Chapter 24 Departure

Lucian woke up and stretched himself out, like he usually does every morning. He had the dream again, so his t-shirt was all sweaty. Lucian looked around and saw that everyone was still sleeping, since it was still an hour before the camp usually starts any activities. Seeing that he was already sweaty, Lucian went for a morning run. He hasn't been able to work out for a while, so this should be a nice change in pace.

After getting into the proper running attire and sneaking out of the cabin quietly, Lucian breathed in the morning air. He jogged around the camp seeing places he hadn't been too before, for example the Amphitheater. It was basically like an outside stage, which looks like what a concert would be held on. He also jogged to the climbing wall which was like a volcano! There was lava spewing out from the top, which made Lucians blood boil. He definitely needed to try that later!

Near the North Woods was the Arena, which looked like what gladiators used to fight in. Not to far away was the Armory and Forge, as well as the stables, which seemed to house horses with wings? Cool, it's the legendary pegasus! This is also another place he would have to visit. Next to the stables was the strawberry fields which covered a few acres of land.

Lucian had ran for about an hour but was not feeling very tired. So he decided to go pay Thalia a quick visit. After about 30 minutes of running, he was able to see Thalias Pine.

"Morning Thalia, I did say I was going to visit again remember?" Lucian said as he sat down like before. He was still able to feel the tree vibrate on his back, as if happy he kept his word. "Hehe, you should know I'm a man of my word." Lucian laughed as he talked about anything that came to his mind. Lucian found it very easy to talk even though he wasnt particularly sad at the moment. Talking like this with Thalia just seemed to come easy for him, even though she's just a tree. He talked for about 30 minutes, just rambling about sweet nothings.

"Your not getting bored of my company are you? I feel like I'm just rambling on." Lucian asked with a smile. The tree vibrated in response, which Lucian took as a no. For some reason he was able to somewhat understand what she was trying to say. "That's good, I wouldn't want to bore you."

Lucian wanted to talk some more, but he heared the morning horn signaling it was time for breakfast. Lucian was actually starving so he got up and bed his farewell. "It is time for me to leave Thalia. Don't worry, I'll come back. You have my word." The tree gave its usual response as Lucian went back to his cabin to freshen up. When Lucian got to his cabin he did not see anyone there, so he assumed they were at breakfast.

As Lucian was washing his face, he saw Piper through the mirror. Lucian quickly dried his face. "I didn't mean to disturb you." Said Piper, making Lucian shake his head. "No no, it's my fault. I thought I was alone. Plus you weren't disturbing me."

"That's good. I wouldn't want to disturb the camps celebrity." Lucian raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean celebrity?" Piper gave a teasing smile. "You mean you dont know? You became a celebrity overnight." She gestured to the bright pink aura surrounding me. "After mother claimed you, every girl dreamt about you. They cant seem to get you out of their heads. There are even a few guys, hehe." Lucian cringed. "Okay let me stop you there. This is so annoying, its giving me a headache. Will I even be able to have breakfast properly?" Piper laughed. "Probably not. But hey, you seemed to get mothers power from her blessing."

"What power? I think I heard you talking about that with Drew last night." Lucian asked. "The power to Charm Speak. It's basically like your asking someone to do something for you, and they will do it. They are not able to resist your charm. Me and Drew have this power, but Drew abuses it. She uses it to control other campers, even her fellow siblings."

"Is that why you two dont get along?" Piper nodded. "Among other things. Anyway, enough about Drew. We should get to the Mess Hall, I'm starving." Piper said as she pulled me out the door. After a few minutes of being dragged, we made it into the Mess hall.

It was an awkward feeling to say the least, seeing everyone stop what they are doing to look at you. I could swear I could even see some heart shapes in some of the girls eyes, especially the nymphs. "I'm going to sit with you today brother, we need to get to know each other more!" Piper said as she started to get her food. "Fine, I'm going to sit with my friends so you can come too." I said as I got my food that was filled to the brim and go to my usual table. I was able to find Percy, Grover, and Annabeth there.

"Hey guys!" I said sitting down next to Percy. Annabeth and Grover were in front of us, and Piper sat on my other side. "Who is this?" Asked Percy, curious at the new member. "This is Piper McLean, my sister. Well half-sister if you want to get technical. Piper, this is Percy, Grover, and Annabeth." I introduce everyone to each other. When I said her name, Annabeth flinched for a quick second then lowered her head. She seemed to have trouble looking at my face.

"Annabeth are you ok?" I asked. "I'm fine." Is all I got in return. "She's been like that all morning, dont worry about it Lucian." Grover said while eating his food. Speaking about Grover, he's leaving today. "Are you leaving after breakfast Grover?" I asked causing everyone to look at Grover, even bringing Annabeth out of her weird behavior. Grover seemed to have told everyone already. As they had a sad look in their eye. Lucian understood, he did not want Grover to leave either. But it was his journey and the path that he chose, so he must respect Grovers decision.

"Yeah, I wanted to have breakfast with you guys one more time before I head out. Everything is already packed, so I'm leaving after this." Grover said with a smile, but their was some sadness in it. For the remainder of breakfast, no one really said a word. They ate in silence, yet enjoyed each other's company.

Pretty soon it was time to say goodbye. The three of them stood in front of Grover, bidding him farewell. Grover hugged Annabeth first. "I packed extra cans for you in your bag, just in case you get hungry." Annabeth said, giving him a tight hug. "Thank you, Annabeth." After letting go Grover hugged Percy next. "I'm gonna miss you buddy, dont die idiot." Percy said. "I'll miss you too bud, and I'll try not to haha." They hugged for a few more seconds then released. Grover came at a stop in front of me. "Take care of them for me." He said as he pat my shoulder. "With my life." I said as I give him a quick hug that emulated all of my well wishes for him on his travels.

After we release Grover takes a deep breath. "Well...its time for me to go." We all nod and see Grover turn around and walk into the woods. He passes the tree lines without looking back, and soon his figure is swallowed up by the trees. None of us moved and stayed lock on the place we last saw him. "He'll be okay, I may not have known him long but I can tell he is a strong guy. You dont need to worry." Piper says as she puts her hand on my shoulder in efforts to comfort me.

"Yeah...he'll be fine." I say as I give one last look at the forest and walk away.