𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐈𝐋¹ || 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐘 𝐉𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐒𝐎𝐍

𝐋𝐗𝐗𝐗

✦ 𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐁𝐎𝐘 ✦

THE REST OF THE SUMMER SEEMED STRANGE BECAUSE IT WAS SO NORMAL. The daily activities continued: archery, rock climbing, and pegasus riding. They played Capture the Flag (though they all avoided Zeus' Fist). They sang at the campfire and raced chariots and played practical jokes on the other cabins.

Percy spent a lot of time with Tyson, playing with Mrs. O'Leary, but she would still howl at night when she got lonely for her old master.

Throughout the remainder of the summer, Percy found himself gravitating towards Aurora more and more. Their bond strengthened as they spent countless hours together, not just training and honing their skills, but also enjoying the simpler moments— swimming in the lake, sharing quiet conversations by the campfire, or simply existing in each other's company.

Their connection had deepened, and Percy cherished the moments when they could be together, finding solace and comfort in each other's presence. There was an unspoken understanding between them, a mutual respect and trust that seemed to grow with each passing day.

However, there was a lingering question that Percy was hesitant to bring up. He wanted to ask Aurora about Kronos, about the memories that haunted him— the memory of Luke, of the betrayal they had all felt. But he hesitated, knowing that delving into such a painful topic could reopen old wounds for Aurora.

She had seemed happier lately, and Percy didn't want to risk ruining that by reminding her of someone who had caused her so much pain. As for Annabeth, every time Percy attempted to broach the subject with her, she would shut him out, her walls going up as she avoided discussing anything related to Luke or Kronos.

So, Percy found himself navigating this delicate balance— wanting to protect Aurora's newfound happiness while grappling with his own questions and concerns.

He hoped that in time when the moment was right, they could find a way to confront the past together, as they had done with so many challenges before. But for now, he cherished the present, grateful for the moments of peace and normalcy they could find in the midst of their unpredictable lives.

July passed, with fireworks on the beach at the Fourth of July. August turned so hot the strawberries started baking in the fields. Finally, the last day of Camp arrived. The standard form letter appeared on his bed after breakfast, warning him that the cleaning harpies would devour him if he stayed past noon.

At ten o'clock, Percy stood on the top of Half-Blood Hill with Aurora by his side, waiting for the Camp van that would take him into the city. Percy made arrangements to leave Mrs. O'Leary at Camp with Aurora. Percy and Tyson would take turns visiting her during the year.

Percy hoped Aurora would be riding into Manhattan with him, but she only came to see him off. Annabeth came not long, she said she'd arranged to stay at Camp a little longer. She would help Aurora tend to Chiron until his leg was fully recovered, and keep studying Daedalus' laptop, which had engrossed her for the last two months. Then she would head back to her father's place in San Francisco.