Carter

Stumbling with a guy holding what looks like a pen in the air like some kind of a warrior is really a good start to begin an adventure.

Well, before we go off to that, you probably are wandering why I'm in Manhattan (Also Sadie. I asked her to come) so I think you deserve an explanation.

Let me start with this.

It turns out I still hadn't fulfilled my promise to Zia. Oh, you know the date-but-not really thing I promised when we're still at the House of Life. Turns out I'd forgotten all about it. [Shut up Sadie. If you didn't notice, we're so busy about preparing for the rising of Apophis. So you can't blame me for forgetting). So I asked her out. It was awkward at first since Zia doesn't have a much humor but eventually she agreed.

We first watched the screening of . It wasn't really my type. I'd rather watch something documentary than silly love stories but since it's a date…Oh you get the picture. Moving on I treated to a burger house as promised.

If you'd seen Zia eating a Hamburger you'd probably think of the Ancient People who'd discovered cooked food is better than raw. At first she looked at it both with curiosity and caution, she even smelled it before eating. I was kind of glad for being the one to introduce to her the mighty heavenly taste of Hamburgers.

Once, when Zia already finished her 8th hamburger and no longer can consume another I holded another one for her. Her face scrunched up tighter as she shakes her head. I playfully reached around and dangled the hamburger in front of her eyes; I then grabbed my unbitten share and made them dance around the table causing Zia to burst out in laughter.

An elderly Asian couple at the next table watched us, whispering to each other with grins on the faces. I imagined they might have been together for decades and was wondering if that is where Zia and I are heading. (I wished that it would be true. There Sadie. Happy? Now can you stop disturbing me?)

When we finally came backed to the Hose of Nineth, Zia told me that she had a wonderful first date thanks to me. She briefly pecked me on the lips then rushed inside. When I went to go to sleep, I couldn't help grinning like an idiot. The brief kiss was still on my mind.

I didn't remember falling asleep quickly. As usual my Bah decided to take another trip.

My Bah traveled to a familiar place. I remember being there once with my father for sight-seeing. I think it's…Oh yeah It is certainly Manhattan. I remember seeing the Empire State Building.

My Bah came closer to the Empire State when suddenly a blinding light appeared at the tip of the building.

When the light disappeared finally, I opened my eyes and saw a 17-year old guy floating in mid-air above the tip of the Building. This guy had a sandy hair and outdoorsy good looks. He was wearing a jeans and loafers and a sleeveless T-shirt. When I came face to face with him, I saw him grinning at me. If his teeth were any whiter he could've blinded me by it.

"I would have shake hands with you but I don't think birds can do that, no?" He asked chuckling.

"Er-"

"Never mind, Never Mind" He said waving his hand in a shoo gesture. "So, Wanna see your future?" he asked smiling wickedly.

Before I could comprehend what he just said. Another light but not as bright as the earlier one burst and besieged me. Images flicker, each one bringing its own sorrow or its own smile ; I saw what looks like me pushing Sadie on the water while smiling radiantly to Zia, An old version of me walking with Zia at a beach hand in hand, I holding my father's wand and shouting something to the others in a mid of a war. I even saw my own grave with lots of colorful flowers at both sides. It was going on and on like having to watch in an unseen projector perpetually turned by an invisible hand. The hollow click of the shutter. Now stop. Freeze this frame. Pluck it down and hold it close and be surprised by what you see.

Majority of it I couldn't comprehend; Most of the image where something to do with a war. It kept going on and on about it when I saw Apophis and the other gods. It hit me. That was the battle we are preparing for. Before I could make out another hint about it, there was a click and the images changed. It was replaced by images with a boy that is about the same age as me with black hair and a very strong built. He was doing something, in one of the images, looks like controlling the water.

"See that guy over there? Tough and cool, Huh? Just like his cousin. Me."

I got started by the sudden comment. I looked from behind and saw the guy who was floating on the building. The Flickering of images stopped suddenly.

"How's he?" I asked him.

"You want to know?" He asked back grinning enigmatically.

I nodded viciously. I didn't know why but I got really interested about the guy in the previous flickering of images…Maybe because he can do tricks with water.

The guy behind be grinned wider. I was half squinting half looking at him. Men! What brand of toothpaste does that guy use?

"Sorry Pal, You have to find that out yourself."

"Huh?"

"Oh! Look at the time." He said looking at the sudden wall clock that appeared beside him. "I was about to recite a poem for you but, Oh well"He shrugged then turn to me.

"Just remember, he's the key to your success" the guy winked at me.

"Wait-what?"

"Bye-Bye Eagle head. May you remember the last thing I had said… Hey! That kind of rhymes. Men, I'm so cool"

With that he vanished right in front of my eyes. The next thing I knew I woke up. I tried to remember the actual details in my dream but it was blurry. The only thing I remembered, though not too much, is about the guy that, as what the My-teeth-are-so-bright-it-hurts guy told me, is the key to my success.

I got up and dressed whatever I grabbed in my closet and when down for breakfast. I saw Amos and the other kids including Sadie (I wasn't referring that you are a kid Sadie. So may I continue?) eating breakfast. Zia wasn't there. Maybe she's still at training as she always does early in the morning.

Sadie was telling something to me as I sat down infront of her but my mind was somewhere else.

Manhattan.

There's something about that place. Something that has to do with the guy I saw in the flickering image. It didn't make sense but I got an urge to find what the dream was about.

"CARTER!" Sadie shouted so loudly that it shattered my thoughts.

"O, Sadie…wha-what?"

She looked at me strangely. "What's up with you? I was trying to get your attention for like 30 minutes" She said fuming.

I mumbled sorry and turned to Amos "Amos, have you ever been too Manhattan?"

He looked up from he's sausages " No. I don't what to take chances. Didn't I told you that we aren't welcome and allowed to go there?"

"Yeah but why? Is there something in Manhattan that is related with Egypt?"

"None, they have different civilization"

"You sure?"

Amos leaned forward "Ok Carter, What's up? Why the sudden are you asking me those questions?"

I bite my lower lip. "Nothing. Nothing at all" I couldn't tell Amos about my dream. I don't think he'll believe me if I did; At least not yet until I find out the lingering mysteries in Manhattan.

We ate in an awkward silence. Finally I, followed by Sadie, stood up. I haste to go to the library when Sadie blocked me half way.

"Ok, Carter spill it. I know you're hiding something" she said crossing her arms together.

"Um… You like handsome guys' right?"

She glared at me and mouthed 'so?'

" I know one person and I think you'll like him. So want to come with me and find out where he is?" Lame. I know, but if there is one person whom I can share knowledge with, it's my sister. Only, I couldn't pick the right words to tell her about the dream.

Sadie looked at me with puzzled expression "What does that got to do with Manhattan?"

"That's where I think he lives"

"So you're telling me that you what to go to Manhattan?"

"Yes, kind of"

"Because of the guy you're telling me?"

"Yes, kind of"

"And you won't tell me all the details unless I go with you" It wasn't a question, it was a statement.

"Yes, Kind of" I was starting sound like a broken type recorder at that point.

Sadie looked at me for like 3 minutes then signed "Fine, I'll join whatever you're planning. But," She raised a finger and pointed at me "You better promise that this would be exciting and beneficial"

I grinned "Don't worry, I promise that you'll like the guy. He's much of a better-looking than your other boys if that's what you want to hear."

She tried to frown but she laughed with me. "Carter, you'll have to tell me what you're planning" she said seriously after our laugh subsided.

I told her everything about my dream. She listened carefully and for once didn't disturbed me (It was a compliment Sadie). When I finally was done, she frowned.

"So you think this guy we are going to track is the answer to the rising of Aphopis?"

I nodded.

She pondered this for a moment then grinned at me "Well what are you waiting for slowpoke let's go and find him" She grabbed my wrist and dragged me to where Freak, my pet , was nesting.

"Sadie, don't you think Amos will notice that we're gone?" I shouted at her from the gushing wind while holding the saddle of Freak for my dear life. Sadie got the idea of riding freak faster so we can travel to Manhattan at lightning speed. I have to admit it was a great idea only if Freak isn't over excited for the idea that I and Sadie didn't even have time to straighten ourselves when he took flight. We are now somewhere crossing the Hudson River. I could faintly see the Empire State towering all other building in Manhattan. Only 6 miles to go.

"Don't worry, I wrote a letter letting Amos know that where just going to a particular museum. Urgent and no time for explanation. "

"Do you actually think he'll believe that lame excuse?"

"Why yes! For weeks now Carter, we've been going from places to places blocking portals Apophis' minions might use" I could feel her rolling her eyes on me.

"He might get suspicious you know-"

"Shut up and stop worrying" She said with annoyance then pointed at the now visible city of Manhattan. "Look where almost there. Maybe we should let Freak land somewhere unnoticeable"

I nodded while admiring the view. The Manhattan City was like the first time I saw it. It has a mix of converted loft buildings, new fancy loft buildings, gorgeous brownstones and tacky aluminum siding 3-flat row houses. A few great book stores, one that has great art, design & fashion stuff. Mix of clubs, low key bars, trendy spots, Old Italian and Polish restaurants that have been there since before the hipsters moved. There is a park, which is not the best in NYC, but it is full in the summer. Dad And I used to just sit there in that park while admiring the Empire State Building.

"Freak can you land down there at the last balcony of the Empire State?" I tried shouting to Freak when she again was gaining speed. Fortunately, she seemed to understand. She glided left heading to the Empire State Building.

"Wow. It looks way better than those on pictures I'd seen on school papers" I heard Sadie saying gleefully.

We finally landed safely-we'll not exactly, I got thrown at the back-thanks to Freak.

"So, what now?" She said looking at the entire city of Manhattan on the balcony.

"We let Freak stay here and look for the guy"

She groaned "Exactly how are we going to find him?"

She waved her hand at the view of the entire city. Honestly, I haven't thought of it. It's summer time so many people are roaming around here at Manhattan sightseeing or just finding an ice-cream parlor to get chilly for just a bit. When I first came here, it was winter.

"How about we first get down this Building" I said heading to the elevator.

"Don't you remember a place on your dream where he appeared?" Sadie asked hitting the Lobby button in the elevator once we got in. The elevator song was kind of annoying. Stayin' Alive? I know my life already on the depths of death but I don't need a song to tell me that. I mean really.

"Well, it's still blurry but… I do remember him having a swim, only he didn't really got wet so I'm not so sure"

Sadie looked at me with a your-impossible look. Then signed "Docks"

"Excuse me?"

"HE might be in the docks, since the way you narrate it, he seemed to like water or whatever"

When we got down to the lobby we stepped out of the building immediately.

"So" Sadie said tagging me along with her. We already went half a mile in walking lane .As if she knows where to go. "How to go there?"

I chuckled " I thought you know"

"Carter?" She said giving me her evilest glare.

Still laughing I tugged her along with me. I still quite remember how to at the docks. It was near the hotel dad and I slept in.

We kept walking admiring the outmost view of the different arts we can find at Manhattan. We were passing to a street with less people and had a ice-cream parlor at the corner when I had a sudden jolt of Goosebumps.

"What's the matter?" Sadie asked looking at me confused by my discomfort.

"I think he's near" I don't know why but I'd gotten a feeling I had some kind of a radar which forced me to feel whether I'm near or not to the target.

Sadie looked around maybe trying to find a handsome guy fit for her taste or the description I given her about the guy they're looking for.

I frowned. My radar seemed to be going wild with urgency. He was near I felt it but couldn't find or recognized him anywhere.

Then I looked through the window pane of the ice-cream parlor. Before I comprehend what kind of people was having dessert there, Sadie pulled my hand.

"Carter, come on. He's not here is he?"

"Ah… no" I said. I tried looking back to the window pane but someone pulled the curtains to block any view.

We continued to go locate the docks. Sadie bought some souvenirs on our way. I was still felling the radar thing but it was getting less urgent.

In time, we picked a dark alley to pass by since I remember it as shortcut to the hotel. We were halfway across it when we got stumbled with a guy holding I pen which lead as to the present.

I groaned. If I stumbled with an overlarge stone I think it won't make any difference at all.

"Sorry!" He said helping me and Sadie up. I couldn't see him clearly but suddenly my radar feeling stopped. He was looking anxiously at us and behind us. I turned and saw what dozens of looks like a construction workers only they were wearing those of the Vikings' hats with horns running straight to us. Huh?

"Both of you better run with me" He said then pulled us with lightning speed.

"Wait!" Sadie hastily said while looking back at the Viking/Construction workers who were now throwing what looks like a hammers. "That exactly is happening"

"I'll explain later, Meanwhile do you want to run faster or what?" The guy said as if the way of him running and half bragging us wasn't enough to outrun the weird workers but I and Sadie understood the urgency even if it is highly beyond normal. I run faster so did Sadie.

We ran to another alley; this time stiffer. I could finally see the guy that was running with us but his back as on to me. He was wearing an orange t-shirt, denim pants and a black Nike rubber shoes. He was strangely and immensely familiar but I couldn't find out why.

We finally located the docks. I could see many yachts and bigger boats porting on it.

We got in to one Yacht that was named Fluffy it was not tied like the others so we chosen it. I don't know if this is called stealing but with the kind of urgency we are in well I'd say its borrowing.

"But wait would drive?" Sadie asked the guy we are with. Usually I don't trust strangers. I might not know what they're up. For example why they are being chased by angry Vikings/construction workers and holding a pen while running (Maybe he stole it from them but that's ridiculous). But the guy were with, I seem to trust him completely. I looked over him expectantly.

The boat suddenly manned itself and took a full speed away from the port. The guy we're with finally turned to us and with the light I could see him crystal clear. I was dumb folded.

"Hi. My name is Percy Jackson"