So this is just a short chapter from Annabeth's POV, but I really wanted to write about them leaving camp, which I guess was very emotional for them.
Next chapter will probably be put up later today, and in it Percy and Penelope will be meeting for the first time!
Enjoy this xx
Chapter seventeen: Leaving camp
~Annabeth's POV~
The day had finally come.
After months of waiting in agony for this, today they would finally leave Camp Half-Blood and start their dangerous journey.
And although she knew it would be the biggest challenge any of them had ever faced and that there was a good chance they might not come back, Annabeth could hardly wait.
Percy.
She would be seeing Percy again in a few hours.
A nervousness settled on her, and she tried to distract herself by checking and rechecking everything.
All their supplies on the Argo II? Check.
Ship ready and strong? Check.
Her stuff packed and ready to go? Check.
All travellers on board? Not yet.
At the moment they were saying goodbye to the other campers.
Everyone had come to see them off, and there were a few tears here and there.
Lilly, a daughter of Demeter, gave Annabeth a huge squeeze and mumbled "Try to come back, okay?"
Annabeth smiled down at the little girl and nodded, hugging her back.
Jason was talking to Chiron, and Piper and some friends hugging tightly before Piper came over to her.
"So, this is it" she commented, looking nervous herself.
"Yep." Annabeth nodded
"Excited?"
"Just a little." Annabeth answered dryly.
Piper grinned at her, and then went to put her own bags in the ship.
When she'd said goodbye to everyone, Annabeth walked over to Chiron, who had just finished talking to Jason, and was now smiling a little sadly at her.
"Goodbye, Chiron." now Annabeth could feel tears welling up in her own eyes. The centaur had always been like a father to her, and had practically raised her since she was seven.
"Until we see each other again, Annabeth. Take care. I know you will do well." he said, holding his arms out.
She gave him a big hug, and felt some of the pressure lift off of her.
"Thanks. For everything." a few tears found their way out of the corner of her eye.
Chiron smiled again, and followed her to the ship.
The others were already on board, all except Penelope who was standing talking to Chleo.
As she watched them, Annabeth couldn't help but wonder how it would be when her friend met Percy. He was Poseidon's son after all, and maybe the mystery of Penelope's connection with the sea god would be solved, or become a little clearer at least. She'd have to wait and find out.
Now Chleo was holding out to Pen, who took it, eyes widening, looked at it and the back up at the older girl, who nodded.
They embraced, and Annabeth noticed that she'd never seen Chleo hug anyone before.
She wanted to know what she'd given Penelope, and decided to ask her about it later.
Then, when Pen had climbed on as well, they all stood at the railing, waving down at the others.
There were many cries of "Good luck!" and "Come back!" and "Kick ol' dirt face for us!" and Annabeth smiled and waved her hand in farewell.
These people were her family and she would do all she could to save them.
Slowly, the Argon II started to levitate, and Annabeth looked down at Camp Half-Blood, memorizing its every feature, even though she already knew it so well. The strawberry fields, the lake sparkling in the sunshine, the arena, the Big House and the forest.
This had been her home for nine years.
This was the home she would be fighting for.