Ethan, Michael, Luke and so many more." Each name she spoke seemed to be a physical strike against Percy as he flinched as she spoke.
"EVEN YOUR PARENTS AND NOW MALCOLM! YOU'RE A MURDERER! YOU COULD HAVE AT LEAST TRIED BUT YOU WEREN'T GOOD ENOUGH! WHY DO YOU GET TO LIVE AND THEY DON'T!" she screamed at him and then he looked up at her. His nose still dripped blood and he stared unfaltering into her gaze and she stopped, her anger dissipitating.
His emerald eyes that once held so much mirth and happiness were devoid of any such thing. The look he gave Annabeth was so full of pain and anguish that guilt immediately flooded over her. He looked broken, he looked empty and Annabeth was left with that gaze as he left the dining pavillion leaving her dumbstruck and the rest of the camp in shock.
Rain began to fall heavily, pelting the ground with hail despite the Camp's borders and Perseus walked out into the storm. The heavy rain pushing him down and that was the last camp saw of him.
Perseus woke up panting and nearly slipped from his branch in the woodland. Sweat coated every part of him and the overwhelming guilt bore down on him. His emerald eyes still reliving Annabeth's murderous gaze.
The moon gleamed brightly over the city park despite the harsh lights of the city, the only sounds being the distant din of the city and the occasional forest animal.
A flash of silver appeared briefly inbetween the trees and Perseus nearly convinced himself it was a trick of the light. However, his keen eyes caught another glimpse of silver in the woodland and even he was aamazed by his bad luck.
"Hunters" he muttered low under his breath all traces of fatigue gone.
Hiya guys, here's the chapter that finally fully explains Percy's reason for leaving. I'd like some input about how I portrayed Annabeth as I'm not sure if she had reason to be so angry. But I hooe you still enjoy the chapter and any suggestions are more than appreciated. I'd like to thank everyone who takes time to review it means a lot. Thanks :)
