Chapter 3

Percy slung his backpack over his shoulder and took a deep breath. It was 10:00 on Saturday night, the time he'd agreed that he would meet Octavian next to the field. He wasn't scared, but he was annoyed. He shouldn't have to prove to this little kid that there was nothing in this house, but he felt as if he needed to show the townspeople that nothing was going to hurt them.

He climbed out of his window and grabbed onto the pine tree just outside. The top of it bent down with his weight so that he was only about four feet from the ground. He jumped and rolled into a somersault. The tree sprang back up and whacked the side of the house in a loud, resounding THUMP!

Percy winced, and stayed frozen for a second. His parents were on the first floor, of course, and they always went to bed early, but that noise might have woken them up. He didn't stay long enough to find out.

He was about half way to their meeting point when he was aware of someone following him. He spun around. He couldn't see anyone, but he heard a little giggle. "Tyson," he sighed. "Come out."

His little brother stepped out of the shadows and ran towards him, his yellow flannel pajamas making him stand out in the darkness like a cellist at a heavy metal concert. "Big bang woke me up!" declared Tyson. "I follow you now."

"Listen, buddy. You've got to get to bed. I'm gonna be coming right back, I promise," said Percy.

"But... I go with you." Tyson's lower lip started to tremble and his eyes filled with tears.

Don't look, don't look! thought Percy. He turned his head away. "Not this time, Tyson. I have to..." Percy blamed his ADHD. He couldn't help it. He had to look back at Tyson, which was his mistake. After looking at the big puppy dog eyes, he had no choice. He sighed. "Fine, you can come with me."

Tyson cheered, all traces of crying disappeared.

They walked together to where Octavian was waiting. With him were two other boys and a girl, all three of whom looked to be about Percy's age. Percy had seen them in school, but never bothered to learn their names.

"Hey, man!" said one of the older boys, offering his hand. "Leo Valdez." Percy shook the kids hand and was introduced to the other two kids, Piper and Jason.

"So, you're really going in there?" said Piper.

"Nice knowing ya," said Leo. Jason elbowed him in the side.

"Ignore him. Good luck," said Jason, patting Percy on the back. Then they all seemed to spot Tyson.

"Who's this?" said Octavian, doing his best to size up Tyson. In reality, Tyson was a little bit bigger that Octavian, despite being four years younger.

"My brother, Tyson," said Percy.

"He's going with you?" said Leo uneasily.

Percy nodded. "Yeah."

"You're taking a little kid in there?" said Piper, obviously disapproving. "Some big brother you are!"

Percy shrugged. "He wanted to come. Don't tell me you guys actually believe this whole 'Ghost Girl' thing!" said Percy. No one replied.

"Everyone in Summerville believes it, Percy," explained Jason. "It's the only source of excitement. 'The Ghost of Violet Hill Manor'- that's not just a bedtime story to us."

Percy sighed. "I'm going in now," he said. Yup, they're insane, he thought to himself.

He and Tyson trudged up the hill. When they arrived at the house, Percy had to lift Tyson into the window because he was too short. Percy climbed in himself. When he got inside, he held his breath.

He had expected the interior to be heinous, yes, but not this bad. There were stacks of old faded books with broken spines, ripped furniture, and your classic door hanging half-off of the doorframe. There was wood rotting everywhere, and even a rats nest in the corner.

Tyson stepped closer to Percy. "I changed mind," he said, shaking his head. "Brother should take Tyson back."

Percy swallowed the lump in his throat. "Na, it's fine, Tyson. There's nothing to be scared of. It's just an old house. Now, let's go see if we can find somewhere to set up camp that isn't infested," he said, taking Tyson by the hand and pulling him along.

EVERYBODY READ THIS!

Okay, maybe all caps was unnecessary, but...

I have decided to start doing something! Every time I write an Author's Note, I'll give you a Theme song for a person or a pair from Percy Jackson!

We'll start off with Percy and Annabeth! And their theme song is: *drumroll please*

I'll Follow You by Shinedown!

Seriously, though. Listen to it, and read the lyrics. It's like it was written about the Mark of Athena.

If you have any suggestions for theme songs, let me know by reviewing!

I have decided: I will be updating on Saturdays and Wednesdays, so keep your eyes open!

And just so you know, your reviews make me happy:)

-Rebel