✦ 𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐀 ✦
THURSDAY AFTERNOON, three days after Percy had arrived at Camp Half-Blood, he experienced his first sword-fighting lesson.
All members of Cabin Eleven and a few others from other cabins gathered in the big circular arena, anticipating Luke as their instructor.
"Good luck," one of the campers told Percy. "Luke's the best swordsman in the last three hundred years."
"Maybe he'll go easy on me," Percy said.
The camper snorted.
Starting with basic stabbing and slashing, they practiced on straw-stuffed dummies adorned in Greek armor. Percy grasped the techniques well, understanding the moves and showcasing commendable reflexes.
However, a persistent issue persisted – Percy couldn't find a blade that felt right in his hands. Heavy, light, long – none seemed to suit him.
Despite Luke's efforts to find a suitable blade, Percy struggled to connect with any of the practice weapons.
The lesson continued with Luke instructing Percy on thrusts, parries, and shield blocks, delivering each lesson with the sting of the flat of his blade.
Bruised and battered, Percy's awkwardness with the sword persisted.
After a physically demanding session, a much-needed break was called.
The campers swarmed the drinks cooler, and Percy, following Luke's example, poured ice water on his head.
Instantly, he felt rejuvenated, and the sword didn't feel as unwieldy.
As the session progressed to dueling in pairs, Luke announced that he would be Percy's partner for his first time.
"Okay, everybody circle up!" Luke ordered. "If Percy doesn't mind, I want to give you a little demo."
"This is difficult," Luke stressed. "I've had it used against me. No laughing at Percy, now. Most swordsmen have to work years to master this technique."
Luke demonstrated the move on Percy in slow motion. Sure enough, the sword clattered out of his hand.
"Now in real time," Luke said after he'd retrieved his weapon. "We keep sparring until one of us pulls it off. Ready, Percy?"
Percy nodded, and Luke came after him.
Somehow, Percy kept Luke from getting a shot at the hilt of his sword. Percy's senses opened up. He saw Luke's attacks coming. Percy countered. He stepped forward and tried a thrust of his own. Luke deflected it easily, but he saw a change in his face.
Luke's eyes narrowed, and he started to press Percy with more force. The sword grew heavy in his hand. The balance wasn't right.
Percy knew it was only a matter of seconds before Luke took him down, so he figured, What the heck? He tried the disarming maneuver.
Percy's blade hit the base of Luke's and he twisted, putting his whole weight into a downward thrust.
Clang.
Luke's sword rattled against the stones. The tip of Percy's blade was a couple of centimeters from his undefended chest.
The other campers were silent.
Percy lowered his sword. "Um, sorry."
For a moment, Luke was too stunned to speak.
"Sorry?"
Luke's scarred face broke into a grin. "By the gods, Percy, why are you sorry? Show me that again!"
Percy didn't want to.
The short burst of manic energy had completely abandoned him. But Luke insisted. This time, there was no contest. The moment their swords connected, Luke hit Percy's hilt and sent his weapon skidding across the floor.
After a long pause, somebody in the audience said, "Beginner's luck?"
Luke wiped the sweat off his brow. He appraised Percy with an entirely new interest. "Maybe," he said. "But I wonder what Percy could do with a balanced sword...."
Unbeknownst to Percy, Aurora Deveroux observed the scene with intrigue from the crowd.
Aurora observed Percy's training with a keen interest, her amber eyes following each move. She couldn't help but notice the improvement in Percy's performance, especially after he doused himself with water.
The display of newfound strength and agility caught her attention, and her initial thoughts marveled at how Percy seemed to tap into hidden reserves of power.
As Percy faced off against Luke, the intensity of their sparring session seemed to bring out a different side of him. The way he countered Luke's attacks and executed his own moves hinted at a growing skill set.
Aurora couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue, wondering about the extent of Percy's abilities and how he had managed to become such a formidable opponent.
The moment Percy successfully executed a move against Luke, Aurora's thoughts crystallized in realization.
There was more to Percy Jackson than met the eye, and a spark of curiosity ignited within her.
She looked forward to the prospect of training alongside someone who could match and, perhaps, challenge her own skills.
Unable to resist the urge to join in, she made her way to the center where Percy and Luke were sparring.
With a mischievous grin, Aurora interrupted their session.
"I guess you found another person who can take you down," Aurora teased Luke, a glint of playful challenge in her eyes.
Her comment elicited cheers and howls from the campers, who were delighted to witness such banter.
"Not a good look on me, huh?" Luke responded, playing along with the teasing.
Aurora chuckled, her finger playing with her ring. "Not at all. It would look even more terrible for your reputation when I beat you just right after Percy just did."
The campers erupted in excitement, sensing an impromptu challenge between two formidable demigods.
Percy, caught in the middle of the banter, couldn't help but feel a mixture of amusement and curiosity.
He exchanged glances with Aurora, wondering what kind of training partner he had just encountered.
As Aurora confidently approached the center, nearing the two, Percy found himself still slightly mesmerized by her presence.
"May I?" she asked, a determined glint in her amber eyes, and Percy, caught off guard, stammered a quick, "S-sure," as he stepped aside.
As Aurora prepared to spar with Luke, Percy listened to the murmurs of admiration from the campers around him. One particularly enthusiastic camper took it upon himself to educate Percy about the remarkable skills of Aurora Deveroux.
"You see, Percy, this is a fight we all always anticipate. Aurora and Luke, they always know how to make a show, they both are just so competitive. Aurora's 'The Ace' around here," the camper explained, gesturing toward Aurora.
"Luke is the best swordsman, Annabeth is the smartest strategist, Clarisse is a powerhouse with her strength and spear, but Aurora? She's all of that rolled into one and more."
Percy's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "'The Ace?'" he echoed, absorbing the information.
"Yeah," the camper continued, excitement in his voice. "She can handle any weapon– Ever heard of Sunbeam?"
Percy shook his head, indicating his lack of knowledge.
"It's her weapon– Apollo gave her when she arrived at Camp at seven. She was claimed the moment she stepped foot here, and Apollo himself crafted it for her. She can turn it into a sword, dagger, spear, bow– you name it. Unlimited arrows, too. The thing is practically an extension of her arm. And she's quick on her feet, like lightning. Watch closely, and you'll see why she's the go-to when it comes to training."
Percy's eyes widened as he absorbed this new piece of information. "Unlimited arrows? That's... impressive," he admitted, impressed by the uniqueness of Aurora's weapon.
"Yeah, she's got her father's touch. And she's quick to pick up on things. The girl's a prodigy, and that's why they call her 'The Ace,'" the camper emphasized, gesturing toward Aurora with a nod of approval.
As the crowd's excitement mounted, Percy couldn't help but be intrigued by the prospect of witnessing Aurora's remarkable abilities firsthand.
The spar between her and Luke was about to unfold, and Percy was eager to see why she had earned the nickname 'The Ace.'
The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as the campers formed a circle, eagerly awaiting the friendly spar between Aurora and Luke. Percy observed the scene, intrigued and slightly confused as he noticed Aurora standing in front of Luke without a visible weapon.
A beat passed, and Luke, raising his sword, initiated the spar.
In response, as if performing a mesmerizing feat of magic, Aurora spun the sun on her golden ring with a single flick of her finger.
In an instant, her Celestial Bronze sword materialized, gleaming in the sunlight.
The spar commenced, and the two combatants moved with a grace that seemed almost choreographed. Aurora, quick and agile, danced around Luke's sword strikes effortlessly.
The golden-hued blade of Sunbeam morphed seamlessly, shifting between a sword, dagger, spear, and bow, adapting to her every move.
The golden-hued blade of Sunbeam displayed an otherworldly transformation, captivating the onlookers with its seamless changes. As Aurora gracefully maneuvered through the spar, the celestial weapon adapted to her every move with fluidity and precision.
In its sword form, Sunbeam gleamed with a radiant golden light, casting a warm glow on the surrounding arena.
The blade featured intricate etchings along its side, depicting celestial patterns that seemed to dance with the sunlight. Each stroke left a trail of golden afterimages, creating an ethereal spectacle.
Percy's eyes widened as he watched in awe, realizing the versatility of Aurora's weapon.
The campers cheered as the competitive energy between Aurora and Luke intensified. Luke, equally determined, was not making it easy for her, his strikes were precise and powerful.
With a subtle twist of Aurora's wrist, Sunbeam transformed into a sleek dagger.
The blade retained its golden brilliance, and the celestial patterns now adorned the dagger's slender form. The transitions were so seamless that it appeared as though the weapon responded to Aurora's thoughts and intentions.
In spear form, Sunbeam elongated, the golden glow intensifying along its extended length. The etched designs took on a more dynamic appearance, resembling constellations that sparkled as the weapon moved through the air. Aurora wielded the spear with
precision, twirling it effortlessly to deflect and counter Luke's attacks.
The most awe-inspiring transformation occurred when Sunbeam turned into a bow. The celestial weapon reshaped itself, the golden light condensing into a string, and ethereal arrows appeared, shimmering with divine energy.
The bow itself retained the celestial engravings, now complemented by the inscription of its name in Ancient Greek: 'Ηλιαχτίδα'.
As the bowstring was drawn, the divine arrows materialized, ready to be unleashed with unparalleled accuracy.
Sunbeam's glow intensified as Aurora aimed and released arrows with a skill that mirrored the grace of Apollo and Artemis— the twin archers themselves. The celestial patterns on the bow seemed to come alive, responding to the archer's mastery.
The crowd watched in awe as Sunbeam seamlessly shifted between these forms, its celestial radiance and divine craftsmanship leaving an indelible impression on all who witnessed its transformative beauty.
As Percy absorbed the spectacle, a mix of intimidation and admiration filled him. The spar unfolded like a dance, a testament to Aurora's prowess.
In the end, with a swift and calculated maneuver, Luke found himself on the ground, conceding victory to Aurora.
The campers erupted in cheers and applause for 'The Ace.' Percy, still processing the extraordinary display of skill, couldn't help but feel a sense of awe for the daughter of Apollo who had just demonstrated the true extent of her abilities.
Aurora's chest heaved as she caught her breath, the adrenaline of the spar still coursing through her veins. She shot Luke a playful grin, her amber eyes sparkling with a mischievous light.
"I think you're getting old, Castellan," she teased, a lighthearted jab at her friend.
Despite their age difference, Aurora and Luke shared a camaraderie forged through countless training sessions.
Luke, still recovering, let out a hearty laugh. "I taught you well," he declared, pride evident in his voice as he emphasized the word 'I.' It was a playful boast.
Aurora giggled, her laughter echoing in the arena. "You did. You did teach me well," she conceded, her smile warm and appreciative.
The exchange was more than banter; it was a recognition of the bond they shared, the growth Aurora had undergone under Luke's guidance. The spar had not only been a test of skill but also a testament to the trust and friendship between the two.
As Luke ruffled her hair, signaling the end of their training, Aurora's thoughts echoed with gratitude for the mentor who had shaped her into the formidable warrior she had become.
As everyone started to slowly leave and dispersed back to their cabins, Aurora took a few minutes and took a swig from her water bottle, feeling the refreshing coolness slide down her throat.
The arena had cleared out, and only Percy remained, still staring at her in awe.
"That was sick," Percy finally spoke up, admiration evident in his voice.
"Thank you, Percy. So were you," Aurora replied, her laughter ringing through the emptying arena.
Percy shook his head in disbelief.
"Not as good as you, though," he admitted.
Aurora turned to him, offering a warm smile. "I could teach you a few tricks if you want," she suggested.
Percy's eyes widened. "That would be awesome! You're awesome." He seemed surprised by his own words and enthusiasm.
"The sun makes me stronger than I already am, being the daughter of Apollo and all," Aurora waved him off and explained modestly.
"I wish something like that could make me stronger as well," Percy mused.
Aurora glanced at the water bottle in her hand, remembering how Percy had become stronger after dousing himself in water.
"I may have an idea what that may be, but I'd have to talk to Annabeth to confirm," she muttered, intriguing Percy.
"You do? What?" Percy asked eagerly.
Aurora shook her head, not wanting to get his hopes up until she was sure. "I'll have to watch you more and make sure," she teased, walking backward toward her cabin.
Percy followed her, expressing his frustration. "You know, after just a few days here, I noticed just how cryptic everyone is. No one gives a straight answer. It's always a mystery with you people."
Aurora chuckled, finding his reaction amusing. "You're a part of us too, Percy."
"I don't answer cryptically and leave mysteriously," Percy retorted.
Aurora smirked, turning to face him. "You do. You are the mystery... a whole mystery you are, Percy Jackson." The banter continued as they conversed, the beginnings of a camaraderie forming between the daughter of Apollo and the newly arrived unclaimed demigod.
✦
Friday night after dinner, there was a lot more excitement than usual. At last, it was time for Capture the Flag.
When the plates were cleared away, the conch horn sounded and they all stood at their tables.
Campers yelled and cheered as Annabeth and two of her siblings ran into the pavilion carrying a silk banner. It was about three meters long, glistening grey, with a painting of a barn owl above an olive tree.
From the opposite side of the pavilion, Clarisse and her buddies ran in with another banner, of identical size, but gaudy red, painted with a bloody spear and a boar's head.
The teams were announced. Athena had made an alliance with Apollo and Hermes, the two biggest cabins. The privileges had been traded– shower times, chore schedules, the best slots for activities– in order to win support.
Ares had allied themselves with everybody else: Dionysus, Demeter, Aphrodite, and Hephaestus.
Dionysus' kids were actually good athletes, but there were only two of them. Demeter's kids had the edge with nature skills and outdoor stuff, but they weren't very aggressive.
Aphrodite's sons and daughters weren't something to be worried about. They mostly sat out every activity and checked their reflections in the lake and did their hair and gossiped.
Hephaestus' kids weren't pretty, and there were only four of them, but they were big and burly from working in the metal shop all day. They might be a problem.
That, of course, left Ares' Cabin: a dozen of the biggest, ugliest, meanest kids on Long Island, or anywhere else on the planet.
Chiron hammered his hoof on the marble.
"Heroes!" he announced. "You know the rules. The creek is the boundary line. The entire forest is fair game. All magic items are allowed. The banner must be prominently displayed, and have no more than two guards. Prisoners may be disarmed, but may not be bound or gagged. No killing or maiming is allowed. I will serve as referee and battlefield medic. Arm yourselves!"
Chiron spread his hands, and the tables were suddenly covered with equipment: helmets, bronze swords, spears, oxhide shields coated in metal.
Annabeth yelled, "Blue team, forward!"
They cheered and shook their swords and followed Annabeth down the path to the south woods. The red team yelled taunts at them as they headed off towards the north.
Percy managed to catch up with Aurora and Annabeth who were whispering to each other without tripping over his equipment.
Their helmets, like all the helmets on Athena's side, had a blue horsehair plume on top. Ares and their allies had red plumes.
"Hey."
Annabeth kept marching.
While Aurora offered him a smile and a bright, "Hi." back.
"So what's the plan?" Percy asked. "Got any magic items you can loan me?"
Percy could see Annabeth's hand drift towards her pocket as if she were afraid he'd stolen something.
"Just watch Clarisse's spear," Aurora said. "You don't want that thing touching you. Otherwise, don't worry."
Annabeth who was clearly listening to the two said, "We'll take the banner from Ares. Has Luke given you your job?"
"Border patrol, whatever that means." Percy shrugged, clearly lost.
"It's easy. Stand by the creek, keep the reds away. Leave the rest to me. Athena always has a plan." Annabeth pushed ahead of them, leaving them in the dust.
"Okay," Percy mumbled. "Glad you wanted me on your team."
"Don't worry about it too much, Percy." Aurora fixed his crooked armor before moving to leave, headed towards their flag.
"Wait– you're leaving me too? What's your job?" Percy asked the silver-haired girl.
"I'm guarding the flag," she said before walking to their designated spot, leaving Percy with his thoughts.
It was a warm, sticky night. The woods were dark, with fireflies popping in and out of view. The night air was filled with tension as the game progressed. The opposing team advanced stealthily, attempting to breach the defense and snatch the flag.
Aurora, with her Celestial Bronze weapon Sunbeam in hand, moved gracefully in the darkness, her senses heightened by the moonlight.
As the rival demigods approached, Aurora's instincts kicked in.
Swiftly and with precise movements, she engaged the invaders. Her golden-hued blade shifted seamlessly between a sword, dagger, spear, and bow, adapting to her every move. The Celestial Bronze weapon glowed with an ethereal light, its etched design catching the moon's glow.
Aurora fought with unparalleled skill, fending off the attackers one by one. She spun, dodged, and parried, her movements fluid and graceful. The golden glow of Sunbeam illuminated the night as she countered each assault with a counterattack, keeping the opposing team at bay.
Despite being outnumbered, Aurora held her ground with unwavering determination. Her versatile combat style, coupled with the unpredictable transformations of Sunbeam, proved to be a formidable challenge for the invaders.
The daughter of Apollo weaved through the chaos, her celestial weapon leaving trails of light with each swing. As the rival team attempted to breach their defenses, Aurora continued her single-handed stand.
Her movements were a dance of celestial power, and the opponents found it challenging to predict her next move. The daughter of Apollo fought valiantly, ensuring that their flag remained securely protected.
Annabeth's strategic plan combined with Aurora's exceptional combat skills kept the opposing team at bay.
The daughter of Apollo proved to be an invaluable asset, a shining beacon of strength in the moonlit battleground.
Meanwhile, Annabeth stationed Percy next to a little creek that gurgled over some rocks, and then she and the rest of the team scattered into the trees.
Standing there alone, with his big blue-feathered helmet and his huge shield, Percy felt like an idiot. The bronze sword, like all the swords he'd tried so far, seemed balanced wrong.
Far away, the conch horn blew. Percy heard whoops and yells in the woods, the clanking of metal, kids fighting.
A blue-plumed ally from Apollo raced past him like a deer, leaped through the creek, and disappeared into enemy territory.
Then Percy heard a sound that sent a chill up his spine, a low canine growl, somewhere close by. He raised his shield instinctively; he had the feeling something was stalking him. Then the growling stopped. He felt the presence retreating. On the other side of the creek, the underbrush exploded.
Five Ares warriors came yelling and screaming out of the dark.
"Cream the punk!" Clarisse screamed. Her ugly pig eyes glared through the slits of her helmet.
She brandished a two-meter spear, its barbed metal tip flickering with red light. Her siblings had only the standard-issue bronze swords– not that that made Percy feel any better.
They surrounded him, and Clarisse thrust at Percy with her spear. His shield deflected the point, but he felt a painful tingling all over his body.
His hair stood on end. His shield arm went numb, and the air burned. Electricity. Her stupid spear was electric.
Percy fell back. Another Ares guy slammed him in the chest with the butt of his sword and he hit the dirt.
"Give him a haircut," Clarisse said.
"Grab his hair."
Percy managed to get to his feet.
Percy raised his sword, but Clarisse slammed it aside with her spear as sparks flew. Now both his arms felt numb.
"Oh, wow," Clarisse said. "I'm scared of this guy. Really scared."
"The flag is that way," Percy told her. Wanting them to go against Aurora, knowing she would devour them whole.
"Yeah," one of Clarisse's siblings said. "But see, we don't care about the flag. We care about a guy who made our cabin look stupid."
"You do that without my help," Percy told them.
He backed up towards the creek and tried to raise his shield, but Clarisse was too fast. Her spear stuck him straight in the ribs.
If he hadn't been wearing an armored breastplate, he would've been shish-kebabbed.
As it was, the electric point just about shocked his teeth out of his mouth. One of her cabinmates slashed his sword across Percy's arm, leaving a good-sized cut. Seeing his own blood made him dizzy, warm, and cold at the same time.
"No maiming," Percy managed to say.
"Oops," the guy said. "Guess I lost my dessert privilege." He pushed Percy into the creek and he landed with a splash.
They all laughed.
Percy figured as soon as they were through being amused, he would die. But then something happened.
The water seemed to wake up his senses as if he'd just had a bag of his mom's double espresso jelly beans.
Clarisse and her cabinmates came into the creek to get him, but Percy stood to meet them.
Percy knew what to do.
He swung the flat of his sword against the first guy's head and knocked his helmet clean off. Percy hit him so hard he could see his eyes vibrating as he crumpled into the water.
Ugly Number Two and Ugly Number Three came at him. Percy slammed one in the face with his shield and used his sword to shear off the other guy's horsehair plume. Both of them backed up quickly.
Ugly Number Four didn't look really anxious to attack, but Clarisse kept coming, the point of her spear crackling with energy. As soon as she thrust, Percy caught the shaft between the edge of his shield and his sword, and Percy snapped it like a twig.
"Ah!" she screamed. "You idiot! You corpse-breath worm!"
She probably would've said worse, but Percy smacked her between the eyes with his sword butt and sent her stumbling backward out of the creek.
Then Percy heard yelling, and elated screams, and he saw Luke racing towards the boundary line with the red team's banner lifted high. He was flanked by a couple of Hermes guys covering his retreat and a few Apollos behind them, fighting off the Hephaestus kids.
The Ares folks got up, and Clarisse muttered a dazed curse.
"A trick!" she shouted. "It was a trick."
They staggered after Luke, but it was too late. Everybody converged on the creek as Luke ran across into friendly territory.
Their side exploded into cheers. The red banner shimmered and turned to silver. The boar and spear were replaced with a huge caduceus, the symbol of Cabin Eleven.
Everybody on the blue team picked up Luke and started carrying him around on their shoulders. Chiron cantered out from the woods and blew the conch horn.
The game was over. They'd won.
Percy was about to join the celebration when Annabeth's voice, right next to him in the creek, said, "Not bad, hero."
Percy looked, but she wasn't there.
"Where the heck did you learn to fight like that?" she asked.
The air shimmered, and she materialized, holding a Yankees baseball cap as if she'd just taken it off her head.
Percy felt himself getting angry. Percy wasn't even fazed by the fact that she'd just been invisible.
"You set me up," he said. "You put me here because you knew Clarisse would come after me, while you sent Luke around the flank. You had it all figured out."
Annabeth shrugged. "I told you. Athena always always has a plan."
"A plan to get me pulverized."
Just before Annabeth could reply, Aurora came running towards them with a huge smile on her face, Percy would have smiled back if he wasn't so angry at Annabeth at the moment.
However, Aurora's smile faded when she saw Percy's state.
"Oh my gods, Percy," she asked before grabbing his arm in shock before exchanging a look with Annabeth.
"How did you do that?" Annabeth asked, just as shocked as Aurora.
"Sword cut," Percy said. "What do you think?"
"No. It was a sword cut. Look at it." Aurora nodded towards his arm.
The blood was slowly fading. Where the huge cut had been, there was a long white scratch that was closing in on itself, and even that was fading.
As Percy watched, it turned into a small scar and disappeared. "I– I don't get it," he said.
Annabeth was thinking hard. He could almost see the gears turning. She looked at Aurora once more as if they were speaking to each other in their heads.
Annabeth then looked down at Percy's feet, then at Clarisse's broken spear, and said, "Step out of the water, Percy."
"What–"
"Just do it." The silver-haired girl told him.
Percy came out of the creek and immediately felt bone tired. His arms started to go numb again. His adrenaline rush left him. Percy almost fell over, but Aurora steadied him.
"Oh, Styx," Annabeth cursed.
"This is not good. Annie, I told you... water." Aurora shared a panicked look with Annabeth.
"I didn't want... I assumed it would be Zeus...." Annabeth trailed off.
Before Percy could ask what they meant, he heard that canine growl again, but much closer than before. A howl ripped through the forest.
The campers' cheering died instantly.
Chiron shouted something in Ancient Greek, which Percy would realize, only later, that he had understood perfectly: "Stand ready! My bow!"
There on the rocks just above them was a black hound the size of a rhino, with lava-red eyes and fangs like daggers.
It was looking straight at Percy.
"Percy, run," Aurora whispered.
Nobody moved except Aurora and Annabeth, the latter repeated, "Percy, run!"
The two girls thought it was a good idea to step in front of Percy, but the hound was too fast.
It leaped over the two– an enormous shadow with teeth– and just as it hit him, as he stumbled backward and felt its razor-sharp claws ripping through his armor.
With unwavering determination, Aurora sprang into action. In one fluid motion, she summoned Sunbeam, her Celestial Bronze weapon, and transformed it into a sleek golden bow. An arrow materialized in her hand with supernatural speed, and she moved with precision at the hound that posed a threat to Percy.
With remarkable agility, Aurora lunged forward, stabbing the hound with the arrow she had conjured. The Celestial Bronze arrow pierced the creature's hide, momentarily halting its advance.
But Aurora's actions didn't stop there. In a dazzling display of skill, she deftly drew the same arrow that was now attached to the wounded hound and pulled it back on her bow. With heightened focus, Aurora released the arrow, sending it hurtling toward the monstrous creature.
The same arrow that had initially struck the hound now became a lethal projectile, finding its mark once again. The Celestial Bronze weapon, guided by Aurora's expertise, struck the hound with deadly precision.
The monstrous creature let out a guttural howl as the arrow penetrated its form, proving to be a fatal blow. The Celestial Bronze, imbued with divine power, exacted its toll on the hound, and the creature crumpled to the ground, defeated.
Aurora's quick thinking and skilled archery had turned the tide, ensuring Percy's safety and neutralizing the threat posed by the shadowy hound.
The monster fell dead at Percy's feet.
By some miracle, Percy was still alive. He was saved.
His chest felt warm and wet, and Percy knew he was badly cut. Another second, and the monster would've turned him into fifty kilograms of delicatessen meat.
"Are you, okay?" asked Aurora worriedly.
"You should really teach me your tricks." Percy tried to joke.
Before she could reply, Chiron trotted up next to them, a bow in his hand, his face grim.
"Di immortales," Annabeth said. "That's a Hellhound from the Fields of Punishment. They don't... they're not supposed to..."
"Someone summoned it," Chiron said. "Someone inside the Camp."
Luke came over, the banner in his hand forgotten, his moment of glory gone.
Clarisse yelled, "It's all Percy's fault! Percy summoned it!"
Aurora's patience worn thin by Clarisse's unfounded accusations, turned to face the daughter of Ares with a steely glare.
"Percy summoned it just to get himself killed? Don't be a dumbass Clarisse," she retorted, her voice cutting through the accusatory clamor.
However, Aurora wasn't finished; she unleashed a pointed barb that targeted Clarisse's intellect, or lack thereof. "But then again, Daddy didn't really gift you any brains now, did he?"
Clarisse glare pierced through Aurora's skull but the daughter of Apollo glared right back, smirking at Clarisse's anger.
Now she knows what it feels like to be bullied.
Percy's mind buzzed with a mix of gratitude and surprise as Aurora stepped forward to defend him against Clarisse's baseless accusations.
He hadn't expected such a fierce defense, especially considering the strained relationships within the Camp. Her words, laced with a combination of frustration and indignation, resonated with him.
As Aurora's pointed remarks cut through the chaotic accusations, Percy couldn't help but feel a warmth spreading within him.
It wasn't just about the verbal defense; it was the fact that someone was willing to stand up for him, someone believed he wasn't responsible for the unforeseen threat that had befallen the Camp.
At that moment, Percy's gaze locked onto Aurora, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. Her support was a beacon of reassurance amid the turmoil, fostering a newfound connection between the two demigods.
Though words weren't exchanged, Percy sensed a shared understanding, a camaraderie forged in the heat of the situation.
"That's enough," Chiron told them, his eyes, however, never leaving the Hellhound.
They watched the body of the Hellhound melt into shadow, soaking into the ground until it disappeared.
"You're wounded," Aurora finally took note of Percy's new wounds.
"Quick, Percy, get in the water." Annabeth followed up.
"I'm okay."
"No, you're not," Aurora said firmly.
"Chiron, watch this," Annabeth told the centaur.
Percy was too tired to argue with the two girls.
He stepped back into the creek, the whole Camp gathering around him. Instantly, Percy felt better. The raven-haired boy could feel the cuts on his chest closing up.
Some of the campers gasped.
Aurora's eyes widened in realization as Percy's wounds began to miraculously heal in the water.
Percy Jackson, the raven-haired boy, was claimed by one of the 'Big Three'.
In that moment of divine recognition, Aurora's thoughts raced. The significance of being claimed by a god, especially one of the 'Big Three', was not lost on her. The gravity of Percy's lineage echoed in the Camp's stunned silence.
As the holographic trident gleamed above him, Aurora felt a mix of awe and respect for the newfound demigod, yet she exchanged fearful looks with Annabeth knowing what it meant after hearing the Great Prophecy.
"Look, I– I don't know why," Percy said, trying to apologize. "I'm sorry..."
But they weren't watching his wounds heal. They were staring at something above his head.
"Percy," Annabeth said, pointing. "Um..."
By the time Percy looked up, the sign was already fading, but he could still make out the hologram of green light, spinning and gleaming.
A three-tipped spear: a trident.
"Your father," Aurora murmured.
"This is really not good." Annabeth followed up.
"It is determined," Chiron announced.
Sweeping across the assembly, the realization of Percy's divine parentage rippled through the crowd.
But it was Aurora who took the initiative, the first to kneel down in a gesture of acknowledgment and respect. Her silvery-white hair blew against the wind as she bowed her head before the claimed son of the sea god.
Percy, still recovering and processing the magnitude of what just transpired, met Aurora's eyes.
Her genuineness and support in that critical moment struck a chord within him. The Camp, though initially shocked, embraced the truth and the powerful demigod standing among them.
Others soon followed Aurora's lead, kneeling in recognition of Percy's divine parentage, acknowledging the son of the sea god in their midst.
All around Percy, campers started kneeling, even the Ares Cabin, though they didn't look happy about it.
"My father?" Percy asked, completely bewildered.
"Poseidon," said Chiron.
"Earthshaker, Stormbringer, Father of Horses. Hail, Perseus Jackson, Son of the Sea God."