The Gardener and the Idiot - A Tratie Fanfiction (ON HOLD UNTIL JUNE 20TH)

Chapter 22

Val's POV
As I dragged the unconscious boy back to camp, Chiron and Katie rushed towards me.

"Where'd you find him?" Katie's voice was thick with suspicion.

"I was searching for my lost lip gloss and just found him passed out next to a tree." I fibbed.

Chiron raised an eyebrow. "An Aphrodite child going into the woods at this hour? How unusual."

I tried to give him a smile. "I need my lip gloss, it's special edition you know!"

Chiron nodded uncertainly. "Sure Miss Howard. Thanks for bringing him back."

Katie silently eyed my dress. I looked down and saw it covered in dirt and leaves. I tried to do my best daughter-of-Aphrodite impression. "EWWW!" I squealed and spirited to my cabin. I looked back to see Katie roll her eyes and walk back to the Demeter cabin. Chiron was still staring at me, with an undistinguishable look in his eye.

I quickly turned around and shut the door behind me, breathing a sigh of relief. I waited until Chiron disappeared into the Big House before tip toeing out of my cabin, making a beeline to the Nemesis cabin. Time to make a visit to a certain son of Nemesis.

Katie's POV
This doesn't make sense. Why would a daughter of Aphrodite, especially Val, go into the dark muddy forest, alone if I may add, just to get lip balm. Don't they get a free yearly supply of it from their godly mother?

Speaking of godly mothers, I fingered my letter again. Should I show this to Chiron?

I opened it and stared at the contents. I thought gods were only supposed to talk in riddles, but Demeter's words were clear but demanding.

Hello my darling daughter,

As you may know, something is very wrong with your dear boyfriend. It involves the Heartlock plant, found in the secret garden of Demeter. I'm not sure how a demigod has gotten ahold of it without my knowledge, but you must travel to my garden and make the cure with the ingredients. I have kindly included a map with this letter, so please get to it as soon as possible!

- Demeter, the goddess of the grain, agriculture, harvest, growth, and nourishment, bringer of Devine order.

I have to find Rachel. But where could she be? And who would know where she was?

Travis's POV
Confused. Scared. Upset. Panicked. Those were words to describe what I'm feeling right now.

The more I thought about Katie, the hotter the fire in my chest ignited. This potion was making me question everyone I love. Connor. Mom and Dad. But never Katie.

I want to reach out to her. I need to reach out to her. But every time she comes close to me, she seems to slip away like water between my fingers.

I watched as she shot another arrow. Bullseye again. Her eyes shot towards me, and I looked away with a slight blush.

I peeked back and found her piercing gaze still on me. I grinned at her. Surprise flashed in her eyes. My heart beat faster as she gave me a shy grin back.

I walked towards her, then stopped as she took a step back. I jerked my head towards the beach, and she nodded in understanding. I dropped my bow and arrows and sprinted towards the beach, looking back occasionally to make sure she was following.

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I know it's kinda short, but I'm really sorry! Hope you guys enjoyed it, and if you did make sure to leave a vote and a comment!

Oops now I sound like a YouTuber asking for a like and subscribe.

See you guys in the next update though! Hopefully it won't take four months again. I probably will update over winter break, but I have exams after that, so I do have to study.