Percabeth at Goode [PJO]

Chapter 34

Annabeth POV:

I saw Thalia look over anxiously at the hunters. I knew that she'd left them, but still cared for Artemis.

After all, she was Artemis' second in command, her top hunter, and the rest of the hunters followed her lead.

As she walked into the group of nervous hunters, they all stared at her.

I wasn't sure whether it was disbelief of disapproval.

A pretty girl with dark skin and curly hair stood up to greet her. It could be Naledi, whom Thalia had told me a lot about, as it seemed that they were good friends.

I twisted my necklace between my fingers. Percy had given it to me for my birthday a few years ago. It was a silver chain with an Ethiopian Opal stone enclosed in a silver casing which hung loosely in the middle.

It was largely an excuse to take me swimming, as Ethiopian Opal absorbs water and turns clear, which I always thought was pretty cool.

A pair of arms snaked around my waist and a kiss was planted on my forehead.

"Hey Percy," I said.

"Hey Wise Girl," he replied, taking a seat next to me on a log.

He had a concerned expression on his face.

"What is it? What's bugging you?" I asked.

"Nothing really, just— where's Nico?"

Nico POV:

I checked my bag again. Must have been the fourth time, but I couldn't be too careful. I looked down at the cloth covered object.

Still there. Okay.

I squeezed my eyes shut and raised my hands upwards so they were above my head.

I focused on Camp Jupiter and once I had a clear enough image in my head, prepared to thrust my arms downwards.

I counted out loud.

"One...Two..." I could feel shadows collecting at my palms, ready to be bent to my will, "three!"

I thrust my arms downwards and was swallowed by the darkness.

I felt solid ground as my knees crumbled and I was forced downwards.

"Is that...Nico!" A voice said.

I squinted at the sun, as my eyes adjusted to the light.

"Nico! It's so good to see you!" A pair of arms embraced me.

"It's good to see you too Hazel," I replied.

"Did you shadow travel here?" She asked in disbelief.

I didn't have a chance to answer, as the horizon darkened and my head got heavy, I fainted.

Thalia POV:

"Naledi, can I talk to you?" I asked.

"Sure," she said, standing up and walking me over to a quieter spot.

I could see that she was down, her head was lower than usual and there was a certain vacant look about her eyes.

"So, how's the hunt been?" I asked awkwardly.

"It was okay before Artemis disappeared. She made me her second in command."

I smiled. "You deserve it, you've always been—"

"Thalia, cut the crap please. We've been friends long enough for me to know when you're stalling. What is it you really want to know?" She asked softly.

I hung my head. "How— how do you balance your hunt life with your love life? How do you avoid the temptation?" I asked desperately.

She smiled sadly.

"I am afraid I cannot help you much with this," she said.

"What? Why?" I asked.

"I am Ace," she replied with a smile.

"Pardon?" I asked, thoroughly confused.

She took a breath.

"I am Aromantic and Asexual, I do not feel the need for a romantic or sexual partner of any sort," she said gently.

"Ah," I replied, embarrassed that I didn't know what she'd meant.

"But, if I weren't so inclined, I would say to you to focus on what you can achieve as a hunter, and while you should listen to your heart, also listen to your mind. You have a sharp wit Thalia, and you always know the right thing to do," she said.

I smiled.

I knew exactly what to do.

I stood up.

"Naledi, as you are currently the leader of the hunt, I offer to you my assistance in finding Artemis, if you will accept it."

A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she stood up.

"Thalia, I accept."