Percy Jackson and the Dark Elites

XXXXV

Percy

Percy brought the ship around to their meeting spot and opened the door.

The moment they got on, Percy took off again and bolted for Japan. At Bianca's suggestion, he aimed their course North to Canada to cover their destination. They didn't want the Elites and Campers to ambush them there.

Unfortunately, they had no idea how they were going to lose the demigods. They would be flying to Japan between Alaska and Washington. That was right between the compound and Coda.

Percy pointed this out to Bianca without telling her where Coda was. In light of the recent attack, she probably knew. But he wasn't taking any chances.

Piper was handcuffed and gagged right by Will. He was generously checking an abrasion on her left temple.

Bianca looked at Will Solace.

"I had some trouble getting out." Percy shrugged.

"No kidding."

Piper glared at him, her gaze drifting to the blood on his jacket sleeves, then darting back up—devoid of any sympathy. Percy avoided making eye contact.

"If we fly by Coda," Bianca pointed out. "We'll be shot down on sight."

Percy noted the sudden stillness of the hostages behind them.

"But if we go near the Compound, Chaos will read our minds. With what we know now, he'll take us to rehabilitation."

Will leaned forward to listen a little too obviously.

"Percy?" Bianca nodded her head backward in a warning.

"I don't care if we talk in front of them. If Chaos takes us they deserve to know what's going on." Percy said.

"Not knowing might protect them," Bianca argued.

"Protect them from what?" Percy yelled. "Not Sustenance. He could wipe their memories and be done with them in a second. I'd rather have their help."

Piper scrunched her eyebrows together, looking confused an angry at the thought​.

"It's not worth it," Bianca snapped. "Don't look at her, look at me. They can't trust us. Not after this. Doesn't matter what we say, we can't risk everything with her charmspeak."

"If we get out of this without getting caught by Chaos, or the demigods, nothing they know can be used against them. And those chances increase significantly without us worrying about getting hit over the head."

"They won't help us. Not even for Jason. Could always be a trap."

Will cleared his throat. "Wh—"

Whatever it was, he couldn't seem to phrase it. 

"Besides," Bianca said. "we don't know where to look for this guy. Only Leo does. Or did. We don't know if he's been rehabilitated or not."

"Well if he has, do you want to handle three hostages, one who's on Sustenance and can shoot fire out of his hands?"

Bianca bit her cheek. "Better than charmspeak."

"I think we wouldn't mind knowing what's going on," Will said with forced courage.

"No," Bianca hissed, then she leaned into Percy. "We have to go to the compound. We might be able to resist Chaos, but they'll give us up."

Percy shook his head. "She's strong. So is he." He said louder. "We can leave them to stand guard on the ship."

"And have them fly away without us?" Bianca asked. "I won't go back to that army!"