The moon shone brightly, casting everything in eerie shadows. Almost as if it knew what I was up too. But I dismissed the ridiculous notion. My plan was perfect, leaving no evidence of my path or anything. All I had to do was set it into motion. As I smoothly glided down the stairs, I stopped to glance at Thaila lying on the couch. In sleep, her face was almost peaceful, definately not the piercing look she had when she was awake. If my plan worked, she wouldn't be so troubled. In fact, most of the demigods would be safer than they ever had been. But it all depended on me having the guts. I shook those thoughts away, and continued to pillage the refridgerator. When I deemed that I had enough food for my adventure, I shut my bag and walked down the hallway to Aprils room. The door squeeked a little when I opened it, and I paused, waiting for the sleeping assasins to attack me. But my sisters didnt even twitch. It'd been a rough week.
I ventured into Aprils room. It was simple and plain, not reflecting the girl who lived in it at all. I couldn't see the scarred side of her face, but I knew it was there, haunting me. She looked so tranquil that I had to steel myself to wake her. I poked her arm, getting in return a grumble. Then I clapped my hand over her mouth and held onto her hands. April's eyes snapped open, wide and frightend. She tensed under me, and I could almost hear her thoughts. Her eyes swiviled around anxiously, and then they came to rest on me. They grew in surprise, but she relaxed. I hissed "Don't make a sound, please." She nodded, and I took my hand off her mouth.
"What the heck!?" April demanded in a hushed voice. I held up a finger, signaling for her to wait a minute, and listened for any sounds. It was only when I was reassured all was quiet that I explained myself.
"Im leaving," I said, and I could hear protest in her voice, but it died down when I gave her a look. "Don't worry, its for the greater good. I can't explain myself, but I need you to do something for me." She nodded, and her eyes even said 'anything'. I smiled, "Be ready. Im going to do something, and I know it will be tomorrow. I dont know when. But you need to be ready. If you feel anything strange, accept it. Don't fight it." I sighed, wishing to indulge myself and explain. But that little annoying voice snapped at me 'No need to give her false hope! Wait, and all will be well.' I nodded to myself, and permitted April to give me a quick hug. I turned to leave, and glanced back when I got to the door. April sat in bed, her eyes big and scared looking. But not for herself. For me. So I shut the door quietly behind me, walking away from the safety and comfort of common knowledge, into the unknown, thinking 'This is for you April.'
The slight jostles of turbluence made me dig my nails into the chair. I had tried everything, reading, listening to music, even sleeping, but I couldn't block out the flight that I so hated. Flying had never been my favorite, when I had everything at my fingertips, why should I go anywhere? But right now, it was the fastest way to get back to the United States. And I needed fast. Sure, the people at the airport had given me strange looks, an unaccompanied teenage girl traveling internationally alone. But when I had flashed Aphrodite's credit card, they had fallen over themselves to cater to my every wish. I was now flying first class, and was vaguely surprised that Aphrodite hadn't cut off my credit card.
'She still has a bit of hope,' was my incredulous thought. I knew it was true, because otherwise I would be a smoldering pile of ashes right now. Speaking of ashes, I was glad I hadn't personally insulted Zeus. This flight would've been impossible. I reminded myself to not anger any other gods than the ones that already hated me. The consequences were just too much.
We hit another bump, and I gritted my teeth. Instead of focusing on the dreaded 12 hour flight, I immersed myself in my own mind, thinking back to what my sisters were doing now. They probably hadn't discovered my departure, unless April told them. I hoped she was covering for me, because it would buy me more much needed time. I then thought ahead, to the future. It was scary, but hopeful. And hope was about all that I had left.
I trudged up the steep hill, wishing there was a road to the top, and willing myself not to think of the last time I had done this. After all, it was about only a month ago. And boy, had things changed. But when I looked down onto the cabins shaped in a U, the big house stretching up to the sky, the dining pavilion with its jagged crack, and the creepy woods, I couldn't help but release a few tears. After all, my fondest memories were here.
I let myself reminisce for a few more seconds, then hurried down the hill. It was mid-afternoon, and I was showing major jet lag. But I had immediatly hailed the gray sisters taxi when I got out of the airport. They weren't thrilled about going all the way into the country, but when I mentioned Aphrodite as my mother, they stomped on the brakes. It was actually a bit scary, them speeding through traffic, but I closed my eyes and listened to their chatter. "Oooh! This one has a fun future! Swirling and confounding! I can't wait to see how it turns out." I rolled my eyes. Then a thought hit me. "Do you know my destination. They clammed up, until I brought up my mother again. Then they all screamed at the same time, "North 37° 53.714, West 122° 34.520!" And the car screeched to a halt in front of Camp Half-Blood. I had arrived in more or less in one piece. Thank Gods. I thanked them profusely and got out of the car.
Which leads to where I was now, skulking through camp with my jacket zipped up and my hood over my face. I was searching, and getting no success. But when I was about to give up, I stumbled up a lone figure in the woods, with his hands over his eyes, green eyes closed in distraught, black hair as always mussed up. I pulled my hood down and stepped into the light.
"Percy Jackson, I know of your prophecy, and I know what you must do. You need to come with me, now, if you have any hope of destroying Kronos."
A/N: Well that was a long one. Im hoping this chapter makes up for last chapters length, even though their both a bit boring and weak. Anyway, do you agree, disagree? Click the little button and give me a birthday review!
Song- Wake The Dead by Family Force 5.