The Mark of Athena (Fan-Fiction)

Chapter 6

Jason

     Jason was happy and sad at the same time. He’d finally told Piper how great she was, but he hurt Reyna in the process. He got new and old friends together. He’d met the famous Percy Jackson. Jason could tell why so many people liked Percy. He was a leader.

     In Jason’s room, he got privacy. He didn’t want to sleep, because sleep would bring demigod dreams about Gaea. And he was so worried about Piper. She was going to vanish in Rome, and Jason could do nothing about it.

     Suddenly, there was shouting. And it was close. Jason jumped from his bed and ran to the training room where the screaming was coming from.

     Annabeth was shouting at Hazel. “-do you mind just leaving me alone?” Annabeth cried. “I don’t want to talk!”

     Everyone else was there, being motionless spectators. Jason’s eyes were locked on Piper’s face. She was on the catwalk where you practiced landing on your feet. Even from thirty feet up, her eyes still changed like a kaleidoscope.

     “I’m sorry,” Hazel muttered, backing away, her golden eyes hurt. “I just was asking what was in your pocket…”

     “Nothing,” Annabeth hissed. She pushed Leo out of the way and stormed out the door. Everyone remained motionless.

     Percy was worried. “I don’t know what’s up with her. I’m sorry for her behavior, guys. And I’m really sorry, Hazel.”

     “It’s okay,” Hazel murmured. She looked upset, but she drifted from the room with her spatha in her hand. Frank followed.

     Jason saw Piper tense, but then run. She flung herself off the catwalk, flipping in midair. She did about five flips before landing in a somersault, then ending up in a crouch.

     “Nice, Beauty Queen,” Leo called. “It’s your official nickname.”

     Piper scowled. She sheathed Katoptris and walked out of the room. Jason followed after her, needing to talk.

     He found Piper on the outside catwalk where they kissed, except Piper was trying to go down the narrow catwalk under the ship. She was holding on to the guiderail, her face pale, but she scooted down slowly.

     “Piper, stop!” Jason yelled, but his voice was caught with the wind. He ran towards her, but she was about forty yards away.

     She was gripping the guiderail so tight her knuckles were white. Her choppy braids fluttered in her face. The wind pushed her down, and her hand gripped the guiderail.

     The guiderail she was holding collapsed, sending the bar and Piper into the sky.

     “No!” Piper screamed, her cry of fear so loud it felt like Jason’s ears were going to explode. He hurled himself off the catwalk, controlling the air. He flew after her, but her body was turning into a tiny dot. He could barely see Piper.

     Jason closed his eyes in disbelief. No, no, no. He couldn’t lose Piper after they’d kissed. After he told her she was beautiful and amazing. After that horrible prophecy warned Piper that she was going missing in Rome. Not lost forever in the sky.

     Suddenly, Jason slammed into something warm. It was Piper. She was screaming and clutching Jason like he was her lifeline. He stopped the air, standing on the air pressure. He turned her around so he could squeeze her in a bear hug. She was panting. Her breath, like the day of the Grand Canyon, smelled like cinnamon.