Carter's P.O.V:

I had been reading a scroll about the history of Egypt. Amos had me convinced that" to understand the Egyptian magic you'd have to understand the magic of Egypt". I decided the best way to do that was to learn the history of Egypt. You know, the whole Egypt being great, with its pharaohs, and then falling to Alexander the Great ( Please correct me if I'm wrong. I don't know if this is correct. I didn't pay attention in Social Studies class) and then Cleopatra fell to the Romans (who by the way, are evil according to Sadie, but Sadie hasn't always been an unbiased person..) and Egypt became a colony of Rome, and...

Sadie tells me that I'm going to bore you to death before our story even comes alive. The history of Egypt is a quite fascinating subject and I could spend hours on it but for Sadie's sake and your sake, I will continue with our story.

I specifically remember that I was reading about Cleopatra and her last stand against the barbarian invaders when my annoying sister snatched the scroll out of my hands. I cursed and growled, "What's your problem?"

"Just wondering if you wanted to come with me to the Empire State Building."

I was perplexed. Why go to Manhattan now? And why does she need me? Sadie must've seen my expression because she ended up laughing her head off. Between her guffaws and gasps, she managed, "Suit yourself. I'll be off by myself in Manhattan where some rogue magicians may be on the loose, and you'll be a thick-headed brother for the rest of your life. Oh well!"

I was an idiot and fell for it. She ended up bribing me into coming with her to Manhattan and, well stole Bast's Lexus, and drove to Manhattan. I know, she's a thick-headed sister. Oh, brother. OW! That was Sadie smacking me. She says I'm taking too much time insulting her. So true.

We ran almost ran into a blue Mustang, and I silently cursed letting Sadie drive. She's younger than a full two years. Well, not really.

We got to the Empire State Building, one of the greatest pieces of architecture. All of the structures in Manhattan were amazing. There was even this Chinese food take out place on 28th street that was so awesome... I was thinking of taking Zia there to dinner or something.

We looked quite odd, two kids walking into an office building, tourists, without their parents or guardian. Well, our parents are dead, and we're not supposed to be here.

There was a man, working as a secretary at the front desk. I decided to start there. I pointed to him, and Sadie nodded.

"Um, can you please give us directions to the top floor of the Empire State Building?"

The man raised an eyebrow. "Which top floor?"

"Um, the toppest one. You know, like the 600th floor?"

I wanted to correct Sadie that the Empire State Building didn't have 600 floors, but considering she was doing well, I decided to keep put. A mistake I would soon regret.

The man nodded slowly and gave her a card. It was an elevator slot key card. We headed up the elevator listening to horrible music. Saturday Night, or Elvis Presley? I couldn't decide, which was a bit embarrassing since my dad loved Presley.

I began to panic, but then the doors slid open.

The first thing I saw was a bunch of buildings like the Parthenon arranged in certain places that made the centerpiece, a huge temple sitting on an Acropolis, look spectacular.

Sadie smiled and said softly, 'When in doubt, start at the top."

So we headed to the Big Temple and climbed up the steps. The pillars, the marble, everything was amazing. I was shocked. We had seen most of the temple already. It was full of statues, made of marble, though the men/women depicted were unfamiliar.

Sadie stopped in front of two big double doors. I didn't notice that she was going in until 10 seconds later. That was a long time if you count it. She called my name and I immediately thought she was in danger. I rushed inside those big double doors to see her unharmed and safe (yet) and full of giants ye tall. But I also saw two "normal-sized' people facing them. They turned around just as I walked in, mouth wide, gaping open, at the architecture.

" Holy Egypt! Sadie, are you still there? Is this a dream? What kind of architecture is this? It's amazing! Sadie?"

I feel so evil stopping at a cliffy. Don't worry. I'm updating over the holidays. Sorry I haven't been updating for a while. I got grounded for a whole month. :(

-percyjacksonfantothecore