Fate's Gambit: A Half-Blood's Odyssey

Chapter XIX: The Fair

We paid the entrance fee (of which we cheated by sneaking in Penelope and Allura as 12-year-olds under the "12-and-younger-are-free ticket price) and were immediately greeted by a world of whirling machines and flashing lights. Speakers installed here and there play pop music overhead, and the smell of various types of junk food fills the air. I can pick out each smell and tell exactly where they're coming from. The aroma is inviting. It's intoxicating, even.

There's plenty to do here, but my mind is stuck on other things. For starters, it's the large number of people currently enjoying the fair. I don't like crowds. Secondly, it's finding my parents. I've been on edge about my parents for a while now, and it's driving me crazy that I've found no leads. Judging by Penelope's request for all of us to be here at a specific time, that must mean she has a lead, right?

I stay wary of my surroundings, not wanting to let my guard down for even a second. For any reason, someone could recognize me or Allura, and I'd have to get the rest of us out of here before authorities arrived. There's also the slight chance that someone who (for whatever reason) has a vendetta against Cota or Penelope might have an opportunity to pull something. Then there's also the possibility that someone might try to lure us away and kidnap one or more of us. Not only that, but... Wait, where did everyone go?

I look around in every direction. All strangers, no sign of my group.

Not a problem for me. After all, I'm a legendary thief... I can... I can handle being alone for a while... I have my ways to protect myself...

I'm beginning to get uncomfortable. So soon, Kaela? Really?

The air feels like it's getting thinner, and it's becoming hard for me to breathe. Ironic, considering I'm in such an open space. Every breath makes me feel warmer and warmer, and soon, it feels like I'm ready to break into a sweat. This is very much not worth the catnip.

"Kaela? Everything alright?" Cota asks me, approaching from the side.

I breathe a sigh of relief. "Yes... Yes, I'm fine." I notice the others arrive behind her. "Where did you guys go?"

"We went to try some food. Didn't you hear me?" Cota shows off the food she bought.

"I... Guess not."

"I brought you some jelly donuts," She holds up the plate.

They're soft-looking and coated in both powdered sugar and pure sugar. I don't want one, honestly, but I'm a sucker for Cota's warm smile. I take one. It's still hot from the fryer. I'm not a fan of fried foods, but this tastes incredible. The sweetness of the sugar, donut, and jelly filling makes me feel euphoric. The raspberry jelly gives a slightly bitter kick, too.

"Wow, these are really good," I say after finishing another one.

"Kiss up," Allura mutters, taking a bite out of her cotton candy.

"Bitch," I give her the side-eye.

"There is no room for quarrels, you two," Penelope intervenes. "You can be sissies in your own time, but this a group effort. Please focus."

"Don't call me a sissy, sissy," Allura growls.

"Don't call her a sissy, sissy," I retaliate.

"Don't call anyone a sissy, both of you," Cota makes a guttural noise that sounds like a hiss. She then clears her throat and continues. "Penelope is right, we're in this together." An idea comes to her. "Oh, Kaela, would you like to ride the Ferris Wheel with me?"

"The big, slow-moving, metal wheel used for corny romance scenes in movies? I'll pass, thank you."

"Please? I don't want to ride it by myself." Cota pouts with puppy-dog eyes. I can't bring myself to say no to her again.