𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀, percy jackson!

𝐈𝐗. you should never get a Chihuahua

──★ Chapter nine

The group's two days on the Amtrak train were filled with tension. Despite no direct attacks, an ominous feeling of being watched from above or below pervaded the journey.

The train headed west, passing through rolling hills, over rivers, and past amber waves of grain. Adira watched the scenery with a touch of excitement, having not ventured into the mortal world for a very long time.

Percy kept a low profile, knowing his name and picture were splashed across the front pages of several East Coast newspapers. However, the Trenton Register-News featured a photo taken by a tourist of Percy and Adira disembarking a Greyhound bus, their weapons a metallic blur in their hands. The Mist obscured the details, but the caption read:

"Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson, wanted for questioning in the Long Island disappearance of his mother two weeks ago, is shown here fleeing from the bus, accompanied by a mystery girl. Witnesses say the girl injured one of the passengers gravely. The bus exploded on an east New Jersey roadside shortly after, and police believe the pair may be traveling with two teenage accomplices. His stepfather, Gabe Ugliano, has offered a cash reward for information leading to his capture."

"Don't worry," Annabeth reassured Percy. "Mortal police could never find us." But she didn't sound so sure.

Percy spent the rest of the day pacing the length of the train, much to Adira's irritation, or staring out the windows.

The reward money for returning Gladiola the poodle had only been enough to purchase tickets as far as Denver. They couldn't get berths in the sleeper car, so they dozed in their seats.

Percy was particularly mindful of his behavior, trying not to drool or snore since Adira was seated next to him.

Only because he didn't want to give her any more reasons to make fun of him.

Grover's snoring and bleating continuously woke Percy up. Annabeth, on the other hand, slept peacefully. Adira was on the verge of falling asleep herself when Grover shifted again, causing his fake foot to fall off.

With a silent agreement, Adira and Percy quickly reattached Grover's fake foot before any of the other passengers could notice.

Once Grover's trainer was readjusted, Adira turned to Percy and asked, "So... who's the idiot asking for your help?" Adira actually didn't know why she asked.

Percy was taken aback by her sudden question and her candid tone. "What are you talking about?"

"Well, I just assumed you were dreaming because you mumbled, 'I won't help you,' and I thought, 'Who would be dumb enough to ask Jackson for help?'" Adira replied, not missing the chance to poke fun at Percy.

To her surprise, he let out a weak chuckle,

instead of the scoff, eye roll, or sarcastic comeback she had expected.

Percy seemed reluctant at first, but then began to tell her everything.

She didn't expect him to confide in her, and she wasn't sure if she would have done the same. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that they shared familiar dreams, that made him feel comfortable enough to open up. Maybe he thought she'd understand.

The silence stretched between them like a taut string, each moment laden with unspoken tension. Adira meticulously replayed Percy's words in her mind, her brow furrowing as she strained to extract any shred of insight.

"It doesn't sound like Hades," she finally ventured, her voice carrying a mix of contemplation and disbelief. "I always imagined him on a black throne, looking as emo as ever and never laughing."