Hey everyone! I just want to thank you for reading my story. This is the farthest I have ever pursued a story. And I would've stopped much earlier if it weren't for you guys who review. I love hearing your feedback and ideas! They brighten up my day. I hope you all stay safe and healthy! Happy reading!

Chapter 20: Camilla

I stared at the sign in bewilderment. We were supposed to be at 330 south. The sign seemed to be laughing. It read 1600 east. I blinked a couple times trying to get the numbers to change. With no luck. They stared down at me with cruelty.

My feet hurt. And I was tired of walking. I was thirsty too. But I had to act in control. I was supposed to be leading! I cursed under my breath and muttered a couple rude things to my mother. She was no doubt having fun. Toying with me. I tried to not think about that. I didn't like the idea of being a puppet for her to do whatever she wished. I shivered.

Annabeth spoke first, "Are we supposed to be here?" Her voice had a little edge to it that seemed to say, you have no idea where we are and I know it. Now here I had two choices. One, I could tell the truth and risk much displeasure from the group. Or two, continue down the dirt roads as if I know what I'm doing. Can you guess what one I chose?

"Not to fear! Just a couple more turns and we will be on the highway." I marched on with pride. Inside I was scrambling for a plan. I stared down at my map that told me absolutely nothing. It wouldve been helpful if I was acctually in the Grand Canyon. I saw Percy eyeing me suspiciously.

"Is that a map for the Grand Canyon?" He pointed at the bottom of the map where a large logo of the Grand Canyon mocked me. I swallowed hard.

"Yes, yes. This is indeed a Grand Canyon map. Just found it in my backpack. thought it would be fun to look at while we walk." I gave an awkward smile and buried my face in the pictures of red rock. This is why I work alone! I have never been good with others. I can do conversations. I can stand having a sleepover. But being expected to lead a quest is quite a challenge.

Champion and all. I'm still just like a normal kid.

Kian walked up next to me. "So... Um, I've been wondering. Where are we? Like what state?" I sighed.

"We are in Kentucky. Somewhere in Kentucky." I watched Kian's chin drop. He looked around the fields. Then looked at me with a new respect. "What?" I spread my hands. "Kentucky's nothing special."

His eyes widened. "You shadow traveled us two states away. With a broken arm. You are amazing!" I felt my fae flush.

"Tell me I'm amazing when this is over and I take you to the Bahamas alright?" He looked at me as if trying to tell if I was joking. He seemed surprised that I was serious. I shrugged. "If you pay for the flight to Florida I'll take you there alright?" I smiled at his surprise. It was refreshing to find someone who was unexperienced with shadow travel. I punched his arm with my good hand. "C'mon don't tell me you've never been outside the country."

He shrugged. My eyes widened."No!" This poor child. He had never experienced Italy? China? Japan? This was too much. I grabbed his hand and held it up. He looked in surprise at our intertwined fingers. I saw him blush and my own cheeks followed suit. "Kian David Baker. I swear to the gods that immediately following this quest I will take you on a tour around the world. Because, man! You are missing out!"

He laughed. "Lets see if you keep that promise." Our arms lowered but we didn't let go. Warmth seeped up my arm and I smiled. A couple minutes passed. Then Kian spoke. "How did you know my name?" I smiled knowingly. When he had been in the Apollo cabin he had muttered a lot of things. His name being one of them.

I squeased his hand. "A girl can't give away her secrets." he rolled his eyes. I suddenly came to the realization that we were not walking on dirt anymore. I sent a few prayers up to the gods thanking them for our fortune.

"Behold Demigods! I have found the highway!"

Annabeth looked back and forth. "Which way?"

I was elated. I did have a sense of direction after all! I pointed west. Or what I thought was west. "Westward!" I started marching down the highway. Annabeth cleared her throat.

"Cami? West would be that way." She pointed oppisite of the way I was going. I turned back around.

"Alright. Westward! To the Temple of Night and most likely injury!

And with that we walked bravely into the sunset.

The end!

Me: You can't end the story there Cami.

Cami: Why not? Nothing too bad has happened yet. The readers can go away feeling satisfied.

Me: No, you still have to go to the Temple of Night.

Cami: Oh right! Sorry I forgot.

Me: Uh-huh. Get back to the story.

Cami: Fine. Good luck readers! If I get hurt blame the author! See you next time for more of my-

Me: Goodbye Cami. Sorry this one is short. I wont be able to write for awhile so I just wanted a short chapter out there before I go. You are all awesome! Stay safe , happy weekend!!