Cursed By The Divine

Chapter Six: Percy

I couldn’t believe it, I actually kissed her. I kissed Elena, or did she kiss me? I wasn't so sure, I didn't even know if it was real or a dream. Until I saw her face turned bright red when she woke up and looked up at me. I was certain that it actually happened.

“This is it...the Parthenon.” Annabeth said breathlessly.

I knew she loved architecture so it was a no brainer that she’d want to look around. We opened the doors and were greeted by two twin guys.

“Welcome to the Parthenon replica. If you have any questions please ask us.” the first one said. The second made a note on a clipboard. I guessed it was how many people were allowed inside at a time. The doors shut behind us, my heart jumped. I instinctively put my hand in my back pocket where Riptide was.

“So that’s mommy dearest.” Elena said which was directed at Annabeth.

Annabeth shot Elena a glare before looking back at the ten foot tall statue of Athena. We spent a couple hours there mainly for Annabeth’s benefit. She kept asking questions about the structure's supports and what material the statue was. Elena was leaning against a pillar, I saw pain behind her eyes. We forgot to take her meds with us and I knew it was affecting her no matter how hard she tried to hide it. We were there so late everyone had left.

“Okay, Annabeth I think it’s time we go now. The bus could be here any minute.” Elena said pushing off of the pillar.

I nodded and the three of us made our way to the door. The twins guys that greeted us stood in front of the door.

“Oh no, you can’t leave. We’re just getting started, Elena Holt.”

Elena groaned she knew exactly what was happening and I knew her body wouldn’t be able to take a really bad hit. I uncapped Riptide and watched as the two twins started to merge and grow taller, harrier and probably uglier. Elena gasped in horror behind me. The two guys turned into this two headed wolf looking thing.

“Orthrus!” Annabeth screamed.

We all took off in different directions, Orthrus seemed insistent of getting to Elena. It’s two heads snapped and snarled as she ran around the statue, I thought that was smart until Orthrus caught on. He waited until she came around in front of him, she screamed and turned. The right head’s teeth grabbed her by the hood of her sweatshirt and flung her against the wall. I heard the defining crack of the wall form the force of her body hitting the concrete structure. I heard her groan as she got back up drawing her sword. She looked almost as if the blow didn't do anything to her. She got up with ease, stumbled here or there before she charged. She swung her sword and sliced a decent size cut on the mutt's snout. I got a look in her eyes and was astounded by the color change. Earlier today they were hazel with green rimmed around the edges but now…

“Percy!” Elena yelled.

I bolted in her direction to help her. Annabeth came around the corner and started slashing behind the monster trying to get as many cuts as possible. Elena’s head darted to the wall, she backed up and I looked at her with wide eyes.

“Cover me!” she ordered.

I nodded and she ran to the wall with all her speed. She used the momentum and kicked off the side launching into the air. She raised her sword and stabbed Orthrus in the side and gravity did the rest. Orthrus howled in pain before disintegrating into dust at our feet. The adrenalin wore off and I felt it. The pain of having four large claw marks on my side. My knees gave out but Elena caught me in time.

“Annabeth grab the bag!” she yelled.

Annabeth darted off, Elena cradled my head on her lap.

“Hey, look at me. You’re gonna be okay, stay awake, keep your eyes on me.”

Annabeth came over and handed Elena the bag. She dug through and pulled out the bandages and ambrosia.

“Your eyes…” I whispered.

“What about my eyes Percy?” she asked.

“They’re purple.”

She shook her head, “You’re delusional from the pain. Annabeth! Do we have any water in the bag?” 

I heard Annabeth shuffle through the bag, even though the two of them didn’t see eye to eye they were being civil for my sake.

“It’s our last one.” Annabeth said handing it to Elena.

“I don’t care, Percy’s more important than a stupid water bottle.”

“Agreed.”

Elena rolled up my shirt and poured the entire thing on my slashes. I felt a surge of strength and the wounds closed instantly. Elena breathed a sigh of relief, “Annabeth help me get him up.” They got me to my feet and I was fine, although Elena had none of it.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked.

I nodded, “I’m sure what are you mother hen now?”

She rolled her eyes and punched my arm, “I swear if you ever hide your pain I will kill you!”

I chuckled and the three of us waited for the bus to arrive. Thankfully it hadn't left without us. Annabeth tried her best to sit with me but got separated from Elena and I once again. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t grateful to sit next to Elena. She rested her head on my shoulder and curled up next to me. My face flushed bright red, I placed a soft kiss on her head. I realized what I’d done right after and my face got hotter. A few minutes later her breathing evened out and I heard a small snore. I laughed lightly, careful not to wake her and found myself drifting off as well.