IN WHICH, Alina Thorinson falls for Percy Jackson in every universe
None of this work apart from Alina Thorinson and her backstory is mine! All credits go to Rick Riordan!!!
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The group of kids waved good-bye to the other campers, took one last look at the strawberry fields, the ocean, and the Big House, then hiked up Half-Blood Hill to the tall pine tree that used to be Thalia, daughter of Zeus.
Chiron was waiting for them in his wheelchair. Next to him stood Argus
"This is Argus," Chiron told Percy. "He will drive you into the city, and, er, well, keep an eye on things."
Luke came running up the hill, carrying a pair of basketball shoes.
"Hey!" he panted. "Glad I caught you."
Annabeth blushed, the way she always did when Luke was around and Alina nudged her, smirking at her teasingly.
"Just wanted to say good luck," Luke told Percy. "And I thought . . . um, maybe you could use these." He handed Percy the sneakers, which looked pretty normal. They even smelled kind of normal.
Luke said, "Maia!"
White bird's wings sprouted out of the heels. The shoes flapped around on the ground until the wings folded up and disappeared.
"Awesome!" Grover said.
Luke smiled. "Those served me well when I was on my quest. Gift from Dad. Of course, I don't use them much these days. . . ." His expression turned sad.
"Hey, man," Percy said. "Thanks."
"Listen, Percy . . ." Luke looked uncomfortable. "A lot of hopes are riding on you. So just . . . kill some monsters for me, okay?"
They shook hands. Luke patted Grover's head between his horns, hugged Alina and mumbled some words to her which made it seem like she froze in shock, then gave a good-bye hug to Annabeth, who looked like she might pass out.
After Luke was gone, Percy told her, "You're hyperventilating."
"Am not."
"You let him capture the flag instead of you, didn't you?"
"Oh . . . why do I want to go anywhere with you, Percy?"
She stomped down the other side of the hill taking Alina with her, Percy heard Alina say something to Annabeth about how stupid boys can be.
Percy picked up the flying shoes and had a sudden bad feeling. He looked at Chiron. "I won't be able to use these, will I?"
He shook his head. "Luke meant well, Percy. But taking to the air . . . that would not be wise for you."
Percy nodded, disappointed, but then he got an idea. "Hey, Grover. You want a magic item?"
His eyes lit up. "Me?"
Pretty soon they'd laced the sneakers over his fake feet, and the world's first flying goat boy was ready for launch.
