It has been literal hours since Percy even started! All the other campers have already finished and it's almost dinner time for Pete's sake! What the Hades is Percy made of? I know we demigods have higher endurance, but this is getting ridiculous. The only people still here are myself and Grover of course, as well as the Quintus fella and his big dog; Mrs. O'Leary as I have been told. Percy must have really tuckered her out because she is dead asleep. I swear he hasn't even noticed our stay.
That doesn't sound so bad actually, the sleeping part, not the whole dead thing. I started yawning and by the gods just watching Percy rinse and repeat his movements is enough to make anyone tired. Yet in all of that repetitiveness, I have not witnessed him slowing down even the slightest bit. In fact, I think he's gotten faster. Oh my gods just when is he going to stop? If I knew it would take this long... I don't know actually, but gods know I wouldn't be sitting here until my ass turned numb.
"It's quite mesmerizing, wouldn't you agree?" I nearly jumped out of my seat if I wasn't numb in my lower half. 'Ooooo, pins and needles!' I began rubbing my legs to get the feeling out as I looked up and saw the new old guy standing next to me looking at Percy. I didn't even hear him close the distance, he is good. Or creepy.
"It's definitely something, that's for sure." I scoffed.
He is so much bigger than I thought. "Then I take it you are not a fan?" Quintus sounded amused. I don't see what is so amusing about it. Percy is weird and that is me putting it very lightly. I just don't know if he got any more or less weird since last time. My guess is more.
"He's good, he's actually very good, I'd even go so far as to say he's the best I've seen." Yea, high praise, I get it, whatever.
Mr. Quintus sat beside me, "But?" At least he can pick up subtle queues. So socially adept at least... I swear there is something about his name like I know it but, I don't.
If he is here then Chiron must be alright with it. So I guess I can say, "I thought he wanted normal yet, here is he doing so much that makes him abnormal; like he says one thing but, does something else. I don't get it." I get part of it, he doesn't want more tragedies to occur so he trains to become stronger. That I get, however, it looks like there is something more driving him. I wish I knew what.
"Well is he a selfish person?" If he asked a year ago, I'd say no. Now?
"I'm not sure anymore." I sighed. And that is the honest truth. Kati told me to watch and then judge but, so far I haven't seen anything to sway me either way. Maybe I'm just looking at it wrong.
This old guy stood up. Okay weirdo, sit by me, talk a little then stand up? Does he have joint pains? "Then I can't say I'd be much help considering even the Annabeth Chase finds this boy an enigma." I immediately put my guard up. I know I didn't tell him my name.
"How do you know who I am?" I mean he is a leader, or trainer, or something here so it is not too big a surprise. But it's not like I trust the old-timer. Nor his monster pet.
He is walking away. Great! Now, where is he going? "Quite a few stories are circulating about one of Athena's brightest children. I'm looking forward to hearing your tale." I swear that didn't make me blush. Don't listen to Grover because he'll tell you differently. I know he is baiting me to go with him. I'm not stupid.
I pointed behind me, "Wait! What about?-"
The bastard cut me off! "It's getting late dear and I must say I'm getting famished. And yourself?" Nope, definitely not. Forget what I said earlier. I am not hungry and there is no way I am leaving here. *Intense stomach growls* 'Shut up stomach.' "Percy will be fine. You can catch up with him afterward, he's normally still at it anyway." Now he is actually leaving me behind!
"He's right." Grover agreed. Damn it!
I am not doing this because I'm hungry. I jogged along with Grover leaving my friend behind with a monster Hellhound. "Fine." I looked over my shoulder seeing that Percy's tempo is, all the same, I doubt he even noticed that we left. Percy is probably still living in his head. And what exactly did the other counselors mean his actions were nostalgic? So far I haven't seen much of the old Percy... Except for a small smile.
If anything he is just more intense. It's not like I can get all the answers right away anyway so, I might as well go and learn what I can, while I can with Mr. Quintus here.
()
Dinner was actually a lot more enjoyable than I thought it would be but, something completely slipped my mind; we're not allowed to seat with people from other tables! Quintus that lying bastard tricked me! But still, I got to hang out and eat a good filling meal with my friends and cabin mates. Honestly, it is great to come back and that see things are not falling apart. I was sort of expecting mayhem.
Now that that is finished I can go and ask Percy what needs to be asked.
"How much time has Percy spent training?" I asked out of the blue as we walked back.
Grover just looked at me for a second then shrugged, "Most of the time. I've never seen him eat nor take a real break." That's... odd. I don't care how strong a mortal is physically, they will always need sustenance to maintain it. That is just a fact.
Maybe Grover means something else? Like exaggeration. "What do you mean?"
"He trains nonstop and his so-called breaks are just pointers to the others in the arena. Though he is kind about it and never hogs the grounds at all." How can he maintain that? That should be absolutely impossible!
"Do you know why?"
"Nope. Not a clue." Grover brushed it off with no problem, not even a hint of worry in his voice. "Though if I had to guess, I think he is passing time."
"Why do you say that?"
"He's always on the lookout. Percy either glances at the woods or even the border of camp constantly." That sounds like he is waiting for an ambush. Okay now, this is a very concerning matter. 'Calm down, calm down Annabeth. Maybe he is just waiting for someone. You don't have to jump to the worst-case scenario.' However, it is best to be prepared than surprised. "Then there was that one time." He mumbled.
I pushed him to continue, "Well come on."
Grover took a second to think about it. By now I can see the arena, though something isn't quite right. "Percy went missing for a whole day and a half so we naturally thought he finally had it and slipped away." Oh my gods! This isn't helping put my mind at ease whatsoever! "We were about to search for him, but then he crawls out of the forest in a panic." "I mean the dude had eyes the size of dinner plates and his head bounced around like he was looking for someone. It was weird."
"Then what?" I'm not ashamed to admit that I want to know everything.
"Percy found and grabbed Silena then ran off. Apparently, her words not mine, Percy thought he missed his chance."
"Chance at what?" The more I think I know, the more clueless I seem to become. It's irritating.
"I dunno. And that's all she said he said. She looked as clueless as the rest of us." Ugh, I wish things were simple once again.
We chose to enjoy the silence after that moment. If nothing else, it was a good time to simply enjoy the presence of a great friend. I may have taken it for granted once upon a time but, who knows when I'll get the chance to do this again. As we walked I noticed the sweet aroma of the strawberry field in the distance, as well as the melody of crickets chirping all around. Even the wind sounded peaceful.
It feels bizarre if I'm being honest. In spite of the knowledge of a war brewing in its final stages, it feels tranquil, almost fake. I guess I can chalk that up to fear, not that I'm afraid or anything. It's just... I can't help but think of when it will end. I don't like thinking like that.
It's quiet, only ambient sounds mashing with the steady breathing of Grover and I... That doesn't sound right. There should be more, there should be a heavy sound that pierces the night. One of distinction. A sound so clearly marked by clashing, it was enough to call citizens into a colosseum with roaring applause. Yet, there isn't so much a peep.
However, the realization came too late.
As soon as my eyes could see, they saw the place lacking. I started shouting in anger, "HE'S GONE!" My eyes swept the entire arena; nothing. How is this possible? "Grover! I thought you said he'd stay here!" I don't have time for this nonsense now! Why can't something go normal for once?
"He usually is! Percy, Quintus, and Mrs. O'Leary usually continue training themselves after everyone has already gone. I'm just as shocked as you are! If not more!" Grover, poor guy, looked completely troubled. I trust Grover completely. If he says something isn't normal then I believe him.
That sneaky old coot did trick us. "Sorry, Grover. I didn't mean to yell." I tried to apologize. I didn't mean to face my anger at him. It was meant for someone else but, that is still no excuse.
"It's fine." I feel bad for him. Not out of pity, just circumstances. He is the luckiest or unluckiest Satyr out there.
I don't intend to spend all night looking for Percy. I think it is pointless. Plus I don't have my cap on me. "Come on bud, let's get some rest. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow."
"We do?"
I smiled, "Oh most definitely." I should get some sleep before tomorrow.
As a daughter of Athena, it is my duty to hold knowledge. Yet, knowledge comes in many forms. I must know all of them. I am wise, I know that I am, but foolish if I trust one who has already shown themselves untrustworthy. Though I am not sure on which side Percy stands on. Is he one that I can depend on? I know he is loyal, I've witnessed it, but for the life of me, I cannot fully understand what he is loyal to. Us? Or his own happiness? Or perhaps the mission? Should a "second chance" be granted? I must remember that the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, and have a backup plan for their failure. Those vulnerable to the dark side I forgive without their ever asking, even if they have no need for my grace, but my guard stays up from that point onwards. I know how I feel about Luke... I can see Percy's eyes teetering the line... I must love myself first and enough to afford self-protection and know the difference between being kind and naïve; paranoid and cautious; blind and stupid. I need to be sure.
These thoughts weighed heavily on my mind as I laid down for an early night. It's never as simple when we get down to it. It is only easy on paper, where everything is already fixed and you are the one in control of all the variables.
If only I knew exactly what Percy... knew Percy was thin-*yawn*-king. That would make it a lot... easier. I'm more-*yawn*- tired than I thought.
()
Well, this is... interesting. Why am I here of all places? I'm sure I could have just walked to Zeus's fist. Why am I dreaming about this place of all things? It's just a landmark. I looked at my hands- I mean I tried to because looking directly at them I can't see them. However, I can see a vague ghostly outline of my body from my peripheral vision. Okay, this is weird. And I can move. That's handy I guess.
"What to do? What to do?" I know that voice! Percy! I spun around and saw him approaching the pile of deer droppings- I mean Zeus's Fist. Okay now, what is he doing out here in the middle of the night? And for the record, he is strolling through the woods way too casually. Like he is taking a stroll through a park in the middle of the day. Something is up.
"You do know that Annabeth is back, right?" Someone's voice fell beside him in stride. It sounds like a dude. And there is a part of it that sounds familiar. It's not anybody I know, but there is still a part of his voice that I remember. It's unmistakable. Yet, I just can't figure it out.
I didn't think there would be anyone else besides Percy out here. Let alone someone Percy can have a casual chat with.
"Yea, and?" So he did see me!
"That means that everyone is finally here. I think it's time." What in the hell are they talking about? Time for what? Why am I even seeing this?
"Oh, do you now?" Was that sarcasm coming out of Percy's mouth? I never thought I would see the day. Or night.
"Yes, you have to make your move and soon. Otherwise-"
"I know!" Percy cut him off making me flinch, again. It sounded like he was gonna go feral, but he took a deep breath and sat down."I know. But can I really trust it?" Come on Percy, you should be able to trust us by now. How many times did your trust fall onto someone that just shattered it? Stop trying to do things on your own or in secret. It makes me- us... I don't even want to mention it, let alone say it.
"Can you afford the risk?" That just sounds like poison in someone's ear. "That's what I thought." Don't tell me you believe this guy. I wish I could shout.
"When did things get so complicated?" A demigod's life is never simple Percy, you know that better than anyone I bet.
"Percy, you've already had it rough, so complicated can't be so bad."
I can see somebody else coming in from the left, I can see them. Percy waved from his seated position and smiled a bit. Great just invite everyone and have a meeting in the dangerous monster forest why don't you?
"That's fair I guess. I mean everyone already knows the worst parts of my life." Percy chuckled, a light one, but still. "The only way to go is up." The fact that he sounds so hopeful is already a step up. But why does it have to be with some suspicious company? Why not us?
"Now that's the spirit!" If whoever that person was here, I swear he would have slapped Percy on the back. "Come on, we have to make sure everything is ready. I wish I could see the look on their faces! BAhha!" I just imagined a goat laughing.
"You're far livelier than before." Percy can you take care of yourself first for once in your life!? I get you care and that's one of the reasons I fell in- never mind, forget the last part- but please take care of yourself first.
"Eh, I can feel that'll be all over soon. I can barely manifest this. Thanks for trying." Manifest? That is either really good or really bad.
"My pleasure. Until next time?" Please don't.
"Only if the Fates allow it, my boy." I pray they don't.
"Why trust me? Why not tell-"
"Because he deserves more than a voice or a wind passing by." Please, this getting beyond suspicious. "Next time... next time I will meet him face to face." Don't do something you'd regret. "Bye Percy."
"Bye." If you won't, we'll just have to stop you.
Percy took a very deep breath and rubbed his hand through his ghostly white hair. He stood up and walked towards the figure in this forest without hesitation or fear.
"Now, are you ready Quintus?" Holy sh-
"Absolutely," Quintus replied and they walked off further into the lush foliage. Don't go! Percy, please don't go! My body isn't following them! Is this why you've been sneaking off? To have covert meetings with the swordsmanship trainer? You're not leaving me with many choices in this Percy... I hope, I pray that I'm wrong.
Percy, what have you gotten yourself into this time?