Edit: Before I begin...
Upon review hours later, I feel like this chapter is less than ideal. I had to rush this a bit, and here is the result...
If you don't want to suffer through a chapter, you can... Skip it? There's a summary Anyway, so...
Sorry lads.
Hiya lads! Back with a new chapter for all of you amazing readers!
Side note, someone mentioned Persia's arrow wound in the chest. I wrote that part at like one in the morning and forgot about it :skull: soooo…let's just pretend it somehow was healed after the battle. Sorry lads.
Also-I realized that the Grand Canyon skywalk isn't above the Colorado river…rather, it's above…well, a canyon. Or, a valley, idk. AMyway, just pretend in that segment Thalia's power blew them out and towards the Colorado river. Sowwy ;-;
Anyway, enjoy the chapter!
Feeling the strength leave her limbs, she gave up the struggle and allowed the darkness to consume her.
She just hoped everything would be alright.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
(Short Zeus perspective)
The lord of the skies stared down at the Grand Canyon as he felt a familiar yet foreign presence in his domain.
He saw one of his demigod children-Thalia Grace.
Flying.
So, she's finally useful for once. Maybe I should help give her a hand…
She has better potential than Jason or that pile of minotaur dung I disowned.
Maybe I should pull her away from my traitorous daughters side and that prick I have for a niece.
She'll be my ultimate tool. Better than Heracles, better than Jason. Better than anyone else.
He smiled as he began planning, Grabbing his master bolt as he prepared to snatch his virgin huntress daughter back to olympus and shut the city of the gods away from the mortal world.
Unbeknownst to him, two disapproving powers remained in the throne room undetected, disgusted by his actions, as he raised his master bold and called for Ares, Dionysus and Hephaestus.
Three bright flashes later, and the three gods stood in front of him.
He smiled.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Artemis felt nothing except pain.
Heart-numbing pain.
She watched as Persia fell from the bridge.
She watch as Thalia, her trusted lieutenant of the hunt, leap after her.
It wasn't an uncommon knowledge to know that children of her father could fly-after all, that roman son of her father rescued the Cherokee girl just as Thalia leapt off.
The satyr was captured, but all three demigods were safe.
Training her godly sight on the pair, she was ready to flash down to the canyon floor.
A bolt of lightning stopped her.
Rather…she was teleported away by the bolt of lightning.
And was greeted by the end of her father's Lightning bolt.
"FATHER!" She screamed at him, rage evident in her voice, "WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO-"
"Olympus is gonna be shut down. Hera has fully gone off the grid. It seems like Thanatos is as well. We are not risking any more disappearances." He said calmly.
Was he playing dumb? Was he trying to get her hunters killed?
"MY HUNTERS ARE THERE!" She screamed, "AND-And….and Persia…"
"You are not returning." He said with a firm tone, as she stared at him, shocked. "Take her away." He motioned to Ares, Dionysus and Hephaestus. With Ares roughly manhandling her away as Hephaestus and Dionysus begrudgingly got her to be bound in chains and grape vines.
A slight tingle in her senses seemingly confirmed her worst suspicions.
She didn't struggle. Quite frankly, she didn't have anything to fight for anymore. Her mind was numb, unable to believe her senses…but she had felt it.
She felt the slight disturbance in her bond with her hunt. Thalia and Persia's bonds to her were…blank. Completely dead.
And she knew why.
Persia had fallen off the skywalk.
Thalia, who had quietly confided her fear of heights to her, had leapt off it as well.
They were dead…
Dead. Just…dead. No chance of reunion with each other. No chance of seeing each other ever again.
The only true love she would have was…gone. No more hugs, no more chaste little kisses, no more nighttime cuddles, no more cute little flirts. No more seeing the corners of her lover's mouth upturn. No more seeing her mesmerising sea-green and crimson eyes. No more counting the freckles on her face as she leaned in to plant a soft kiss on her lips.
What was she going to life for now?
What were her hunters doing?
Tears were unconsciously streaming down her face as she was dumped in front of her palace. She didn't even bother getting in.
Her heart was in a million tiny little fragments once again. But this time…nothing would fix it. Nothing.
There was no reunion. Persia was in the underworld, and even if she was reborn…there was no way she could be found. She didn't even know who Persia would be.
Persia was lost to her. Forever.
Why were the fates this cruel?
Why?
Tears rolled down her face as she cried. Her heart was numb, and her vision was blurred. She could feel the tears rolling out of her eyes in torrents, but she cared naught about it.
She only felt one thing. Numbness.
And only had one thought.
Why, father? Why, Fates?
Why do you have to take Persia away from me?
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Thalia groaned, rolling over onto her side as she clutched her head.
She had a massive headache. He rhead throbbed, and her vision was slightly blurry.
She rubbed her eyes and groaned, before mumbling, "not now, Persia. I wanna sleep-"
Her head connected with a nearby rock.
With a jolt of pain, she groggily sat up, now a on fully aware of where she was.
At the bottom of the grand canyon.
The sky above her was blue again, though the edges were turning orange. So The storm had dispersed…but who caused it? And why?
And how much time had passed since then?
She felt wetness on her legs-somehow, she must've landed near the river. Well, it wasn't like Persia wouldn't help her-wait. Persia…
She snapped up as she began frantically looking for her closest friend. She spotted a silver blur some distance away, half-submerged in the river, her grey top standing out against the reddish-brown rocks.
The blur was still.
"PERSIA!"
Scrambling over to her friend and half-cousin who was hopefully only out cold, she pressed a finger to her neck. A faint pulse greeted her, and she breathed a quick sigh of relief.
Persia was still alive, for now.
Cradling her head in her own lap, she was greeted with the sight of blood on her hands. "Shit-" she exclaimed, dragging persia's limp body further towards the river as she turned her around on the rocks. A dark red blotch was seen on her inner thighs, where the glass shards pierced her legs.
Fumbling around with shaky hands, she cupped some water in her hands as she splashed it against the wound. She knew the water probably wasn't clean, but she had no choice.
She had to distill the wound somehow.
Reddish blood, mixed with water, flowed away from the wound. She quickly scrambled to get more, repeating the recess until she could clearly see the nasty gash on the back of her head, thin yet deep, already somewhat healed thanks to the water Persia's lower half was submerged in.
Fishing for a square or ambrosia or her flask of nectar, her hand finally found a crushed piece of ambrosia.
No nectar though.
She was about to give it to Persia and feed it to her, but then a realization settled in.
Persia couldn't exactly chew it.
And the glass shards were still embedded in Persia's thighs.
Grumbling, she decided to solve the latter problem first. She couldn't risk healing her leg more with the glass being present unless she wanted healed holes in Persia's legs, so she quickly pulled them out. The wounds had healed decently, though they hadn't closed-Thalia was thankful for that- as she quickly submerged the wound below the waterline of the river.
Now…onto the feeding part…
She sighed as she poked at the crumpled square of ambrosia. How could she feed this to Persia…with her being unconscious?
She could only tear it down of crush it and then feed it into her mouth…but it wold only be in er mouth.
And then she had an idea.
Cupping her hands in the river, she brought a small handful of water over to Persia and poured it into her mouth, down her throat.
Persia swallowed.
She shuddered, knowing what she would have to do.
She had to feed this to Persia, crush this down and then feed it to her.
But…she couldn't crush the ambrosia with her hands.
Nor could she stick this whole cube into Persia's mouth and expect her to just eat it.
She had one option.
Furrowing her brown and frowning,s he violently shoook her head before taking a deep breath and popping the piece of ambrosia in her mouth. Chewing it thoroughly, she looked down apologetically at the passed out Persia.
"Sorry, Perce," she thought, before placing a hand on Persia's chin. Pulling it down, she opened Persia's mouth, and leaned down over her.
An electric feeling sparked bwteeen their lips as they connected. She shuddered, and quickly pushed all the chewed-up ambrosia into Persia's mouth. Immediately, she broke contact, though a part of her brain still screamed at her to feel the sensation of Persia's lips on her again-
She mentally slapped herself. This was not happening. She could never fall in love with her closest friend.
She prodded Persia's throat lightly, and Persia unconsciously swallowed. Immediately, the godly food began working overtime, healing the wounds on her body, rebuilding muscles and regrowing skin. Her breathing also gained a steady rythm.
With Persia's condition steadied and turning up for the better, she allowed herself to fall into her throughts again.
It would never happen anyway. Persia was with Artemis, and she was happy. Why should she split them up when they had each other?
Should she be selfish and have Persia choose?
No. She wouldn't.
She wasn't like this.
She should be there for Persia, supportive and friendly.
She shouldn't be falling for Persia.
And right now, with Persia being with her mistress already…she made it her goal to get Persia back to Artemis as soon as possible.
Looking at Persia's peaceful face, she shut her eyes and resisted the urge to go and hug her. She couldn't be falling for Persia. It'd be a lost cause…
But then again, she was already a lost cause.
Shaking her head, she hobbled forwards and popped a very crumpled piece of ambrosia into her mouth, chewing on it and swallowing. She felt stamina regain and her bruises and wounds clear as she picked up her pace and knelt down next to Persia.
The Skywalk was clear. No one was on it, and the shattered floor panel was still…well. Shattered. The railing where Persia had tried to rescue the girl from was still bent, and the glass doors were clearly shut.
She had no idea where Artemis and the hunt was. She couldn't sense her half-sister anywhere…and she had a feeling that they wouldn't come to fetch her.
What do I do?
Before she could process what she was going to do next, a surge of power near her caused her turn around on instinct. There stood…Persia?
No wait. Persia was on the ground, unconscious.
Besides, Persia had a slight but cute smattering of freckles on her cheekbones and across the bridge of her nose. This "Persia"…didn't.
She looked like a perfect version of Persia, but…all too perfect. Unnaturally perfect.
Besides, the Persia she knew didn't even know how to put make up on and would never wear a dress unless she needed.
There was one other person who did, though.
"Aphrodite." She spat out, disgust filling her tone. "Why are you here?"
"Thalia Grace," Aphrodite's tone was calm and gentle, void pf her usual royalty and sultry undertones. "I know you have a reason to hate me. This is not the time to. If my domain has upset you, I'm sorry…and I'll try to help you. But now, brave hero, you must go west then north. Follow the river, and it will lead you to what your heart desires."
She narrowed her eyes. "Why now? Your advice led many to stray. Your domain caused many to fall. Am I just gonna end up like another failed heroine in your books?"
Smiling, Aphrodite shook her head. "I do not hope to see that. But, while my time is limited, I will tell you this, Thalia Grace. Follow your heart. Follow the rivers. The red string of fate has found it's way. Trust it. You have a great destiny. To the west is what you seek. My domain can be your downfall, yet it can also be your staircase to fame and glory. Trust the string. Trust your heart."
"But…why are you helping me?"
"Because it is the right thing to do. You have a great destiny, Grace. Your father might be an idiot by shutting down olympus-"
So that's why milady is gone.
"-but your destiny must take it's course You cannot contact Olympus, but the time to reunite with your sisters will come. Go west. Find the Romans. Restore the peace. I will say no more, as my time is up. Good luck."
But before the goddess turned and flashed away, she smiled at her one last time. "You must act soon, Thalia. Your secret can't stay a secret forever…not when you're eternal. Remember, trust your heart."
She screwed her eyes shut as Aphrodite's form glowed and flashed away, leaving a small canteen of nectar in her place. Besides her, Persia let out a moan of pain as she stirred. Quickly, she rushed to her closest friend's side, snatching up the nectar in the process, though she allowed her mind to mull over Aphrodite's words.
Before she focused her mind on Persia alone.
She was determined to make things right again.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Persia's head pounded and she groaned.
Immediately, Soft arms wrapped around her as a soothing voice sounded in her ear. A cold metal lip was pressed gently to her lips, as a cool liquid trickled into her mouth.
Opening her eyes slightly, she saw the hazy figure of a girl in black, with spiky black hair and lightning blue eyes.
"T..Thalia?" She asked weakly, and Thalia's face lit up, even though her eyes held something she couldn't decipher.
"Persia! You scared me so much, Perce…Now drink up. I got some nectar, but we still need to go." Thalia said, tilting the canteen more as she allowed the taste of her mother's homemade blue cookies fill her mouth.
Soon enough, Thalia lifted the canteen away as she sipped on the canteen. She noticed that Thalia was drinking from the exact same location she had from on the canteen lip. Lazy cousin, Sher thought, smiling lightly before she struggled to sit up.
"Wh-where's Artemis?" She grunted out as she pushed herself up. At that, Thalia's face fell slightly, and her bright lightning blue eyes dimmed just for a it, before returning to normal. "She's…in Olympus. Father," Thalia spat, "Shut off olympus. I think Lady Artemis was ordered to return…otherwise she'd be hugging the shit out of you now."
She suppressed a slight whimper. Gathering herself together, she shook her head to clear the brain fog inside her head. Of course, it didn't work.
Thalia, in her ever-protectiveness, noticed this. "Persia, are you okay?"
"Not really-my mind is foggy, and I kinda hate it." She moaned, before looking up and gazing at her surroundings. "Um…thalia, where are we?"
"At the bottom of the Grand Canyon." Thalia responded, and she looked up at the rock faces of the canyon. "Did I…fall in the river? Did you?"
At this, Thalia turned away and refused to meet her eyes, before answering in a small voice, "…no."
"Wait then…" He brain russenly connected the dots, and she turned to look at Thalia with awe. "You…you flew. You controlled my-our landing…?"
Thalia looked up at the cliff face before nodding.
Emotions exploded inside her. Happiness, joy. Pride.
She struggled up, but managed to stand, half-walking, half-hobbling over to Thalia, Wrapping her arms around her best friend's neck, she nuzzled her cheek into the crook of Thalia's neck as she smiled. She felt thalia tense up, but her best friend quickly melted into her embrace, though she didn't move or react otherwise.
"Thalia," she whispered, I'm so proud of you."
She didn't notice how Thalia's face turned red from the close contact, nor how her breathing hitched.
Just like the oblivious person she was.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Thalia nearly screamed as she felt Persia's arms shave around her neck and across the front of her chest as she hugged her tight. She felt Persia rest her head in the crook of her neck, and she couldn't help but notice how Persia moulded into the crook of her neck, how her soft, smooth skin rubbed against hers, how a light fragrance of firewood and homely smell wafted from her-
STOP IT, THALIA!
"Thals," Persia breathed into her neck, the warm breath tickling her skin and causing her to nearly moan in pleasure, "I'm so proud of you. I'm so proud."
She had never in her life felt more protective towards Persia. At this moment, she would kill everything and anything that even laid eyes on her.
Even if it meant her dying in the process.
They remained in this position for a bit, with her feeling her own face heat up as she stared down at the flowing currents of the river in front of them. Persia seemed to be oblivious, resting her head in the crook of her neck as she breathed in deeply.
Eventually, Persia's strong yet slender arms slipped away, ans she took in a deep breath to calm her nerd and push down the pang of disapppointment at the lost of contact. Forcing a small smile onto her lips, she turned and smiled lightly at Persia.
"Perce, if it wasn't for you-"
"Either way," Persia cut in, "I'm still proud of you. You embraced your true power as your father's daughter. I believe in you, Thals. You got this. You're strong, and I knew you could overcome your fears."
A small but genuine smile slowly replaced the forced smile as she felt her heart swell with pride. Still,she pushed it down-this was no time for hubris, and she knew it. Turning back to face the river, she thought for a bit before she spoke up again.
"Aphrodite paid me a visit while you were out."
"What did she say?" Persia's tone was curious, but she also detected a hint of annoyance.
She looked at Persia. "Nothing bad…why?"
"Just…curious, I guess." Her half-cousin sighed. "She…well, when Aphrodite showed up last time, she…it was nothing good, you know. She told me…I'd feel heartbreak. The tragic tale of the ages. An intricate tragedy of love and betrayal. That the love others had for me wasn't real, and that I was destined for heartbreak and betrayal. It's why I was scared of being abandoned by Artemis…I was scared that Aphrodite's words would still come true, even if I'd already experienced one."
She wanted to go and hug her and shower her in kisses if she could. Her half-cousin didn't deserve that. She deserved all the love and care in the world.
She could only settle for a light embrace instead.
As she hugged Persia, she couldn't help but feel sadness-both for herself and Persia. Her half-cousin would definitely feel regret and sorrow if she learned of the secret she buried deep in her heart…and she would regret having never taken her chance when she should have.
But nothing could change the past now.
"You don't deserve it, you know?" She said, feeling slightly empty after breaking contact from Persia. "You deserve all the love and care in the world. So…just know. No matter what, I'll be here, at your side."
Even if you don't want me.
She watched Persia's genuine smile dance on her lips, melting her heart at the affection and sibling like love she sent through one simple display of emotion.
"So," she said, attempting to direct the conversation away from this touchy subject, "Aphrodite gave us…tips, directions, whatever you want to call them." Her hands found their way to her pockets, and she fidgeted with the chains dangling from them. "Do you wanna hear them now?"
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Zoë was annoyed at the lord of the skies.
The hunt was without a direction and without their leaders, and they were aimlessly wandering around in this camp, suddenly fearful of them after the public display of power.
Artemis was recalled up to Olympus.
Persia went off the bridge, Thalia following her.
She knew the daughter of Zeus well. She knew Thalia had a fear of heights. Her move had certainly been suicidal.
And now they had most likely lost two sisters instead of one.
She didn't blame Thalia in any way. Though her brash actions and hot-headedness had cost them sometimes, she knew her reasonings…after all, if she was Thalia, she'd have jumped off the bridge too if there was a way to save her cousin.
Even if it was an outlandish idea.
She knew that sulking was of no use. Still, her sisters in camp had taken the news poorly-some broke down crying after hearing that Persia fell off a bridge. Even veterans like Phoebe had tears in their eyes as they heard the news.
She knew she had to stand strong for the hunters. She was a lieutenant before. She had to take up the responsibility of leading when no one else could.
Still, she felt emotions and turmoil she hadn't felt since…well, years ago. Maybe even centuries.
They frequently lost sisters. Monster hunting was no joke, but they had to. They were the natural predators, and the monsters were the prey. Sometimes, the role switched, but it was always hunt or be hunted. They had the ultimate duty and responsibly of keeping the monster population on the surface in check…and their job was difficult.
Still, they hadn't lost two of the most important members at once. One, Persia, was like glue. She stuck the newer and older members together, and brought light and joy to every one of them. She healed those who had suffered, comforted those in need, and was helpful towards everyone who needed help, pitching a hand in during chores or cooking.
As for Thalia, the daughter of Zeus was a leader. She wasn't the most thoughtful, she wasn't the best member, but she was the best leader they could ever ask for. She had authority, power, and knew how to survive, how to keep their spirits high, how to lead and how to effectively fight.
And now they were both gone.
The hunt was like a snake without it's head. No one knew what to do-some suggested that they go out and avenge their sisters, some wanted to recruit, and some just mourned and cried for their loss. Still, they couldn't sit around doing nothing, and they were assigned a mission.
Even though it was largely irrelevant for now.
Wiping away a stray tear, she steeled her mood. Maybe a mission would help dull the pain. Maybe they would have a chance at recovering from their loss.
Whatever the case, she prayed that the tasters the morai weaved would ensure that the hunt survived.
For now, she had to step up and lead. She had to take the helm in this chaotic time.
Hopefully the hunt would appreciate something else to distract them from their loss.
— — — — — — — — — —
"What do you mean, we're going on a hunt?"
She sighed. Well, it seems like the hunt was…less accepting of the idea than she thought.
Still, she'd find a way to get them on ther feet again. She couldn't do anything but wait until the hunters finished grieving for their losses.
The whole camp seemed to be in a stupor after hearing the news. The one girl that showed exceptional combat skills, who treated everyone nicely and was seen for only a few hours, dead. No one knew her personally, but it seemed like the camp was showing their respects for the hunters by grieving with them.
She was quite thankful for their behaviour.
But…on the other hand…if the hunters were behaving like this…
How was their patron dealing with losing her love?
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Thalia wiped away sweat on Persia's brow as her half-cousin steered them both downstream.
Apparently, there was a small canoe some distance downstream, though the paint had faded and there was a small nest of animals inside.
She couldn't see what they were as they had scattered as soon as they lifted the canoe.
Still, it was good enough for them to use.
Now, they were sailing down the Colorado river, towards lake Meade-specifically, into the Las Vegas bay and make their way west from there.
Surprisingly, there were fewer monsters than they expected. Even though there were some monsters, they were quickly taken out by her own arrows.
Still, the boat trip was taking a far greater toll on Persia than it should. A question arose in her mind.
Was Persia somehow sick? Did the fall affect her powers?
Still, they were nearing the Las Vegas bay, To their left was the hoover dam- maybe they could get transport from there.
"Persia. We can get to the hoover dam. You know the way up-maybe we'll get free rides into Vegas. Then we'll think of what we can do from there."
"O-okay," Persia said, her breathing heavier than normal as she steered the canoe towards the harbor nearby. Sweat was rolling off her brow, and she wiped away a few more drops.
She was, quite frankly, very concerned for Persia. After all, she could control an entire creek with barely any effort. How was she struggling to pilot a simple canoe?
Touching Persia's skin, she was alarmed to feel the heat rolling off her. "Persia. You're burning up."
"I-I know." Was her strained response. She could feel the canoe speed up slightly, and Persia's skin continued to heat up while perspiration formed even faster on her half-cousin's brow.
"Persia. Watch it-you'll over excerpt yourself." She said, half hoping for Persia to deny or at least respond.
She only hummed in agreement as the canoe continued to build up speed.
"Shit." She whispered under her breath, "Persia. Don't tell me it's true."
No response.
"Persia."
Nothing.
Quickly fishing for some water, she slashed some onto Persia's body. Her half cousin seemed to regain some stamina, propelling the vessel even faster for a bit, but then immediately doubled over, coughing. She immediately crawled over, attempting to not destabilise the boat. "Persia! Persia, you okay?"
"Thals, Don't worry, I'm-I'm good." Persia grunted out, "get ready."
"For what?" She asked, confused, but Persia only smiled lightly, before she suddenly slumped forwards into her lap.
Shit, shit! Persia, Persia, wake up! Persi-FUCK!" She yelled, watching in horror as the canoe streamed right past the harbour and into the sand bank. She and Persia were both thrown forwards, with Persia rolling to a stop, motionless, while she groaned and sat up.
"Ah, shit…" she grumbled, crawling over th her half cousin. "Persia. Please."
Persia remained stubbornly unconscious.
Grumbling, she dribbled some nectar into Persia's mouth, but it seemed to not have helped as Persia's skin instead grew uncomfortably warm. Soaking her in water didn't help too, as Persia floated around, dry as a log. She was the only one who got wet, and it was getting frustrating. The sun bore down on her, and she wiped away a bead of sweat that formed on her as she hefted Persia up over her shoulder and stumbled towards the nearby car park.
She somehow had to steal one vehicle and get her and Persia away and towards the coast. Or maybe Las Vegas.
Either way, she needed to let Persia cool down and rest.
Sitting Persia down next to an SUV, she noticed a supercar…
With the keys on the hood.
The car was a matte black Lamborghini, with orange and red highlights. The rims had red and orange streaks inside the inner spokes, and it also had comfy leather interior fittings. A note was slipped between the windshield wipers and the windshield, and she plucked it out and began to read.
"Thalia Grace,
Some assistance I could send your way.
Good luck, A."
She widened her eyes at the signature. Aphrodite was actually helping them?
Quickly, she got into the lambo and started the car. The thrilling roar of the engines cut through the silent atmosphere, and street lamps flickered on as the sun continued to set. Quickly reversing out of the spot and driving over to Persia's side, she hefted her half-cousin into the supercar's passenger seat before she noticed something sticking out of the glove box.
It was a small slip of paper.
Opening it, she was choked to find credit cards and stacks of cash, as well as another small canteen and some neatly wrapped ambrosia.
"Thank you, Aphrodite…really, thank you." She muttered, before she restarted the engine and drove off into the desert, leaving a trail of dust behind.
— — — — — le funky time skip again — — — — — —
She flopped onto the bed of her and Persia's hotel room, exhausted.
Somewhere within Vegas, Persia had awoken and managed to stumble out of the car and into the fancy hotel. They'd rented the "Octavia tower villas", which were apparently the best suits.
Persia didn't care though. She went straight to bed and passed out.
Leaving her to contemplate her thoughts one again.
Staring down at the 'garden of the gods', she had to admit it looked impressive. Of course…not as great as those on olympus…
Oh, how she wished Persia was next to her right now, under better circumstances.
She would love to have enjoyed this view with the person she loved the most. She imagined them both, standing atop the terrace, overlooking the garden as they shared a light kiss, before she could snuggle into Persia's embrace…
It wouldn't happen.
It would never happen.
Persia was with Artemis. That was the reality. Nothing would change it.
What would opening up about her true feelings do?
Ultimately, nothing.
Persia would never love her back the way she loved her. And she knew it was a fact.
She was forever destined to chase after someone who wouldn't love her back as a romantic partner. The best she could do was to maintain their sibling relationship as it was.
Still, she couldn't help but wonder.
What if she'd gotten enough courage to admit that she loved Persia back when he was still Percy?
Would anything be the same?
Would Percy not be heartbroken, vundernable and would have never experienced the pain of betrayal by Annabeth?
Or would she have betrayed her instead?
Sighing, she cast her eyes up into the dim night sky. The stars shied away from her gaze, hidden by the city lights that illuminated Las Vegas.
She sighed.
Even the stars don't love me back.
She just wanted to feel love. She'd been denied from it for years-first luke, then Percy, and now…this.
Was she not destined for love?
Was she destined to become bitter and vengeful? Or was she going to attempt everything to gain the love of Persia, even if it cost her everything, cost the world everything?
Would she?
What would Persia think if she knew?
She had no answer to anything. Before, if someone told her she could gain Percy's love if she gave the world away, she'd say no.
Now…she wasn't so sure.
She violently shook her head, letting her gaze wander down to the garden once again.
She wouldn't.
She couldn't.
If it meant being denied love as it was her destiny, so be it. After all…Persia loved her because she was a sibling. A close friend, who related to having to struggle with power.
She knew how tempting it was. She didn't give in, and Persia respected her for that.
She always would do the right thing, no matter the cause. As her sibling…she should follow in her footsteps. Be there no matter every step she took.
Oh, if someone could just help her out on this…
She just wished love wasn't as confusing.
Sighing, she retreated indoors, barely marveling at the impressive Greco-roman architecture as she walked. Her mind was clouded, and she didn't care about architecture at the moment.
Entering the bedroom, she took a longing glance at Persia's sleeping form. She was so peaceful, having all cleaned up, and clad in only a sports bra ans shorts…her smooth skin was flawless, though she could still see the nearly invisible scars if she looked closely. Her expression was carefree and peaceful, as she slept soundly on the soft bed. A light string of drool was present at the corner of her mouth-so she still drooled when she slept, she mused.
Lightly creeping over, she pressed her lips against Persia's forehead, savoring the contact before she forced herself to break off. Looking down at her half cousin, she just wished that everything would work out.
Clambering into the bed, she curled up besides Persia, sighing softly as she took in the familiar fragrance of firewood and the homely scent of freshly baked goods and cozy fires, as well as that hint of salty yet refreshing sea breeze.
She sighed deeply.
Besides her, Persia stirred lightly, and her breath hitched in her throat. When persia stilled again, she breathed a sigh of relief.
She seemed to be sighing a lot lately, didn't she?
Still, as her eyelids drooped and she began to drift off into the realm of Morpheus, she couldn't help but think about the warning Aphrodite gave her.
"After all, your secret can't stay a secret forever if you're eternal."
"Yeah," she mumbled to no one in particular, "but I hope it stays as long as it can."
With that, her eyelids shit and she drifted off so a dreamless sleep.
Yet, hundreds, possibly thousands of feet below her, a sinister force was already plotting their next move.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
A/N: Slightly late chapter, but…sorry about that. Next chapter will be uploaded on the 25th-I'll count this as being uploaded on the 22nd.
Anyway, Thalia and Persia are separated from the hunt. Olympus is shut off, and the pair are presumed dead. Artemis is heartbroken, but the pair are very much still alive and being helped by Aphrodite of all deities as they journey west…what's gonna happen next?
Well, follow and find out!
I sound like those cringey YouTuber subscription messages. Crikey.
Anyway, no review responses this time. Sorry, lads. Slightly busy doing admissions and stuff related to those, so I'll do them the next time around. Rest assured though, your feedback is appreciated and being read.
Do leave reviews or comments below if you want to voice your opinions! It's valued greatly by me, and I'll try my best to fit them in if they are plot points/ideas.
Regardless, see you in the next chapter!
-le idiot out