𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐍𝐄
𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔

❛ even with jagged ribs
she still held her strength. ❜

                         𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐍 𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐒, 𝖂hen Aurora Stark and Annabeth Chase met, they were two entirely different girls only connected by their love of newfound knowledge—sure, their daddy issues and —unsurprising— mommy issues were something to find in common between the two, it was their love for knowledge that was their main contender to solidify their relationship:

                         Aurora thought of that moment, often, always at the back of her mind:

                         FLASHBACK, After running away from home, with only a bottle of water, a small fragment of nanotechnology, and pack of goldfish in her SpongeBob backpack—her luck seemed to be thinning out greatly after managing to miraculously escape a nest of basilisk, twelve hours and thirty four seconds into her run ( yes, she was counting ) The poor little girl's eyes were wide with fear and her legs trembled at the thought of their large and sharp teeth sinking into her flesh.

                         Her face was full of grime and her hair was pulled into two braids on either side of her head, but with the rush and frenzy she was in—strands stuck to her forehead like glue, due to the sweat glinting down her face.

                         She had rushed into an alleyway with both her daggers clutched in each hand. The slithering of the basilisk now engraved deep in her mind, especially when one came incredibly close to tearing into her skin.

                         The alley was pungent, so much so, her little nose crinkled in disgust—but that didn't stop her from hiding next to a dumpster and sliding down against the wall in pure exhaustion.

                         Maybe running away from her father was childish? Maybe he had a reason for not wanting her to attend school? Maybe she should go back and apologize?

                         These were questions desperately waiting to be answered. Floating within her mind as the presence of death loomed over her like a never ending shadow with tints of blood smeared over it. She didn't know where the blood came from, but she had an inkling it was likely to be hers if she didn't make up her mind soon.

                         Sssssss!

                         A shiver crawled up her spine, causing her to almost curl up in a ball and stand still in hopes the monsters would take pity on her and leave the gods to finish her off.

Seeing as they wouldn't make her suffer . . . as much.

                         "Come out, child," A sweet voice of a woman called out. "Were the mean basilisks scaring you? I promise I'll protect you."

                         That voice sounded so incredibly soothing. Like a mother easing her child back to sleep from a reluctant nightmare plaguing their dreams. It reminded her so much of Pepper, so much so, her eyes blinked with tears.

                         Yet, Aurora's chin quivered, something about this voice didn't seem . . . right. Like it sounded much too soothing.

                         "Ssssss," the slithering got closer to her spot in the shadows next to the dumpster. "Come now, my girl. They won't harm you if I'm here."

                         Aurora peered over the edge of the dumpster, "My dad said not to talk to strangers! And I don't know who you are lady! So that makes you one!"

                         "Your father sounds like a brilliant man," the voice got closer . . . Too close.

                         Auroras bottom lip jutted out as she tried to blink back the tears appearing in her eyes. She was so tired, and she had a gut feeling this woman wasn't going to bake her cookies and give her a glass of milk just out of the kindness of her heart.

                         "He is!" She called out, her little voice cracking at the end. "And he'll find me soon. And he won't be happy that you're around."

"Well, I guess I better have my fill of you before he gets here."

Aurora's eyes widen in horror and before she could react a loud crash hit the dumpster. She was too slow in moving out of the way, so the dumpster landed right on top of her right leg—trapping her in place.

Aurora clawed, tugged, and scrapped at the dumpster now on top of her as the slithering came closer, yet it was no use. She was not strong enough to make a small budge.

Yet, when she glanced up and looked at the woman . . . her body began trembling ( more than it was before ) in utter fright.

                         The first thing that caught her attention was the bottom half of her body. It looked identical to the end of a snake tail, slithering against the dingy and disguingting ground with scales bright from being underneath the moonlight. The next thing she saw was the woman's face . . . and that face will always haunt her in her nightmares.

It was in the shape of a woman . . . but more demonic. With sharp fangs that reminded her of that really old movie Dracula and pale skin as white as a ghost.

                         Her eyes were red with no iris' to be seen, just pure red—the color of blood.

                         Aurora grew frantic as she saw her tongue deep out—long and forked almost identical to the basilisks she was running away from, moments earlier. It ran the tip of its tongue ran over her razor sharp teeth, as if she was looking at a well made cheeseburger.

                         She used her other leg to try and kick at the dumpster.

                         "Aphrodite's child, mmmmm," the woman hummed. "Do you think that if I drink your blood, I'd turn as beautiful as your mother?"

Aurora's struggle momentarily halted, "You're Lamia."

                         Lamia, the daughter of Poseidon who was beloved by Zeus. Out of jealousy, Hera kidnapped her children and killed them. This drove Lamia mad, and to this day out of pure rage she'll snatch children from their parents and drink their blood as if it were water. Demigods' version of a bogey man lurking in the shadows.

But this bogeyman was real . . . and it's blood full eyes were focused on her.

Her tiny kicks grew much more frantic in hopes of ridding herself of the dumpster, her entire body shaking with fear as the slithering grew closer. Her tiny cries of effort and fear echoed through the ally.

"Now, child," she spoke and Aurora didn't have to look up to know she was stood right above her, the shadow now cascaded over her small body was a clear indicator where the woman / reptile / snake-woman . . . whatever stood. "I'll make it quick."

'No one beats you, little miss,' the voice of her father suddenly echoed in her mind. 'You want to know why?'

She remembered grinning in amusement. Seeing her father free from partying or drinking booze always made her happy, as he was finally there, and she couldn't be anymore excited.

"because you," he tapped his index finger tapped her nose causing her to squeal in delight. "You single handedly outbeat anything I've ever created."

"Even dummy?"

"Especially dummy," he began. "Although, I do have to say dummy sets the bar incredibly low so you win that creation game by default. Gods, that thing makes me want to turn it into my own personal foot massager."

                         The remembrance of her father caused her to clutch at her dagger and swipe at Lamia's tale. A deep shallow cut prominent from the younger girls blade.

                         The monster screeched in pain and went to lunge only for Aurora to continue swinging her dagger around, trying to still Lamia back.

                         "I meant to make your death swift, but now I'll treasure ever drop of your blood."

                         Aurora didn't see it, but she heard a whoosh next to her ear and felt a slimey object wrap around her small wrist and deliver a harsh and painful tug to her fragile bone. In an instant disarming her of the only weapon she had.

                         "No!" Aurora cried trying her best to place some distance between her and the monster, yet still the sharp pain shooting up her leg was a silent reminder that she wasn't going to get very far.

                         "My," she suddenly heard the woman monster gush out. "You're different from your brothers and sisters aren't you, darling," Aurora grimaced as she felt a sharp talon brush along her cheek. "Ooooooh, I can almost . . . taste in!"

                         "Hey!" A sudden voice interrupted the two, it sounded like a young girl. "Come get some!"

                         Lamia whirled around, completely enraged at the intrusion, "This is not your fight godling!"

                         "Like hell it isn't, lady! What? You too scared to fight me?"

                         Lamia chuckled, "You are nothing more than a pet, child. I'll drink your blood for every drop."

                         With Lamia's back to her, Aurora noticed her other dagger about three inches away from her outstretched hand. If she reached far enough she'd be able to reach it and stab it through the end of her tail. Even if it wasn't a fatal hit, it was enough for her to cause a distraction.

                         So, with a glance towards the girl at the end of the alley who was shrouded in darkness with a brutal and menacing shield glinting in front of her—she began to reach for her knife.

                         She glanced at the girl, and in that sole moment she could swear they both locked eyes.

                         The girl only gave her a small nod and it was enough for Aurora to strain her fingertips and wrap her hand around the dagger and slam the blade into the snakes lower back.

                         With a loud roar, Lamia stumbled back.

                         "Now, Annabeth!" A new voice, this time male echoed through the alley.

                         Suddenly loud smacks were heard, followed by Lamia grumbling in annoyance trying to shield herself from objects being thrown at her from above, "You godlings are like insects!"

                         It was then that Aurora noticed the objects being thrown at Lamia overhead were empty beer cans.

                         "The same could be said for your kind!" The girl in the alley yelled before charging.

                         "Hey," a voice came from Auroras right, "You alright?"

                         It was the male from earlier. From under the moonlight, he held soft blonde hair that gave her the impression it glew like molten gold when in the sunlight. His eyes were gentle when they'd laid on her, as if either pitying her or genuinely saddened at the young girls state. He couldn't have been older than fourteen.

                         "On the count of three, I'm going to need you to pull your leg out okay?"

                         Aurora shakily nodded, "Okay."

                         "One. Two. Three!"

                         With a huff, and creaking from the dumpster—Aurora shakily pulled her injured leg from under the large object.

"Thalia!"

A loud smash ricochet through the dingy alleyway drawing both Aurora's and the older boys attention. When they turned, they noticed Lamia's tale now snaked around the throat of the first girl —who was now named Thalia— in a vice like grip.

                         "This was not your fight, daughter of Zeus," Lamia hissed, her sharp teeth skimming Thalia's cheek. "But I'll enjoy devouring you."

                         Demigods, Aurora thought. They were all demigods like her. Like how her father told her she was, and they were here to protect their own.

                         A battle cry erupted from her right. The boy from earlier charged at Lamia, to which she merely batted him and his body away.

                         "Luke! No!" Thalia struggled to yell as her throat was being constricted. Her blue eyes strained to Lamia. "I'm g-going to k-kill you."

                         "I doubt that, child."

                         Aurora had to give it to the older girl. Even on the verge of death she still fought for her friends with no care for what will happen to her. Hell, they went out of their way to protect another with no reason to—they easily could have left her dead . . . But they didn't.

                         And Aurora was not going to let their sacrifice be in vain. If Thalia could charge into battle with no fear on her face, she could too.

                         And she was sure she was going to do it in her fathers name.

                         So, while Lamia was distracted with Thalia and the onslaught the girl from above was providing. Aurora gripped the only dagger she was able to reach and flanked Lamia's right side—trying to keep close to the shadows for cover.

                         It wasn't until a particularly hard smack echoed, that Lamia whirled up to the girl with fury in her eyes that aurora decided to move forward.

                         Her tail moved near Aurora's feet, slithering through the ground, as if searching for something, "Bothersome child," she hissed. "You resemble the likes of an insect."

                         Her tail finally wrapped around a weapon laying on the dirty floor—a double edged sword glinting menacingly under the moonlight.

                         "I'd hate to waste your blood, but I'd say I'd have my fill once I eat your delicious friends."

                         She took aim.

                         And Aurora sprung to action, she sliced the tip of Lamias tail off resulting in a howl of pain and proceeded to jump on her back with the tip of the dagger now pressed to the monsters throat.

                         "Let. Her. Go. Rango!"

                         Thalia's face was blue at this point, so Aurora knew she had little time in saving her.

                         "No!" Lamia yelled before opening her mouth unnaturally wide, wide enough for it to fit two heads, and wide enough to reveal the thousands of teeth lined up ready to swallow Thalia.

                         Thalia was going to die, if Aurora didn't do something.

                         A rush of pain suddenly appeared in her head, before she shook her head and gritted her teeth in defiance. She couldn't let these demigods died, they'd protected her, the least she could do is return the favor.

                         So . . . without hesitation, the seven year old girl sunk her dagger into the monsters throat, cursing at herself for not bringing a sword for easy monster repelling.

                         Within seconds, Lamia's grip on Thalia loosened resulting in the girl to fall on the ground coughing violently and gasping for much needed air.

                         "Damn, kid," she coughed. "You couldn't have done that a little faster?"

                         Aurora frowned, "Listen, If I'd known I would've been paid a visit by the Gecko off the Geico commercial, I would've been a little more prepared."

                         The older girl huffed out a laugh, "I'm sure you would," she stuck out her hand. "Thalia Grace," she shot a glance at her dagger as if reassuring herself "Daughter of Zeus."

                         "Aurora," The younger girl said as she wrapped her much smaller hand around the other. "Daughter of Aphrodite."

                         "Don't have a last name, Aurora?"

                         Before she could come up with a false last name, a voice sounded off to her right . . .

                         "Stark."

                         Aurora viscously turned her head towards the sound about to rip the person a new one, but stopped the minute she set eyes on the girl.

                         She definitely had to be the prettiest girl she'd ever seen, with deep grey eyes the color of storm clouds—to her tightly curled blonde hair.

                         Auroras face turned a bright red, "Hi."

                         The girl didn't say anything, only observed her for a moment, "Your plan," she began. "I knew of it before you did, but still a good one."

                         Thalia chuckled, "Stark, meet Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena."

                         And Aurora knew then, just like maybe Thalia knew, that both Aurora and Annabeth were to be friends for years to come, FLASHBACK OVER.

                         So, when she noticed Polyphemus holding her best friend as if she was nothing more than a mere toy, she grew angry.

So angry, the pain that was once surrounding her entire body began to fade and instead was replaced with something much more profound.

Ignoring any rational part of her mind, she shakily stood up and glowered at Polyphemus who continued to gloat—swinging annabeth around as if they were on a merry go round.

"Put her down, doofus!"

Polyphemus stopped his swinging and looked to see where the voice was coming from. When he turned to Auroras direction, he immediately shielded his eyes in pain. As if something was close to blinding him.

                         "What are you?"

Aurora glared at the Cyclops, "Let her down and maybe I'll go easy on you!"

"Bah! Are you nobody's friend?"

Aurora gritted her teeth,"I'm her best friend! Now put her down, idiot! So I can stab your eye out!"

"RAAAR!" he bellowed.

What he did next, made Aurora wish she specified in much more detail on what 'Let her go' actually meant, because she didn't hesitate to drop her headfirst onto rocks.

This, however, only added fuel onto Aurora's already simmering rage.

Without hesitation, she gripped her dagger and rushed towards the cyclops that still seemed blinded in pain. She, however, took this as an opportunity to slice her dagger across his kneecap.

He bellowed in pain, and out of pure instinct batted his freehand towards the area Aurora was in, resulting in her dodging to the right—out of harms way. What she didn't expect, was for his hand to swing back again.

The palm of his hand slammed against her back, sending her sprawling more than fifteen feet away from her original position.

She landed on stomach, albeit resulting in a couple of scratches on her body due to the rough landing.

When she stood up and prepared herself for another attack, she heard Grover yell, "For Pan!"

He rushed in from the right. He threw his sheep bone, which bounced harmlessly off the monster's forehead. Clarisse ran in from the left and set her spear against the ground just in time for the Cyclops to step on it. He wailed in pain, and Clarisse dove out of the way to avoid getting trampled. But the Cyclops just plucked out the shaft like a large splinter and kept advancing to her.

Aurora stepped up and tried to reassure herself as she saw the predicament she was in. She's never been in control of Nate's powers before, but how hard could it truly be? Surely, a round of trial and error would be enough to get her situated . . .

And how wrong she was.

The minute she brought her palm up—like her fathers signature thruster pose— a beam of what seemed to be light shot from her palm to Polyphemus. Yet, this blow was so powerful it sent her body flying back about twenty feet to land on her back.

Aurora groaned, "That was not what I was expecting."

But this gave her an idea.

"Get Annabeth and get out of here! I'll buy you some time!"

Percy shook his head, his ocean eyes much more stormy than before, his hair completely disheveled, "Are you kidding? I'm not leaving you!"

"It's not up for discussion, barnacle boy."

"I'm not—"

Aurora turned to Clarisse and they exchanged a knowing look.

Clarisse roughly gripped Percy's shoulder and began to pull him towards the rope bridge with Grover carrying an unconscious Annabeth.

"What are you—Get off!" Percy struggled, but he knew firsthand Clarisse was not one to easily slip her grip. "No!"

Aurora silently prayed to her mother before raising both hands ( palms forward ) and releasing a smaller blast that before, completely knocking off both Aurora and Polyphemus off balance.

Luckily the damage this time around wasn't severe. Only left her with her breath being knocked out of her lungs.

"What is this!? What are you doing nobody's friend!" Polyphemus strained.

From her spot on the ground, she glanced back and noticed Percy and the others had cut down the rope bridge causing it to fall into the chasms.

"Aurora, run!"

She knew, she probably wasn't going to make it in time, yet, began running with Polyphemus roaring behind her. When her feet neared the water she turned and sent another blast that not only propelled her towards the water with a great speed, but slowed Polyphemus down.

The water eased her fall, so much so, she didn't feel anything until she began making her way towards her friends.

That's when the adrenaline began to disappear and was replaced with ache surrounding her small frame. Truthfully, she was feeling faint and woozy. She blamed it on the amount of power she was using, trying to place a significant amount of distance between her and the Cyclops.

While trying to ignore her tired and achy body, she glanced up at her friends—maybe to reassure herself that they were alright. That maybe she did buy them sometime at the expense of her worn out figure, and she felt nothing but relief when she saw them in safety.

But who was she if danger was not over her shoulder as she shielded everyone from its scorching rays.

While she locked eyes with Percy, she felt a critical blow land on her side—so painful she felt her ribs turn to spikes on contact.

She sailed about thirty feet in the air, in utter pain before landing further out into the ocean with water surrounding her.

Her arms flailed, but every movement sent a sharp pain down her body. And the further she sunk into the oceans depths, the stronger the urge to breathe overtook her body.

Her father was definitely going to give her an earful if she died. He'd prance into the underworld itself and give her an earful that would soon be followed with one of those comforting hugs that made every ounce of your worry disappear, as if being in your father's arms was a barricade between them and the dangers of the world. And knowing her father, he'd stay with her in the underworld even if it weren't his time.

But what she didn't know was that he wasn't the only one who'd keep her company on her journey to elysium.

As her chest began to contract and her head began to burn at the lack of oxygen, a disturbance in the water above her made her briefly open her eyes.

It was a shadow reaching down to grab a hold of her—as gently as they could before beginning their ascent towards the surface.

And despite the over dramatic monologue in her head moments ago, boy was she happy when she reached the surface.

This was the second time she was retching up salt water on their journey through the sea of monsters, and she wasn't happy. This was one of the reasons why her and the ocean didn't mix all that well. It was something she wasn't accustomed to, and the taste of salt water made her a bit bitter.

But when she noticed who grabbed her, the ocean didn't seem all that bad anymore.

"Shit! Aurora," Percy began. "Are you hurt?"

Aurora placed her hand over her ribs—yep, definitely broken. What she noticed as well was the pain in her right wrist and ankle, she must have broken them on the earlier aspects of the fight but either the adrenaline or Nate's power kept her engine running.

But now without either, she was in pain.

She cried out in pain when Percy shifted her, "I'm out of commission, ocean eyes. He got me."

"Don't worry about it, pretty girl," he said. "Good thing, I'm still in the fight."

There was something a little darker in Percy's eyes. She'd only ever seen it back in Medusa's lair when he was told about the man his father truly was. It was a look that would make any enemy cower to their knees, and when the water around them began trembling as if something was rising, she knew this would only happen again.

The world was a demigods enemy, and being a child of the big three made everything much more difficult.

Percy then gently eased her into another persons arms—Clarisse.

"Ah!" Aurora cried out once more.

Percy shot Clarisse a look, "Easy."

"I know what I'm doing, Prissy."

"Right," he seemed too angry to put up an argument with her. "Just get Aurora to safety," he turned and face Polyphemus, clicking Riptide. "I got him."

He raised his sword and attacked, forgetting that he was hopelessly outmatched. He jabbed the Cyclops in the belly. When he doubled over he smacked him in the nose with the hilt of his sword. He slashed and kicked and bashed until the next thing Aurora knew from her spot in Clarisse's arms, Polyphemus was sprawled on his back, dazed and groaning, and Percy was standing above him, the tip of his sword hovering over his eye. That same dark glint in his eyes.

                         "Uhhhhhhhh," Polyphemus moaned.

                         "Percy!" Grover gasped. "How did you—"

                         Percy shook his head and pointed at Aurora, "Help Clarisse get Aurora to safety!

Grover didn't hesitate to comply, he wrapped an arm around Aurora and began their trek back towards Annabeth.

"Please, noooo!" the Cyclops moaning in pain drew Percy's attention once again from the Daughter of Aphrodite. When he looked he noticed Polyphemus' nose bleeding. A tear welled in the corner of his half-blind eye, "M—m—my sheepies need me. Only trying to protect my sheep!" He began to sob.

All Percy had to do was stab-one quick strike.

"Kill him!" Clarisse yelled. "What are you waiting for?"

The Cyclops sounded so heartbroken, Percy noted.

"He's a Cyclops!" Grover warned. "Don't trust him!"

But Percy ignored their yells, instead, he glanced up and met the eyes of Aurora. His eyes momentarily searching hers as if looking for something, anything, in the depths of her dirt colored eyes. He looked to be a man on a mission, waiting for the scales to either tip left or right and he looked at her as though she held the answer he was looking for.

Not to mention, his aura glew a vibrant deep magenta. So vibrant, it made Aurora speechless for a moment.

But a mere millisecond, was always too long in their world.

Percy turned his attention back on the Cyclops as he noticed the imaginary scales he searched for remained balanced in Aurora's eyes, "We only want the Fleece," Percy told the monster. "Will you agree to let us take it?"

"No!" Clarisse shouted. "Kill him!"

Aurora wondered, was that what Percy looked for a moment ago? For Aurora to tell him to sink Riptide into the Cyclops eye? And if so, would he actually go through with it?

Surely he couldn't.

The monster sniffed, "My beautiful Fleece. Prize of my collection. Take it, cruel human. Take it and go in peace."

Clarisse seethed in Aurora's ear, "Your boyfriend is an idiot!"

Aurora blushed and rolled her eyes, "H-He's not my boyfriend!" She said, as she tried to ignore the flutter in her chest.

"I'm going to step back slowly," Percy told the monster. "One false move . . . "

Polyphemus nodded like he understood. Percy stepped back . . .  and as fast as a cobra, Polyphemus smacked him to the edge of the cliff.

Aurora surged forward, "Percy!" but Clarisse held her back.

"Foolish mortal!" he bellowed, rising to his feet. "Take my Fleece? Ha! I eat you first."

He opened his enormous mouth and Aurora knew that his rotten molars were the last things Percy would ever see.

Then something went whoosh over his head and thump!

A rock the size of a basketball sailed into Polyphemus's throat and sunk into his flesh. The Cyclops choked, trying to swallow the unexpected pill. He staggered backward, but there was no place to stagger. His heel slipped, the edge of the cliff crumbled, and the great Polyphemus made chicken wing motions that did nothing to help him fly as he tumbled into the chasm.

Aurora turned. Halfway down the path to the beach, standing completely unharmed in the midst of a flock of killer sheep, was an old friend.

"Bad Polyphemus," Tyson said. "Not all Cyclopes as nice as we look."

Tyson gave them the short version: Rainbow the hippocampus—who'd apparently been following them ever since the Long Island Sound, waiting for Tyson to play with him—had found Tyson sinking beneath the wreckage of the CSS Birmingham and pulled him to safety. He and Tyson had been searching the Sea of Monsters ever since, trying to find them, until Tyson caught the scent of sheep and found this island

Aurora's heart swelled with relief at seeing the adorable cyclops again, so much so, she discreetly wipes a tear from her eye, "It's good to have you back big guy!"

A sharp cry interrupted their reunion. It came from Annabeth.

Aurora limped towards her best friend and placed a gentle hand on her forehead. Percy followed suit. They were both worried sick by what they saw. The gash on her forehead was worse than Aurora realized. Her hairline was sticky with blood. Her skin was pale and clammy.

Then by taking a mere glance at Percy and Aurora knew he had a plan.

"Tyson, the Fleece. Can you get it for me?"

"Which one?" Tyson said, looking around at the hundreds of sheep.

"In the tree!" Percy said. "The gold one!"

"Oh. Pretty. Yes."

Tyson lumbered over, careful not to step on the sheep. If any of them had tried to approach the fleece, they would've been eaten alive, but with Tyson, it was a different story. They just cuddled up to him and bleated affectionately, as though they expected to get sheep treats from the big wicker basket.

Tyson reached up and lifted the Fleece off its branch. Immediately the leaves on the oak tree turned yellow. Tyson started wading back toward Aurora and Percy, but Percy yelled, "No time! Throw it!"

The gold ram skin sailed through the air like a glittering shag Frisbee. Percy caught it with a grunt, and Aurora assumed it was heavier than he'd expected-sixty or seventy pounds of precious gold wool. He spread it over Annabeth, covering everything but her face.

The color returned to her face. Her eyelids fluttered open. The cut on her forehead began to close. She saw Grover and said weakly, "You're not . . .married?"

Grover grinned, "No. My friends talked me out of it."

"Annabeth," Aurora said, "just lay still."

Annabeth tiredly glanced at Aurora who laid by her side, "Your one to talk"

But despite anyone's protests, she sat up, and Aurora noticed that the cut on her face was almost completely healed. She looked a lot better. In fact, she shimmered with health, as if someone had injected her with glitter.

Aurora only grinned despite the ache surrounding her body, "I can't imagine a day without you nagging at me to do something for you."

Annabeth rolled her eyes, "Me too."

"The Fleece should heal both of you," Percy said taking note on how Annabeth looked much better than before. "But you'll need to take turns."

Aurora waved him off with a wince, "Annabeth needs it the most," she said trying to hide grunt. "Besides, Nate should show up sooner or later."

Meanwhile, Tyson was starting to have trouble with the sheep.

"Down!" he told them as they tried to climb him, looking for food. A few were sniffing in their direction. "No, sheepies. This way! Come here!"

They heeded him, but it was obvious they were hungry, and they were starting to realize Tyson didn't have any treats for them. They wouldn't hold out forever with so much fresh meat nearby.

"We have to go," Percy said. "Our ship is . . ."

The Queen Anne's Revenge was a very long way away. The shortest route was across the chasm, and they'd just destroyed the only bridge. The only other possibility was through the sheep.

"Tyson," Percy called, "Can you lead the flock as far away as possible?"

"The sheep want food."

"I know! They want people food! Just lead them away from the path. Give us time to get to the beach. Then join us there."

Tyson looked doubtful, but he whistled. "Come, sheepies! Um, people food this way!" He jogged off into the meadow, the sheep in pursuit.

"Keep the Fleece around you," Percy told Annabeth. "Just in case you're not fully healed yet. Can you stand?"

She tried, but her face turned pale again.

"Ohh. Not fully healed."

Clarisse dropped next to her and felt her chest, which made Annabeth gasp."Ribs broken," Clarisse said. "They're mending, but definitely broken."

"How can you tell?" Percy asked.

Clarisse glared at Percy, "Because I've broken a few, runt! I'll have to carry her."

Before Percy could argue, Clarisse picked up Annabeth like a sack of flour and lugged her down to the beach.

Percy walked up to Aurora and pursed his lips.

"What?" Aurora groaned out. "Why are you looking at me funny?"

"Come on," he ignored her and picked her up. "We're getting you out of here."

"You didn't answer my question."

"You're hurt," Percy only said as if it were obvious.

"Thanks for stating the obvious, barnacle boy."

Aurora didn't have to glance up to know Percy rolled his eyes at the nickname, "Apparently not hurt enough."

As soon as they got to the edge of the water, Percy concentrated on the Queen Anne's Revenge with Aurora in his arms. He willed it to raise anchor and come to him. After a few anxious minutes, they saw the ship rounding the tip of the island.

"Incoming!" Tyson yelled.

He was bounding down the path to join them, the sheep about fifty yards behind, bleating in frustration as their Cyclops friend ran away without feeding them.

"They probably won't follow us into the water," Percy told the others. "All we have to do is swim for the ship."

"With Annabeth and I like this?" Aurora protested.

"We can do it," Percy insisted as he tightened his grip on her as if to reassure them both."Once we get to the ship, we're home free."

They almost made it, too.

They were just wading past the entrance to the ravine, when they heard a tremendous roar and saw Polyphemus, scraped up and bruised but still very much alive, his baby-blue wedding outfit in tatters, splashing toward them with a boulder in each hand.

"For Aphrodite's sake!"

— NAT TALKS !

I'm so sorry for not updating guys! My mom got diagnosed with stage three cancer and I'm the main one taking care of her. From work to school to taking care of her, it's been really busy! But know that I love this series and what I have planned. You won't ever have to worry about me not finishing this story as no matter what I will!! Especially bcs everytime I watch any marvel show/movie it reminds me of this story and my love for aurora.

so, we caught a glimpse of auroras past and more flashbacks will be seen the deeper with delve into the story. also, this chapter is detrimental to Percy and auroras relationship in the future!! so keep that in mind.

Any theories??

❛ allure me. ❜ ༢ ͎۪۫ ༊*·˚ ╱
❪ the prodigy, 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅 book. ❫
༢ ͎۪۫ ༊ ❛ ©CELESTIALAPHRODITE 2023. ❜ ¨. ༢ ͎۪۫ ｡𖤐
❪ 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 ❫ ©CELESTIALAPHRODITE, 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒅.