Chapter 5

The sky began to grow dark, Grover was already snoring quietly in the back seat, his mouth agape and drool rolling down his chin, even Percy's eyes grew heavy from being woken so early but he tried to fight the sleep.

He didn't want to leave his friends unprotected, he knew all too well that not all who live in Camp Half-Blood wanted peace. He had trusted Luke and look where that had gotten him, now here with this Demi-God, who didn't hide his true feelings of dislike towards everyone, who had not wanted to aid the trio on their quest until Annabeth had conned him into it. But he was losing the battle with sleep and after a few moments his eyes closed and he drifted off.

In the front Annabeth was fighting the same battle, she began to struggle keeping her eyes focused on the road underneath a darkening sky. Markos glanced in the rear view seeing both boys asleep then he looked over to see Annabeth was still awake, the clock on the dash reading 11:45pm, he watched as she rubbed the back of her neck, fatigue around her grey eyes.

After a few more moments she stifled a yawn, Markos rolled his eyes

"Why don't you get some sleep? We still have a good 12 hours left" then he added "You're gonna need your energy for the hike"

"I'm fine" she said simply, a little taken aback by his calm tone

"Hey I'm not going to do anything if that's what you're…"

"I said I'm fine" she cut in, Markos took a deep breath in, keeping back his retort, his grip tightened on the wheel before he loosened it. After a moment he leaned towards Annabeth with his hand outstretched, before half way a blade was pressed against his throat.

"Easy there" Markos said slowly "Don't do anything we will both regret"

"What are you doing?" she demanded quietly so not to wake Percy and Grover, her eyes watching for the slightest movement

"Just getting something out the glove box" carefully he continued his movement, he opened the small door and reached in. Annabeth watched him like a hawk, but all he removed was a small can, he held it out for Annabeth who took it reading the label 'Red Bull'. She blushed slightly at her over reaction, she tucked the blade back into her waist

"Sorry" she said shyly, wondering where this sudden compassion had come from

Markos just moved his eyes back to the road as they continued their speedy journey.

Despite her best efforts Annabeth's body eventually gave in and she had fallen asleep a little over 4 hours ago, the car had been silent since, just the slow breathing of the four of them as Markos continued driving long into the night.

But Percy's mind was restless as he dreamt his father's voice came to him.

"Percy tread carefully, those who you think may aid you can turn if offered what they want most… Ares is a distrusted God among the Olympians, he desires war and bloodshed… be wary of his descendants… and Percy, be safe. I cannot intervene if anything happens to you to your friends"

Percy jerked awake quickly checking his surroundings, his eyes falling on the driver. Markos was watching Annabeth shift in her sleep, before returning his eyes to the road

"Where are we?" he asked not recognising the town names on the passing signs

"Iowa" he replied, his voice low as to not disturb Annabeth

"How much longer?" Percy asked, not keeping his voice down like Markos

"Probably 7 hours, then we have a long hike through the mountains" Markos kept his emerald eyes on the road, Annabeth stirred at the conversation her tired eyes squinting out of the window at the trees rushing by, she turned seeing Markos, her face scrunching slightly as her vision adjusted to the early morning light.

"What time is it?" she mumbled

Markos looked at the large console "A little after 6 am"

"Have you slept?" she asked concern in her voice, Markos shook his head "Do you want me to drive for a while?" she sat up straighter brushing her hair from her face, blinking the sleep away.

"No it's fine, I don't sleep" he said watching her flipping her blonde hair and the look of disbelief across her features, so he elaborated "I have acute insomnia, mixed with the DNA of my father means that I don't need sleep"

Annabeth's eyebrows raised slightly at the information shared by the reclusive Son of Ares, it was only then that Annabeth noticed Percy was awake

"Hey" she smiled

"Hey" he replied The Satyr snored loudly, causing Percy and Annabeth to share a look and laughed.

They pulled over at the next service station to refill the truck, Percy took Annabeth to one side while Markos went to pay for the gas, he replayed to her the dream he had and his father's warning.

"I don't think we can trust him" Percy whispered keeping his eyes on the Demi-God through the stores window, Annabeth glanced over

"Did your father name him as our enemy or just warn you of Ares" she asked knowing the answer, Percy nodded not taking his eyes from Markos while Annabeth leaned against the car door, still needing sleep.

"What's wrong?" Markos came to stand in front of her, his face stoic as he looked between the two younger Demi-Gods

"Nothing" she said quiet "We should continue our way"

Markos doubted her words but he just reached behind her, grasping the door handle

"As you wish" he said opening the car door for her, with a surprised look on her face she climbed into the passenger seat and watched as he closed her door, moving around to the driver's side, without another word he started the engine and pulled away speeding back along the freeway.