I 05. I

𝑯𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔

❝ i'm not leaving you ❞

     ARIADNE PACKED QUICKLY, THROWING CLOTHES IN HER BAG WHILE HUFFING AS EVERYTHING DIDN'T FIT. She was not the best at packing, Annabeth had thought everything out, ( like she usually would ), but the brunette hadn't.

She had just decided to wing it, grabbing clothes left and right without any more room for money, medical supplies, or even toiletries. The girl sighed heavily, gritting her teeth in frustration once she dumped her bag out.

Laughter was heard behind her, she snapped her head over at her brothers who stood there with grins. "What?" She spat out, venom on the tip of her tongue as they laughed about her predicament.

"Ah," Caster started, "little sister. We came to help you, be good brothers for once."

"Why?" She questioned, arms crossed with a suspicious look on her face.

Pollux yawned, "Well, Athena cabin went to help Annabeth, the Satyrs are helping Grover, and uh..." He shrugged, "Percy is on his own. So we came to help you out."

Ariadne sighed, "Alright, go ahead, throw whatever weird concoction you made over me so I can go and shower before I leave."

She shut her eyes tightly, awaiting for liquid to soak her face before feeling the soft material of a shirt on top of her head.

The girl peeled off of her hair before looking at a backpack on the floor, nothing like the tattered one she had owned since she was dropped off.

Caster and Pollux watched as she grasped the dark-purple bag in her hands, looking it over with a weary glance as she was ready for something to pop out of it.

Once she slowly unzipped the bag, her eyes widened at the contents placed inside. It was everything she needed, medical, food, mortal money and drachmas. The only thing she was missing was clothes.

Her head looked towards her brothers who held genuine smiles on their faces, the girl sprung forward, throwing her arms around them.

Since they were much taller than her, her feet skimmed the top of the floor while the trio of siblings hugged. The cabin becoming more grape smelled by the minute, but the lights inside grew brighter.

The small potted vines by her bedside grew taller, stretching along the walls while grapes and strawberries grew from them. Caster and Pollux set her down before shrinking the vines back, but they quickly grabbed some fruit and hid them in their pockets.

Ariadne grinned brightly, folding a few shirts and shorts before placing them inside her new bag. She zipped it up before Pollux put a hand on her shoulder, "You'll make us proud, we know you will."

"Yeah!" Caster shouted, "The first child of Dionysus to get a quest, show those gods what you've got."

She laughed, feeling lighter in the familiar and comforting presence of her brothers. "I hope I don't let you down. I don't want to let you down."

The twins sighed, pulling her onto the ground so she sat in between them. "You could never do that." They spoke in unison, giggles emerging from her throat once they have each other a grin.

Caster ruffled her hair, "You may be cabin counselor, but you're still our little sister. And we couldn't be more proud that you are going a quest to retrieve whatever it is."

"Zeus's lightning bolt." She ignored their shocked looks, "Promise you won't spread the word unless Chiron gives the okay, I just wanted you guys to know."

The boys gave her a tight hug, Pollux let go while he pulled a package from his pocket. "This is from us, the backpack was from dad but he said that he wanted to give you something else."

Her fingers ripped apart the paper, revealing a small book. The black leather had her name scrawled on the front cover, with a small vine wrapping around it.

Inside lay a simple picture of the three of them, Caster and Pollux with their arms out while she laid across them, giving a diva pose. This picture was one she was very fond of, a happy day filled with amazing memories.

Ariadne have a teary-eyed smile towards her siblings, flipping another page which held a picture of her and Annabeth by the dock.

Another page held a picture of her, Chiron and her dad playing pinochle. That was the last photo in there but it still meant the world, she held the book close to her chest.

"There's more pages for any other pictures, we just wanted you to have that." Caster spoke softly, Pollux playing with one of her curls.

She laughed lightly, taking their hands in hers. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

They were engulfed in another hug, full of love and the slight feeling nothing would be the same once she got back.

Once they let go, she grabbed her bag and headed towards the dock, where the boys said their father was.

Her feet padded through the grass, hands wiping away at the sudden tears that flowed down her cheeks. The salty taste filled her mouth until she sniffled, stopping her tears only leaving behind puffy eyes.

Dionysus stood on the dock, watching the sun send sun beams down into the water, creating sparkles. He thought over what Apollo had told him before he left Olympus, the prophecy was about his daughter and Percy, but he wasn't allowed to tell her until Aphrodite talked to them.

It seemed as if the sun could understand the thoughts in his head, for the beams became a spotlight on him and the girl who soon joined his side. Mocking them in a way, Apollo had his moments.

Ariadne gave her father a side glance, "The twins said you had something for me."

"I do." He nodded, the man snapped his fingers and a box appeared. It floated above them before flying down slowly, a purple hue around it. The box had a ribbon wrapped around it, the item falling in her hands once she held them out.

"I know you don't like your mom, to be fair, I don't either." She gulped at his words, "And dating her was a mistake, but you weren't."

She gazed up at the man who gave her a small smile, for once, his words weren't slurred. It was like he was sober for once, "You are going to make me proud, I just know it. I may not like heroes, or that Peter Johnson."

"Percy Jackson."

"Yeah," he huffed. "Him. Anyways, I wish you good luck. The box holds something I gave your mother, thinking it would work for her since she could see through the Mist, but I believe it was meant for you in a way."

Ariadne opened the box, it held a necklace, a hold one with vines a wrapping around a hoop. "What is it?"

He smiled, "A holder. I remember finding it on the beach, supposed to hold a gem or stone that represents you, it had to be specific, hence why only once will fit the exact shape of the necklace. Usually it's given by someone who's close and means everything to your heart."

Dionysus faces his daughter, "Apollo blessed it, wanted to be in my good graces for an odd reason." The prophecy, he thought. "Most commonly used to help find—"

"—soulmates."

He nodded, the man placed a hand on her shoulder before regaining his lazy posture. "I'm going back to the Big House, I have a longing to beat Chiron at pinochle."

Ariadne gave him a grin, "Win for me."

"I always do. For you and your brothers." He began walking away, but stopped, "I love you three, I hope you know that. You might be my only children, the other gods may have more, but I have the best of the bunch."

So the god left the dock, and Ariadne was okay with that, because she found out her dad truly cared, and that was a lot more than what other campers got.

Ariadne tossed the necklace lightly into her other palm, letting it fall out of her hands before catching it by the chain, the loop dangling in front of her.

The gold glistened in the sunlight, her body feeling a bit warmer as the sun focused on her and her alone. She let out a sharp breath, "Thank you, Apollo." She muttered, and the gold faded away, leaving an ordinary necklace in her hands.

She realized she had to go, deciding to put the necklace on later when she had enough time, which she might not have at all on this quest.

The girl sprinted across camp, waving goodbye towards the other campers before spotting the other three and Chiron at the top of the hill.

Her pace picked up, before she skidded to a stop, slamming into Percy which made him wobble slightly. The two shook it off before Chiron spoke up, "Was your father alright?"

"Yep." She nodded, a sly smirk crossing her face while she rocked on her heels. "But..." she dragged out, "he did say he was going to beat you at pinochle, winning for me."

"He always says that, young one." Chiron laughed, shaking his head.

"I think this time he will. I am a good luck charm after all."

He sighed, before turning towards Argus. The camp's head of security. He had eyes covering every inch of skin on his body, many were always frightened by him but the girl soon realized he was nothing but a ball of kindness. He always brought back Twix candy when he went into the city, the Mist covering up his hundreds of eyes.

But this time, the only visible eyes were on his hands, face and upper arms. The man was wearing a chauffeur's uniform, he looked oddly comfortable in it.

Chiron introduces the new demigod to the man, "This is Argus." Who waves in greeting, Percy gave a tight smile. "He will drive you into the city, and, er, well, keep an eye on things."

Ariadne gave a grin at the not-on-purpose pun, which Percy noticed and caused him to smile slightly.

Loud panting and footsteps was heard behind her, the quartet whipped around to face Like who was running up the hill with a pair of basketball shoes.

Once he made it up, the boy's chest heaved. "Hey! Glad I caught you."

"Are we flies?" Ariadne asked, hands on her hips.

Luke gave her a grin, "Yep. Annoying and always around me."

Ariadne scoffed slightly, but a smile rested on her face once she saw Annabeth's blush. She sneakily made a heart gesture without the teenage heart throb noticing, which Annabeth was thankful for.

The boy sighed, he held up the shoes. "Just wanted to say good luck. And I thought... um, maybe you could use these."

He passed them over to Percy, who had no idea what to do. Ariadne realized what they were once she saw the bottom, Percy was going to freak.

"Maia!" Luke shouted, birds wings popped out of the heels. The boy who held them freaked out, dripping them while holding his hands close to his chest.

The brunette giggled slightly while Annabeth and Grover smirked, watching as the shoes hovered in the air, wings flapping rapidly.

Grover let out a shout, "Awesome!"

"Those served me well when I went on my quest. Gift from dad. Of course, I don't use them much these days..." A saddened look crossed his face, and Ariadne felt sad as well.

She remembered the day Luke came back from his quest, he felt like a failure and Annabeth and Ariadne has tried helping him through it. She taught him sword moves, and Annabeth just entertained him with randomized facts that were on the top of her head.

Percy was grateful, "Hey, man, thanks."

Luke shifted, becoming uncomfortable. "Listen, Percy... a lot of hopes are riding on you. So just... kill some monsters for me, okay?"

The two shook hands, Percy's being much smaller and smoother than Luke's calloused hands from swords fighting.

He patted the spot on Grover's head between his thorns, the curls bopping up once they were flattened. Percy was the only once to not have curly hair, guess he was the odd one out.

Ariadne almost died of laughter once Luke hugged Annabeth, the girl almost passing out as the handsome boy gripped her tightly. Luke only saw her as a sister, but she would Annabeth figure that out on her own.

Luke gave Ariadne a tight hug as well, lifting her slightly off the ground while he swayed them violently. Once he let go, she huffed dramatically at the boy, smoothing out the creases in her clothes.

"Be safe. I want to be able to watch my somewhat-sister grow up." He spoke, but there was something about his tone that sent a chill down her spine.

She nodded, "You got it, Lukey."

The boy walked back down the hill after sending the group another smile, his body faded into the grass before Percy looked towards Annabeth.

"You're hyperventilating."

"Am not."

"You let him capture the flag instead of you, didn't you?"

The blonde growled slightly, fists clenching before she glared at him with a red face. "Oh... why do I want to go anywhere with you, Percy?"

She walked down the hill where a white SUV sat parked, waiting for its engine to start and all passengers inside.

Ariadne raised an eyebrow at her friend, watching as the mass of curls were hidden from view.

She noticed Percy's frown as he stared at the shoes in his hand, "I won't be able to use these, will I?"

Chiron shook his head, disappointing the boy even further. "Luke meant well, Percy. But taking to the air.. that would not be wise for you."

The boy gave a sigh, Ariadne letting her hand rest on his shoulder while giving it a squeeze. Percy sent her a smile, feeling a bit better with her near.

"Hey, Grover. You want a magic item?"

The Satyr became surprised, eyes widening at the kind gesture. "Me?"

Percy tied the shoes to his fake feet, the demigod stepping back as he his friend shouted. "Maia!"

Grover was soon sent speeding down the hill, sideways against the grass as the shoes nicked up and down.

"Practice!" Chiron shouted, "You just need practice!"

Ariadne gave Percy a grin, throwing her arm over his shoulder while looking up at him. "Nice job, Perc." She whispered, the boy gazed into her eyes before Chiron cleared his throat, watching the two with mild interest. "I mean, let's hope he gets the hang of it, Kelp Head."

The boy chuckled as she ran down the hill, almost running into Annabeth who threw her an annoyed look. He continued to watch as the brunette made a heart shape with her hands, ending up with a teasing battle between the two.

Chiron glances up above, a dove fluttering around in circles while another rested on the pine tree watching Ariadne. Aphrodite, he thought to himself. The goddess knew her craft, and she was making sure this prophecy went off with a hitch.

***

ARIADNE GAZED OUT THE WINDOW IN WONDER, A BRIGHT SMILE ON HER FACE WHILE SHE WATCHED THE PEOPLE WALK BY. The girl was having the time of her life, she knew Annabeth was admiring the architecture, but she was admiring the people who all had lives and a story to tell.

The girl leaned her head against the window, leg moving up and down as she enjoyed the car ride. Her eyes couldn't read the signs, so she had no clue what they were advertising.

Percy leaned over her, both watching the city go about its business. "I've never seen anything like it."

He shot her a raised eyebrow, "You haven't seen a city?"

"Nope." She shook her head, "Besides the pictures everyone shows me, or the stories that I hear. I can only really remember my mom."

The boy tilted his head, sitting in his seat properly while he watched her. "I'm sorry." She shrugged, "Maybe once this is all over, I can show you around. That is if we're ever allowed to leave, or my mom suddenly comes back to life." He mutters, crossing his arms while watching the road through the windshield.

Ariadne gave him a sympathetic look, the girl placed her hand on his shoulder. "It'll be alright. If you believe we can get her back, we will."

He nodded, she left her hand on his arm a few seconds longer before letting go. The girl looked through her pack for something to do before finding a device in her bag, it has black headphones attached to it and the word 'Mixtape' on it.

Percy watched as she fiddled with it, "That's a Walkman."

"Huh?"

He chuckled, "It plays music. My mom had one and I would always listen to it." His hands moved quickly while he put the headphones over her ears, she protested but he sent her a look to shut up.

Soon, a beat rang throughout her ears. Followed by a guitar rift with a techno sound, "Am I more than you bargained for yet?" Sang throughout her head, she nodded along as she listened to the man sing.

"We're going down, down in an earlier round. And Sugar, we're going down swinging. I'll be your number one with a bullet. A loaded God complex, cock it and pull it."

Percy watched her with a smile, the girl so invested in the Fall Out Boy song to notice. But the other three in the car did, an eye on the back of Argus's neck winked at him, creating a blush on his face.

Annabeth raised an eyebrow at the two, a calculated look on her face. Grover tilted his head, the link he had with Percy sent a rush of emotions over him which caused him to smirk at his best friend.

To save himself from embarrassment, Percy looked towards Annabeth and struck up a conversation, but he kept glancing back at Ariadne who sat with a smile on her face.

Soon, they were dropped off at Greyhound Station on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Rain sprinkled down, causing her hair to frizz and stick out.

She threw it up into a messy bun before throwing the Walkman in her jacket pocket long with her necklace, tugging the straps tighter while she watched the sunset stream colors across the sky.

Percy ripped something off a mailbox, crumpling it into a ball while she ignored it. She would ask later, when they had the time and weren't surrounded by people.

Argus helped them with their tickets and bags before driving off, one eye watching them before it couldn't see any longer.

Ariadne sighed heavily, eyes scanning the buildings and other people surrounding them. She tilted her head as a small vine grew out of a sidewalk crack, her eyes widened once it spread and a man tripped over it, face planting into the ground.

His briefcase flew open, papers flying out and into the wind while becoming wet from the rain droplets. The man glanced around, looking for the vine she accidentally grew, but it had fell into the ground.

She immediately ran over, grabbing as many papers as she could before helping the man up. He snatched his case and stormed away, "Bitch." He muttered, and she scoffed at his rudeness.

The girl felt Annabeth grab onto her wrist, her blonde friend watch the man become mixed with the other mass of people. "We stick together. Got it?"

Ariadne nodded, her purple eyes meeting grey. "Always and forever. Same seven year olds who kicked those counselors butts."

Percy ended up deciding to take one of Grover's apples and start a game of Hacky Sack, although, the Satyr looked less than pleased that his snack was being used for a game.

The boy bounced it towards the brunette girl, who quickly caught it, showing off with multiple tricks while Percy crumpled, but a smile rested on his face.

Ariadne got it towards Annabeth, who hit it off her shoulder, arms and knees. The blonde aimed it at Grover who reacted quickly by chomping down on it, swallowing the fruit—everything from the stem and core.

He tried apologizing, but the group was to busy laughing at him to notice. Ariadne gripped onto Percy's shoulder, the boy leaning into her side as the two doubled-over.

The bus ended up coming, so they lined up to board. She stood behind Percy and Grover, the latter sniffing the air nervously which set Percy on edge.

"What is it?" The raven-haired boy asked, sea-green eyes watching his friend carefully.

"I don't know." Grover shrugged, "Maybe it's nothing."

He ignored it, but Percy didn't. Annabeth let her hand grip onto the back of her jacket, her body becoming stiff in the cold air.

Ariadne gulped down the knot in her throat, letting out a shaky breath. It was at times like these that she wished she could teleport to the docks at Camp Half-Blood.

Percy glances behind him, noticing how the brunette was looking around with a clenched jaw, becoming less at ease than she was originally.

His hand moved without him realizing, gripping hers tightly while giving her the best smile of comfort he could muster. The girl appreciated it immensely. She squeezed back and felt herself loosen up at the look in his eyes, sea-green eyes reminding her of the water at the lake.

She imagined fish swimming around his eyes, sun sparkling off the water and creating a serene landscape. And if she focused hard enough, she smelled a hint of salty water around him.

They made their way towards the back of the bus, sitting down on the edge of their seats. Ariadne wanted to listen to music on the ride, so she kept her bag in her lap unlike her friends. Her gut feeling also told her to do so as well.

The last passengers boarded the bus, and she seized up. An old lady walked through the bus doors, a velvet dress that was crumpled on her body. Lace gloves covered her hands and an orange hat rested atop her head.

Mrs. Dodds has revived quickly.

Ariadne grabbed Percy's knee quickly, the boy sending her a look with a light blush coating his cheeks. "Percy." Motioning over towards the women who sat ahead of them at the front of the bus.

His eyes widened before crumpling into the seat, hunched over so much she was afraid he had broken his spine.

Two others followed her, nearly identical minus the different colored hats. Annabeth let out a quiet gasp, Grover became pale with fear.

They sat in the front seat alongside Ms. Dodds, two created an 'x' with their legs. To everyone else on the bus, they were harmless old ladies. But to the demigods, behind the wrinkled skin was hiding bat-like creatures with leathery wings and sharp teeth.

As soon as Ariadne was about to suggest leaving, the buss rolled out of the station and down the streets of Manhattan. The breath was knocked from her lungs, she gripped harder in Percy's knee, there was no way either of them could utilize their element.

Percy glanced up at her, "She didn't stay dead long." Voice cracking in the middle of his sentence, "I thought you said they could be dispelled for a lifetime."

"Uh, no I didn't."

The boy raised an eyebrow, she sighed.

"They only get dispelled for a lifetime if you're lucky. Which, you do not have."

Grover let out a pained whimper, "All three of them, do immortals!"

Annabeth shook her head, keeping her breathing steady while she tried to think of a plan. "It's okay. The Furies. The three worst monsters from the Underworld. No problem. No problem. We'll just skip out the windows."

Grove tired, but they wouldn't budge. "They won't open."

"A back exit?" She asked quickly but quietly, he glanced around but it wouldn't help, they were heading into the Lincoln Tunnel.

Ariadne let out a sharp breath, letting go of Percy's knee and instead ready to shift her ring into her golden sword. "Why? Why them? It had to be them, didn't it? If I die my dad is gonna be pissed, I'm gonna be pissed! I wanted to see the Eiffel Tower at some point in my life."

Percy eyes her with wide eyes at her rant, "They won't attack us with witnesses around, will we?"

Annabeth sighed, "Mortals don't have good eyes. Their brains can only process what they see through the mist."

"They'll see three old ladies killing us, won't they?"

"Yes." Ariadne muttered, tugging on a curl that fell out of her bun.

Annabeth shot her a glare, "Hard to say. But we can't count on mortals for help. Maybe an emergency exit in the roof...?"

The windows grew dark, they had entered the Lincoln Tunnel.

Ariadne slammed her head against her seat, eyes narrowed down the women. "This is very bad. Very, very bad."

Ms. Dodds stood up, the quartet holding their breaths as they walked slowly towards the back where they were. And, in a rehearsed voice, she spoke, "I need to use the restroom."

"So do I." Her sister spoke, the second Fury.

"So do I." The third spoke up afterwards.

The trio made their way down the aisle, and for once, Ariadne came up with a good plan. "Perc," she whispered. "Take Annabeth's hat."

Annabeth shot her a look along with Percy, "What?"

"You're the one they want. Turn invisible and go up the aisle. Let them pass you. Maybe you can get to the front and get away."

She snatched the cap off of Annabeth's head, the blonde letting her since she understood the plan. Percy resisted, "But you guys—"

"There's a chance they might not see us." Annabeth interrupted, eyeing the women who grew closer. "You're a child of the Big Three, your smell is overpowering."

Percy shook his head, looking towards Ariadne. "But with how you killed the Hellhound, surely they'll noticed you

She hadn't thought of that, they just have figured out how she had killed the Hellhound. Her head thought over the idea before shaking it off, she could handle herself, Percy was more important.

"I'll be fine."

"No you won't."

"Yes, I will. No put on the hat."

"I'm not leaving you alone."

"I have Annabeth and Grover, go."

"I'm not leaving you."

Ariadne grit her teeth, "If I get left behind, it's fine. Now put on the hat and go!"

She shoved the hat into his chest, his hands trembling with it.

Grover shot his friend a look, "Dont worry about us. Go!"

His hands slipped on the hat, the boy disappearing right before their eyes. She only hoped he had listened to them.

The trio, minus Percy, slid to go the floor. They hid behind the seats, the Furies were still making their way down the aisle. Ariadne winced once the Ms, Dodds sniffed the air on the right, and the girl knew that was where Percy was passing by. But the monster left it, continuing down the row.

They were nearly out of the tunnel, but that wasn't enough time to hide them any longer.

The trio shared a look, shaky legs helping them stand up and face the three. Ariadne kept a glare on her face, ring clenched tightly in her palm, ready to transform.

The Furies shared a similar glint in their eyes, full of malice and cruel intentions. They let out a screech before twisting into their true forms.

Leathery wings unfolded from their back, bones crunching into a hunched look. Brown bodies sagging with talons growing from their feet and nails. Fangs protruding from their mouth, their purses turning into whips full of fire. She could almost hear the screams of damned souls.

Ariadne felt her soul leave her body for a couple of seconds, thinking this is where she would die. But it returned, the passengers crying out in terror while cowering in their seats.

"Where is it?" They hissed, "Where?"

She glared furiously back, "He's not here! Leave!"

Their whips raised in the air, ready to crack down upon them before Annabeth unsheathed her dagger. Grover grabbed a tin can from his bag, ready to chuck it at the monsters.

Ariadne threw her pack onto the ground, twisting her ring into its golden sword. The vines along it seemed to become longer, looking as if they were ready to spring off and wrap around the Furies.

The Furies growled at the sight of the sword, knowing its history.

The bus lurched you the side, causing everyone inside to be thrown against the wall. She let out a relieved breath as the drive battled for control of the wheel with an unseen force. Thank you, Kelp Head.

"Hey! Hey— whoa!" The driver yelled, hands trying to steer the vehicle.

Soon, the metal contraction slammed against the tunnel wall. The monsters hissed at them before Annabeth turned to her friends, "Take hold of something!"

And they did just that.

Ariadne grabbed on the seat in front of her, hands holding onto her sword tightly and gripped the seat with as much force.

The bus flew out of the tunnel, passengers screaming as cars were knocked out of the way. She gasped as a car spun out of control flipping over before ending with a crash.

Thankfully, the drive managed to get off the highway. Running what seemed to be a million stop light and shot down a road with the Hudson River on the left and woods on the right. Her and her friends cried out as they were nearing the river, holding on tightly to the seat.

But that was before the emergency brake hit.

It caused the bus to spin around, hurling itself into the trees without allowing anyone to prepare. Everything was blur around them, she made sure her backpack was still attached to her before quickly standing up.

The emergency lights flipped n as the door opened, mortals flooding out of the bus while screaming like their life depended on it. Their ives necessarily didn't, but the four left inside along withe Furies, their lives depended on fighting.

Ms. Dodds cracked her whip at Ariadne, who jumped back in time. The other two focused on Grover and Annabeth, the former throwing a tin can while the latter cursed them out in Ancient Greek.

Ariadne knocked a lash away from her friends with her sword, the vines twisting even more on the blade. She struggled to hold them off, how could she? They were young demigods against incredibly powerful monsters, but thankfully, they had an incredibly powerful idiot on their side.

"Hey!" He shouted from the front, causing the creatures to spin around to look at him. The brunette was glad to see him, makes the fight much easier.

Ms. Dodds stomped the aisle, flams licking at her feet thanks to the whip that was literally on fire. Her sisters slinked along the seats, crawling on top of them with a deadly look in there eyes.

"Perseus Jackson," Ms. Dodds spoke with venom. "You have offended the Gods. You shall die." A bit extreme, Ariadne thought.

Percy was having none of her shit, "I liked you better as a math teacher."

This caused her growl, and the game was on.

The three other campers followed behind closely, making every step as precise as they could. Annabeth stuck with Grover, knowing Ariadne was about to show why she was the best swords fighter in the last three thousand years.

Ariadne watched as Percy took out his ballpoint pen, knowing that sword was hiding behind it's deceiving exterior. A celestial bronze, double-edge sword was held in his hand.

The Furies hesitated like they did with hers.

But they weren't giving up, much to chagrin of the campers. "Submit now." Ms. Dodds spoke, "And you will not suffer eternal torment."

"Nice try." The boy shot back.

Annabeth had noticed the whip, "Look out!" But the weapon had already grazed Percy's wrist, while the other Furies pounced. His sword hit was slammed into the Fury to his left, which sent her toward Ariadne.

The girl swiped quickly, her sword digging into the creatures chest before she exploded into dust. Her sword clanged against a whip that was ready to attack Percy, who had just destroyed another Fury.

A slight glow emitted from between the blades before Ariadne made her way to help Annabeth and Grover, the blonde having Ms. Dodds in a headlock while the Satyr tore the whip from her hands.

The Fury thrashed around wildly as she tried flinging Annabeth from her neck, but the blonde wasn't ready to let go. Grover had managed to tie her own leg into her whip, letting the fire sizzle against her skin.

Ariadne kicked the women back into the aisle, she slammed against the ground while struggling to stand thanks to Grovers handiwork on tying up her wings.

Ms. Dodds cried out, "Zeus will destroy you! Hades will have your soul."

Her eyes widened at the glow around both Ariadne and Percy's swords, the two crossed into an 'x' formation. They both stood tall with glares set upon their faces, but Percy was the one who spoke. "Braccas meas vescimini!" Which roughly translated to, "Eat my pants!" in Latin. Although, she had no idea how he got there.

The bus shook, electricity sparking throughout the air. Ariadne quickly grabbed her pack before turning, Annabeth already rushing out the door. "Get out! Get out now!"

Once they were out the doors, passengers were running around, children were crying while many were trying to get cellphone service. Many yelled, "We're going to die!"

A man with a Hawaiian shirt had a camera around his neck, and he shot a picture of Percy and Ariadne, both with swords in hand. The two never noticed it, more worried about the situation at hand.

Grover seemed to realize they didn't have their bags, "Our bags! We left our--"

He was cut off by a loud boom. Lightning had struck the bus, causing the windows to explode while passengers for cover. A huge crater was in the roof, but it was still smoking.

The hair on her arms stood up, Ariadne gulped once she heard the wail from inside the bus. She realized Ms. Dodds wasn't dead, one of her hands grabbed Percy's while other grabbed Grover's jacket. She knew Annabeth had realized what was happening as well.

"Run!" She yelled, "She's calling for reinforcements! We have to get out of here!"

They ran into the trees, shrouded by darkness while the clouds pelted them in rain. Percy and Ariadne running hand in hand, away from the fiery bus and into the imminent dangers that await.