Knee Socks 𖦹 Percy Jackson - 04: Highway To Hell (2024)

 
 
           
 
 
I SWEAR TO GODS, IF I HAVE TO DEAL WITH PERCY JACKSON ANOTHER DAY I MIGHT END MY BLOODLINE. Apparently, they took that as a challenge. Because there I was, being told my Chiron that I was to accompany Percy, Annabeth, and Grover on a quest. First of all, no thanks! Second of all, what? 
I knew I looked stupid, standing at the archery range with my mouth wide open in utter shock. Some of the Apollo kids were watching me and sharing whispers. They thought I was weird, but they were the ones who prayed to their father like he would smite them if they didn't. Who am I to judge. At least they have a father. 
Luke had packed my bag for me. "Wanted to make sure you're ready for your first ever quest! When you come back, you better be claimed." He joked, ruffling my hair before pulling me into a hug. Luke never hugged me, but when he did I knew he meant it with love. I hugged back, worried that this could be the last time I ever saw him. "I can't promise anything." I mumbled into his shirt. His laugh vibrated through me as he pushed away, hands resting on my shoulders as he looked down at me. "You'll do great." He nodded. I nodded back before slinging my bag onto my back and leaving the Hermes cabin for (hopefully) the last time. 
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Olive gave me the biggest hug ever. I think she may have broken a few ribs, but considering she was an Apollo kid, I doubt she did real damage. She was a healer after all, and a damn good one. "You got bandaids? And rubbing alcohol? You remember how to disinfect a wound properly?" She cradled my face in her hands as she rattled off a list of first aid skills I would hopefully never need to know. She stopped and smiled, just staring at me, before bringing me back in for another final bear hug. "Come home in one piece." She whispered. I didn't respond, because I didn't want to make empty promises. I knew quests were dangerous. I knew I had chances of getting killed in the process. 
I was okay with that. 
 
           
 
 
PERCY WAS SQUINTING UP AT THALIA'S TREE WHEN I ARRIVED FOR DEPARTURE. I didn't acknowledge him, instead walked past to stand next to Annabeth. She was saying goodbye, as if Thalia's tree could hear her. Actually she probably could. sh*t like that is possible in the Demigod world. Annabeth and I walked back towards the boys, solemn and worried. 
"She fought valiantly and met a heroes fate." Annabeth retorted something I hadn't quite heard from Percy. "She met a pine cones gate." If looks could kill, Annabeth would be on trial for murder. My mouth hung open in a small circle as I kept in my laughter. It wasn't funny. It wasn't. But it kinda was. I never met Thalia, so I never felt as if I knew her beyond the stories Luke and Annabeth told me. So it didn't hurt as bad to hear Percy poke fun at her situation. Still, super low.
Annabeth scoffed before shouting something over her shoulder. I jogged to catch up to her and we led the boys away. Did I have any idea what was going to happen? Nope. Was I sure I was gonna die? Maybe fifty percent sure. 
 
           
 
 
I YEARNED FOR THE CROWDED HERMES CABIN AS I WAS STUFFED INTO A TAXI CAB ALONGSIDE PERCY. He insisted on sitting beside me. I protested, but it was his quest after all. Giving in, I flinched as his arm rested against mine. Thankfully, I was next to the window, so I could watch buildings passing by. If I focused on those instead of the blonde next to me—
"Why are you ignoring me?" There it is. 
"I'm not." Liar. My pants might as well have been forged from the Hephaestus furnaces, they were so on fire. "Yes you are. Don't lie to me, Amara. I know you." His tone rubbed me the wrong way. 
Knew me?
This kid knew me?
"No, you met me two days ago. You know absolutely nothing about me. Now shut up and give me some peace and quiet before I throw myself out of this cab." I snapped, sparing him a glare before turning and resting my chin on the sill of the tinted window. Percy shut up. I felt bad. But maybe this will be easier for both of us. If one of us died, it wouldn't hurt as bad. Because who would care if someone they barely knew died?
We looked like the newest circus attraction as we shuffled out of the cab. Percy tossed the guy some cash, thanking him before we headed on our way. Annabeth was in awe. I smiled at her, noticing the 'I ❤️ NY' bracelet I had gotten her poking out of the sleeve her jacket. I almost giggled, but instead laced my arm with hers and began our trek to Hell. 
Literally.