Disclaimer: I don't own Percy Jackson or Harry Potter
The Ever Twisting Wind: Of Monsters and Titans
Chapter Thirteen: A Merry Grateful Yule
Beta: ShadowofAxios
After finally getting a well deserved restful night's sleep, Andi woke up to find out that while she'd collapsed in her cabin in exhaustion that Camp had been invaded by the Skeletal Warriors that had been chasing Percy and the others for the bulk of their quest. Thankfully, Nico had proved he was as much of a child of Hades as Bianca by conjuring up a sinkhole that swallowed them up before closing up. Apparently, the boneheads had the 'bright' idea to attack Percy while he was having some kind of heart to heart with the young boy and he didn't take too kindly to be being interrupted.
There was a story there as both Percy and Nico were a little too flustered about their "heart to heart". Unfortunately, Andi didn't have time to dig any deeper right then, so after having enough breakfast to feed a small army, she returned to Hogwarts to get ready for the Yule Ball. Ida and her friend from the Forbidden Forest, Mera, had held down the fort at the castle well. All thanks to a liberal use of Mist. They were nevertheless relieved to see Andi return, apparently a few wizards had gotten suspicious.
Especially since Mera couldn't resist trying to convince people to go green. Things like tips on how to do better trash disposal; encouraging them to use compact fluorescent light bulbs; and of course, advocating that they fix the terrible plumbing. This left the poor wizards thoroughly confused, since they didn't know the first thing about what most of that meant.
Just imagining their looks of confusion was enough to bring a smile to Andi's face.
"I take it you like the dress, then?" Silena asked from her end of the I.M.
It was the night of the Yule Ball and Andi was doing her final checks before she went down to embarrass herself at the party. Andi had got in touch with her friend from Aphrodite Cabin for help getting ready for the event a couple of weeks ago. The other girl had readily agreed and helped Andi pick out a dress and was now helping to guide her through the final touches.
The daughter of love was acting a little odd though. While it was a given that she would be enthusiastic about something like this, the sheer zeal she showed was a little much especially since she was normally a lot more restrained. Then that was that strange air of guilt that hung around her, and the odd comments she kept making about how this was her way for making up for things. Andi had tried to press her for what she meant but Silena just clammed up, so Andi let it go. She didn't want to risk their friendship by pushing too hard.
"Huh? Oh, yeah. It's wonderful." Andi said quickly, trying to hide the fact that she'd been distracted.
"Really?" The daughter of Aphrodite asked skeptically, "I still think you'd look better in a fancier ballroom gown."
"I'm not really a dress gal, Silena." Andi nervously commented. "Baby steps."
"I know." The other girl said with a sigh. "Just be sure to get the bow on the right side of your hair, corsage on the left wrist."
If Andi was honest, the dress she'd settled on was still a little outside her comfort zone. She didn't like dresses in general, but it was still tolerable. It was a rather simple white dress that flowed down to Andi's ankles. Black straps held it up on her slim shoulders. The top and waist were trimmed black. It was complimented by a black choker and a pair of glass slippers. The latter serving to add a fairytale vibe to it. The whole outfit was completed by a blue bow ribbon and a handful of lilies that were worked into her hair.
"Like that?" Andi asked as she fiddled with the bow.
"You, look, so adorable! If I.M.s had a hug feature, I would be squeezing you to death."
Suddenly, Wendy materialized seemingly out of nowhere and hugged Andi. "Or, I can just do it on your behalf!"
"That works too." The daughter of Aphrodite said with a giggle.
Andi hugged her partner back even as she rolled her eyes. Wendy just joined Silena at giggling, and backed off.
A flash went off, making the daughter of Zeus' eyes widen. She looked to her side to see Ida, camera in hand. The mountain nymph had a smile on her face.
"You look like a snow fairy."
Andi's face heated up instantly at this, and she shuffled her feet.
"You think so?"
"Of course." Ida said with confidence. "And when your Father sees this photo, so will he."
"R-Really?" The sky lord's child asked with pleasant surprise.
"I'm sure of it."
"I agree with Ida." Silena said with a wistful smile. "I wish I could be there or stay longer."
"It's ok, Silena. I'm done getting ready anyway."
"Still…"
"Don't worry about it."
"In that case," Silena said with a disappointed sigh. "I should go. Have fun Andi!"
With that Silena cut the I.M.
"I think this is our cue as well."
"Already?" Wendy asked, sounding torn.
"What are you guys talking about?"
"We're off to have our own little party in the Forbidden Forest with the local nymphs for the night." Ida said with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. "I was invited by the local dryads." Placing an arm around Wendy, she continued. "Someone has to teach our little Aura the right way to party."
"You're gonna get knackered, aren't you?" Andi dryly accused.
"Maybe a little."
"I'm not, right?" Wendy asked Ida, looking up at her worriedly.
"Oh, you are. Trust me."
"Have fun." Andi said with a pout.
She'd never been plastered before.
Andi was genuine in wanting the two nymphs to enjoy themselves, but she was also a little sad that she wouldn't have company at the Yule Ball.
Ida seemed to see that and placed her hands comfortingly on her shoulders. "Andi, we really just want to let you get a chance to have a fun night by yourself."
"I'll try to." Andi replied uncertainly.
"That's all I ask for." Ida said with a encouraging smile. "If you try, I'd think that you'll be surprised."
With that enigmatic reply, Ida gave Andi's shoulders one last squeeze before letting go, taking hold of Wendy's hand before the two transformed into a breeze and shot out the nearby window.
Andi scratched the back of her head in confusion. "Wonder what she meant by that."
From her roost in the corner, Hedwig hooted a reply.
"Yeah, I know she's right." Andi dropped into a chair, a contemplative look on her face. She glanced back at Hedwig. "I'll try to have fun. But how?"
Hedwig hooted again.
"What's the problem?" The demigod asked. "Well, how about the fact that I don't have a date? How's that for a little touch of social suicide."
Hedwig rolled her eyes.
"Hey, that's a serious deal, Hed!" Andi scowled. "I'm already in single digits when it comes to the social score. I don't need to fall into the negative here. Enough people think shite of me already. I'm sick of it."
The owl just hissed dismissively.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. Don't let what people say affect me. Easier said than done, though. Got any other wise PSAs in your beak?"
Hedwig just shrugged her wings.
"Great help you are." Andi blew at her bangs and moved to stand up.
A whistle was her only reply.
"Ok, ok. I'm going."
The daughter of Zeus sighed, trying her best to compose herself as she walked to the door.
What she saw as she exited the suite left her stunned. Waiting for her just outside the door was Will. He was dressed in a fine black suit and tie. He looked, um, rather dreamy if she were honest. Like, he cleaned up, amazingly. Not that he wasn't good looking before! It was, well...
Even as her mind rambled on, she just stood there staring at him as heat raced to her cheeks.
"H-Hey."
She tried to come off as casual, but her voice came out as a squeak.
"Hey." He waved back at her, smiling awkwardly.
"Um, not complaining, but how did you get here?"
"Aphrodite." The blond explained with a shudder.
That explained so much, yet so little.
"When the goddess of love tells you to do something, you just nod your head. Advice for a lifetime."
Andi nodded knowingly. "I can live by that."
The two halfbloods shifted uneasily, shooting each other looks and then quickly looking away.
"So err…" Andi started uncertainly once the silence grew too uncomfortable. "Should I use a pickup line? Or maybe you should, because you're the guy?"
"Maybe we both should?" Will offered with a teasing smile.
"Maybe." Andi replied with a laugh, one which Will quickly joined in on. The mood lifted, she smiled at her date - She was still trying to wrap her mind around that - and asked, "So, wanna head to the Hall?"
Will nodded and offered her his arm, all gentleman like.
Blushing, Andi slipped her arm into Will's.
Arm in arm, the two friends headed towards the Great Hall.
As Andi and Will walked down the stairs to the entrance hall that led into the Great Hall, she was greeted by yet another pleasant surprise. Standing there in the crowd milling outside the door to the Great Hall were Percy and Annabeth.
Annabeth was dressed in a silver gown, her curly princess hair was tied up in a fashionable bun and she looked stunning. Percy was looking good too. He was wearing a dark blue suit -Because of course it was blue- even if his tie was crooked and his hair was in its usual surferesque mess.
By Will's own look of surprise, he didn't know they were going to be there either.
Curious to figure out what was going on, they walked over to their fellow halfbloods.
"How did you even get here?" Andi asked Percy and Annabeth.
"I asked my mom." Annabeth told her with a smirk.
"And she brought Percy too?" Andi asked doubtfully.
"You think?" Percy said with a shake of his head. "I might have ended up in Alaska if she did. I asked my dad. Annabeth didn't want you going to this thing without backup. Some girl code. And she needed a date, so I prayed to my dad for some help. The only bad thing about it was that my dad's teleport had me ending up in the lake. I was lucky that Bob the giant squid was super chill."
"His name is Bob?" Andi raised a brow.
"Yup."
"Huh, go figure."
Annabeth rolled her eyes. "Okay you two, show's over. We've got a ball to go to."
"Leave it to you to take charge." Will commented with a teasing smile.
"Watch it, Doogie."
The son of Apollo held his hands up in mock surrender.
By now, the crowd outside the Great Hall had grown pretty big, and a lot of glances were turning towards the daughter of Zeus.
Ever since the First Task, the Hogwarts students had started treating her strangely. Some had started to grudgingly warm up to her. Apparently after Cedric's death, they saw her as the only chance for Hogwarts to win the Tournament.
Even if she wasn't! Not that they cared, the arses.
Plus the callous jerks didn't seem to care about Cedric's fate beyond the fact that his death meant that Hogwarts had lost its Champion.
Though those that did remember Cedric, weren't any nicer to Andi either. In fact they were worse. A lot them were calling her a thief for stealing the spotlight in light of Cedric's recent death. Almost the entire Hufflepuff House were part of this group. She got that they were the house of loyalty and that they wanted to stand up for their late housemate's memory, but getting angry at her was unfair. Understandable, but still not kosher.
Will and Percy glared back at some of the mean looks, forcing many of them to avert their gaze. Percy's look was downright terrifying, and Andi couldn't help but be impressed that the wizards didn't melt under his gaze much less that some had the guts to glare back. That said, glaring at these people who were only acting out their grief was wrong.
"Guys, stop." Andi told the boys. "They don't deserve it."
"Andi, wha-"
"Just stop it." Andi said with a shake of her head. "I'll explain later."
"It's got something to do with the boy who died in the First Task, doesn't it?" Annabeth guessed.
Both male halfbloods shot Andi shocked looks at this bombshell.
"Bingo, so let's just drop it. 'Kay?"
The boys exchanged a look before nodding.
"Alright, with that out of the way." Annabeth said, closing the case on the matter, she turned to face the door of the Great Hall, her grey eyes narrowed. "Let's do this."
"To war." Percy dryly cheered, his fist slightly raised in the air.
"Hazzah?" Andi agreed, maybe. She nonetheless walked over to the door.
"You'll have to wait a little longer, Andi." Dumbledore said with a amused smile, as he walked over. "But if you and your date would follow me, we need to get ready to start the Ball."
Will shot Andi a confused look.
"Oh, I forgot about that." The daughter of Zeus said with a nervous laugh, before turning to Will and explaining. "As one of the Champions, I and my date are expected to start off the Ball with the first dance."
"Yes," the Headmaster said with a nod. "That's the only dance that's compulsory though, take that as you will. Now come along. Professor McGonagall is waiting."
Will looked relieved, clearly reassured by that. Together they waved goodbye to Percy and Annabeth and after exchanging promises to meet up later, followed Dumbledore.
"On another note, I would like to apologise to you Andi about how the students have been treating you lately. After, the First Task things have been difficult." The old wizard said sounding apologetic for and disappointed in his students. "Ah. There's Professor McGonagall with the other Champions and their dates. Go ahead and join them."
"Come come, Potter. Good on you to finally get a date." The high strung professor told her, shooing her and Will behind Krum and his date. "Line up with the other Champions if you will."
"You ready for this?" Will leaned down to whisper into Andi's ear.
"As I'll ever be."
Any further conversation was cut short as McGonagall had began to lead the Champions into the Hall.
The walls of the Hall had all been covered in sparkling silver frost, with hundreds of garlands of mistletoe and ivy crossing the starry black ceiling. The House tables had vanished; instead, there were about a hundred smaller, lantern-lit ones, each seating about a dozen people.
The Champions, their dates, the Headmasters and the handful of Ministry officials involved with the Tournament had a reserved table right at the front but Andi and Will decided to ditch it as soon as they could. Andi couldn't stand the company. The only person she found personable there was Dumbledore but he'd been forced to leave by dessert. Apparently there was something that came up in the kitchens that needed his attention.
After everyone was finished with dinner, it was time for the first dance. By her dad's beard, Andi was nervous. Ida had helped her learn the basics of the waltz, so she didn't make a complete fool of herself thankfully. Will on the other hand took the lead pretty easily, and proved to be very light on his feet.
Must've come from being the son of the god of the arts. The way of the dance was strong in this one.
It came to an end without the need of a crash cart, so Andi was feeling pretty jazzed.
Especially since they were loads better than Annabeth and Percy.
Let it be known that Percy could slash a monster to ribbons, but couldn't cut a rug to save his life. Annabeth was only a bit better. It was certainly a laughable moment.
Walking over to them as the first dance ended, Andi was intent on ribbing her cousin mercilessly over this fact.
"Percy, you really need to work on your footwork." Will offered kindly as they found their friends at a table near the back of the Hall, apparently taking a rest after their disaster of a dance.
"I'll remember that the next time you have a swordsmanship lesson." The son of Poseidon shot back.
"Don't worry, I'll patch you up. Or do you want a water bottle?"
Both boys smirked at each other before breaking into laughter.
Andi quirked a brow at Annabeth. "How dorky are they?"
"By my estimate? To the max."
"Indubitably." The daughter of Zeus replied even as she stifled a giggle.
Percy pouted at this while Will had a mock offended look on his face.
"I think we need a drink after that kind of burn." The son of Poseidon told the other demigod.
The blonde agreed and the two boys headed off to get drinks from a refreshment table.
"Shame we don't have refreshments here at the table. Maybe then the boys wouldn't get lost on the way to the punch bowl." Andi had a small grin on her face.
Annabeth just smiled at Andi's joke and nodded, "Yeah, but I suppose the people originally here wanted drinks themselves."
"True."
"So, Andi, how are you enjoying the Ball so far?"
"It's ok." The daughter of Zeus said with a shrug, but rubbed her ear. "Can't say I like the music."
"Music? You call that music?" Percy asked incredulously as he and Will returned with drinks for everyone. "I'd say it's more like noise. Of the ear splitting variety."
"Too much culture shock?" Annabeth asked even as she offered her date a thankful smile and took the goblet he offered.
"More like culture murder."
"My dad must hate these guys." Will commented as he handed Andi her goblet and they listened to the 'Weird Sisters' band as they belted out their top song, 'Do The Hippogriff'.
"Silver and Quill do that dance way better." Andi commented, as the song made her want to still the air around the band. She wouldn't, but it was slowly becoming more tempting.
"They listen to this trash?" Percy asked in shock.
"No, but like I said," Andi pointed to the singer, doing some awkward chicken dance, "they can just dance better."
"I'm sure they do." Annabeth said with a roll of her eyes. "Personally, I'm more curious about why some of the guys are wearing those weird suits? Dresses? Suit dresses?"
"Tradition." Andi snorted, looking at some of the zany outfits. "I mean, look at Ron."
She pointed him out on the dance floor with his date - the fact that he had one was something that amazed Andi to be honest - in all his ruffled glory.
"He looks like a pirate."
"And now he's coming over here, be nice." Annabeth chided Percy.
"Yo, Andi, how ya doing? Enjoying the Ball?" The redhead asked as he walked up to the group with his date. She was a brown haired girl that Andi recognized as Lisa Turpin from Ravenclaw. The daughter of Zeus didn't know anything else about her though.
From what she'd seen so far Andi thought the two looked quite happy together, though Lisa looked cross at seeing Andi.
Great, another fan.
"Everything's great, Ron. You?"
"Same. So-"
Ron was interrupted though as a new song started up and Lisa tugged on his arm. "Ron, I like this song. Let's go dance."
"Huh? Oh sure." Ron said distractedly, even as he turned back towards the dance floor. "See you later, Andi."
Andi offered him a wave as he and his date joined the mass of dancers.
"Huh, didn't see that coming. That girl was pretty." Percy blinked as he watched the pair walk away. "Points to the ginger."
Andi punched him in the arm. "What happened to being nice?"
"What? It was a compliment." Percy protested with Will nodding in agreement.
Both girls just groaned at their dates' lack of tact.
After that, the four friends sat chatting for a good ten minutes. Andi was tempted to ask Percy about what happened with Nico, but she was tactful enough to know that probably should be a private conversation, so saved it for another time.
"I would have thought people would be swarming you." Annabeth said as she glanced at the other Champions who were constantly being approached. "Like the other Champions."
Andi laughed. "Ah! How the people loath me, my dear Bethy. Meh, what else is new. In fact, I bask in it!"
"So we're the outcast table? I can handle that." The son of Poseidon smirked as he sipped his drink.
Just then, the Weird Sisters left the stage for a break and the orchestral instruments suddenly animated to life and began playing a waltz.
"And finally that screeching has stopped." Percy commented, even as Annabeth slapped his arm in warning.
A good number of the dancers were leaving the dance floor but those that remained were now shifting from the club dancing of the earlier songs into a slower romantic waltz. They were being joined by a handful of couples as well, who were drifting onto the floor.
Andi looked on a little wistfully, wondering whether she'd ever get to dance with someone like that.
A tap on her shoulder made her turn to see Will holding out his hand. "May I have this dance?"
"Smooth."
Annabeth stepped on Percy's foot.
"Ow!"
Before Andi could accept however, someone called out to her. The daughter of Zeus would have ignored whoever it was but by the widening of her friends' eyes, she thought better of it.
Turning to face the direction the voice had come from, she saw Thalia walking towards her purposefully, in all her silvery glowing glory.
"Shouldn't you be in a bush hunting a bunny?" Andi sneered as the newest lieutenant of Artemis reached the group.
Let it be known, Andi was not charitable when her date was being interrupted. Let alone her first date.
Thalia scowled at her. "Funny. We need to talk."
"So talk."
"In private."
Andi glanced at her friends and sighed. "Fine, let's hurry this up. There's a garden out front."
The two sisters walked in uncomfortable silence for a moment, before Andi couldn't resist taking another jab at the older girl.
"You know, you're pretty underdressed for the occasion. A snow jacket and jeans? You do know it's a Ball, right?"
"Whatever." Thalia snorted, as they approached the garden.
Huh, she's not biting my head off. Two days with Artemis and she's almost a proper human being. Guess Christmas miracles do happen.
Thalia took a quick glance around, and headed off towards a gazebo hidden in the middle of all the ornamental shrubbery, Andi following behind her. They found a couple making out there, which brought a blush to Andi's face but one of disgust to Thalia's, but the Hunter just brandished her knives and scared the poor lovebirds off.
And I take that back, I think she's gotten worse.
"So what do you want to talk about?" Andi asked as she took a seat.
"Sisterhood."
"Wow, you're actually acknowledging that we're related?"
"Can you be serious for once?"
"Can you actually grow up?"
Tension grew between them before Thalia groaned, rubbing her eyes. "The faster I say this, the faster I can leave. So shut up and listen!"
"Sure, spill your guts." Andi smiled brightly.
Thalia's hands tightened around the hilts of her daggers, as if she'd dearly wish to draw them and gut Andi but she held back. Through gritted teeth, she instead started to explain what she was doing here.
"Look, I don't want to be here but Lady Artemis insisted. Something about giving me a chance to say a proper goodbye."
Good to know it only took a goddess to make you talk to me like I actually matter.
"She thinks I'm being a jerk not to. That and Annie asked me to as well."
"Bethy?"
"Yeah, something about how it would do me some good."
Both daughters of Zeus snorted at that.
"Well, you're here. Ain't that just peachy." Andi rolled her eyes. "By the way, you left your shite behind in the cabin. Tossed it in a box somewhere. You ever want it, you know where to find it."
"I'll come pick it up the next time I'm in Camp."
"Oh? When's that going to be?" Andi asked curiously.
Thalia just shrugged. "Whenever Lady Artemis wants us to pay a visit."
That doesn't sound like it's going to happen anytime soon. Not with the war effort on full tilt.
The two girls fell into a long, uncomfortable silence. Something that served to spike Andi's anger.
She'd let go of Thalia, but now just two days later she comes right back? It was annoying! Especially because she says she wanted to talk and now didn't have anything to say!
As Thalia continued to play mute, Andi lost her cool.
"Cat got your tongue!?" Andi accused.
Thalia tried to respond, but the witch had worked up a head of steam and she wasn't going to let herself be interrupted until she was done venting.
"You are an utter bint, do you know that?" The younger daughter of Zeus hissed. "An utter hypocritical, colossal, mega bint. So it's selling out with what I did with Hecate, but when you do basically the same thing with Artemis it's perfectly fine? As long as it's you doing it? Looks like we're both sellouts."
Thalia winced a little at this, apparently she was at least able to see how hypocritical she was on that front.
"No worries though! You found a new little family you can run to just because life got hard. I'm gonna guess the last two days has been the best days of your life since getting out of a tree. Am I right? I mean, who needs your sister by blood? You've got a bunch of girls who probably don't know what a period means."
"That's not true!" Thalia retorted.
Andi gave her a dubious look.
"...Only some don't." Thalia's freckled face flustered in annoyance.
"My point stands." Andi leaned back in her seat, staring hard at her 'sister'.
"I know I've said it, but it bears repeating. You're a hypocrite!" The witch said with a glare. "You didn't want a family, that's why you rejected me. That's what you said, right? But then you find a family in the Hunters? I'll say it a third time. Hypocrite!"
"Are you done?" The Hunter asked her.
"Oh, by all means. Speak. I know you have trouble doing so. I'll wait." Andi gave the older girl her full attention.
Thalia gritted her teeth, obviously trying to stop herself from saying something that would cause the tense situation to explode. Taking a calming breath, she finally took the reins of the conversation.
"Ok, I'll admit that I'm a hypocrite." Thalia said grudgingly. "I did exactly like you said. I rejected the family you offered and then joined the Hunters and found one there. But can you blame me?"
"Yes."
Again Thalia looked ready to strangle the younger girl, but barely restrained herself and continued. "Really? And you think your insane expectations didn't play a part? Did you even once think that when I first came out of the tree I wasn't looking for a family?"
"You obviously changed your mind."
"Yes, I did. But that took time! When I got out of that tree, all I wanted was space to get readjusted and you wouldn't let me. You kept pushing and pushing for us to be all sisterly. You didn't even once think about whether I was ready for it. Not once."
Andi wanted to retort, but she found herself tongue tied. That, that might have been true.
"And by the time I was ready to try to open up to the idea of maybe having family again, things between us were so bad that it wouldn't have worked out. I hated you, I admit it. I hated you for how pushy you were, for how obvious it was that dad liked you better, and at how much better you seemed to be at everything. But even then I tried! At Crissy Fields I tried and you brushed me off!"
"I was willing to listen, but all you did was get angry and storm off."
Thalia shook her head at that. "You're a selfish bitch, you know that?"
"Wha-"
"I opened up to you then. I tried to explain to you my feelings and meet you halfway, but did you appreciate it? No! You basically said you didn't care how I felt. Of course, I got angry. Do you know how difficult it is to open up to someone? Especially someone you hate?"
"No, I don't. Here's the thing though, by the time you decided to open up? I was tired of trying." The witch admitted softly. "People have limits Thalia, and I had one of a saint for you. I took all your comments, swallowed it down with a dumb smile and just waited. I waited and waited and got nothing. It took thinking I was dead before you changed your mind. How am I supposed to feel about that? I get it, you opened up and that's nice, but too little too late."
"Trust me, I can see that." Thalia said angrily. "I know where you are now. You're feeling what I felt when I was pissed at you for being super clingy. So I'm not angry at you for rejecting me now. I didn't come here expecting a reconciliation, no matter what Lady Artemis thought. What I do want however is for you to see that you were at fault for this too. Consider it my only act of sisterly kindness, or whatever, but I'm not going to let you live your life thinking you were completely blameless here."
The younger sister leaned her head back to look up at the wintery sky. It was a largely cloudless night and the stars were shining brightly in the sky. The beautiful sight offered Andi little comfort though as she made an uncomfortable admission. One she'd made one too many times already.
"Yeah, I, I can see that. I can rub people the wrong way. Ain't perfect, I'm not afraid to admit it."
Why do I keep having to learn this lesson? It's getting old.
"We both screwed up, fair deal?" Andi admitted as she tilted her head back down to stare Thalia in the eyes.
"Deal." Thalia agreed as she offered her hand. "Shake on it?"
Andi quirked her lip and reached her hand out. "Deal."
The two girls sealed their understanding. From now onwards they wouldn't be sisters to each other. This fact left them both feeling relieved.
"I'll see ya around?" The champion of Hecate asked, trying to sound nonchalant but failing to fully suppress the tinge of loss that seeped in. She might have been relieved about the outcome but that didn't mean she wasn't also broken up about it.
If Thalia picked up on it, she made no sign. Instead, she just shrugged and stood up.
"Maybe."
Andi stood up as well and the two began walking back towards the castle when their instincts suddenly started screaming danger. Both of them tensed and they glanced around, looking for the source of their unease. They soon narrowed their focus on the rustling of a patch of bushes a few feet to their right.
The two girls were about to get a closer look when suddenly two forms burst from the foliage and charged at them. A large hulking one zeroed in on Thalia, while a leaner one came at Andi. Each daughter of Zeus dodged the initial attack, Thalia with a roll and Andi with a super leap backwards.
From the brief moment in the air, Andi took the time to examine their attackers and boy was it a strange sight. They were a pair of bipedal lions. The one that attacked Thalia was obviously male. It had a mane, was broad shouldered and had massive muscles. The other one was a lioness. In contrast to its counterpart, it was lithe and built for speed. Both monsters snarled at them and held their claws at the ready.
"Alright, how'd you two get in here? Seriously, this place's security sucks!" Andi gripped. Not only did Thalia pull her away from her date, but now she had to deal with a pair of lion monsters.
This was turning out to be a terrible date night.
"A pair of leonte? Just what we need."
"You know 'em?"
Thalia was about to answer when the pair of leonte unexpectedly broke to the side, barely avoiding being skewered by the score of silver arrows clustered around where the two monsters had been standing just moments before.
Before either halfblood could even express their shock at this, the pre-teen form of Artemis landed in front of them, glaring at the lions. "Atalanta would be ashamed of you."
The male snarled at the goddess, baring his impressive set of canines and retorted. "You failed to protect her from Aphrodite's tricks when she needed you most. You've no right to say her name."
The goddess of the hunt just fired another score of missiles from her crescent bow.
The pair of monsters once again evaded the barrage and turning tail, began bounding through the garden.
"Thalia, stay here. I have a pair of cubs to stuff." Artemis ordered while transforming into a gazelle and setting out in pursuit of the monsters.
Thalia glanced at Andi and took off, following her lady into battle.
Andi rolled her eyes, it seemed someone didn't know how to take orders.
"Those Leonte, so easy to manipulate." A familiar tittering voice said.
Recognizing it, the witch turned to see Aphrodite sitting in the gazebo and smiling broadly.
"So you sent them after us?"
"Darling, perish the thought! I sent them after Thalia." The goddess corrected. "She's lost whatever favor with me that she had by joining the Hunt, so she's free game to me. You see, I hate what the Hunters represent. They are a rejection of romance. And not just heterosexual love, all romantic love. Sure there are a few lesbian couples in the Hunters, but they're more tolerated rather than accepted."
She pointed to where Thalia had run off to. "Worse yet, that stuffy girl is boringly heterosexual. So there isn't even any chance of a little yuri in her future."
"What's yuri?"
"I could explain for hours! But sadly, you don't have that long." Aphrodite said with a disappointed pout. "The other gods dislike you enough as is and with two Olympians going out of their way to help you tonight, that will only get worst. So I can't stay long. Spinning it as me messing with Artemis can only go so far."
Andi rubbed her eyes, she figured it would look bad that two major goddesses had showed up to talk to her. "I'll just deal with it when it comes, I guess."
"And that's why I like you, you're a tough cookie." The lady of doves said with a proud little smile, as if she was somehow responsible in making Andi who she was. "So since you know what's up, pardon me for being blunt. I also sent those leonte to prove a point to you."
"What point?"
"That Thalia would rather run off and face a monster than spend time with you. Even when she doesn't have to. And she didn't just now. Artemis could handle those small fry easily, and she even gave the girl specific instructions to stay."
The demigod gave an accepting nod. "I sorta figured. I'm pretty much over her anyway."
"I know you are. In your head that is. This little demonstration was to help your heart get the memo too."
"Yeah, thanks Lady Aphrodite."
"It's tough being a teacher, but I do what I must. Now, I have to go. Tottles~!" The love goddess winked at her and dissipated into a flock of doves. "Be sure to do something I would do!"
Andi gave the doves a polite wave and turned back to the castle, trying to ignore that last part. She really hoped Will wasn't upset she just left him like that.
Andi returned to the Yule Ball to find that it was coming to its end. Most of the participants had headed back to their rooms and the Hall was pretty empty. The Weird Sisters had gone home and only the animated orchestra was left to provide music for the handful of remaining dancers, among which she spotted Annabeth and Percy. The pair were going slow, like the beginners they were, and unlike their first attempt of the night were doing surprisingly well.
She couldn't help the smile at seeing them getting that romantic dance she just knew they had been dying for even as she felt a little bummed that the night had went by so fast. Looking out over the balcony and into the garden - which was sporting a few craters now with glints of silver in them - she gave a disappointed sigh.
"You ok, Andi?" Will said with concern as he came up to her. "Everything go okay with Thalia?"
Andi turned around, leaning back on the balcony. She offered him a strained smile. "Yeah, I think we cleared the air. So it was nice, I guess."
"So it's getting late." Will said as he shot the dance floor a meaningful look.
Catching his hint, Andi perked up even as she felt a flutter in her chest. Showing off her etiquette lessons, she offered him a curtsey. "May I ask if the good sir would give me a final dance?"
Will smiled a little, as he offered her a bow in return. "I would be most delighted. Though, isn't it supposed to be the guy that asks for the dance?"
She grinned. "I'm a ballsy gal."
He smirked at her and took her hand. "You might want to get that checked out."
She swatted his arm as they walked to the dance floor.
As they began to dance a slow waltz, Andi felt her chest almost explode as she was overwhelmed with a surge of emotion. She didn't know how to explain the fluttering feelings. What she did know was that, she liked him. Really, really liked him.
So she did what she always did when her brain failed her, she relied on her gut.
Following her instincts she leaned in and kissed Will on the cheek.
The boy blushed lightly at this, even as he shot her a pleasantly surprised look and roguishly asked, "Does that mean you want to go out with me?"
Andi could only answer with a kiss to his other cheek, smiling prettily even as her own face flushed.
The son of Apollo looked ecstatic at that reply and Andi could have sworn that the air around them suddenly felt charged with electricity.
Maybe it was the mood, maybe it was her feeling daring, Andi would never know but she threw caution to the wind and leaned in to give Will, her new boyfriend, a proper kiss on the lips. One the boy happily reciprocated. It was a chaste thing, neither party was willing to spoil the moment by pushing for more, but it was wonderful regardless.
It left the daughter of Zeus feeling incredible.
It was a moment in time that Andi knew she was going to cherish for a long time.
As they broke the kiss, Andi leaned into Will's chest, and they both slowly swayed to the music. To the new couple, it felt like it was just them on the dance floor, and they were okay with that.
A handful of hours later, the daughter of Zeus laid on her bed, still wearing her dress, and reflected on the night she just had.
On one hand, she and Thalia weren't sisters anymore, but at least they weren't going to end up killing each other. Still, Andi felt like she didn't really need Thalia.
Because she did have a family.
That realization had been inspired by an offhand comment from Annabeth as she and the others headed home to Camp.
"This was fun. It's how I'd imagined going to Prom with a sister would be like." The daughter of Athena had told Andi as she hugged her goodbye.
Annabeth had practically been her sister since their quest for the Master Bolt. Sure, they had their differences, they argued but they were close. They often went out of their way to help the other.
At least Andi liked to think she tried to do so.
Annabeth's remark reminded her of that, comforting her of the hurts that 'losing' Thalia had left her with.
But, she didn't just have a sister. Did she? The comment got her thinking, and she realized that in truth she had a whole family.
Wendy was like an adorable little sister. Always eager to help, and constantly looking out for Andi. Sure, she didn't know her partner long but the daughter of Zeus already felt like she'd learned enough about the Aura to trust her with almost anything. Combine that with just how cute she was, Andi couldn't help but want to pamper her whenever she could.
She even had parents. Sorta.
Chiron was like her dad. No offense to Zeus, but Chiron was there for the day to day dad stuff. She knew the king of Olympus cared, he spoiled her after all, but he was just too distant for her to relate with in a fatherly way. Not when Chiron was so much more available. Always there to help her whenever she needed him.
Then there was Ida, who was total mom material. Sharp tongued, not afraid to call her out whenever she did anything stupid, to punish her for misbehavior, but still be loving and caring in that firm but fair way. She taught her what she needed to get ahead in life, along with those etiquette lessons.
Yeah, those etiquette lessons.
She even had a dorky cousin in the form of Percy.
And then there was Will...
Done and done, and wow! It's a less than 10k chapter?! The world must be ending… Anyway! Thanks to the team of Nameless and Axios as always. Good work guys!
Yeah, that's right. Andi got hooked up! To Will, deal with it Solgelo fans. Nico's not a depressed puppy that needs hugs. He's a hyperactive one now. Hugs and smiles people, hugs and smiles.
Nameless: So we've finally had Will and Andi hook up, huh? It's been a long time coming, hasn't it? Well, we hope that you liked how we made it happen.
And the Ball...JK dropped the ball, that's for sure. Do The Hippogriff...my ears bleed. And yes, those who have noticed, the Hufflepuffs are raging at Andi. With no Cedric to rein them in, she'll have to tolerate the hufflehate. Yeah, I said it. Hufflehate.
Nameless: To be fair, 'Do The Hippogriff' might have been included by the filmmakers. We don't know, so... As for the rest of the Ball, I hope you guys enjoyed it. I know we left plenty of details out, but seriously I don't think all of you would have liked us to go through every little inconsequential detail.
We also only cared about our characters doing their thing, not what the WW were doing.
Nameless: Yup, since the WW isn't much of an interest to Andi by this point. It doesn't seem worthwhile for us to focus on them at all.
Oh! There was one last point to discuss. This chapter represented a big chunk of character development for Andi, in the form of Andi's confrontation with Thalia and her realization at the end of the chapter. With these, she's finally learned to give up on her previously unrealistic expectations for family and learned to accept and be satisfied with what she does have.
E4E: Exactly, Andi has always been pro family, but now realizing she's had what she's always wanted? That's a BIG BIG step for her. As for Andi and Thalia, they're not out to kill each other but they're not exactly going to watch the Notebook together either. She's got Annie for that. Next up is the Second Task, that's going to be fun, and wet.
Nameless: Trust us, we have some very, very interesting ideas for that. Look forward to it.
Now, we're going to be taking a little hiatus as we've eaten up most of our buffer. So we're taking a break until we wrap up our final few Andi chapters and this was a good spot to stop.
But for now, smash that review button! No flames! And peace off my peeps. Til next time, bye!