As always, these characters do not belong to me.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Annabeth felt cocooned. A warm, soft weight settled over her entire body with her left arm pressed against her chest. It wasn't an unpleasant sensation, just one she wasn't expecting. She was awake, but not entirely. She thought back to the battle, to the details she could remember. She wasn't sure how, but Piper had got her to her feet, practically carrying her back towards the village. Annabeth's memories were hazy at that point, blackening and hazily reforming before going to black again. They didn't make it far but then Annabeth was, gliding? No, carried.
A couple of blurry faces joined Piper's. One Annabeth couldn't make out for they never turned around but the other, light hair, glowing blue eyes? Will? Will was there. He was tending to her, and then she was being carried into a room. Annabeth had no idea where she was, nor did she really care. Their voices were raised but indistinct. Piper hovered at her side as it all faded once more.
Then she was dreaming. No, was she? It was hard to say. She could hear Piper's voice often, others also weaving with Piper's. Silena. Will. Thalia. Nico. Chris and even Clarisse. Their words were a jumble, their faces even more so. Annabeth recalled feeling hot, feverish, so it was possible she was hallucinating. Another face came to her memory. One that took a while to put a name to. They had long flowing red hair, almost like flames dancing around their head. They were smiling, green crystals floating in the middle of their face. Weird.
"Come find me when you're ready," they said. Their voice was a familiar, melodic tune. "I'll be waiting."
Annabeth fell unconscious after that, but those words continued to reverberate around her brain until the moment she found herself slowly regaining consciousness. She opened her eyes, letting them adjust to the sudden brightness. Her breaths were slow but steady, and she was relieved that it was easy to do so again. She blinked deeply, wriggling her fingers and toes, testing her movements. So far, so good.
Her left arm was in a sling and where the arrow had pierced both armour and flesh was heavily bandaged. It was tender to the touch; as was every other little movement, Annabeth discovered the hard the way. Carefully, oh so carefully, she shifted so she could sit up a little more, grunting softly as bruises and cuts were bumped or stretched. Her whole body felt as though it was one big bruise, her muscles almost groaning at being forced back to work.
But where was everybody? Had it all been one big hallucination? What about Percy? Was he okay? What if he was injured and that's why he wasn't with her? What if he … no, she couldn't think of it. He couldn't be. And Malcolm. What had happened to him? Did they get him help? Annabeth had a thousand questions running through her mind and she needed answers. She craned her head, realising with a start she was in the bedroom she had been residing in Thalia's house. She could get her answers; she just needed to get up first.
Annabeth pulled the covers aside, her fingers gently prodding the other arrow wounds on her leg and hip. Sore, yes, but manageable. With delicate and steady shifting, Annabeth swivelled her body and let her feet touch the cool floor. Another deep breath later she rose from the bed carefully, testing the strength of her legs before taking a tentative step forward. It took some effort, but Annabeth was no stranger to pushing through protesting muscles and the fatigue wasn't nearly as bad as when she was poisoned.
The door opened, causing Annabeth to glance up, and freeze. An image of Piper came to Annabeth's mind, a memory. Piper, covered in dirt and blood, eyes welled with tears as she took in the extent of Annabeth's injuries, desperately fearful that her friend was about to breathe her last breath in front of her. A blink and that fear was gone, replaced with shock and wonder shining through teary eyes. The dirt and blood was cleaned away, revealing dark purple, red and yellowing bruises and two nasty cuts on her face: one coming from her hairline and stopping above her left eyebrow and another along her jawline on the opposite side.
Injuries she received because of Annabeth's recklessness. Because Piper followed her into the fray, knowing her ulterior motives and determined to show her another way, another path out of grief. If she had died, it would have been entirely on Annabeth's shoulders, for wanting vengeance that in turn wasn't necessary. Annabeth grimaced, knowing that these were only the injuries visible, and no doubt Piper had several more.
Noticing the crinkle of guilt, Piper strode into the room, engulfing Annabeth in a constricting, but relieved, hug. The hug was returned, Annabeth hoping she could convey everything she hadn't yet said and probably wouldn't find the courage to say. The girls clung together for a long time, every emotion pouring out of the two of them as they slowly begun to heal from their ordeal.
Eventually, Annabeth pulled away, wiping tears from her eyes. "Thank you," she murmured softly. Piper, eyes also glistening, hugged her again. "That close?" Annabeth queried as Piper nodded against her shoulder.
"You gave me a real fright," Piper admitted quietly.
It was in that moment that Annabeth understood what a true bond of family could be and not the apparent one Luke had always preached they had at the Elite compound. She had a family to look after, to laugh, to love, to live with, to argue; she had found a true family.
"I suppose you have questions," Piper said, breaking their hug.
"Too many," Annabeth admitted.
Piper smiled. "We can start outside, if you're up for a walk?" Annabeth nodded, limping forward. "I think it might be time to consider that cane," Piper observed.
Annabeth chuckled softly, playfully giving her a light shove as they shuffled into the hallway. Piper headed across the hall, opening the door adjacent to hers with a soft smile.
"Malcolm," Annabeth breathed.
Malcolm was sleeping soundly in the small room, his glasses, or his spare ones at least, resting on the small table at his side. Annabeth watched the steady rise and fall of his chest as she made her way to his side, reaching out and taking his hand.
"He's been in and out of consciousness since we moved him here," Piper told her. "The infirmary was just too overcrowded, but he should heal in a week or two. He was pretty lucky, according to Will."
Annabeth nodded, all her attention on her brother as she half-heartedly scolded him. "If you'd left me after we had just gotten free …"
Annabeth trailed off, knowing she was would be slightly hypocritical if she finished the sentence. She stood beside him from another couple of minutes, just to make sure he continued to breathe evenly, before she went back to Piper, who had stepped out into the hallway to give them privacy. She noted the bandages under the opening of her shirt, and the other on her arm she was scratching irritably. Piper paused, pulling her sleeve back down when she spotted Annabeth staring.
"Don't," she said softly. She gave Annabeth's guilty gaze a small encouraging smile. "They'll heal, Annabeth." Piper stepped in front of her when she bowed her head. "How many times did you save my life back there?"
"You followed me," Annabeth replied in a hollow voice. "Because I was –."
"Do you think you're the only one that's rushed headlong into a fight because you were upset and angry?" Piper cut off. "We all have. When Jason died, I wanted everyone to hurt because I was. Hey," she said, lifting Annabeth's chin so their eyes met. "We didn't get the second chance that you've been given with your brother. Treasure it."
"But if you'd died –."
"Annabeth," Piper cut off again, but this time she was smiling. "I was the safest fighter out there because I was beside you. You may have been itching to kill every bandit and cultist you could, but you always made protecting me a priority." Annabeth's eyes widened at the statement. If that was true, she had not realised it. "The Hunters who tended to Malcolm said the same thing. They said you all should've been killed by the amount of bandits pouring onto that stage alerted by your cries for help, but you persevered and they managed to get Malcolm to the village because of you."
"But I lost Percy and …" Annabeth paused, noting Piper's slight flinch at his name. Her stomach dropped. "What happened to him?" she demanded.
"He's fine," Piper assured her quickly.
"Where is he?"
Annabeth didn't bother waiting for an answer, striding past Piper and heading for the stairs. She didn't care that her hip and leg protested as she descended. She only had thoughts on Percy and if she had to search the entire village to find him and see for herself that he was alive, then she was prepared to do it, even if her leg was not.
"Annabeth!" Piper called out, hurrying after her. "Wait! Let me help."
Piper placed a steadied hand on Annabeth's back, taking some of the weight off her leg. They reached the bottom of the stairs. Her leg flared in pain and Annabeth had to pause, clutching the banister with her good hand and leaning slightly into Piper.
"Tell me he's alive," Annabeth almost pleaded with Piper. "Because I couldn't bear it if he's –."
They walked into the living room and were met with several exclamations. Silena, Chris and Clarisse had been lounging on the sofas but leapt to their feet when Annabeth entered. Silena was the first to meet them, hugging Annabeth in a similar fashion as Piper, assuring her that despite the cuts and bruises to her face, with a bit of makeup she could make them disappear. Having no idea she had facial injuries, Annabeth simply smiled and thanked her before grasping Chris' bandaged forearm, nodding at him.
"I've been waiting an age for you to wake up!" Clarisse declared loudly. She shoved a tankard into Annabeth's hand, slapping her back hard with her free hand before wrapping her arm tightly around her shoulder. Annabeth winced while the other three all looked ready to pull her away. She made a noise in the back of her throat in protest, waving them away. "This girly deserves a drink! Did you see the way she cut through those bandits? It was poetry in motion! Are you sure you're not Arenian?"
"Clarisse, her arm's in a sling," Chris pointed out gently, trying to get her to loosen her grip.
Clarisse blew a raspberry of indifference his way. "I ain't asking her for a display," she grunted at her partner, completely missing his point. She rounded back to Annabeth. "Well?"
"I am Athena's daughter," Annabeth replied softly, realising it was the first time she had stated it out loud without being afraid to do so. She smiled a little.
"Aww, too bad. But you are welcome to our annual Arenian get togethers, I can assure you. We'll be talking about that battle for some time. They'll all be frothing that they weren't part of it." Clarisse seemed to revel in the idea.
Chris, with Silena's and Piper's help, pried Annabeth from Clarisse's grip, settling her into one of chairs as they relayed what she had missed. Despite Clarisse's best efforts, the bandits that survived the battle had fled in all directions, but reports suggested that a second surprise attack was out of the question. Lady Artemis, along with Thalia now promoted permanently to second-in-command, had supervised the capture and treatment of the wounded bandits and cultists as well as the funerals for the fallen Hunters and their allies.
The bandits and cultists bodies had been burned. The others didn't know what Lady Artemis had done with Octavian's body, but she had beheaded the Bandit King and left his head on a spike to warn other bandits from following in his footsteps. Barbaric as it sounded, Lady Artemis only left it up for half a day so word would spread before she took it down and burned it with the rest of his body.
"Percy …?" Annabeth queried.
"Resting at Piper's," Silena answered. Annabeth breathed out a soft sigh of relief. "We almost had to strap him to the bed, he was that determined to come to you. Speaking of which," Silena added, getting to her feet. "It's my turn to watch him." She smiled at Annabeth as she disappeared.
"But he's going to be okay?" Annabeth insisted, needing reassurance.
"The soft lump is too stubborn to die," Clarisse snorted, taking another deep drink from her tankard. Chris watched her wearily.
Annabeth could relax. Percy was alive. Injured, but alive. She took a small sip from her tankard, letting the mead settle her nerves.
"When can I see him?" she asked Piper.
"Best wait until you're a bit more mobile," she answered.
"Tomorrow then," Annabeth declared.
Piper sighed.
Lady Artemis called a meeting for the following morning upon hearing Annabeth had awoken. The news was relayed by Nico and Will, who had also come when Silena mentioned she had risen. Annabeth was patient as Will checked her over, sternly insisting she keep her arm in the sling for a few more days and stay off her leg as much as possible. She relented, much to his surprise and she thought this was why he was a little more forthcoming with information on Percy.
Thalia had found him after being separated due to their chariot charge, a spear shaft embedded in his side. His armour, according to the huntress, had been compromised from the sheer amount of hits it had taken and the reason the shaft was able to pierce it so easily. The culprit, to Annabeth's shock, had been Luke, who had been demanding the whereabouts of the Crystal before he was cut down from behind by a bandit.
Mixed emotions swirled through Annabeth at the mention of Luke's death. It saddened her to know that he had been killed, and the part of her that loved him would mourn that loss. She thought only of the happy moments she had experienced with him, even if at the time he wasn't entirely genuine. She ignored that and tried to see the good in him, in that friendly smile he wore when he outstretched an offering hand. The world had not been kind to Luke and she had to hope that if it had, he would have been a completely different, and happier, person.
There was one person that had shown an amazing amount of resilience to the life he was dealt and continued to show his strength. Malcolm woke a few hours after Annabeth and their reunion had been through joyous tears. He didn't want to hear about what had happened, only needing to know that she was okay, that they had won, and they would finally have the chance to be true siblings. Annabeth listened as he listed what had wanted to do with their freedom, most of which, much to her surprise and joy, involved her.
She had grown too emotional, she thought feebly as she clung to Malcolm's hand with her good one, listening to his soft snores as she too, after a while, began to nod off. She didn't fuss when Piper escorted her back to her room, the only question on her lips about Percy. After being reassured he was still fine and no doubt causing headaches for Silena as Annabeth was for Piper, she relaxed against the pillows and fell asleep almost instantly.
Annabeth wasn't sure what the time was when she woke, or what indeed caused her eyes to open. She squinted towards the door; the room lit softly with what only could be the first morning rays. She moved her shoulder, wincing a little before searching for her sling, stifling a yawn as she got up and dressed. Assuming it was Piper's footsteps she could hear outside her door, she sighed, not ready to continue the argument they were having before she had fallen asleep.
"Piper, if you bring in that cane, I swear I'm going to –."
Annabeth opened the door and froze in surprise because it wasn't Piper waiting for her. He, like the others, showed the signs of recently being in a fight. Cuts and bruises partially covered his beautiful face, but none of that mattered. Not when they moved towards each other simultaneously, not when his arms circled around her, his unique scent filling her nostrils and calming her with each second she was held. She pressed her head to his chest, his resting in the crook of her neck and she could hear him exhale a shuddering breath.
"Thank the stars that protected you," Percy murmured softly in her ear, before pulling away just enough to give her a tender smile.
It was then that she noticed his stood a little stiffer than usual, favouring one leg. His stomach was bandaged heavily, cited by a slight bulge to his side. He gently guided her hug to the other side, but he refused to let her go, refused to let her pull away entirely. She placed a featherlight touch to the side in question, and he placed his hand on top of hers, tugging it gently away again.
"He was not the Luke we knew," he told her quietly, confirming Will's words.
"I never met the Luke you knew," she admitted sadly, recalling the scenes she had witnessed in the Crystal. "I wish I had, and I wish …" she sighed, knowing that voicing it would not make it better.
"I know," he replied in understanding. "I never wanted Luke to suffer, despite our last, proper, conversation. I had wanted something better for him too, but he would never would have accepted help. And I can't be too sorry he is gone, because if he was still alive, he would try and kill you, and I would have to kill him because of that."
"Perce," she murmured, her eyes crinkling in concern, but Percy was having none of that. Placing two fingers under her chin, he lifted her face as he lowered his, his kiss soft, reassuring.
"I'm okay," he assured her quietly. "I just don't want anything happening to you. But are you okay? I saw, when Malcolm was slashed …" He trailed off.
"Yeah," she confirmed his unspoken query, her eyes dropping for the briefest of seconds. "I was reminded, quite firmly, that there were others who loved me and needed me."
"And don't you ever forget it," Piper said from the stairs. A faint smile was on her lips. "You two ready to go? I don't think our tardiness would be appreciated."
Silena, Piper and Malcolm, confined to a rather stocky and bulky looking wheelchair, waited by the door. Annabeth didn't like the idea of Malcolm attending, especially since he had escaped death only a few days ago, but he was insistent, stubborn and determined to be in attendance and she could hardly argue when it was pointed out she would be the same. Silena's narrowed gaze was on Percy as they descended, him trying his best to appear nonchalant.
"How's your wound?" Silena directed, clearly not thrilled with his presence.
"Can barely feel it," Percy said breezily. Annabeth could hear the strain to his voice that contradicted his words.
Silena scoffed, clearly not believing his blasé attitude. Annabeth looked to Piper, who shook her head in a, 'you don't really want to know' sort of way. "So, if I remove your jacket, I won't find the stitches busted?" Silena continued her interrogation.
"Nope."
Silena scoffed again, chuckling a little as well as she shook her head, leading the others out. Piper took the handles of Malcolm's chair, pushing him along but not before sharing a look with Annabeth that had them both turning away, suppressing smiles.
"I may have tried to play the unbearably lovesick card on Silena this morning," Percy answered Annabeth's silent demand sheepishly. "I guess she didn't fall for it as much as I thought. Shall we?"
The small party made their way through the streets, Percy saying nothing but simply staring at her, eyes glinting with that hidden smile when she would meet his gaze. Daring to be bold, Annabeth reached out, brushing her fingers against his cheek. He reached up and took her hand, kissing her knuckles softly before threading his fingers through hers. Shying at the attention they were receiving from villagers, Annabeth relaxed when she realised the stares were mainly due to their injuries and efforts on the battlefield, not so much for the open display of affection. Deciding Annabeth wasn't uncomfortable enough, Percy, after a playful grin in her direction, kissed her lightly on the forehead, laughing when she pushed him away, blushing.
Annabeth noticed that Percy wasn't the only one laughing. There was an easy air to the streets now that the threat of invasion was gone. The children were playing and squealing with laughter and happiness in the streets, their parents back to scolding how loud they were being. Others simply went back to work, another day with another set of crops to harvest or plant but there was banter amongst the workers, and life was settling back to normal.
There was still a sense of sadness and grief, but the villagers were moving forward, and doing so as one, making Annabeth wonder what her next step forward would be. The Elites were finished and despite wanting to head back to the compound to retrieve a few things, she had no other interest or concern regarding them. The most obvious answer was to join Percy and wherever he decided to go, but, although the idea had a lot of appeal, something nagged at the back of her mind that made her hesitant to fully accept it.
"If I gave you a token to wear, would you?" he asked curiously as they approached Lady Artemis' house.
Annabeth's eyes drifted to him at the question, noticing his attention fixed on the worn white fabric tied protectively against her wrist. It had survived, tucked as it was in her bracer when she was disguised as a bandit guard. She had thought that it would have been blemished beyond fixing, ripped, torn and left on the battlefield but it remained on her wrist, clean and pure, reminding Annabeth that despite the ugliness of battle and death, there was always a reason to fight for those who deserved better, who deserved happiness.
Annabeth thought about it. "I guess it depends on what it is," she replied.
"Well, it's going to be huge, like so big that anyone at the end of the street would notice it," he embellished, gesturing wildly as they walked. He grinned at her scowl as Piper shook her head, pulling ahead of them. "I do have something in mind," he admitted seriously. "Something small, convenient for your needs. You forget I know you," he added with a smile.
Annabeth tried not to blush again, her lips quirking. "I suppose I wouldn't mind. What about you?"
"Oh, I don't need one," he said lightly. "Not once I get my payment."
Annabeth raised an eyebrow. "Payment?"
"Oh yes," he said, mock serious. "For services rendered. I distinctly remember bringing it up when we first met and were discussing terms."
"Oh?" Annabeth said, humouring him. She tried to appear serious but couldn't help her smile. "And what is the estimated fee I owe?"
"Let's see," he said, rubbing his jaw in thought before mumbling to himself, though loud enough for Annabeth to hear. "There was Octavian – the first time," he added pointedly. Annabeth made an angry noise in the back of her throat. "Circe, well, deduct for that," he said hastily when Annabeth gave him a pointed stare. "But there was the horse. And you choosing my death over a village, minus other expenses … So, it should come to two hundred gold pieces."
Annabeth scoffed. "No one is worth that."
"Fine, fine," he said in submission. He smirked. "I'll settle, instead, for two hundred kisses. Deal?"
Annabeth felt her own lips pull up into a smile as she leaned in, her fingers trailing up his arm and across his jaw. "That's a hefty fee. I'm going to be paying off that debt for a long time, I expect. Is that going to be a problem?"
Percy's eyes with lit up with his wolfish grin. "I think we can work something out. Did I mention that the first instalment of your payment is due now?"
Annabeth pressed her lips to his, already compiling her own service fees and what payment he would be required to pay her. Percy pulled her close, his hands tracing around her waist and up her back as he placed another kiss against her lips and she almost forgot they were in public.
"Oi! Lovebirds!" They broke apart, turning to see Clarisse grinning at them, Chris, Will, Nico and Silena behind her. "Douse yourselves in cold water and hurry up! I have a piss-up I want to attend after this!"
"Did the wagon of ale actually find it's way here?" Percy asked in surprise as they hurried along. "Every single barrel?"
"Yep," Chris said, his smile more victorious. Annabeth found out why. "Pay up."
Percy scrunched up his nose to Annabeth, fishing for his coin pouch. "Maybe we should negotiate the two hundred gold pieces."
Annabeth rolled her eyes as Percy handed over the coins and the tight-knit family headed into Lady Artemis' house. The interior was small and simple; just a house and the bare necessities a person who was hardly ever home needed. It was obvious that Lady Artemis preferred exploring and travelling, with much of the furniture covered in cloths and dust, though it appeared to be hastily cleaned in preparation for the meeting.
A side room on the lower floor had been transformed into a meeting room of sorts. Maps of all territories, hunting grounds and of the surrounding lands lined the walls, along with several prized bows, arrows and tokens from previous leaders and noted Hunters. A round and roughly crafted wooden table sat in the centre, with just as raw and elegant wooden chairs around it. Thalia and Reyna, along with three other Hunters were all inside and seated when the others arrived, Lady Artemis pacing as she talked privately to Thalia, her second.
"Visitors, please," Lady Artemis greeted, gesturing they take seats.
The meeting, much to Clarisse's delight, was short. It seemed that one minute they were taking their seats at the table and the next they were heading out towards a large cleared area on the back side of the village, where a large unlit bonfire was waiting for nightfall. Annabeth stood beside Percy and Piper, Malcolm not too far away talking to a Hunter that she assumed was one of his contacts. A tankard had been forcefully pushed into each of their hands by a very determined Arenian, that had stated in no uncertain terms that they had better not waste it by letting it sit for too long in the cup.
Taking a sip after feeling a glare in her direction, Annabeth thought about the meeting as the big cheer went up with the ignition of the bonfire, hitting them with a wave of heat. Lady Artemis had not blamed her for the arrival of Octavian and his fanatics, nor held her responsible for the deaths of the allies, even after hearing Annabeth's story from the beginning. She cited that the fanatics and bandits would have made their way to the village regardless, considering they had tricked her and trapped her around the same time Annabeth had re-joined the Elites. If it wasn't for the actions of the allies, she had said, then the results could have been a lot worse.
Percy kissed her gently on the forehead, murmuring to her gently before heading off towards the other side of the fire, where Reyna was talking quietly with a few other Hunters. Silena joined her and Piper shortly after, dragging Piper away so she wouldn't cop the brunt of Clarisse's attempts of brute coercion. Annabeth watched the women disappear amongst the villagers, her eyes moving back to where Reyna and Percy talked. The She-Wolf appeared more relaxed and content as she conversed with her ex-mercenary partner, even offering him a smile in response to a his words, which Annabeth put down to her new purpose as a Hunter recruit and second-in-command to Thalia.
Speaking of, Annabeth sought out the Hunter, finding her surveying her comrades from a spot not far from Annabeth. Making her way over, Annabeth spotted Nico and Will sitting in a shadowy spot, heads bent towards each other talking quietly while Chris tried to have a conversation with a few of the villagers and simultaneously watch Clarisse as she challenged several hunters to roll of dice, only to have to rush over to prevent an argument from boiling over into something else. Thalia watched the argument with a hint of amusement on her face, her eyes meeting Annabeth's once she was a few feet away.
"Welcome back to the land of the living," Thalia said with a smirk.
"I was told I have you to thank for that," Annabeth replied, clanking her tankard against Thalia's.
Annabeth, along with Malcolm and Percy, had lost a lot of blood and being true-borns, needed specific blood to replenish what was lost. Thalia and Nico had copped the brunt of donations being the only other true-borns, but they had understood and never once complained: well, never with intent.
"Yeah, well, when I need blood you better fucking be there with your arm out," she warned.
"I can do that," Annabeth promised. She gazed out at the celebrations, getting an eerie sense of not quite being part of it. "My condolences about Zoë and the other fallen Hunters," she said quietly.
Zoë's final burial place was in a cave reserved for only those given the highest honour for a Hunter. Her tale would be carved on a stone tablet and placed with her body, so those that came after would know of her dedication and bravery. The other Hunters, whose death was no less tragic, where buried with the others of their kin.
Thalia looked sombre as she took a sip. "They died with honour, protecting their people and their homes. It's not your fault, Annabeth," she added seriously. "That fanatic started this when he imprisoned Lady Artemis." She echoed her leader's word before taking another long draught, as did Annabeth. "Oh, found this," she added, pulling from her belt Annabeth's knife. Annabeth took it, huffing in wondrous surprise. She had thought for sure she had lost it. "Thought you might want it back." Thalia's grin was knowing. "So," she started, after taking a long drink of her tankard. "What's next for the true-born Athenian?"
Annabeth smiled at her mocking title. "I don't know. I suppose go with Percy back to his village."
"But you're not sure if that's what you want to do right away?" Thalia sounded as if she knew exactly how Annabeth was feeling. She gazed out towards the party. "You need to do what's best for you," she stated quietly. "And what you want, not what others want for you." She turned and gave her a smile. "There's still plenty of spots here as a hunter. All you have to do is recite the words."
Annabeth smiled, silent as she processed Thalia's advice. "It's tempting," she admitted, as her glance found Percy, who smiled at her as Clarisse wrapped an arm around his shoulders, pulling him towards a barrel. "But I don't think it's for me."
"I get it," Thalia said smiling. She finished her tankard, belched, then licked her lips, surveying the wagon not far from where they were before clapping her hands together. "Come on," she said with a grin that looked all too similar to Percy's when he was plotting something. "This is supposed to be a celebration and there's an Arenian I can't wait to drink under the table!"
"Come find me when you're ready."
Annabeth jerked herself awake, gasping into the early morning rays, then groaning and clutching her head. She had drunk way too much at the bonfire. She took several calming breaths, ignoring the dull throbbing of her head and trying not to throw up. She vowed to never again drink with Clarisse, or Thalia for that matter, who did indeed drink a certain Arenian under the table, and everyone else.
"Come find me when you're ready."
The voice echoed in her head, remnants of the dream … no, a memory. Similar to those that she had experienced with the Crystal. Was the dampener failing? No, that wasn't it, otherwise her mind would be splitting apart. Steadying her erratic heartbeat, Annabeth closed her eyes, letting the memory envelop her. When she opened them again, she was up and moving, changing silently to avoid disturbing a still slumbering Percy. Making her way out of the village, she headed to the place where she knew, without being able to explain why, that she needed to go.
The air was cool, and a pleasant wind brushed her face and ruffled her hair lightly as she entered the forest. There were no hunter roosts or tree walkways above her, letting dappled sunlight direct her to a tiny clearing, where a hooded figure waited. Annabeth took a deep breath when she paused in front of the person, her eyes hardening a fraction towards them.
"It was all you," Annabeth accused. "Everything over the past few months happened because of you."
Rachel was smiling serenely when she removed her hood, revealing herself to Annabeth. Though she hadn't yet seen it, Annabeth could feel the aura of the Crystal surrounded them. She repressed her shudder, keeping her hard gaze on the seer. It had taken her sudden waking and the walk for Annabeth put all the pieces together, but the accusation she flung at Rachel didn't appear to have the affect she had intended. Rachel wasn't remorseful for her actions, making Annabeth hesitate ever so slightly and doubt she had the entire picture.
So, she told Rachel all she knew. That it was the seer that persuaded Luke to turn his attentions to the Crystal, knowing full well he was losing the trust and loyalty of his followers. He could not go himself, but only his most loyal and best fighter would be able to retrieve the sacred item. She would need guidance from an ex-Elite who knew all too well the power the Crystal and the Cave possessed. In Luke's eyes, Percy was information and a step ahead of those who sought to take it as well, but for Rachel's purpose, he would be apply enough doubt that Annabeth would begin questioning her orders and hesitate before taking the Crystal and driving herself to insanity.
Rachel remained silent, encouraging Annabeth to continue with a slight cock of her head. Annabeth had struggled to understand why the seer had intervened, why it was she that had to be manipulated in such a way, but then …
"I had thought you were manipulating the circumstances that you had seen," Annabeth admitted, her gaze at the seer. "And that's what confused me. When we met, you didn't seem the type. Strange," she added, and Rachel smiled. "But not selfish."
It was after comparing Rachel's actions to that of Octavian's that Annabeth realised it was all to do with perspective. The seer had seen the countless possible futures, only intervening to nudge, coerce or suggest another choice. The decision was left up to the person, to accept the cryptic message or to cast it aside. That was the difference between Rachel and Octavian; she made decisions that would benefit all, whereas Octavian, and even Luke, strode to do only what would be in their own best interests.
Octavian. It was his greed, his thirst for power that had forced Rachel's hand. He was never a true seer, and it was this hindrance, this flaw, that had always bothered him. He caught glimpses, enough to give him some repute, but never the clear picture. Was he outcasted because of it? No one would know.
He knew the power of the Crystal, and he knew he wouldn't have been able to take it for himself. That was why he had taken Percy and why he rallied so many to his side when he heard someone else was attempting to take it. All he had to do was wait until the Crystal was removed from the Cave and he would then take it for himself. Except he had not expected another seer, a true seer, to guide a resistance to face him, and ultimately, destroy him.
"What will you do with the Crystal?" Annabeth asked.
Rachel withdrew her hands from her cloak, revealing the Crystal. Annabeth wanted to recoil, but she noticed how Rachel held it, without any hint of discomfort or pain. To the seer, it was merely an object, a conduit for her power to controlled and directed. Rachel smiled at her curiosity, staring down at the Crystal. After a hesitant glance at Rachel, Annabeth took a tentative step forward. Not daring to get too close, Annabeth stared at the glossy surface of the bowl, hearing the same buzzing she heard in the Cave, only now knowing it to be the sound of the thousands of possible futures playing out at once.
"It will be returned to a more secure location," she answered, her voice as melodic as ever.
"Returned? So, the Cave …?"
"Was a shrine devoted to its power by a seer who had selfishly believed they were the only one to wield it. While seers are rare, their abilities are not unique." She gazed down at the surface of the Crystal fondly. "It has waited a long time."
"You can communicate with it?" Annabeth asked with a raised eyebrow. Rachel smiled mysteriously but didn't answer. Annabeth shook her head in disbelief, not understanding.
"Athenian to the core," Rachel said, though not unkindly. "Even after all you have experienced, you still have trouble opening your mind to such possibilities. Gifts aren't meant to be questioned, Annabeth, just accepted."
With great difficulty, Annabeth nodded. It would drive her insane trying to find a plausible answer to the thousands of questions the seer had given her. As much as her curiosity was piqued, she knew she would have to accept that she will never know, or even begin to understand a seer's Sight or their trinkets. It was this reason that Rachel had called to Annabeth, asked her to come and see her. She needed to understand the role she had played, understand why Rachel had done what she did and understand that so much of it would remain a mystery.
"I have seen not seen our paths cross again," Rachel told her. "So, this will be farewell. Though the future is a fickle thing, we may yet be required to combine our services again." Rachel placed her hood back over her head, tucking the Crystal once more from view. "Do not fret about the decisions made deep within your heart, Annabeth. I suspect you will find the happiness you have longed for, in one way or another."
Rachel turned to leave; her footfalls silent as she glided back towards the shadows of the forest.
"Wait!" Annabeth called out. Rachel paused and turned. "Back at the Elite compound, you said I had a choice. I made that, but what I want to do next contradicts that very choice, does it not?"
"If it is validation you are after, I cannot give you that," Rachel responded. "Only you can do that. Does it feel like the right thing to do?"
Annabeth thought about Rachel's words a lot the three days after she had disappeared again. She had confided in Percy the majority of what they had discussed, leaving out the end part and giving an even briefer version to the others, most of which didn't find the information all too surprising. Lady Artemis had wanted to meet with Rachel after hearing the truth but had so far been unable to track the seer, growing frustrated and a little awed by the feat.
With the Hunters safe and a message from their own people demanding word of the outcome, the tight-knit family were preparing to leave. Percy was going with them, after several (though, only a couple heated!) arguments with Silena that he was needed back at home at least for a few months until everything else had calmed down and they could resume growing and trading negotiations. Annabeth had yet to be asked to join him and she had been thankful for the delay because deep down, she knew her answer wouldn't be yes.
The day before they were scheduled to leave, Annabeth was wandering the forest on the outskirts of the village, trying to find Percy. Silena had been growing increasingly frustrated by his lack of interest securing supplies and after a quick discussion, Will had thought it best that Annabeth be the one to fetch him instead of having to hear Silena's screams across the entire village. While Silena argued that she did not screech, Nico had murmured Percy's hiding place to Annabeth, letting her slip quietly away before anything escalated.
Percy's hiding place was a fallen moss covered trunk sitting atop a small hill that overlooked the village. He watched her approach with a soft smile, his eyes still on her even after she sat beside him, unable to return his gaze.
"It's a nice view," she stated, breaking the silence. She clenched her hands into fists, keeping them at her side.
"You should see the one at home," Percy replied, causing Annabeth's heart to constrict with the way he said 'home'. "There's the ocean to one side," he told her, gesturing with his hands. "Then the forest to the other. And, if you turn, the whole village and the land beyond. Once the sun hits the right spot, especially on sunset, it's like a world in itself."
"Silena's getting antsy about leaving tomorrow," Annabeth said quietly.
Percy sighed. "I figured as much. She thinks I'll run away in the night," he added with a rueful smile before sighing again. "But she's right. It is time I returned home. And while part of it is so the Stolls' don't ruin my house," he smiled again at that. "I have no real reason not to. Not anymore."
Annabeth wished she could share the smile he gave her, wished she could give him the answer he wanted to hear. She had averted her gaze, opting to look instead towards the village rather than see the expression on his face, but when nothing else was said, she couldn't help but peek … to find his expression knowing, and somewhat understanding.
"You're not coming with us," he stated. "With me."
"For most of my life," Annabeth began. "I've gone where I had to, gone where I was ordered to, but I've never really seen the places I've been. I have never just, stopped, and found time to enjoy myself and what there is to offer. And while I know I would love travelling with you, and discovering it all with you …"
"You need to find yourself without the help of a man," he finished, smiling in understanding. "And I need to go home." He kissed her forehead. "At least something I said got through to you." He chuckled lightly. "Find who you want to be, for you. If anyone deserves that, it's you."
"You're not upset?"
"I'm sad I won't be with you," he admitted, eyes shining. "And I'll miss you terribly, but no. I understand why you need to do it."
Eyes glistening with tears, Annabeth leant forward, finding his lips even as a single tear fell down her cheek. He pulled back, kissing away the tear before kissing both her eyelids, resting his forehead against hers.
"I wanted to do this when you arrived at the village but I think you should have it now," he said, clearing his throat a little before digging into his pocket and pulling out a leather band.
Taking it from his offering hand, the leather band was in fact a necklace. Simple in design and probably made quickly from throwaway bits of leather from the smith, Annabeth was more interested in what was tied to the band. Seeing the token he had proposed days ago, Annabeth gazed at him, too surprised to thank him.
"When did you get this made?" she asked, her fingers delicately touching the bead, its colour a greyish blue.
"After Arachne poisoned you," he stated with a slight shrug. "When you woke." Annabeth stared at him in shock. He had got a token made for her weeks ago? "I couldn't afford any of the metal pieces," he apologised, as her stunned gazed fell back on the bead. "But the smith said the clay will last just as long, sometimes longer if it's looked after."
"It's beautiful," she breathed. She looked at him, feeling a little guilty when she admitted, "I haven't got anything you."
"Ah. You see," he started hesitantly. "I sort of took it upon myself to order two at the time." From under his shirt he pulled out at similar necklace. His bead was greener in colour, offset nicely with the colour of his eyes. "So, we match," he added, giving her a soft smile. He twisted the bead nervously in his fingers and it was then that Annabeth caught sight of a small engraving. She grabbed the bead, her finger running over the 'A' that was carved into the middle of his bead. "I saw the mark on the knife you gave the girl," he explained. "I hope it's okay I placed the same one on my bead. I want people to see that I am yours, now and forever."
Annabeth let the bead drop back down over his shirt, almost lost for words. Eventually she said, after placing her own necklace over her head, letting it settle over her shirt where it rested just above her heart. "Are you sure you want to be tied to an Athenian?"
"Absolutely," he stated plainly.
Annabeth kissed him, kissed him until her heart wasn't beating frantically from anxiety, but from something else. She traced the contours of his face, committed the feel of his hair through her fingers to memory, along with the taste and feel of his lips. They broke apart, Percy's eyes scanning hers and then her face, her hair, her body, giving her a small, but strained smile when he met her gaze again.
"I'll wait for you," he promised. His thumb caressed her cheek. "However long you need, I'll be waiting at the village, on the hill every sunset, until you come back to me. Until you come back home."
He emphasised the last word, waiting until Annabeth nodded before kissing her again, then again on the top of her head when she snuggled into his side, his arm wrapping around her tightly as the other gripped hers, resting on his leg.
"Besides," he said, trying to make his tone light, though it wobbled. "You still have debts to pay."
Annabeth laughed shakily, blinking away her tears as they continued to watch the village below, savouring their time together.