Third Person POV:
"Y-you have to get him! You have to bring my best friend back!" Grover pleaded trying to force his voice not to crack. The others may not understand or not remember, but he and Percy are connected. The empathy link was first used just so that Grover can survive. But now?... Things are changing.
"Percy made his choice. I fail to see how that becomes our problem." Zoe responded. Why would he be so foolish as to not even fight back? Just another reason why men are failures. Zoe wouldn't dare say anything out loud, but Percy not fighting back was something that was extremely suspicious. Even when they fired upon him he did his best to avoid the worst hits. He even managed to walk away from getting hit by Artemis. That was admirable to say the least. However, the way he disappears constantly also arises suspicion. No one knows what he's doing, not even his father. Or the so-called mothers of his that no one has even seen.
"No, you don't understand! I felt it. I felt his emotions. He doesn't know what to do! Everything that's happening- Percy- It's just..." Grover was at a loss for words. Sure he felt emotions at times coming from him, but never has he felt this.
"Grover just take a breath and tell us what he felt." Thalia comforter. Or tried. She wasn't the best at this, but she felt as though she needed to something to comfort her friend.
"...Percy was terrified. Not just scared. I- I didn't notice it before. He has been scared for weeks now, but I was busy. I mean, not just plain scared. He- I don't even know. I've been here and Percy was out there dealing with it for a long time. Oh my gods! What if something happened and-" Grover was spiraling now. Percy was always tough on the outside. Why didn't he tell anyone?
"Can someone please explain what's happening!?" Bianca blurted out. Everyone seemingly forget that she and Nico were present in the first place. Zoe looked to Artemis, who was in her thirteen old form, and asked what were her orders with a gaze. Artemis nodded slightly. So Zoe took is as informing Bianca personally. She placed a hand on her shoulder and preceded to guide her away from everyone. Perhaps give her another option as well.
Nico was about to follow when Annabeth stopped him. "Grover can you fill Nico in here?" She knew her friend and figured that he needed to get his mind off of some things. Grover didn't want to, but one look at Nico's face and he led him in another direction.
Artemis gave the order to set up camp at the moment and in an instant silver tents occupied the area. A warm fire pleasantly tingled against their frost nipped skin.
"What are we going to do now?" Thalia questioned feeling a stinging sensation in her stomach. What did Percy have to fear? She stared on after no one gave her an answer to her first question.
"What do you actually know about him?" The goddess herself asked towards the two campers.
"Other than a very hard life and what we've seen. Nothing. I haven't the faintest idea what's going on with that seaweed brain." Annabeth sighed into her palms. He was there for no more than a minute. And he willingly gave himself up to the enemy. Percy didn't even fight back. No kicking, screaming, or stabbing.
"I see." Artemis hummed. "If that's the case then we can't rule out the possibility that he has switched sides." Artemis was not one to sugarcoat things.
"What!? How could you even suggest such a thing!? Percy is the most reliable and trustworthy friend I have! He wouldn't possibly go dark side! Why would he after everything they did to him!?" Annabeth shot up and dared to scream at a goddess.
"Maybe he got tired of fighting. You said so yourself that you barely know the guy. Isn't it possible that-"
"No. Not him. Not ever." Annabeth didn't know a lot about him, but she was sure he wouldn't even think about doing something as ridiculous as this. "After everything that happened with Jessica and Luke... Please. We have to go after him." She pleaded.
An uncomfortable silence welled up. The fire crackled in the center of the campsite, projecting long shadows on the surrounding area. The light cast by the flames danced across the dark trunks of the trees, twisting and curling in obscure shapes and providing a small radius of light. The fire itself was pulsating, the glowing embers seemed to move in rhythm with the flames, matching every dip and sweep. It was mesmerizing to watch, colors of orange and red gave way to yellow and white near the center, where the emanating heat was the greatest. Mesmerizing or it was the only thing to look at. Artemis wouldn't dare admit it out loud, but she believed her. They needed to find and get Percy. Though their reasons may differ, it was something that needed to be done. She loathed even admitting it, but he was strong and a would be a great ally if her suspicions were correct. That also caused a need to go and do some kind of hunting.
"I apologize. Were we interrupting?" Zoe came back with a silent Bianca. Many girls understood why she might be. Making the decision may seem to be a simple act, but for some it is a lot bigger. Moving on from everything they know isn't as easy as some make it out to be.
"No, everything is fine." Artemis answered back. "We just need to figure out what our next move will be." Artemis knew what it was. It's just that her hunters have been running and hunting nonstop for awhile know. Even they need time to recuperate. Things were beginning to stir. Old things. Her once alert and agile prey began to blur at the edges. Memories once sharp and crystal clear were now disappearing into a fog, being erased, as if they had never happened at all. It's true what they said, time is a thief, it was taking the hunts she once hunted and caused her to forget.
"I see." Zoe nodded and found her place close to Artemis. Bianca stayed standing in her spot and didn't even register Zoe moving away.
"We will rest for a few hours and then there is something I must do."
"My lady?" A couple hunters questioned.
"It was something Perseus said on our second meeting. It's seems that he was right and I've been too slow at picking up the signs. I must deal with this immediately." Artemis was always quick to act, but she didn't want to leave her hunters here. She knows they can handle themselves, but she also knows that they are still young and prone to be impulsive. Plus the mission she's is gonna take is too dangerous even for them.
"Then we will-" Zoe began.
"No. I alone shall go." Artemis didn't want to argue so she left no room for it. She knows Zoe. "Perseus really saw the signs before me. For our sake and the sake of Olympus I do hope he was wrong. If not, then this will be all the proof needed for father to listen." Artemis was stern in her tone. It left no chance for anyone to speak up. Not even Thalia and Annabeth. Thalia had a massive distaste for the hunters, but even she is not willing to anger a goddess at the moment. The only thing on her mind is feeling that she might have missed her chance for apologizing. She can't help but feel at least a part of it is her fault. Same goes for Annabeth.
Grover and Nico didn't come back for another twenty minutes laughing and giggling amongst themselves. Mostly everyone by then found it better to sleep until morning. When Artemis promised a ride. Until then she could wait with them. Of course it has nothing to do with the fact that her brother is a flirtatious ass.
The hours passed with little thought. The only other action was Bianca giving her oath to join the hunt.
And finally the sun rose, filling the sky with shades of orange and pink. Peach and magenta, amber and rose, radiating a sense of change, a new beginning. Another chance to live. The start of a brand new day. The first orange hued rays of sunrise kissed the still dust laden rubble with the same loving care as the undertaker with the recently departed. These soft rays that should have brought warmth to a new day only acted to solidify the reality of their losses. In the dark they had only the smell of blood and sweat and the frosty air to contend with, but under the radiating glow of the clouded sky there was no hiding. Grover wished with all her might that it would sink back down below the horizon so they could have more time to grieve and process their abrupt change in fortune, but he can't argue with the sun. Nor did he want to.
The hunters broke camp as quickly as they set it up. No action was spoiled and used with unnecessary movement. The air was harsh, but no one shivered. Though as everyone stood waiting, Bianca was talking with Nico. No doubt about her decision. Nico didn't know how to take it, so he sat quietly. She tried her best to explain herself yet he still felt betrayed. Why wouldn't he? The only person he could ever really count on was dropping him at the drop of a hat. Even though she just met them. He was upset. He has every right to be.
Artemis sighed in annoyance. Her brother was by far his laziest in the winter. A flash of light broke the horizon. Everyone averted their eyes as the heat soon become almost unbearable. Then suddenly it faded. The car was sizzling and melted the surrounding area soaking the ground. Apollo got out and did his best to smile. The only reason it was so difficult was because of the gloom worn by everyone. Also their distaste for someone with the reputation of a mating rabbit.
Quick to explain the situation, Artemis left and let them in the care of the sun god. No BS, no nothing. It was strange, everyone was quiet yet Apollo thought it necessary to sing haikus all the way back to camp. Thalia was too distracted with her fear to notice how terrible it was.
Apollo didn't want to stick around and shimmered off in his hot ride. The moment they landed, they all separated and went their own ways. With on thought penetrating all their minds. The only and only water freak. Percy Jackson.
Camp during the winter was surely a sight to see. Frost covered the chariot track and the strawberry fields. The cabins were decorated with tiny flickering lights, like Christmas lights, except they seemed to be balls of real fire. More lights glowed in the woods, and weirdest of all, a fire flickered in the attic window of the Big House. Whoever needed to decorate the mummy in the attic really needed to find a new hobby.
Of course camp was basically baron. The only campers around are the ones with nothing to return to. Or campers like Percy. One with such an intense demigod smell that they were hunted constantly. However no one came close to Percy's. His was inexplicably strong. Grover believes that since he grew up knowing his heritage from the start, his scent increased tenfold during his younger years.
Grover took Nico to meet Chiron and continued to tell in great detail the story of his best friend. It did him some good. Grover began to believe that Percy was going to be okay. Even if it wasn't true. But it's not like he knows that. Anyway Nico wanted to believe Grover, but everything he was told just seemed like a fairy tale. He would have to be insane and completely fearless to do those things. The way Grover went into so much detail and awe Nico couldn't help, but admire the guy. It was awesome to meet an actual real hero. Except the fact they didn't actually meet. Percy was whisked away before anything else could happen.
Zoe sighed in frustration because she couldn't have gone with her mistress. It irked her to no end. She guided the hunters to their cabin before taking off on her own to the woods filled with all the monsters. Honestly she just believed that she needed a way to cope and let loose for awhile. Maybe this'll give her the chance to think about some things... Ever since they shot Percy, something just kept nagging at her. He didn't fight back or counter. Just like last night. He sat in the middle of all the action and just let it come without so much as throwing a single punch. Either in frustration or anger. It pissed her off. Especially when he survived the blow from Artemis herself. He didn't blow up and act out like she expected him to... Like she wanted him to. Percy gave his message and went on his way before disappearing yet again mysteriously. How can one person, let alone a man, do all that on his own? By all means he should be dead. She wanted desperately to hate him. But she couldn't. He didn't anything wrong to them or any other female. That they know of at least. Even years ago on their first run in he only did it because he needed a way to survive. She understood that. Percy was, by all means, an honest man. A truly honest man. She didn't know what to make of that. Yet, he willingly went with the enemy. Percy was an enigma she couldn't figure out.
Back at the Artemis cabin, Bianca was getting along splendidly with her new family. She understands how messed up it was of her to leave her brother like that. She doesn't expect anyone else to. In fact she couldn't really care what anyone else really thinks. That's not really true, she wants to talk with Nico again. But it is obvious that he doesn't. She took care of him ever since she could remember. Always by his side and watching over him. At school, home, on the road, or the run she was always their. She understands that no matter what excuse she makes it doesn't change what she did. She abandoned her brother because she felt like she deserved to feel at least a selfish after everything she already gave up for him. She was happy for the first time in a long time. Maybe this will give Nico a chance to be happy too. She prays it does.
Thalia and Annabeth still haven't left the beach where they landed. They couldn't find a reason to move. "What was Percy thinking?" Thalia finally broke the silence. It was on everyone's mind. Percy could have easily taken the manticore according to his reputation, yet he chose to go willingly. It didn't make any sense. Which forebodes the question Artemis asked earlier. What do they really know about him?
"*Sigh* I wish I knew. A moment was all we got and then he vanished... Percy once told me that he'd willingly take on all our pain just so we don't have to. Maybe he was threatened somehow and had no choice." Annabeth analyzed. Everyone was who went here was accounted for and safe. So that really didn't make much sense to her.
"Who could threaten a guy like Percy?" Thalia asked back. Someone who could do that could basically control him. If that were the case then that would be extremely bad.
"Now that would be a scary someone..." A moment of silence enveloped them for a moment. The silence was comfortable, a silence between two long-time friends. They enjoyed the warmth of companionship, rather than the noise of chattering incessantly as they lay on their backs, watching the sky above them. Until a sudden and new thought nearly broke Annabeth's brain. "You like him!" She blurted out before she could fully process it herself.
"What!? What makes you think that!?" Thalia thought she hid it so well. "I do not like him! I can barely stand him!"
"Is that why you were so adamant about learning more about him? Or so desperate to find him and apologize? This makes so much sense!" Annabeth laughed. The audacity! She was laughing at Thalia. She flushed red and tried to look away. All of this reminded her of the first time they met. Annabeth wasn't wrong.
"Tally-hoe!" her eyes landed on the guy in front of her, her heart stopping in her chest. He has spiky black hair that complements his tan skin so beautifully. His sea-green eyes are brighter than the sun itself. His smile nearly melts her into a puddle of nothing. His voice was more inviting than a seat at the cheerleader's table. She was already totally obsessed with this guy, she just knew it. He just appeared out of nowhere and before she could say anything, he sprinted off towards the monsters.
She tried to call out to him, but he wasn't listening. No matter how loud she got, that boy was in his own little world. Then it hit her. He was fighting and taking them out without a weapon. She could tell he was powerful, cunning, and drop dead gorgeous. The way he moved and fought was amazing.
Then he vanished into the tree canopy. And for a moment she thought she would never see him again. That thought alone sent a shiver down her spine. She didn't want that... A melody played. A melody so beautiful she thought she was dreaming. She even swayed. That wasn't even her type of music. Yet, she wanted to listen to it more.
He dropped down and looked at them with a crazed look. On instinct she drew her weapon. Wait, why? He said something, but she didn't register it. He came running up to them and her heart sped up a little. He snagged Annabeth's weapon and she couldn't help and feel a little disappointed. Why though? Why was she acting that way.
He finished them off and came back. She didn't know what to do. He was fit, strong, and way too good looking for his age. Which was a massive shock when he told them. Her disappointed became visible. She saw his scars and it reminded her of her own. Then her thoughts of him came crashing down when he refused to come with them. Then he made a promise. A very stupid promise and it warmed her heart.
Sadly that was the last she saw of him for awhile.
When she awoke he was there. She didn't recognize it at first, but when she did she was thrilled.
"Crush" was such an infantile word, one that must have been invented by older folks, the ones with an interest in belittling young love. Thalia hated it. She didn't have a crush on Percy, she didn't think she had one at least... He was amazing. She knew it. He was all that was in her mind; he was her true north, her everything. One day they'd prove everyone wrong, run away together, start a family of their own. Tomorrow she'd find a way to talk to him, tell him how she felt, then she could finally stop hiding her emotions.. Yet that day didn't come.
Then it dawned on her. Women really are crazy.
She realized she had a crush on him, and that part was okay at first. He was her first thought of the day, her every daydream and every fantasy of future years. But, damn, she must separate these fantasies from reality if she was to have any chance together. He is but a man, great though that is. He has not had these fantasies, they did not build that dream together. So let it go. Should she begin a real romance it is a new thing, a new book with clean pages. That book is one they would write together. If she started as if her story were in any way written the weight of those expectations will crush both their hearts. So maybe he is the one, maybe she and he move on from one another, but please, dear girl, remember he has his own thoughts, needs and heart... else nought good can come.
When nothing came of it, she hated him and wanted more reasons to do so. He wasn't there. He left...
When he revealed his own pain and suffering, she realized how childish she was acting. She thought she needed t say something. To apologize for being a jerk. To say something.
"I felt the same way you did." Annabeth drew her out of her thoughts as if reading her mind. She turned her head and saw Annabeth was smiling. "I still do, sorta... But, I don't think he would ever feel the same way. Something is stopping him and I'm determined to find out what." She sat up and shook her clothes to get the sand off.
"...What do you mean?"
"He let's people only get so close to him before he shuts them out. Or at least stops them from getting any closer. I don't know what happened, but he is my friend and I want to help him."
"I-" The sea exploded in a frozen mist. Sand rained down upon them with the strength of hard hail. The both of them jumped down onto the ground and covered their heads. The ground beneath them shook and quaked. The sea turmoiled and crashed onto the shore like it was a personal enemy. Annabeth withdrew her dagger and pointed at a figure rising from the sea. He stood tall and in full armor with a trident firmly planted in his hands.
Thalia has never met this man before, but could tell he radiated a raw power that poured off of him in waves. She had a choice to make and the one she chose definitely wasn't the best one. She cast her spear into the cast and called a warriors cry bringing forth a raw show of her own strength. The lightning flashed and pushed its inverted limbs down to the broken shore. In an single instant the loud boom of the thunder struck. She struck her opponent and felt pleased with herself. The ringing in her ears was nothing compared to the glee she felt. She smiled and looked back to see a even more frightening Annabeth. Thalia didn't know what to make of that. She turned forward expecting to see a hurt figure... He wasn't. With one step forward she took one back. An unlucky step and she was firmly planted to the ground out of sheer fear. The realization struck like her bolt did him. He strode forward until he stood face to face with his attacker. "Where is my brother!?' He grabbed her by the collar and sneered down at her pale complexion. "WHERE!?" She gawked yet didn't say anything. He realized she wasn't gonna give him anything and tossed her aside.
A cry bubbled from his gullet and le just let it loose. There was something in that shout, a pain behind it. Annabeth watched. She watched his eyes. Then she knew. The anger was nothing but a shield for pain, like a cornered soldier randomly throwing out grenades, scared for his life, lonely, desperate. She breathed in real slow. What if nothing blew up? What if there were no consequences? Wouldn't he have to calm down? Wouldn't the shield clatter to the ground and let the pain tumble out?
She got her answer soon enough. He swung his trident wildly in a massive circle and slammed the end into the ground. A deep growled emitted from his throat and she saw his angry eyes. When he turned at last to face her there was no trace of tears, not in his eyes or in track marks on his reddening face. His eyes were narrowed, rigid, cold, hard. In that moment she knew he was already far away. Once more she could see that everyone else was the enemy. Those cold eyes that want to know something could very well be the end of her. She drew in a deep breath, the burning hard stare would last only as long as it took him to think of the most brutally cutting thing he could tear her down with. And after that she could kiss anything breakable goodbye. Which right now might just be her nose, it was so hard to tell and so pointless to run.
He was on a war path now. A war path to find his brother. "WHERE. IS. MY. BROTHER!?" Triton screeched while stalking towards Annabeth. She was at a complete loss. She knew running wouldn't do any good. Especially when he was this pissed. What did Percy do to make someone care this much about him? She just had to wonder that. Yet, now was not the time.
As he drew closer an arrow struck the ground an inch in front of him. "Stay away from her!" None other than Zoe and the hunters called out.
"Stay out of this! Or I swear on my father's name you'll never be able to go near so much as a puddle!" Triton threatened, "Now you." Triton pointed back to Annabeth, "I'm not leaving until I get a straight answer. No one is going to stop-" Triton suddenly went stiff and physically paled. He dropped to his knees and whispered, "Oh gods... Don't worry." Triton looked up and flashed away.
Confusion comes as a fog to a once clear and sunny day, and just as in those times they seek for their flashlight and wait for clarity to return.