Dealing with Drama

Prologue: Part 2

AN: Just to clear up all your doubts, I haven't read ToA. There will be no major spoilers in the book, I've just set the time.

Time: A year after Orion's Massacre

Percy plopped down on the log beside Artemis, snaking his hand around her shoulders, and held her close to his chest. The auburn-haired goddess sighed softly, leaning into his chest, in her eighteen-year-old body.

On his other side, Thalia snuggled into him, hugging his arm tightly.

Annabeth sat at his feet, resting her back against the log, and draping his legs around her petite frame.

Percy whined playfully about being trapped, but was promptly ignored.

Artemis was listless, reflecting the mood of her Hunters. Her auburn hair had assumed a silver tint in the dull moonlight, making her look like the goddess she was. Her eyes stared into the dancing flames of the campfire, reflecting the orange light in her silver irises. She had a sad, depressed air about her, and had the beginning of bags under her eyes. Her hair was slightly knotted, and her uniform was not as impeccable as it usually was. The bright silver had turned dull, the silver dagger she used to roast marshmallows was not as sharp as before.

Thalia was dressed in her usual goth style, her flowing, silky black hair cascading down in a soft waterfall down her back. Her eyes were closed as she basked in Percy's warmth, her soft pink lips parted as she let out soft breaths, almost on the brink of falling asleep. She was wearing a silver-studded black leather jacket, combat boots, and ripped black jeans that allowed Percy to catch a glimpse of the smooth pale skin of her toned legs. An elegant black choker sat snugly around her neck, and did not seem to bother the girl in the slightest as she dozed.

Annabeth was dressed plainly in a standard-issue Camp Half-Blood t-shirt and shorts. Her luscious blonde hair was tied back in a ponytail as she absentmindedly played with her necklace of Camp beads. She stared into the flickering fire, for once not being able to pay attention to the book that lay open in her lap, apparently forgotten. Percy's bare legs were draped over her shoulders, his ankles resting on her soft thighs as she unconsciously massaged his bare feet slowly. Percy could not see her eyes, but he knew that her grey eyes were sharp and perceptive as always, providing him with an insight into her brilliant mind that processed stuff at superhuman speeds.

Artemis suddenly shifted, pulling his arm closer around her shoulders as she leaned closer to him, hiding her face in his broad, clothed chest. Percy could tell she was trying not to cry. Trying to be strong for them. For her Hunters.

His hand weaved through her soft hair, laying comfortingly on the back of her head, soothing her as he massaged her scalp. He applied slight pressure, encouraging her to let loose all her thoughts to him. He basked in the loving warmth the three girls exuded.

Annabeth hugged his legs closer to her body, shivering slightly from the cold, despite the fire that was barely feet away from where she was sprawled.

The sky was dark, the innumerable stars twinkling like always. The moon, a waxing crescent, glowed a dull yellow, which did not do much to illuminate the dark forest around them. The forest was alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, all the unknown critters making chirping noises. An owl flitted through the branches overhead, emitting a soft hoot as it went. The wind rustled the leaves of the coniferous trees, making the looming pines whisper as they waved their leafy arms. A soft shower of dry leaves drifted down to the forest floor with a gentle rustle.