Annabeth's POV: Mid-July
"Are you sure you want to do this now?" Grover asked intently, "I mean you just got back. I'm sure we'd all understand if you want to put it off until later tonight." Grover kept looking at me with his big brown eyes laced with worry. I don't see what he'd be so worried about. I'm back now so I just want to be caught up on the situation, that's all. Nearly all the other cabin counselors simply sighed. If they didn't want to talk about it then they wouldn't have the meeting around the ping pong table like always.
"Look, you know me, I won't be able to rest until I know. If not by your mouths than by those outside. And you know I will run myself raged until I figure it out. " They all looked at each other and I know what that usually means, they are hesitant, "Please." I requested. I've had my R&R, honest to goodness fun, but now it is time for me to get back on the horse. Hopefully by now things have cooled off enough to get a good read of things.
"Fine, fine, we relent," Beckendorf sighed plopping his behind on the chair underneath him, raising his hands in surrender as he did. The others followed, not exactly the way he did, but all in their own little ways. I'm surprised he spoke up, usually he'd stay silent in a meeting like unless it was absolutely necessary. Maybe things did change. "Honestly I don't even know how to start." He opened the floor for anyone else to talk.
I looked around to see if anyone would clarify, but no one did for a moment. "Don't worry, I got it," Silena stood up with a perfect smile on her face, not even a fake one. That, too, surprised me, I mean I honestly expected Clarisse to do this, but here we are. Come to think of it, I looked over and - Is she sulking? What the hell happened? "Do you remember the little meeting we had with Percy?" I nodded, "And how you skedaddled a couple days after?"
This certainly peeked my interest. No one saw Percy those couple of days, many began to think he vanished, like he did time and time again. "Is he still gone?" Perhaps I should have stayed and helped with the search.
Her smile grew a little and Clarisse scoffed leaning back in her chair, "No, he popped up smack dab in the middle of camp, acting like a - well it's strange no matter how I put it... Like old Percy." I don't believe it. Not unless I get the chance to see him myself. How in the hell could someone bounce back so strongly after what he'd been through? And so soon. After witnessing just how damaged Percy was, I was beginning to think he'd never come back. I actually expected him to stay away and not stay true to his word. Or was it of his own volition? "He even asked where you were." Ba-dump, Ba-dump. Stop it heart.
I kept my face still, no reason not to. "Did no one ask what happened?" I don't care, I don't want to care. I doubt it was for anything special anyway. Probably to apologize for being such an ass. It is the most logical conclusion.
"We did, but he just laughed it off, said something about changing and poof," She waved her hands, "end of discussion. And well..." He's always been good at doing that, changing or shifting the discussion away from himself. It wouldn't surprise me if it was all an act.
I rose my eyebrow, "Well what?" This must be the part where she says but.
"You should see how he acts now. It's nostalgic." Her words were very kind, but her tone gave her away. I could see it, the half smiles raised, almost as if he's back, like really back. However, there is a steely image in their eyes that says otherwise. As if they want to believe what they are seeing, but can't. Something is keeping them from believing.
"There is something you aren't telling me." I wanted to know, so I will.
Clarisse scoffed yet again, leaning forward in her chair, "He doesn't sleep in his cabin," Well that isn't particularly new, "Practically every part of the day there is always someone that can account for his whereabouts, but not at night. He says he sleeps outside, to give the overflowing Hermes cabin a break or whatever, but no one knows. We've tried following him with the best and most trustworthy, "Connor and Travis lifted their heads high, "but nothing. He disappears. Not even the forest nymphs can say where to. As far as we can tell he hasn't even left the camp border." Well that is concerning. Actually a lot more than simply concerning. I'll have to look into that when I get the chance.
"What do you suspect?" I knew there was something up. I remember Percy's eyes, as unruly as the sea, mischievous. He can hide it from most, but I won't let him anymore.
They looked at each, then shook their heads, "We don't know. But he hasn't done anything with ill intent as of yet." Kati mentioned. I was about to say something, but before I could even think to say anything she looked at me and said, "Before you plan for the worst, you should go look at him, see his actions for yourself, then decide." I wouldn't have it any other way, after all seeing is believing, right?
"Where?"
Travis and Connor spoke in unison, chipper as ever, "The training arena. Probably playing with the dog." The dog? When in the hell did camp get a dog?
I said my thanks to them and kindly stepped away from the meeting, hoofed steps following closely behind. I guess we are both heading to the arena. I wonder what Grover has to say about the whole thing. Perhaps he can a give a hint as to how Percy is really feeling.
"I know you're thinking. You are making that face again." Grover chuckled slightly. He actually seems to be in much higher spirits than last time we spoke. Gods do I hope that is the case.
"I most certainly do not make a face when I'm thinking." I scoffed pulling a smile. Honestly it feels good to be back.
"I'm sure you believe that, but come on I've known you for awhile. You can't fool me," Grover nudged me with his shoulder. "Or have you forgotten that as a satyr I can read emotions pretty well?" Grover mentioned wiggling his eyebrows. When did he get so confident? I must say that I do like it. What did I miss?
"I would never," I huffed rolling my eyes at him.
Grover smiled back at me and I have to say that it feels great having a little normal back. As normal as can be when someone is a demigod. "So, how was going back home for the past few months?"
Oh gods wasn't it something special. "It was something I didn't know I needed until I got it. After so many years thinking I was loathed, and all the headaches of our world, it was a well earned rest. I don't know if anyone will understand sadly." I looked down feeling slightly ashamed. It was an impromptu decision, but I needed to get away from all of this.
"You might not believe me, but we all feel the same. Especially with everything going on now," Grover patted my shoulder. I am glad I don't have to really explain myself to him. "There is a new glow to you." Now that is comforting to know. Even as we are about to witness the apparently new Percy Jackson. I'll really have to keep my eye on him now. I swear I will not let tragedy hit Percy this hard again. As a friend, I must. Other's are already willing to, so I have to as well. If the prophecy is truly his then I will not let them get their grubby little hands on him again.
I looked over at Grover and I noticed his mouth opening and closing. "What?" I inquired.
He opened and shut his mouth one more time before shaking his head, "We know you're tired, and no one will blame you if you go unpack and take a day for yourself. You already have a lot on your plate I'm sure." I love that he worries so much.
"Grover I'm okay. Really. I was actually getting a bit stir crazy, if you know what I mean." I winked and he smiled. "Plus I know you guys got my message about their movements as of late. Now is not the take to take a step back and just take it like an unblocked punch." Yea, I may have decided to do a little side quest in California, but I swear I wasn't only focused on that. Call my dad, he'd back me up. Hell, go and call my stepmom.
In all honesty I didn't really feel like talking all that much, not really. Right now I would rather just watch. Not in a weird way. I just want to make sure that with whatever happens next, I don't make mistakes because I failed to notice something, gods only know how badly that turned out last time. So as per my request Grover stayed silent for the remainder of our little walk, not that I had to say anything to begin with anyway.
Something caught my attention long before we even arrived; campers were flocking towards the arena in droves. Some sprinted in a dead heat, no doubt not wishing to miss whatever action that the arena held. While others walked swiftly, shuffling their feet between trying to coax their friends to hurry the Hades up. Not a single one thought a leisurely stroll was worth it. Which got me thinking, 'Am I missing something? What if it's all done by the time we get there?' It worried me slightly.
Grover nudged my shoulder, "Don't worry. This is only the beginning." I'm sure he meant well, but that only brought on more anxiety. 'The beginning of what?' Another question in my long list of inquiries.
Then I felt it, before I noticed we were by the edge of the training grounds. The thud vibrated through the ground like a split second foot massage. I glanced over at Grover and his smile only grew. It was nerve wracking. We edged around to the side to sit somewhere high and to not disturb whatever the hell is going on.
But Nothing, and I do mean nothing, prepared me for the onslaught on my senses.
The second I peaked the crowd flung itself upward in a mighty roar that nearly short-circuited my ears. Their feet stomped and shook the stands; dissimilar to the thud earlier, their tall heads and swinging arms obscured the play beyond them. I wanted to peak, but Grover grabbed my hand and lead me up higher on the bleachers. 'When did we get those?' I couldn't see past the field of fingers, nor hear past the cries of the growing armada of demigods. The only thing I could witness is a few dark blurs that slithered between the maze of hands.
"That's enough!" Everyone shut up. My heart raced. His voice is just like I remember it before; dark, only louder. "I'm getting sick and tired of your games you overgrown bastard!" This, in no way, sounds good. My head swiveled around trying to catch if anyone else noticed, however all their eyes are glued to the spectacle in front of them, each with a spark of amazement. They shouldn't be amazed! They should be worried! Then they slowly sat down, hands withdrawing from the sky, words rewinding back into their owners mouths. The calm following bad weather, as if Poseidon himself came to placate this storm.
Thus I saw it before me. A hellhound the size of a dump truck snarling, drooling, and licking its lips at my friend. It's eyes were glued to him, unyielding even though it had a buffet to its left. The unbelievably large Mastiff began digging her paws into the ground, ready to pounce, around her feet lay crumpled shields like folded paper. 'Why isn't anyone doing anything to stop this? Why can't I move?'
Then it hit me. I've been focusing on the wrong beast. As fast as my eyes would allow I drew my attention to Percy, time felt thick and slow. Percy stood tall and proud neither in a defensive or attacking stance. 'What is that seaweed brain doing!? He'll get himself killed like that!" I jumped to help him, but before I could Grover stopped me. He's been doing that a lot lately.
I looked even harder and couldn't notice really anything else. Really, there isn't else to be noticed. Wait! That's it! My eyes widened with realization. There isn't anything! No scratches, cuts, or gashes. No sweat, dirt, or even grime. Nor is there a weapon in his hand. Nor a shirt. 'Granted, he never wears one either way, but damn is he fit! Those abs.. Wait, no! Not that, don't think about that!' I shook the thought out of my head.
A second later and I would have completely missed it, the hellhound charged with one leap. In a move too fast for me to calculate, Percy toppled the monster over pinning the Mastiff looking hound to the ground. Now... he is... scratching its ears? "That's enough for today Mrs. O'leary." He said as he patted her head. The thing rolled over and hopped onto its feet bouncing around until it found herself at the feet of someone I have never seen before. I'll have to look into that a bit later.
Right on queue Percy looked in the direction of the stands, my direction, with a sheepish look on his face and small smile. He waved awkwardly as if noticing all of us for the first time. The roar that followed nearly burst my eardrums, yet in the heat of it all, Percy locked his eyes with Grover and I, clearly sighing then started walking over to the weapon's rack. There lay his weapon of choice, Riptide. I don't get why he sighed, but it wasn't one of apprehension or anger. Either way - Percy picked up his weapon and started assaulting the air with blade work too good to describe, it was silky smooth. It is almost as if he is fighting an invisible opponent. Every slash, jab, duck, and weave was well calculated as well as perfectly timed. I could see Percy squinting his eyes in seriousness at the non-existent enemy before him.
There was a moment of silence before a couple of the older campers stood up and began heading down to the arena themselves. Then a few more joined and even more followed them. Before any more else I had to know, I grabbed one of them by the hands, "Woah wait, what's going on?" I asked her, a girl named Naomi from the Hermes cabin if I'm not mistaken.
"We can't exactly train with that big lug always wanting to maul every one. So, Percy always takes a first whack at it." She said as if that explains all that much.
"Why not just kill it?"
"Percy won't let us. Or Mr. Quintus. They treat her like a pet. It's crazy."
"Why don't any of you guys help him?" That question was more of a reprimand than anything else because seriously? It's one guy against a massive beast. And who the hell is Quintus?
"We tried! But no one can keep up! We can't even last all that much comparing to Percy and perhaps Clarisse!"
"So you turn it into a spectacle!"
"Pretty much." She shrugged and I let her go. Jeez this is so weird! I'll Just have to wait until Percy's done so I can talk with him.
"Wait!" She stopped to look at me, "What about the other guy?" I don't get how he fits into all of this.
"Mr. Quintus? I don't know he's a bit of a mystery, but he can't be all that bad."
"Why do you say that?"
"Percy brought him, of course!" She smiled then turned to go train.
Percy brought him? Again I am left with more questions than answers. And it all revolves around that one guy. Except one, but this is far more pressing. So, let me get this straight; I leave and Percy begins to get his act together? Yet, leaves in the middle of the night where no one is capable of finding him? He wished to talk to me before I left, why? Also, honest to gods it seems like he plays with a blasted hellhound like a pet!? Which just so happens to be an actual pet to this Mr. Quintus fella, if my guess is correct? And yet again Percy seemingly found this so called guy without leaving camp? And where the bloody hell is Nico?
Gods I am getting a headache.