It was a sad sight to see, Aurora so distant from the Hunters. She couldn't help but feel as though she was letting down Artemis when she declined the Hunters' invite for her to join them in their tents, but after Percy emerged from his audience with Aurora's aunt with a pale face and clenched jaw, Aurora had to make the decision to choose him. The wrong decision, sure, but hers nonetheless.

"What happened?" Aurora approached Percy as soon as he left Artemis's tent, her eyes analytical as she searched his sea green for answers, for any remnants of his—presumably abominable—interaction with her patron goddess. In simpler terms, she was worried that Percy fucked everything up. It wasn't exactly fair, but it was a (valid) worry nonetheless.

All Percy did was shake his head. Swallowing, he glanced warily at Nico di Angelo on Aurora's tail, who had been following her around like a lost puppy for the last half hour. She understood the sentiment, and she appreciated being that rock for Nico that tied down the insanity of realizing you're a demigod to reality, but Percy's distraught clearly painted on his features made her wish they were alone.

"Not now," he murmured, the words tumbling out of what seemed like numb lips as he stumbled into Aurora's grasp. She steadied his shoulders, fingers wrapping around them and brushing against his collarbones, her brows dipping down as she suppressed her budding concern.

Following Percy's departure, Artemis and Bianca also left the tent. The goddess stared into the east like she was expecting something. Bianca sat off to one side, talking with Nico. Aurora tried not to look like she wanted to eavesdrop as Nico skipped away to reconvene with his sister, but his fallen expression and the emptiness of her former shadow set an uneasy feeling in her stomach.

"Artemis is... Bianca—I don't know. Artemis is doing something."

Aurora's eyes narrowed, scrunching her nose with apprehension. "'She's doing something?'" she echoed, pitching her voice higher to emphasize the ridiculousness in his words. "Percy, Annabeth isn't here to call you on your shit, so you might want to be a little bit more specific. What is she doing? And what's up with Bianca?"

Percy sighed, blinking up at the night sky. He wouldn't meet Aurora's gaze, though it blazed his own. "Artemis getting a ride from Apollo. She said dawn is coming. Bianca joined the Hunt. I don't know." Percy repeated the last phrase again, leaning forward, leaning more into her embrace, though it had gotten tighter at his prior lack of explanation. Percy's chin dipped so his cheek brushed against Aurora's knuckles, and his eyes fluttered closed for half a second. "I'm really tired."

And there it was. The Percy Jackson way. Caring too much about people, a feature Aurora had and lost. Trying to save a concept that was foreign to every other demigod besides him: family.

A mixture of emotions bubbled up and simmered down all at once, a tornado of anger and confusion and disappointment. As much as Aurora loved Artemis, she would never be able to join the Hunt. Staring at Nico's stricken face and glassy eyes pointed down, she couldn't help but resent the idea. But it wasn't the time nor place to voice her annoyance for Bianca's recruitment, as Percy seemed angry enough for the both of them. His voice had taken on an edge when recounting the fact that Bianca had joined Artemis in the life-long commitment of becoming her follower, irritation mixed with something else, something more scared.

Aurora had so many things to say, and she wanted to say them, but looking at Percy's drooping eyes and how he rested against Aurora's hands like his life depended on her, she decided to save it for later. None of that mattered right now. What mattered was Percy, for the time being.

"Hey, hey," Aurora smiled slightly, attempting to lighten the mood as she took his hand, bringing him over to Thalia and Grover, who were sitting on a frosted over picnic bench. The snow was wet and uncomfortable, but problems seemed bigger than having drenched jeans. "Perce, you're okay. Why don't we talk about something else? Your mom's cookies are so good. I'm kind of missing them right now."

"Can we dance?" Percy asked, diverting the conversation. The cold had finally gotten to him, and his cheeks and ears tinged pink, a light rose that snuck up from behind him and engulfed his paled skin. His sea green eyes searched Aurora's, and he matched her small, shy, tentative smile.

"Now?" Aurora laughed. It was a strange request, and she fully was not expecting it. She tried to mask her confusion with a giggle, ordering her eyebrows to relax so as not to scrunch and put Percy back into that sullen mood, but she was confused. Percy wanted to dance? With her? And for some reason, her only question was: "But there's no music?"

Even while asking her question, Aurora stood nonetheless. She grabbed Percy's forearm, dragging him to a more secluded area of the school. A decent amount of space between them and the rest of their party along with the Hunters and Artemis (who would probably throw a fit at Aurora dancing with a silly boy, let alone Percy Jackson), behind a couple huge oak trees dusted with serene white flurries, Aurora found their very own dance floor.

"Why don't you sing one of your Gracie Abrams songs?" Percy hummed, grinning as Aurora let out a gasp.

"Jackson, you know your way into a girl's heart," Aurora exclaimed with a laugh. Percy's quickly joined, the two melodies mixing with perfect dissonance; though clashing, Percy's humanity and Aurora's lack thereof, the warmth was undeniable. She pulled him close, interlocking their hands and letting him spin her around, more freely than they had at the actual middle school dance. If Percy and Aurora went to actual school, she sort of imagined that this was how they would be.

Free.

And that's how they danced until the sun came up: Percy twirling Aurora wherever she wanted, Aurora belting "The Blue" by Gracie Abrams (the best dancing song, in her opinion), and that incessant mixture of light, illuminated laughter that could be heard for miles.

ೀ⋆｡🌷

Unfortunately, the sun did come up. Aurora and Percy rejoined the group, Aurora still humming whatever song had popped up in her mental queue, and Artemis eyed them apprehensively. Or, she eyed Percy. The goddess patted Aurora on the back, allowing her demigod to settle off her shoulder, leaving Percy alone once again.

"About time." Artemis muttered, rolling her eyes. "He's sooo lazy during the winter."

Percy frowned. He glanced at Aurora, who shook her head subtly, a blatant red light for stop, but he persisted. "You're, um, waiting for sunrise?" Percy asked.

"For my brother. Yes." Artemis answered. She turned to Aurora, raising her eyebrows, as if to say, "This is who you choose to be friends with?" The daughter of Persephone shrugged, tilting her head in a tragically false laissez-faire manner. "It's not exactly as you think," Artemis started to explain further.

"Oh, okay." Percy visibly started to relax. "So, it's not like he'll be pulling up in a—"

There was a sudden burst of light on the horizon. A blast of warmth.

"Don't look," Artemis advised. "Not until he parks."

Aurora had never met Apollo before. She had no idea what Artemis was talking about, saying 'parks.' What the hell could he even park? But she listened, averting her eyes. The light and warmth intensified until her winter coat felt like it was melting off of her. Then suddenly the light died.

Aurora's eyes studied the Mercedes-Maybach Exelero, an electric red sports car that the girl knew nothing about but Percy stared at with hunger, practically drooling. His yearning for the car made it tragically evident at how much of a teenage boy he was.

The driver got out, smiling. He looked about seventeen or eighteen, wearing jeans and some sort of expensive sneakers—Aurora had no idea what they were, but they were pretty ugly, as most expensive shoes were—and a sleeveless T-shirt. He had bright golden hair and was so tan it was painful against Aurora's sad paleness of the winter. His smile was bright and playful, as if he wasn't a thousand eons years old, and his eyes were blue like a summer day's sky.

"Wow," Thalia muttered. "Apollo is hot."

"Thalia, that's your brother." Aurora gaped.

"You know that's not how our DNA works!" Thalia exclaimed, heat rushing to her face to create a dusting of burgundy. Aurora maintained her disgust.

"He's the sun god," Percy justified.

"That's not what I meant." Thalia sighed. "You guys are insufferable."

"Little sister!" Apollo called. If his teeth were any whiter, he could've blinded them without the sun car. "What's up? You never call. You never write. I was getting worried!"

Artemis sighed. "I'm fine, Apollo. And I am not your little sister—"

"Twins, whatever! So what's up?" He interrupted. "Got the girls with you, I see. You all need some tips on archery?"

Artemis grit her teeth. "I need a favor. I have some hunting to do, alone. I need you to take my companions to Camp Half-Blood."

"Sure, sis!" Then he raised his hands in a stop everything gesture. "I feel a haiku coming on."

The Hunters all groaned. Apparently they'd met Apollo before. Aurora glanced around, making eye contact with Percy. What the fuck, she mouthed. Percy shrugged back.

Apollo cleared his throat and held up one hand dramatically. "Green grass breaks through snow. Artemis pleads for my help. I am so cool."

He grinned at his audience, waiting for applause.

"That last line was only four syllables," Artemis pointed out, the exasperation evident in her voice.

Apollo frowned. "Was it?"

"Yes. What about I am so big-headed?"

"No, no, that's six syllables. Hmm." He started muttering to himself.

"How about I am so awesome?" Aurora deadpanned. She started laughing halfway through, expecting similar reactions from her friends, but Apollo's eyes snapped up.

"Hi!" Apollo exclaimed, staring directly at Aurora so intensely she regretted saying anything. Ever.

She stared dumbly back. "Hi?"

"Is that Aurora? Arty, how could you keep her from me?" Apollo gasped, smiling so brightly Aurora winced and looked away. Artemis rolled her eyes, trying to maintain composure.

"Never met you before." She mumbled, taking a step back as he stepped forward, like some cha-cha dance they were doing.

"And that's what I call gatekeeping." Apollo heaved a dramatic sigh, placing his hand against his forehead as if he was about to faint. No wonder Apollo was also in charge of theater aspects, the man was incredibly thespian. "Moving past that, your addition to my brilliant haiku was nearly perfect! I knew blessing you was the right choice."

"Okay—wait, what?" Aurora's eyes moved to Artemis, alarmed.

"I am sorry, you know how he can be. He didn't do anything, do not worry. You are normal." The goddess grimaced. "It is just your ring."

"I mean, when I heard my little sister was getting a chance to take care of a kid, I had to sprinkle my Apollo flare into it." Apollo agreed, grinning winningly.

"It's imperial gold and Stygian iron." Aurora said, though she hated how doubtful she sounded.

"Stygian iron?" Nico echoed so quietly Aurora almost couldn't hear him, though the awe was so clear. "That's worth a hundred extra attack points—" the young boy started, but was quickly hushed by his older sister.

"Well, actually, you're wrong."

"Excuse me?"

"It's not imperial gold." Apollo scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Imperial gold is so basic and common and Roman. Ew. I mean, no offense, but I'm more of a Greek kind of guy. No, my dear, your sword is Apollo gold. Imperial gold is what everything is made of over in California. Why would I want your special little prize to be average? I mean, sure, your mom pulled some strings for that Stygian iron. So what? I woke up and wanted to make gold, so I did! I do whatever I want, whenever I want. I'm that awesome."

Aurora stared at her ring, which had taken on the charm of Artemis' crescent moon, with horror.

Artemis rolled her eyes for what seemed like the hundredth time in the past fifteen minutes. "That is all. I promise."

"Um..." was all Aurora could say. How would one react to that? Seriously. What was she supposed to say?

She didn't feel special. She felt... she didn't even know. It wasn't even that big of a deal. But the way everyone was staring at her, the way Apollo replied with, "You are so welcome!"... It was just uncomfortable. Maybe this was how Percy felt. This was how all demigods felt. The gods all over their lives without them even knowing it.

"And now, sis. Transportation for the Hunters, you say? Good timing. I was just about ready to roll."

"These demigods will also need a ride," Artemis said, pointing to them. "Aurora and some of Chiron's campers."

"No problem!" Apollo checked the rest of them out. "Let's see... Thalia, right? I've heard all about you."

Thalia blushed. "Hi, Lord Apollo."

"Zeus's girl, yes? Makes you my half sister. Technically. Used to be a tree, didn't you? Glad you're back. I hate it when girls turn into trees. Man, I remember one time—"

"Brother," Artemis warned. "You should get going."

"Oh, right." Then he looked at Percy, and his eyes narrowed. "Percy Jackson?"

"Yeah. I mean... yes, sir." Percy's voice had deepened somehow, a hilarious attempt to match Apollo. His back straightened, though it didn't do much for his height. But his head ducked ever so slightly, maintaining that respect that gods demanded, or else they turned destructive. Apollo studied him, but he didn't say anything.

"He with you, Aurora?" Apollo asked, ignoring the satyr who was staring with heart-eyes at his sister, and turned back to the first demigod he approached.

Aurora really was not liking Apollo. "Yeah? They all are." She didn't like how uneasy her voice was, but Apollo freaked her out. He was all godly and annoying. Well, at least now she thought so.

"Well!" he said at last. "We'd better load up, huh? Ride only goes one way—west. And if you miss it, you miss it."

Aurora glanced apprehensively at the Mercedes, which would seat two people max. There were about twenty of them.

"Cool car," Nico commented.

"Thanks, kid," Apollo responded, basically glowing from the compliment.

"But how will we all fit?"

"Oh." Apollo seemed to notice the problem for the first time. "Well, yeah. I hate to change out of sports-car mode, but I suppose..."

He took out his car keys and beeped the security alarm button.

For a moment, the car glowed brightly again. When the glare died, the Mercedes had been replaced by one of those Turtle Top shuttle buses. Aurora recognized them from the occasional peak at the high way she'd taken, though not often. She'd also probably seen one on her first quest, though cars weren't what she was really taking in.

"Right," he said. "Everybody in."

Zoë ordered the Hunters to start loading. She picked up her camping pack, and Apollo said, "Here, sweetheart. Let me get that."

Zoë recoiled. Her eyes flashed murderously.

"Brother," Artemis chided. "You do not help my Hunters. You do not look at, talk to, or flirt with my Hunters. And you do not call them sweetheart."

Apollo spread his hands. "Sorry. I forgot. Hey, sis, where are you off to, anyway?"

"Hunting," Artemis gritted out. "It's none of your business."

"I'll find out. I see all. Know all."

Artemis snorted. "Just drop them off, Apollo. And no messing around!"

"No, no! I never mess around."

Artemis rolled her eyes—they must be getting tired—then looked at the five demigods. "I will see you by winter solstice. Zoë, you are in charge of the Hunters. Do well. Do as I would do."

Zoë straightened. "Yes, my lady."

Artemis turned to Aurora and dipped her chin solemnly. "Goodbye, my girl. Ponder on my proposal."

Aurora nodded and waved, internally grimacing. Fuck. She had forgotten about that. It was ages ago, truly.

"What proposal?" Percy asked quietly, his voice a breathy whisper. Aurora stared at the round and frowned.

"Nothing," she mumbled back. She would continue to forget about it. Perhaps Artemis would too.

The goddess knelt and touched the ground as if looking for tracks. When she rose, she looked troubled. "So much danger. The beast must be found." She sprinted toward the woods and melted into the snow and shadows.

On that ominous note, Apollo turned and grinned, jangling the car keys on his finger. "So," he said. "Who wants to drive?"

The Hunters piled into the van. They all crammed into the back so they'd be as far away as possible from Apollo and the rest of the highly infectious males. Bianca sat with them, leaving her little brother to hang in the front with the rest of the non-Hunters. Nico didn't seem to mind.

"This is so cool!" Nico said, jumping up and down in the driver's seat. "Is this really the sun? I thought Helios and Selene were the sun and moon gods. How come sometimes it's them and sometimes it's you and Artemis?"

"Downsizing," Apollo explained. "The Romans started it. They couldn't afford all those temple sacrifices, so they laid off Helios and Selene and folded their duties into our job descriptions. My sis got the moon. I got the sun. It was pretty annoying at first, but at least I got this cool car."

"But how does it work?" Nico asked, hyper like a little kid in a candy shop. "I thought the sun was a big fiery ball of gas!"

Apollo chuckled and ruffled Nico's hair. "That rumor probably got started because Artemis used to call me a big fiery ball of gas. Seriously, kid, it depends on whether you're talking astronomy or philosophy. You want to talk astronomy? Bah, what fun is that? You want to talk about how humans think about the sun? Ah, now that's more interesting. They've got a lot riding on the sun... er, so to speak. It keeps them warm, grows their crops, powers engines, makes everything look, well, sunnier. This chariot is built out of human dreams about the sun, kid. It's as old as Western Civilization. Every day, it drives across the sky from east to west, lighting up all those puny little mortal lives. The chariot is a manifestation of the sun's power, the way mortals perceive it. Make sense?"

Nico shook his head. "No."

"Well then, just think of it as a really powerful, really dangerous solar car."

"Can I drive?"

"No. Too young."

"Oo! Oo!" Grover raised his hand.

"Mm, no," Apollo shook his head. "Too furry."

He looked past Percy and Aurora and focused on Thalia. "Daughter of Zeus!" he exclaimed. "Lord of the sky. Perfect."

"Oh, no." Thalia shook her head.

"No, thanks."

"C'mon," Apollo said. "How old are you?"

Thalia hesitated. "I don't know."

It was sad, but true. She'd been turned into a tree when she was twelve, but that had been seven years ago. So she should be nineteen, if you went by years. But she still felt like she was twelve, and if you looked at her, she seemed somewhere in between. The best Chiron could figure, she had kept aging while in tree form,