𝐂œ𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐬é𝐬 [Percy Jackson]

154

 Hadrian's eyes were on Percy, always. Even in the storm.

A wave the size of a skyscraper crashed over the forward deck, washing the front crossbows and half the port railing out to sea. The sails were ripped to shreds. Lightning flashed all around, hitting the sea like spotlights. Horizontal rain blasted Hadrian's face. The clouds were so dark he honestly couldn't tell if it was day or night.

The crew was doing what they could... which wasn't much.

No one was sure when exactly the storm had rolled in, only that it was really bad. Worse than anything they had ever encountered. The ship rocked so much, Hadrian had had to climb the floor to get out of his room.

Leo had lashed himself to the console with a bungee cord harness. That might have seemed like a good idea when he rigged it up, but every time a wave hit he was washed away, then smacked back into his control board like a human paddleball.

Hadrian and Annabeth were trying to save the rigging. Since Sparta they'd become quite a team– able to work together without even talking, which was just as well, since they couldn't hear each other over the storm.

Frank had turned into a gorilla. He was swinging upside down off the starboard rail, using his massive strength and his flexible feet to hang on while he untangled some broken oars. They were trying to get the ship airborne, but, even if they managed to take off, Hadrian wasn't sure the sky would be any safer.

Even Festus the figurehead was trying to help. He spewed fire at the rain, though that didn't seem to discourage the storm.

Only Percy was having any luck. He stood by the centre mast, his hands extended like he was on a tightrope. Every time the ship tilted, he pushed in the opposite direction and the hull stabilized. He summoned giant fists of water from the ocean to slam into the larger waves before they could reach the deck, so it looked like the ocean was hitting itself repeatedly in the face.

With the storm as bad as it was, Hadrian knew the ship would've already capsized or been smashed to bits if Percy wasn't on the job.

Jason staggered towards the mast. 

Hadrian had to do a double take. 

"What's Jason doing out of the sickbay?" Hadrian yelled. Annabeth gave no indication that she heard him. 

Leo yelled something – probably Go downstairs! – but Jason only waved back. He made it to Percy's side and grabbed his shoulder. 

"IDIOTS" Hadrian motioned towards Jason, Annabeth got the message. She could handle the rigging for now. Percy was doing most of the work anyways.

Percy nodded like 'sup. He didn't look shocked, or demand that Jason go back to sickbay.

"Go back below deck!" Hadrian yelled as he tried to walk across the deck. It was so slippery and full of water, he almost fell down three times, still he managed to make it to the two.

Percy could stay dry if he concentrated, but obviously he had bigger things to worry about right now. His dark hair was plastered to his face. His clothes were soaked and ripped. It reminded Hadrian so much of their kiss underwater.

He shouted something at Hadrian and Jason: "THING ... DOWN ... STOP IT!"

Percy pointed over the side.

"CAUSING... STORM?" Jason asked.

"I WILL SKEWER YOU WITH SO MANY ARROWS YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO WALK FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, GRACE GO BACK TO THE SICKBAY" 

Jason only grinned at him. He was in no condition to be here on deck, much less fighting against whatever it is that was causing this storm. 

Percy made a gesture with his hand like diving overboard. Then he looked at Hadrian and tapped him on the chest. His finger lingered a little longer than necessary.