Cursed By The Divine

Chapter Five: Elena

The three of us waited on the top of the hill for Chiron to send us off. My sword was strapped to my side, I hid a few daggers in my boots as well. I had a backpack full of mortal money, drachmas, deodorant, bandages, ambrosia, a canister of nectar, a red rubber ball (I didn’t question it) and a change of clothes for emergencies only. Like your shirt is ripped to shreds and covered in your own blood emergency. Chiron appeared in his magical wheelchair.

“Good luck to all three of you. Elena, I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

I nodded, “Yeah me too.” 

Then he waved to all of us as we descended down the hill. Argus was going to take us to the nearest bus station, after that we would be on our own. We got dropped off five minutes down the road and just like that Argus was gone. We bought our three tickets and waited. The ticket lady said that the bus would arrive in the next twenty minutes. So we sat down and waited. My leg was bouncing up and down in anxiety, I bit my lip in nervousness. I felt a warm hand rest on my knee. I looked and saw Percy and he gave me a reassuring smile. I returned it, his touch seemed to calm down my shaky nerves. I felt the bench dip from the weight of another, I turned and saw an old woman. Percy stiffened next to me, I looked and gave him a confused face.

He leaned in and whispered, “Fury.” in my ear.

My heart to pound out of fear, I knew Furies all too well. They were the old hags with bat wings and whips that worked for Hades in the Field of Punishment. Percy uncapped his sword, the sound drew the Fury's attention and she wailed in anger. Her skin melted and turned to leathery wings. I screamed in fright, Percy grabbed my arm and flung me behind himself. Annabeth drew her dagger and flashed me yet another glare before joining Percy in the attack. The Fury screamed and wailed, it flew over Annabeth and Percy. The creature charged at me, I screamed bloody murder and dove to the side. I drew my sword and tried to slice. The bat lady just knocked it aside, and slashed her claws across my shoulder. I gasped in pain, my blood seeped from the three wounds. I pulled my hand away, it was coated in red. I ran, I know that’s really cowardly but I wasn't able to get to my sword. That stupid bat bitch was blocking my way. With her distracted by me, Percy was able to get behind her and stab her, his sword protruded from her stomach and she exploded in a cloud of dust. Percy rushed over to check my wounds over.

“Are you okay?”

“Yep, peachy.” I winced as he grabbed my arm. He tried to wrap the cuts as softly as he could but I still gritted my teeth in pain.

Percy frowned everytime I flinched away, I could tell he didn’t like seeing me in pain. I didn’t know why, we’d only known each other for a few days yet he was so protective of me. I’m not going to lie, I liked it. It made me feel cared for but, it worried me as well. My feelings were clouding my better judgement, Annabeth was better for him. He wouldn't have to worry about protecting her, she would be able to protect herself. Not to mention the constant jealous glares and scoffs that left her mouth didn’t help the situation. The bus arrived right after Percy finished tending to my wounds. It was two to a seat, much to Annabeth’s protests Percy and I ended up sitting next to each other. How’d that happen you ask. Well dear reader, Percy was already next to me when we got on. Annabeth got separated from us with the hoard boarding and exiting the bus.

This bus would take us as far as Nashville, Tennessee before we’d have to board another and continue our journey west. I didn't realize how long we were on the bus until I saw the sky go from bright blue to pitch black. I closed my eyes and my head landed on Percy's shoulder. He jumped in surprise, I jolted up, “Sorry.” I whispered and leaned my head on the cold window. I almost dozed off until I felt someone tap my shoulder lightly. I turned to look at Percy, he pointed out the window. I looked and stared in awe. The city we were passing was light up completely, it was beautiful. I placed my hand on the chilled window, yearning to get closer to the lights.

“Pretty right?” he asked.

I turned back to him, “yeah.” I breathed out.

I got a good look at Percy, the city lights lighting up his handsome face. His eyes flickered down to my lips then to my eyes. My face flushed red, I involuntarily started to lean in. He was to, much to my surprise. Our faces were inches apart, our noses brushed together slightly.

“Percy…what are we doing?” I asked.

“I-” he didn't get to finish his sentence before our lips met.

His lips were cool like the ocean breeze, he smelled like the sea. His hands went down to my sides and pulled me closer. We pulled away, goofy smiles on both of our faces. I curled up next to him and rested my head on his shoulder. This time he was prepared and I was able to drift off. I was thankful for no nightmares.