'River Anise was like the morning sun. Her rays were gentle and calm, accompanied by a light breeze. Her light painted the skies with a beautiful array of colors that Percy thought no painter could ever truly capture.'
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(Percy Jackson)
(The Lightn...
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chapter eleven: a dog is still a dog
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River let out a quiet yawn as they approached Valencia Boulevard at around midnight. Her eyes were drooping and she wished they could have taken a nap back at Crusty's. He may have been horrible, but his beds had at least been very comfortable. Her blurred eyes barely made out the gold letters on the black marble. DOA Recording Studios. Below it, there was the usual message about loiterers and solicitors, but one line read 'No Living.'
A tough looking guard stood behind the security desk, glancing over the room full of people.
"Ok. You remember the plan," Percy turned to them.
Grover looked nervous, "The plan. Yeah. I love the plan."
River rubbed the sleep from her eyes and gave a half-hearted thumbs up, "Plan."
Percy didn't know what that meant, but he assumed by the adorable, sleepy smile she sent in his direction, that she was ok.
"What happens if the plan doesn't work?" Annabeth asked.
"Don't think negative."
"Yeah, Annie, just think about cute puppies. And stickers. And the sun," River said.
"You're delirious, Riv," Annabeth pointed out, watching the girl yawn for the umpteenth time.
River had never been a night owl. It simply wasn't in her nature, especially as the child of a sun god. She would be fine when it came down to it, but for now, she was stuck yawning and slumping around.
"Alright, fine. We'll make it. It'll be fine," Annabeth said, though her tone was flat and unconvincing.
Grover quickly chimed in, "We got this far. We'll find the master bolt and save your mom. No problem."
River practically fell over as she wrapped her arms lightly around Percy, "That's right. We've got this, Per. Don't worry. We've got your back."
Percy returned the hug, feeling grateful for the sunny warmth River exuded, both physically and mentally. It was almost enough to make him smile, and he swore he could feel something fuzzy or fluttering in his stomach.
"Let's whup some Underworld butt," Percy said before they walked inside the building.
Muzan played softly above. The room was painted in steel gray and black. The people inside were like empty shells. They didn't move or talk and stared blankly ahead. They're bodies were transparent.
River shivered noticeably, "This place is weird."
They approached the security guard's desk. The man was tall. He had dark skin and bleach blond hair. He wore an Italian suit with a black rose pinned to his lapel just underneath a silver name tag. All the sleep left River and she continuously smacked Grover's arm, mouth flopping open as she realized who it was.
