The Lightning Thief - Something's been Stolen

FROM OLD TO ANCIENT

First chapter of the quest! Hope you like it!

(Picture of Riptide on the side there)

Luckily for me, I had already packed for the quest. All I had to do when I came back to my cabin was make the last preparing touches for the quest. I made sure my Yankees cap was still in my pocket, and carefully slid my bronze knife up my shirtsleeve. Lastly, I grabbed a book on famous classical architecture, written in Ancient Greek, to read if the journey would come to bore me. Better safe than sorry.

I also made sure that all of us had the necessary money for our quest. After some persuading, the camp store lent us all one hundred dollars in mortal money, and twenty drachmas.

While Chiron explained to Percy what the coins could be used for, such as hailing the Taxi of Damnation or just I-M messages, he gave Percy and me each a canteen of nectar and a Ziploc bag full of ambrosia squares, to be used only in emergencies.

Grover wore his replica feet and his pants to pass as human. He wore a green cap, to avoid questions about his horns. His backpack was full of scrap metal and apples to snack on. In his pocket was a set of reed pipes.

We waved good-bye to the other campers, took one last look at Camp Half-Blood, and then hiked up Half-Blood Hill to the tall pine tree that used to be Thalia, daughter of Zeus. I touched the tree briefly, wondering when I would next see it again.

Chiron was waiting for us in his wheelchair. Next to him stood Argus.

"This is Argus," Chiron told Percy. "He will drive you into the city, and, er, well, keep an eye on things."

I smiled at the pun.

I heard footsteps behind us.

Luke came running up the hill, carrying a pair of Hermes’ shoes. My heartbeat instantly sped up, and I forced myself not to blush. I felt like I should have said something, but I couldn’t think of anything, which instantly frustrated me.

"Hey!" he panted. "Glad I caught you."

I quickly turned away, hoping no one saw my red cheeks.

"Just wanted to say good luck," Luke told Percy kindly. "And I thought ... um, maybe you could use these."

Luke handed him the shoes, which looked pretty normal. Percy looked at them, confused again. He slightly wrinkled his nose. How ungrateful…

Luke saw this, and quickly said, "Maia!"

As the wings sprouted out of Luke’s shoes, Percy dropped them in surprise. They continued to flap around until the wings folded and disappeared.

"Awesome!" Grover said.

Luke smiled sweetly. "Those served me well when I was on my quest. Gift from Dad. Of course, I don't use them much these days..." His expression turned sad.

Percy, speechless, blushed. "Hey, man," he said. "Thanks."

"Listen, Percy ..." Luke looked uncomfortable. "A lot of hopes are riding on you. So just ... kill some monsters for me, okay?"

They shook hands. Luke patted Grover's head between his horns, then gave me a hug. He was warm, and smelled nice. I didn’t want to let go of him just then, but I had a quest to attend to.

I watched him jog back down the hill, hoping no one noticed.

They did.

Percy turned to me, "You're hyperventilating."