Climb (Percy Jackson x Reader)

thirty-one

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this chapter contains a brief mention of drowning; it's very nondescript but please read with discretion!
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✺ CURSES OF THOSE PASSED ✺

The morning feels serene as Camp Half-Blood starts to wake up. Quiet conversations gradually take over the sounds of wildlife, ocean waves rock with a gentle rhythm, and the clouds shift colors while the sun begins its path across the sky. The calm, however, fills (Y/N) with dread.

She tries to hide the shakiness of her breath as Annabeth squeezes her in a hug. The daughter of Athena pulls away, firmly placing her hands on (Y/N)'s shoulders.

"You stay safe," Annabeth commands, a slight frown on her lips.

(Y/N) nods. Her stomach twists. "I'll do my best."

"Make smart choices."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Take me with you."

"Absolutely not." (Y/N) chuckles as her best friend grumbles. Annabeth removes her hands from (Y/N)'s shoulders, crossing her arms and hoping to sway (Y/N)'s mind with an icy glare.

Chiron's shoulders bounce with mirth as he observes the pair. "I've already tried to convince her," he says, and Annabeth slumps in defeat. "She's set on it."

"She's stupid," Annabeth mumbles, kicking at the sand. (Y/N) lifts a hand to her heart.

"Ouch, Annie," she says, though her words dance with laughter.

Next to Annabeth, Grover shrugs. "I think we should trust her." He steps forward with his arms extended. (Y/N) smiles, returning his hug. In a whisper, he adds, "But I also think you're being a little stupid."

She scoffs. "Okay, okay. Anyone else want to chime in on my alleged stupidity?"

"Yeah, actually."

Chiron, Annabeth, and Grover turn in surprise at the sound of Percy's voice. The son of Poseidon jogs across the beach, his hair falling messily over his forehead as he comes to a stop and joins the group. (Y/N) raises an eyebrow at him.

"But," he continues, a gentle smile on his lips, "if you feel certain that Apollo's presence will be enough, then I'm willing to say that I trust your judgement."

(Y/N)'s tension eases. She moves forward, pulling him into a hug and remaining well aware of Annabeth and Grover's confusion. Percy squeezes her briefly, leaning back and looking down at her sternly.

"Stay safe," he says, and (Y/N) grins.

"I'll try. Finish your reading."

He chuckles. "I'll try."

(Y/N) does a quick count of the weapons on her person, double-checking the weight of the satchel slung across her back. The Tablet seems to hum with anticipation. Chiron lets out a deep sigh, hugging (Y/N) and pressing a gentle kiss to her hair. He says nothing, only offering a nod.

Returning the gesture, (Y/N) steps back. She gives a quick salute to the others before turning to the waves and closing her eyes. As she mentally searches for her destination, the Tablet's energy seems to grow stronger, sending vibrations through her bones and sharpening the map in her head.

The tide stretches closer. She fights her instinct to move away.

Her desired location grows clearer, and her power leaps into her grasp. As she enters the shallows of the ocean, something awakens within her.

Deep in the shadows of her power, a warning bell roars to life. Unfamiliar waves of hatred and fury surge through her mind, shattering her focus and wrenching hold of her control.