TRIGGER WARNING: suicide, if you are not comfortable please click off! You matter!! So does your mental health!!

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄
𝒂𝒑𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒆'𝒔 𝒇𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆

❛ I wanted to claw out my heart
and show the gods
how wounded
it was, maybe then
they'd understand ❜

𝐀𝐏𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐄'𝐒 𝐅𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄, Aurora wanted to curl up in a ball and cry. She wanted to water and enrich the soil below her with her tears so much so, she'd put la llorona to shame. No drought would ever happen where her tears fell, instead thousands of raindrops took its place with many left to wonder just how much was too much.

                         To Aurora, no tears were enough for the pain she was feeling and the sight she was seeing. Overflow the world with tears and she'd still have more to shed.

                         She was clutching the wound on her stomach as blood began to coat her already bloodied lips as tears gathered in her eyes, she didn't know what hurt worse being stabbed through the stomach with an injury already healing where the blade now rested or realizing just who stood at the other end of the blade inflicting lethal damage.

Aurora tried to gasp but the taste of iron was all too overwhelming, "N—Nat. N . . . N—No."

Maybe she was in denial, I mean, her sister did try to kill her before. But in Auroras heart even as she looked at her sisters face, memories of the past invaded her mind. Who would've thought years of love and warmth they spread to one another lead to this.

Natalie looked like she was in pain too, "You are absolutely predictable, sis. You almost carried the sky twice despite almost dying the first time. We knew you wouldn't carry it for Luke," she scoffed. "By the gods, you wouldn't. But Luke told me about your protector, something you didn't confide in me about."

                        "Hey!" Thalia interrupted. "You don't talk to her like that!" She had her menacing spear at hand ready to strike.

                        Aurora abruptly held up a hand signaling the others to stay where they were, "And if I told you, would you would use him against me?" Her bottom lip began to quiver but she made it stop, "You've been with Luke since the beginning, I think you forgot to mention that too."

                         "Because I knew you wouldn't understand," Natalie's face turned red with anger before she spat out. "Aphrodites favorite," she twirled the blade. "Everytime you called out to her, she answered. Anything you wanted, she gave you, even if Zeus was moments away from figuring it all out, she wouldn't hesitate. Why?!" It was her turn to cry. "Why you and not the rest of us? . . . . Why not me?"

                         For the first time Aurora could truly see how sad her sister was, and it broke her heart so much more.

                         "You know," she abruptly wiped her tears before laughing. "I also didn't tell you that my aunt was killed," Auroras eyes widened she'd only met the woman once when she was much younger being the main caretaker of Natalie as her father couldn't give a damn about her: "I begged Aphrodite for any source of comfort, but guess what I was met with . . . Nothing. But if it was you," she let out another bitter scoff of amusement. "She would do just about anything for you."

                         "I didn't ask for this, Nat. You know that."

                         "But here you are," Natalie's pointed the blood soaked blade at her once again. "And I've come to terms that my resentment will only be mended if I see you dead."

                         Aurora felt like the world was collapsing in on her but knew there was no way out of this. She'd have to fight her own sister if she wished to stay alive, and despite her father fighting for her on the same battle field—she still made a promise and she was sure as hell going to keep it. So, with shaky legs and blood still pouring out of her wound and mouth—she stood, with her dagger in her hand.

                         "Aurora," Percy began.

                         Aurora shook her head and did her best to send him a smile. She shot him a wink. "I'll be fine ocean eyes."

                         With sad eyes he let Thalia drag him towards the chariot Artemis called. The said goddess glanced in between the two Daughters of Aphrodite and her gaze finally landed on Aurora, "Fight well, child."

                         Aurora's fake smile turned into a worried frown when she looked down at the wound on her stomach. With a wound this big, fighting should be completely out of the question, but this was Aurora Stark we were talking about when did she ever let the odds win against her.

                         She sighed as she twirled her own dagger, knowing she was just running on pure adrenaline, "Are we seriously doing this?"

                         Her only response was Natalie releasing a sharp battle cry as she charged at her. Aurora dodged last minute, just as she predicted her wounds were slowing her down tenfold. No matter, Once she dodged she sent her dagger sailing down towards Natalie's shoulder. Natalie ducked under her blade and used the bunt of hers to slam it against Aurora's back knocking the girl to the ground face first.

                         The ground beneath them was already caked with Auroras blood.

                         "This is what Aphrodite settled for!" She screamed like the world was her enemy. Aurora could only cough out a glob of blood in response. Natalie leaned down and trailed the tip of her blade down Auroras cheek, despite the slight pain not causing her skin to break.

The impact of her fall sent her dagger sailing ten feet away from her. In no way was she going to reach it that was for sure. No amount of fighting would ever let her. Especially in her state.

The adrenaline was fading, so much so, her vision grew hazy. From her spot on the ground there seemed to be two Natalie's leaning down towards her. This made Aurora think back on all the other times where'd she was also running on only adrenaline. She was lucky then, her adrenaline usually lasted until after the battle—yet here she was moments away from blacking out and heading towards Elysium far earlier than she'd ever anticipated.

But then . . . something weird happened.

                         A white light contrasted the dark night around them, it was emitting from her hand. The closer she looked the more she realized what it actually was—a celestial bronze dagger with a white Myrtle engraved on the handle.

Stunned, Natalie staggered back. This lone appearance told her everything she needed to know—that she was right.

"She . . . She actually wants you to kill me."

Aurora rose her hands, "Nat listen—"

Natalie wasn't listening though, her face fell as though she was completely numb. But a rage of fire burned deep within her eyes. Before Aurora could react, Natalie lunged towards her, swiped the dagger from her hand and sent her sister a final glare, "Don't worry, I'll do the job for you."

Aurora watched in horror as her sister plunged the dagger deep into her stomach. A small scream erupted from her throat as she went to reach out for her . . . But it was far too late.

Natalie's resentment lifted away from her face as she sent Aurora a final glance, the thought of death seemed far better than the thought of living for her, so much so, her face filled with contempt as she looked at her little sister one final time, "B-Bye, Rory."

And she fell.

And at that moment, Aurora fell too—against the ground as tears leaked from her eyes and down her cheeks, watering the soil just as she'd predicted. When would the suffering end? Would this be the final fatality during this war? Call it naivety, but Aurora hoped so. Even if she knew that would never be the case.

She was tired, so tired.

Throughout her fourteen years of life, this very moment was the one that made Aurora come to terms with the idea that pain followed her no matter where she went, like a shadow. The only difference with this shadow and all the others was that no matter how dark the world was, it would continue its journey of torment.

Before she knew it a limping Nathaniel landed in front of her and began to whispered words of encouragement in her ear as he began to heal her. His usual white veins appeared as he placed his fingers to Aurora's temple. He might've seen the look in her eyes, she was there but not there all the same, and he couldn't help but frown.

Aurora was beginning to feel immensely better. The gash on her stomach quickly began to heal back up and she no longer coughed out blood. She also noticed Nathaniels injuries heal as well.

Nathaniel tried to gently smile and placed a comforting hand on the side of her face, "Hey, you did what you had to do. If you didn't, you could've died, okay?"

Aurora tried to nod and smile but it only came out as a grimace. That was enough for Nate to know that she took a massive hit today. And he couldn't help but curse himself for being so weak, for falling into a trap and leading them here to this very moment. Where a piece of Auroras light, looked to be seconds away from fading altogether. Her tears continued to flow but he did his best to wipe them away, yet it was no use, more took their place.

It wasn't until she saw her father landing  in front of them that she awoke to her senses. She removed herself from Nate's hold and ran into his awaiting arms, sobbing into his metallic chest. All the man could do was wrap his arms around his daughter, not before sending Nate a curious glance—wondering who this man was and what his intent was.

                         "She did it, dad. Sh—She did it in front of me!"

                         "Shh," he ran his fingers through her hair. "I know, kid. I know."

                         "I wasn't going to kill her, even if I had to. I wouldn't be able to do it and . . ." Her lip quivered. "and I think she knew that."

                         Tony was left speechless, all he could do was rub her back soothingly. The words coming out of her mouth scared him, the what ifs plagued his mind like any parent's mind would at the situation at hand.

"Aurora," the voice of Nate sounded behind her. "The others are waiting for you."

She seemed to finally realize the predicament she was in, having to explain to her father that she had a destined protector that had been waiting for her for more than a thousand years didn't seem exactly ideal.

"Okay, dad. Don't be mad, okay?"

"Aurora," he warned.

Aurora held up a hand, "Just listen okay? Are you going to listen?"

"I'm deciding whether I should or not? I don't like where this is going."

"You're Tony, Auroras father," Nate said as he stood with his arms crossed over his chest.

Her father scoffed, "Oh great, so you know who I am but I have no idea who you are, ergo! can someone please enlighten me?!"

Aurora sighed, "Dad," she stated as calmly as possible. "This is Nate, he's my . . . well, he's my protector."

Tony just stared at her for a moment.

"What does that even mean?!"

"It means that when my life's in danger, he appears and protects me! It's like his job."

Tony bit his lip before turning to Nate, "Why? Why my kid and no one else's? Seems like that Jackson kid is more trouble than her."

Nate only leaned forward a bit, "I'm bound by my word."

"Yeah, unfortunately," her father mimicked a posh accent. "Oh so great mighty protector, I'm going to need more information other than that. This is my kid we're talking about. So let's get the ball rolling, come on."

"Dad, seriously—"

"Know this," Nate took a step forward and stared Tony straight in the eye. "I am your daughter's protector. So long as I breathe, I will do everything I can to protect her from any harm or sense of danger. I've taken care of her as though she was my own and will continue to do so."

Then her father did the unthinkable, he stuck out his hand, "For now, I'll give the benefit of the doubt. But if you so much as hurt a single strand of hair on my daughter's head, I'll be the last thing you see," her father suddenly took a step back and patted Nate on the shoulder. "Welcome aboard on the Aurora Stark express where we ensure her happiness and safety. Just know it's going to be a hell of a ride."

Nate's lips twitched up in actual amusement, "It has been so far."

———————————-

They landed at Crissy Field after nightfall. The others were already there. When Percy saw Aurora happy and healthy he rushed towards her, but instinctively Aurora began to rush towards him too. They both embraced in the middle with Aurora's hands thrown around his neck.

"I'm glad you're okay, Pretty girl."

Aurora pulled away, "I'm glad you're okay, ocean eyes," she stared into his eyes. "I really am."

"Rory!" Annabeth said as she took wrapped her best friend in a bone crushing hug, "Thank the gods you're okay."

"Me too, brainiac. Me too."

She turned around and returned to her place in her father's arms, who happily wrapped them around her.

While he gripped his daughter, over her shoulder he locked eyes with Percy and gave him a nod as if thanking him once again. Percy's gray streaked hair proved the pain he'd endured. Percy gave him a nod back.

"Aurora, Annabeth, Percy," Thalia interrupted. Her voice was urgent. She and Artemis were kneeling at Zoe's side, binding the huntress's wounds. The three demigods ran over to help, but there wasn't much they could do.

Aurora glanced up at Nate, "Can you heal her?"

Nate shook his head, "I can only heal you."

"Can't you heal her with magic?" Percy asked Artemis. "I mean . . . you're a goddess."

Artemis looked troubled as she glanced at Nathaniel, "Life is a fragile thing, Percy. If the Fates will the string to be cut, there is little I can do. But I can try."

She tried to set her hand on Zoe's side, but Zoe gripped her wrist. She looked into the goddess's eyes, and some kind of understanding passed between them.

"Have I . . . served thee well?" Zoe whispered.

"With great honor," Artemis said softly. "The finest of my attendants."

Zoe's face relaxed. "Rest. At last."

"I can try to heal the poison, my brave one."

Zoe saw Thalia, and took her hand, "I am sorry we argued," Zoe said. "We could have been sisters."

"It's my fault," Thalia said, blinking hard. "You were right about Luke, about heroes, men—everything."

"Perhaps not all men," Zoe murmured. She smiled weakly at Percy. "Do you still have the sword, Percy?"

Percy didn't speak, and brought out Riptide and put the pen in her hand. She grasped it contentedly.

"You spoke the truth, Percy Jackson. You are nothing like . . . like Hercules. I am honored that you carry this sword."

Aurora stepped forward and gave Zoe a teary smile, "Thank you for taking care of my friends while I was away."

Zoe nodded but suddenly a shudder ran through her body.

"Stars," she whispered. "I can see the stars again, my lady."

A tear trickled down Artemis's cheek. "Yes, my brave one. They are beautiful tonight."

"Stars," Zoe repeated. Her eyes fixed on the night sky.

And she did not move again.

Thalia lowered her head. Aurora but her lip as she walked over to comfort her.

Death just seemed to be everywhere now.

She watched as Artemis cupped her hand above Zoe's mouth and spoke a few words in Ancient Greek. A silvery wisp of smoke exhaled from Zoe's lips and was caught inthe hand of the goddess. Zoe's body shimmered and disappeared. Artemis stood, said a kind of blessing, breathed into her cupped hand and released the silver dust to the sky. It flew up, sparkling, and vanished.

Aurora gasped at the beautiful sight of the stars, they seemed brighter—more vivid. They made a pattern Aurora had never noticed before—a gleaming constellation that looked a lot like a girl's figure—a girl with a bow, running across the sky.

"Let the world honor you, my Huntress," Artemis said. "Live forever in the stars."

It wasn't easy saying their good-byes. The thunder and lightning were still boiling over Mount Tamalpais in the north. Artemis was so upset she flickered with silver light.

"I must go to Olympus immediately," Artemis said. "I will not be able to take you, but I will send help." The goddess set her hand on Aurora's shoulder stunning the girl. "You are brave beyond measure, my girl. You will do what is right."

Then she looked quizzically at Thalia, as if she weren't sure what to make of this younger daughter of Zeus. Thalia seemed reluctant to look up, but something made her return the stare, and she held the goddess's eyes.

Finally she turned to Percy, "You did well," she said. "For a man."

She mounted her chariot, which began to glow. Everyone averted their eyes, including Tony who had to have his face pushed away by Aurora. There was a flash of silver, and the goddess was gone.

Then they all heard the whoosh of large wings. Four pegasi descended through the fog: three white winged horses and one pure black one.

"Blackjack!" Percy called.

Aurora grinned when she saw her Pegasus, gracefully fly to her. "Beauty! Hey girl!"

The Pegasus nudged Aurora happily as the younger girl petted her gently. She glanced over at her dad who warily looked at each one with risen eyebrows, "Dad look! This is beauty! She's mine."

Tony calculatedly looked at the Pegasus before him, "It won't hit me, will it?"

Aurora giggled, "No, dad. She's a good girl."

Tony nodded and petted the Pegasus cautiously at first but as time passed a content smile appeared on his face.

"Where can I buy one?"

"You can't buy them!"

"Aurora," Percy called. "We have to go."

Aurora nodded and turned back to her father, "Bye dad! I'll see you later!"

She turned to Nathaniel who magically had a shirt on, "I'll get to Olympus, myself. The gods would want to see me," he placed a kiss on her forehead and blasted off of the ground so he was hovering over them. "See you there, little dove."

Thalia, Aurora, Percy, and Annabeth mounted their pegasi. Together they soared over the bay and flew toward the eastern hills. Soon San Francisco was only a glittering crescent behind them, with an occasional flicker of lightning in the north. Thalia was so exhausted she fell asleep.

"Hey" Percy called. "How'd the fight go?"

Aurora bit her lip at the thought. She frowned as she recalled the lifeless body of Natalie falling off the cliff just like Luke had. But in the manner that happened made it more difficult to relive.

Percy noticed the lack of response and frowned, "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, pretty girl."

Aurora shook her head, "No, it's fine. I just really haven't processed it," she frowned as she looked at the sight below her, artificial light twinkled in her eyes, "She—" she cleared her throat in order to stop her voice from breaking. "She took her own life, Percy. I didn't do anything."

Percy frowned, "Aurora—I'm—"

Aurora shook her head, "Don't. Don't say you're sorry. It wasn't your fault" Here Percy was trying his best to comfort her no matter what predicament they were in. Hell, the underworld could have frozen over and he'd still manage to try and make her feel better. The thought alone made her stomach twist into an all too familiar feeling. She didn't have to look to know her aura was red, good thing he wasn't a child of Aphrodite. "Thanks for coming to save me, Ocean eyes. I was worried I'd be stuck there for a while."

                         It was a lie. Aurora felt as though she was moments from dying due to her injury back with Luke, and once the sky rested on her shoulders she felt like maybe it would've been better. But now, seeing Percy with his hair fluttering due to the wind and the moonlight hitting his eyes somehow making not only his sea green eyes all the more beautiful but making his jawline sharper as well, she knew she couldn't die.

                         And with the way he too was looking at her, she thinks he might've felt the same. Especially when she took notice of his own aura, a mixture of magenta with tendrils of red drastically molding with one another as though one color was fighting for sole dominance.

"No problem. I'm sure you would've done the same for me."

Aurora nodded and her smile grew bigger, "Yeah. I would."

"I had a talk with your mom."

Aurora's eyebrows shot up, "My mom spoke with you?"

Percy nodded, "Yeah, actually, She looked a lot like you."

Aurora's face turned a bright red. She knew that Aphrodite's appearance would change to appeal to each person who gazed upon her, and for Percy to see Aurora as her mother was a deep compliment.

"O-Oh," the young girl stuttered. "I don't think so."

The towns were zipping by faster now, islands of light thicker together, until the whole landscape below was a glittering carpet. Dawn was close. The eastern sky was turning gray. And up ahead, a huge white-and-yellow glow spread out before them—the lights of New York.

"There it is." Thalia's voice; she'd woken up. She was pointing toward Manhattan,which was quickly zooming into view. "It's started."

"What's started?" Percy asked.

High above the Empire State Building, Olympuswas its own island of light, a floating mountain ablaze with torches and braziers, white marble palaces gleaming in the early morning air.

"The winter solstice," Annabeth said for Thalia. "The Council of the Gods."

— NAT TALKS!

Aurora is such a pain induced character, like from dealing with Nate's power, getting stabbed, always injured all in the physical sense but then seeing her mental wounds too like her father being kidnapped and her sister betraying her and watching her die before her eyes is still very traumatic. But because she's so accustomed to pain I feel like that's the only way she knows she's doing her best.

Fun fact: it's normalized around camp that Aurora gets injured a lot, to the point where other campers just brush off her injuries at times, the only people who take it serious are those who are actually close to her and know her. 

Might start making fun facts from now on, do you guys want to see that?

Also, I wanted to thank you guys so much for supporting this book!! I honestly thought people weren't going to like it because my writing isn't the best but those of you who comment and vote and add this book to your reading lists makes me sooo happy. I love you all sooooo much you don't understand and I hope you guys continue to stick by this book the further we head into it. I hope you guys are doing great and I love you!!

If you guys ever need anything feel free to PM me, whether it's a suggestion for the book or a question. It could be literally anything and I promise you I would answer. You guys are the best!! (:

Anyways, enough ranting! I hope you enjoyed today's chapter!

Thoughts? Theories? Headcanons?

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❪ the prodigy, 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅 book. ❫
༢ ͎۪۫ ༊ ❛ ©CELESTIALAPHRODITE 2023. ❜ ¨. ༢ ͎۪۫ ｡𖤐
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