After clearing up the usual business with Jason—which included a solid ten minute pestering from him, asking me where I was—we were off the hook.
Bianca had vanished, most likely off to find Nico. Silena and Charles got distracted by something while Zöe and Phoebe disappeared in the direction of the archery field. Assuming that they didn't change the location, of course.
Lee and Michael left with their medical equipment while Malcolm locked himself in the library, not ready to face Camp.
The Commanders were having a meeting, so I waited for Victoria.
I sat on the living room's sofa, a holographic map of Camp. I was right to say the Gods magicked the space far larger than before. There were so many cabins. Some of the names, I recognised. The others, I didn't. The cabin that I said was without a symbol didn't have a God's name on it. It was just labeled as "Young Gods", whatever that meant.
Busy trying to memorize the place, it took Victoria a while to get my attention. It had been two hours. The meeting ended five minutes ago.
"Where you wanna go?" She asked, playing with kataigída's bowstring.
"Training Arena." Was my immediate response. "Shall we?"
From behind us, Jason called out, "can I go?"
Not looking back, I shouted, "no. Go away!"
I didn't need to look to know that Jason was pouting as Victoria tugged my hand, laughing as she dragged me out of the cabin.
I wanted to see the demigods train but when I got there, I really wasn't impressed by what I saw. Not at all.
"This is so... relaxed," I finally say.
Victoria snorted. "Relaxed? For you maybe. This is like 0.5 speed for the army."
"It is like ballroom dancing. A graceful but slow dance," I continued, watching as the demigods make mistake after mistake. But since it was my view, I said nothing. My way of fighting is to use both skill and power. I can't expect them to have water and earth powers at whim, can I? Different parentage, different powers, different fighting techniques.
"They won't like you saying that about them," Victoria muttered. "They have never liked whatever I did. Forever, they are determined to see me as the villain," I say softly. "What do you think the rest are doing?" Victoria asked, changing the subject. "I do not know. Catching up with their family members? I know Bianca is in a hurry to see Nico again, even though I have advised her against that many times."
"Oh?" Victoria turned to me, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "And why would you say that?"
"You do not know Nico as I have, Victoria," I said, watching the demigods. The ones I have once known were not present, besides Piper who was there when we first arrived, Nico, who Chaos said is alive when Bianca asked, and Katie Gardner whom I spotted in the strawberry fields. Have they all died? Or have they been made Gods? Would their reactions be the same as Chiron's as he sees all his formerly dead students? Or will they be as nonchalant as Dionysus if he was still camp director? Gods don't change easily. Artemis included. I'm not prejudiced over her, despite the praises I sing of her. I know what you're thinking.
"Then tell me about him."
"Nico spent a year blaming me for Bianca's death because he couldn't bring himself to hate her for leaving," I say, watching the scene below. "He barely survived that. And it still took so long for him to truly get over it and make peace with her passing. If Bianca herself never asked him to let her go, I'm afraid he would've never stopped until he really brought her back."
"And?" Victoria watched me instead of the demigods with interest.
"Can you imagine how betrayed Nico would feel if he realizes that Bianca was alive all this time and never told him? He would be devastated. I don't know how much has changed, but knowing Nico, Camp would be destroyed if he unleashes his power."
Eventually, I got bored of just watching and invited Victoria to spar with me. She was tempted to refuse but gave in when I mentioned I would go finish an assassination I wanted to do if she didn't come.
We went to a training mat in the corner to not draw attention, not that it worked as some eyes followed, seeing as, unlike Victoria, I wasn't wearing training clothes.
I had long changed out of my sundress, and into a crop shirt and baggy jeans.
I should have changed into better fighting clothes, but I didn't bother. This was just a summoned outfit and it doesn't behave like any other clothes. It won't come off until I dispel it.
I summoned twin daggers and Victoria got her sword out, carefully placing her bow out of reach from any careless campers. It was the last gift from her mother, she treasured it to bits.
We lazily spared for a while, warming our bones. No one came rushing at us, demanding we return to our work. For once, it was just peace and quiet. I was just a demigod, training with my friend, facing a world where I thought monsters were those created by gods, and I could trust everyone who lived with me at Camp Half-Blood.
I smiled mirthlessly. Those were the days when I believed my allies were those I can trust not to betray me. Those days were over. My allies can't be trusted. We lived in a world where the person next door will throw you to the wolves as soon as you start letting your guard down. At least that's how it felt when they all forced me to the point I had to leave and take my chances out in the wild, with both the monsters and the hunters chasing me.
"Hey, hey," Victoria called out softly, making no hesitation to strike at my unprotected chest. I lunged back barely dodging a strike, almost not able to contain a swear, knowing how much Victoria hated them. If this was a war, I would've died. No distractions. I started to attack with more strength, pushing her back.
Smack!
That was for Andrius.
Slash!
Annabeth.
Clang!
Each hit reminded me of someone I wanted to forget. Leo, Piper, Grover, Thalia, Reyna, Lacy, Mitchell, Jake, Calypso, Clarisse, Chris, Travis and Conner, Sherman, Will, Austin, and so many more. They may not have been close friends, especially Sherman, but I knew them. And the fact that they were my allies but still betrayed me? It hurts. Even after so many centuries.
Despite telling him that he can't come, Jason appeared barely three hours later.
The demigods ceased in their activities to get a better look at the legendary leader of the Earth Sector. Whispers started to replace the sound of swords clashing. My eye ticked in annoyance and to compensate for it, I started attacking Victoria more viciously.
She bit her lip in concentration, dancing out of reach and parrying my attacks. She knew I needed to blow off some steam by wasting my stamina.
Jason should know that. He has seen our battles far too many times to be concerned. The demigods on the other hand, do not.
A lightning bolt came flying out of nowhere. Stopping my practice, I vapor traveled to the other side of the training room before quickly mustering up an earth wall to minimize the attack before the lightning bolt landed.
"Hey!" Victoria protested, straightening up from where she had tried to kick me only for her leg to go through a burst of water droplets. "I was going to win that!"
I raised an eyebrow at Jason, my hands on my hips as the dagger vanished. "Care to explain what was that?" My voice was a soft, alluring trill. It is the language of the Chaos Army. Most of us use regular english with each other but when around enemies of sort, we use the Chaon language to not be eavesdropped. Like now. Only through Chaos's blessing could we understand it. Even if we actively try to teach someone, they won't be able to understand. Trust me, I tried it with Artemis. Didn't work.
He shrugged, perfectly at ease for someone who just interrupted my training. "They were getting worried for dear Victoria." He bent his thumb discreetly at the gaggle of demigods surrounding him. "I needed you to stop before they actually filed for a complaint. Not a good impression, to be given a warning on your first day. It's not like on Chaon, Seph. Be careful."
As if I wasn't. "Tell them to go away and leave me to my business then."
He grinned, sharp and amused. "Technically, it's their arena."
"Jason! Are you on my side or not?!"
He held out his arms placatingly. "Your side. Always yours. It's just, it's the first day, Seph. Can you leave this for next week or something."
As much as I loathe to say this, he had a point. Teleporting back to Victoria, I let out a reluctant. "Fine, you win."
Jason was a good actor, performing his duties as a concerned colleague.
"Commander Victoria, are you alright?" He asked formally in english. Victoria's back straightened, posture poised, looking like the commander she was. "Perfectly, Commander Jason. It's fine, I'll deal with this." She said with a slight grimace. "You can go back to your duties. I don't need help" Jason nodded, giving me a 'take care' look before walking away. I think he was whistling a tune or something.
I tossed my hair back. "An idiot."
Victoria punched my side, knowing I felt only a tickle. "He is your commander, Seirína. You have every right to be annoyed at him, but you have to respect him." She must be talking about my tone.
But I treated everyone I love the same way. Jason was no exception.
I coughed. "As if. Back in my time, sweet Victoria, I didn't even respect the gods. And that was when I had just learned of the Greek World. I have progressed and am now the most feared assassin. If I don't respect the gods, why should I respect him? The son of Jupiter." I tutted, shaking my head. It's true, technically. I respect Jason as an individual. My cousin, my family.
What I do not respect him for is his parentage. Whoever has Zeus as a father can kiss my respect goodbye.
Flash that in my face, and I'll laugh.
Jason and I liked to joke about our parents. Bianca would join us. So would Zöe. We formed the 'bad parents' club but it was quickly dismantled after how popular it got.
That was when I noticed something weird. "Oh, great lords!" I groaned, just realizing not everyone had returned to their normal duties. I forgot our curious natures.
"Where is he when you need him?" I muttered to myself. I needed Luke to change back time a little. It was so annoying having to go back to Chaon to find my alchemist. I should've thought I would need some of her memory-changing potions. A big mistake on my part. It'll be harder considering we were on different planets. Time difference and all that.
There were murmurs, glares at me, loud accusations. Of how I shouldn't be enjoying Camp's hospitality if I was so disrespectful of the gods who created it. I was all but ready to leave. Luckily, or unluckily, Victoria is one heck of a planner. "Return back to your training, demigods. Her disrespect towards the gods isn't something for you to judge. Be grateful that she is fighting on our side."
"She's talking trash about our parents!" Someone yelled. I can respect their loyalty, but I was one second away from pulling out a throwing knife. Victoria glared at the direction of whoever said that, stating firmly, "The Chaos Army will deal with our warriors. Now go back to what you all were doing!" She didn't notice, but her persuasion power leaked out of her voice and everyone jumped to obey. I waited for them to leave. "I'm just gonna say it. I hate the gods."
"You have the right to say that, but not in front of them. When they find out they have a spy amongst them, the first one they will blame is you, Rín. And they will use your hatred towards the gods as an excuse. When that happens, either the earth sector stands firm or they are swayed. If the latter happens, what you and you-know-who did will be pointless and all that lost time will become for nothing." I hate that she has a point. "I got it. But still, I hate them. No excuses for that."
"I know, Angel. But you need to watch your language. What if it was something irreversible? You would hate yourself." Victoria added as gently as possible. I pinched her for the nickname.
"I know, Vicky." I grinned as she frowned, annoyed.
"C'mon." Victoria offered her hand and I teleported us out of the arena. Once we were out, a commotion was coming from near Thalia's tree. "New visitor?" Victoria wondered.
I stopped a rushing satyr. He reminded me of Grover... ugh! Stop it, Percy. Stop!
"What's going on there?" I asked as sweetly as possible, pointing at Thalia's tree. He frowned for a second, and in that second I wanted to tear his head from his body bare hand. But at last, he responded, "the lady is visiting after 20 years. Rumors have it that other gods will also be joining her. Something about a reunion? I'm not sure. I'm still young." He shrugged and went running off. Grrr...
I'll deal with the disrespect he showed to a Chaos commander later. I didn't care about it, but how dare he do that in front of Victoria.
Victoria frowned in thought, making this rather cute wrinkle in the middle of her forehead. "Wanna go check it out?"
"Sure," I shrugged. Hand in hand, we walked over. It reminded me of a normal camp day. No responsibilities. Just hanging out with a friend. I have a feeling I wouldn't be doing anything other than that for the coming days. I am many things, and I have changed, but the one thing I still am human. I am still human. And I still need friends.
Time skip
Of course. The one person who betrayed me the most is the first one I confront. Annabeth stood there, waving like some goddess, which she evidently is. Her blonde hair has grown to her waist, a perfect scene to paint with the forest at her back. Her perfect smile was so joyous it made my eyes hurt. She didn't wear a chiton thank god, instead wore a sleeveless white shirt and denim shorts. As I watched, she gladly took a rose from a Demeter's child and pinned it to her hair.
The one thing I saw that never changed even now was how she was talking to everyone. She was just like before, not ready to single out anyone. Instead, trying to bite off more than she can chew and talk to everyone at once. Victoria and I stayed at the back, watching the excitement slowly go down to a more manageable pace.
At last, after the crowds dispersed, most wearing cheery grins, did Annabeth spot us hiding out. I was half tempted to vapor travel away, but she's a goddess. Nowhere is safe besides beyond Earth, and that will require a goddess. A major goddess. Artemis was most definitely talking to Zoë or Bianca at the moment, or with some other huntress. Going to her means revealing she is the goddess who helped me and is giving me information about Olympus. That would be a very big no-no.
"The demigods told me about you," Annabeth started with this tiny smile that was both welcoming and curious. I was literally one second away from punching something. Instead, I commanded myself to smile in return. "You're the Chaos army, yes? And you have come to help us fight against Order. I thank you."
"Of course," I say, glad my voice was the cool, indifferent tone I used as an assassin instead of the tone that made me sound ready to break down in tears.
"You'll have to thank Chaos for it. Earth is so... polluted for my tastes." Victoria wrinkled her nose. "Uranus's air is so much fresher. Um, no offense though."
"The polluted air is the humans' fault." Annabeth lost her charming smile, looking sad. No doubt thinking of Pan. "The satyrs have tried hard to claim back Pan's land. But there's only a few of them and billions of humans." Guessed it.
"Commander Victoria is just very blunt. Pay no attention to her." I kicked Victoria's shin. She hissed under her breath.
"She is right though," Annabeth sighed. "I hope you enjoy your time here at our camp. Even though we are going to war."
"Of course, we will." I pasted on a smile, but my bitter tone didn't match the sunny grin.
"I have never heard of you, though. Annabeth Chase. The satyr that told us you had arrived didn't spare many details." Victoria said to cover up my bitterness. Why am I unraveling? This wasn't like me. Pull it together, Percy.
"If you have time, commander, perhaps we could formally introduce ourselves. Get to know each other a bit more. It would help our relationship between the camp and your army." Annabeth offered.
"Why not? Jason has all the preparations done. They will only need me when battle rises. We have time to burn." Annabeth's grey eyes glittered wildly and excitedly. "Jason Grace?"
"Have you heard of him?" Victoria asked shrewdly. "He was a friend of mine before he died. Hades said his soul was missing, but I never knew where he went."
"Then I'm sure you will be delighted to know he has thrived as the commander of the Earth sector. Speaking of which, I'm sure there will be more of your formally dead friends."
"Would you like to take this conversation someplace else, commander?" Annabeth cut in politely, seeing as we were standing around.
"Why not? Rín? Are you joining us?" This was genuine curiosity Victoria was sending me. Hmm, let me see. Should I spend the next couple of I don't know how long talking to my ex? Or should I go and do some assassinations on Earth? Hm...
"You go ahead. I have some... business to attend to." Victoria caught my drift. She frowned, showing she wasn't that supportive of my killing ways, but she understood it and told me to go. Another trait I love, no matter how much she disapproves of one's actions, she is always willing to do what is right.
I waved to her and vapor traveled away, Marílithos glittering like it never had. As if the darling also knows that we are on a different planet, one that I once called home. I smiled, twirling it a little.
Victoria POV
The goddess was a dangerous person to make an enemy out of. At least that's what Victoria gathers after spending an hour with her.
She had brought Victoria out of camp. A part of Victoria almost rejected it, fearing she might try to kill her, but she accepted in the end.
Luckily, no one died. Annabeth brought her to this cafe just outside Long Island. As they pushed open the doors, the scent of demigods hit Victoria like an asteroid hitting a planet, swift and sudden.
Noticing her dazed state, Annabeth managed to smile. "Piper and I built this place several centuries ago." She informed her. "We had many people help and eventually, we built a place where demigods could relax outside of camp but still protected. There is a barrier around this place not unsimilar to camp's protective barrier."
"It's… certainly something." Victoria said, not sure what to say. "Real cozy."
"Thank you." Annabeth responded politely.
It wasn't unpleasant to the eye. Victoria didn't lie.
There had been a garden as they walked in, a small pond with koi swimming. The walls were painted white with graffiti on the sides. The inside was what Victoria imagined a cafe would look like, tables occupied with guests, chatting and eating. Bots were running here and there, catering to their needs. At the back of the room was a french door. From the little Victoria could see, it led to a sort of library, brown shelves neatly arranged against the wall.
Annabeth led Victoria up the staircase. Just like at camp, everyone recognised Annabeth except Annabeth had lesser patience for them, the urge to satiate her curiosity about Victoria more important. She started pulling Victoria by her hand, almost throwing her into the nearest vacant room.
"We use such rooms for celebrations usually." She explained, shutting the door and making her way across the room to open the windows. "It's soundproof, so as to not bother others, but it helps when discussing important matters as well. I don't know what you like to eat, so I just got a bit of everything. It will come by later."
"Thank you." Victoria said, oddly touched. "Really, you don't need to do all this, I'm willing to tell you anything you like."
"Nonsense." Annabeth brushed her off. "My father taught me as a child to have manners. Up until he died, he has reminded me constantly, over and over again. Besides, you are a person of a high status, and I will treat you with what you deserve, Commander."
Victoria smoothed the crease on the tablecloth she had made. "Your father?"
"I suppose it is a curse of immortality, but I know my father is enjoying Elysium, so I will not grieve for him." Annabeth said firmly. "He was ecstatic when he learned I was offered immortality, it had been a fear of his that he would one day witness my death. Luckily, that is not the case. Now," she was by Victoria's side in a flash, her hands folded on her lap as her eyes gleamed with a sort of hunger. Time may have changed Annabeth Chase, but slowly, Victoria is beginning to realize she may not have changed that much. "You must tell me. How is Jason? And everyone else?"
"Well, Jason is flourishing. He is an excellent colleague and an even better friend. As for everyone else, I do not spend much time with the Earth sector compared to my own but everyone in the army knows they are like one big family. They truly love each other, as anyone with eyes can see. They were so eager to return, I can tell you that."
The glint in her eyes wasn't entirely gone yet. Annabeth was hungry for knowledge, and nothing was going to stop her.
As much as Victoria resented her, she couldn't help admire the older girl as well.
She was shocked when a second later, Annabeth let out a short bark of laughter. "Oh! Apologies, Commander, I forgot myself. It has been a long time, I was far too eager to know more, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena, goddess of wisdom, and the goddess of Architecture and Restoration."
"I am Victoria." Was she supposed to give Annabeth her surname? She gave hers after all. Still, Victoria hated it since it was her father's. She doesn't want it. Again, she wishes her mother was alive if only she could ask her what she was thinking of when she took on her husband's name. "Victoria Megami Nkosi, Commander of Sector Uranus."
"It is lovely to meet you, Commander."
"Victoria is fine, my lady."
"Well then, I insist you call me Annabeth."
Victoria dipped her chin. "Annabeth it is."
She was gifted with a radiant smile but Victoria could feel nothing but distrust. How easy it was to blind someone with such a smile. A few coaxing words, and they would give into Annabeth. She wonders if Annabeth knew of it. If she ever took advantage of it. She wouldn't be a child of the gods if she hadn't.
"You have a brother." Victoria says abruptly when the silence had gone on for far too long.
Annabeth blinked, unprepared for the sudden announcement. "What?"
Well, at least she didn't say 'I beg your finest pardon?' like some of the others would.
Victoria's fingers itched, and she longed for Kataigída. Still, she met Annabeth's bewildered gaze. "Malcolm Pace, son of Athena. You are the daughter of Athena. Are you two not siblings?"
Confusion changed to shock changed to relief. "He died during the war." She whispered, a content smile tucked at the corner of her lips. She seemed so relaxed to the world but Victoria saw how she restrained herself.
She played the part perfectly. What a dangerous enemy one could make of you, Ms Chase.
"I did wonder what happened to him." Annabeth continued. "His death… was one I regret the most. I'm glad he is happy."
"Engaged, actually." Victoria reveals. "I'll let him share the happy news, but he is doing well. Chaos's Army gives many new opportunities to us. There aren't many who resent being there. There is none because Chaos will gladly let them leave. Help them find their own footing in the world."
"He sounds like an amazing leader."
"Oh, he is. Everyone respects him and loves him."
After that, there was a knock on the door. They paused their conversations as Annabeth got up and allowed the bot in, carrying trays and trays of food. It seemed that Annabeth had not been kidding when she said she got a bit of everything.
Victoria didn't know how to reject the meal. She wasn't that hungry either. So, she picked up the side dish (what's a french fry?) and began munching on it. She watched as, instead of returning to sit by Victoria's side, Annabeth sat across the table, picking up a knife and fork and began to cut up the steak.
The smell wafted to Victoria's nostrils and she held back a grimace. There was nothing wrong with it, but she could still smell the distinct scent of blood and it was nauseating to imagine that they had to kill an animal to produce this.
Absent-mindedly, Victoria tossed the yellow, limp stick into her mouth, crunching on it. Her eyes widened as her tastebuds seemed to explode in that salty yet delicious texture.
Annabeth faltered in her eating but Victoria didn't pay attention as she grabbed the entire plate and shoved it into her mouth, cleaning the dish in three minutes flat.
She handed Victoria a napkin which she used to wipe her fingers.
"You like it then?" Annabeth smiled. "Would you like more?"
"If you don't mind."
She went out to speak to someone while Victoria tried to gather her thoughts.
There had never been any visual description of the demigods when Percy spoke of them. It was easy to picture them as haggly witches in the horror shows but now, it's clear that isn't the case.
Annabeth Chase is a real girl. She is a girl with a long deceased father and a goddess for a mother. She is a hero. She is loved by many.
She also seemed to have moved on.
That fills Victoria with an unexplainable rage. She's probably biased or something, Percy was there at the darkest moments of her life after all, she's protective of her sister. Also, she's a stranger to Annabeth. The goddess had better common sense than to confide such things to Victoria.
"You seem angry." Annabeth said, back in her seat once more. She placed a new plate of French fries in front of Victoria. "What's on your mind?"
"Nothing much." Victoria hoped the other girl didn't notice her false smile, or the lilt as she spoke. "My friends say I have a resting bitch face. Many mistake it for anger." A lie, but Annabeth doesn't know that. Victoria was rarely angry. "Say, I was wondering. Why such contrasting domains? I understand why you would have architecture, but why restoration?"
Annabeth didn't even hesitate. It seemed like she was used to being asked this question. "It is what the Fates' decree. Many things are unexplained when they came to grant me immortality with my friends. I have made many guesses, but they could be incorrect. Restoration, I believe, means returning something to its former glory. Turning back the time, changing what has happened to what should have happened. A cycle, start to end and start again. We have contemplated it. Of course, it could mean my duties as Olympus's Architecture, restoring what has been destroyed in the heat of war. Then, we have other interpretations. Eventually, we set it aside. When the time comes, the Fates will make themselves clear. We will not bother them until the time is right." The slightly twitch in her hands said differently. Victoria wondered why it affected her. It's a harmless question after all.
"What do you hope it will be?" She probed, hoping she didn't come off too strongly.
"Perhaps restoring past mistakes." Annabeth said in a nonchalant tone. She does this often, Victoria notes. The more personal the question, the more don't-carish Annabeth sounds, as if she's separating the two issues. "I have made plenty of those as a demigod. I was more careful as a goddess, of course, but you should have seen me in my teens. Hot-tempered and prideful. With time, I managed to take control of them, although they do come out more often than not." As she pressed the side of her wine to her lips, Victoria sees the unhappy frown she hides with the glass.
"Adolescent crimes, what we wouldn't do to erase them." She says, frowning. Her plate was empty again. Noticing, Annabeth slid a third plate over. There were plenty other dishes, but Victoria wasn't someone who goes out her way to try something. She sees something she likes, she'll stick by it. "I have made many of those. I think we were more similar than we think we are. I used to throw mindless tantrums and lose my temper quite often. A miracle my parents didn't throw me out." Percy and Luke would never. To this day, Victoria doesn't understand where they got their patience from and where she could get a bit of it. "How years have gone by so quickly. It felt like yesterday I had my first boyfriend. Roth is my fifth. He's also the only one to have lived past a year. We're reaching our fourth century soon. I hope we'll do something soon, if you catch my meaning." She threw Annabeth a conspiratorial wink.
Annabeth merely sighed dreamily. "Oh, to be like you, young and in love. I remember when I was like you, eager to love and be loved in return."
Yes! This was what Victoria needed. "Didn't get lucky in the love department?" She asked innocently.
"Oh, there was no luck, not when it came to me." Annabeth shook her head. "I learned quite young that I don't have any love in my heart for anyone."
What? Victoria sat up straight. This certainly wasn't what she expected.
Seeing her sudden interest, Annabeth almost laughed. It wasn't a very pretty one, Victoria notes. "Camp Half-Blood doesn't know." She said, placing her index over her lip like it was some signal. "Neither does Camp Jupiter. No one knows that their precious heroine of Olympus is aro. Maybe they never bothered to delve in deeper to know." She dropped her hand and suddenly, it was like her whole demeanor changed. She shifted in her seat, straightening her back, pushing the food away, her smile fading away into a thin line. Her eyes hardened until it became impossible for Victoria to read her emotions as her fingers were crossed and she rested her chin on them. "I would ask that you keep this a secret between the two of us, Ms Nkosi." She said demurely, her tone not matching the tension rising. "No one would believe you, and it would not help the camp's impression on your army, especially the little stunt your assassin pulled in the training arena."
Now this… this was interesting.
Annabeth didn't blink as Victoria waved her hand and the food vanished. It seemed their cover was blown.
As much as Victoria was using Annabeth, Annabeth had been doing the same thing. Gaining more information on foreigners, deeming how trustworthy they were. Victoria wasn't used to what was going on but she could admit this gave her a much better impression of Annabeth.
"This has nothing to do with you, Commander Nkosi," said Annabeth. "You just gave me the best opportunity, and I would have been a fool not to accept. My friends will be arriving any day soon. I came earlier, there was no reason I shouldn't have a head start. You arrive out of nowhere, with our dead siblings in tow. Can't blame a girl for being curious, can you?"
"I don't care if you feel no romantic feelings." Victoria lies. She doesn't care, not if it were anyone else.
But this is Annabeth. Percy's first love. She doesn't understand. She wants to understand.
Annabeth shakes her head, almost disappointed. "Do better, Commander. Every lie you have spoken, I know. You're not a really good liar. Not bad, but not good. A pity. You could fool any simple mortal but try not to lie to someone who has more years of experience."
Perhaps she has severely underestimated the goddess. Still, a part of her wonders why Annabeth has chosen to drop the act. "I don't. Not really. Just curious. I did my research before coming here."
The last part was a lie but whether Annabeth caught on, Victoria wasn't sure.
The goddess cocks her head, eyes narrowed. "You speak of the love story I shared with Percy." She decides at last. "Well, I suppose I should not be encouraging this, but history books can lie. Percy did not love me. I did not love her."
A lie. Someone has lied to Victoria but a nagging voice in her head seems reluctant to believe it is the person sitting across from her. "They spoke of a love that blossomed during the heat of war."
"A love did bloom." Annabeth agreed. "Just not ours. Anything can happen during the times of war, times of helplessness and uncertainty. It was our first war, we were wholly unprepared. Things weren't looking up for the demigods. After we won, and Luke Castellan sacrificed himself to kill Kronos-" Victoria forces herself not to react, knowing that the keen gaze of Annabeth Chase would catch the movement "-the demigods' were badly shaken. Many were dead, there was nothing to look forward to. Percy and I, we fabricated a beautiful story. It hid our darkest secrets and it certainly made the demigods more happier, something to distract them from the grief and the aftermath of the second titanomachy."
She did not say who. She claims a love was born but not between who. Victoria had a sinking realization she knew who it might be.
No wonder you never told me. You would never tell me that you fell in love with the enemy, would you? How history has repeated itself. Who will die this time? Who will be left to collect the scattered pieces of their heart?
"Of course…" her gray eyes were like lead as they focused on Victoria. "I trust you'll keep your mouth shut?"
Victoria folded her legs, one knee on the other. "Like you said, my lady, no one will believe me. It will be a waste of my energy."
She was rewarded with a satisfactory nod. "Good. Good. In return, I will keep yours."
Her guard instantly up, Victoria did a mental check on their conversation. She hadn't revealed anything…
Annabeth read her thoughts. Victoria wonders if the goddess had gotten telepathy powers like Tyler has. "You did not say anything out loud." She confirms. "But tell the truth, do you not hate me? Do you not feel intense anger towards a girl you never met? I wonder why. Also, you speak of your parents when… your parents are dead." She laughs in the face of Victoria's shock.
Other than sit there, Victoria couldn't do anything else, in such a blank state of shock. She did not say anything, and Annabeth has confirmed that…
"You do not have a resting bitch face, as you claim. Maybe no one else has ever seen that, but it was quite obvious to me. Also, Commander, you are one of the lieutenants for the primordial of creation, get used to your personal information being written in books. Your parents are dead, your mother of unknown causes while your father was killed by a certain assassin. To prior knowledge, no one adopted you. You disappeared from the scene of the crime to show up around thirty years later. You joined the army not long after."
There was a long stretch of silence as Victoria contemplated Annabeth's words. "I have deeply underestimated you." She admitted.
"As I have said, keep my secrets and I will keep yours. It will not do you any favor if Jason hears of your dislike towards us demigods, nor will it help if your past was brought to attention. Might bring some questions." Her threat delivered, the tension dissipated. Like a switch being flicked, Annabeth was smiling once more. "I think…" she drawls. "This is a start to a beautiful friendship, Victoria."
"So we understand each other… Annabeth." She half-rose from her seat and Annabeth got up as well. They shook hands.
Wherever you are, Percy, be careful. It seems like these demigods aren't what we expected at all.