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DAYS IN THE SUN

chapter twenty-six
❛ 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚎𝚕𝚜𝚎. ❜

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

     THREE PEGASI DESCENDED from the sky, two white and one pure black winged pegasus's. A frown curled onto Amara's lips when she didn't see any sign of Aella, at least until a huff sounded behind the girl that caused her to spin around.

The wind and lightning pegasus stood behind the brunette, Aella's head titled as a grin curled onto the younger girl's lips. The pegasus lowered her head, allowing the Grace to run her fingers through it's mane as Percy made his way to her side with Blackjack following.

Frederick Chase approached Annabeth and Thalia's companions, his eyes wide as he rambled to the older duo. The old friends shared a look, the eldest Grace smirking as the blonde gave a helpless shrug.

"Wow," Percy's voice reached Amara's ears as he joined her, his gaze locked on Aella as he analyzed the pegasus.

"Come on Beasty," she teased, her gaze moving to the Jackson boy. "You think you're the only one who gets a cool new friend?"

He rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say, Beauty." The raven haired boy pointed a finger at Blackjack. "But I think mine might be better looking."

She narrowed her eyes, hand reaching out to lightly smack the boy. But Percy caught on, grabbing her wrist and sending her a smile as he prevented her from hitting him. "Nice try,"

But Amara was faster, she used her other hand to slap him lightly on the back of his head. "Ow," the demigod muttered, dropping her hand from his as he rubbed the spot.

"Nice try," she mocked, earning an eye roll as noises escaped from Blackjack and Aella. The pegasus's shot one another a look, before finally a huff escaped the latter winged horse as she made her way to Amara's side.

Another noise escaped from Blackjack while Percy's expression twisted, one of annoyance. "What?" She asked, running her fingers through Aella's mane as the raven haired boy quickly shook his head.

"You don't wanna know," her face turned sour as she spared Blackjack a look, but if he been able too, she was sure he would be smirking at her.

"Come on love birds," Thalia spoke, earning the duo's attention to the older girl. She and Annabeth had mounted their pegasus, a smug look resting on each of their faces. Percy and Amara exchanged looks, quickly looking away as they mounted their own pegasus's while trying to keep the blush down. "Off to Olympus we go."

With those words the group of four took off into the sky, heading far from San Francisco. A part of Amara felt guilty, leaving Luke's body behind when he deserved a proper burial. But another part of her felt empty, like she was leaving something behind in the city that needed to be by her side. Something she had been missing for a long time, but was finally within her grasp.

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.

Amara was awoken from her slumber, one she didn't realize she had fallen into. Annabeth's pegasus had flown besides the younger girl, giving the blonde a chance to shake her awake. "Come on Am," the older demigod offered a smile as the brunette blinked the sleep out of her eyes. "We're about to be there."

But she couldn't help the slight glare that formed in her electric blue irises, the blonde seemingly picked up the anger that was directed towards her. So without a word, Annabeth directed her pegasus back besides Thalia as Percy regained his spot besides Amara.

"There it is," Thalia explained as Manhattan quickly came into view. "It's started."

"What's started?" Percy asked, sparing the younger girl besides him a look. But she wasn't focused on him, rather her gaze was locked on Olympus high above the Empire State Building. The floating mountain came into view, ablaze by torches and braziers as white marble palaces gleamed through the morning air.

"The Winter Solstice," Amara finally explained, tearing her gaze away from the city of the gods. "The council of the gods."

A silent look was exchanged between the children of the big three before Amara took a dive, circling over midtown Manhattan as the three demigods followed behind. The twisting streets of Olympus came into view as demigods, spirits, and godlings rushed around on chariots. Soft music reached her ears, instruments varying from lyres to reed pipes being seen among the citizens.

The group of demigods finally landed on the outer courtyard, just outside the silver gates of Olympus. Running her fingers through Aella's mane one last time, she slid off the mixed spirit and watched as the creature flew off into sky with the other pegasus following behind.

"Come on," Thalia spoke, earning the younger half-blood's attention away from the sky. "We got a meeting to interrupt."

Without another word, the group of four made their way into the throne room. The first thing Amara noticed was the ceiling, glittering with the constellations as the newest addition was seen boring a smile with the bow slung across her back.

"Welcome, heroes," Artemis greeted, drawing the Grace's attention to the twelve god and goddesses who sat on their thrones.

"You made it!" Grover's voice reached the youngest demigod's ears as he started racing towards them, however he quickly turned back around. The satyr looked up at the king of the gods, silently asking for permission but the lord wasn't paying attention.

"Go on," Zeus mumbled, his voice distant as his older and darker electric blue eyes stayed locked on his now fourteen and fifteen year old daughters. Amara could see many mixed emotions swirling around in the god's eyes, anxious, sadness, surprise, confusion, hope, and most of all happiness.

The sisters were brought out of the staring match with their father by the son of Wild throwing himself at the duo, wrapping his arms around them in an hug.

"Heroes," Artemis's voice echoed across the throne room, ensuring silence as all eyes landed on her. The goddess slid from her throne, shifting to human size as she made her way towards the small group.

"The council has been informed of your deeds," she informed, a soft smile resting on her lips. "They know that Mount Othrys is rising in the West, they know of Atlas's attempt for freedom, and the gathering armies of Kronos. We have voted to act."

Mumbling and shuffling occurred from the gods and goddesses, showing their unhappiness but none protested against the huntress. "At my lord Zeus's command," Artemis continued, sparing a glance to her brother.

"My brother, Apollo, and I shall hunt the most powerful monsters, seeking to strike them down before they can join the Titan's cause," Her hand moved towards Athena and Poseidon, who each gave the goddess a nod.

"Lady Athena shall personally check on the other Titans to make sure they do not escape their various prisons. Lord Poseidon has been given permission to unleash his full fury on the cruise ship Princess Andromeda and send it to the bottom of the sea. And as for you, my heroes . . ."

She turned to face the other immortals. "These half-bloods have done Olympus a great service. Would any here deny that?"

Amara shifted her gaze to go through the eleven remaining god and goddesses, skipping over her father who she knew still had his eyes locked on her and Thalia. Hera sat to his right, with Poseidon to the left. Hephaestus sat beside the god of the sea, where she was given a nod of acknowledgment.

Hermes was next to the lumpy man, a playful wink sent her way as her gaze switched to Apollo. Without lingering too long, she focused on the next god which happened to be Dionysus and Ares. The latter god sharpened his knife, focusing his glare on the son of Poseidon.

On the goddess side of the throne room, sat Demeter beside Hera with Athena on the other side of the goddess of harvest. Aphrodite sat beside the nature loving goddess, a smile resting on her lips as she sent a knowing look Amara's way.

"I gotta say—" Apollo broke the silence, and the youngest Grace's glare directed towards the goddess of love. "—These kids did okay." He cleared his throat and began to recite. "Heroes win laurels—"

"Um, yes, first class." Hermes interrupted, an irritated look rested on his face as he addressed the gods and goddesses. "All in favor of not disintegrating them?"

"Wait just a minute," Ares growled, shooting the gods who held up their hands a glare before focusing on the big three children. "Those three are dangerous. It'd be much safer, while we've got them here—"

"Ares," Poseidon interrupted. "They are worthy heroes, and we will not blast my son to bits."

"Nor my daughters," Zeus stated, earning Thalia's gaze to shift to the floor quickly. "They have done well."

"I am proud of my daughter as well," Athena sat forward as she addressed the room. "But there is a security risk with these other three."

"Mother!" Annabeth cried. "How can you—"

But the daughter of Athena was cut off with a firm, calm look. "It is unfortunate that my father Zeus, and my uncle, Poseidon, chose to break their oath not to have more children. Only Hades kept his word, a fact that I find ironic." Poseidon and Zeus grumbled in unison at the goddess's slight praise for their brother.

"But," Athena continued. "We know from the Great Prophecy, children of the three elder gods . . . such as Thalia, Amara, and Percy . . . are dangerous. As thick headed as he is, Ares has a point."

"Right!" Ares said. "Hey, wait a minute. Who you callin'—"

"Oh, please, Ares," Dionysus sighed, with a flick of his wrist a grape vine grew around the god of war's waist and pulled him back down. "Save the fighting for later."

"You're one to talk, you old drunk." Ares ripped away the vine with a curse. "You seriously want to protect these brats?"

Dionysus gazed down at them wearily. "I have no love for them," his gaze momentarily stopped on Amara as the half siblings had a silent stare off, at least until the god blinked and focused his attention back to the matter at hand. "But do you truly think it safest to destroy them?"

"I do not pass judgment," Athena said. "I only point out the risk. What we do, the Council must decide."

"I will not have them punished." Artemis argued. "I will have them rewarded. If we destroy heroes who do us a great favor, then we are no better than the Titans. If this is Olympian justice, I will have none of it."

"Calm down, sis." Apollo sighed. "Jeez, you need to lighten up."

"Don't call me sis! I will reward them."

"Well," Zeus grumbled. "Perhaps. But the monster at least must be destroyed, we have an agreement on that?"

Majority of the gods and goddesses agreed with her father's words, but Percy didn't seem to mind voicing his distaste to their decision.

"Bessie?" The Jackson boy asked. "You want to destroy Bessie?"

The cow mooed in protest as Amara's eyes narrowed, her head turning to face the demigod as she arched a brow. "Bessie?" She asked. "You seriously named it, Bessie?"

He shot her a momentary glare, focusing his attention back on the matter at hand. "Dad," Percy continued with a desperate look. "He's just a sea creature, a really nice sea creature. You can't destroy him."

"Percy," Poseidon shifted in his seat. "This monsters power is considerable, if the Titans were to steal it, or—"

"You can't," Percy argued, turning his attention to Zeus. "Controlling the prophecies never works. Isn't that true? Besides, Bess—the Ophiotaurus is innocent. Killing something like that is wrong. It's just as wrong as . . . as Kronos eating his children, just because of something they might do. It's wrong!"

The king of the gods seemed to consider that, his eyes drifted to Amara's momentarily as she held a blank stare. She knew what he was doing, and she wasn't going to let him make a decision based off her opinion on the matter.

"And what of the risk?" Zeus asked. "Kronos knows full well if one of you were to sacrifice the beast's entrails, you would have the power to destroy us. Do you think we can let that possibility remain?"

His gaze turned to Thalia. "You, my daughter," he addressed the eldest Grace. "You will turn sixteen tomorrow, just as the prophecy says."

"You have to trust them." Annabeth spoke up. "Sir, you have to trust them."

Zeus scowled at those words, disgust filled his expression. "Trust a hero?"

"Father," Amara chided, earning the god's attention as his expression softened.

"Annabeth is right," Artemis agreed. "Which is why I must first give them a reward. My faithful companion, Zoë Nightshade, has passed into the stars. I must have a new lieutenant, and I intend to choose one. But first, Father Zeus, I must speak to you privately."

Zeus beckoned the huntress forward, leaning down and listening as she spoke so softly Amara couldn't even make out a single noise. Finally, after a moment of silence the goddess turned around. "I shall have a new lieutenant," She announced. "If, she will accept it."

Amara's gaze moved to Thalia, a slight feeling bubbling up that Artemis's request would be directed to her sister. "Thalia," the huntress spoke. "Daughter of Zeus, will you join the hunt?"

She felt her heart drop, her hand instantly reaching out and finding Thalia's in hopes the older girl would say no. That she would remember the promise she first made once she was healed by the fleece, but her older sister only gave her hand a light squeeze before letting go and stepping forward.

"I will," Thalia announced, and Amara knew in that moment her heart broke slightly.

"My daughter," Zeus rose, concern flashing across his face. "Consider well—"

"Father," she interrupted. "I will not turn sixteen tomorrow, I will never turn sixteen. I won't let this prophecy be mine, I stand with my sister Artemis. Kronos will never tempt me again."

Thalia made her way to the huntress, kneeling before her as she began the oath. Grover made his way beside Amara, his hand finding hers as he already knew how much she was going to be hurt by this.

Once the eldest Grace finished her oath, she made her way back to the group of demigods. She only stopped once she was in front of Percy, and did the unexpected by pulling him in for a hug.

"Um . . ." Percy spoke, giving the newly hunter a confused look once she pulled. "Aren't you not supposed to do that anymore? Hug boys, I mean?"

"I'm honoring a friend," Thalia corrected. "I must join the hunt, Percy. I haven't know peace since . . . since Half-Blood Hill. I finally feel like I have a home, but you're a hero. You will be the one of the prophecy."

"Great," He muttered, sparing Amara a look who was too focused on the ground.

"I'm proud to be your friend," the hunter said, moving onto Annabeth who hugged the older girl like there was no tomorrow as she held back tears. Finally, Thalia moved to Grover who seemed ready to pass out, the eldest Grace only laughed and ruffled his hair before moving on Amara.

"Petite soeur," Thalia started off, earning the brunette's gaze. "I'll come back and visit, make special arrangements. You're gonna get tired of seeing me, I promise."

But Amara didn't say anything, just nodded her head as the eldest Grace pulled her into a tight hug while holding back tears. After a moment of silence, Thalia finally pulled away and ruffled her hair for the last time before making her way to Artemis's side.

"Now," the huntress spoke up. "For the Ophiotaurus."

"Those two are still dangerous," Dionysus warned, pointing at the children of Zeus and Poseidon. "The beast is a temptation to great power, even if we spare those two demigods—"

"No," Percy argued, turning his attention to all the gods and goddesses. "Please, keep the Ophiotaurus safe. My dad can hide him under the sea somewhere, or keep him in an aquarium here in Olympus. But you have to protect him."

"And," Hephaestus rumbled, sitting forward. "Why should we trust you?"

"I'm only fourteen," the Jackson boy answered. "If this prophecy is about me, that's two more years."

"Two years for Kronos to deceive you." Athena interjected. "Much can change in two years, young hero."

"Mother!" Annabeth said, exasperated.

"It is only the truth, child," Athena shrugged. "Is it bad strategy to keep the animal alive. Or the children."

Poseidon stood, "I will not have a sea creature destroyed if I can help it, and I can help it." He held out his hand, and his blue watery trident appeared. "I will vouch for the boy, and the safety of the Ophiotaurus."

"You won't take it under the sea!" Zeus argued, standing to his feet. "I won't have that kind of bargaining chip in your possession."

"Brother, please." Poseidon sighed.

But her father didn't listen, he held out his hand and his master lightning bolt appeared as the clouds echoed with thunder.

"Fine," the god of the sea sighed. "I will build an aquarium for the creature here, Hephaestus can help me. The creature will be safe and we shall protect it with all our powers. The boy will not betray us. I vouch for this on my honor."

Zeus thought for a moment before speaking. "All in favor?"

To the brunette's surprise, majority of the gods and goddesses hands went up. "We have a majority," Zeus decreed. "And so, since we will not be destroying these heroes . . . I imagine we should honor them. Let the triumph celebration begin!"

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.

An Olympian party was something Amara was sure she would never be able to experience again, but she intended to make the most of it. The Nine Muses controlled the music, but had created it so everyone heard what they wanted.

The Grace had found herself near a counter, where Dionysus had grown refreshments stands and paraded with his wife wrapped around his arm. She couldn't help the smirk that laced her lips at the sight, she's never seen the god look truly happy before and it was a scene she wouldn't forget.

Grover made his way past the demigod, his plate filled with tin cans and enchiladas. He didn't even spare the brunette a glance as he kept muttering the god of the Wild's name over and over again like an incantation.

"What are you up to, Ara?" Thalia's voice reached the girls ear. The newest huntress plopped down on the seat beside the younger girl, her arm thrown around Amara's shoulders.

"Just, observing." She finally answered, looking away from her older sister.

Silence overcame the sisters as they watched the party go on in front of them, Apollo shamelessly flirted with Annabeth before Athena shot him a glare and the sun god quickly retreated to another female. Ares sharpened his knife as he glowered at Percy, until Aphrodite made her way over to the god. A smile overcame his features, his knife sheathed as he took the goddesses hand and led her to the dance floor.

Demeter talked with a satyr, and it didn't take a genius to guess they were talking about nature. Artemis stood with Zeus as they held a small conversation, Hera not sitting too far away as she made sure to keep Zeus in her sights.

Poseidon had made his way to Percy, clapping his son on the back before the duo became immersed in their own conversation. Hephaestus sat not far from Amara, his attention fully on a trinket he was fiddling with.

And Hermes? Hermes was busy arguing with his caduceus as his snakes seemed to come to life, at least until a phone call interrupted the argument and he went into business mode.

"That's new," Thalia spoke, breaking the silence as Amara's attention was pulled to the older girl.

"What?"

But the hunter didn't give an answer, instead she removed her arm from Amara's shoulder and pulled out a strand of hair for her to see. The strand hadn't been her natural brown color, it was instead a mute grey that started at her root and went down to the tips.

"Looks like Annabeth and Percy have one too."

And the huntress was right, with one look Amara was able to see the blonde and raven haired boy each had the same grey streak in their hair as well. "Must have been from holding the sky."

"Must have been," Thalia agreed, her eyes darting to Amara once more. "What?"

"Nothing," the raven haired girl said. "I just can't believe how much you've grown, who knows how much more you'll grow next time I see you."

Amara could only give nod, not knowing what to say to that. But the eldest Grace was okay with the silence as she ruffled the brunette's hair. "Happy Birthday."

"What?"

Thalia laughed, her smile widening at her little sister's shock. "Did you think I forgot? It's December twenty first, your birthday. Happy birthday Ara, you're fourteen."

"Thanks," Amara mumbled. Her eyes darted to the floor as she realized that is was in fact her own birthday, and she had been the one to forget. But she supposed that should come naturally, since they were on a life threatening quest and all.

"Lieutenant," Artemis called, walking up to the duo with Zeus by her side. "It is time to rejoin our sisters, and continue the journey."

A sad look formed on the older girls face, her hand reaching for the youngest Grace's as she gave it a light squeeze. "This isn't a goodbye, petite soeur. It's a see you later, I'll come visit. Make sure to not give Beckendorf and Jada a hard time, okay?"

Amara could only nod, allowing her sister to wrap her up in her arms as she tried to savor the moment. But time wasn't on their side as Thalia broke the hug first, and with a sad smile she walked off with Artemis into the distance.

"It's okay to be upset by her choice," Zeus spoke, resting himself beside his youngest daughter. "It was unexpected, you had just gotten her back and now—"

"Can we not talk about this?" Amara interrupted, shooting her father a look who held up his hands in mock surrender.

"My apologies, little storm cloud." She resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the god's chosen nickname for her, but she knew part of her enjoyed it.

But the king didn't let the silence last long. "So, this prophecy, you're not . . . opposed to it?"

The Grace went quiet after that, her eyes finding the son of Poseidon who seemed to be joking around with Annabeth. At the sight of the blonde punching the Jackson boy, she couldn't help the small smile that twisted onto her lips.

"No," she spoke at last, tearing her gaze away from Percy and to her dad. "No, I guess I'm not."

Zeus's eyebrows furrowed a bit, his gaze landing on the raven haired boy. "Are you sure, little rain drop? He's a . . . a son of Poseidon."

"Dad," she spoke, fully turning around so the god knew she was being serious. "I'm sure, I'm okay with this."

After another moment of the ruler of the gods glaring at the fourteen year old demigod, he finally sighed and returned his attention to his daughter. "Okay," he finally said. "But it doesn't mean I'll like it."

Amara smiled. Zeus returned the favor by wrapping an arm around the girl and holding her for a moment. Being wrapped up in her father's embrace was a feeling she wasn't used to, but one she wished she could. After the near death experiences she's had over the last couple of days, being held by the god seemed to make it slightly easier.

"I believe," Zeus spoke up after a long period of silence. "That it's time I let go, someone seems to be waiting for you."

Her brow raised at his words, but when she looked around met eyes with Percy she realized who he meant. The boy quickly looked away once realizing he had been caught, the action causing the girl to let out a small smirk.

"Happy birthday, daughter," the lord of the sky spoke again, giving his child a genuine smile. "Never forget, I am proud of you always."

With those last words and a squeeze of her hand from her father, she made her way to the son of Poseidon's side where he sat alone on a bench.

"Jackson," she greeted as she stood in front of the boy, his head looking up to meet her gaze. "Grace," he greeted back.

It was silent between the two, Amara's attention going back to the party while Percy rubbed his neck anxiously before clearing his throat. "Look," he started, earning her attention. "I, uh, you know, we were interrupted at our last dance and, well, I was just wondering . . . if you would like to redo that dance?"

She went silent for a moment, a playful look overtook her features as she spoke in a teasing tone to the boy. "I don't know," she sighed, a smile threatening to spill. "Apollo seems like a pretty good dance partner."

Percy glared, his eyes hardened as a laugh spilled from Amara's lips. She grabbed his hands and pulled him to his feet. "I was kidding, Beasty. Come on, let's redo our dance."

A smile rested on his lips as he intervened his fingers with hers, his head shaking softly. "Beauty," he said. "You truly are something else."

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.

It wasn't until later when the group of demigods and satyr made their way back to Camp. Amara had enjoyed herself at the party, it helped take her mind off the things that had been weighing it down. But returning back to Camp, where she knew Thalia wouldn't be, brought it back. In silence, the group of four made their way to the big house where Chiron greeted them with sandwiches and hot chocolate.

But that wasn't all, the rest of the senior campers had been waiting for them. Grover spilt off from the group to tell the satyrs his encounter with Pan, knowing it would send the crowd into a searching spree. Amara plopped herself in the seat between Beckendorf and Silena, the older duo sparred her a look but she didn't acknowledge it. She was too busy getting lost in her thoughts, she knew she would have to tell Jada only she and Beckendorf would be returning home for the school year.

"I got news," Clarisse mumbled, earning the room's attention. "Bad news."

"I'll fill you in later," Chiron addressed the three demigods with forced happiness. "The important thing is you have prevailed, and you saved Annabeth!"

Percy didn't let him stay too cheerful for long, already moving onto the next subject. "Luke is alive," he mumbled, avoiding Amara's gaze as she felt her heart thump. "Annabeth was right."

The daughter of Athena quickly sat up, her eyes wide and anxious. "How do you know?" The Jackson boy explained what Poseidon had said about the Princess Andromeda, and what it meant for them.

"Well," Annabeth shifted in her chair. "If the final battle does come when Percy is sixteen, at least we have two more years to figure something out."

Chiron's expression was gloomy. "Two years may seem like a long time." He explained. "But it is the blink of an eye. I still hope you are not the child of the prophecy, Percy. But if you are, then the second titan war is almost upon us. Kronos's first strike will be here."

"How do you know?" Percy asked. "Why would he care about camp?"

"Because the gods use heroes as their tools." Their instructor said simply. "Destroy the tools, and the gods will be crippled. Luke's forces will come here. Mortal, demigod, monsters . . . we must be prepared. Clarisse's news may give us a clue as to how they will attack, but—"

A knock echoed on the door, then it was pushed wide open as Nico di Angelo raced into the room. A wide smile was etched on his lips, his cheeks bright red as he looked around. "Hey!" He greeted. "Where's . . . where's my sister?"

Amara's heart dropped even further, knowing someone was going to have to break the unfortunate news to the only di Angelo left.

"Hey, Nico." Percy got up from his chair. "Let's take a walk, okay? We need to talk."

"We'll continue this discussion later," the centaur said, giving the demigods a smile. "For now, get some rest everyone."

The Grace was on her feet in no time, already heading out the big house with the intent of finding Nico. She knew how hard this was going to hit, and she figured he would want someone there who knows how it felt to maybe help him through it. But she wasn't able to get anywhere, she barely reached the snow when arms had wrapped themselves around her.

She was spun around and only had time to catch the warm brown eyes of Charles Beckendorf before she was pulled into his chest, arms embraced her as his head became buried within her hair. "Don't act like that quest was nothing, Amara." He whispered, and she knew what he meant.

Six of them went into that quest knowing some of them were going to die, and Beckendorf was no fool. He could read her within one look, and he had been in the big house when Percy and them had Iris-Messaged Mr. D. They were very clear on the fact they saw Amara go off a cliff, and fell into a lake.

So how she was alive, standing in front of him very much breathing and not at the bottom of a lake somewhere? He didn't know, he didn't care to know and wouldn't question it. His little sister was right in front of him, and he didn't plan on letting her go.

"Happy birthday," Charles said, ensuring silence between the two until Amara spoke up. "Thank you," she said at last, pulling back from his hold as she offered a small smile.

His smile widened at her actions, pulling her into him once more, arms wounding around her as he gave a squeeze. Small laughter slipped out as the boy pressed his lips to her temple, a loving smile of his own slipping onto his lips.

"Mom will be here tomorrow," he said, finally releasing the girl from his hold. "We're going out to celebrate your birthday, then we're heading back home. That okay with you?"

She merely nodded, earning another smile as Beckendorf ruffled her hair. "Get some sleep, Ara. Mom's supposed to be here early so be prepared. Oh and," he stopped, pointing at her hair and outfit. "Nice new look."

"Shut up," she rolled her eyes at the older boy's words who laughed. "Goodnight, Charlie."

"Goodnight."

With those words, Beckendorf headed back off to cabin nine while the brunette watched him go. When he was finally out of sight, the smile slipped off her face as her mood dampened.

She turned around and began walking off, hoping she would be able to find Percy and Nico. Amara had only been able to found the latter, he was inside cabin three with an anxious expression. "Percy," She called, earning the raven haired boys attention as she made her way inside. "Where's Nico?"

A frown twisted into his lips, and he began explaining what happened after he left the big house. Nico freaking at the news of his sister's death, summoned skeletons, and was claimed by Hades.

"Okay," Amara mumbled, taking in the fact there was now five children from the big three, one being deceased. "So when do we go look for him?"

"We don't."

"What?" She asked, her eyes narrowed. "What do you mean, we don't? He's a kid Percy, he needs our help we have too—"

"Mara, we can't," Percy let out a sigh. "Look, Luke can't find out about him they'll either kill him or try to make him the child of the prophecy. I'm not going to let that happen, I will be the one the prophecy talks about. This prophecy is about me now, I'm not letting it fall on yours or Nico's shoulders."

With those words, Amara's heart seemed to have taken all it could withstand. It was like her birthday that year was meant to tear her down, see how much she could handle until she breaks.

She slowly stumbled back, the world around her spinning as her hearing became muffled. Percy's brow furrowed, lightly taking a step forward as she took one back.

His lips moved, but she couldn't hear the words that escaped. Her hands went to her shirt, gripping where her heart was beating faster than what seemed normal for a demigod.

She didn't even realize when she lost the feeling in her legs, crashing into the cabin floor as Percy quickly dove beside her. His hands were resting on her shoulders, his eyes frantic as his mouth moved faster than before.

Her breathing had become heavy, her breaths coming out in pants as an indescribable sensation of pain welled within her chest. She could vaguely hear the Jackson's boy voice, telling her she needed to clam down but she couldn't.

Tears welled up in her eyes as sobs racked her chest, her body trembling as Percy's voice rang in her head. The wind had started to pick up within the cabin, spirits rushing around the daughter of Zeus as her eyes began flickering between their usual electric blue to teal.

She had formed a small barrier around herself, blocking the son of Poseidon out like she once did with the son of Hermes all those years ago. Except the first time she had done so, Luke stood from a distance as he waited for her to tire herself out and afraid of the consequences if he tried entering the wind barrier.

But not Percy, no, it took him less than a minute before he was pushing against the wind. "Amara!"

Her head shot up, his voice becoming clear as he fought against her father's servants. The wind ripped around his cabin, taking the pictures off the walls and rattling the fish tank in the corner. A sob escaped from her lips, giving Percy the chance to dive into her small bubble as she quickly became wrapped in his arms.

She clung to his chest, her hands gripping onto his hoodie as she buried her head into the fabric. Percy laid his head on top of hers, a sigh escaping his lips as the brunettes sobs filled the room with the wind finally dying down.

"You—," she could barely form words, hiccups overtaking the sobbing as they slowly began to cease with silent tears now running. "You can't leave,"

Percy's eyes widened, lifting his head off hers sea green met electric blue. Her eyes were red, her face puffy, but she had a serious look resting on her face nonetheless. "Amara—"

"Promise me," she begged, tears racing down her face as more built up to repeat. "You can't, with the prophecy an—and you could die. Please, Percy, you can't—"

Percy was wordless but quick, he fell back against a bunk bed frame. Before grabbing her wrist and tugging her into him, her arms wrapping around him once more as his hands found themselves on her face.

He held a soft smile, gently wiping away the tears as he spoke. "I'm not going anywhere, Mara. I promise."

She was quick to deny that. "That doesn't mean anything, Luke, Thalia, they promised and they're both gone! Annabeth promised and she nearly joined the hunters and left."

His soft smile remained, one of his hands moved away from her face and instead pick up the grey streak of hair that matched his own. "You see this?"

She nodded, her head falling against his shoulder as he reached for his own grey streak. "As long as we each have these, I will never leave you Amara."

"You promise?"

He nodded, his arms wrapping around her shoulders as she closed her eyes and listened to the steady heartbeat of the boy's chest. "I will always be right here, Beauty."

But it seemed she had fallen asleep, her cheeks left with tear stains as footsteps sounded in the cabin. Percy met gazes with warm brown eyes, the older boy was leaned against the doorframe with a look.

"I'm holding you to that Jackson," Beckendorf spoke, making his way to the younger girl who Percy reluctantly let go of. "Don't make her promises that'll just end up hurting her."

The son of Hephaestus lifted the brunette with ease into his arms, a frown forming at the sight of her heartbreak.

"I wouldn't make her a promise that I couldn't keep, I never want to hurt her." Percy said, his face serious as Beckendorf nodded.

With that, the two boys went their own separate ways as the events of tonight would forever change their lives.

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12-23-23

     hello hello ! i hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and i'm so sorry for the long wait. school has been kicking my butt but it's officially winter break so hopefully i can get more chapters out ! i wanted to post this in honor of the percy jackson series coming out. with that being said i hope you enjoyed this chapter and i'll try getting chapters as soon as i can !