Again, a bit of free talk, ha! But seriously, thanks to everyone who has reviewed. It's nice getting a bit of feedback! I promise you, there will be a bit more Tratie from now on
"Feels like I'm lost in a moment." - Kasabian, Underdog.
Travis heard a commotion outside, and he, Thalia and Clarisse exchanged a quick look and then scrambled, ears to the door. They knew the Iris/Morpheus dream message was a long shot. They also knew that a ferret beating the basilisk was a long shot. They only hoped it was a long shot that had turned for the best.
"Ah, I see someone sent me an early breakfast," they heard Lamia's familiar, grating hiss spit. They exchanged horrified looks, and listened closer. There was a sickening crunch, and then the sounds of blade on blade contact, as well as the soft whizz of arrows.
"Those are the Hunters," Thalia identified, and no one argued that point. But Travis' stomach flipped as he heard a familiar cry. That had to be Katie.
He hoped to…Well, his father, as well as Thalia's, that she wouldn't do anything stupid. He wasn't there to save her this time.
Then there was a terrible, monstrous, shriek, and the three exchanged hopeful glances. It was silent, and it didn't sound like Lamia was feasting it up. Maybe…Maybe they had succeeded.
The three waited. And waited. They heard the other doors grind open, and they knew they'd be next. They only hoped it was the right people who were finding them.
As the door ground open, dust motes floated every which way. They regarded two girls, and Travis grinned, ear to ear.
/
Travis grinned at her, and Katie felt a sigh of relief escape her body. She launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around him to form a hug that seemed all too intimate for…Well, Travis to be receiving from Katie. He had to admit, it was a welcome change, he thought, as she rested her head somewhere under his chin.
"Dude, Katie. I knew you missed me and all, but this is kinda public…" Travis muttered, almost embarrassed as Clarisse regarded the two with raised eyebrows. But he wasn't completely embarrassed. He was kind of…Kind of happy, he thought, as he wrapped his arms around her waist. He was, admittedly, surprised that she wasn't slapping him silly right now. But he did want to know why a ferret was resting on her shoulder. Maybe he'd ask later. The moment was too nice.
But as he rested his chin on the top of her head, he saw into the circular room, and the still form of his brother. He dropped his arms, and, though slightly reluctant, untangled himself from Katie (who realized Clarisse was smirking at her) and Travis ran, crossing the room in no time, and crouching over his brother.
Katie, Clarisse, Phoebe and Thalia followed. Connor had regained consciousness, thanks to Leanne's healing skills. She muttered a few incantations, and Nico suspected she may have been a daughter of Apollo. He wondered how that worked between Apollo and Artemis.
Connor was awake, but there was no way he was going to be able to go cross-country. Connor smiled at Travis.
"I have never seen you so worried about me. Like, ever," he murmured, weakly. Travis didn't laugh, and Katie couldn't agree more with Connor. Travis' eyebrows were knitted together, and his eyes were wide. His bottom lip was puckered up, and he looked like he was almost about to cry. He was resting his hand on Connor's arm.
"I'm not dead, Travis. I'll be fine," he muttered, weakly, standing up with the assistance of Nico and Travis, "And we should probably get going, before something ugly shows up."
The rest agreed, and they made slow progress outside. The sun was just coming up, and Thalia, Phoebe, Leanne and Christine moaned.
"It seems Apollo has come to give us a ride," Thalia moaned.
/
Sure enough, Apollo had pulled up in the middle of Magic Kingdom.
"Alright, Kiddo?" He asked, and Leanne glared at him. "Oh, come on! I'm your….Ah, I give up. Alright, Thalia?" He tried again, winking. She coloured ever so slightly, but didn't respond. He sighed.
"Gods. My sister really has gotten to you. I give up. Wait, wait…I feel a limerick coming on…"
Now everyone groaned. Everyone had heard of Apollo's poetry skills. Or lack of.
"There once was a god called Apollo, who found these insults hard to swallow…"
"Er, no offense, Lord Apollo," Nico butted in, nipping it in the bud, and Apollo glared at him. Nico didn't look phased. Then again, he never did.
"We kind of have to get back to camp. Like, you know. Pronto."
Apollo sighed. "Oh, fine. That's all I'm good for nowadays, just a taxi service. But I suppose Artemis would murder me if I didn't help her Hunters," he said, gesturing to what used to be the Maserati. It had turned into a minibus, and the Hunters climbed on, moving to the back, as though being around Apollo made them uncomfortable. Nico and Clarisse helped Connor up, and Katie climbed after them, Travis right behind her.
They were sat up near the front, a few rows in front of the Hunters. Clarisse sat somewhere in between the two groups. Travis and Katie were aware of their close proximity, as though they were suddenly very aware of each other. Nico noticed this, and mouthed something like, 'Not your boyfriend?' towards Katie. She flicked him the finger.
"Hey. Hey! I saw that! Now now. Fasten your seatbelts! We've got to beat rush hour…" Apollo said, adjusting the rearview mirror.
Katie totally hoped he was kidding.
He totally wasn't, and Thalia paled as they climbed higher in the sky. Her knuckles were white as she clutched the row in front of her.
A ride on the chariot of the sun was totally exhilarating. Adrenaline flowed through Katie, like this was the best – Or worst – roller coaster ever.
They were at Camp within minutes, however, and Apollo screeched to a clean halt. Katie felt a bit ill, but a bit pumped, too. Apollo ushered them out, with a, 'Ssh. I'm not sure if this is interfering, but either way, I don't want dear old dad smiting me," and they all looked away as the Maserati flew off into the sky.
They were in the middle of the pavilion, and they all headed up towards the big house. Nectar and ambrosia could only do so much, and Connor needed medical attention, not to mention they had a lot to tell Chiron and Mr. D.