Leo's Return Part 2

Camp was in a flurry of activities. Everyone was rushing around, repairs were being made of the damaged things. It was a little sad and quite when the Romans left, but repairing was keeping everyone busy. Annabeth was directing how everything should be placed and rebuilt. Jason was helping some campers rebuilding the damaged cabins by lifting the extra heavy stones by using the wind. Piper was helping the Aphrodite cabin. Nico and Lou were helping Will with the injured. Percy was helping wherever he was needed, also using his water powers to help clean, because frankly everything was filthy. Everyone was recovering well mentally and physically from the war they just had. No one noticed when night came and it was time for dinner. Everyone went to the dining pavilion and after giving offering to the gods, everyone peacefully ate. Soon it was time for the campfire and sing-along. Annabeth went to find Percy and saw him sitting with Piper and Jason and laughing on something with the latter. Annabeth went and sat with them.

"Hi wise-girl! Where have you been? I haven't seen you all day!" And he pouted like a baby seal.
Laughing, she said "Seaweed brain, I was right here, but you already know I was busy and so was everyone else with the repairs."

She punched his shoulder playfully.

Chiron cantered at the front and said, "Today, I would like all of you to pray, acknowledge and honor all those who have died this was."

He read off the names of all the deceased people and all the campers had tears in their eyes, if not for the fact that they were crying. Everyone was sad.

"- and finally, Leo Valdez, who was a great hero, and the person who was selfless as to give his life to defeat the Earth Mother and protect his family." completed Chiron.

There was a moment of silence for the dead. After that, the sing-along started, but everyone was in low spirits. It took some time, but finally everyone was able to be a little cheerful. Annabeth and Piper were singing songs together and laughing and generally laughing. Jason and Percy were having a competition as to who could sing louder, and making complete doofuses out of themselves from it. Everyone was peaceful and relaxed. After the campfire, everyone went off to do whatever they wanted till bedtime. Percy and Annabeth went to the lake, and sat down on the soft sand of the beach. The watched the peaceful lake, enjoying each other's presence now that Percy wasn't kidnapped anymore and an evil Earth was not after them. They leaned on each other's shoulder, their heads touching. Now that they weren't doing anything, they had time to think.

"It makes me angry Annabeth. Our own family, first Kronos now Gaea, killing their own children and grandchildren. I'm angry that so many died in this war! I'm angry that I couldn't protect them! Most of all, I'm angry that I couldn't stop Leo, or help him. Even though I didn't know him that well, he was like a brother to me. Somehow, I can't help but feel that his death is my fault! If I had just done more, he would be with us right now." ranted Percy.

Annabeth thought about what Percy said. It wasn't his, or anyone's but Gaea's fault that Leo died. Leo was like a brother to her as well, especially since she was the one who first rescued him from the Wilderness School. Sure she only knew him for even less than a full year, but his personality had an effect on everyone. He was sarcastic, funny, stupid, silly, but very sweet and brave.

"I know Percy, that's how all of us feel. Our family is really messed up. Nobody could have stopped Leo, and you know that. His death is not anyone's but Gaea's fault! Don't beat yourself up about it. And you did everything you could, all of us did! He was like a brother to all those who knew him. No one could have stopped this war without some loss. Death is inevitable in these situations, but they are the fault of the evil. And think of it this way, they died honorable deaths, protecting and fighting for those they loved." Annabeth said to him.

"I suppose you're right, and I hope Uncle Hades gives them all Elysium. But it's still hard not to blame myself. Thank you"

She just sighed and breathed in his scent. She was so happy she had him back. She was never letting anyone take Percy again, God or not. She would gut them if they did. She held Percy's face in her hands and kissed him. When they pulled apart, Percy softly whispered,

"I love you Annabeth"

She was shocked, but then smiled. Both of them knew they loved each other and were incomplete without each other.
" I love you too Percy." she whispered.

They kissed again, and sat there afterwards till bedtime, and then went to their cabins after bidding each other good night.

After checking whether everyone was asleep, Piper sneaked out of her cabin and went to Cabin 1, where Jason was and both of the went to the roof. They sat there watching the stars in silence, until Piper broke it and said,

"It's very hard Jason. I miss him so much. I wish Leo was here. I wish no one had to die. But I miss his goofiness and stupid jokes. I miss my brother!"

"Pipes, listen to me. It's hard for all of us. He my brother as well. But think of it this way, he is in a better place. Enjoying his life in Elysium without worrying about any wars or monsters. He doesn't need to have a life like ours." Jason told her.

She knew he was right. A demigod's life was never easy. She was happy for Leo.

"You're right." She said. "I never thought about it like that."

Jason understood what she meant. The war had taken its toll on everyone. He took her face in his hands and kissed her softly. It was a simple gesture really, but reassured both of them that life was not as bad as it seemed. They there a few more minutes, then Piper went back to her cabin to sleep. Jason went to bed as well. In the morning, everyone was still asleep when they heard a loud BOOM, like something huge had crashed in the middle of camp. Scared, angry, (in case of monsters) and a little curios, everyone stumbled outside half-asleep, with weapons in their hands just in case. What they saw then, made everyone drop their weapons in surprise with their jaws somewhere on the floor. Shock, surprise, happiness and again shock were just some of the many expressions and feeling of many campers for what and who were there, couldn't be there because it was impossible, but yet they were right there.

A.N Hope you liked it! I just posted again because I needed to give you a proper chapter. Please please please please comment! Do you like the story so far? Thanks for reading!

Bye!