Bronze Gold Shadow (Percy Jackson/Teen Wolf Crossover)

My Home

I woke up to a loud caw and the boat shaking. My eyes flew open and I gripped the wood of the gunwale to steady myself. I looked over to see Nico awake as well, glaring at a seagull that spread its wings and flew away. The three Cocoa Puffs looked up at me, chirping from the sudden disturbance. I shook my head and ran my hand threw my hair. 

Bob and Will were both awake at the bow, facing forward. For a moment, I wasn't sure where we were since last I had woken up there was nothing around me but water and the stars. 

Then, I saw the warmth to the east. I sat up straight and smiled. There, at the edge of the water, the sky was changing from a dark navy overview to warm pinks and orange and yellows as the sun rose into the sky. 

I smiled. I didn't think I would see the sun again, much less a sunrise. It was beautiful. "Hello, Apollo," I whispered. 

"Morning sleepyheads," Will said. "Welcome back to the land of the living." 

"Ha-ha," Nico said dryly. "Funny joke." 

Will made his way over and joined Nico on the rear bench. He nudged my foot on the way past. "You're looking better." 

I shrugged. "Bob healed a few of my injuries while you two were out. I feel a lot better because of it. Did we miss anything?" 

Will shrugged this time. "You two missed Bob's waterworks display." 

"Another one?" Nico asked. "I feel like I need to cry some more to catch up to him." 

"You are welcome to join me," Bob acknowledged. He ran his hand over Small Bob who was curled up in his lap. "This view is worthy of a good cry. I did not think I would see the sun or the stars again." He lifted his nose and breathed in the scent of saltwater. "To be alive in the world once more... It is beautiful." He began to cry once more while Small Bob purred in his lap. 

I looked around at the water, at the glowing light coming from the sun. It seemed... brighter, more colourful. I could feel the warmth on my face and relaxed at the feeling of it. "It really is," I agreed. 

"I'm guessing I don't look like I'm close to death anymore," Will said after a moment. 

"Just your usual amount," I teased. He reached out and splashed water at me. I raised my hands in defense and laughed. The Cocoa Puffs whimpered and chirped in surprise. 

Nico shrugged. "I still find you attractive anyway." 

"I'm pretty sure I spent the past few days looking like a pile of melted Play-Doh." 

"Nonsense," Nico denied. "You were more like soggy ambrosia." I nodded in agreement. 

"Your pile of soggy ambrosia," Will said, blowing his boyfriend a kiss. I chuckled. Not the best argument there was. 

Nico's gaze turned to the front of the boat and I followed. I could see the outline of Long Island Sound. Trees. Beaches. Docks. Those huge, garish houses rich people always say they need when they barely visit the beach. Then, in the distance was the high, piercing and impossibly big skyscrapers of Manhattan. I couldn't see the outline of it all but I could see the buildings. 

Buildings. 

Made by people. 

We were back. I sank in the sight of it all, never wanting to blink in case it all disappeared from me. 

Bob guided the canoe using his broom. He took us down Long Island Sound. Things began to look familiar. The road, the trees, the water. Then, there was the fireworks beach. I smiled. The Titan guided us into the mouth of Euros Creek by the dining pavilion. I could hear the birds singing, the waves lapping at the canoe. I could already smell the strawberries in the fields far from the lake. The cabins stood proud and strong in the distance. I craned my neck and saw Cabin Six, a smile breaking over my face.