My chorus teacher picked the students auditioning at random, and I went first! Hopefully I got the solo!

No one reviewed… please don't make me quit writing…!

Sorry just had to say those things. I'm very hyper right now soooo… let's see how it affects the story.

I own nothing. I have to add this first part to foreshadow a lot more to come, in this story and in the sequel.

No one's POV

Two silhouettes stood out against the Acropolis and the Parthenon on top. One was sickly pale, and the other supported her without question. There was a look of determination on his face. The longer Nina Martin stared out from the balcony, the more she believed it was her friends seeking refuge away from England. But as she watched, there was still doubt in her mind. She knew it would be hard for them to leave the hospital, but she understood that dreams allowed access. She turned away, unable to bear the thought of another potential death in her life.

In England, Amber Millington fussed over her outfit for the following day. Mara Jaffrey sat on her bed, watching her roommate with an expression of boredom. They both knew Jerome Clark and Alfie Lewis were listening on the other side of the door, waiting for a signal of revenge. Their plans would not be ruined by the pranksters.

If the housemates, whether in Greece or England, knew what was really going on, they would not believe anything else for the rest of their lives. Everything has a mystery beyond comprehension that even the smartest of people cannot solve. A special person might get two or three pieces of the puzzle. Not in this case.

Nina's POV

I admired the ring from inside its box. Fabian and I agreed to hide it there and in my special box at the house until we told our friends. I still couldn't shake the feeling two of them were already here. As much as I wanted to help them, I was going back to America soon. It wasn't forever – I would probably die if it was – but it was long enough to know I couldn't. I looked at the painting hung on the wall above my bed. It looked oddly different since I last looked at it. Almost as if it quite literally changed.

Fabian had gone off to who-knows-where, leaving me in the room alone. I vowed to him not to leave the room whatsoever in order to keep myself safe. Let me tell you, it was very, very boring after a while.

As I stared at the painting, an image suddenly appeared before me. It was no longer just a picture of a forest. Now it had the silhouette of a hawk outlined in the sun. The icicle and snowflake charms around my neck began to glow. I could remember the first time I was in the attic, when the Eye of Horus did the same, back at Anubis. Only this time, the light they gave off wasn't red.

I reached up and lightly touched the talons of the hawk. The picture almost seemed three-D for a moment before being replaced by the old painting of woods without any birds. I gazed at the palm of my hand. Happiness and shock coursed through me.

I went back to the balcony (technically it's not leaving the room) and looked out at the Parthenon again. The ghostly figures were gone along with the feeling my friends needed help. The hawk's claw was safely around my neck with the icicles and snowflakes. I checked the clasp on the necklace just to be sure. It was fine, still secured.

"Nina, you are one crazy girl," Fabian remarked, coming out beside me. "Did you get bored in your hour without me?"

"Considering I wasn't allowed to do anything," I answered jokingly.

He reached into his pocket. "Guess what I found?" I gave him a look that said this is no time for guesses. Just tell me! He chuckled slightly and took out a small charm. It looked like the scales we needed. "I found it in the gift shop. It was in a case behind the counter, but the cashier just gave it to me when she saw me."

I unclipped the necklace and handed it to him. He attached the charm, slipping it back around my neck. I turned to go back inside, but he stopped me by grabbing my wrist. I spun around to face him.

Glancing between me and the Acropolis, he asked, "If you're so bored, why didn't you just watch TV?"

"There was nothing good on to watch," I answered. It was the oldest answer since TVs were first manufactured, but it worked every time. "Besides, I wasn't about to break my promise and leave," I added.

A shriek sounded from somewhere in the forest and sent chills down my spine immediately. I broke out of Fabian's grip, knowing I had to get there fast. Rufus was in the city, and he hadn't threatened us yet. And Joy was still here.

The only protection Athena provided was for me and Fabian. No one else.

Are you wondering what happened? Well, you're going to have to get between 65 and 70 reviews (or more) to find out. I'm not trying to be mean or anything, but it's really sad to see no reviews. How am I supposed to know anyone is reading this, or if I'm just writing for the pleasure of… air? (I couldn't think of a good example… XO) Oh, did I mention the story will be ending soon?