Outsider (Story about Camp Halfblood)

Chapter 42

I don't know why I picked my cabin as the best place to hide, but Clarisse was expected to be at the campfire celebrating the Argo ll's voyage that sets off tomorrow. She demanded I give her the prophecy paper, but she got a nice note explaining why she can't tell anyone. I know she's not upset with me, but she's upset that she can't prepare for war and finds it unfair that she can't and blah blah. I couldn't care to hear the rest of her jibberish.

I quickly changed into my bed clothes and snuggled into bed. Might as well get to bed early to watch the Agro ll set sail at dawn.

~~~

Morning came too quickly. Demigods sat along the beach, waiting for the Agro ll to leave. Everyone was anxious of what to come, but the party that was being thrown after the ship leaves was more exciting. I suppose the four, no five, about to leave won't be too happy once they find out about the crazy party soon to happen. I mean, the harpies were excited and those ladies are only happy when they get to eat demigods.

In front of me, the Stolls were bouncing and fidgeting about, barely able to contain themselves.

"Look at em." Pollux nudged me.

"Yeah, they can't wait for the party." I assumed, thinking he was poiting out the Stolls.

Pollux rolled his eyes. "No, not them. Annabeth, Jason, Piper, and Leo--each one about to test their limits on this quest that literally affects the world. We are having a party, that may last for days, and they have no idea! It's pretty funny. We are celebrating their quest without them."

I shrugged. "Chiron probably didn't want them distracted."

"Good point." he agreed.

We sat and watched as the sails went up and the Argo ll began to ascend. Everyone cheered and waved at the Argo ll.

Some guy stood up and put on a party hat and shouted, "Let's party!"

That got almost every person up and cheering, and instantly the nymph and satyrs began to play music that filled the beach with happy songs. Demigods danced about and we all raced into the woods where snacks were set up.

But I had a feeling that this would be the last time this camp would celebrate--at least for a little while.

~~

The woods had crystal balls, streamers, and other decorations thrown about the trees. Music came from all directions with a melodic, rhythmic beat that took over your body and every movement was some sort of dance. The same beat allowed for slow dances, fast dances, and any dance in between. Few demigods salsa-ed, others danced the waltz. No one stood still.

 "Mia! Here's your punch." Will returned handing me a chalice filled with dark red punch that looked a lot like wine, but wasn't.

"Thanks!" I took a sip, trying not to spill it on myself as the beat moved my feet to step side to side. Will tapped his feet and his shoulders moved to the rhythm of the song.

"This is one awesome party! The Hephaestus cabin is going to have a hard time topping this off with their fireworks!" Will grinned, enjoying the overall atmosphere of the music. I, on the other hand, took to the decoration and the feel of the party itself. My high came off of everyone else enjoying themselves. The party itself controlled my movements, not the music. Watching people dance and let loose was a thrill that I had to be apart of.

I tossed the half full chalice behind me and grabbed Will's hand. "Let's dance!"

"Okay!" he too dropped his chalice with a puzzled look on his face. We stood in a crowd of other danceing campers and I began to dance, ignoring others around me. Soon I felt like I was a kid, dreaming of being a ballerina, as I danced under the trees.