Unlikely Heroes

Chapter 56: Meeting The Family

Suggested by itspamebitches
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Thalia, Annabeth and I sit at the Lake. It had been roughly a day since Thalia came back to the land of the living. When she came back, she was still exhausted and dazed. Who wouldn't be? We waited till the next day to talk with her and to give Chiron the chance to look her over. But she was as healthy as could be. We went to the lake as it was one of the calmest part of the camp to talk about everything that happened.

"Hades. Daughter of Hades. I feel stupid for not thinking of that when I felt those bad vibes of yours," Thalia says as we sit near the water. "It is not the only Goddess that has such a "bad vibe". But given the pact, it was also not the first option you would think about."

"I think we should also let you know what is happening in the Godly world today. The Titans are stirring once again. They prepare for war. I am not sure about the specifics, but the Gods are divided. Those that fought for the Gods are not eager to fight them again. There are also those that are not happy with how things are under the rule of Zeus and the other Olympians. Hecate was one of them for a period, and many have declared neutrality, I assume," Annabeth explains.

Thalia sighs deeply. "At least, Luke will have his opportunity to prove himself. I remember he was constantly looking for a way to prove himself to his father. Where is he, by the way? I expected him to be here," Thalia asks as he looks at us both. I shared a saddened glance with Annabeth. She looks troubled too as she thinks about Luke. He was close to us, and still is.

"He- He is fighting for Kronos," I answer softly. "That goddamn idiot! How could he betray us?! Luke was always an imbecile when it came to thinking things through, but this takes the cake," she spits out.

"He said he had it with the tyranny of the Gods and their unjust rule. That you demigods are used for errands and games. I have to agree with the sentiment, and many other Demigods do too. However, I do not agree that Kronos will be better. I think it will only be much worse," I say to her in response. "You're a half-blood too, Aileen. Don't forget yourself," Thalia says with a sigh as she lets Luke's betrayal sink in.

"Actually, she is not. In roughly two years, she will be a Goddess," Annabeth corrects. "What else have I missed?! Is Aphrodite suddenly being faithful to her husband?" Thalia says as she falls on her back, looking towards the blue, white sky.

"Not that I know of..." I say with a chuckle. "I slept for... how many years? Three? I think I need some time to figure things out again..." she says as a hand runs over her face.

"Understandable..." I say and look to the approaching Grover. Thalia smiles as she sees him approaching. "Goat Boy! You really age differently. You barely changed over the years!"

"Thalia... I- I hope you can forgive me," he says. "Is there something I do not know of again?" She asks confused.

"I am talking about the moment you... almost died. It's my fault that I could not lead the way properly. I failed you that day," Grover says softly. "Grover, we talked about this. It is not your fault," Annabeth says.

"Wise Girl is right. I made the choice. It was me that decided to buy time for you. Your conscience is clean," Thalia says while sending him a smile. "But I..."

"No, Grover. You did nothing wrong. It was not you that lost the way. Believe my words, Grover. You did nothing, nothing, wrong. Now, do not make me repeat myself," she says firmly.

A deep exhale came from Grover as he looks more at peace. It makes me smile softly. I think he has waited a long time to hear the words from Thalia herself. He never really believed the words from me or Annabeth. Even Percy couldn't convince him, and they have an empathy bond.