all our broken skies, a kotlc + pjo/hoo fanfic

chapter five

"Who was that?" Sophie asked, struggling to keep up with Percy and Rachel. "Did you know them? Why are we running away? How do you know that they were—"

Percy sighed. "Let's just get somewhere safe, and then we'll answer your questions, okay?"

Sophie frowned, not pleased with his response, but what was she going to do about it? It wasn't like she could read his mind to find out what he was thinking. She was as normal as everyone else.

Well, maybe Percy and Rachel were a little weirder. And if Gethen was right, she actually could read minds...at some point. That was probably a little weird.

As they moved away, all Sophie could think about was that feeling of knowledge, of recognition. She'd known that person, she was sure of it. Or someone who had hair like that, at least. It was pretty distinct, although maybe a little cliché—black with silver tips.

But she also remember what Gethen had mentioned—she had enemies. Sophie had gathered that they were powerful, that she must be powerful, but why would an enemy let themselves be seen? Maybe it's one of the protectors. She felt slightly unnerved at the thought of someone watching her every move, but if she truly was in danger, maybe it was a good thing.

Clearly, Percy and Rachel were safe, or she wouldn't have been allowed to get so close to them. Maybe they were her protectors, going under the guise of normal people. Sophie did get the sense that she could trust them, even though they'd been together for a short time. But they didn't seem to know her, so maybe that was just instinct.

At this point, it felt like they'd been walking for ages. Her feet were beginning to hurt. Sophie had no idea what Percy and Rachel deemed a "safe" place, but whatever they were searching for was so far away. If they were really in danger, wouldn't they want to get to the most crowded place possible so there'd be witnesses? They could at least shake the person in the crowd.

Sophie hadn't seen the person in a while. Maybe they weren't following them, and it had just been a coincidence. Percy and Rachel didn't strike her as the paranoid type, but she'd only just met them. They could be assassins for all she knew.

Sophie heaved a sigh. "Are we there yet?" Assassins or not, she couldn't keep doing this for much longer.

Percy and Rachel exchanged a glance. "I think we're far enough away." Percy scanned the area. "McDonald's?"

"Uh, sure?" She didn't see how distance had anything to do with safety—people had legs, after all—but Percy and Rachel seemed to know what they were doing. Maybe they are assassins and someone's after them.

Okay, Sophie, you seriously need to shut up, she thought, grimacing. Assassins? Don't be silly. They're as normal as the next person.

They crossed the street and Percy held the door open for them. Sophie smiled and nodded in thanks.

There were several people inside, but that didn't seem to comfort Percy and Rachel too much. Sophie watched as Rachel scanned everyone in the restaurant, then gave Percy a nod. That, at least, seemed to comfort him.

The three of them took a seat in the back, and Sophie didn't miss the way they were positioned. If anyone entered, they'd be able to see them. Had it been anyone else, she would've thought it was accidental. This, though, was definitely intentional.

Fine, maybe they are a little paranoid, but that's not horrible, is it?

"So, Sophie," Rachel ventured. "How many schools have you been to?"

She was caught off-guard. Schools? What does that have to do with someone following us? But how should I reply? They don't know I have amnesia. Should I tell them that? Or maybe I should just fake it...