𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐞𝐥𝐚; percy jackson

𝟏𝟑 | unexpected regrets

Meara felt the urge to explain why she hadn't chosen her friends—Luke, Aire and Isla—to go on the quest with her instead. Luckily, none of them were mad at her.

The four of the campers who were chosen to go on the guest had been told that they needed to be at the hill in an hour, so after Meara explained her decision and said her goodbyes, she rushed to her cabin to pack some last-minute items.

It all felt so rushed; they really needed to get going on that quest.

As she stuffed her vintage-looking olive green canvas bag—complete with a long shoulder strap and two large buckles on the front—with things she considered essential for the quest, Luke came through the front door.

"Hey, M, packing already?" He announced, making sure she knew of his presence.

"Chiron told us we need to be at the hill in an hour from our last talk, so I have about twenty minutes left," she replied, keeping her hands busy with packing.

"Oh, I see. Well, good luck on the quest," he nodded.

"What did you need? I came to say goodbye earlier today, so this must be something more than just a wish for good luck," she lifted her eyes to meet his.

"Uh, I gave Percy these shoes; just make sure that you don't wear them," he said, sounding casual.

"Shoes?" Meara searched her mind. "Like, the 'Maia' ones?"

"Yeah, don't wear them," he repeated.

"Why? They're cool," she furrowed her brows.

"They... I feel like Zeus wouldn't like you wearing them since they give you the ability to fly, when you can develop that ability yourself," he explained.

"Oh, okay," she nodded. "Thanks for looking out for me." She smiled at him before closing her bag and leaving for the hill.

•

Meara found herself standing by Thalia's tree with Annabeth, waiting for Percy and Grover as Annabeth shared even more facts about her half-sister. She wasn't acting as distant as before, but Meara guessed that was mainly because the topic was Thalia.

Minutes later, they spotted Percy and Grover standing about ten meters away, deep in conversation, so they moved closer.

They were holding a box containing the shoes inside of it.

"The most powerful being in the universe's best idea to save his daughter's life...was turning her into a tree?" Percy squinted his eyes.

"I wouldn't want that one to be my father," he added when he noticed the two walking closer.

Meara fidgeted with her fingers to calm herself down and prevent her from lashing out unnecessarily.

"I'm not in the mood for messing around today; knock it off," Meara shook her head.

"She was the bravest demigod I ever knew. She fought valiantly and met a hero's fate," Annabeth defended Thalia.

Meara gave her a warm look, her eyes softening slightly before they turned back to the two boys.

"She met a pinecone's fate," Percy replied sassily, his gaze lingering on Meara.

She stopped fidgeting. The clouds started moving abnormally fast in the blue sky.

"What fate did your mother meet?" Meara lowered her voice, surprised by her own words. She widened her eyes slightly, unusual for her, given her ability to hide emotions.

The clouds went to their usual pace.

She recognized the instant regret flooding her system the moment her voice had pierced through the tension, but it was too late. She had crossed a line.