𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐎𝐖 ༄ ᴘercy ᴊᴀᴄᴋꜱᴏɴ

and so, our great adventure begins!

The morning of the quest was, as expected, chaotic.

From the very start, I had been severely underprepared. Kai had burst into my room this morning, eyes wide and still stuffing things into a small backpack. Really, just the site of his panic was enough for me to realise something was wrong.

The something in question? I had overslept.

Immediately, the rest of my morning was thrown into panic. I had to run back out to the forest, Kai in tow, to find Kalon - this proved harder than expected, which was weird considering it was a large silver sword that should've been impossible to miss. Katie had offered to pack my bag for me whilst I left, and it was already ready as soon as I arrived back.

My clean up was rushed, with only a ten minute shower and I tied my hair into a ponytail so hazardously, that I knew there were bumps and curls everywhere.

When I finally left the bathroom, most of the Demeter kids were lying on their beds, asleep whilst they still could be.

Katie, however, was sitting on my bed, waiting for me.

She smiles as I approach, and stands.

I speak before she can. "Thanks for packing my bag this morning. You saved me a bunch of time."

"Its no biggie." She returns, that familiar comforting smile on her face.

"No - I, " I cut myself off. I need her to know how much she means to me. "You didn't have to do it. You could've slept in or something. But you helped me. Thank you."

She reaches forward and grips my hand, intertwining her fingers with mine. "We're family, Nailea. It's what we do." She responds, pulling me into a hug.

She's warm and comforting, and I find myself hugging her back just as tightly, maybe the last time I'll ever be able to do it. My throat suddenly feels dry and my eyes feel too liquidy.

She rests her chin on my shoulder as we hug. "Please. Be safe, okay?" She murmurs into my ear.

I pull away, offering her a smile. "Yeah. Don't worry about me, Katie. I'll be okay."

It's a lie coming from my lips, and I know she senses it too. But she nods anyway, letting go of me and stepping back.

I grab my bag and my jacket, heading for the door. I leave, refusing to look back at her. Only once I'm safely outside, do I stare back at my cabin. It seems to glow, despite the grimness of the morning. It's like my own personal goodbye. It might be the last time I ever see it again.

When I get to the top of the hill, everyone is already waiting for me. Annabeth, Percy and Kai are already sat in the car with Argus, having already said their goodbyes.

Chiron stands on the hill, his eyes surveying the camp. As I approach him, he seemingly snaps out of his thoughts, his gaze returning on me.

"Nailea." He greets me pleasantly.

I smile back. "Chiron. Are they all in the car already..?" I ask, though I already know.

He nods. "Yes. You aren't late though. They arrived just minutes ago."

I nod satisfied, but Chiron wasn't done speaking. "Nailea. I wish you well on the quest. I sense there are some... troubling times that may be ahead of you. Remember to stay strong, and stay true to yourself. Protect the others, as they will protect you. No matter what happens, you will always have safety and protection here at Camp."

I stare back at him, unsure what to say. Before I can even muster up a half-hearted reply, I hear someone loudly yell my name.

My head snaps in Lee's direction as he jogs up the hill. Chiron also watches him, an unreadable expression in his eyes."Well, I suppose I should leave the two of you to it."