Horizon's Point: The Rise of the Lyre (Jason Grace)

Chapter 20: Boyfriend

The exhilaration of fighting over came all other senses, it was amazing, all coming to an abrupt end when I realised just how drained I was. The clashing of my sword against spears, the feeling of slicing my way through their ranks like I had been fighting all my life, it just came so naturally and I loved that.

When there were no more Ichthyocentaurs left and we could hear the sound of the rest of them approaching, Percy and I decided in a split-second to shoot up, willing the sea to help us and within a few minutes, we were above, greeted by the pegasi who generously helped us out of the water.

I immediately slumped forwards and clutched my leg where I had been stabbed, it was poisoned no doubt because there was green spiderweb design creeping around the wound at an alarming rate.

"Percy! Abi!" Jason called, swooping over on Tempest who didn't sound pleased with having to carry two demigods. "Thank the Gods you're alright."

"Alright is pushing it." Percy grimaced at my leg and I hurried to sir up straight again causing a great deal of pain, so I slumped back down.

"I'll be fine." I lied, "Just need to see Will."

"Pup, you are poisoned, you can't pretend that- "

"Alright Mr Optimism!" I exclaimed, "Let's just get back."

˜"*°•.˜"*°.•°*"˜.•°*"˜

The moment we got off of our rides, we were bombarded by Hunters and a few Campers. Will took one look at my leg and declared that I needed to go to the infirmary, I didn't complain and let him take me there. However, just before I was in the Apollo Cabin, I caught Piper's eye and asked her a silent question that I hope she received.

Over the course of healing, I had three visitors, the first being Piper.

"Hey," She started, walking over to my bed and sitting down on the side of it "I know what you're feeling; absolutely thrilled about completing your first quest successfully but super confused by your emotions for Jason." Gods, she's good.

Nodding slowly, I admitted to it, "Yeah, but I don't know how to feel."

She gave me a kind, warm smile and I was suddenly so grateful to have her as a friend, "Do you know how he feels?"

"Yeah, he said that he likes me before we went to Poseidon's Kingdom..."

"So, you won't ruin your friendship. When he's around you, do you feel safe, happy and complete? Do you ever feel like you need him?"

Before I could answer, Artemis strode through the door. Piper gave her a small nod and left the infirmary. Artemis took her seat and pushed the hair out of my face in a motherly gesture.

"I understand that you do not want to commit to maidenhood," she began softly "But I marvel at your skill, so I have a different offer. Allow me to become your Guardian."

"What do you mean?" I was utterly confused and amazed. Did she want to become my guardian like Hecate is to Hazel?

"You will be under my protection and I will care for you like a Hunter, I will give you the skill in tracking and archery only if you accept in becoming my apprentice."

This couldn't be real, become an apprentice of Artemis, that sounded absolutely amazing. "Yes," I breathed out "Yes, I would love to!"

The Goddess beamed and embraced me, it felt amazing, "Welcome to the hunt, Abigail Ambrosia, daughter of Poseidon, favour of Artemis."

Favour of Artemis, was that really my full title now? I thought that it had to be a dream, although I was fully conscious, what an amazing thing to come home to. Will ushered her out and then was complaining to Nico about another knock on the door, the son of Hades told whoever was at the door to wait for a bit because I needed rest. I heard an argument; however, I fell asleep before I could see their face.

I awoke only a few hours later to the silent steps of my best friend. Will and Nico were nowhere to be seen; they must be dinner in the Pavilion.

"Hey, Jace." I managed without looking behind me, wow that was commitment to seeing me; he must have climbed through the window. Sitting upright, he didn't bother being quiet and plonked down beside me on the bed.

"How are you feeling?" He asked.

"Alright, can't feel any poison so that must be a good thing."

At that, he laughed, continuing the conversation with, "I saw Artemis come out here, what did you say to her offer?" There were defiantly nerves in his voice, he was worried that I had joined the Hunters and become an eternal maiden.

"Yeah, I accepted her second offer. I'm now her apprentice. So, basically a Hunter without the maidenhood and going around hunting with all of them." His face relaxed and broke into a wide grin,

"That's amazing!" He concluded, hugging me tightly.

"How are you and Thalia doing?" I wondered

"She's recovering really well and I would like an answer, please."

I didn't need further prompting. Leaning in, I kissed him right there on the lips, this time it wasn't a fleeting I'm glad you didn't die, idiot kiss, it was one filled with love and the feelings that I had been in denial about for a while. It felt like all the lights had turned on and I never wanted to return to darkness again. When I pulled away, I whispered him one simple question:

"How was that for an answer?"

He rested his hand on my cheek and rubbed his thumb along the bone, staring deep into my eyes. I was certain that I wore the same ecstatic expression on my face as him.

"It was perfect." And he kissed me again. However, this one was cut short by Percy and Annabeth running into the Apollo cabin and gasping at us. We quickly pulled away and sheepishly looked at the couple.

"For how long- " My brother started, but Annabeth cut him short by exclaiming "Congratulations! Thalia!"

I laughed out loud as the same girl that we had saved from that vile prison walked into the room with ease and a smile on her face. She was in hunting clothes and a lot of colour had returned to her face, she also didn't look nearly as thin which I was glad about.

"Has my baby brother got a girlfriend?" She asked Jason mockingly with good nature. He flushed a scarlet red and nodded before saying, "Why do we need an audience? Go back to your lives!" Causing me to laugh even harder.

The girls respectfully left, but Percy stayed behind and glared at Jason, "I f you dare hurt my little sister, I swear to all the Gods Grace-"

"Ok, noted. Wasn't planning on it." He replied hastily and Percy left with a small smirk.

"What do you bet that Leo would have found out by the time you help me over to the campfire?" I questioned, holding his hand and doing my verry best to stand, but needed a lot of support.

"I reckon that it'll be the whole camp once Leo knows." He snaked one arm around my waist as I rested mine on his shoulders. Together, we walked out of the infirmary and to the campfire.

We found a spot with ease; Leo was next to Jason and Piper beside me. She nudged my elbow and glanced at Jason, I got the silent question and nodded causing her to break out into a wide grin. "You two look so cute together. My whole cabin -except for Drew- loves you guys as a couple." She whispered as Chiron started giving a speech on how successful our quest was.

"Should I be scared?" I replied making the daughter of Aphrodite laugh, then we turned our attention to Chiron.

"However, the prophecy has not been complete, Rachel?" The old centaur looked to a girl with many freckles and messy, red hair.

"Yes," She agreed, standing "I believe that it was another one of the big prophecies, we do not know when- " Green smoke started to role from her mouth and I stared in horror as a raspy, old lady's voice took over and recited a prophecy:

"The hammer and tridents must do the deed,

Sever the neck, child of Amazon must lead.

Bellona's child, owl and son lightening shall free,

Free the Gods, travel as one, perform in three."

Jason and I exchanged a nervous glance as Rachel wavered and fell forward, being caught by a few campers. There was more? He squeezed my hand comfortingly.

"Whatever happens," He looked at Leo, "We go through it together."