Mortal Power: A Percy Jackson Fanfiction

Chapter 14

I shove my last possession into my supply-filled bag and close it. Will I make it back? I look around the shiny white cabin one last time. Not much to come back to. I shrug my bag on and head to the door, where Orca is waiting.

"You set?" She says with a smile. "Don't overpack but don't be afraid to pack luxuries. We won't be back for a while."

I cringe inwardly and don't meet her eyes. "I've got everything I need." I pat the sheath at my waist where my dagger is held.

"No you don't!"

I look around to see Aiden jogging to me. "You think I wouldn't say goodbye?"

I paste on a grin. "'Course not. You're one of the few people who don't think I'm a murderer."

He blushes and looks away at this, which makes my heart sink a little, but he covers it up with a nervous laugh. "Here, I got you something."

He produces a handful of strange golden coins from his pocket. "Drachma. You never know when you'll need them."

I squint down at them. "Ancient Greek currency, right? Sweet!" I take them.

"Good luck. You'll do gre-"

"Oh great and powerful Audin, may your sword stay sharp and your bag full of food," says Archie in what I can only describe as a grand tone as he marches toward us. He bows in front of me.

"Archie," says Aiden through gritted teeth. "Get. Up."

Archie straightens with a grin and puts his arm around Aiden's shoulder, but has difficulty since Aiden is taller. "My bad, bro. Just wishing your girlfriend here some luck." Both Aiden and I blush.

"You two better get going," laughs Orca. "We're leaving soon."

Archie salutes and walks away, dragging a flustered Aiden behind him.

"I know you're scared, Mystery Girl, but we can't stay here forever."

I turn to scowl at Drake as he swaggers toward us from his cabin. "I can't imagine why I picked you, Smirk Face."

He, not surprisingly, smirks. "It's my charms. You couldn't resist them."

I snort. "Whatever. Lets go." Orca follows me, holding a knowing look.

We emerge from the circle of cabins and head to the hill. I look up at the Big House and see Mr D, watching us. "You guys go ahead, I'll catch up."

Drake rolls his eyes. "Sure, it isn't like it's your quest or anything."

I ignore him and stroll to the porch. I lean on the rail, next to the god, looking out over the camp.

"I see you're finally leaving," he drawls.

"Look, you know something about me. What is it?"

Mr D sighs. "You children always think you deserve to know things. I suppose you always did have that attitude anyway."

I frown. "What do you mean?"

He sighs again, sounding like he's explaining something obvious. "I can't tell you, we all swore to secrecy. Just go on your little quest. Maybe if you live she'll tell you."

I nod and walk off the deck, knowing the conversation is over.

______

"It's getting so cold! Of course we get a quest when Winter is nearly here."

Neither Drake or I reply to Orca as she continues to hug herself. We were dropped off by Argus, a guy with way too many eyes in way too many places, on the side of the street and sent on our way.