𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑔𝑛𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑒¹

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑀𝑎𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑆ℎ𝑖𝑝

‧̍̊˙· 𓆝.° ｡˚𓆛˚｡ °.𓆞 ·˙‧̍̊

THE SHIP TOUR WAS boring. No offense to the Hephaestus kids and everyone interested in ships and building, but there was nothing awe-inspiring to Astoria's eyes. Especially since she knew the ship would blow, and the fact that dead Confederate sailors were staring at them wherever they went.

Poor Tyson was terrified and insisted to hold Annabeth and Astoria's hands. Chase didn't seem too thrilled to help, but Astoria didn't mind. Friendships should be treasured.

For dinner, Clarisse led the four into the CSS Birmingham's captain's quarters. Despite the antique characteristics of the ship, the dining table consisted of contemporary details of white linen and china surrounded by peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, potato chips, and Dr Peppers.

"Tantalus expelled you for eternity," Clarisse told Annabeth and Percy smugly. "Mr. D said if any of you show your face at camp again, he'll turn you into squirrels and run you over with his SUV." She then narrowed her eyes at Astoria devouring the snacks on the table. "As for you, we thought you were dead. So much for 'see you tomorrow', huh?"

Astoria laughed awkwardly. "Surprise?"

Clarisse rolled her eyes.

"Did they give you this ship?" Percy asked.

"Course not. My father did."

"Ares?"

"No, Chris Evans."

Percy gave Astoria a look.

Clarisse sneered. "You think your daddy is the only one with sea power? The spirits on the losing side of every war owe a tribute to Area. That's their curse for being defeated. I prayed to my father for a naval transport and here it is. These guys will do anything I tell them. Won't you, Captain?"

The captain behind her stiffened up. His glowing green eyes creeped Astoria out. "If it means an end to this infernal war, ma'am, peace at last, we'll do anything. Destroy anyone."

"Destroy anyone. I like that," she grinned.

Tyson gulped.

"Clarisse," Annabeth said, "Luke might be after the Fleece, too."

"He's definitely after the Fleece," Astoria confirmed. "I should know."

Chase nodded. "He's got the coordinates and he's heading south. He has a cruise ship full of monsters-"

"Good! I'll blow him out of the water."

"You don't understand," Annabeth said frantically. "We have to combine forces. Let us help you-"

"No!" Clarisse pounded the table. "This is my quest, smart girl! Finally I get to be the hero, and you two will not steal my chance."

"I'm not included, right?" Astoria smiled smugly.

"Where are your cabin mates?" Percy inquired. "You were allowed to take two friends with you, weren't you?"

"They didn't... I let them stay behind. To protect the camp."

"You mean even the people in your cabin wouldn't help you?"

"Shut up, Prissy! I don't need them! Or you!"

"Would you have invited me?" Astoria asked curiously.

"Of course not!" Clarisse denied. "A mortal wouldn't survive this quest, blessed or not."

That very mortal slumped down in her seat.

"Clarisse," Percy started, "Tantalus is using you. He doesn't care about the camp. He'd love to see it destroyed. He's setting you to fail."

"No! I don't care what the Oracle-" She stopped herself.

"What?" Percy said. "What did the Oracle tell you?"

"Nothing," Clarisse's ears turned pink. "All you need to know is that I'm finishing this quest and you're not helping on the other hand, I can't let you go..."

"You shall sail the iron ship with warriors of bone," Astoria said.

"What are you doing?" Clarisse demanded.

"You shall find what you seek and make it your own-"

"Stop it!"

"But despair for your life entombed in stone, and fail without friends, to fly home alone." Astoria finished.

"I told you to stop!" Clarisse grabbed Astoria by the collar. There was a sense of déjà vu as the she recalled her time of captivity on the Princess Andromeda. Nevertheless, Astoria didn't meet her friend's eyes.

"We're helping you whether you like it or not," she said. "It doesn't matter about what we do anyway, since you'll take credit for this quest."

Astoria could picture the snarling expression on Clarisse's face. But the daughter of Ares knew better than to expend her energy to fight. She loosed her grip and called for the captain. "Take them below. Assign them hammocks on the berth deck. If they don't mind their manners, show them how we deal with enemy spies."

"Why would you do that?" Percy whispered.

"This is the only way I can help at the moment," Astoria said. Besides knowing what will happen, she was as useful as a passerby on the street.

When Astoria finally slept, she found herself in sheer darkness. It was unlike the time when she met Apollo. There was a sinister atmosphere leaking out to the point it sent shivers down her spine.

"Where are you," she called out.

Join us, Astoria. Or we'll destroy your precious camp until there's nothing left. This is my final offer. Come with us willingly or we'll take you by force.

"No," Astoria said. "And even if I did join you, you'd never let camp be. No matter what you say, I will never change my mind."

So be it.

Astoria awoke first. She saw her friends sleeping somewhat peacefully. Seeing Percy's scrunched up face, she knew he was dreaming about Grover. With a stretch, the girl stood up and walked up to the top deck.

The sky was still dark, but the stars provided enough light as the ironclad continued to sail the waters. Dead soldiers were still at work and walking about to keep the ship well equipped, although their efforts will be in vain.

"Hey."

Astoria looked behind.

"Couldn't sleep, Clarisse?"

"As if," the blonde retorted.

There was a silence between them.

A peaceful one.

Astoria continued to admire the stars. It's surprising how bright it shines despite the overwhelming darkness. Even without the sun, it lives unaffected as an independent celestial body. And in time, it fades away as a new light is born.

"Just so you know," Clarisse said after a while, "nice to have you back."

She pats Astoria's back and heads back down to her quarters, leaving the mortal girl to continue gazing up above.