You Promised, Annabeth

Journey to Olympus

Argus maneuvered the vehicle with a practiced ease, navigating the bustling streets of New York City like a conductor orchestrating a symphony. The cacophony of sounds – honking horns, the distant wail of sirens, snippets of animated conversations – merged into a rhythmic tapestry that embraced them as they embarked on their journey. Percy Jackson occupied the front passenger seat, his gaze alternately darting between the passing landmarks and the bustling cityscape. Behind him, Annabeth Chase sat with a determined air, her fingers tapping lightly on her thigh as if the very rhythm of the city coursed through her veins. To her side was Chiron, shifting uncomfortably in his magic wheelchair that was strapped to the floor of the vehicle.

The vehicle rolled along, making its way through a kaleidoscope of sights. Skyscrapers soared toward the heavens, their sleek glass facades reflecting slivers of the blue sky and the ever-present thrum of energy that pulsed through the city. Billboards and neon signs painted the streets with bursts of color, while the steady flow of pedestrians added to the visual mosaic – a mosaic that showcased the vibrant heartbeat of New York City. The city seemed to morph around them, from the quaint charm of neighborhoods to the imposing grandeur of avenues. Each corner turned revealed a new vista, a testament to the city's dynamic nature – a nature mirrored by their own mission.

In the back seat, Annabeth's voice joined the city's rhythm as she shared observations and insights with Percy. Her words wove into the fabric of the city sounds, creating a unique melody that carried the anticipation and determination they felt. The Empire State Building – their destination – stood as both a beacon and a milestone, a towering icon that symbolized their connection to the divine.

The urban landscape shifted as they approached the Empire State Building, their pace slowing as they navigated through the city's intricate web of streets. Percy's gaze lingered on the towering skyscraper, its height creating a sense of awe and strangely enough, even a sense of foreboding. As they pulled to a stop, he turned to Annabeth, a shared resolve gleaming in his eyes. They've come this far.

"Oh, there they are." Chiron pleasantly mentioned as they all stepped out onto the bustling New York City street. He instructed Argus to stay there and turned to the three other demigods. Chiron, seated in a wheelchair to conceal his centaur half, radiated a calm and steady presence as he joined Percy and Annabeth on the pavement.

Reyna, Frank, and Hazel awaited them with a sense of anticipation. Frank's easy smile, Reyna's steadfast demeanor, and Hazel's quiet determination created a tableau of unity and shared purpose against the backdrop of the city's vibrant energy. As Percy and Annabeth approached, Frank stepped forward, radiating a sense of authority as the Praetor of the Twelve Legion. "Glad you guys made it safely. We almost ran into trouble on the way here. Lucky Reyna took care of it fairly quickly."

Reyna's lips quirked in a half-smile as she glanced at Frank, her eyes carrying a hint of amusement. "Trouble has a way of finding us, doesn't it?"

"That it does." Annabeth agreed as they all chucked. The Empire State Building's façade soared above them, a symbol of human ambition that now housed their mission of unity among gods and demigods. Percy's voice carried an air of determination as he spoke, "Well, it's now or never." Percy's gaze met each of theirs in turn. "Let's go inside. We have a presentation to make."

With synchronized determination, they advanced toward the entrance of the Empire State Building, its grand foyer alive with a mosaic of bustling activity. The space encapsulated the essence of New York City, a vibrant microcosm of both its eclectic diversity and the ambitious dreams that played out within its towering walls. Like a united force, they strode ahead, eyes fixed on their shared goal.

Navigating through the bustling lobby, they set their sights on a weary-looking secretary stationed behind a polished desk. Her gaze shifted lazily to the approaching group, her fingers tapping absentmindedly on the keyboard. Hazel, with a polite smile, broke the silence, "Excuse us, could you direct us to the 600th floor?" The secretary's gaze flickered up, taking in the rather unconventional gathering. She responded with a half-hearted drawl, "There's no such thi—"