The Fleece of the Gods || The Riordanverse

Chapter IV: Amara

Amara wanted to go home.

Or, at least, back to her cabin. She never wanted to go on this quest in the first place. She just didn't want to say no to Chiron in front of everyone. She'd rather die on the quest than live with that embarrassment.

They were told to meet at Thalia's tree, so that's where Amara went. She was surprised to see that she was the last camper there. Actually no, she wasn't late, they were all early, at least that's what she tried telling herself. Everyone was talking except Cora, who kept retracting her staff. They all had a backpack slung over their shoulders, some more beat up than others.

Amara assumed Cora was there first, in fact, she'd bet money that Cora had been next to the tree as soon as the meeting last night was adjourned.

She also figured that Opal and McKay had arrived at the same time. If she weren't an Aphrodite kid, she'd be confused on whether or not they were dating, but she knew all the gossip, and they were strictly best friends.

Then there was Owen, who she thought would've been last. He was always late, always slumping his shoulders and figuring out who to annoy. But not today. He had sort of a pep in his step, a glimmer in his dark eyes. He smiled at her, and she knew he had done something mischievous.

Chiron galloped up to the group. "Here." He handed a backpack to Cora. "There's ambrose, nectar, mortal money, and drachmas." He looked mournful, like this was the last time he'd ever see them. That worried Amara.

"Argus will take you to the Metropolitan Museum, then you're on your own. Be safe, and don't be afraid to Iris message the camp." He put on a smile. "I trust that you will get the job done."

They headed down to the road, where Argus had a van, big enough to fit the group. Cora got in first, and Amara knew she had siblings with the way she went straight to the back. Opal and Mckay followed.

Owen motioned for her to enter first, and she did. On the stereo, Everybody Wants To Rule The World played. She could hear Opal and McKay singing along to it. She looked in the rearview mirror and noticed Cora searching through the backpack.

Then she looked next to her, and instantly met Owen's eyes.

"You excited?" He asked.

Amara simply shrugged and pursed her lips. "Um, I'm excited for NYC." She answered. It really was the only thing to look forward to at the moment. She's been to New York a few times for her dad's work, but now she didn't have her dad's bodyguards watching her like a hawk. He was a fashion designer and an actor, and often had stalkers. Amara didn't mind that her dad was famous, in fact, she enjoyed it. It meant he didn't care whether or not she could go back home. And she never wanted to.

"I've never been to New York." Owen said, facing forward. "But I've heard it's fun. They have a lot of songs about it so..."

That was McKay and Opal's cue to sing New York, New York by Frank Sinatra. Cora glanced at them, paused her searching for a second, then quickly went back to it.

"Can I see the bag?" Owen asked.

"What do you think?" Cora said, keeping her eyes trained on the backpack.

Owen frowned, and then turned his attention back to Amara. "Have you ever been?"

"I have." McKay said, before Amara could even answer.

The question was directed towards her, but she didn't mind the son of Apollo taking over. In fact, she preferred it. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes. One thing about her is that she could sleep anywhere.