Ailouros Tails book 4: The Return

Chapter 18~ Promises

Percy packed the last thing in his trunk. It was a picture of Ailouros, Amarerasasu and Annabeth smiling and laughing at some joke or another. Annabeth had warmed up to Ailouros once she had learned that Ailouros was his sister. Perc eyed the box he had just packed. It was a simple wooden box painted with owls on a shimmery ocean blue background. Ailoruos had done a great job and had been excited to paint. She hadn't painted much before but her drawing skills transferred easily with her painting. The box was small, only about two inches by two inches.

Percy ran his hand through his hair as he glanced inside the box again. The ring inside shimmered slightly. Poseidon and Tyson had secretly made it for Percy. The ring had dolphins leaping through delicate pearl arches resembling some of Annabeth's designs she had set aside.

"I hope she likes it. I'll take her on a date to some landmark and propose to her there, after dinner... Or maybe under Thalia's Pine, or the spot where we first met! If I can remember the exact spot." Percy mumbled to himself putting the ring into his pocket. "I'll figure it out on my trip back to camp." He told himself as he pulled his luggage down to the grounds. Ailouros, Amaterasu, and the Stoll brother's luggage had already been sent to Camp Half-Blood.

Professor McGonagall met him by Hagrid's hut. She handed him a pile of books. "These are for your sister to continue her studies."

Hagrid stepped up tears in his eyes, "Tell that sister o' yers te come an visit once and a while. I made some of my famous rock cakes fer you to enjoy. Save one for your sister and her little friends." He sniffed and pulled Percy into a tight hug.

"She'll be okay Hagrid. We will go visit her sometime." Professor McGonagall said, pulling Hagrid back gently. She handed Percy a seashell. "It'll only work once but it'll take you home to Camp Half-Blood. Hold on tight."

Percy held onto it and his luggage, "Thank you for teaching my sister-" The world suddenly spun and Percy lost consciousness.

***

Grover and Juniper were walking hand in hand towards the beach when they saw Percy's luggage laying next to a seashell. There were no prints or scent of Percy other than his luggage. "He must have sent his luggage ahead," Grover said, picking up the suitcases. "I'll put these in cabin 3 for him as soon as he gets back."

Juniper smiled and picked up the box she had seen Ailouros paint of Percy. Her smile faded as she peeked inside. "Grover. I think Percy is in trouble."

Grover came over to look. The ring inside the box was broken in half.