A Lofty Choice

Chapter 27

When he saw that shadowy figure known as Nico Di Angelo he motioned him over. Nico didn't see him at first. He was focused on his own hiding. When he did his dark eyes looked wide-eyed at Percy.

Percy mouthed what are you doing here, when Nico ducked behind the rock that Percy was hiding behind.

Nico mouthed the word "dream."

Percy nodded and mouthed the word "same thing."

They were forced into a corner trying to communicate in the dark without making a sound.  

Percy was raising his eyebrows and doing weird faces.   Nico scrunched up his face slightly and turned his face away.   Percy stuck his tongue out at the grumpy Nico.  It's a good thing that Nico couldn't talk.   

There was a scuffling sounds before a small group of kids entered the cave.   The monsters in this cave were instantly alerted.   Percy could see why they would see why they would think a cave was a good idea to make camp, but the campers forgot to scout out the area for potential dangers.  

They were going to have go back to survival 101 for life as a demigod.   Percy and Nico came out from the rock and charged.   They should have come up with a plan behind the rock.  

Oh well, it's not like they could have talked.   They heard shouts of exclamation from the other campers and Percy and Nico started in on the monsters.

"What in the Hades are you doing here?"   Percy asked, even though he previously asked.  Mouthing explanations did not count.

"Are you guys still using my father's name to ask a question?"

"Ummm....maybe?"

"Oooooh Percy is in trouble!"  One of the campers said in a sing-song voice.

"I am going to tell Clarisse about your rookie mistake,"  Percy said.   When he twirled to stab he stuck his tongue out.  His words were like music.   The screeching type to the kids.

"Percy," they whined. 

"Mistakes are meant to be made."

"This wasn't just a mistake was it," Nico asked.  

"Shut it death-boy," one of them called.  

Percy sighed and gave Nico an apologetic look.   Nico didn't look back,  but Percy saw the way that Nico's shoulders visibly stiffened.

"Hey guys knock that off," Percy said.   "We are still focused on..."

"Percy on your left," Nico called.   Percy narrowly avoided a blow.  

"ADHD," Percy muttered.  

"Yeah your losing it," Nico muttered.

Percy sent a monster to Tartarus.   "I did it!"

"Yay now keep on going," Nico muttered.  

Percy could tell that the boy had sent Nico into one of his dark and brooding moods and there was no words that could cheer him up right now.   Percy could not blame him.   Because of his father people avoided him at all costs.  It was not fair or right. 

When they finally got the chance they made a break for it.   "Come on let's go to camp!"

The kids gave a false cheer.   They were probably still thinking of Clarisse, but they brought this on themselves.  Except for the new camper which was looking like he was going to pass out any second. 

They stopped at a gas station and Percy realized he did not have money so he was hungry.  The kids were hungry too.   All they could do was rush to try to get to camp.