𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐈𝐋¹ || 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐘 𝐉𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐒𝐎𝐍

𝐗𝐗𝐗𝐈

✦ 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐖𝐒 ✦

PERCY HAD FINALLY FOUND SOMETHING HE WAS REALLY GOOD AT. The Queen Anne's Revenge responded to his every command. Percy knew which ropes to hoist, which sails to raise, and which direction to steer. They plowed through the waves at what he figured was about ten knots. Percy even understood how fast that was. For a sailing ship, pretty darn fast.

It all felt perfect – the wind in his face, the waves breaking over the prow. But now that they were out of danger, all he could think about was how much he missed Tyson, and how worried he was about Grover.

Percy couldn't get over how badly he'd messed up on Circe's Island. If it hadn't been for Aurora and Annabeth, he'd still be a rodent, hiding in a hutch with a bunch of cute furry pirates.

Percy thought about what Circe had said: See, Percy? You've unlocked your true self!

He still felt changed. Not just because he had a sudden desire to eat lettuce. Percy felt jumpy, like the instinct to be a scared little animal was now a part of him. Or maybe it had always been there. That's what really worried him.

They sailed through the night. Aurora and Annabeth tried to help him keep a lookout, but sailing didn't agree with the blonde. After a few hours rocking back and forth, Annabeth's face turned the color of guacamole and she went below to lie in a hammock after she was healed by Aurora.

Percy and Aurora watched the horizon.

More than once they spotted monsters. A plume of water as tall as a skyscraper spewed into the moonlight. A row of green spines slithered across the waves – something maybe thirty meters long, reptilian. Once they saw nereids, the glowing lady spirits of the sea. Percy tried to wave at them, but they disappeared into the depths, leaving him unsure whether they'd seen him or not.

Percy sighed, his gaze fixed on the horizon as he recounted his concerns to Aurora.

"I can't shake off what Circe said," he confessed, his voice tinged with unease. "About unlocking my true self. It's like she planted a seed of doubt in my mind."

Aurora turned to him, her expression soft and reassuring. "Perce, don't let her words get to you," she urged gently. "You're not defined by what someone else says about you. You're brave, loyal, and compassionate. That's the Percy I know."

Percy met her gaze, finding solace in her words. "Thanks, Rory," he said, a small smile playing on his lips. "I guess I just need to trust myself more."

"Exactly," Aurora affirmed, her eyes filled with understanding. "And remember, we're in this together. Whatever challenges come our way, we'll face them as a team."

As they watched the sea together, Percy felt a sense of reassurance wash over him, knowing that Aurora was by his side. With her support, he felt ready to confront whatever the future held.