It almost felt natural.
I slashed through the Vrykolakas like they were play-doh; soon, we reached the doors, but there were more Vrykolakas inside.
I summon huge balls of water and smashed it at them, instantly killing them or drowning them. I could not even remember it clearly, but according to Annabeth, I glowed red, and when a javelin managed to hit me in the thigh, I felt nothing. She told me it was the blessing of Ares; I guess he wanted to help me out since he was the one who sent me on this quest.
Quicker than you can say "Vrykolakas," I had made it inside the polis, onto a dirt path with little cottages on the side. About of mile in front of me, in the heart of the city, was a gleaming white temple with golden roofs and enormous gates.
Annabeth stepped out from behind me and said, "When in doubt, start in the center."
When we got to the doors, they opped automatically, revealing a dark, shadowy interior that looked like someone had purposefully cast a darkness spell.
I carefully put my foot through quietly.
Nothing. I retracted my foot.
Annabeth looked at the doors, then into the murky blackness, "No idea what is inside, Percy,"
She had got the look where she gets mad at herself for not being able to figure things out.
I put my hand on her shoulder, "We should be fine, Annabeth,"
She looks at me worriedly, then her old confident smile returned, "Try not to get yourself killed, Seaweed Brain,"
"You too, Wise Girl."
Together, we walked softly into the temple.
The temperature dropped entirely the moment we stepped through; I felt like I was going to freeze any second and turn into an ice-statue.
Around me, I could see life-sized statues of humans, carved with striking accuracy, which brought back bad memories. Five years ago, Annabeth and Grover and I went to a place called "Aunty Em's Garden Emporium", which turned out to be Medusa's lair.
I shuddered. Medusa was not someone I wanted to meet right now, at least then, I have had three people and a stomach full of food.
Suddenly, I spotted something in front of me. It was a golden shield with scenes of the gods and the Trojan War.
Annabeth spotted it too, while I got closer, walking at a quicker pace, "Percy, No!"
Boy, why do I never learn?
Everywhere, spotlights shined at my face, the temple melted into shadows, showing that we were back in the arena.
A familiar voice boomed over the speakers, "Welcome back, Perseus Jackson and Annabeth Chase, you will make perfect sacrifices for the Earth Mother!"