Daughter of Mother Earth

Chapter Seventy

"You make this face when you're tired."

Crystal blinked in confusion. She did? And someone actually took the time out of their day to notice? A small smile spread over her face.

"You know me too well, Valdez."

Demigods never have happy endings...

I'm going to prove the fates wrong. Crystal thought. Just you wait, Mother.

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By the time Crystal made it back to her room, Annabeth was already in bed, fast asleep. The floor creaked quietly as Crystal tip-toed her way to her cot. Sliding in under her blankets, warmth enveloping over the demigod. Thoughts invaded her mind, but this time Crystal didn't care. They were good thoughts, memories even. She could still feel the ghost of Leo's hand in hers as he walked her to his room. She remembered the feeling of his lips on her cheek as he boldly bent down to kiss it. She could still hear his soft voice, wishing her a good night. It didn't take long for her to fall asleep with a gentle smile on her face.

She wasn't sure what exactly woke her, but when Crystal's eyes fluttered open, she found herself alone in her room. Yawning, Crystal sat up in bed, rubbing out the soreness in her neck.

"Annie?" Crystal glanced over to where her friend normally slept. Empty.

She read the face of a clock nearby. "Geez, 6 in the morning? Where could she be this early?"

Crystal left the room in search of the blonde. She knocked on Percy's door, opening it cautiously when there was no answer. The room was empty as well. Maybe they were just getting an early breakfast? The only people in the mess hall were Leo and Piper.

"Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes," Leo grinned, sipping his drink. "That rat nest on your head proves my point."

Crystal rolled her eyes and ignored the comment, searching the cabinets for something small to eat. She settled for a small bag of trail mix. Crystal opted to sit next to Piper, sticking her tongue out at Leo before sitting down. Piper chuckled and took a sip of her juice.

"Have you guys seen Annabeth? She wasn't in our room when I woke up." Crystal swallowed a handful of salty peanuts.

Piper shook her head. "I haven't seen her. Leo was up before me, though."

"I haven't seen her either," Leo shrugged. "She's not in Percy's room?"

"No, I checked before coming here."

Crystal's heart started racing. What if something bad happened? Sure, Percy could protect the two of them, but he was a pretty heavy sleeper. What if Gaea kidnapped them in their sleep? Crystal suddenly stood from her seat. Neither Leo nor Piper could get a word out before Crystal rushed out of the room. She opened every door, startling a couple of sleeping demigods in the process. Crystal turned a corner, bumping into Leo's chest.

"Ah!" Crystal rubbed her nose in pain. "Leo!"

Leo grabbed her face, inspecting it for any bruising. "I'm sorry, you okay?"

"I will be once I find Annabeth and Percy."

"Don't worry, everyone's looking. I'm sure they'll turn up."

Crystal sighed. "They better, or I'm gonna kill them."

The pair walked back to the mess hall, surprised to find the very missing demigods sitting at the table, along with the others. Coach Hedge was already losing his head, scolding the couple. Crystal was more relieved than angry, glad to see her friends safe. The only thing she felt the need to slap was the grin off Leo's face. He had not stopped smiling and chuckling since they entered the room.