Lieutenant

Chapter 23

It was inevitable, Zoë supposed, that she would eventually stumble upon the daughter of Zeus yet again. What she hadn't expected was a son of Poseidon, along with another two demigods and a satyr.

There had been the blonde, Annabeth, who'd fallen from the cliffside. Zoë felt a bit of guilt at that despite the fact it wasn't her fault nor anyone else's. The girl was brave, willingly tackled a manticore. Zoë would have liked to see how much she'd grown compared to the energetic seven-year-old she'd once been.

Still, her attention was drawn back to the other group. It was nearly a severe case of deja vu. Thalia was accompanied by a heroic young boy, an impulsive boy, mind you, and small children. The only difference was the satyr.

There were a million different things slamming around in her head at once but she heard Artemis' call to set up camp. Zoë figured she could use the distraction and busy herself.

Thalia on the other hand couldn't believe her luck. The hunters of all people were the ones to rescue them. Wonderful absolutely wonderful. She remembered quite clearly their first encounter and wanted nothing to do with them at all. Sadly it wasn't much of an option. Not with Percy being so distraught.

Of course, Thalia was angry, upset, Annabeth was her sister in every way possible. Still, she had to keep composure both for herself and everyone else. That didn't stop her from brooding the rest of the night spent in the damned camp.

Thalia also knew that her contempt was shared, by one specific Zoë Nightshade, who was practically radiating a visible aura of distaste. Only when the hunters hadn't succeeded before they did now, and Bianca Di Angelo had stupidly chosen to be one of them.

This Thalia couldn't wrap her head around. If she'd had her little brother Jason, she would never ever abandon him for some stupid immortality. That's exactly what Bianca was doing and Thalia hated it. Bianca was lucky she even had her little brother still with her.

So Thalia let the others do as they pleased, she was content sitting by a fire smoldering on the inside. They could eat and have fun and eventually go to bed but she would be staying up thank you very much.

Zoë didn't bother talking to Thalia or trying to convince the girl to sleep. She had heard snippets of the talk Bianca, and the boy Percy, had with Artemis. It didn't bode well, it worried her.

"My Lady?" Zoë called pausing outside the goddess' tent. Aware that formalities needed to be kept at the moment.

"I was wondering when you'd show up." Artemis mused stepping outside for a brief moment.

"May we talk?" Zoë questioned. Artemis nodded and allowed Zoë to step inside first. At first she wasn't sure how to approach the topic, Zoë didn't even know much about the situation only she didn't have to speak first.

"You are worried," Artemis noted with a frown.

"I caught wind of this danger you spoke of. What thee boy spoke of. You plan on tackling it thyself?" It wasn't so much a question as it was a statement, albeit a hesitant one.

Artemis sighed her eyes flickering around the interior of the tent. "Yes."

"Why?" Zoë questioned turning to face the goddess.

"It is something I must do alone before the solstice. It is a great and dangerous power. I don't wish you to get involved if it is what I suspect." Artemis' expression turned grim.

"What? What is it that calls thee away? If it is so dangerous perhaps thee should remain here." Zoë fidgeted with her hands.

"If I told you..."Artemis shook her head. "Trust me please."