PERI'S POV

I woke with a jolt, shooting upright in bed. My face was beaded in a cold sweat, and my head was throbbing. Chest heaving with shallow breaths, I looked around myself wildly trying to identify my surroundings. My heart pounded relentlessly, hands clenching and unclenching periodically.

I've been waking up like this a lot lately. That's that demigod lifestyle for ya, I guess.

Gulping thickly, I realized that I was in my room. The beginnings of dawn peeked in through the round window like a timid child. The ever-so-faint pink light shied away from me, not even illuminating the small cabin room. I sighed and swiped at my face. Even though I was underneath the thick blankets, my body felt extremely cold. My mind drifted back to my dream.

I bit my lip. It was more than just a dream, and I knew that. Gaea said that we would all perish. I squeezed my eyes shut. There was no way in Hades I was letting that happen. I will protect my friends to the very end.

I rose from the plush bed, knowing full well that I wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. Part of me wanted to sink down and be dreary and depressed today, but it just wasn't in my nature. Feeling down was exactly what Gaea wanted, and I refused to give her the satisfaction of destroying my spirit. Moments like these only meant I had to be stronger.

Not just for myself, but for everyone.

With newfound purpose and stride, I went for the mountain of clothes Piper had thrust upon me. I hadn't the heart to tell her I didn't want all of this, but I suppose I shouldn't look a gift unicorn in the mouth. Or however that saying goes.

I took my time rifling through the expensive garments before settling upon something that would really spite the Earth Mother herself. She wanted me to be lack-luster? Then I would shine today - even more than usual I mean.

I settled upon a black sleeveless blouse with a studded collar and a pair of studded red distressed shorts over black floral lace tights. Studded combat boots completed the outfit, and I hoped to stomp out some monster guts with them.

[polyvore]

I stared at myself in the mirror with a serious face. "You better kick some ass today, Peri."

My reflection smirked and nodded. "Don't mind if I do."

And with those inspiring words, I was out the door.

~~~~~~

Figuring that I was the only one up at this hour, I was sure to be extra quiet. Sneaking around like a ninja, I silently crept up onto the deck. I watched transfixed as clouds whizzed by in the now baby blue sky.

I wondered what our location was now and decided to ask Festus. I headed towards the helm and controls, but stopped short.

Leo.

I saw his silhouette against the early morning sky and for a reason unbeknownst to me, my heart beat faster. He faced away from me, hands over the keyboard. His curly hair blew around in the gentle breeze, making him look perfect from any angle. I nearly lost it when he turned around and the light shined on him.

He was shirtless. Shirtless I tell you!

It's too early in the morning for my ovaries to explode.

Leo saw me, and I watched as he looked me up and down. He smirked. "Well don't you look snazzy today."

I felt my cheeks heating up, but I must've been coming down with a cold or something because there was no way I was blushing because of a little compliment like that. Absolutely no way.

I smiled through my muddled thoughts. "Well you know, gotta look my best for Gaea's giants, eh?"

Leo laughed and approached me. "I guess you're right."

I forced myself to keep my eyes on his face and not the extremely wonderful chest and abs just below that and-

Oh gods I'm drooling!

I cleared my throat and ran my fingers through my hair. "Uh, why're you up so early?"

He shrugged. "I couldn't sleep."

I nodded in understanding. "We've all got tons on our minds."

He sighed. "Yeah. Gaea and her damn giants. . . I just hope we all can make it to Rome in time. I know I said we could, but you really never know. Plus with all these issues and stuff we're dealing with and. ."

Oh my gosh. . nobody should be allowed to look that cute. I-I'm sweating just looking at his hotness. This is outrageous. Is there someone I can complain to, because his attractiveness is a distraction. Leo, are you retarded OR DO YOU REALIZE JUST HOW FINE YOU ARE?!

". . and the whole Hazel thing," Leo continued, "I wish I understood what she was talking abou-"

"Leo put a shirt on!" I blurted, most likely blushing madly.

Said boy jumped at my sudden outburst. "Wha-?"

"Y-you shouldn't be half-naked in the presence of a lady!" I spun on my heel and headed down the stairs. "Jesus, get some manners!"

". .You're so weird, Peri."

"Shirt! On!" I cried, escaping belowdecks.