Forgotten memories

Kitty!... Oh fuck

The van stood ready, its engine humming with anticipation. The other hunters and demigods were already inside, securing their positions for the journey. Zoë took the driver's seat, her hands confidently gripping the wheel. Thalia and Christine joined me in the back, giving me a small smile as we settled into our seats.

As Zoë started the engine, the discussion with Argus still echoing in the back of my mind, the atmosphere inside the van became charged with a mix of determination and uncertainty. The vehicle pulled away from the camp, the familiar landscape gradually giving way to the open road.

The hum of the engine was accompanied by a palpable silence within the van, each occupant lost in their thoughts. I glanced out of the window, watching the scenery unfold—a mosaic of trees and fields. The weight of the impending quest hung heavy in the air, a reminder of the challenges awaiting us. Thalia broke the silence, her voice cutting through the contemplative atmosphere.

"So, Neaus, what made you agree to join this quest? I mean, aside from Zoë insisting."

I leaned back, considering her question. "I guess it's the need to find out more about myself. I have a lot of questions and I believe..." I continued quietly. "I believe Zoe have the answer. It feels like she's a part of a bigger picture, and I want to understand it."

Thalia nodded thoughtfully.

"Fair enough. We're all on this journey for different reasons." She became quiet after that. I knew it was because of her thinking about Luke and Annabeth, but I didn't say anything.

The road stretched ahead, winding its way through the landscape, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with the group. Despite the differences and the unspoken tensions, we were united by a shared purpose.

Zoë's eyes remained focused on the road, the lines on her face reflecting the weight of responsibility she carried as our leader. The miles passed beneath the wheels, each turn bringing us closer to the city. The van rumbled forward, and Zoe's driving became worse.

Zoe drove south like acrazy person, and we were into Maryland before she finally pulled over at a rest stop.

Zoe, Thalia, Bianca, Christine, Grover, and I entered the store, its automatic doors sliding open to welcome us. The fluorescent lights overhead illuminated the aisles filled with an assortment of snacks, drinks, and various supplies. The air carried the familiar scent of a convenience store— a mix of packaged goods and the hum of refrigeration units.

The group dispersed, each of us collecting snacks and essentials. The shelves lined with colorful packages and tempting treats offered a brief respite from the impending quest. As I perused the aisles, selecting a mix of snacks and something to drink, Percy shared a tidbit about his Pegasus friend, Blackjack. My awareness heightened, and I scanned the sky, half-expecting to catch a glimpse of the winged creature.

The automatic doors slid open again, and we made our way outside, the warm air replacing the cool artificial chill of the store. A quick glance upward revealed the expanse of the sky, and there, a dark silhouette caught my attention. Percy's mention of Blackjack confirmed my suspicion—he was following us, perhaps cloaked in the invisibility cap Percy had mentioned.

Joining the others, who were gathered outside with Grover engrossed in his tracker magic, I held my chosen snacks. The atmosphere was a blend of anticipation and readiness as we prepared for the next leg of our journey. The urban surroundings of the store would soon give way to the open road, and with Blackjack discreetly accompanying us, the invisible guardian above, our quest continued to unfold.

"Grover, are you sure?" Thalia was saying.

"Well... pretty sure. Ninety-nine percent. Okay, eighty-five percent."