Annabeth Chase and the Sea of Monsters

Chapter 30 - I see a better world

"I want you to do me a favour," I told Percy. "The Sirens . . . we'll be in range of their singing soon."

"No problem," he said casually. "We can just stop up our ears. There's a big tub of candle wax below deck -"

"I want to hear them."

He looked at me like I'd become a Cyclops. "Why?"

"They say the Sirens sing the truth about what you desire. They tell you things about yourself you didn't even realize. That's what so tempting. If you survive . . . you become wiser. I want to hear them. How often will I get that chance?"

Percy didn't make any comment when I told him my plan. He didn't look happy about it, but at least he didn't protest. That's why he was my best friend.

He helped tie me to the mast by ordering one of ropes to wrap around my waist and strap itself to the foremast.

"Don't untie me," I warned, "no matter what happens or how much I plead. I'll want to go straight over the edge and drown myself."

"Are you trying to tempt me?"

"Ha-ha."

He promised to keep me secure then formed two earplugs out of candle wax and stuffed them in his ears. He looked stupid with them poking out the side of his head and I nodded sarcastically to let him know that. He pulled a face and turned away to grip the pilot's wheel.

At first, it was boring waiting for the singing to start. Being tied against the mast wasn't that comfy and I struggled to get comfortable. When the singing still didn't start, I thought that I was mistaken and we weren't going near the island.

Then it started.

And it was the most beautiful thing I'd ever heard.

There were no words, but I knew exactly what they were telling me. They called to me, spoke of my desires and wishes. The music stirred something in me, something deep that I didn't even know existed. And it was irresistible.

"Percy!" I screamed, seeing him look at me. "You have to let me out! Please! Percy!"

Pain crossed his face and he looked away, back tense and shoulders hunched. I stared at him, betrayed. How could he do this to me? Didn't he realise how important it was?

The song was still building and now I could make out more. It promised me things, wishes I'd kept locked away. I could have everything I'd ever wanted, but I had to come. I had to get to the Sirens. If I couldn't reach them, then it would all be for nothing. I had to get out NOW!

"Percy!" I screamed again, tears pouring down my face. "Please! What are you doing this to me? I thought you were my friend! How can you be so cruel? Percy!"

He looked miserable, eyes gliding between me and the ship. I knew he'd let me free. He had too. It was life or death.

Then he turned away again.

The music was still building. I could feel it in every fibre of my body. It vibrated in my legs and arms, in my head, in my heart and in my soul. It cried names to me, names that meant more than my life.

Mother.

Father.

Luke.

I screamed as I bucked against the rope, desperate to tear it through. Something hard bumped again my leg and I looked down to see my bronze knife still strapped to my side. Hope flooded me. Percy was still my friend. He knew to leave me something to get myself free.

I snatched up the knife and sliced through the rope. Having no more need for the knife, I dropped it and ran to the side of ship and threw myself over. It was lucky I knew how to swim as I performed a surprisingly perfect dive, cutting straight through the water.

For a moment, while I was underwater, the music dimmed, the temptation lessening. But I still remembered everything the Sirens promised me and as I came back up to the surface, the song returned, stronger than ever.

I swum desperately for the shore I could see in the horizon, making sure to keep my head above water. Waves buffeted me around, nearly causing me to cut myself on the sharp rocks that littered the area. I managed to dodge them all even as the waves bowled me over, disorientating me. It was making it hard for me to swim or even know where I was going.

I floundered for a few moments, spluttering water as I peered desperately around for land. The Sirens song still pulsed strongly within me, spurring me on to find them and be rewarded with my desires. I had to get to them. Nothing would stop me.

A wave hit me from the side and as I came back up, the beach was before me, dead ahead. Yet it wasn't a beach I was looking at, but Central Park. Three people were sitting on a picnic blanket and my heart ached with hope as I looked at them. Athena was tucked up against my father, gazing up at him with love as they held hands. They were dressed casually in jeans and boots and looked like they were having a good time.

Beside them was Luke but younger. His hair was vibrant and he had no scar on his face. He wore his Camp Half-Blood clothes proudly and he was smiling. A feast was spread out before them, full of cakes and yummy sandwiches. Even the rug they sat on was nice looking, an Ancient Greek one that was adorned with blue patterned squares.

Behind them was Manhattan, but the way I wanted it. It was better, bigger, grander than before, dazzling to the eyes. It had rooftop gardens and glass walls and golden windows. It was perfect. The whole scene was perfect.

My parents and Luke spotted me then and their faces lit up. Their smiles brightened and they held out their arms to me. I was welcomed. I was loved.

My mother and father were reunited and they loved me. They wanted me to be their daughter.

Luke patted a spot beside him, gesturing for me to sit there so he could hold me like I'd always wanted him to.

My heart swimming with happiness, I reached out my arm to them, so I could be apart of what the Sirens promised me.

Then something grabbed my ankle and pulled me back.