Act I Chapter XXI: The Demigods Get A Not So Warm Reception
"You've been quiet," Annabeth commented. Percy didn't register that she was talking to him until an elbow helped him. He looked at her. "Are you paying attention?"
"You said I wasn't being annoying," Percy replied. Annabeth rolled her eyes. Percy smiled and glanced down, his eyes moving to his pocket. After that ghost woman had talked to him, he just stared down at the jar. He didn't quite know what it was, and he wasn't sure how to bring it up.
This felt personal. It didn't feel like she had given it to him to help on the quest. Well, maybe not this quest. For now, he would hold onto the necklace and try to figure out what use it was. Unless, it really was just a reminder.
"For once," Reyna commented from the passenger seat.
"It's concerning," Annabeth said. Percy looked between the two and wasn't sure if he should be offended or happy that Annabeth cared enough to be concerned. "You've been quiet ever since we were attacked. Do you need to talk about it? Are you still in shock?"
"No," Percy answered. He shook his head. "It's nothing like that. I guess I'm just a little tired. Maybe still a little freaked out. I mean, we were just having lunch, and it attacked us. People almost died because of us, and we're lucky that nobody was injured."
"We are lucky," Luke agreed. "That's part of the reason we need a safe place for all of the demigods to go. That way, we can just sit down and relax without having to watch our backs."
"An organized group of demigods can also help keep the population of monsters down," Reyna added. "It doesn't mean a lot, but it does mean a lot less monsters will be roaming around."
"How do you guys do it?" Percy asked. "Fighting for your lives everyday."
"I hate it," Luke admitted. "That's why I don't want to keep doing this. I hate having to train kids for only three months and then sending them off to fend for themselves. That isn't enough training. We all know that. If it had just been you against the Minotaur, you would have probably died. No offense."
"None taken," Percy said. He looked at Reyna. "And thanks for shoving me out of the way earlier."
Annabeth looked at Reyna in surprise. Reyna looked back at them and spoke, "You were blocking the way out of the booth, but you're welcome."
Luke parked the car along the side of the road and looked back at Annabeth. She looked down at the map that she was holding, "We're here."
Percy stared at the forest in front of them. He slowly got out of the car and closed it. A groan left him as he stretched. He was starting to feel tired. There was no way for him to nap after everything that had happened. Annabeth didn't have any issues, while Reyna seemed to drift in and out of sleep. Thankfully, Luke stayed awake the entire time.
Percy could really go for some sleep, but he didn't know what the next hour would hold. His gaze moved to his companions. Luke looked more tired than the rest of them, but he squared his shoulders and started to walk. Annabeth followed right behind him. Percy and Reyna took up the rear.
"Do you ever get hot in those long sleeves?" Percy asked as he looked at Reyna. Every day, Reyna wore either a long sleeve shirt or a jacket. She never seemed to be hot, and Percy could swear he saw her shiver once or twice.
"How do none of you get cold?" Reyna returned as she met Percy's gaze.
"It's not that cold," Luke commented as he looked back at them.
"It's actually hot," Annabeth agreed. Reyna held her hands up in a defensive gesture.
"I can't help that I'm from a sunny place," Reyna said. "I don't remember Puerto Rico ever being cold."
A chuckle left Luke. He turned around, "I'll buy you a new jacket for Christmas."
Annabeth's eyes twitched almost like she was glaring, but it was probably allergies. Percy just wished they would stop walking through trees. He kept getting hit by rogue branches and tripping over roots that he didn't see. Reyna looked down at her jacket. There were a few tears and stains on it, "Do I need a new one?"
"Badly," Percy confirmed. Reyna glared at him.
"You couldn't have warned me?!"
Percy jumped from the sudden voice. He quickly whirled around to see Clarisse. The woman watched all of them with a glare, "Why the hell did you all leave without me?"
"Sorry, Clarisse. Someone had to stay behind and watch the newbies," Luke began.
"You took a newbie," Clarisse spat. She then focused her harsh glare on Reyna. "And you left as well."
"We had to go, Clarisse," Reyna said.
"We have a prophecy," Annabeth cut in. Clarisse looked at her, and her glare slowly disappeared. "From the oracle. We found the remains of Camp Half-Blood and were given a prophecy. We need to talk to Chiron and Lupa about it."
"Lupa's been gone ever since you guys left," Clarisse informed. "I thought she was trying to track you guys down. Come on."
Clarisse walked away, and the demigods followed, "You guys really found the oracle? Did anything else happen?"
"We were attacked by the Minotaur," Luke answered. Clarisse turned towards them so fast she almost got whiplash. "We killed it together."
"You're lying," Clarisse stated. Luke reached into his bag and pulled out the Minotaur horn. He handed it over to Clarisse. She grabbed it in shock and studied it. "Holy Ares."
"Yeah," Luke said, and a small smile split his face. A grin dawned on Clarisse's face as well. The smile was infectious as both Annabeth and Percy had smiles appear on their faces. The only one who didn't smile was Reyna, and Clarisse looked at her.
"Don't be a spoilsport," Clarisse said as she hit Reyna's shoulder. Reyna stumbled forward and then looked at her. "You should be happy! Sure, it took four of you, but you killed a monster named and famed in Greek legend."
"I am happy," Reyna deadpanned.
"You need to learn to smile then," Clarisse said. Reyna just shrugged. She turned her head to the side. Percy turned as well, and as if he didn't have enough issues with his heart that day, he found a snout mere inches from his face. Percy jumped and choked on his yell. He tripped back on a root and fell right into Annabeth.
"Idiot," Annabeth muttered under her breath as she shoved Percy off of her. Percy gave her a look and then focused back on Lupa. The wolf goddess studied all of them. Her gaze moved to the Minotaur horn, and it was hard to tell if she was impressed or not.
"Hey, Lupa," Reyna said, and a small smile finally cracked her stony face. Annabeth studied Reyna and lost her own grin. What was going on between the two of them?
"Lupa," Luke greeted as he turned towards the goddess. "I know you're probably upset at us, but we did go to Camp Half-Blood. We found the oracle, and we received a prophecy."
"And killed a monster," Lupa noted. A growl left her. "Come. Tell the rest of us what happened. We'll make a plan from there."
"Then, we found our way back here," Luke finished. Percy looked at the listeners to their story. Drew was looking at her nails, but he didn't miss the way her head seemed to perk up when they spoke about the prophecy and when they spoke of fighting the Minotaur. Will sat there staring at whoever was speaking with rapt attention.
Chiron had spent an equal amount of time looking at each of them, and his concern seemed to grow as the story went on. When they spoke of Camp Half-Blood, a sad and regretful look crossed his face. He listened closely to their prophecy.
Lupa had the most interesting reaction. She spent the entire time staring in Percy's direction, but it wasn't at Percy. It was at the person to his right: Reyna. He kept trying to glance over and saw that Reyna had her arms crossed, and she seemed to be meeting Lupa's gaze.
"Chiron, I know we can do this," Annabeth argued. She looked at Lupa. "This is the closest we have ever been to rebuilding the camps, and we have a prophecy! We're going to reestablish the camps and save the gods."
"You're getting ahead of yourself," Lupa warned.
"I'm not," Annabeth pushed. She glared at the goddess and stepped forward. "Why don't you believe in us Lupa? I know we aren't special. I'm sorry that I'm not a Roman like Reyna is, but that doesn't mean you should treat us like we're nothing."
"Annabeth," Chiron began.
"Let her speak," Lupa ordered. The wolf goddess stood to her full height. Annabeth raised her chin.
"You don't care about anyone who is of Greek blood," Annabeth stated like she knew it was the truth. "You hate that you have to train us, and you only do it because we are the only demigods left in the world."
"Are you done?" Lupa interrupted. Annabeth looked like she wanted to say more. Instead, she nodded. Lupa studied her for a very long time. Then, the goddess turned and walked away. Reyna glared at Annabeth and then followed after Lupa.
"Of course," Annabeth muttered under her breath. She crossed her arms, and Luke gave Annabeth a look. "You know I'm right."
"Lupa does care for you," Chiron said. Annabeth scoffed. "She has issues showing it, but can you blame her? Lupa only wanted all of you to stay safe, and you disobeyed her and went to Camp Half-Blood. You faced a monster that could have killed you, and that was the first monster you faced. Only the gods know what else awaits you."
"We'll be ready for it," Luke said. He sighed. "This is why I just wanted to leave without telling anyone. I appreciate everything you've done for us, Chiron. You and Lupa have given us a mostly safe place to be and helped hone our skills. Now, you're holding us back."
"Sure, you told us where to find Camp Half-Blood, but I know that you hated it. You would rather us stay with you," Luke continued.
"Where I can protect you," Chiron agreed. A tired sigh left him. He looked around at everyone. "I think that this is the last chance that we have to save this world and the gods. I do not want to squander it, and I do not want any of you to die trying to accomplish this goal. It will not be easy. It will be one of the hardest things that you will ever do."
"Chiron, we are ready," Luke stated. Annabeth nodded her agreement. Percy looked in between the three of them, and when he turned towards Chiron, the centaur met his eyes.
"I hope you are," Chiron said. He took a deep breath. "I am going to get a piece of paper, and we will write down the prophecy. We will try to work through potential meanings and make the best plan for all of you going forward. I want all of you to succeed, but I also want you to be safe. Please. Promise me you will do everything you can to come back alive."
"Of course, Chiron. You know we will," Luke said. Annabeth nodded again. Percy just stared. Why were they even discussing this? Of course he wanted to live. What kind of promise was that?
"I will speak to Lupa about heading to Camp Half-Blood," Chiron finally said. Luke looked at him in surprise, and Annabeth's eyes seemed to light up. Percy could only stare because they were really promising that they were going to do their best to survive. Did demigods just decide that they wanted to die? Percy closed his eyes and tried to calm down.
"Only if we can find a way to protect the camp. But, I hope that was the statue head that the Oracle showed you: Terminus. That is not a name I have heard in a long time," Chiron said. "When Lupa gets back, we will talk to her about where he may be. Until then, why don't you all get some food and rest. You have a long journey ahead."