¹𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐀. percy jackson

XIX.

☼

AFTER ANNABETH AND PERCY LEFT, Lucia found herself giving her all at camp. She wouldn't miss a single archery lesson with Chiron. And spent hours in the infirmary with her little brother.

She found herself close to reaching the top of the climbing wall, canoeing with naiads and swimming with nereids. She also tried volleyball (the ball almost burned through a Demeter kid's head). Along with sword fighting (she almost stabbed a Stoll brother). But found out in an instant that neither was for her.

The next on her list this summer was Pegasi Riding. That's why Silena Beauregard was now guiding her to the Pegasi Stables for her first lesson. When she walked in Lucia was pleasantly surprised to see it didn't stink as much as she thought it would. Instead, it seemed pretty well kept, a classic stable compound, except with extra wing room.

"You can pick." Silena smiled kindly, "But I recommend avoiding the white one. She likes to spin."

Lucia took her time to look around the stables when one pegasus caught her eye. she walked forward and stood in front of him "Blackjack, right?"

The pegasus looked up at her from his hay and snorted

"I'm Percy's friend, remember?" Lucia held a careful hand out

Blackjack gave her a funny look before snorting again. He placed his chin atop Lucia's hand. Lucia reached into his mane and started petting him.

"Could I borrow you?" She smiled

Blackjack whinnied

"So you chose Percy's Pegasus..." Silena gave her a knowing smile. Her blue eyes were basically sparkling. "you're close to him aren't you?"

"What." Lucia's cheeks flushed "I mean, yes he's been my best friend for years. I don't think he'll mind.."

"Oh, I don't think he'll mind either honey." Silena let out a laugh

Blackjack whinnied in agreement

"I don't know what either of you is trying to say" she pointed to the two of them. Her hands were now clammy. "But can I learn how to ride now?"

"Come on Lovergirl." Silena walked out of the stables

"Don't call me that!" Lucia squealed as she guided blackjack behind her.

"My mom's Aphrodite" Silena turned to her. She was clearly beautiful and when she looked at Lucia she exuded excitement and giddiness. "I know love when i see it."

"I don't know what you mean" Lucia shook her head, but the way her heart slammed against her rib cage betrayed her words "no idea."

"Oh, nothing." Silena hummed "Why don't we start with our lesson."

☼

THE RIDE STARTED RATHER BUMPY, they almost crashed into the trees many times, and one time they did. Let's just say a specific tree nymph isn't too fond of Lucia.

But after a while, Lucia got the hang of it and started gliding through the air with blackjack. Throughout the camp, they could hear her harmonious laughter.

"I see why Percy likes you." Lucia giggled into his mane

Blackjack whinnied in response almost like he was saying 'me too'

"We should get down now. Silena's waiting." Lucia began until something caught her eye "Wait-"

Blackjack stayed steady in the air. Lucia leaned down to see a figure stumbling in the forest