Dreams of Demigods

Chapter 12

Cherry's POV 12

We started walking to the Big House. I personally had no idea where we were, but I knew that Allison and Connor would know the way. I hope. Speaking of Connor, wasn't he the person Annabeth warned me about? The person who would "steal the clothes off your back and put spiders in your bed"? How and when did Allison get so close to him? Did she know? I should definitely tell her before she ends up bankrupt.

I looked up and found Allison and Connor nowhere to be seen. Did I...get...lost? Of course, I did. Where even was I? I looked around and saw a building called ARMORY? What is an armory? I shouldn't go in...by the sound of it, arms get injured there, and I would like to keep both of my arms.

After what seemed like an hour, curiosity got the best of me and I had to go in. Venturing into the building with my fists raised, I slowly tiptoed in. After a series of moving, stopping, moving, and stopping, I noticed that no one else was in sight. I looked around. This was one scary place. There were weapons everywhere. Then I remembered how Annabeth told me everyone has a weapon of choice to use in games. I looked around, analyzing all the items around me.

My eyes were immediately drawn to this stunning bow that was decorated beautifully. I always thought the bow and arrow were so amazing. I actually do not have much skill in them, but I always adored them. And this particular bow. I was just so drawn to it. I couldn't help that it was just so beautiful. It was just-perfect. It was practically begging me to take it. Staring at the bow, I made a split-second decision. I grabbed it.

Arranging my shirt over to hide the bow (which was not easy), I walked outside of the building only to bump into Allison. It reminded me of all the times in elementary school when we would bump into each other.

"Allison! Where were you! I couldn't find you anywhere at all! Truth be told, I probably wouldn't be able to find my way home if I was one block over. Where is Connor?" I asked.

"What do you mean 'where was I'. Where were you! Connor and I take our eyes off you for one second and you get lost!" she declared.

"...yeah. I get lost really easily. But Allison, why are you so close to the Stoll brothers? I heard that they will steal everything from you. They are not someone you want close to you at all times." I whispered.

Allison immediately started laughing. "Stoll brothers??? Steal from me? I would never let them. And they are really goofy and nice once you get to know them. Especially Connor. He is really sweet." Allison said while looking off into the distance. UM, WHAT?!

"Ok then, shouldn't we go to the Big House? Wait, where is Connor?" I asked.

"Oh, he went back to Cabin 11 because he needed to get back in time for some elaborate prank or something," Allison started, noticing my hard stare. "I swear he is a good guy, a great guy actually, he just is goofy sometimes. It is fun. You'll see."

"Ok then, I guess..." I said. We arrived at the Big House when all of a sudden, I tripped over Malcolm's shoe. "What was that for!" I yelled.

"Um, what do you mean? The real question is: Why are you stepping all over my shoes? Anyways, what are you doing here?" he asked.

"Allison and I need to run back home to grab some stuff," I stated.

"Well then, I guess you three should go together," Chiron stated, appearing out of nowhere. Wait, what? Three of us? "Yes, the three of you, Malcolm, Allison, and Cherry," Chiron stated as if he read my mind. "Malcolm needs to head into town to grab some outside world supplies for camp. You guys could use a chaperone anyway."

"Chaperone! Him! He is the same age as us! And besides, I would rather go alone and face death. Actually, maybe not die, but still!" I couldn't believe it. This day was certainly eventful.

A few hours later. We finally arrived at our hometown via pegasi. Yep, it's hard for me to believe too. Apparently, I had a knack at flying with pegasi, even though I never have before, but I can't say I'm surprised. I have always had a way with the animals and nature around me. It is all just so fascinating and amazing. The best part, however, was the fact that I was much better and faster than Malcolm, who had been practicing horseback riding for an entire year. Anyways, I jumped off my pegasus, Almira, and walked over to Allison, who had amazing grace in pegasus riding, especially for her first time landing one. Malcolm disappeared immediately.

"Ok. We are going to grab our stuff and meet up here in 45 minutes. Are you okay with that?" I asked.

"Yeah. It gives me plenty of time. See you soon!" Allison yells, already walking to her home.

I began walking too. I quickly jumped in, grabbed my stuff, and went to the Tree of Life. It felt like forever since I was here, and I absorbed everything around me, realizing that I wouldn't be here again soon. After about 10 minutes, I whispered goodbye to my sacred place. "I'll be back. Count on it," I said. The tree winked. Or at least I think it did. Was I seeing things now?

"Hey, it's time to go!" Malcolm said, a grocery bag in hand. I wonder what he got. But of course, he had to come and ruin my fun. He probably heard me saying goodbye to the tree. How embarrassing.

"Okay. Let's go." I said. I felt like I saw a shadow racing by. Umm...ok. That was weird. Shaking off my nerves, I faced Malcolm. "The first one to the pegasi wins," I challenged, ready to run from the creeps I was feeling.

"Ha. Get ready to lose," Malcolm stated. I made a mental note: he is not one to back down from a challenge.

We raced down the street, momentarily becoming regular kids once more.