Chapter 49
I was worried about coming back to camp because normally when a demigod returned it meant that their quest was over, but I needed to ask someone about this and Chiron was the best option. "You know it's kinda nice to be back at camp." Malcom said.
"Guess so." I said heading down half blood hill.
"Do you think we should tell Chiron about Percy?" Thomas asked.
I chewed my lip for a moment "Why? Percy wasn't supposed to be on this quest in the first place and we'd only need to tell Chiron if he died."
"Annabeth he was in the Volcano when it erupted." Thomas paused as if he was unsure what to say "I know he's strong but he's still just a demigod."
'But he's not a demigod.' I thought 'He's a resourceful, stubborn, and a god. He was my only full blooded sibling and there was no way a volcano was going to stop him now.' "Uncle P was with him to remember. He could have easily gotten Percy out of there."
Thomas and Malcolm shared an exasperated look when they thought I wasn't looking "I saw that!"
Both jumped and refused to make eye contact with me as we made our way our way to the big house. Chiron was sitting on the porch as usual and he was a comforting sight. "Annabeth," He said as we got in close. "It is good to see your alright. Was your quest successful?"
"I haven't finished yet." I replied, causing the old centaur to quirk an eyebrow. "I need some advice, I've learned that a clear sighted mortal should be able to transverse the labyrinth with ease. Thomas apparently knows someone who fits that bill. I wanted to know...what do you think I should do?"
Chiron let out a soft grandfatherly chuckle "My dear Annabeth I long for the day when you'll come to me with an easy question. Before I say anything I will say this is your quest and you must be the one to make the final decision." He said pausing to let it sink in.
"That said, mortals have been part of quests in the past, in ancient times a single demigod was usually accompanied by two mortals on their journey. Also I'd like to remind you that a quest typically only have three members for a reason. On the quest to save Artemis five left but only three came back, three is a sacred number and choosing more often comes with consequences."
"I know that it's dangerous but-"
"Chiron! There's an emergency!" Conner stoll burst into the room with Travis hot on his heels.
"What is it going on?"
"This freaking big dragon just flew past the barrier like it wasn't even there!" Travis exclaimed.
There was a beat of stillness before we all rushed outside. Sure enough, circling above camp was dragon with patches of blue and white scales almost camouflaged against the sky. Below the Apollo campers and the best archers from the other cabins were taking aim.
"Wait!" I yelled running out towards the campers "Don't shoot! Hold your fire!"
"Are you crazy?" Clarisse snapped "That's a freaking dragon!"
"It's Percy's dragon!"
"You mean the one he got on that quest to save Artemis?" Lee Fletcher asked lowering his bow slightly.
"Yes! You've seen it when the hunters come to visit, it's just bigger now!" I explained.
Lee nodded "Everyone hold your fire unless that thing attacks."
With the watchers down below seemingly calm Furok promptly landed in the clearing in front of the big house.
"What's up guys!" Percy called from where sat on Furok. He was grinning like a mad man up there and before I knew it I was smiling to. Swinging off Furok's back he jumped down to the ground. "I so have to do that more often."
"Nice to see you survived." Thomas said fist bumping Percy.
"Got to admit that was really strange experience." Percy laughed
"Is there a reason you would be worried about Percy's health?" Chiron asked
Thomas let out a nervous laugh "Well you see we sort of ran into Percy while we were in the maze. Things were getting really crazy and we lost sight of him and we didn't know what happened to him, but we hoped he made it out."
"Yeah hoped yet you pretty much gave up on him almost immediately." I whispered. Stepping forward I cleared my throat to get Percy's attention "Percy I am formally asking you to join me on my quest."
My annoying little brother grinned and gave me a slight mocking bow. "I accept door gracious request."
"Shut up!"
Percy POV
2 hours later we found ourselves standing outside a mall in Manhattan. the reason for this was because the girl we were looking for had told Thomas she was going to be doing a charity event in this very spot. I'm actually pretty sure someone said she was the gold statue by the door. "Hey Percy." Thomas said from where he stood next to me "Do you know why Annabeth seems to be mad at me?"
I thought about it for a moment before looking at them "I might." I said nonchalantly "Did it start right after you mentioned this girl."
"Yeah how did you know?"
"Because it's obvious! You apparently have been talking to and spending time with another girl, regularly, for over six months all while not telling Annabeth at all. Because you didn't tell her when you started hanging out with this girl Annabeth is probably worried there is a reason you didn't tell her about...Rachel is it? And then she's probably mad at herself for even thinking that."
Thomas stared at the ground "I didn't even think of that."
"Does Rachel know you have a girlfriend at least?" I asked.
"I think so." Thomas replied
"You think so?"
"Well I don't recall ever discussing whether or not I had a girlfriend."
"Dude! You better hope that Rachel isn't interested otherwise you're going to have a serious problem on your hands." I said shaking my head.
AN: Hey guys I hope you enjoyed the chapter and I have some good news and bad news.
Soon I'll be going back to school for the fall semester and between my job and school I might not be able to keep up my weekly postings. However if everyone who read one of my stories went to my patron page a pledged $1, even if it was only a one time thing, I could quit my job and pinch pennies till next summer when I'm off school and keep posting weekly.
