The next afternoon, June 14, seven days before the solstice, our train rolled into Denver. Under normal circumstances, we would've gone further, but after the incident at the Gateway Arch, the mortal police were looking for us.
There were officers present at the Denver subway station, passing fliers and interrogating people. After all, we almost blew up an important heritage sight.
My guess is, one of the cameras on the top must've caught something. Although it couldn't record the Chimera, it must've recorded our faces. I'm sure the police think we're also responsible for all the mortal casualties.
So, we decided to ditch the train at Denver. Given the present circumstances, it was difficult for us to get on a bus, or anything that required tickets.
Consequently, we were currently sitting at a booth, in a gleaming chrome diner- almost empty, except for a few families.
As the waitress left after taking our orders, Grover spoke up.
"Maybe we should call camp, you know, for some assistance. I'm sure they can arrange a secret transport to Los Angeles."
"No way," Annabeth said sternly, "If they could, they would've done it from the start. Besides, if we call camp for help, that's like announcing that it was a mistake to choose us. That's humiliating."
"But what other choice do we have?" he retorted.
"I know that just...... give me some time to think."
As soon as she said it, she glanced towards me, hoping to see my reaction.
"What do you think, Keith?" She asked.
Ever since the incident at the arch, Annabeth's hostility towards me has toned down quite a bit- as if she had a newfound respect for me. The trust between us has also improved, to some degree. Of course, I could tell she still had her doubts about me, but compared to before, it was decent progress.
"I think Grover might be right. Calling the camp is an effective solution. Considering we're on a tight schedule, I'm sure they'll arrange something. Oftentimes, we have to set our pride aside and do what needs to be done."
"But-"
"While I agree that it's the easiest option, it is, by no means the only answer. So, if you have anything else, I'm willing to listen. But keep in mind, we don't have much time to decide."
Annabeth slumped back, deep in thought, while I analysed the situation myself.
If it was just a local area, I could've manipulated the Mist to obscure the truth. But since the incident was broadcasted everywhere, I doubt it would be that effective, even though it can still work to some extent.
So, if Annabeth couldn't come up with anything, this would be our best bet.
Suddenly, a rumble shook the whole building; a motorcycle the size of a baby elephant had pulled up to the curb.
All conversation in the diner stopped.
The motorcycle's headlight glared red. Its gas tank had flames painted on it, with shotguns riveted on either side. The guy on the bike was tall, and muscular, like a pro wrestler. He was dressed in a red shirt, black jeans, and a black leather duster, with a hunting knife strapped to his thigh.
He also wore red wraparound shades and had a cruel, brutal face with lots of scars- handsome, but wicked.
As he walked into the diner, a hot, dry wind blew through the place. All the people rose as if they were hypnotized, but the biker waved his hand dismissively and they all sat down again, before going back to their conversations.
YOU ARE READING
The Unusual Half-Blood
FanficCOTE/ Ayanokoji x Percy Jackson series. What happens when an unusual demigod, with a cryptic background reaches camp Half-Blood? How will it affect the fate of other heroes and the 1st Great prophecy? (P.S. Percy won't be in this story) Disclaimer: ...