𝓑𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓭 - 𝓛𝓾𝓴𝓮 𝓒𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓪𝓷

𝒔𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒏, 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓

тнє waves were crashing against the wooden pillars supporting the dock. White tips of the waves thrashed against each other. The wind was picking up, growing angry. Heavy rain came down on the camp, submerging the ground and wood the girl sat on. Aurora was unfazed by this, only taking in the comfort of the scenery.

Her hair was soaked, sculpting around her shape. The goddess didn't move, embracing the weather. She found the beauty in the negatives, the uninviting feeling others got from this type of weather, Aurora felt the opposite. Being alone and in a such vulnerable state of the world, opened up a new perspective of her thoughts.

Soft steps patted in the rainfall, nearing the spot the girl was sitting at. Aurora was too focused in her mind and enjoying the sensation hitting her body.

"You always out here?" A boy had asked Aurora, bending down and putting his arm firmly on the dock's wood to maneuver his body into a sitting position.

"I prefer having alone time. Plus I enjoy rain and thunderstorms." Aurora confessed. She didn't avert her gaze from the shoreline to peek at him. Aurora couldn't care about making snarky comments when she originally came her to calm her stress.

"I do too. There's something about the feeling of exposure that's reassuring for me I guess." Luke commented, showing a sensitive side of him. I didn't know he could even have one. Aurora conspired to herself. Not the time to throw that analysis at him.

"Yeah, so what is this our designated fateful meeting spot now?" Aurora laughed with rain water pouring down her face.

"Careful there Aurora, wouldn't want to go civil on me now." Luke announced. He let it out to be a joke, but Aurora had a weird feeling that it had some truth hidden in some way. What did he mean by that?

"Wouldn't dream of it. Anyways, do you have any ideas what you're going to do about your quest?" Aurora questioned Luke, not daring to glance at the boy still.

The two stared at the water spiraling in silence for a minute. Both had an intense comforting sense glow through them, probably being the reason they became more vulnerable like the weather.

"I'm not sure honestly. I know Annabeth would kill to come but I can't put her in danger like that again." Luke admitted to the blonde on his left side.

Aurora could feel Luke tensing up next to her in deep thought. Then she remembered the story Anna told her about how they got here and their friend Thalia.

"It's not your fault you know." Aurora sighed. Peering up at the sky she allowed the drops to directly hit her face.

His aura shifted, his tone became more firm. "Thanks Aurora but I don't need you telling me lies." Luke closed off.

Quoting her dear brother Aurora decided the boy needed to hear it.

"Not everyone who looks like a hero is a hero." She breathed out. "And not everyone who looks like a monster is a monster."

The blonde, now brunette with all the water soaking her hair, used the end of her quote as her que to let him be.

Finally looking at Luke when she stood, he seemed troubled. The always ego full and selfish Hermes boy she's seen since he arrived, disappeared. Aurora walked away because if she didn't she was sure she would stand there forever.
_____________________________________

A few hours after Aurora and Luke's interaction, the sun appeared from behind the gloomy clouds. The other demigods exited their respective cabins now that it was clearing.

Chiron jogged over to Aurora, his hooves clattered against the graveled path.

"Aurora, as the best candidate and sword fighter of cabin 7, I would like to offer an opportunity. Come along dear." Chiron disclosed.

Aurora followed the centaur, fidgeting with her necklace.

He lead her to a circular temple looking area. The god's symbols were plastered upon flags above each of the 12 pillars. Aurora stood under the one with a sun symbol.

Chiron excited leaving her with Dionysus. Looking around, Aurora observed the other demigods summoned here. She didn't know any of them personally, guessing they were older and have been here way longer than her. Catching a glimpse of a dark haired girl, Aurora recognized Clarisse under the flag of Ares.

Chiron spawned again, this time with no other than Luke Castellan.

Luke scanned the environment, scoping out the candidates stood by each pillar.

"I have selected the most compelling candidates to which you will choose 2 to bring on this quest." Chiron bellowed, gesturing his hand out to welcome the demigods.

"Choose wisely, your quest may lie in the hands of your fellow partners." The centaur continued, preparing to introduce each of the demigods to Luke.

Luke hesitated for a second, his mouth opening then shutting quickly. He shook his head, as if he was about to gamble his life.

"Connor Stoll." Luke told Chiron as he avoided the gazes coming from the others.

"Son, customary, one needs to hear a name or two before choosing." Chiron warned, shocked that he would so quickly choose one who isn't here or crowned advanced.

"I chose Connor Stoll as my first pick." Luke affirmed, not budging.

"The first quest mate shall be Connor Stoll." Chiron followed in doubt. "Now onto the second."

Luke again looked through each demigod, deeming one to be good enough to accompany him in his quest.

"Aurora Castro." Luke blurted out. As he said this aloud, he completely ignored her shock, staring up at the top of the pillars. The last thing he wanted to do was face her eternity of teasing and questions. Luke put aside his differences with the girl, focusing on the bigger picture. He needed to succeed, Aurora was the only one that was better than him. She was fairly smart and could put up with Connor so that he would shut up at the command of her. Logically, this was his best chance at completing the quest. Though he did not think of how either of them would survive with each other long enough without tearing their heads off.

Luke recalled the moment yesterday over and over again.

'A lot is at stake and although you don't understand your fate yet, you must trust your gut.'

'Remember to think logically, never let your emotions get to you.'

Chiron's words raced in his mind. Luke knew this is what he had to do.