The Invisible Demigod

Claire - VIII

I walked to the Poseidon table and ate, arguing with myself.

There will probably be no room, you should just go back to cabin 3. The negative voice in my head said.

If I don't do this now, I'll never do it! The positive voice argued back.

No one will want to sit next to you.

Hasn't Sam been asking?

He probably changed his mind now that he knows how pathetic and pouty you are. I grit my teeth, I was determined to go tonight. I don't know why, but lately I've been wanting to change. My cloths and the going to the campfire seems like a good place to start.

The conch blew for the end of dinner and panic squeezed my heart, my palms started to sweat and I was sure I had just turned three different shades of green. I inhaled and exhaled once, I was overreacting.

"I don't think I've seen you wear anything but black." I jumped slightly and turned to see Nico standing there. I shrugged.

"I can't wear the same thing everyday." I replied. He looked first at my orange shirt peeking out from my jacket, then my grey jeggings, and rest on my blue shoes.

"I must admit, you're more colorful then I've ever seen you." he said with a smile. I stood and started to follow the others towards the campfire. "Where are you going?" he asked.

"To the campfire." I said matter of factly. Nico's mouth fell open and I aloud myself a small smirk. "Since I might be journeying to my certain death tomorrow, might as well enjoy my last day." I said with a shrug. Nico frowned.

"That's not funny." he said. I snorted.

"You just don't appreciate my sense of humor." I said with a huff. It was Nico's turn to snort. Sam was suddenly by my side.

"Hey, Claire." he said. "I like your shoes." I gave him a small smile, he beamed in return.

"Hey," I said. "Can I sit by you tonight?" Sam's mouth fell open and I snickered.

"You mean you're coming to the campfire?" he asked. I nodded and Sam smiled again. "Of course you can sit by me!"

"You mind if I join you two lovebirds?" Nico asked, I glared at him as Sam laughed nervously. "I'll take that as a yes." I rolled my eyes as we all filed into the amphitheater. I sat sandwiched between Nico and Sam, I was a little uncomfortable being so close too the two guys, but I dealt with it.

Kayla Knowles came forwards with a guitar and I instantly regretting coming here. I didn't know any of the songs and I wouldn't sing anyway. She strummed a tune and I was relieved when someone protected the lyrics so I knew it wasn't required to memorize the songs. I was also relieved when practically no one was singing, only a dozen or so seemed to and it was only half heartedly.

Sam couldn't hit all the high notes and I found myself giggling as he entertained me with his mediocre singing. At one point his voice cracked at the perfect time when he hit a high note most girls I know couldn't hit. I was laughing so hard that people were staring, most had never heard me laugh before. It was also very loud compared to the mopey singing the others were doing.

I wiped away a tear of mirth and smothered my giggles as the song ended. Nico gave me a sideways glance.

"I don't think I've ever heard you actually laugh." he said. I shrugged.

"I guess I'm turning over a new leaf." Nico smiled a half smile, just one side of his mouth curling up. I don't know why, but I liked his crooked smiles.

I looked at the campfire and saw that it was a foot tall and a deep grey. A little bit of dark blue was mixed in at the bottom. Marry had told me that the campfire reflected the mood, the bigger it was the happier people were. The brighter the color, the happier people were. She said one time is was eight feet tall and bright yellow, it was after they had beat Gaea. I hadn't been there because I was helping people who had been injured in battle. I had wanted Apollo for my dad, but I quickly learned you had to have an iron stomach to work with blood and infections.

I saw that there was a single orange tongue of flame that was a few inches taller then the dark fire around it. I realized it was reflecting me, Nico, and Sam's mood and I was sad that only three of us in the crowd of ninety plus campers were in a good mood. I guess it just shows how low spirits were with the immediate threat of kidnapping.

Kayla then announced if anyone would be willing to sing a solo of a song of their choice. I could practically hear the crickets that they have in those cheesy cartoons. If I survive the quest, I thought, I'll sing a solo in front of everyone.

I just hoped I'll be able to save all twenty campers that were missing and get back with Marry, Nico, and Sam all alive. Then, I knew with a fierce certainly, I would, no matter the cost.