After explaining to the young guard that there is a security measure for a monster attack, I sent the troops to handle it. A sea serpent was spotted coasting around the ship. Nothing we couldn't handle. I went to the top deck as I tightened my armor when the head of the beast sprung up and went for a bite. I yelled for my troops to fight and my men used our history and strategy to secure the grappling hooks to the horns, send the swordsmen over and behead the thing. I would never say monster slaying was easy or fun, but sea life wasn't easy, and we had to learn fast.
After the short scuffle I headed to the basement, these attacks were getting more common as Tommy got weaker. I passed by an officer and grabbed his arm.
"I need you to tell Officer Dylin that his duties on my personal detail are no longer required and he's being transferred to guarding Tommy." I said holding back the pain of this decision. I needed to focus on this. I needed to finish my destiny, then I can focus on him. He was just a distraction…
When we finally arrived on the New York Dock, I looked back at Carter as he stood in my room with me.
"What if they hate us? What if they want us to stay at camp? What if I screw this up for us all?" I asked quickly, looking in my closet for appropriate wear to save my people.
"Sapph breathe. If Clara's intel is good, which it always is, then we're good. All you have to do is have some faith. Dad knew what he was doing when he put you in charge, and you've done so well." He said pulling out a dress from the back in a plastic wrap.
"What's this one?" I asked, opening the plastic.
"A gift Dylin and I for being amazing." He said. I opened it to see the beautiful yellow dress with bronze inlay. I hugged him. "You know what would go great with that dress?" He asked pulling out a hair piece from my jewelery box. It was the clip Dylin had gotten me for our first year here. I hugged Carter again.
"You're the best." i said. I shooed him out and changed, braiding my hair and clipping the clip at the bottom of the braid. I came out and Carter was waiting for me full doned in his armor and helmet. I walked out with him and down the ship. I saw Clara waiting on the dock and I ran and hugged her.
"I've missed you so much!" I said hugging her. "We have so much to talk about." I said looking back at the ship sailing out and disappearing in the cloaking spell. I looked at Carter, but instead of Carter, was Dylin in Carter's armor.
"Officer Moon!" I said embarrassed.
"We can talk about this later, I just needed to be here… my mom told me." He said.
"Alright." I said giving in.
"Did you guys, you know…" Clara asked making an obscene gesture. We both blushed.
"No!" I said. Clara pulled up the Camp Van and we got in.
"You look beautiful Sapph…" He said softly, holding my hand. I couldn't stop thinking about our almost night of passion. I pulled away. When we arrived, I gave a quick prayer to my father, her Officer Moon and Clara followed suit.
Chiron met us at the entrance and shook my hand.
"Sapphire Bright i assume? My mother has caught me up on your endeavor. It is incredible that you and your crew has survived so long."
"We learned quick to avoid the sea of monsters. Lord Astraeus would brighten the path for his sons to direct the ship to find our brethren." Sapphire said.
"There is no need to be so stoic my dear. How many children do you carry on your ship?" Chiron asked.
"I'd rather not say. But are you willing to help us?" I said, keeping my eyes on the demigod behind him.
"I'd rather you be more open with us child." He said.
"I am no child. Will you help us?" I said sternly. A demigod ran up to him.
"The ship's gone." He whispered to him.
"Where is the trust? Where is your ship?" He asked. You'll stay away from my ship.
"Seturians. Arrest these three." Chiron said. THe three guards came at us as I tore my necklace free and engaged my Chakram as Officer Moon pulled his Tower Shield from his.
"Sapphire, you need to get back to the ship! Protect what you've built. We can handle these guys." Clara said, electrocuting one of the guards as six more guards approached.
"Dylin…" I started as he threw someone back with his shield.
"Go Sapphire. We'll meet again soon. I promise." He said kissing me before shoving me away. I made a hard dash to one of the cars and drove to the dock. I grabbed the whistle from my pocket and blew it as the cars of Camp parked. I saw the ship in the water, approaching not fast enough. I tore off the dress, pushing the hair clip into my bra and diving into the water. I swam as fast as I could. The guards threw me a rope as the archers kept my assailants off me. I climbed up and Carter was on the docks.
"Where's Dylin?" He asked as I gasped for air.
"Attack…