The Olympians Read The Books

Break #11

As we were walking out of the throne room, the Argo crew started talking.

"Should... should someone check on Nico?" Frank asked.

"Maybe in a little bit, but for now I think it's best if we give him some space. Besides, I'm sure Will is going to check on him," I said.

"They've gotten awfully close recently, haven't they?" Hazel asked.

"They have," Jason said.

"Will's a good guy, and honestly Nico deserves some happiness," I said, with everyone else making noise of agreement.

After that, we decided to part ways. Annabeth and I walked to our clearing and sat down in silence.

"Hey," she said, breaking me out of my thoughts.

"Hey yourself," I said.

"What you thinking about?" 

"Bianca."

"Go on," Annabeth said, with a wave of her hand.

I sighed, "I would never say this in front of Nico, but reading these books I realize that Bianca marks the first death in the lead up to the Titan War and... I feel responsible."

"What makes you feel responsible?"

"I promised Nico I would protect Bianca!"

"I recall you promising to try your best."

"I didn't even do that."

"Yes, you did. You tried to talk her out of going up there."

"And yet, she still did."

"Nico doesn't blame you, you know that right?"

"He did."

"Well, he doesn't now."

"Sure," I scoffed

She sighed and kissed my cheek, "I know I won't be able to convince you, but talk to Nico. I think it would do you both some good."

"Maybe."

"On a lighter note, what do you think about Aphrodite claiming we're true love?"

"I have mixed thoughts."

"How so?"

"If we're talking fairy tale 'true love', like true love's kiss and all that, then I've never believed in that. However, with all the other things we encounter on a daily basis, I wouldn't be surprised if it did exist and with everything we've gone through... it's nice to think about."

"It is nice, isn't it?"

"Definitely, and let's be honest, most couples' relationships would be rocky at best after everything we've gone through. Especially... the pit."

"And the whole getting kidnapped thing."

"Is it bad that I'm actually kind of excited for my parents' reactions to Hera's so called plan?"

"Not at all. Hera deserves facing their wrath."

We fell into a comfortable silence for a while, before I decided to ask something that's been in the back of my mind.

"Were you actually going to join the Hunt?"

"I had entertained the idea for a while."

"How come?"

She sighed, "With my history with my dad and then Luke... I was scared of being abandoned again and... The Hunt was the only solution I saw."

"What changed your mind?"