Fall Of The Eldest - Percy Jackson

Chapter 25 - Fates Are Cruel

Percy's P.O.V

We traveled through the nation, from Michigan to now Pennsylvania. We were so close to New York, Long Island I could barely keep my excitement at bay.

I have been riding on Koda's back for so long that I am proud to announce that they are the one of few sources of flight transportation I trust. The only other main one is my black Pegasus Blackjack.

My hands clung to the winged demigod's shoulders, my body pressed between their wings. With each gentle flap, I could feel their muscles working in sync.

Jason flew a yard or two next to us, with Hazel in his arms. The blonde Superman looked sturdy, his facial expression stern and rough looking as the wind whipped at his blonde hair.

Hazel seemed to be having fun too; a small smile with her cinnamon curls rustling with the air. Nico was down below, refusing to have human contact and be airborne, he decided it would be easiest to travel underground and shadow travel. If Will Solace was here, he would have a coronary over the energy he was using.

Being in the clouds with the ground thousands of feet below me was still terrifying, but I had faith with Koda. After everything that has happened this trip, they are another one of the many demigods I have come to respect. From suffering through child experimentation, losing their best friend who had empathy over their history, and now having to re-live those nightmares by saving us and losing another friend, it was safe to say that Koda was part of the family.

I inched myself up a little, leaning my head to Koda's ear so they could hear me. "How much farther?"

"I think one more day and we'll be at Camp Half-Blood." They announced, driving their wings a little to adjust their height.

One more day. One more day until I could see my mom. One more day until I could see Annabeth. One more day until I could see my friends and the rest of the Seven. One more day until I was home.

I couldn't contain myself anymore: I scooted backwards on Koda, wrapping my legs around their torso and hips. I pumped my fists into the hair and started to scream and whoop. "WHOOOOO!!!"

My cries stood out through the roaring winds, sounding both strange and thrilling. Jason gave me a quizzical look as if I was crazy, then cracked the largest grin I had ever seen him smile, his scar in his lip stretching.

"YEAH BABY!" He hollered.

"YES! HAHA!!" Screamed Hazel, cupping her hands around her mouth like a megaphone.

"WE'RE GOING HOME!" We announced in unison.

Koda laughed, flashing the happiest smile that could brighten the darkest night.

But the fates were not so pleased about our mood. As we cheered into the sky, we were unaware of the pale and black figure above us.

"WERE UNSTOPPA-"

SLAM

A black object, narrow and jagged, tore through the air next to me, connecting with Koda's wing.

My winged friend let out an agonizing cry in pain, stumbling in the air. We started to spiral downward, my screams of terror muffled by the air around us.

At the last minute, Koda spreads their non-injured wing to slow our decent, making the scrapping connection with the earth less painful, but much more violent.

We rip through the earth like a bullet, rocks, moss, and dirt flying around us. The roar of the wind was now replaced with with the growl and grind of the ground. We start to tumble in the ground and roll to a stop.