"Mi princesa!" Leo called back as he jumped off the side of the boat grabbing onto a lose rope and swung down to me pulling me into the first hug I have had in ages. I was surprised at first then I hugged bag glad for the warmth. I was so happy, tears kept rolling down my cheeks and wetting my already wet shirt. "I've missed you so much my little princesa." Leo whispered in my ear as he pulled me closer.
"You were gone for a whole year! I thought you left me! I thought you left me like everyone else has. I'm so happy you're back!" I could hear my voice cracking as I spoke. He laughed slightly and ruffled my hair.
"It's okay now, princesa. I'm back and don't plan on leaving any time soon. I promised I would come back and I am a man of my word." He smiled down at me then turned to the people, who I had not noticed before. They piled off the boat just seconds after Leo did and watched our whole encounter. I felt kind of shy and hid behind Leo, grabbing onto his shirt. All seven of them seemed quiet stunned at what they had just seen.
"Guys, this is my little sister, Sofia. She's fantastic!" Leo said as he picked me up from behind him and put me on his shoulders. He grew at least another three inches along with his curly brown hair. It was everywhere and it went to around his ears. He seemed stronger then he was before, his arms bulging slightly with muscles that had not been there before. "Princesa, these people helped save the world…again."
I giggled slightly, my laugh sounding like bells, as he held me on his shoulders. I wasn't used to hearing my own voice so when I spoke it came out soft.
"Hi" I said shyly as Leo slid me off his shoulders. Before I could do anything else I was surrounded my hundreds of campers trying to talk to the group of 8. I hadn't even heard the conk shells sounds and before I knew it I was pushed away from my brother and out of the group of campers gathering around them to hear the fantastic tail of the war. I sighed as I started walking to the forest but I didn't even make it to the edge before I was stopped.
"It's not safe to go into the forest alone." A gruff voice that had a hint of an Italian accent said. It reminded me of Nico slightly but I shook the thought. I turned around and faced the kid who had spoken. He looked around my age. He was skinny and pale with shaggy black hair and dark circles under his eyes like he hadn't slept the night before. He was wearing all black, even his jeans and shoes. He was one of the seven that stood behind Leo when we met. I ignored him and kept walking. He appeared in front of me as if it was nothing. "And it's rude to ignore people." He said I rolled my eyes
"What's it to you what I do. I don't know you. Leave me alone so I can go on with my business which you have no right to stick your nose in." I say roughly with my slight Spanish accent. It was hardly noticeable but it was there. I push passed the guy and continued to walk deeper into the woods. I could hear the guy right behind me and about half way to bunker 9 I push him against a tree with my dagger cutting at his throat. "If you want something say it, if not leave or I may just slit your throat." The boy laughed at my threat and pushed my dagger away from his throat.
"Sofia, you wouldn't kill your best friend would you? You are acting more and more like an Ares kid every way, I mean, we have known each other for a while now, you'd think you would recognize me. I'm not sure if I should be hurt or not." He said as he put an arm around my waist and pulled me close to him so our bodies had no space between them and our faces were close together. I blushed slightly nod meaning to and try to hide my face. "I've missed you too, by the way. Sorry I left you. I … needed to get away." He said in a whisper. His voice sounded hurt. My mouth felt dry and my hands were shaking slightly. It's him. He came back. After three years he came back.
"Nico?" I ask cautiously. He nods and pulls me into a big hug. I hug him back tightly then pull away just as fast. Before I could even think about what I was about to do I pull back my arm and punch him in the face. Hard. All of my pent up anger over the years came flooding out. I was getting hot, not that I noticed.
"YOU JERK! I can't believe you left me alone! For three years I had no one! I was completely alone and all because you couldn't get over yourself! You're so full of it! I had no one except for you and you left! Nico di Angelo you left me by my self and you expect me to forgive you so damn quickly! Well you've got something coming! You have to earn my trust again! Good luck with that!" I say as the fury takes over and my vision is tinted red. Nico backed up a little. I caught on fire again. Great.
I scream in frustration and march off to bunker 9. By the time I get there the flames around me had died down along with my anger and the door is already open and Leo sits on one of the couches asleep. I sighed softly and sit down next to him pulling a blanket around the both of us. I leaned my head on his chest and slowly fall asleep with him with the exertion of the day sliding off of me as I loose consensus.