Percy Jackson & The Mutant Demigods

Chapter 17

Chapter 17: Issues

Leo

If not for Sam, life at camp would've been boring without Percy, Jason, Piper, and Annabeth. Man, there's something about that guy that makes him stand out from other demigods. While others have secrets, they don't really seem to care if they're secrets are found out. Sam, on the other hand, seems like he would rather die than tell his secret.

"I just want to help," I told him one day.

"There's nothing you can do to help," he replied. "I can do this on my own."

"Do what?"

Sam rolled his eyes. "Live. Duh."

I blurted, "You can't hide secrets forever, Sam. Sooner or later someone's going to find out."

"I know." He sighed. "It's just—"

Suddenly, Sam was on the ground, hands pressed against his head, shivering like he was having a body spasm.

"Sam?" I knelt over him. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he said through clenched teeth. Slowly, the shudders stopped. Sam's breathing steadied. He stood up shakily. "That was weird." He shook his head, but the movement seemed different: too fast, maybe?

"You sure you're okay?" I asked, still cautious.

Sam nodded. "I feel fine."

"Has that happened before?"

Sam shook his head. Again, it seemed different. "No. I think I would remember something like that."

We continued walking in silence. I kept glancing over at Sam. He seemed fine, or better; he was full of energy that had not been there a few minutes before.

"Hey, Sam," I asked him. "Why did you choose to stay at camp anyways?"

"Because I just love people stalking me," Sam answered sarcastically. He added, "And not just you."

"Natalie." I'd seen her following Sam around.

Sam nodded. "She trails after me like a lost puppy or something."

"She likes you."

Again, he nodded. "I know."

"Sooo, do you like her?"

"How should I know!" he protested. "I'm only fifteen! I shouldn't know what love is!"

"Calm down! It was only a question."

Sam groaned. "My life is a mess."

"You think?" I commented.

"No." He moaned. "I know. And you don't even know the half of it."

I waited for him to explain, but he didn't. So close!

"I should go."

"What?" I didn't understand. "Why?"

"Natalie. She's over here."

"Where?"

Sam pointed to a pile of rocks. "There." Then he whispered, "To the left of the rocks. In those bushes."

I looked, and there was something in the bushes, only I couldn't make out what—or who—it was. "How can you see that it's her?"

Sam shrugged. "I must have pretty good eyesight. Plus, who else follows me around?"

He had a point. "I'm going to go," I announced. "You can handle your girl issues by yourself, right?"

Sam nodded, a glint in his eyes. "Heck yes I can."

As I walked away, I realized what was different about Sam: his eyes were gold, not brown. Just like in my dream.

Behind me, I heard Sam grumble, "Stupid, stupid, stupid!" When I turned around, he was nowhere to be seen.

I swear my mouth dropped open. There was no way he could be out of sight in two seconds; it wasn't humanly possible.

Which led to my theory again: something had happened to Sam. Something that never should've happened to a mortal, much less a demigod.

"I knew I wasn't crazy," I muttered, walking away. "Prepare yourself, Sam: Leo Valdez is on to you."