Half-Blood High

XVII

     Annabeth

"So, what should we do for our project?" Percy asked. He was sitting across from me in science class, us being allowed to meet and discuss the projects.

I was thinking about something entirely different. I was thinking about the chamber.

I know I had promised Percy I wouldn't tell anyone, but let's face it. An underground room with a mythical weapon and a weird voice? That had to warrant some concern.

But on the other hand, Percy was my friend. And even though I had only known him for a few days, I was beginning to like him. Possibly as more then a friend? I wasn't really sure.

But you like Luke, the Little Voice in my Head protested.

Yeah, I argued back. Who says I like Percy that way? And I only like Luke as a brother. Not a boyfriend.

Sure.

I wasn't sure how an imaginary voice could sound sarcastic, but mine pretty well accomplished it.

"Annabeth, are you listening?" Percy waved his hand in front of my face.

"What? Oh yeah, sorry. Go ahead."

He eyed me suspiciously. "You're not thinking about the project, are you?"

I sighed. "No. To be honest, I was thinking about that weird room. Percy, I really think we should tell somebody."

As I said this, his features took on a tense look. I didn't blame him. It was a touchy subject.

"Look, Percy. I know you want it to be a secret and all, but don't you think we should tell someone? It just seems too dangerous to me. A place like that cannot be safe."

His brow furrowed. "But you said we would keep it a secret. You promised you would."

"I know that, but I just think it would be best if we told. I can do it, if you don't want to."

He shook his head. "No no. I'll tell someone. Would Mr. Brunner be best? Or would you prefer we call the mayor? Know what? The Governor, why don't we? I mean, as long as we're telling."

I flinched at his tone. He noticed and backed off. "Sorry."

I sighed. "Let's just get back to work."

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                                      Leo

"So to recap,"

"You two followed a girl into the basement of your school, overheard a weird conversation between her, your headmistress and two other people who you don't know, decided to explore the tunnels a bit more, and ended up here with us."

Hazel nodded. "Yes, that's correct."

"Wow. That's almost as weird as my friends fighting a demon!"

My statement received two reactions. Jason automatically correcting me saying: "Fury, not demon." And Piper, who exclaimed: "Leo! It was supposed to be a secret."

"Whoops. Sorry."

Franks eyes bugged out of his head. "You fought a demon?! What the-?"

Jason quickly recounted the story they had told me, while Piper nodded along. I mostly just stood there, wondering what was going on. Was this some sort of weird dream? Would Aunt Rosa yell at me in a few minutes to wake me up?

Then, Piper pinched me.

I yelped. "What was that for?!"

"Sorry." She shrugged, not the least bit sorry. "You weren't responding when I said your name."