This is the 'special' chapter since Thalia isn't a regular character in this story. I thought I'd give her perspective a try.
Thalia's Pov
Life's always kept me on my toes, there's never a dull moment that's for sure. When one catastrophe ends another begins and always two times worse than the last. The most recent disaster was everything surrounding Gaea's rise. She was relentless in her persistence and she sent countless monsters that were wreaking havoc all around the world. The hunters and I were currently in pursuit of one of the many ancient beasties that led us to the beaches somewhere along the coast of Africa. This particular monster escaped when Thanatos had been captured and the doors of death were opened and it was one of the oldest and most dangerous in history.
I'd been leading the hunters for weeks while Artemis was M.I.A. She was unable to control her split personalities because of the Greek and Roman demigod conflict and she didn't want to risk our safety due to her drastically changing mindset.
Thankfully Artemis returned to us yesterday looking good as new and claiming that peace was brokered between the Greeks and Romans at Camp Half Blood. She promised she was back to normal and relieved me of my extra responsibilities.
Artemis took her place as our leader once again and guided us in our ongoing hunt. We traveled along the coast of Tunis on foot, without the aid of our wolves as it was too hot for them to accompany us in this region.
As the scorching sun beat down on us relentlessly my thoughts drifted to my friends aboard the Argo II and their dangerous quest. I'd been disappointed that I wasn't apart of the chosen seven but I knew it wasn't part of my destiny. I was a hunter, and no longer attended camps or went on solo quests. However I also knew that when the time came I'd be able to help my friends one way or another in their struggle against Gaea, but until that day came my duty was here with Artemis and the other girls.
At about 2:00pm Artemis had us stop for a break on the shoreline. Some of the girls fished for food while others relaxed by the water, catching their breaths from the long journey. Artemis and I sat together in the shade of a tree, drawing maps in the sand of where we've been and where we needed to go to track our prey. We were discussing a strategy to take down the creature when something shimmered a few feet behind Artemis, grabbing my attention. "What's that?" I asked, pointing over her shoulder but ready to to grab my bow at any sign of danger.
Artemis looked where I was pointing then back at me as if it were obvious what the multicolored mist was. "It appears you are receiving an iris message." She stood up to leave, "You should speak in private. Take your time, I will keep the other's away until you are finished. I have a feeling this is an important discussion." The goddess turned away, walking to the water to join the other's who were spear fishing in the surf.
I watched her leaving until my attention was drawn back to a fuzzy image that was slowly coming into view in front of me. I secretly hoped it was Annabeth since it'd been about a week since I last spoke to her. I was eager to hear how she and Percy were doing now that they were back from their forced trip to Hell. It took a minute to figure out who was calling but when my brother's face came into focus I scooted closer, not expecting him to be on the other end, "Jason???"
A small smile appeared on his face as he saw me, "Hey sis." His voice was solemn making it was very clear something was wrong. His eyes were dark and sunken and I could almost see the stress pouring off of him from his stiff posture and tight set jaw. "What's wrong?" I asked though I wasn't sure if I actually wanted to know.
Jason took a deep breath, "It's not good Thalia..." He didn't hold back as he began to elucidate how Percy was cursed when he escaped Tartarus and that he'd die in less than a week unless they found some complicated cure that could only be given by the combination of Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon. He said they'd already got part of the cure from Poseidon but it'd be nearly impossible to get the other two gods to help. My head was spinning when he finally finished talking. I never could've prepared for the news he shared but it was way too much at once. I was having trouble comprehending all of the information. Percy was dying? He was cursed? That couldn't be right, he and Annabeth just got out of Tartarus and were fine. This didn't make any sense!
"Why is this the first I'm hearing of this Jason?!? Why did no one tell me?" I didn't even try to hide my anger. I obviously didn't blame Annabeth, she was probably a mess without her other half by her side. I couldn't believe that Jason didn't tell me sooner, he knew how much I cared about them. I mean he even thought to tell mr. underworld who was a jerk to Percy but not me, his own sister? Percy was my friend after all and I deserved to know if he was dying for gods sake.
Jason looked guilty as he watched me process all he'd said. Despite his clearly apologetic thoughts, I didn't feel bad at all for his shame, he should've told me way before it got this bad. He screwed up and I wasn't gonna let him off the easy.
After two minutes of me not saying anything he cleared his throat awkwardly, "Look I'm sorry for not telling you sooner but it's been pretty hectic here...I guess I just didn't think you'd be able to help or want to come see him since I don't even know where you are. Clearly I was wrong and I admit that I should've at least given you the choice. I'm really sorry."
Okay so I understood why he didn't tell me but that didn't make me any less mad. I let out a huff of frustration after his apology, nodding but not accepting his apology just yet.
Jason frowned, "Thals I called because Piper and I are going to try to have a meeting with dad. We need to get his blessing but he's not gonna give it up without some heavy persuasion and honestly you're a lot better at talking to him than me. Besides, you've known Percy longer and you've seen first hand how he saved the world. I wasn't there during the battle of Olympus or when he stopped Kronos but you were fighting by his side and saw it all. I was hoping you'd be able to try to convince our father that Percy deserves to live after everything he's done for the gods and Olympus."
Whoa hold the phone, Jason wanted me to persuade Zeus, king of the gods, to help a demigod he didn't even like? That was a big job. Would Zeus even agree to meet with us? I wasn't thrilled with the idea but at the same time I knew I couldn't say no. After all Percy was like a brother to me, an annoying and insufferable one but still a brother. I had to try. For Annabeth too, I knew how close her bond was to Percy and if he was gone I don't know how she'd move on. Solidifying my decision I set my eyes back on Jason's sad face. "I'll help in anyway I can. I'm still mad at you but I'll do my best to find out where Zeus'll be and try to meet you guys there."
Relief instantly flooded Jason's face and he thanked me profusely. I waved him off with a slight smirk before telling him to just hurry up and stop wasting time. He waved with a final thanks, his misty image dispersing as the rainbow mist dissolved.
Artemis walked over to me when she saw me staring at the waves. I felt sick as I contemplated why such a horrible thing was happening to someone so pure hearted and good. Artemis took a seat in the soft sand to my right with an empathetic smile as she asked, "Are you going to go with your brother to meet with Zeus?" Upon seeing the shock on my face she laughed lightly, "I'm still a goddess Thalia. Don't worry I won't say anything to Hades. Percy Jackson is one of the very few halfway decent men in this world. He deserves to live out his life as the fates have chosen, not ended prematurely because of a curse that can be healed. Now then, I can get you to Zeus but my method won't be instant or overly enjoyable." I raised an eyebrow in confusion but said nothing. She closed her eyes as if to say a prayer and when she opened them a minute later she sighed, "He's on his way."
A groan built in my throat as I understood the 'he' she was referring too. I bit my tongue and instead of complaining I thanked her for her help. I apologized for leaving during a hunt but she silenced me, claiming that they'd manage even without their best hunter. I couldn't stop a smile from forming at her compliment, pride swelling in my heart.
While Artemis and I continued to talk, the other girls finished preparing the fish they'd caught and cooked them over a roaring fire. Once the meal was ready we ate in a circle, enjoying each other's company in quiet. After we ate Artemis announced that I'd be leaving for a few days on a personal quest. I raised an eyebrow when she used the word 'days' as I assumed that the meeting wouldn't take more than a few hours. The hunters weren't happy that I'd be gone but respected my reasoning and wished me good luck.
With a full stomach and busy mind I listened to the waves lap at the sand and the chatter from the other hunters, avoiding my feelings about my dying friend and the difficult task that lay ahead of me.
Only five minutes elapsed before a shadow passed overhead followed by an explosive voice singing, "Here Comes the Sun" by the Beatles. I squinted up to see what was causing the raucous and saw a familiar cherry-red Maserati shining brightly in the sky above. In the driver's seat was none other than Apollo, his blinding white teeth displayed in a huge smile as he waved down at us as if he were a famous celebrity greeting fans on the red carpet.
Apollo parked his car which was really a disguised sun chariot, on the sand as he finished belting the last few words of his song with gusto. He clapped at his performance before hopping out of the convertible and landing in the sand with a grin. "Hello ladies, did you like my song? It's funny because it says here comes the sun and here I am with the sun! I'm so clever don't you think?" He motioned to the car looking overly pleased with himself.
I had to clamp my mouth shut to keep myself blurting out a sarcastic remark but thankfully Artemis further distracted me by walking up to Apollo with a unamused look. "You're ridiculous brother...but thank you for coming."
Apollo smiled brightly and lightly punched Artemis's shoulder, "Anything for my little sister! I'm just glad you're okay and back with your gal pals."
Artemis glared at the informality but sighed and rolled her eyes, "I'm glad you're okay too. If you don't mind, Thalia has to meet with Zeus. It is an urgent matter and she needs a ride to Eurus's palace at once."
Apollo raised an eyebrow and turned to face me, "Is that right? Then we should leave at once! Come on m'lady, we mustn't keep father waiting a moment longer." He winked at me and nearly blinded me with a smile before motioning for me to get in the car. "You can take it for another spin if you'd like. As long as you promise not to crash this time." He said teasingly.
Annoyance bubbled in me as a blush invaded my cheeks, "I'm good thanks, you can chauffeur me this time if you don't mind."
He smiled again and opened the passenger side door for me, "As you wish. Shall we?"
Another irritated groan tried to escape my mouth and I had to force it back down, not wanting to offend the god who was giving me a complimentary ride out of the goodness of his heart. I planted myself in the comfortable black leather seats and took a deep breath, anxiety squeezing at my chest at the thought of being in the air. A twinge of sadness struck me as I thought about the time Percy helped me overcome my fear of heights. I had to divert my thoughts elsewhere to avoid the tears that tried to fill my eyes from the memory.
Artemis stepped up to my side of the car, looking at me with large pensive eyes, "Be careful Thalia, remember to stay calm and keep your emotions under control when talking to Zeus. If you can control them use your feelings to pull on his heartstrings, he can be a softie to his daughters on occasion. When you succeed in your mission make sure to take time to be with your friends, you don't have to rush to come back to us. We will be fine on the hunt. Stay strong my brave lieutenant, Percy Jackson and his companions will need your help in the coming days."
Artemis's permission and encouragement to be with Percy and Annabeth made a flutter of excitement spark in my heart. I hadn't seen them since they'd been trapped in Tartarus and I ached to see how they were doing. Obviously Percy wasn't good but if Jason and I could convince our father to help than maybe Percy could be healed and woken up before I had to leave. I desperately wanted to talk to him and make sure he'd be okay. He was important to me even if I would never admit that fact out loud.
Artemis and I shook hands as was tradition when wishing one good luck and goodbye. I thanked her for supporting me and allowing me to be gone for a while to which she smiled kindly, "I owe Percy Jackson a great debt. Sending you to help him is the least I can do. When he wakes please wish him a fast recovery."
It was shocking to here Artemis talk about a boy with so much respect but I understood why. Percy took the freaking sky from her shoulders on Mt. Tam and saved her from immense suffering. That wasn't a simple feat to accomplish and not one many demigods could withstand.
After saying my final goodbyes Apollo blew a kiss to Artemis and started the car, which lurched forward and instantly lifted us into the sky making my stomach turn violently. I death gripped the armrests, trying my best not to look over the side as I knew I'd surely have a panic attack at how high up we were.
Apollo chuckled, seeing my rigid posture. "Relax girl, it won't be a long ride and the sun chariot is perfectly safe. So tell me Thalia Grace, what ails the young hero of Olympus?"
Shocked that Artemis hadn't already told her twin about Percy's condition, I debated whether I should tell him or not. I resolved that he deserved to know the truth. After all he was helping me and in turn helping Percy so I thought it was only fair. As Apollo drove us through the clouds I shared everything Jason told me about Percy's situation.
By the time I'd finished explaining, Apollo had a frown on his normally joyful face. "That is very unfortunate, I like that kid. Oh well, I'm sure it'll all work out for the best. Ha, would you look at that! We're here already!"
Shifting my focus from his odd reaction I looked through the windshield and saw a huge piece of land hovering in the air with a palace vacating a large portion of the island. I assumed the lavish looking building was our destination and decided not to comment on it.
The car landed at the front gates and Apollo immediately got out, opening my door before calling out, "Hey Eurus! Anyone home?"
The next moment a voice responded from directly in front of us and made me jump with a start, "Apollo? Why are you here? Zeus didn't mention he was meeting with you too."
Apollo laughed, "Not me, just dropping off Thalia Grace. She's here to see her brother as well as meet with the big man. Can you take her to him?"
Where the voice originated a winged man materialized out of thin air with an amused glance at my surprise, "It would be an honor. You may follow me Thalia Grace, I will take you to your father at once."
I looked at Apollo and waved, "Thanks for the ride, it was nice talking to you I guess." It wasn't a total lie, he was okay company, at least he didn't start blasting show-tunes like I'd expected him to. Apollo beamed, "No problem, good luck on your mission." He hopped back in the Maserati and with a final two finger salut sped off into the sky and out of sight.
Eurus took me into the fancy palace, moving too fast for me to really get a good look at the many curious items he used for decor. The only thing I managed to get a good look at was a massive painting of children in costumes, surrounded by pumpkins and piles of candy. I was ushered to an open living room of sorts where I found Zeus seated in a large chair and studying me as I walked toward him.
Once I stepped into the seating area I acknowledged Zeus with a bow before straightening up and meeting his gaze, "Thank you for agreeing to talk with me and Jason. Is he here yet?" I looked around, thinking that he would've been here long before me.
"Your brother is on his way. I sent a pegasus to retrieve him and Miss Mclean but it took them time to understand that I accepted his invitation. Why don't you go to the kitchen and wait there until they arrive. I do not wish to speak about the matter of Mr. Jackson until Jason admits what it is he wants from me." The way he spoke made it clear that I didn't have a choice to stay with him. Although it bothered me, I knew it was best not to argue if I wanted a shot of gaining his help. I stood with a nod and followed Eurus to the kitchen.
The walls of the kitchen were a silvery white and shiny porcelain tiles covered every inch of the floor. Stainless steel appliances added a modern twist to the room while light blue cabinets made for interesting pops of color in the otherwise neutral theme. The countertops were white granite and a matching island sat in the middle of the room serving as a bar. The long island had wooden disks floating in mid air on either side of the structure at about hip level. Eurus informed me that they were seats and for me to make myself comfortable. With some hesitancy I sat down and was surprised to find that the disk held me up despite appearing as if it had nothing supporting it, I assumed it stayed aloft by a constant air current.
As I sat and waited for Jason to arrive I played with an apple that I took from a fruit bowl in the middle of the bar. I made small talk with Eurus and quickly decided that he was an alright dude after hearing his thoughts on mortals and how much he enjoys his job as the god of Autumn. I also came to the conclusion that he was basically Santa Clause but instead of delivering presents he told me that he gave cornucopias filled with fresh food to families who couldn't afford their own Thanksgiving dinners. It warmed my heart to hear him talk about his duties with such passion and authenticity. Out of all the times I'd met with gods and goddesses Eurus was definitely in the top five of the best interactions.
As Eurus was about to tell me a supposedly wild story about the Halloween of 89' a cool breeze blew in and his smile fell, "I apologize but I'll have to tell you the tale another time, it seems your brother and his girlfriend have arrived at the gates. I must bring them to your father at once. I will be back to retrieve you when Lord Zeus requests it. I enjoyed our conversation Miss Thalia, please excuse me." He disappeared, quite literally in a puff of air and I sighed with disappointment.
It wasn't very often that I got to interact with anyone outside of the Hunters. I never regretted my decision to join of course, but because we constantly moved around my socialization became limited to the girls, Artemis, and on rare occasions an iris message from Annabeth. Eurus had made for surprisingly good company but as soon as he'd left I knew it was time to get serious. Jason and I needed to make a compelling argument to get Zeus's help and I was growing more nervous by the second.
After about twenty long minutes of waiting and wondering when I'd be allowed in, Eurus rushed back into the kitchen. "Finally! What took so long?!?" I asked impatiently. He gave me an uneasy look and told me that things were getting very tense when he came to get me. He suggested that we bring a treat to calm everyone down and explained that hot chocolate would be a good idea. Eurus quickly had some invisible servants which I assumed were wind nymphs, make five perfectly heated cups of hot chocolate. The drinks were placed on a tray and left on the countertop for us to take.
Eurus grabbed the tray and led me into the living room, warning me about some sort of change in atmosphere. When we walked around the corner I saw that Jason and Zeus were standing face to face, glowering at each other like they were about to throw hands. My heart raced as I realized that Zeus was about two seconds away from striking Jason down where he stood.
My body reacted before my mind did as I pulled my silver bow from my back and mindlessly notched an arrow, aiming for a turkey that was in a painting on the other side of the room. I sucked in a breath as I released my shot. I watched it fly directly between my brother and father, barely missing their noses before the head of the arrow became embedded in the center of the turkey's head on the wall. I released my breath and slung my quiver back over my shoulder before anyone could react.
Two sets of electric blue eyes met mine with surprise evident in them. I smirked, satisfied at their astonishment and glad Zeus no longer looked like he was about to murder Jason.
After a few well constructed words I persuaded everyone to sit down and was able to mostly settle my father's ill temper. Neither of the two men said a word and I too remained silent to gather my overwhelming thoughts.
I stole my first good look at Jason since I hadn't seem him in person in a while and what I saw frankly disturbed me. He looked like he was on the verge of tears and his hands were shaking ever so slightly. I noticed the immense sorrow and disappointment that radiated off of him in depressing waves and got a sudden urge to give him a hug. I expected him to be sad but I never thought he'd be this wrecked. Piper seemed downcast too but she didn't look nearly as broken as Jason did at the moment. When Jason broke the tension and announced that he was gonna wait outside I knew it was for the best. He wasn't in a good state of mind to be of much help right now and some fresh air might allow him to reign in his emotions.
After Piper and Jason left with Eurus I faced my father and waited for him to speak. He stared at me for a while before nodding his head, "Your brother was out of line. I understand his desire to save the boy but if I give my blessing, Hades will be out for blood. The last thing I need right now is for Hades to start a war on top of our expanding problems with Gaea."
This was it, I had to say the right thing or we'd lose our chance. I can do this. "Father I know it's risky but Percy shouldn't die based off of a possibility that Hades might be upset with you. From what I know about this curse, you, Poseidon, and Hades each have to give a blessing in order to heal him so he'll have to help too. Do you think that just maybe whoever came up with the curse bet on the fact that you three would never work together to save him and therefore knew he'd die? I think Gaea somehow planned all of this. She knows if Percy's gone her chances of rising would be a lot better. We can't let her win even if it means indirectly helping Poseidon. I know it's a lot to ask but I believe you're meant to help us. Dad I beg you. If you really love Jason and I and you actually care for the mortal world than please, give us your blessing and help us save Percy, I'll do anything."
What started off as a strong, well constructed speech rapidly deteriorated into a somewhat pathetic but extremely desperate plead. I couldn't help it, my emotions just boiled over when I thought about Percy dying. Memories of when Percy and I first met flooded my mind instantaneously. We constantly butted heads from the beginning but soon grew to respect each other and eventually we became close friends. When I found out he'd disappeared from Camp Half Blood I searched countless hours around the world, doing everything in my power to find him. When I got the news that Percy and Annabeth had fallen into Tartarus it was one of the hardest days of my life. I thought I'd lost them for good until I got the iris message from an exhausted Annabeth the morning after they made it out. The heavy emotional weight was lifted from my shoulders when I knew they were safe. That is until Jason's iris message today when informed me of Percy's curse and the weight came slamming back down on me with even more force than before.
After Jason's explanation I bottled my feelings so I could make a compelling argument to Zeus and be able to hold myself together without weakness. However It became increasingly harder to control my emotions the more his face hardened throughout my plea. I felt so useless for not helping Percy sooner, not that I knew what was happening, but I still felt awful for not doing anything. Now Percy and Jason were relying on me to succeed and I completely bombed my speech.
I looked at Zeus and became painfully aware of the lack of talking in the room. If the fire didn't crackle and pop as the wood burned we'd be sitting in total silence. It took me a minute to realize how long we'd been sitting there before grief streamed into my chest. I assumed Zeus's muteness meant that he would certainly turn me down the same way he had with Jason. Tears threatened to escape my eyes as my hopelessness grew unbearable.
With a deep sigh Zeus stood and moved forward, kneeling in front of me with sad eyes. "Here my child." He held out his large hand, a golden oak leaf laying flat against his skin and glowing with power. "It was plucked from my own crown and it has been infused with my blessing. Consider this my last kindness to the Perseus Jackson and make it clear to him that if he steps a single foot in my domain I will blast him into dust without a second thought. Understood?"
Wait did he really just give me his blessing? Was this real? Did that actually happen? I couldn't move from the shock of my father's words. I could only sit, absolutely dumbfounded as I stared at the golden leaf like an idiot. My brain felt like it had melted from disbelief and was preventing me from telling my limbs to grab the precious item.
Growing impatient Zeus said, "Thalia if you have changed your mind and don't want to save him I would be happy to take it back." He slowly started to pull his hand away which was exactly what I needed to snap me out of my stupor. I lunged forward and snatched the leaf from his hand, stunned to find that it was as hard and heavy as actual gold. I examined the item curiously, still not completely processing how I managed to get it.
He chuckled at my action but grew serious once more as he locked eyes with me, "When it comes time to combine the ingredients you will have to melt the leaf over the other crushed items. He must drink the combined mixture while it is scolding hot, no matter what pain it causes. That is the best I can do for him. If he can indure the final suffering it will surely heal him and break the curse. Now that you have what you came for it is time for me to leave. I have business to attend to on Olympus." Zeus stood from his spot and turned to leave.
I quickly put the leaf in one of the many zippered pockets of my silver cargo pants before scrambling to my feet. "Wait!" I yelled and as he turned to face me I ran up to him without thinking and threw my arms around him tightly. "Thank you Father, I'll never forget this! Thank you so much." I don't really know what came over me but somehow it just felt like the right thing to do. Zeus patted my back and although I didn't look up, I liked to imagine that he smiled.
After I pulled away he nodded to me before vanishing with a blinding light that I knew better than to look at. When I saw he was gone I took off in a run to find Jason and Piper and give them the good news.
A feeling of anticipation at the thought of seeing Jason happy and Percy healed again took a place in the forefront of my mind as I sprinted for the tallest oak tree, the golden leaf weighing heavily in my pocket. Tears streamed down my face but they held no sadness, instead they were made from pure joy. Everything would be okay, I was sure of it.
Go easy on me, I had a little trouble with Thalia's pov. She's a super cool character and I don't think I'm that cool in real life so I had a hard time portraying her accurately. Shoutout time! Mika1303, thank you for sharing your thoughts! I had a hard time with Jason at first but I just felt like he has a lot more to his heart than he shows in the books. I'm glad I could help broaden your views on the characters. Moonstar, yes Umbrella Academy is lit, thank you for the compliments, I'm happy you are enjoying my writings. GoddessSupernatural don't worry I won't spoil! ;) And to Tbrucks, as always you are amazing! Next chapter will be a little chaotic but Imma just go for it!