The Adventures of Thalia and Reyna: A Hunters of Artemis Tale

Chapter 13

Oh my gosh it's been sooooo long since I posted a chapter.  I really wanted to take some time to figure out exactly how I wanted the plot to go as this book goes on.  To make up for it, this chapter is super long and has tons of cameos from our dearest Camp Half-Blood friends.  Stay awesome you guys.  

Reyna's POV

Leaving the hunt behind was hard for both Thalia and Zoe.  Thalia kept looking back over her shoulder, like the girls would all be wiped out if she wasn't watching over them.  Zoe never left Artemis’s side until they had to go.  Now, Zoe walked behind Thalia and Reyna without speaking to them, her eyes to the ground.  

The three of them had gone through the Lansing portal and came out in a tree in Manhattan.  Thalia was leading them through the forest in front of Camp Half-Blood.  Reyna had figured the portal would come out of Thalia's pine tree on Half-Blood hill, but Thalia had explained that since the tree hadn't always been there, Artemis had placed it much earlier in a different tree in the forest outside of the camp border.  

Thalia looked tense as they approached Half-Blood hill, she hugged her arms to her chest.

"Are you alright, Thalia?"  Reyna put her hand on Thalia's shoulder and the two stopped walking.  

"Sorry, I just- the pine tree." Thalia shuddered.  "Bad memories, ya know?"  

Reyna nodded solemnly.  She had her own share of scary memories.  Reyna held her arm out to the Lieutenant.  

"Here, take my arm."  Reyna smiled.  "We'll go together."  

Thalia's eyes shined with gratitude.  She looped her arm through Reyna's.  "Together.  Thanks Rey."

Reyna's greyhounds bounded up the hill excitedly to greet Peleus, the dragon who guards the tree and the Golden Fleece.  As they hiked up the hill, Reyna couldn't help but feel excited.  

It's been quite a while since she's seen her Greek friends and she missed them more than she thought.  She and Nico Di-Angelo had been through a lot together, and Reyna had also fought alongside Percy Jackson.  Annabeth Chase had been the one that had called them here.  Reyna could tell that Thalia cared deeply for her.  When Reyna first met Annabeth, she saw much of herself in her, and decided she could trust her.  After the war, the daughter of Athena had earned Reyna's deepest respect, which was pretty hard to earn if you ask her.  

As they finally reached the top of the hill, Reyna felt Thalia shudder as she clutched her arm tighter.  Reyna tugged Thalia along before her nerves caused her to spark lightning.  

"Thalia!"  A voice shouted as they descended down the hill.  

Annabeth ran toward them, her blonde curls flying and her arms wide open.  Thalia visibly perked up and left Reyna's side.  She ran to Annabeth and the two girls warmly embraced.  Reyna ran ahead to join them, Zoe trailing behind.  

Annabeth squeezed Thalia tightly.  "I missed you so much." She said,  "I wish you'd visit more often."

"I missed you too, Wisegirl."  Thalia squeezed her back.  "I'm sorry my visit isn't for more pleasant circumstances."

"Oh my gods, Reyna!"  Annabeth let go of Thalia and threw her arms around Reyna.  Reyna stiffened for a moment, but then hugged right back.  "Look at you!  You really are a hunter now.  Frank Iris messaged me about it of course, now that the communications are working again, but wow, you've got the get-up and everything!"

Reyna broke the hug.  "Ya, it's really cool so far." She said,  "How have you been, Annabeth?"  Reyna studied her friend's appearance.  Annabeth wore blue jeans and her usual orange Camp T-shirt and beaded necklace.  Her curly hair was in a ponytail with a small, dark gray bandana tied in.  She had dark circles under her eyes and her face was lined with worry.