Author's Note: Hello. This is late again. Sorry. Also, I've been getting lots of comments that I should make the chapters longer. I'll try, but I've already written up to chapter 18, like I said, but I'll try to make them longer after that. Thanks for the reviews! Last but not least, I obviously don't own Percy Jackson.
Chapter Thirteen: Annabeth POV: I Choose My Companions
I hopped out of bed and dressed quickly, even though the clock on my nightstand told me it was only 5:22. I grabbed my knife and slid it into its sheath, stuffed a backpack with clothes, and rushed to the Big House to speak with Chiron.
When I got there, I hurriedly explained my dream and Rachel's prophecy to Chiron. He didn't seem surprised, almost as if he'd expected it. He supplied me with extra ambrosia rations, three-hundred dollars in mortal money, ten drachmas (for Iris-messages), a few protein bars, first-aid materials, and two bottles of water.
"Annabeth, child- I wish you luck." With that, Chiron bid me goodbye to choose my companions and leave on my quest. "Argus will be waiting to take you into the city."
I ran out the door and to the cabin area. I stood on the porch of the Hypnos cabin, knocking urgently. I heard groans of protest from inside. In my hurry, I had forgotten how early it was, and now I had woken up the whole cabin.
Finally, a girl with short blonde hair opened the door. "There better be a good reason you're here at five in the morning." She looked at me expectantly.
I didn't bother to explain. "Is Layla here? It's urgent."
Without waiting for an answer, I pushed past the girl and entered the cabin. I walked all the way to the back, where Layla sat up in her bunk, pulling back her curly brown hair in a ponytail. Her brown eyes reflected her curiousity, and I was surprised to see that she didn't seem tired at all. "Annabeth? What are you doing here?"
"Layla, I need your help. I'm leaving on an urgent quest, and I need you to come with me. Will you please come?" I asked. I prayed she would say yes.
"Of course. Give me five minutes, I need to get dressed and pack," she said, like it was obvious that she'd agree.
"Thank the gods," I said, relieved. "I need to go find someone else. Meet me at Thalia's tree." I winced, still missing Thalia. The campers looked up at me curiously as I left the cabin.
"Alright."
I ran down the front steps and hurried over to the Hecate cabin. I knocked on the door, and it was opened by the head counselor, Alyssa. "Annabeth? Why are you here so early?"
"Long story short, I'm going on a quest and I need to speak with Milo."
"Sure, but don't wake anyone else up." She pushed the door open and I turned to the bunk on my right, whispering his name. Milo sat up on the top bunk, rubbing his eyes, and asked, "Annabeth, what are you doing here?"
I quickly explained to him what was going on. He agreed to go with me. While he was getting ready, I went back to meet Layla at Thalia's pine.
No surprise, she was already there. She put a hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry, Annabeth. We'll save him. I promise." I relaxed. I hadn't realized before, but my muscles were tensed. I let out the breath I had been holding.
"Thanks, Lay," I said. "I needed that."
Layla had the power to calm people down just by touching them. It was useful when she volunteered in the infirmary with the Apollo kids, because when someone was in major pain, or one of their friends was really worried about them, she could calm their emotions.
Layla had been a close friend of mine since she had arrived at camp six months previously. She was also one of the most powerful demigods at camp, her and Milo, and I was glad to have them on the quest with me.
Moments later, Milo appeared at the top of the hill with a black backpack slung over one shoulder. His brown hair was messy and unbrushed, and bright blue eyes sparkled with anxiety. "Let's go," he said.
Together, we made our way down past Thalia's pine to the base of Half-Blood Hill, where Argus was waiting for us.
