The Fallen Goddess...PJO

Chapter 6

When we went to the big house, we found a horse who I presume is Chiron. Well, we found him in his packed up apartment, listening to some oldies music while he packed the last few items. As soon as we went in, Tyson screamed "Pony!"

Chiron turned, looking deeply offended. "I beg your pardon?"

I couldn't help but laugh at the whole interaction until Percy jabbed me in the ribs, giving me a pointed look.

Annabeth ran up and hugged Chiron with a sense of desperation, "Chiron, what's happening? You're not...leaving?" Her words hung in the air with unspoken worry and a tinge of desperation. My heart ached at her vulnerability and I couldn't help but feel bad. From what Percy has told me, Chiron was like a second father to her.

Chiron's response was a gentle ruffle of her hair and a warm smile. "Hello, child. And Percy, my goodness. You've grown over the year!" But when his gaze fell on me, a flicker of recognition flashed across his face, which visibly paled, almost like he saw a ghost. "Armani." he murmured, his voice tinged with a mixture of surprise, concern, and maybe fear.

My own discomfort intensified as I stood before him, unsure of how to respond to his unexpected acknowledgment.

"Yes..." I said awkwardly. I knew of Chiron, but I didn't think he would know about me, since I would assume that Percy kept my existence a secret because mortals are not supposed to know. Well, I don't even know what I am at this point, since I crossed the border.

"Chiron. How do you know Armani? I have never told you about her?" DING, DING, DING. A thousand points for Perseus Jackson. That is a great question, Percy. One, I would like an answer for as well, before this gets hella awkward.

"Honestly, I'm kinda wondering the same thing because I'm pretty sure. Wait, actually 100% sure we have never met, unless you know who my Godly parent is and have secretly been watching me." I raised my eyebrow with my hip on my waist, impersonating my best criminal minds look.

Percy facepalmed as he sighed, shaking his head in a disapproving motion with a slight smile. Honestly, I couldn't help but make a joke in this situation, it was very uncomfortable. Chiron quickly fixed his posture and brought on a smile, as if he didn't just see a ghost.

"Oh I heard about you from Grover, when he was out watching Percy, so I assumed that you were the girl who Percy hung around with." As Chiron spoke, his words rang hollow in my ears, and I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of my stomach. "And, you are not a demigod." We continued to stare at each other, my gaze was unwavering, my mind racing with doubt and suspicion. The tension between us crackled in the air, neither of us willing to back down from the silent standoff.

In all honesty, I didn't believe the crap he just said, clearly there is something he is not telling me. His explanation seemed like a flimsy lie to mask a deeper truth, one that seemed really out of reach. He must know something because ever since I came here, everything has been so confusing, frustrating and scary. Cause everytime the word 'demigod or god' gets mentioned, my head hurts and my body acts up, almost like it's telling me to run and never look back. I clenched my fist at my sides, the urge to run overwhelming, but I forced myself to stand my ground. I needed answers, even if they were buried beneath layers of lies and half-truths, I will uncover it.

Percy reached for my arm and squeezed it, noticing my rigid body, clenched fists and blank expression. I slowly relaxed, his touch a silent reassurance amidst the uncertainty, which I really appreciated. He continued to change the subject, "Clarisse said you were...you were"

"Fired," Chiron finished, finally pulling his gaze away from me (Ha I win), glinting with a bit of humor. "Well, someone had to take the blame for Thalia's poisoning. Lord Zeus was most upset when the tree he'd created from the spirit of his daughter was poisoned. Mr D had to punish someone."