Daughter of Hera

Chapter 11

Nico's POV

I spent all day wandering around camp aimlessly. If never had much to do around camp anyway but with Raven gone I was completely lost. I tried training with Percy and the others, but they were still uneasy around me. Of course I thought bitterly just because Raven is comfortable around me doesn't mean anyone else is. Eventually I ended up on the jetty, looking out over the lake, thinking about the horror I had felt when Raven went into the water. What if she had died? What if I had killed her? The one you love most killed- your fault, did that mean Raven? Was I going to kill her? Hurt her? Should I even stay around her?

I needed someone to talk to, I needed my sister.

Bianca, Bianca Please I need your guidance, now more than ever

There was no answer, Bianca wasn't coming, no one could help me- I was alone here.

There was a flash of light at the end of the jetty and Raven, Annabeth, Hazel and Piper appeared, loaded down with shopping bags. My heart lurched at the sight of her. They were laughing. 'Raven doesn't need me' I thought 'Look, she's fine with her friends, she won't care if I'm gone. I should go, she'll just end up hurt if I stay, maybe I can try find a place away from the Gods and everyone, maybe I should.

But just before I could leave, shadow travel away and scour the world for a place bereft of everyone and everything, Raven looked up and saw me. Her eyes locked with mine and I melted a little at the warmth in her gaze. She smiled, apparently overjoyed to see me and I knew I couldn't survive long away from her. I would stay. I would endure any and all tortures just to be with her, to make her smile. She beckoned me over and my feet moved towards her on their own accord- not that I would have denied her anyway.

The other girls stopped their giggling when I approached and Raven shot them a reproachful look and went over to me.

"Here" she said, dumping her load into my arms "mind carrying my bags?"

"Typical woman" I muttered sourly and she laughed. Annabeth, Hazel and Piper drew close together and started giggling, shooting Raven and myself knowing looks.

"Come on" Hazel moaned "get over the mushy stuff and let's dump these bags in out cabins- my arms are killing me"

"Oh shush you!" Piper reprimanded "I think it's sweet"

"Well of course you would" Annabeth interjected "it's the Aphrodite in you"

"Excuse me?" Raven finally said, face red "there is nothing sweet or mushy or sweet going on here" she turned and stormed off up towards the cabins, her friends casting one last knowing look before following her up the hill.

I stood there stunned, were girls always like this? I eventually got over my shellshocked-ness and hurried after them, not wanting to be on the receiving end of Raven's ire.

Raven's POV

"So girls, whose shopping trip was better?"

"Umm" we shared a nervous look, not wanting to admit our preference.

"We really can't choose, they were both so amazing" Annabeth said diplomatically. Aphrodite huffed indignantly.

"Why does everyone always say that?"

"Anyway great goddess" Hazel said to distract Aphrodite from possible dangerous thoughts, although I agreed I didn't want to be cursed I think she was overdoing it with all the greats "did you have another reason for visiting?"

"Hmm?" Aphrodite looked up from studying her prefect nails "oh yes. How would you girls feel about a dance?"

"A dance?" I asked, confused

"Yes, Athena had some notion of a gathering between the Greek demigods and the Romans, something about reducing tension blah blah blah. But a dance between the two camps would do that and be the prefect opportunity to get some couples together if you know what I mean" she shot me a wink and I gulped. Now I was the object of godly matchmaking absolutely brilliant.

"Oh my gods! That would be perfect!" Piper squealed loudly, nearly bursting my ear drums.

"I know right!" Aphrodite gushed

"Umm why did you come to us?" Hazel asked, unsure.

"Well I needed someone to organise didn't I?"

"Why don't we leave it to your children?" Annabeth suggested

"Oh no! Can you imagine what a fiasco that would be?"

"How about the Aphrodite cabin plan it but we have the power of veto? I'm sure with Piper in charge they won't go to overboard"

"It's decided then, give this to Chiron and send this to Camp Jupiter to get authorisation before you begin" Aphrodite dropped two scrolls into Piper's palm and disappeared.