You Can't Choose Your Family (On Hold)

Chapter 3: Sword Practice Ends Bad

Chapter Three: Sword Practice Ends Bad

The next morning Connor woke me up. “Hey. Chiron says you have to follow my schedule. After breakfast we got target practice. Then Pegasus flying. Then sword practice.”

“That seems like a lot.” I complained tiredly.

“You get used to it. And if you’re still in one peace after all of that we get to climb the rock wall.”

“Fun?”

“Sometimes. You’ll have to see for yourself.”

“Ugh. Okay.” I groaned getting out of my new bed.

Breakfast worked the same way as supper. Target practice went really well for me. I got a couple bull’s eyes. But eventually I epically missed and hit a passerby. After that the Apollo kids watched me like a hawk. I saw Black Jack at Pegasus flying training. I was okay at it. Not as good as Maria, but better than Connor. Everything was going great until sword practice.

To start off with, when I walked into the arena a giant dog thing attacked me. It started growling at me and tried to bite me. “Mrs. O’Leary! Heal!” Yelled a girl with stormy eyes. She had long blonde hair. I guessed that she was one of Athena’s daughters. “Hello. I’m Annabeth. Are you new?”

“Yes. Um… what is that?” I asked wide eyed.

“It’s a hellhound. He name is Mrs. O’Leary. She’s nice once you get to know her. Trust me.” Annabeth said to me.

Connor whispered something into my ear too low for Annabeth to hear, “Don’t tell Annabeth anything about your sleeping arrangements. If you do, may the gods help you.” I nodded, trusting his serious face.

“Alright, we’ll get you a sword and start your session. I’ll be your partner at first, but I’ll have to leave soon. Connor do you think you could help her?” Annabeth asked. She didn’t seem to

“Sure, no problem.” Connor and another kid in red went over to another corner to start practicing. Annabeth told her some of the basics. She understood immediately.

She made me practice on some dummies for a while. But within five minutes, they were all ripped to shreds. It was almost too simple for me.

“Maybe you are a daughter of Ares.” Annabeth suggested.

I made a face at her suggestion. “I don’t think so. I just don’t feel it you know?”

“Yeah I know that feeling. I once knew this guy who was better than ten Ares kids put together.” She said, and her face darkened. I had the feeling I knew exactly who she was talking about.

Annabeth grabbed a sword and said, “Okay, lets see how good you really are.” We fought for a long time. Annabeth was having a tough time trying to keep up with me. I was having a blast. It was so simple. I hadn’t beaten Annabeth yet because I felt bad for her. Eventually I got board, though. So I stepped in close and twisted my sword. Annabeth’s sword went flying across the ground.

“How-how did you do that?” Annabeth demanded. The other kids in the arena clapped.

“I don’t know.” I answered simply. “

I have only known two people who have ever perfected that move.” Annabeth said in awe. “Even then, it took a while for them to learn that trick. It’s one of the most complicated ones.” I was confused. Complicated? I thought that that one had been easy. “I’ll be right back. Connor you watch everyone.” Annabeth said.

“Zoe! That was amazing!” Maria congratulated me.

“Thanks.” I replied to Maria. Just then Julie walked by the arena.

“Zoe! Oh that is you! Zoe! That was amazing! But, why aren’t you using your sword?”

“Your sword?” Connor asked. “You didn’t tell me you had a sword.”

“I didn’t see you with one.” Maria commented.

I pulled out my necklace. Deciding that this was as good a time as any too tell them about my necklace. “My father gave this to me last year. Not directly. He sent it in a package. I didn’t realize what it was until now.” I pressed the scythe, and the metals elongated into my sword.

There were a couple gasps, and even a scream or two. I looked around at everyone. “What? What’s wrong?”

“Zoe, where did you get that?” Connor asked. He looked horrified. I looked at Maria, her face mirrored Connors. I looked around at everyone. They all looked terrified.

“I told you. My father sent it to me.” I took a step forward and everyone backed away. Just then there was a load pitched scream. Everyone turned just in time to see Annabeth faint.