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PERCY WIPED THE DROPLETS FROM HIS FACE!
Grover and Annabeth collected themselves, despite wanting to scream at the revelation. "So, you're not as dead as we thought you'd be," Grover commented casually.
"Surprise." Percy grinned, which caused Annabeth and Cherry to share the same agitated look. How could he be so calm in their situation?
"What happened?"
"Short version, we need to go to Santa Monica."
"What, like now?"
"My father's gonna meet me there. He's gonna help us."
"Uh, just one problem with this plan. The police think that we crashed an Amtrak train and then did that."
"The cops are after us?"
"Yeah."
"Isn't that gonna make it hard for us to get on a train? Or a bus? Or really anything you need tickets for?"
Cherry stared up at the arch and frowned at the sight of the thick black smoke that poured out of its crown. That would probably be terrible for the environment.
She adjusted her tote bag higher onto her shoulder and smiled as enthusiastically as she could. "So we'll walk. I think it'll be really fun!"
"When do you not?" Percy followed after the girl, who was practically skipping. She stopped in her tracks when he spoke.
"Y'know, I'm trying really hard to be nice to you because you almost just died."
"Thanks for the pity. I seriously appreciate the charity work."
"Uh, it doesn't sound like it."
"Sarcasm, dingus."
"Dingus? How old are you? Five?"
"Six."
"Hilarious."
"I try."
Percy laughed at his joke and bowed mid-step. Annabeth shook her head at the immaturity of the situation, averting her gaze so she could laugh without ruining her serious reputation.
Grover found himself enjoying the prospect of walking. He always enjoyed it, but not so much when it was down a highway and not a tree-lined area.
A brilliant idea popped into his mind, and he couldn't resist not causing a commotion. "Hey, Percy, did you know that when you were gone, Cherry was freaking out?"
Percy perked up at the comment, grinning from ear to ear. Cherry suddenly didn't look too enthusiastic. "I was not!" she resisted the urge to stomp her feet.
