Percy Jackson | 🏝️

Percy could barely remember what had happened. Hephaestus had given him a task, then fire, an explosion, the sensation of being thrown into the air, and a searing pain coursed through his body. Everything else was a blur. His last memory before losing consciousness was someone's voice saying, "Don't move," followed by gentle pressure on his forehead and something warm sliding down his throat. He had no idea who it was or where he was now, but his instincts told him he'd been out of commission for quite some time.

He awoke in a cave illuminated by colored crystals that reflected the light like stars trapped in the rock. The air was cool, and the bed he lay in was surprisingly comfortable. He sat up carefully, his body numb and his head still somewhat heavy. Then he noticed his clothes: a white tunic of light fabric and comfortable trousers that weren't his. Barefoot, he placed his feet on the cold floor and, instinctively, checked his pockets. To his relief, the Countercurrent was still there, along with the Stygian ice whistle Quintus had given him. Simply having those objects in his possession gave him a sense of stability amidst so much confusion.

Cautiously, he left the cave. He was greeted by a vibrant garden, full of unfamiliar flowers and plants. In the distance, among the vegetation, he recognized the person. Although he couldn't remember exactly from where, something about their presence seemed familiar. His instinct told him to be alert, but curiosity got the better of him. He cleared his throat and, his voice still raspy, asked:

—"How long have I been unconscious?"—