A/N: Here's the second chapter, hope you like it. I decided to lighten up the mood a little bit and sorry to disappoint the thalico fans, there isn't going to be any romance between those two.
I'd like to thank Mindrider and TheOnlyMarauderette for reviewing and appreciating my work and also leaving signed reviews! I'd thank borthiswayy and farrofan too, if you signed the review! thank you so much!
As I stepped into the throne room, Dad and Poseidon were having a pleasant chat. Wait, that never happens. Well, I guess it was the Fates' way of saying miracles could happen. I looked around to see the throne room with a light weighted environment. I also observed Annabeth and Percy talking away and I smirked. I noticed some people were more injured than me, but really, I did not need that assurance. I decided to be in a good mood, instead of brooding about the past and returned the smile Percy gave me instead of turning away. I willed myself to believe things would get better.
My thoughts were interrupted as Dad called my name. "Thalia, I award you for bravery and promise to help in filling the Hunters' ranks."
Lady Artemis smiled. "You have done well, my lieutenant. You have made me proud, and all those Hunters who perished in my service will never be forgotten. They will achieve Elysium, I am sure."
She seemed to be eyeing Hades. I saw Nico sitting at the foot of his throne and he was the happiest I'd seen him.
Hades shrugged. "Probably."
Artemis glared at him.
Intimidated, Hades mumbled, "Okay, I'll streamline their applications."
Immediately all the pain was replaced with pride. The ranks would be filled and the fallen would achieve Elysium, and so would Luke. "Thank you my lady." I bowed to all the gods and stood by Artemis' side with a smile on my face, this time I didn't need to be fake.
After Dad bestowed gifts on all the heroes, I returned to the entrance of Olympus and limped my way to the elevator. I tripped and almost fell, almost because a son of Hades caught me.
"Whoa, you okay?" Nico asked, his dark eyes glowing with concern.
"Yep, if you didn't catch me there, I'd probably have broken my leg." I answered straightening up. "Oh wait, I already did that."
He cracked up. "So the war's over, huh?"
"Thankfully." I nodded.
"And we weren't the Child of the Prophecy."
"Again, thank goodness. I couldn't take much more anyway, that's why I'm a Hunter."
"I know right? I helped Percy out of the goodness of my heart, yes, but I also did not want to be the Child of the Prophecy either."
We walked to the elevator and Nico pressed the 'Lobby' button.
"It sucks to be a child of the Big Three." I commented.
"Yeah, but at least I'm on better terms with my dad." He wrinkled his nose. "They need to get better elevator music. Like, Green Day, or something."
I laughed. "I know, and I just love Green Day. I didn't know you were into alternative."
"Yeah, well I listen to them when I'm not being chased by monsters. So what're you gonna do now?"
I didn't know why but I just told him the truth. "Search for Jason."
"Uh, who's Jason? You're a Hunter, you shouldn't be-"
"Before you start assuming crap," I cut him off, "Jason is my long lost brother. Everyone assumes he's dead, but I believe he's somewhere out there."
"Oh, so how did he, um…"
I explained everything to him and added, "The facts just don't match up, there's no proof he's dead. I think Hera has something to do with it, but I'm not really sure."
"Your mom, she must've known."
Normally, I get very enraged at the mention of my mother. This time, surprisingly, I didn't react normally. "Yeah, she must have. But the drunkard died in a stupid car crash…" I tried my best to fight the tears, but to my dismay, my invulnerability was displayed yet again.
And surprisingly, Nico didn't laugh at my weakness. Instead, he lightly patted my arm. "Hey it's okay. Our floor." He pointed at the exit and walked down with me to the exit. "But if it makes you feel any better, I'll search for your brother's spirit, and I'll talk to your mom. If I don't find him in the Underworld, I'll find him in this place. But, I'm usually better with ghosts."
I smiled. "Thanks, Nico. It really means a lot to me. Meanwhile, I'll do my usual job and look for other girls who want to be Hunters."
"Hey, don't find too many though, or I'm gonna lose ground." He chuckled. "Keep in touch, cousin." He waved before disappearing into the shadows.
Now that I had something to look forward to, a quest in mind, I was in a relatively good mood. I would find Jason, if it was the last thing I do.
The majority of my mind was occupied with this thought while the other part was concerned with something else. Why had I given in to Nico and told him everything? Even Luke didn't know about this. I had a strange bond to that son of Hades, no not love, but friendship. Was it instinctive trust or a slip of tongue, I didn't know. What I knew was Nico and I had a lot in common, and for once I wasn't afraid to accept him into the family.
I also realised something else: by displaying my weaknesses I was actually becoming stronger. By overcoming my fears and letting go of the past my mask was slowly melting away.
A/N: I also started a new story called Reunite, based on my theory of what's going to happen after The Lost Hero, please read!
Amber Viridien
