Fight and Fly

Chapter 4 - Decisions

*Annabeth POV*

Percy and I were waiting in the rec room. I assumed that since Chiron was taking so long that he was gathering up some of the other demigods. In a short while, Chiron walked (or clopped, whatever you want to call it) into the room with Leo, Piper, Reyna, and Clarisse.

"I was aiming to find all of the the main cabins' head counselors, but everyone seems to be everywhere, mostly because of the Camp Jupiter business," Chiron says. "Instead, I got just these four, but they should be able to put in some thoughts to help us." Leo flashes a peace sign along wiith a grin at us, Piper smiles, Reyna gives a respectful nod, and Clarisse just glares at us.

"What am I doing here? I know my opinion is incredibly important, but I need to track down the Stoll brothers," Clarisse complains, while cracking her knuckles. "They painted the outside of Cabin 5 pink! I don't even know how they disarmed the mines in front, but they're both so dead!"

"Now, now, Clarisse, would you not rather go on a quest?" says Chiron.

We all turn and look at Chiron. "What quest?" we say in unison.

"Well, it hasn't been officially decided but I think that's the best solution in this situation. That girl, Max... she doesn't seem to be an enemy but we should investigate a little."

"I agree," I say. "I don't think she's an enemy, but who knows, her being her might be some kind of sign from the gods."

Everyone nods in unison. Chiron continues, "Alright then-"

"Wait, should we explain who we are to her?" I interrupt, remembering that we forgot to address something very important "I'm not sure whether or not it would be a good idea to alert that we are the children of gods and goddesses..." I trail off.

"An excellent point Annabeth," Chiron states. Then he examines all of us with thoughtful eyes and says, "What do you guys think?"

I look at Chiron and observe his expression. He isn't saying this as a genuine question, as wise as he is, he would know what to do. It seems more like he's testing us, wanting to know our thoughts. Just as I open my mouth to express my opinion, Reyna beats me to it.

"Absolutely not. We have no idea who she is, her knowledge of us could put us all in danger. Besides, what kind of normal person has wings?" Reyna says in a defiant tone.

Leo cautiously puts his hand up. "Uh, Queen Reyna? You do know that you're talking to demigods and a centaur, right? I don't think we're in any position to determine what 'normal' is."

Reyna glares at Leo. "I am praetor, and I will not sacrifice the safety of my legion for a stranger!"

Piper steps in, which I think all of us are grateful for. "Guys, calm down. Let's think carefully about this, alright?" Everyone relaxes and some tension leaves the air. Especially since Piper used just a bit of her charmspeak.

"Piper is right. But Reyna does have a point. Let's say we don't tell her the truth. What do we say instead? There aren't really any believable explanations and she's already seen part of camp. Plus she did seem to be openly honest when we asked her about her wings. " Percy says.

In a matter-of-fact tone, Clarisse replies, "I don't see the problem in telling her. I mean, Jackson is right for once, there isn't an easy way to cover up what she's already seen. Besides, she hasn't killed anyone yet and if she does try to harm us then we just kill her." Clarisse grins. "Easy peasy."

Before anyone else can say anything, Chiron holds up a hand, silently signaling us to be quiet. "I think it would be best to stop right here. Piper, as you have your way with words, I would like you to go talk with the girl, Maximum. Annabeth as well because she has already met you. Please explain who we are. Reyna, I understand your concerns. However, I believe that Maximum has been honest with us. Although our story may seem crazy, it is the truth that we can give to her."

Reyna doesn't seem satisfied but still gives a tight nod.

Chiron continues. "I will announce the news at the campfire. To both Camp Half-blood and Camp Jupiter. For now, the rest of you can resume to your previous activities. And Clarisse, try not to hurt the Stolls too badly."

********

YAY! SOME KIND OF PROGRESS!! But bad news, letters E D C and A are not working on my keyboard... I actually wrote most of this crappy chapter painfully using my touchscreen keyboard just because I really wanted to finish this chapter. I will try to work on the next chapter, but no promises (as usual) T~T

~ET (but now just T because the E is gone)