The Daughter of the Sky // Wattys 2016

Chapter 16

       I was positive I wasn't the only demigod who had been in the principal's office more than fifty times. When you're a hyperactive, impulsive, only-child manners will only get you so far. 

But to tell you the truth, I hated school. Being stuck in a cold building for eight hours in the same  seat wasn't exactly my idea of fun. My boredom used to get me in all sorts of trouble, like the time I tried to pet my eighth grade teacher's snake and accidentally let it lose during silent reading time. That stunt earned me six weeks of detention and chalkboard cleaning duty.

      I felt like I was eight all over again; my hands clasped firmly in my lap, waiting in a stiff uncomfortable chair as I watched the one adult responsible for me attempt to make a decision.

     Watching Chiron pace around his office was a mixture between the funniest thing I'd ever seen and the scariest. Funny because his horsetail was whipping around frantically in all directions, and frightening because I had absolutely no clue as to what was on his mind. His stern expression was troubled yet neutral at the same time.

    Was he going to banish me from camp under the assumption that I'd stolen from Hades? Would he suspend me from all camp activities for getting into a fight with another camper? Or would he take my side? He had to. I was innocent.

   "Percy," Chiron motioned for Percy to approach him. They whispered back and forth frivolously, as if one was arguing a point against the other.

   "-but why would anyone attempt to steal from the gods again?"

   "-doesn't make any sense..."

   "-question her innocence!" 

    They were talking about me like I wasn't even in the room. I wanted to interrupt them more than anything. I wanted to latch onto Chiron's furry front leg and plead with him to believe me. It was true, I had no idea what Nico was talking about. Coincidentally, it was the second time this week that I had been accused of stealing from Hades.

   "Excuse me," I cleared my dry throat. "I'm really sorry I cut Nico's arm, Mr. Chiron...sir. I didn't want to get into a fight. I promise it'll never happen again. Honest." I tried my best to sound sincere, even giving him my famous puppy dog eyes.

   "My dear child," Chiron trotted over to where I was anxiously awaiting his response, "there is no need to apologize. Nico Di Angelo's attack was completely unprecedented. You did what any logical person would do."

    The way he spoke to me almost made me want to cry. Usually it took me about five or six tries to get an adult to believe me or let me off with a warning, but Chiron looked at me with the upmost respect and sincerity in his eyes as if he didn't doubt a single word I said.

"Oh, well," I found my face feeling hotter and hotter by the second, "it wasn't just me out there, you know. I did have some help."

"And I am very aware of that. Percy is a marvelous warrior as well. You'll be lucky to have him on your quest."

   "My what?"

   "Her what?"

    Percy and I's voices harmonized in unison. 

   "Why, of course. An accusation of such magnitude requires an investigation."

   "Chiron, she can't go on a quest she's been here for two days," Percy protested, "Orion doesn't even know how to use her powers yet. She can't fight! She doesn't even have a sword of her own!"