Bronze Gold Shadow (Percy Jackson/Teen Wolf Crossover)

Rue's Training

Chiron stared, his face blank but his eyes full of worry and confusion. "A dog?" he asked. 

"Yes," I replied. I was crouched down, rubbing Rue's ears. She was more than a little nervous about the horse man in front of her. "It's okay girl." She whimpered again and rubbed her head against my legs. 

"Chiron, I think you're making her nervous," Nico pointed out. 

Chiron seemed to notice the six month old dog curling into me, wanting protection. "My apologies." He trotted over to his wheelchair beside the card table on the porch. He lowered himself into the wheelchair, a small light coming from the chair as his horse half was hidden. His fake legs slid into place, the glow fading. He wheeled himself over and held his hand out to Rue. She sniffed his hand then returned to my side. 

"How does she handle the Cocoa Puffs?" Chiron asked. 

"She treats them like they're dogs themselves," Nico answered. 

"That is an advantage," the centaur mused. "Do you have supplies?" 

I nodded. "Lots of toys, a bed and enough poop bags to last a year." 

"You do know it takes much more to care for a dog?" he asked. 

I nodded. "I do," I told him. I looked down at Rue who was looking at me with her big brown eyes. "But I want to try." 

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"Sit," I said, showing her my closed fist. She licked her chops and sat on her haunches. "Stay." She didn't move as I got closer, showing her the treat. "Stay. Stay." She jumped and gobbled the treat before I could finish the final one. 

I sighed and sat back on my butt. She noticed my sad expression. She came over and licked my face. I smiled and scratched her ears. 

"How's obedience training going?" Nico asked, walking over. Will was with him, his golden hair ruffled and his cargo pants bearing the telltale scorch marks from the climbing wall. A few of the Cocoa Puffs trailed behind him. The antlered and wolf pawed one jumped over to Rue. The pup barked and ducked low. 

"Not very well," I admitted, watching them play. "I'm starting to think I need to take the treats away." 

"That may be a good idea," Nico said. He held a hand out and pulled me up. "Or just offer it as a reward instead of dangling it in front of her. She may be six months old but technically she's still a puppy. They don't have much restraint."

I nodded. "Good point. I thought I was supposed to be the smart one in the group." 

"What does that make me?" Will asked. 

"The one with the super cool superpowers," Nico offered. 

"I'll take it," Will said. 

"Glad to see nothing changed with you two," I said. 

"Have you made any progress?" Nico asked. 

I whistled. Rue peeked her head up. She got out from under the antlered Cocoa Puff and trotted over. I held out my closed fist. She sat down. I gave her a treat in the shape of a bone. 

"Not bad," Nico said. 

"It took me three days to get her to come," I admitted. She barked happily, content as I scratched her ears. 

"It's still progress," Will pointed out. 

I nodded and kneeled down next to her. "It's just gonna take some time, right girl?" 

She licked my face in reply. 

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I gasped awake, the insects still on my skin. I ran my hands over my arms, trying to get them away. I felt a weight on my legs and something wet was on my face. I opened my eyes. Rue was standing over me, her big brown eyes watching me. She whimpered and licked my face again.