I made it back to camp. I hope Nico didn't worry too much about me. I'm strong enough to handle myself. I don't blame Nico, for yesterday. I blame myself. I was the one who jumped on him. I made the first move, he merely kissed me back.

I'd been avoiding him, all day. I knew he wanted to talk. He wanted to reassure me and talk about it. But, I couldn't. I wasn't ready.

So, instead of staying in my cabin, or going to activities, I'd snuck off this morning. I'd waited until breakfast was almost over, when only the late risers were around, and headed over to the dining pavilion. I grabbed enough food to last the day, threw it in my backpack, and headed out into the woods.

I walked for about an hour, just wandering around. I didn't see anyone or anything; I'd taken my bow and arrows just in case. But the only sign of life, was faint giggling I'd heard when I'd first entered the woods. Probably some campers making out. I didn't stop to find out.

In fact, I didn't stop until I reached Zeus's fist. I don't know why I stopped there. I wasn't even sure how I'd found it. But, it just felt right. My mom was gone, Jason was on a quest, I wasn't speaking to Nico, I'd betrayed Lady Artemis, and Annabeth was miles away, in college. I felt like the only person I could turn to, was my dad.

'Hi dad.' I mumbled. 'It's me, Thals.'

As I began speaking, I got more confident.

'I'm having a little bit of a problem. I know that I became a hunter, because of Luke's betrayal. But, I think I've found a guy, who's different...' I hesitated.

'I know Lady Artemis is my sister, and I made an oath. But, I'm not sure what I want my future to be anymore. I mean, Annabeth has gone off to college. She's in a serious relationship with a boy who loves her, more than anything in the world. They'll probably get married in a few years, and start their own family.'

I looked up at the clouds, and sighed.

'I wonder if that's the future I want too. A life with someone special. A normal life for a change. A life where I'm not a tree, immortal or on the run. Maybe I could go to college, stay in one place for a while. I keep imagining myself, dating Nico. I know he's a son of Hades.'

With that, the sky rumbled with thunder.

'But, he is different. I know he is. He's been through so many things, like me. He too has lost a sibling and his mortal parent. I know Jason is back, but I never see him. Im not sure if that makes it worse, or better. But he was gone for so long. It's like digging out an old pair of shoes, you still love them, but they don't feel the same anymore.'

'He also lost years of his life. He was trapped in the Lotus lair for years, just like I was trapped as a tree. He understands me. We share so much in common. But, I don't know if we'd work. If I knew, we'd be together with no problems, I'd leave the hunters now. But, I guess that's the thing with relationships. Nothing is certain. I love him. But, I'm not in love with him. But, with time, maybe I would. It's a risk. One, I'm not sure I'm ready to take.'

'But in 10 years time, I'll still be 15, and he'll be in his twenties. How can I be certain that he's not my soul mate? What if he's married with kids by then, and I'm still a hunter. I can't stay fifteen forever. If I give up on him now, how do I know I won't fall in love ever again. How do I know this isn't my last chance? '

I looked down at my battered converse, and smiled sadly.

'But, how can I leave the hunters. After all they've done for me? Lady Artemis is my sister, and guardian. She has cared for me, when no-one else has. I need her support and guidance. I just don't know how much longer, I can go on. I need to make a decision by Sunday. Before, we leave.'

With that, I stood up.

'Thanks for listening, dad.' I murmured, glancing up at the afternoon sky.

So, I began wandering back through the woods. I wasn't worried about finding my way back to camp. I knew I would get back eventually, and I was busy thinking things through.

I eventually emerged in the strawberry fields, nibbling a bread roll I'd taken that morning. It was getting dark, clearly dinner had already ended, and the campfire was over. I knew Nico would be the only one worrying. It was not unusual for the hunters to miss dinner.

I was kind of hungry. I hadn't eaten much, just a few snacks here and there. So, I decided just to take the food with me, and eat it later.

First, I had business to attend to. I still wasn't ready to make a decision, but I didn't matter at that moment.

I crossed the fields, trying to avoid standing on the plants. I could see and hear Katie screaming her head off, as Travis tried to get to her, standing on the crops as he walked. I chuckled a little. They'd been dating for years, they were actually in college together, but at the moment they were back for the week. Katie liked to keep an eye on the crops, whenever she could.

I kept walking, they obviously hadn't noticed me. They were being very loud considering it was after dark. If they weren't careful the harpies would get them.

With that in mind, I jogged past the pavilion, and stopped in front of the familiar cabin. Then with a glance at the cabin opposite, I climbed the steps.

WHICH CABIN IS IT?

ZEUS? ARTEMIS? HADES? ...APHRODITE?