Chapter 8
Team Up Time
Darkness enveloped the clearing, casting a mysterious ambiance that heightened her paranoia. Unease clawed at the edges of her awareness, a foreboding feeling that something lingered just out of sight. Her gaze swept over the sleeping forms of Percy and Arion, her protectiveness extending to both.
Reacting to the jolt of her instincts, Reyna swiftly rose to her feet, every nerve on high alert. She tread quietly, a whisper of movement in the darkness as her obsidian eyes scanned their surroundings. With each step, the grip on her golden blade tightened, the familiar weight of the weapon providing a sense of reassurance.
In the dead of night, with the shadows swirling around her she heard a faint sound reach her ears – a soft disturbance, as if someone had descended from the trees with the utmost grace. Her heart quickened its pace, and her intuition guided her to react without hesitation.
Turning swiftly, her blade was brought forth with a fluid motion, positioned at the throat of the person behind her. A girl of slightly younger age, her own weapon poised with precision. The tip of a spear was aimed at Reyna's throat.
The girl, slightly taller than Reyna, possessed an aura that resonated with an air of command and confidence. Her spiky black hair, kissed with hints of moonlight, framed her face in a striking contrast against her pale skin. Electric blue eyes, ones very familiar to Reyna, gazed back at her, where had she seen those eyes before? Freckles graced her features, as if constellations had been painted across her skin.
The girl's attire added to the enigma, a silver parka that shimmered in the moonlight and camouflage pants that merged her seamlessly with the surrounding shadows. Adorning her hair was a silver tiara, a crown that seemed to capture the essence of the night itself, radiating a silvery glow that matched her ethereal presence.
As the tension escalated, a cold shiver of realization coursed down Reyna's spine. A sudden and dangerous presence pressed against her back, the biting point of a blade. The girl who had confronted her earlier sported a triumphant smirk, arrogance dancing in her eyes. Reyna scowled in response, her resolve unyielding.
With a calculated swiftness that belied her intent, Reyna's body moved with the grace of a predator. In a split second, her blade swept aside the spear aimed at her throat, and her foot connected with the chest of the smirking girl. A gasp followed by a thud marked her impact on the ground. Swiftly pivoting, Reyna met the menacing assault of the girl's partner who had silently approached from behind.
The opponent, towering in stature and resembling a wrestler in build, wielded a long silver hunting knife. Her attire was a mirror of the other girl's, a silver parka and camouflage pants. With a clash of steel, Reyna's blade met the hunting knife, and the force of the impact sent the knife spiraling out of the assailant's grasp. Seizing the advantage, Reyna kicked the girl in the chest, causing her to stumble backward.
In an instant, the larger opponent's expression shifted from surprise to resilience. Recovering from the stumble, they drew a hidden knife, using its hilt to catch Reyna's descending strike. The impact reverberated through their arms, causing them to falter momentarily. Reyna wasted no time, capitalizing on the momentary opening. A ferocious growl escaping her lips, she spun away from the opponent, narrowly evading the electrical surge of the other girl's spear.
As the fight unfolded, Reyna's strategic mind raced, her instincts guiding her every move. She deftly sidestepped an attempted slash from the girl with the hunting knife and skillfully evaded a spear thrust that unleashed a surge of electricity. Reyna's blade clashed with her adversaries' weapons, each encounter revealing the depth of their skills. They were extremely skilled, Reyna could tell.
She took a deep breath, Reyna's instincts sensed an opportunity. Dodging a spear thrust, she seized the wrist of the girl with the hunting knife, twisting it with precision. A stifled gasp escaped her opponent's lips as the knife slipped from her grasp, clattering to the ground. Reyna's next strike, intended to land a lethal blow at her opponent's neck, was thwarted by the flash of a spear's blade.
Retreating swiftly, Reyna analyzed her situation. She needed to create an opening for herself, to shift the battle into a one-on-one fight, otherwise she was bound to lose. She launched a swift leg sweep that toppled the larger girl to the ground, rolling away to avoid another electrical assault from the spear. Seizing the advantage, Reyna incapacitated the fallen girl, knocking her unconscious with the flat part of her blade.
Now alone against her remaining adversary, Reyna and the girl engaged in a tense standoff. Electric blue eyes, brimming with animosity, locked onto Reyna's with fierce intensity. For a fleeting moment, the two combatants sized each other up, judging by the look on the girls face, she was unused to being challenged in a fight.
Suddenly, a primal bellow ripped through the air, and lightning crashed from the heavens, striking the spear wielded by the girl. A surge of energy accompanied the roar, as a bolt of lightning hurtled towards Reyna. Her eyes widened in surprise, her instincts saving her, she rolled clear of the deadly trajectory, momentum carrying her into a charge toward her opponent.
Unfazed by the disorienting crackle of another bolt of lightning, Reyna pressed toward her. As the lightning flashed overhead, she slid like a baseball player, narrowly avoiding the electrifying impact. Capitalizing on the girl's temporary vulnerability, she rose with a powerful kick off the ground, connecting her shoulder with the girl's chest, forcing her onto her back. The spear clattered from her grasp with the flick of Reyna's wrist. Reyna's blade descended, the tip stopping just short of the girl's throat.
A thin trickle of blood emerged as the blade pressed against the girl's neck, a stark reminder of the peril she found herself in. The girl's hands rose in reluctant surrender, electric blue eyes glaring with a mixture of anger and defeat.
"Why did you attack me? Who are you?" Reyna's voice dripped with snarling intensity, her anger and frustration coiling like a tightly wound spring ready to lash out. The scene before her was a stark contrast to the solitude she had become accustomed to. The world had grown cold and empty, and the sight of another human, let alone a demigod, ignited a blaze of raw fury. The thought alone made her vision blur with a crimson tinge, anger pulsating through her veins.
The girl's response was a scoff, though it was quickly replaced by a gulp as Reyna applied further pressure to the blade pressed against her throat, more blood dribbling from her throat. "How were we supposed to know you were friendly?" The girl snapped back, her bravado momentarily faltering under the razor's edge of Reyna's weapon.
Reyna's incredulous gaze bore into her, her frustration mingling with disbelief. Given the scarcity of demigods and survivors, why would she assume the first instinct would be to fight? "The first people you see in a while and you attack them?" She growled in a mix of irritation and frustration, her grip on the hilt of her blade clenching.
The girl's cautious headshake was careful, mindful of the blade's edge. "There's a lot more people alive than you think, and not many of them are friendly. Mortals and demigods alike are turning against each other for resources. We've encountered groups that wanted to kill us and take everything we have," she explained, revealing a stark reality that Reyna hadn't fathomed. The revelation struck her like a lightning bolt, shattering her assumptions about the world's state. She had believed that Gaea's offspring aimed to obliterate all traces of humanity, not that survivors would resort to savagery against one another.
"Can you remove the blade from my throat so we can talk?" The request was both cautious and candid, her blue eyes shifting from trepidation to a burgeoning trust, her vulnerability laid bare before Reyna.
"Not until you tell me who you two are?" Reyna's demand held an unwavering edge, her grip on the hilt firm as she maintained a semblance of control over the situation.
"My name is Thalia, and that's Phoebe," Thalia indicated the unconscious girl at her side. "I'm a daughter of Zeus, and she's a daughter of Ares." As Thalia's words unraveled, Reyna scrutinized them, the pieces fitting together in her mind's eye. The dichotomy between the two was evident – Greek lineage, distinct from the Roman children of Jupiter and Mars she had previously encountered.
"We really mean you no harm," Thalia added earnestly, her voice carrying a vulnerability that was hard to dismiss. "We've lost many from our group to one of Gaea's monstrous offspring. We're the last two Hunters of Artemis remaining," she shared, her tone adopting a quiet melancholy. If there was one thing Reyna could understand, it was losing those close to you. Reyna had lost many people since Gaea destroyed the gods.
Reyna found herself nodding, a compelling intuition urging her to place her trust in Thalia and Phoebe. With a layer of caution, she resheathed her resplendent golden blade, its radiant glow dimming as it found its place by her side. Extending her hand, she offered it to Thalia, who accepted the gesture with gratitude, allowing Reyna's steady pull to raise the daughter of Zeus back onto her feet. In a voice that carried an air of authority and strength, Reyna introduced herself, "Reyna, daughter of Bellona." The impact of her introduction prompted Thalia to mutter softly to herself.
As the trio recovered from the intense skirmish, Thalia's voice broke the silence, a hint of admiration lacing her words, "Impressive fighting by the way. Not many can match me in combat, let alone the both of us together." A casual wave indicated Phoebe, who emitted a low, almost reluctant groan as her consciousness returned. Reyna allowed her gaze to follow Thalia as she gracefully retrieved her weapon – a spear that ingeniously transformed into a mace, collapsing into a compact canister that elegantly hung from her belt. Reyna mused inwardly, appreciating the artful craftsmanship of the weapon. Thalia approached Phoebe, effortlessly lifting the daughter of Ares to her feet as if she weighed no more than a feather. Phoebe's growl and hostile glare were met with nothing more than a confident smirk from Reyna.
After their brief interaction, Thalia's voice resonated once more, breaking the tranquility that had settled around them, "We'd like you to come with us." Her words hung in the air, pregnant with a sense of purpose. "Demigods need to stick together." Reyna couldn't help but find herself agreeing with Thalia's pragmatic assessment. Yet, a cascade of thoughts surged through her mind, the Hunters of Artemis, would more than likely not want to travel with Percy.
A resolve as firm as the mountains settled into Reyna's voice as she articulated her stance, "I have a campsite, and a companion. I will not abandon them; we've been through a lot together." Thalia's brows furrowed in understanding, mirroring the unspoken complexity of the situation.
Phoebe, never one to mince her words, let out a growl that seemed to encapsulate her sentiments. "I will not travel with a boy," her voice snapped, her gaze fixed in a resolute challenge.
"Enough, Phoebe," Thalia's voice sliced through the air like a crack of thunder, a testament to her authority and determination. "We don't have the luxury of many options these days, not if we want to survive." Reyna observed the way Thalia's words carried a blend of stern resolve, a stark reminder of the dire circumstances they all found themselves entangled in. Surprisingly, Reyna noted, Thalia's demeanor didn't seem to harbor the same fervent aversion to the presence of a man as she might have expected. The idea that all of them intensely despised men began to crumble at the edges in light of Thalia's pragmatic stance.
Phoebe's discontented huff was punctuated by a begrudging nod, a begrudging yet unequivocal acceptance of Thalia's reasoning.
Together, the trio made their way back to the site, where the slumbering figures of Percy and her loyal companion Arion lay. As if attuned to the approaching presence, Percy's eyes snapped open with an almost primal alertness, his hand instinctively grasping Riptide and bringing it to the ready. The tense atmosphere dissolved as quickly as it had arisen, however, as Reyna's return under her own volition seemed to quell Percy's initial defensive stance. Riptide shimmered out of existence, its divine form reassuming its concealment as a harmless pen.
The unexpected familiarity that Percy displayed when he greeted Thalia and Phoebe caught Reyna off guard. "Thalia," he exclaimed with a mix of surprise and enthusiasm, as if encountering an old friend in the midst of an unfamiliar landscape. The reverence in Thalia's tone as she uttered Percy's name in a shocked response, coupled with the genuine embrace that followed, intrigued Reyna. As Percy spun Thalia around in a gesture of genuine camaraderie, an inexplicable uneasiness stirred within Reyna. Suppressing her instinctual feelings, she watched as the two had an almost teary eyed reunion, clearly the two of them cared about each other.
Once Thalia was placed back on solid ground, Percy turned his attention to Phoebe, extending a hand in a gesture of goodwill. The simple handshake that transpired carried an air of unprecedented warmth, a rare moment of amicability between a male and a Hunter of Artemis. Reyna's observations expanded as her preconceived notions began to unravel, how exactly did Percy know the Hunters of Artemis, and did he get along with them?
Curiosity tinged Percy's voice as he inquired of Reyna, "How did you come across them?" The question was punctuated by a genuine intrigue, as if a missing puzzle piece had been unexpectedly presented before him.
"They attacked me," Reyna answered, her tone weighted with seriousness. Percy's frown deepened at the revelation, his gaze shifting to Thalia and Phoebe, whose sheepish expressions spoke volumes even in their silence.
Percy's lips curved into a smirk, his words carrying an unspoken challenge, "Bet she kicked your asses." Thalia's gaze sharpened, glaring at Percy. Percy's gaze flickered toward Reyna, an audacious wink exchanged that kindled a faint flush across her features, an unexpected display of confidence in her prowess that caught her off guard.
The ensuing conversation flowed, weaving the narratives of their individual journeys since the world's destruction. Thalia and Phoebe listened with awe as Percy and Reyna regaled them with tales of vanquishing Orion and Alcyoneus, the very names carrying the weight of their formidable adversaries. As the tales unfolded, relief softened Thalia and Phoebe's expressions, Orion's demise had brought retribution for the Hunters of Artemis, their elusive predator now no more. A smirk from Thalia accompanied Percy's account of Hestia bestowing her power upon him, enabling him to face the bane of Artemis. "Only you, Percy," she muttered under her breath, her words an intimate acknowledgement shared only with Reyna. Further explanations followed, outlining their mission from Thanatos and Hestia, a quest to find the remaining demigods and gods to fight against Gaea and her children.
Phoebe interjected with a revelation that drew all eyes to her, the gravity of her words hanging in the air, "Our meeting was planned, someone brought us together." Her statement hung like a lantern in the darkness, casting an enigmatic glow on the circumstances that had led them to this juncture. Guided by an unseen hand, their paths had converged, a collective hope pinned on their alliance as the antidote to Gaea's menace. Reyna couldn't ignore the prickle of suspicion that danced at the edges of her thoughts – who held the power to orchestrate such an encounter? Why did they remain veiled in the shadows, offering guidance rather than direct intervention?
"What's next?" Thalia's voice carried a palpable enthusiasm as she pondered aloud, her excitement akin to finding a compass in a storm. A newfound purpose resonated in her words, mirroring the drive Reyna had experienced when she had first encountered Percy months ago. Phoebe, however, cast her gaze into the flames, her thoughts a mystery shrouded in the flickering light. Percy was like a beacon of hope, Reyna mused.
Percy's shoulders shrugged nonchalantly, his voice a mixture of practicality and uncertainty, "No idea. Thanatos mentioned we'd need to close the Doors of Death from both sides to ensure the dead stay that way." The implications of this endeavor furrowed Thalia and Phoebe's brows, none of them having any idea how to do that in the first place.
Reyna's confidence resonated as she articulated the first step, her gaze fixed on the dance of the flames, "First and foremost, we need a god or goddess. Without their aid, we can't even kill a giant." Percy's sea-green eyes found hers, a silent affirmation exchanged. Thalia and Phoebe nodded in unity..
And in that moment, Percy's voice settled like a decree, "So, it's a plan." It wasn't a meticulously detailed blueprint, and the path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, yet it was a plan. For demigods who fought in a world shrouded in darkness, a plan was an anchor, a spark of hope to kindle the embers of courage and defiance. In a world that had grown unbearably bleak, it was enough.
Percy's gaze pivoted back to Thalia and Phoebe, his inquiry heavy with unspoken concern, "And Artemis... is she..." Phoebe's expression darkened into a scowl, anger radiating from her as she directed a searing glare at Percy. Thalia, on the other hand, bore a weight of sorrow in her eyes that cast a shadow over her features.
"She's gone," Thalia's words, softly spoken, carried a profound finality that left no room for doubt. The truth hung in the air, a heavy burden shared among them.
Percy's brows furrowed, his gaze briefly darting toward Reyna before settling back on Thalia. The silent exchange conveyed an unspoken understanding, a shared sentiment that needed no words.
As the dull sun heralded the arrival of dawn, casting an orange hue across the horizon, Percy set about dismantling the camp while Arion emitted a whinny that seemed to pierce through the silence. Amidst the orchestrated movements, Thalia voiced the question that loomed over them, a question of direction and purpose, "Where do we go now?" Their plan, while solid in intent, lacked a clear roadmap.
Reyna's mind, ever pragmatic, offered a suggestion, her gaze encompassing each of her companions, "I believe heading south towards where Camp Jupiter used to stand could be a start. If any survivors remain, they might have gathered in that area. I've scoured around Camp Half-Blood for a while, but found no one." Her words held a mix of confidence and uneasiness as she stared at the group. She waited, briefly, for any alternative propositions to emerge, but the silence that followed seemed to mean everyone was on board.
The group set in motion, footsteps carving a path through the desolation that surrounded them. Conversations flowed, stories and life experiences shared with one another. An undercurrent of mild frustration brewed within Reyna, her thoughts inadvertently drifting toward the horse that was now relegated to a spectator, constrained by the increased number of travelers.
Beside her, Percy matched his stride with hers, their shoulders occasionally brushing in a way that sent a subtle, electric current racing down her spine. She found herself stealing glances at him, their eyes meeting in a moment of unspoken connection. Percy's smile, warm and genuine, was a balm to her restive thoughts. The fluttering sensation that it ignited danced down to her very toes, prompting her to quickly avert her gaze and focus ahead, she could feel her cheeks burning and hoped her complexion hid it. Her attention shifted to Thalia and Phoebe, two figures leading the way in silence. How did they know where they were going? Reyna wasn't exactly sure.
From dawn to dusk they marched, the talk small as they crossed the snowy terrain of Canada. They came to a halt just before the sun had vanished from view, in almost an instant Thalia and Phoebe both had silver tents that were set up. Their gaze turned to Percy and Reyna who had nothing but their packs and the sleeping rolls they had been using this entire time.
Thalia's brows arched in surprise as her gaze fell upon the scenario unfolding before her. "We have an extra tent, just one though," she explained, a tinge of apology lacing her voice as she addressed Percy and Reyna. Phoebe's eyes flitted between the two momentarily, the exchange not escaping her attention. After a fleeting pause, she offered her silent agreement with a nod.
Percy's response was a hearty chuckle, his amusement mirroring the unspoken thoughts shared among the group. "That's alright, Reyna can take the tent," he declared, his sea-green eyes capturing Reyna's gaze in an unspoken plea. The compassionate and earnest look in his eyes was a persuasive force, a silent urging that resonated deeply with her. Reyna had intended to voice her objections, but the sheer sincerity in his gaze held her words in place. She found herself nodding in quiet accord, her unspoken agreement met with subtle smiles from both Thalia and Phoebe. Percy's selflessness, it seemed, was a familiar trait among their group.
Thalia swiftly established her role, her voice decisive as she volunteered, "I'll take first watch." Percy, ever the one to challenge someone else, began to protest, only to be silenced by a formidable glare from Thalia. The unexpected twist in their exchange elicited a chuckle from Reyna, the exchanges between the two gave Reyna the feeling that they shared a sibling like relationship.
Reyna set up the tent Thalia had offered, its transformation from a compact form to a fully functioning shelter unfolding with astonishing ease. Stepping inside, she was greeted by a gentle warmth that seemed almost magical in its comfort. The interior was slightly more spacious than it appeared from the outside, adorned with pelts lining the walls and a central fireplace area. To her astonishment, she noticed a bed – sumptuous and inviting – as if conjured by some enchantment. Thick silver blankets beckoned, accompanied by plump pillows that promised the kind of sleep she hadn't experienced since their departure from New York. As she took in the luxury, a thought for Percy surfaced. Over the course of their journey, they had been forced to sleep outside in the cold. With nothing but a fire to keep them warm, she couldn't allow Percy to sleep out in the cold.
With caution, Reyna peeked her head out of the tent, scanning the surroundings to ensure Thalia's absence – the daughter of Zeus was likely perched somewhere among the trees, keeping watch. Her heart raced as she contemplated what she was about to do, her hope hinging on the notion that Thalia wouldn't catch sight of her actions, otherwise, it would be slightly embarrassing.
Percy's figure, bundled against the cold, caught her attention. Stealthily, she approached him and delivered a swift kick to his ribs, prompting a groan as he rolled over. "What the..." His voice carried a mix of confusion and annoyance, his eyes narrowing briefly at the unexpected kick. Reyna's eyes rolled at the brief flare of his irritation, her impatience at his befuddled expression evident.
"Get up, I'm not going to let you freeze out here," she asserted, her tone firm as she refused to let him remain in the cold. His puzzled look only exasperated her, amplifying her exasperation at his occasional density. "Come on," she urged, her voice a hushed hiss as she grasped his arm and urged him onto his feet.
He complied, though his demeanor was tinged with nonchalance. "Jeez. Calm down," he mumbled, casting an amused glance her way. As they stepped into the tent, the warmth enveloped them once more, eliciting a quiet sigh of contentment from Percy. "It feels great in here, so warm," he murmured softly, almost to himself.
His eyes surveyed the tent's interior, their path eventually leading to the bed. He began to move in the opposite direction, only to have his arm gently caught by Reyna. A rush of warmth spread through her cheeks, but she fortified her resolve, determined to follow through with her intention. "What are you doing?" Her question held a hint of curiosity, though her own emotions danced beneath the surface.
Percy's cheeks took on a subtle hue of red, his expression betraying a hint of confusion as he failed to grasp the underlying meaning. "Uh, there's only one bed," he explained, his words unfolding slowly. "I'm glad you're letting me stay in here, but I don't want you to be uncomfortable, so I figured I'd sleep on the other side." His sentiment held a sweetness that sent her heart aflutter, a testament to his genuine concern for her wellbeing.
In that moment, as she regarded his earnest expression, her thoughts swirled around the enigma of Percy Jackson. His selflessness, his kindness, and the genuine goodness that radiated from him were undeniable. Yet, she couldn't help but wonder how anyone – let alone every girl he had encountered – could resist falling for him. The allure of his nature, his depth, and his unwavering sense of duty had formed a tapestry that captured her intrigue more completely than she had initially realized.
Her cheeks burned hotter at her own boldness. "I'm not going to let you sleep on the ground when I have a perfectly good bed," she stated firmly, her determination eclipsing her embarrassment.
"Oh," Percy responded, his face taking on a charming shade of red that she found utterly endearing. "Reyna… you..." His words faltered as he struggled to articulate a counterargument, his mind seemingly racing to find reasons why her proposition shouldn't proceed.
"We've shared a bed before," she pointed out matter-of-factly, drawing from their past experiences.
"You were dying," Percy argued, his tone infused with a mix of defensiveness and concern.
Reyna frowned, the weight of his objection not escaping her. "I didn't realize it would be so bad for you to sleep with me," she retorted, her words a playful tease aimed at watching him squirm. His frown deepened, his blush refusing to abate.
"That's not what I meant. I want to sleep with you..." Percy's words trailed off abruptly, his expression morphing into one of horror as the implications of his statement sunk in. Reyna watched his reaction briefly before succumbing to laughter, her mirth dissipating the tension that had gripped him. The realization that she had been pulling his leg seemed to melt away his inner turmoil, and he joined in her laughter, his genuine chuckles resonating in the tent, although the red of his cheeks remained.
"That was mean," he pouted, his playfulness a stark contrast to his previous unease. Reyna's smile widened, his childlike nature endearing in its candidness.
Swiftly, she changed into more suitable sleeping attire, relishing the sensation of slipping out of the day's clothes. With the inclusion of Thalia and Phoebe, their sleeping arrangements would significantly improve. The notion that they could share rest and protection among four was a welcome relief. Both Percy and herself needed the rest.
Under the covers, her obsidian gaze met Percy's vibrant green eyes. Percy mirrored her movements, though there seemed to be an unspoken intent to keep as much distance between them as possible. His actions could be bewilderingly dense at times.
Rolling her eyes at his subtle attempts to maintain space, she shifted closer to him, maneuvering his arm around her as she nestled her head on his chest. He held her with a firm yet gentle embrace, the sensation strangely comforting. After a while, she shifted again, looking into his eyes. His smile, as always, stirred a flutter in her heart.
With silent understanding, their lips met in a soft, tender kiss that deepened slowly. The connection between them held an unspoken promise, a reflection of their uncharted feelings. When they finally broke apart, Percy's cheeks had turned a charming shade of crimson. The impulse to discuss the unspoken complexity of their connection arose but was quickly discarded, their peaceful cocoon far too precious to disturb.
Drifting on the gentle cadence of Percy's heartbeat, Reyna succumbed to sleep, nestled safely in his arms.