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chapter sixteen ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
016. Betrayal By a Friend, The Worst Kind

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CAMP CELEBRATED THEIR RETURN AS IF THEY HAD WON THE LOTTERY OR SOMETHING. They were the first to come back from a quest after Luke.

Which made sense because they were the only quest after Luke.

Cassie wasn't going to say no to the huge feast prepared in their honor. Or the laurel wreaths they were given.

Then, at the bonfire, they got to burn the burial shrouds their cabins had made in case they died on the quest.

Cassie thought that the traditions really lacked faith in heroes.

Annabeth's shroud was so perfect for her. It had cute little white owls on the gray silk.

Percy watched as Cassie nudged Annabeth. "Dang, sad I didn't get to see you get buried in it."

Annabeth punched Cassie jokingly. "Out of the two of us, you would die first doing something stupid."

Percy noticed there was something different about their bickering. It wasn't venomous just playful.

Something had happened in the taxi back to Camp. He planned to ask Grover later.

Cassie's cabin had created two shrouds. One for their sister and one for Percy because he had no siblings.

Cassie's shroud was blood red with a symmetrical boar painted in the middle. She had a suspicion that some of the Aphrodite kids had helped.

Her assumption was proved correct when Silena Beauregard sent her a proud smile and wink.

"Thanks!" Cassie shouted.

Percy's flag which was made by the same exact people looked hideous.

Cabin 5 had but smiley faces with 'x' eyeballs all around the shroud. 'Loser' was painted on the middle. Percy enjoyed burning it.

During the sing-a-long, Annabeth's siblings were crowding her. Praises and hugs in a huge circle.

The Hermes kids were chatting away with Percy as Grover's satyr friends admired his new searcher's license.

Cassie's siblings were sulking in the corner. They hated how Percy embarrassed their dad. That didn't stop Cassie from partying.

They really felt back at home when Dionysus made his speech.

"Yes, yes, so the little brat didn't get himself killed and now he'll have an even bigger head. Well, huzzah for that. In other announcements, there will be no canoe races this Saturday . . ."

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Percy was back on his own in Cabin 3 but he wasn't alone anymore.

His friends trained with him during the day. Cassie was a hell of a training partner.

One of his favorite parts of the day was sparing her while Annabeth said random things to distract the brunette.

Percy normally won those fights. Cassie would easily defeat him when Annabeth wasn't there.

The son of Poseidon was content with his life. With his father. With his mom.

He told Cassie, Annabeth, and Grover about her letter.

Somehow, Gabe had disappeared, no where to be found. Sally had reported it to the police, but they weren't gonna find him any time soon or ever.

She had also sold a statue named 'The Poker Player' which paid for a new apartment and her first semester's tuition at NYU.

The two events had no correlation whatsoever.

Percy's mom had also found a good school Percy could go to for seventh grade if he wanted, but it was his choice. She understood if he wanted to stay all year at Camp.

Percy put off the decision for later.

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July 4th came and Percy learned that the Hephaestus cabin went all out on fireworks.

Cassie had knocked on his door and dragged him to where she and Annabeth had set down a picnic blanket.

The girls explained that the fireworks were like a show of images. The finale was the best part with fighting Spartans and explosions of colors.

Grover came to say goodbye once Cassie had gotten Percy.

The satyr had grown in the past month. He looked older like a high schooler. His goatee grew along with his horns.

The rasta hat was now staying permanent on his head.

"I'm off. I just came to say . . . well, you know." Grover told them.

Cassie smiled as Percy felt conflicted. He was happy for Grover. He had finally gotten the license to search for Pan.

But now he was leaving. Grover was Percy's oldest friend and it was hard to say bye.

Annabeth trapped Grover in a hug, telling him to keep his fake feet on.

Cassie wrapped her arm around him. "You'll find Pan, Goat boy. I just know it."

Percy questioned where Grover was going to head first, but that was confidential information.

"Kind of a secret. I wish you could come with me, guys, but humans and Pan . . ." He trailed off.

"We understand. You got enough tin cans for the trip?" Annabeth asked.

"Yeah."

"And you remembered your reed pipes?"

"Jeez, Annabeth. You're like an old mama goat." Grover pretended he didn't like her concern.

The satyr gazed into the distance before turning back to them.

"Well, wish me luck"

He embraced Annabeth in a hug and gave Cassie one too. She stiffened but huffed and returned the love.

He patted Percy's shoulder, then headed towards the forest.

Above, fireworks burst showing Hercules, Artemis, George Washington.

"Hey, Grover," Percy shouted.

Just before the woods Grover whipped around.

"Wherever you're going I hope they make good enchiladas." Percy smiled.

Grover beamed back at him before disappearing into the trees.

"We'll see him again," Annabeth comforted.

"Course we will. He's our satyr. If anyone came find Pan it's him." Cassie grinned.

Percy stayed silent, shaking off any worries. Grover would be the first to find Pan. He will.

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August arrived much to Cassie's dismay. No one heard the end of her joking complaints. Annabeth got the worst of it.

Percy was busy making plans for any capture the flag games. He was trying to keep the banner away from Cassie's Cabin.

It was getting increasingly harder because the daughter of Ares was one of his best friends and would often sneak in to steal the plans.

Percy had also gotten to the top of the climbing wall without burning to death. Another improvement.

He hadn't told the girls of his worries about the quest's prophecy.

One line was really bugging him: You shall be betrayed by one who calls you a friend.

Sure, Cassie's dad had faked being his friend and ended up betraying him, but it didn't seem right.

Percy brushed it off and assumed that was what the Oracle meant, but he wasn't completely convinced.

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Soon, it was the last night for all the summer campers.

They were together for the last time of this year as the new bead was handed out.

Percy flushed red and Cassie got a photo for future embarrassment reasons.

The bead was painted black and had a glittery sea-green trident in the middle.

"The choice was unanimous. This bead commemorates the first Son of the Sea God at this camp, and the quest he undertook into the darkest part of the Underworld to stop a war!" Luke informed.

Everyone stood up to cheer as Annabeth and Cassie were shoved next to Percy by Athena's cabin.

Cassie liked the applause. She could get used to it. Annabeth said it was going to her head but Cassie shrugged her off.

Percy was cheerful but sad. He had found his place, his family and most of them were leaving for the year.

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Next morning, Cassie found the letter from Dionysus on her bed stand. She liked them. Always made her laugh.

Dear Casserole Cardigan,

If you intend to stay at Camp Half-Blood year-round, you must inform the Big House by noon today. If you do not announce your intentions, we will assume you have vacated your cabin or died a horrible death. Cleaning harpies will begin work at sundown. They will be authorized to eat any unregistered campers. All personal articles left behind will be incinerated in the lava pit.

Have a nice day!
Mr. D (Dionysus)
Camp Director, Olympian Council #12

"Casserole Cardigan? That's a new one." Cassie laughed as she made her way to the Big House.

Chiron already knew she was staying but Cassie still had to confirm it every year.

On her way back, she passed through campers rushing to pack and clean.

That's how she found herself on Annabeth's bed, hanging her head upside down off the bed with her feet on the wall as she watched the girl pack.

Cassie would never have been caught dead in Athena's cabin prior to this year.

So, all Annabeth's siblings watched intrigued as the two talked.

Cassie remained silent most of the time but would always critique Annabeth whenever she placed something somewhere.

"Are you sure it looks good there, blondie? Because I don't."

"I think it looks just fine, Carter."

Annabeth packed her stuff and Cassie realized she was leaving for the year. Disappointment flooded onto her features.

The brunette didn't ask yet, guessing Annabeth was planning on tell her and Percy at the same time.

Speaking of Percy . . .

"Have you seen Kelp Head?" Cassie inquired, blood rushing to her brain.

"Come to think of it, yeah he was headed toward the arena earlier. Sit up straight. You're going to get a headache." Annabeth advised.

Cassie sighed. "I'm up. I'll go check on Percy while you continue to ruin your cabin. That owl should be over there instead."

The daughter of Ares left, swinging around the door frame. Annabeth shook her head, but moved the owl decoration to where Cassie had pointed.

It looked better there.

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Cassie got to the arena and found it deserted. She walked towards the woods and saw nymphs rushing out with an unconscious Percy.

Cassie was able to take him off their hands as she ran toward the infirmary.

"Will, I need a medic." She shouted to the ten-year old son of Apollo.

He nodded and got one of his siblings as Cassie got Percy in the infirmary.

The son of Poseidon woke up drinking nectar with Argus in the corner and Annabeth dabbing his forehead.

Cassie was about to stab him with her sword.

"What are you doing?" Percy questioned as he woke.

"Ah!" Cassie yelped and her sword flew backwards. It disappeared in a red flash before it could clatter on the ground. "Oh, you're alive."

"How nice of you." Percy responded.

"You idiot. You were green and turning gray when Cassie found you. If it weren't for Chiron's healing . . ." Annabeth scolded.

"Dead!" Cassie exclaimed. Annabeth slapped her arm.

"Now, now. Cassandra, dear calm down. Percy's constitution deserves some of the credit."

Chiron was at the foot of Percy's bed next to Cassie. Percy had noticed him but when he did, he realized the centaur was in his human form.

Chiron smiled but it didn't reach his eyes.

"How are you feeling?"

"Like my insides have been frozen, then microwaved." Percy said.

"Apt, considering that was pit scorpion venom. Now you must tell me, if you can, exactly what happened."

Percy recalled the events that had happened as Cassie now held his drinking glass.

She would force it near his mouth at random parts of his tale.

She claimed he needed to drink but Percy knew she liked seeing him pausing randomly for a sip.

She found it hilarious.

When Percy finished, an uncomfortable silence fell over the room.

Annabeth broke it. "I can't believe that Luke ..."

She paused and her face fell. "Yes. Yes, I can believe it. May the gods curse him . . . He was never the same after his quest."

Cassie gave her a sympathetic look.

"This must be reported to Olympus. I will go at once." Chiron stated.

"Luke is out there right now. I have to go after him."

"And what Percy? The guy can summon deadly scorpions out of the ground. He's probably more powerful than you think." Cassie reasoned.

Chiron agreed. "Yes, Percy. The gods-"

"Won't even talk about Kronos." Percy cut him off. "Zeus declared the matter closed!"

"Percy, I know this is hard. But you must not rush out for vengeance. You aren't ready"

Percy didn't want to listen but he knew Chiron was right. He wasn't in the condition to fight at the moment.

"Chiron . . . your prophecy from the Oracle . . . it was about Kronos, wasn't it? Was I in it? And Annabeth? Cassie?"

The centaur avoided his gaze. "Percy, it isn't my place-"

"You've been ordered not to talk to me about it, haven't you?"

"You will be a great hero, child. I will do my best to prepare you. But if I'm right about the path ahead of you . . ."

The rumbling of thunder stopped him.

"All right! Fine!" Chiron huffed. "The gods have their reasons, Percy. Knowing too much of your future is never a good thing."

"We can't just sit back and do nothing." Percy insisted.

"We will not sit back. But you must be careful. Kronos wants you to come unraveled. He wants your life disrupted, your thoughts clouded with fear and anger. Do not give him what he wants. Train patiently. Your time will come." Chiron reassured.

"Assuming I live that long"

Cassie felt bad for almost laughing.

"You'll have to trust me, Percy. You will live. But first you must decide your path for the coming year. I cannot tell you the right choice . . ." Chiron said.

"But you must decide whether to stay at Camp Half-Blood year-round, or return to the mortal world for seventh grade and be a summer camper. Think on that. When I get back from Olympus, you must tell me your decision." That was all Chiron told him.

It was all he could tell them.

"I'll be back as soon as I can. Argus will watch over you."

Chiron turned his attention to Annabeth. "Oh, and, my dear . . . whenever you're ready, they're here."

"Who's here?" Percy was clueless but Cassie had a good idea.

He didn't get an answer.

Chiron left, rolling his wheel chair into the distance. Annabeth swirled Percy's cup that she had grabbed from Cassie.

"What's wrong?" Percy looked at her.

"Nothing. I . . . just took your advice about something. You . . . um . . . need anything?"

It was getting kind of weird as Cassie watched the two. Kind of like she was interrupting their moment.

"Yeah. Help me up. I want to go outside."

Cassie reached a hand out to stabilize him.

Annabeth protested. "Percy, that isn't a good idea."

"He'll be fine." Cassie waved at her as Percy got his legs out of the blanket.

The girls had to grab him before he could fall to the ground. Nauseousness passed over him.

"I told you . . ." Annabeth said.

"I'm fine," Percy persisted and walked out of the infirmary with the girls help.

Argus stayed back but watched them closely.

Percy grasped the railing for support on the porch. Camp looked different empty.

The light in the cabins were off and no noise came from the arena. The lake was bare and the strawberry fields were vacant.

The sun fell behind the hills in the distance.

"What are you going to do?" Annabeth was talking to Percy.

Cassie always stayed and the blonde knew that.

"I don't know."

Percy knew Chiron wanted him to stay but that's no what he wanted to do. He felt bad leaving them alone.

"I don't want to leave you guys alone with Clarisse."

"I'll manage Kelp Head. I've been stuck with her for long enough. I'll be fine on my own." Cassie remarked.

Percy was about to ask what she meant by 'on her own,' but Annabeth answered the question.

"I'm going home for the year, Percy."

Cassie looked away. She said she'd be fine, but staying all alone with just Clarisse (no offense to her) was going to be boring.

Normally, she had Annabeth to tease and Luke to sword fight. Both wouldn't be there this year.

"You mean, to your dad's?" Percy asked.

She pointed near Thalia's pine tree where a family was waiting. A blonde man had a backpack on his shoulder and a woman was holding the shoulders of two boys.

"I wrote him a letter when we got back. Just like you suggested. I told him . . . I was sorry. I'd come home for the school year if he still wanted me. He agreed instantly so we decided . . . we'd give it another try."

"That took guts." Percy praised.

Annabeth watched as Cassie nodded too.

"You won't try anything stupid during the school year, will you? At least . . . not without sending us an Iris-message?"

Percy grinned at the two. "I won't go looking for trouble. I usually don't have to."

"When I get back next summer, we'll hunt down Luke. We'll ask for a quest, but if we dont get approval, we'll sneak off and do it anyway. Agreed?"

"Sounds like a plan worthy of Athena."

"Who are you and what have you done with the real Chase?" Cassie joked.

Annabeth rolled her eyes and held her hand out to Percy. He shook it.

"Take care, Seaweed Brain. Keep your eyes open." That was Annabeth's last advice to him till next summer.

"You too, Wise Girl."

Cassie was ready to say bye to Annabeth when the blonde grabbed her arm and pulled her halfway up the hill.

"Where are we going?" Cassie questioned.

"I wanted company and you're not terrible, I guess." Annabeth responded.

"Aww did you just compliment me?"

The daughter of Athena remained silent

"It's too bad I can't say the same for you." Cassie teased.

"Shut up, Carter." A huge smile adorned Annabeth's lips. Cassie liked that smile.

"Whatever, Chase." Cassie replied crossing her arms with her own smile. She glanced towards the camp, seeing Percy's retreating figure with Argus.

"He's all yours, you know."

"What?" Annabeth asked.

"Percy. I don't like him like that. Boys aren't really my type." Cassie confessed.

Annabeth's eyes widened in surprise.

"Have fun with your dad. See you next summer, Chase."

Cassie walked back down to Camp Half-Blood leaving a frozen daughter of Athena.

Subconsciously, a smile and blush crept onto Annabeth's face.

'She likes girls!'

Annabeth realized what she was thinking.

'Wait what. NO! She's still your enemy even if she's pretty. Stop it! She's Carter for gods sake.'

Annabeth shook off anymore of those thoughts and headed away from camp for the year.

The two couldn't wait for next summer and all the adventures it would bring.

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ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ author's note

That's a wrap for Act One!! 🥳 Can't wait for Act Two.

Secondly, I'm not changing the update schedule but . . .

I'm not 100% sure yet if I'll be able to get chapters out on Wednesdays, because it depends on if i get the chapters done and balance my school work.

So, if you guys don't see an update on Wednesdays then just know it's because i don't have a chapter ready.

I can promise Sunday updates and we'll see how this goes.

Y'all's are the best. Thanks for reading this far. 😊

I'd also like to give thanks to readers like:

@TooSoonTooBe @npiqnp04 @NombreApellido274 @iwillburnyour_family

who have either been with me since the beginning or joined along the way. Thank you 🙏🏼 for the votes/comments on most if not all of my chapters so far!!!

It means a lot and encourages me to keep posting for you guys!

But that's all. See you in Act 2. ✌🏼

—Just Another Overthinker