Thalia's Loss

Chapter 2

Grover banged on the boulder. "Percy!" He shouted. "Annabeth!" Because Annabeth couldn't be dead. There was no way, because she was Annabeth, she was invincible. She made it through tartarus, for crying out loud. And there was no way Percy would let anything happen to her.

And yet, through the empathy link, Grover knew what had happened. And he was stuck outside, with no way to help Percy and no way of really knowing what was happening. Unless... "Percy!" He yelled again, "Hang in there! I'll go get help! Try to stay calm!" He knew there was no possible way for Percy to remain calm, but it felt like something he should say. Grabbing the bolt that had landed outside, he used one of the pearls Poseidon had given them to go back to Camp Half-Blood.

~

Percy sat there, with Annabeth's body in his arms. He could vaguely hear Grover's voice outside, but couldn't process what he was saying. The only thing he could think about was the fear he saw in Annabeth's eyes as the spear killed her. He couldn't stop repeating the same words; "I'm sorry, Annabeth. I'm so sorry..." The laughter had stopped, but now there were footsteps. Slow, deliberate, footsteps. He turned around.

"Nyx." He said, eyes narrowing. "Perseus Jackson. What an honour." Her voice was lined with sarcasm, and the shadows seemed to be edging closer. "You did this. You stole the bolt. You killed her." He whispered, fury overriding any sensible thought he had. "I did, although I must say, the girl's death was not intentional. That was the fault of my minion's terrible aim." She glared at the shadows to her right. "The spear was supposed to be for your satyr friend. I couldn't have him getting away and telling anyone about this. Alas, my plan will continue. You've got in the way of the plans of my monsters quite enough times already, Perseus." Percy had carefully placed Annabeths body on the stone ground as she talked. Then, sword in hand, he lunged at the goddess.

~

Nico was there when Grover appeared at the door of the Big House. He'd felt it when someone died. He hadn't known who at the time, but needless to say, the feeling was enough for him to go tell Chiron and Mr. D. Just as he was explaining what happened, Grover appeared, literally out of no where. All of that combined was enough for Chiron to get everyone inside.

~

Thalia knew something was wrong. She didn't know how, but she just did. Which is why she convinced Artemis to allow the hunters to visit Camp Half-blood. That's where she learned that Annabeth, Percy and Grover had gone on a quest. No surprises there, the surprise came when she heard that they went to find her dads lightning bolt. Why hadn't she been sent? It would make more sense, wouldn't it? She'd be the best demigod to handle the bolt, wasn't she?

So, of course, Thalia and Artemis went to the Big House to talk to Chiron and Dionysus. The door was already open. "The cave was closing..." Grover's voice came from a room off to the side, he seemed... panicked. Terrified, even. Thalia stood in the doorway, Artemis by her side. Chiron, Dionysus, and Nico were facing Grover as he hurriedly told his story.

"I got out and turned around to make sure the others were there. There was a spear. It hit Annabeth, and Percy threw the bolt out so he could catch her. I tried to go back in but the entrance closed up. I came back here to get help."

"What?" Thalia almost shouted. All four of them jumped and turned to look at her. "Thalia, Artemis-" Chiron started to speak. "What do you mean, 'It hit Annabeth'? Is she okay? Where are they? Are they still in the cave? Are they alive?" Thalia spoke quickly, panic driving her words. Grover looked like he was about to say he didn't know, but Nico was the first one to speak. "No." Everyone stared at him. "I felt it. I felt her die." He looked at the ground as he said it. "Percy would be alive, if Grover is. Their empathy link..." He trailed off. Tears pricked Thalia's eyes. Annabeth was gone.

~

Percy swiped his sword at the goddess. She dodged, laughing once again. That's when something hit his back. He stumbled forward as a giant black wolf snarled, it's huge fangs dripping with Hestia-knows-what. Three more appeared from the shadows. "As fun as this was, I have business to attend to. Goodbye, Perseus Jackson. Pity about the girl, truly, she could have been a valuable addition to my army." And then, from all four directions at once, the wolves pounced. Percy fell beside Annabeth, hands just an inch apart.

~

Thalia watched Grover's eyes glass over, and then go dull, and then lifeless. Thalia watched as he collapsed. She listened as Nico called for Will. She stared as Will rushed in. And she felt, as Will shook his head sadly, a single tear fall down her face. She turned and walked out. Annabeth. Percy. Grover. She thought back to everyone she'd lost, and found the gods at fault every time. Artemis followed her. "Thalia." She said. "I'm going to Olympus." Thalia said, not looking up. "I know. I'm coming with you."