Daughter of Mother Earth

Chapter Sixty-Nine

"We should be landing in Atlanta tomorrow afternoon, so we should be getting some rest. It's getting late." Leo stood up, brushing off his dinner crumbs.

The others began standing as well, clearing their plates and cups.

"Wait," Piper suddenly spoke. "They're here. The eidolons."

Crystal's blood ran cold.

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"Here? In this room?" Crystal glanced around as if she could see the spirits.

Annabeth shook her head. "Piper's right, but I think they're lurking inside some of us. I can feel that they're here."

"How do we get them out?" Percy asked. "Coax them out with sweet talk?"

Piper gave him a pointed glance before taking a deep breath, mustering her courage. "Spirits. Raise your hands."

Leo laughed, but it was laced with nervousness. "There's no way that's going to-"

He stopped abruptly and his face dropped all emotion. Slowly, he raised his hand, along with Percy and Jason. Frank stumbled away from Leo, nearly tripping over himself. Crystal immediately gripped the hilt of her dagger, ready to unsheath it if needed. Annabeth gasped in shock.

"How many of you are there?" Piper swallowed thickly.

Leo turned his now golden gaze to her. "Only three, the strongest. We will live again."

Crystal's body vibrated in anger seeing her friends- seeing Leo like this.

"Leave these bodies," Piper hissed. "You will not live again."

"No," Percy said, though he seemed unsure.

Frank reached for his bow. "Get out of here and leave our friends alone!"

Leo turned his head to Frank, who seemed creeped out. "You think you can tell us what to do? Your own life is fragile, able to burn at any second. We fear no one."

A loud THWIP cut through the air, followed by a hollow THUMP. A sharp dagger embedded itself into the wall next to Leo's head, missing his ear by mere centimeters. His head whipped back around to Crystal, who's eyes were seething with red hot anger.

"We fear one."

Jason began to draw his sword, but Hazel stopped him, bringing his sword to the ground with a wave of her hand.

"Listen to Piper!" Hazel growled.

Drawing in a deep breath, Piper spoke again. "You will leave these bodies and never return. You will never possess a crew member again."

The three possessed demigods contorted in protest to Piper's words. Sweat ran down Percy's forehead and Leo twitched.

"We will leave," Jason hissed after much struggle.

Piper stood her ground. "Swear it on the River Styx."

Crystal watched the tense moment, wondering if Piper's words were enough. Her body only completely relaxed when all three boys suddenly slumped over. Percy landed face-first into his pizza while Piper and Hazel were quick to catch Jason. Crystal snickered as Frank dodged as Leo fell in his direction, the demigod landing with a harsh thud.

"Ow!" A whine came from the floor.

Crystal chuckled, reaching her hand out to help Leo up. "Come on, you baby."

"You know," Leo groaned, getting to his feet. "Any other occasion I'd be flattered by the pet name, but considering you threw a knife at my face, I'm a bit offended."