Percy Jackson & The Mutant Demigods

Chapter 12

Chapter 12: Chance Meetings

Percy

While Tory and Sam were talking, I decided to send an Iris-Message to Camp Half-Blood. Everyone was probably freaking out about us right now, wondering where we were.

Sure enough, when Jason appeared in the mist, he was clearly troubled. "Percy!?"

"Hey."

"Where are you? Where are Annabeth and Sam?"

"They're fine, if that's what you mean. We're in Charleston, about to sleep."

"Charleston?" Jason clearly didn't like it. "Why Charleston?"

"I don't know," I admitted. "I wasn't awake when we got here."

"Okay." Jason flipped a thumb up, trying for a smile. "See you soon?"

"Yeah."

I felt bad not telling him about what happened to us, but I would hope to eventually.

That night, dreams plagued me. First, I dreamed of the School. Annabeth and Sam were taken away, and I followed Annabeth and her captor out of the room.

Annabeth protested, thrashing like crazy, until finally one of the Erasers shook her cage so hard she passed out.

The dream changed. I was back in Tartarus, in front of the Doors of Death. Tartarus was laughing. "You think you can stop me, little hero?"

I woke up. Beside me, there was an impression of where Sam was supposed to be sleeping. Instead, he was leaning against a sand dune, his eyes closed. "Nightmares?" he asked.

"Yeah." I wondered how he knew I was awake. "You too?"

"No. I couldn't fall asleep." He sighed. "I'm scared, Percy. Before all of this, there were only five of us. Now there's six of us..."

"I know. I don't like it any more than you do. But Sam, it's going to be okay."

"No it's not!" He sounded miserable. "And it's my fault."

I stared at him. "What do you mean?"

"When the Eraser captured us, I wasn't flaring. If I was, I would've been able to easily beat him and keep things the way they were."

"Sam, it's not your fault. The Eraser would have backup, and as fast as you are, you wouldn't have been able to protect all three of us. This would've happened no matter what."

Sam opened his eyes for the first time. They were glowing golden. "I guess so. But now you're in trouble too: we're both dying."

"What?"

"Yeah. Every day I wake up not knowing if today will be my last day or not. It's terrifying."

I looked at my half-brother. "Then make it count."

Sam closed his eyes. I thought he was going to make a sarcastic comment, but he didn't. A few minutes later, he was sleeping peacefully.

"Yet another inspiring speech from Jackson," I mumbled. "Rest up, little bro. We're going home tomorrow."

Sam

I didn't want to sleep. All I ever got were dreams. And not even nice dreams.