The Child of Artemis

Chapter 8

"Are we almost there?" Leo called from the back of the van. He was impatient, bored, and slightly carsick. Outside, the scenery hadn't changed at all. The same old trees, plants, and dirt paths. Leo began to wonder if Frank was just driving in circles.

"We're almost there." Frank answered from the front. He turned a corner, then stopped. "Scratch that, we're here now."

Leo rolled his eyes. He leaned forward and shook Jason. "Hey man, we're here." Jason blinked awake, then straightened his crooked glasses. He and Piper hopped out and began to stretch.

"Percy." Leo shook Percy's right arm. His left one was thrown across Annabeth's shoulders, who was sleeping with her head on Percy's forearm. "Percy, we're here. Wake up."

Percy yawned and stretched. "Wherzaats?" He mumbled sleepily. Leo sighed. "Zhang says we're here. Now wake up Annabeth." Percy yawned once more, then gently shook Annabeth awake. The three of them climbed out of the backseat and into the woods.

'There' turned out to be a camping spot Chiron had suggested for a rest stop. They were a good ways away from Camp, nearly a third of the way towards Mount Talampis in San Francisco, California. It was almost dusk. They had been driving for most of the afternoon, and would have to set up camp for the night. Annabeth went to join Hazel who was making a fire, and Percy went to help unpack.

"I'm going to go scout the perimeter." Leo announced. Frank grunted as he unloaded a box of sleeping bags. "Hey, how come you get the easy job?"

"Well, if you would like to walk into the dark woods without fire and set up the traps while trying to avoid the potential monsters, be my guest."

Frank thought for a moment. "No thanks, I'm good."

"That's what I thought." Leo muttered as he stumbled into the woods. "If I'm not back in fifteen minutes, come find me." He called as he made his way deeper into the shadows of the trees.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Percy stacked the last boxes of supplies next to the campfire. They had finally finished unpacking, and they were all ready to take a break.

"I'll cook dinner." Frank volunteered. He pulled out an iron pan. "Question: How do I cook dinner?"

Hazel chuckled. "I'll help you." Soon, they had a steaming pot of soup simmering over the fire.

Percy sat next to Annabeth on a log a little ways from the fire. He wrapped his shoulder and kissed her forehead.
"Why so quiet, Wise Girl?" He whispered.

Annabeth smiled at the mention of her nickname. She rested her head against Percy's shoulder. "I was just thinking about Lily," she whispered back. "I miss her." Percy nodded sadly. He too missed his vivacious little girl, but they needed to focus on the task at hand. It was the only way they would get back to her.

"Hey," he placed his hand under her chin and gently made her look at him. "Lily will be just fine. I miss her a lot too. But she's in good hands with Lacy, and Calypso said she would help her if needed." Annabeth snuggled closer and he grinned. "Don't worry."

They sat in silence after that. Percy stared at the dancing flames, and wondered what might happen when they drove to Atlas' peak tomorrow. He wasn't looking forward to that car trip. Leo tended to get fidgety after too long in the car.

"Dinner is served." Frank passed out bowls of thick broth with a flourish. "Enjoy!"

"Thanks." Percy accepted the bowl given to him and took a taste. Flavors of spices and veggies and meat exploded across his tongue. Next to him, Annabeth swallowed a spoonful and asked, "Hazel, is this gumbo?"

Hazel nodded proudly. "It was my grandmother's recipe." She explained, taking her own bowl. "I thought I'd bring it back."

As Percy took another spoonful, something occurred to him.
"Hey, Frank," he called, "What time is it?"

Frank set his spoon in his bowl and glanced at his watch. The glass face flashed in the firelight. "It's about six-ish. Why?"

Percy set down his bowl and pulled out Riptide. "Leo's been out in the woods for half an hour." He said. "I'm going to go find him."

"I'll come with you." Jason pulled out his coin, flipping it into the air. It stretched into an Imperial gold sword, firelight dancing off it's blade.

"Me too." Frank grabbed his bow and sling his quiver over his shoulder.

"You three stay here." Percy said as the trio prepared to walk into the woods.

Annabeth stood up, hands on her hips. Her gray eyes flashed dangerously, a storm on the horizon. "Excuse me, Seaweed Brain, but we aren't just going to sit here like damsels in distress while you three go play heroes." Piper and Hazel nodded in agreement.

"Annabeth," Percy said. He placed his hand on her forearm. "Someone needs to stay behind just in case. At least one of us needs to be there for Lily." He gave her a grim smile.

Annabeth relented. "Alright. Fine. But be fast."

"We will."
~~~
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