Chapter 11: Annabeth (Idea Time)

As I led Piper to the basement, I wondered what I would teach her. I could teach defence, offence, or even the basics. I decided to just start with defence with a bit of basics. Just in case she didn't actually know how to use the dagger by her side. After settling on that, we were already at the bottom of the staircase. I sensed Piper's mouth gaping at the wonderful sight that was our training room. It was after all, the best room of the building. It must've been a ballroom or something. It had marble floors and columns, large chandelier lights hanging from the ceiling (but they didn't work), and a large beautiful design decorated half the ceiling. I half smiled in Piper's shock. At least it got rid of the nervousness I could feel radiating off of her. I guess it made sense. She was going to be training, with deadly weapons, with someone she hardly even knew. Well, I just had to be sure to be extra careful with her.

"So," I started. "How do you like the training room?"

"I-I think it's wonderful... and beautiful. Worthy of Aphrodite herself... I guess since I'm her now, it's perfectly worthy of me!" Piper exclaimed; a bit nervous at the end. I let out a little chuckle. I admit, it was a little hard to wrap my head around the fact that I was going to be Athena too.

"So anyways, there's a weapon table over there, or you can fight with Katoptris if you want. Today, we're going to learn the basic disarming and possibly slicing... if you're a fast learner." I stated. Piper replied with "I'm just going to use Katoptris if that's okay with you,"

"Yeah, it's fine. I was actually worried you were going to start with a sword and we would've had to call Percy down here." I joked. Piper giggled a little bit. Oh yeah, she was totally becoming Aphrodite, but at least I got a giggle out of her. Maybe she was relaxing.

"Okay, so to start, you can stand at least arms length from me." Piper went to stand in her place as I held out my arm to give an indication. "Now one of the best defences you can do unarmed to avoid any serious injury, is to create some distance between you and your attacker but since we are both armed, The best thing to do is to get close enough to be able to attack." I began explaining. Piper nods solemnly. I shift a bit in the awkward silence , but as I begin to explain more, but there is a wild crashing sound from the floor above. There are screams and the air becomes charged with electricity. There must be an attack. Smoke slowly starts billowing into the room. Piper gasps.

"Piper, don't do that. Try to hold your breath as much as you can... or take short quick breaths in intervals." I instruct. She Nods. I quickly investigate the room, looking for towels or something to cover our faces. I notice that there's a sink, but not a towel or cloth. At least 300 ideas popping into my head every second, I pick one that seems the most reasonable. I motion to Piper, not wanting to take extra breaths of the smoke filled air. I motioned towards the sink and she nodded... again. I walk over to the sink with Piper right behind me. I turn it on and, to my relief, it worked. I quickly took my shirt and drenched as much as I could in the sink. I put my shirt over my mouth and motioned for Piper to do the same. As she did, I formed a plan to get out. As long as it wasn't too big of a fire, We could make it through by just running. But if it was a HUGE fire... I didn't worry about that now. I Told Piper my plan and she agreed. We walked over to the door, and I slowly put my hand on the door. It was hot, but not too hot; I could hold my hand against the door without it burning. I opened the door and I found the fire didn't start until the very top of the stairs. We slowly started up the stairs and, when we were close enough, I could see that there were four people in the room. It looked like three of them were closing in on the other. I took a couple more steps closer, the heat starting to burn my eyes. But it didn't stop my eyes from seeing Percy, Jason, and Nico cornering another person; all of them surrounded by their elements. Even the new guy (who obviously started the fire) was surrounded by fire. I had no idea who he was, but apparently Piper did. Because She headed into the fire without a second thought.

A.N:

I'm Back! I should hopefully update every week (probably Sundays). I'll try to make these chapters longer, but it might not happen. I just really wanted to get this one out because I know some people have been waiting for this for a while now. I've also started a story called Suicide Mission -ABORTED- on Fiction Press, so be sure to check that out! Have a Great Summer Guys!

XOXO

~Awesomepants2000