Hello again, my most favourite group of strangers! Sorry for the wait, but thanks for the feedback from the last chapter, and it's finally time to announce the answers and the winners :)
So, overall, thestralsheartmaltesers and Jay Foren are the big winners, yay! They'll get the next two chapters dedicated to them, so well done to the both of you! Also, PJFan4EVER will get one chapter dedicated to them, as they answered almost everything except Cabin 1.
THEREFORE LET IT BE KNOWN THAT THIS CHAPTER IS DEDICATED TO THESTRALSHEARTMALTESERS, JAY FOREN AND PJFAN4EVER.
I get it, shut up and tell us the answers already. Okay! So, here they are:
Cabin 1 (FIELD AGENTS): Zeus / Poseidon / Ares / Artemis
I chose Zeus and Poseidon because they're like the leaders of the gods. Ares because… well, I don't really need to explain this, do I? Oh and Artemis because we need some girl power! And because the hunters of Artemis are… well, hunters.
Cabin 2 (ANALYSTS): Athena
Athena's cabin always struck me as thinkers (big surprise!) and this was one of the more intelligent positions at the camp. They're like super smart, yo.
Cabin 3 (GADGET MAKERS): Hephaestus
They make weapons in the books. They make gadgets in ma' fan fiction. Simple as pie.
Cabin 4 (IT HACKERS+TRAP DEVISERS): Hermes
Well I thought hacking into stuff was like robbing stuff and making traps and diversions are kind of like pranks; it fit the bill, what can I say?
Cabin 5 (MEDICS): Apollo
Medics. Hello? Natural healers. Now that I think about it, maybe Apollo doesn't sing, he writes haikus. I haven't read the books in ages. Oh well. My medics are gonna sing really bad pop songs.
Cabin 6 (STYLISTS): Aphrodite
If I need to explain this to someone, I'm gonna stop writing this story…
Some were easy, others weren't, but congrats to whoever could guess some of these.
On with the story!
Disclaimer: Percy Jackson isn't mine, and I am oh so sad. But if I had created him, then I'd be really rad.
(I know, why do you guys even bother?)
Chapter 4
I climbed up the rickety stairs and stepped into the cabin. I tried to blend in as well as I could, but I've never really matched the colour of peeling wall paint, unfortunately. Everyone stopped their conversations and turned to face me, expressions blank. I gulped nervously and said "I'm- I'm Percy. Percy Jackson."
The cabin was deathly quiet, and the kids continued to look at me questioningly, not altogether friendly. Where was the peppy kid that introduced themselves and made me feel at home? I sure needed one right about now. Finally, a girl about my age walked forward and extended her hand. "I'm Thalia Grace, head of the cabin." Thalia was my height, with fair skin and jet-black hair, arranged into spikes on her head. She was wearing a LOT of black eyeliner, but it suited her whole look. She wore ripped jeans and a black tee shirt with black ankle boots that had studs and spikes on it. Not lethal, but a good kick in the right place could definitely hurt. Yikes.
I shook her hand, not very confidently, and she turned to introduce the others. "This is Zoe, Phoebe, Chris, Tyson and Clarisse." Most of the cabin members nodded at me, and Tyson even grinned widely and waved. The last girl, Clarisse, narrowed her eyes and glared at me menacingly. Not someone I would want to be in a fight in, no, definitely not.
"Sup."
They turned back to whatever they were doing, but Thalia beckoned me forward and pressed a switch mounted in the wall. The laser tag maze retreated somewhere into the wall and beds popped out instead. There were eight in total: two that weren't owned by anyone. Thalia led me to one of them, and I dropped my stuff onto it. I turned to thank her, but she was already halfway to the door, and said "Come on Perce. We're going for a swim."
Finally, something I was good at. I grinned and followed her out the door. I could see what Thalia was doing, and I was grateful for it. She was treating me as if I had been there for ages, as if we had been friends for a long time. We talked about some random stuff, and by the time we reached the lake I realized she was a cool person, kind of like the funny cousin you like hanging out with. We reached the water's edge, and I took off my clothes (I was wearing my swimsuit underneath). I dived into the pool with a triple somersault, and when I surfaced, I could see Thalia was impressed. She did the classic cannonball and we swam around for a while before the lunch bell sounded. We climbed out, toweled off and went towards the mess area for some food. Yay!
As we neared the tables (Greek style, out in the open), I noticed that there were only about 40 campers or so. We could sit wherever we wanted to, and I grabbed some brisket and fries and joined Thalia at her table. We started talking about Greek gods, and who we'd like to be if we could choose (we were both into Greek mythology), when this blonde girl sat down opposite us and smiled at Thalia.
I stopped and stared at her. She was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. Like, seriously. The most beautiful girl ever. She was slightly shorter than me, with long blonde curls down her back, slightly messed up. She was tanned, and her skin glowed under the light that suddenly seemed to appear through the dark clouds. And her eyes- wow. Her eyes were a dark, stormy grey, changing the whole classic California girl look, but I liked it. I really, really liked it.
"Umm, Percy? Percy?" Thalia was staring at me like I had lost it, which I guess I kind of had. "Earth to Percy?"
I shook my head slightly, breaking the trance. "Umm, sorry" I mumbled. "This brisket is too good."
"Which is why you were staring at Annabeth?" Thalia smirked at me, obviously realizing what was going on with me.
I sighed. Annabeth. It suited her. Perce, try not to drool. Okay, that's good buddy. You're getting there.
My cheeks were flushed, and I muttered some incoherent excuse. Annabeth just sat there, a look of confusion and amusement on her face.
"Like I was saying before you zonked out, Percy, this is Annabeth Chase, my best friend. She's in Cabin 2, with the analysts. Annabeth, this is Percy Jackson. He's in our cabin."
Annabeth half-smiled at me, and I grinned lopsidedly at her.
"Umm, you've got a little something there, Percy." Annabeth tapped her chin, trying not to laugh.
My cheeks reddened again with embarrassment, and I wiped the barbeque sauce that threatened to take over my face off with the back of my hand. "Thanks."
"No prob." She smirked and turned to Thalia. "Thals, what do you think? You in?"
"Hmm, I don't know Annie" Annabeth's eyes flashed with anger.
"Don't call me that!"
"Alright, alright! Don't get your knickers in a twist! I don't know, I've got a lot to do today…" Thalia tapped her chin. All of a sudden her eyes lit up and she grinned mischievously. "Why don't you ask Percy to help you?"
"Help with what?"
Annabeth glanced at me, and then leaned in towards Thalia and whispered, "I don't think he can handle it, Thals."
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?"
Thalia laughed loudly and grinned, teeth flashing. "Don't worry, Annie" Annabeth looked like she was about to pounce, "I'm pretty sure he can do it. Maybe. A possibility. Fine, slight chance. Whatever."
Annabeth bit her lip and looked at me in consideration. "Fine" she ultimately sighed. "You'll do."
"I'll do?" I smirked.
"Perhaps. Come on."
"What? I haven't even finished eating yet!"
"Gods, Percy, you can eat another time, let's go!"
"Women." I grumbled, standing up.
Annabeth cornered me. "Excuse me?" Her eyes were flashing again with her murderous look. I gulped. Scary. Pretty, but definitely scary. "Umm, nothing."
"Thought so." She turned, and started to walk away. "Come on!"
I ran to catch up with her, and asked, "What are we doing anyway?"
"I need the help of a field agent to conduct some preliminary tests. They're not that hard, but you need to think."
"Uhh… thinking isn't exactly my forte."
Annabeth smirked, "Well, you'll have to do. Don't worry, the tests aren't life-threatening or anything. Well, maybe one of them is. But I'm pretty sure the rest are all smooth sailing. Mostly."
I paled. "Well, that sounds like f-fun. But I just… I just remembered, I can't! Yeah, umm, I need to go… do stuff. Like unpack. And… brush my teeth. Yup, sorry!" I quickly turned around and was about to run for it when she grabbed my shoulder and pulled me with her. "Come on, Seaweed Brain, it'll be fun."
"Seaweed Brain? Really?"
"Yeah, you like to swim, and your head's full of kelp".
"Huh, thanks. Appreciate it."
She smiled again. "Don't mention it."
We arrived at Cabin 2, and I followed her in, against my best judgment. She led me to the back of the cabin, and once again punched in the code. We entered the data room and went all the way to the back, where she opened a door and beckoned me in. It was a small room with a desk near the wall. There was a glass windowpane fitted into it and as I looked through I saw a large, empty space with tall walls. I looked at Annabeth in confusion, and she filled me in.
"This is our simulation room. We have one in Cabin 3 as well. Over here we test out our findings to see what would happen in a real situation. So, we analyse data and stuff, but we also look over conversations to find if there are hidden secrets in them, and we look at blueprints, to try and understand the minds behind secret organisations and their infrastructure."
She could see that I totally didn't understand, and she rolled her eyes. "Go in. I'll tell you what to do. Follow your instincts."
I nodded nervously, and stepped inside the room. I turned to face the glass window, but there wasn't one. I glanced from side to side, but there was just…
Wall.
Suddenly, I heard Annabeth's voice on loud speaker. "Okay, Seaweed Brain. The first scenario is at a public pool, so I guess it's good you like to swim."
"A pool? How are you gonna get a pool in here? It's just a-"
I gasped. The room was almost flickering, and suddenly the scene changed to a poolside area. There were actually people walking around. I prodded someone's arm as they walked past, and he turned to glare at me. He felt totally normal! How is this possible?
I heard Annabeth's voice again, but no one else seemed to be able to hear her. She laughed and said "It's probably best not to dwell on it, Percy. The complexity of the room is too much to think about for someone like you."
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?"
Everyone turned and stared.
Best not to do that again.
"Act normal Percy" Annabeth hissed. "It needs to be real."
I nodded, and walked to the edge of the pool, dipping my toe in. Real water. I hesitated, then took off my shirt and leapt into the pool, diving in neatly.
Annabeth sounded impressed. "Wow, Seaweed Brain. Pretty cool."
I grinned to the general public.
"Okay Perce. Here's the deal. See that man with the goatee? The guy with the red trunks?"
I looked around until I saw the guy in question and nodded.
"He's the head of operations at the FBI. I need you to get him to tell you the last case he worked on, without mentioning you're part of the CIA. Got it?"
I looked at the man again. Really? How would I get him to tell some 15 year-old about his secret work? I sighed and nodded again. I should give it a shot.
I was about to climb up the ladder and walk towards him when I saw him gesturing to a small kid in the water. "Don't go too far, Jimmy! You know it's too deep!"
The kid groaned and shouted "Fine, fine! Sheesh dad!"
I frowned, trying to concentrate on a plan. I looked towards the kid, and suddenly it became clear. I swam discreetly towards the kid and whispered "Hey, Jimmy. Can you help me?"
He looked at me suspiciously. I thought he would say no and get scared or something, but the first thing that came out of his mouth was "10 bucks, I'll do it."
"You don't even know what I want!"
"So you don't want my help?"
I grumbled, then swam over to my stuff at the edge of the pool and got out 10 dollars. I gave it to him, and he ran and put it in his shoe (gross), hiding from Goatee Guy who was reading a book. He came back over to me and cannonballed into the pool, splashing me with water.
"Dude!"
He surfaced and grinned. "Oops! Sorry"
I sighed and said "Okay. I need you to pretend you're drowning. Then I'll come 'rescue' you. Wait for a few seconds while I get out and pretend to dry myself, then start the act. Got it?"
"I should have taken 15."
"Kid!"
"Yeah, fine, whatever." Jimmy rolled his eyes and nodded, swimming to the middle of the pool. I got out and started to dry myself. Then I heard the shouting.
"Help! Save me! I'm drowning! Oh, help me, please! I'm just a kid!"
He's totally overdoing it on purpose. Nevertheless, I acted as if I was shocked and dove in. I got hold of him, and pulled him over to the side, near Mr. Goatee. He was shocked too, and as soon as I got the kid to the side, he pulled him up and out of the water. He quickly laid him down on the pool chair, and Jimmy being the little punk I now realized he is, pretended he was dead. I went along with it, and started 'pumping' the water out of his chest. The kid wouldn't let up though, so I pretended to go in for CPR and his eyes flew open. He gasped and put his hand to his heart. "Thanks mister! You saved my life! Gosh!"
I rolled my eyes, then put on a smile and said "No problem kid. Be careful in the water." I looked over to the dad, who looked at me in amazement.
"Thank you so much…"
"Percy."
"Thank you, Percy. If there's anything I can do for you…"
I pounced on the opportunity. Hell to being nonchalant, I wanted to get this over with. "Umm, actually, there is. I noticed that you're the head of operations at the FBI, and I was wondering if you could tell me about the last case you worked on."
The man suddenly looked at me cautiously, and said, "Why is this any of your business?"
"Umm, well, it's not" I floundered. "B-but… it's for a school project."
Goatee Dude immediately relaxed and said "Oh! That's interesting, son. Well, let's see… I think about two weeks ago, we were looking at this case where a guy had stolen Mrs. Longbottom's jewelry, valued at 20 million dollars."
"Oh, okay. Thanks!"
"No, no, you saved my child's life. Thank MOOOOOO."
Huh?
"Sorry, what did you say?"
"Thank you."
"Oh, that's okay. Bye Jimmy!"
I turned and walked away. I heard Annabeth's laughing voice on the speaker. "I couldn't resist."
"Funny. Now let me outta here."
"One more scenario, Seaweed Brain. Then we're done."
The scene flickered and faded back to the high grey walls of the room. After a few moments, it changed to a random street, except the roads were completely empty. "Weird."
"Well, it's not actually real." Annabeth retorted. I hadn't realized I had said anything out loud up till then.
"True."
"Okay, here we go. Destroy the robot."
"Oka- wait, WHAT? A robot? Like a tiny one, right?"
No answer.
"Any more advice… Wise Girl?"
"1. Wise Girl? Really? That's not insulting. And 2. Try not to talk."
I was just about to reply when a big scary machine thingy, like 20 feet tall came into view. I froze, and was about to run when it started bounding towards me, crushing me at any moment.
Help.
Longest chapter yet! (I think.) Little bit of Percabeth for you there, hehe.
I'm so sorry, but my school starts on the 8th and it'll be really lucky if I'm able to update even once a week… I will try but no promises! (Probably Friday or Saturday) So if you've been reading then favourite / follow and you'll know when I update next :)
Here's the question of the chapter: In The Lightning Thief, Percy battles the Minotaur, also known as the son of…?
Spelling doesn't really matter, but I need to be able to tell what you're trying to say. So like if it's candy (idk) then you can't say fhcanjghghjg. Okay?
Correct answers will get a shout-out at the beginning of the chapter so review/ follow/ favourite please :)
Catch you guys later!
(Not literally, don't be scared, I don't know where you live)
BYE!
