𝕊𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕗 𝔸𝕣𝕥𝕖𝕞𝕚𝕤

The return

Percy POV

I awoke groggily, it is extremely disorienting to be dead and suddenly revived. I felt my forehead and chest, extremely relieved to find smooth, soft skin. I half expected a gaping bleeding hole.

This is not technically scientifically possible. But then again, have myths ever followed the regular rules of science?

No scars on my chest, no blood either. My clothes were completely clean. I decided to try something completely reckless and impulsive. But I’m known for that.

I rummaged through my pockets, I found it! The Stygian Iron whistle. I whistled loudly, looking around at all shadows.

Mrs O'Leary did not exit the shadows.

I turned away. Disappointed.

Suddenly, I was tackled to the ground by a mass of fur and dog slobber. Mrs O'Leary bounded forth from the shadows, pouncing on me.

I was crushed under about 500 pounds of pure muscle and fur. She heard my call. Great. It seems like monsters from our mythology can enter, but celestial beings cannot.

Mrs O’Leary POV (bet you didn’t see this coming)

I was mourning. Sort of. I was just told my new master died. Percy Jackson. Now, Percy Crescent. I miss master.

He always fed me fresh meat from his hunts. And he always brushed my fur. And he’s dead. But also not dead according to other young master. (Nico)

Then my ears perked up, a whistle. The whistle that master has. I can’t believe it! No. I must be dreaming. He’s dead.

I placed back and forth for a few moments. This could be a trap. But then again, this could potentially lead me to my owners whereabouts.

Before I changed my mind, I ran straight into a tree.

I appeared in a strange big room. Master was in front of me. His back was turned and he smelled....sad. And dead. Definitely dead.

Dead people have this weird smell. Like Poplar trees. And a sickly sweet smell. Weird.

I jumped onto him.

Percy POV

I tried to speak, but my windpipe was currently being crushed under her huge weight. Also, my face was flat against the ground. It’s a bit difficult to speak with fur and floor in your mouth.

I tried to shove her off, only getting her more excited. She licked me all over, drenching me in her slobber.

I tried to say : Come on Mrs O'Leary. Get off me.

But it sounded like, “Kufm uwn Missuf Oo'Weary. Gemp oof meu.”

Not my best moment.

I laughed as she slowly clambered off me, sniffing me head to toe. She excitedly grabbed me gently in her mouth. Before she ran into a wall. I knew she was about to shadow travel.

Except I was stuck here. So, her body passed through the shadows easily. But me? Not so much. I was slammed against the wall and slumped to the floor.

I heard a sickening crack and a wet snap. Before I passed out again. I’m pretty sure I passed out. Maybe I died again, guess I’ll never know.

I woke again much later on. Just in time for the dinner / air raid horn to blare. It certainly did not help my throbbing headache.

I trudged to my feet, groaning in annoyance. I was going to go home later on today. Possibly later.

I stalked towards the dining hall. I picked at the food. The steaming bread, potatoes and venison. Venison from Saehrimnir's frontal right flank.