Like you promised

~~Chapter 9~~

It was pitch black. Some of my siblings had these snoring moments that would jolt me back awake.

My eyes stung. They were probably bright red, I hope I don't have to find out. They just hurt, everything hurts. It doesn't stop. It will never stop.

Was I ever happy? Yes, I had to be, I know I was. I'm happy with Percy. Lately I've just been panicking over him, worrying to the point I feel like I'm going to vomit.
Heartbroken over Luke, the one person I grew up to trust and he just walked away... like I was nothing.

I haven't been able to look at the Hermes kids the same way. Whenever I look at them or when they talk to me, I notice things. There's that sinking thought that they hate me. The hate that I didn't help Luke. I was close to him, I should've known something wasn't right. I can't even look at some of those kids without seeing certain features that are similar to him. Nathaniel's similar blonde hair. The way Connor and Travis have this devious, typical Hermes grin, that yet is more similar to Luke's in the way some of the Hermes kids aren't.

The Hermes kids were always the rule breakers. When DVD players were a source of entertainment they'd sneak them in even with the dangers. And me being young still scolded them, but couldn't deny the chance to watch a movie.

Luke as one of the older kids with his older siblings- It's so strange to think like that now, him having older siblings. I wonder where they are now. But just ignore the possibility that they could be long gone- And they made this bedroom theatre setup.

Kids brought back popcorn made from their home because there were no microwaves at camp half blood.

The people in the front were supposed to lay down. They tried to lay out the area from how you can sit depending on where you sat in the cabin so everyone got fare enough screen view. Which worked for like a couple of seconds before they all decided to do whatever they want.

As an Athena kid I liked the setup, it was easy to follow and everyone got to see the screen without trouble. I tried to follow it but the Hermes kids were different and they'd rather sleep outside with the nymphs then actually follow someone else's guidelines. Some other unclaimed kids tried to follow my lead, but they'd  rather do whatever it took to watch the movie when a kid sat in their way.

The movie finished, I cant remember what the movie even was. But a lot of kids were asleep, some of us were still reckless and Luke tried to calm our nerves by telling us a story. Turning off the DVD player that illuminated the scar on his face. He spoke the story of the Kraken and Perseus and the forgery of a gift. After forcing everyone that wasn't already drifting to sleep, he offered to walk me back to my cabin.

It was cold outside and he gave me his jumper "gotta stay warm Annie."

Sneaking me into cabin six he had to pick the lock of my cabin. My siblings are paranoid and specific like that, not wanting people especially Hermes kids to try and tamper our stuff.

"Night," I whispered.

He smiled, "night."

I rolled onto my back to face the roof of the bunkbed. It was all so long ago, it feels like a different life.

And then there's what Percy told Chiron and I tonight.

Chiron was solemn the entire time as Percy explained. Luke attacked the camp for Kronos to believe that he's making us halfbloods believe that attacking us now at camp is his main goal, to side step Kronos's actual focus for his other plans.

How Luke pretended to interrogated Percy (which happened when he wants around me). To make Kronos believe Percy was truly a poor, oblivious boy who still knew absolutely nothing.

Luke used me to prove to Kronos he was too far gone for even me to bring him back to our side.

Luke discovered a way to get Kronos from discovering his thoughts and delving into his dreams.

Luke you son of a... well Hermes. You truly define a son of Hermes.

"And what about Camp half blood?" I asked.

Percy answered. "He said to be prepared for the worst. Kronos has other plans, but after Luke disconnected himself further from the Titan, he isn't entirely sure of his plans."

"Easy said then done," I mocked. "Why does he want me and the Hermes kids away?"

Percy tried to relax more, his fingers flexing. I wanted to hug him, to comfort him. Tell him he didn't have to deal with all of this alone, but I stayed in my seat.

"Well, he wants you away from all this mess. He wants his siblings on the other side of the world."

"Like Alaska, to stay away from this mess?" My eyes were getting droopy and I had put a hand on my cheek to relax my head more as we all sat in chairs now.

"Yea," Percy's gaze looked so distant. Did he really think I was going to leave him alone because of what Luke said? Gods no.

"So we're just meant to up and go on a boat? Chiron?"

Chiron looked to us, the look of reminiscing on something. "Does Luke need our help?"

My jaw had almost dropped.

Percy shook his head, "he said to wait for further notice if he needs us to evacuate, or stand our grounds. Even back him up on something. We just have to wait."

I took a deep breath, steadying my thoughts.

Chiron looked to me, "Annabeth you and the Hermes kids don't have to leave, its all up to you."

"I don't want to leave. But give us sometime to tell them. And if they do decide to go... I'll go with them."

Chiron nodded. "Well it's late. We should all get some sleep. I'll try and add further training to prepare everyone and if instances arise, or risk increase in these very few days. We'll have to inform the whole camp."

We said goodnight to each other as Percy and I left.

When we got further away from Chiron within the darkness of the night sky I looked to Percy and justs imply spoke his name.

"Yea?" He looked at me, so clearly tired.

And it all just felt necessary, so I stopped him stopping with me and I wrapped my arms around him and hugged gently. He hugged back, tucking his head into the crook of my neck.

"It's all going to be alright." I said.

He gently laughed, "I should be saying that to you, wise girl."

We separated and went our separate ways.

And now I'm laying in my cabin, finally noticing my consciousness drift away.

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Posted: 22/April/2020