The Daughter of Death

“They don’t add up.” Annabeth whispered under her breath. “Wing Tattoos, almost nocturnal, dislike of combat, high places, antisocial ...” a growl escaped her. She had to face it, Lexie was just like a puzzle missing one piece.

“I need to talk to her.” She let out with a sigh. Annabeth went out of her cabin. The sun was shining brightly. “She’s probably in bunker 9.”

There were campers going about their usual schedules. She wondered if Lexie was done with hers. “She usually finishes all her chores by noon, then sleep during the day. What’s up with that?” Annabeth was sure that Lexie’s mom was a god. She said so herself. Annabeth’s thoughts deepen. “What about Lexie’s dad? He’s probably a mortal that doesn’t care at all. Left her wherever to fend for herself and get attacked. Her scars, Lexie’s scars, what caused that exactly? She said her training? What kind of training? That doesn’t look like training at all, more like monster attacks, made to kill. Lexie was good at combat. She took down 4 Cyclops that attacked Thalia’s tree. What kind of scent sends 4 Cyclops? That was almost the same number of monsters that chased us when we were little.”

Annabeth bumped into the entrance of Cabin 9.

“Ow,” she rubbed her head dazed
Leo saw her and laughed.
“Wow, now we don’t see that every day”
“Shuttup Valdez,” Annabeth laughed standing up.
“So, what can I do you for, love?” He said in a fake British accent. “Up-all-night coffee formula? Book finding compass? Reformat Daedalus’ laptop?”
“Actually, I’m here for Lexie.” The blonde replied.
“Ah, Spiderman’s in her nest. She’s right above the Pneumatic tubes, napping. That’s as high as it’s gonna get though.”

Annabeth squinted her eyes. The tubes are right above the light fixtures so it’s pretty dark up there. Lexie shifted her position just in time so Annabeth can finally see her.

“She’s asleep again.” She whispered.
Lexie’s hand was hanging on one side. Unexpectedly, a little note fell off her hand and right into Leo’s work bench. Leo looked at it curiously.
“Leo have you ever wondered about Lexie? She has been claimed right, or that’s what I think it is...”

BAM

Leo’s hand smacked the bench, his hands were on fire, nearly up to his shoulder. He ran out the bunker.

“Wha .. Leo!” Annabeth stared at Leo’s workbench, wondering what set him off. It has an open note on top of it. “That’s Calypso’s handwriting.” She whispered.

Percy, I haven’t forgotten about you. Back in the island, when we were together, remembering it made me really happy. I’m hoping I could see you again, you know, without anyone knowing. I hope you would accept this invitation, be friends again, let’s see where things would lead.
Annabeth’s eyes widened. Below the note, there were more scribbles.

Sure, meet me at the beach, sunset. I’ll wait.

It was Percy’s reply.

Annabeth quickly ran after Leo. She caught him staring at the beach. The flames on his body were gone. He was looking at two people. Locked in embrace. Valdez charged right in.

“Stay away from her!” he screamed running closer to the two.
“No, wait, Leo!” Annabeth screamed running after him.
Valdez charged at Percy who was equally stunned to see him.
“NO!” Calypso screamed. “I won’t allow you to hurt him Leo.” She put herself between the two, shielding Percy.

Leo’s heart sank. Annabeth just stood there. Her feet won’t move.

“Leo, Annabeth, you don’t understand …” Percy spoke desperately.
“Just shut up, Jackson.” Leo interrupted, looking at the ground. “I already know as much, I know that you still keep the flower that she gave you. I’ve seen the way you look at each other.” Leo suddenly stopped. He took a deep breath, trying hard to hold it in. “Just … ” He turned his back and choked in his words.

Leo left as Annabeth just stood there. Tears filling her eyes. She ran towards the cabins, Percy tried running after her. Calypso caught his hand.

“Just let them be for a while.”

On top of a nearby tree, hidden in the shadows of its leaves, Lexie let out a sight. “Part 3 has just begun.”

Notes