νεκρός || Annabeth Chase x Fem!OC

Vol. 2-27: We flock

ANNABETH

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It wasn't easy saying our good-byes. The thunder and lightning were still boiling over Mount Tamalpais in the north. Artemis was so upset she flickered with silver light. This made me nervous, because if she suddenly lost control and appeared in her fully divine form, we would disintegrate by looking at her.

"I must go to Olympus immediately," Artemis said. "I will not be able to take you, but I will send help."

The goddess set her hand on my shoulder, and I tried to ignore how nervous it made me, despite her appearing to be twelve and much smaller than me. "You are brave beyond measure, my girl. You will do what is right."

Then she looked quizzically at Thalia, as if she weren't sure what to make of this younger daughter of Zeus. Thalia seemed reluctant to look up, but something made her, and she held the goddess's eyes. I wasn't sure what passed between them, but Artemis's gaze softened with sympathy. Then she turned to Percy.

"You did well," she said. "For a man."

Percy looked like he wanted to protest, but he hesitated. His eyes took on a sly twinkle, almost like he was proud.

Artemis mounted her chariot, which began to glow. We averted our eyes. There was a flash of silver, and the goddess was gone. And it wasn't until she left that I realized she'd ignored Tempest.

I glanced next to me, where Tempest was standing. I touched her arm, just to make sure she was real again. The terror I felt when she was... well, was a ghost... it was absolutely incomparable.

She jolted slightly, looking down at me with her narrow red eyes. She wouldn't stop staring, and I slowly removed my hand from her arm, realizing it made her uncomfortable. I tried to ignore the burn of my cheeks.

"Well," Dad sighed. "She was impressive; though I must say I still prefer Athena."

I turned toward him, hardly able to see the person I once thought he was. "Dad, I... I'm sorry that-"

"Shh." He hugged me. My entire body felt frozen, like this wasn't right. "Do what you must, my dear. I know this isn't easy for you." His voice was a little shaky, but he gave me a brave smile as he pulled away.

Staring at him, I felt stupid for all those years I spent hating him. I thought about how he screamed for everyone to stay away from me as he shot down hordes of monsters. And he's just a regular mortal man. Such bravery from a man I once felt disgusted and ashamed to be related to. Now, I wanted his damn face on a t-shirt and to scream, This is my dad! The thought was so stupid, I started laughing softly.

Then I heard the whoosh of large wings. Three pegasi descended through the fog: two white winged horses and one pure black one.

"Blackjack!" Percy called, and he engaged in a conversation with his pegasus.

I turned to Tempest. "I still can't believe you took on the sky."

"Pssh," she said, waving her hand as though it weren't a big deal. "Nothing like you."

"Nothing like me? You were great!"