"Ugh... That hurts." Thalia rubbed her head as she tried to sit up. What in the living hell happened? 'Man my head really really hurts.' Thalia thought while trying to rub away the skull splitting headache she had going on. She tried peeking through her eye lids, but a wave of bright light struck her corneas forcing her back to the welcoming dark. 'It shouldn't be that bright out now, should it? Oh gods how long was I out for?' Thalia tried again with her hands protecting her eyes.

It didn't really work though. The bright light seemingly pierced her skull and it felt like her head was getting pounded in by a boulder. She felt the beating of her heart in her head and with each rapid beat the pain flared up. Yep, that is definitely a concussion. And not a minor one at that. Thalia tried to open her eyes once more, but couldn't move further than a tight squint. With what she did see, Thalia suddenly got a wave of nausea. Her head continued to spin. Yet, Thalia made out where she was.

The same damn mountain. At least she thought it was because last she remembers... Hmmm... Thalia remembers her and Annabeth's encounter with Luke before the fighting. But, that's it. Thalia doesn't- actually can't remember what happened after that. Her eyes grew and she forced herself to ignore the skull splitting headache in order to find Annabeth. 'Where is she!?' Thalia mentally shouted. Thalia pushed herself off her back, but she felt weak and fell back on her elbows. She went no further than that.

"Annabeth!" She croaked. Her voice got lost in her throat. She hadn't realized just how parched she was. There was no way she could get up on her own. 'Why though? What happened?' Thalia was utterly confused.

"Woah, woah, woah. Calm down. Thou needs to take it slow." The old English gave it away pronto. She even gently pushed Thalia back onto the ground... and onto something soft. She reached behind her head and tugged at it. A blanket. Nice. She thought for a second it might have been her lap. That would have been awkward.

"Zoe? What are you doing here?" Thalia rasped while trying to get some saliva to moisten her throat. Just talking caused an inch at the back of her throat.

"Thou doesn't remember?" Zoe tilted her head. She was hoping it that this wasn't the case. She still is. Perhaps it is just a small laps in memory. Nothing too grand.

Thalia shook her head, regretting it instantly. 'Why is everything so loud too? I can barely hear myself think with all that rumbling.' Concussions are the worst.

"Thy will tell thee later. First, we need to get thee to a doctor. After Annabeth gets back." Zoe looked over her left shoulder, off in the direction Athena's daughter scampered off too.

"I feel fine." Thalia mumbled as her eye lids drifted.

"No nonono. Keep your eyes open-" Zoe slapped her gently on the cheek a few times- "Now that thee has woken up and with that nasty hit to the head thou need to stay awake. We weren't even sure if thou would wake up. Good thing we were wrong." Zoe sighed in relief. The signs weren't looking good for a little bit. Honestly, she is lucky she got there when she did. Otherwise she wouldn't have believed it herself.

"Stooop." Thalia scrunched up her nose and shut her eyes tightly. Now that she's awake all she wants is to rest.

"Thalia, you must stay awake until help arrives." Zoe scrutinized. Yes scrutinized, because if she let another one of her own die on her watch... Zoe wouldn't know how she could possibly face Artemis. Or the other girls.

"Fine," But Thalia didn't her open her eyes. It was still somewhat dark outside, yet that didn't help her corneas in the slightest. It is definitely not a minor concussion. "At least tell me how I got like this." Thalia wouldn't admit it, but she can feel her words continuously slurring. Another sign things weren't exactly okay in the head department.

"...Perhaps when thou hast gotten better. I doubt thee will remember much now anyway." She thought about telling her, but what's the point in all that when Thalia will need to be told twice. Plus it is not her story to tell anyway. She was merely an observer. Annabeth was much better telling her. "How about in that stead, I tell you about some adventures we huntresses have went on?" Anything to keep her awake.

Thalia nodded, trying to get in the most uncomfortable spot possible. She knows the drill. One can't really fall asleep if they're in an unpleasant position.

Zoe doesn't necessarily talking in length, she's more like the silent brooding type that prefers silence, but still she thinks inside similar walls to everyone else. Yet, when her words start to become vocal Zoe has a hard time figuring out where to start. It is different when the options of conversation are limited. However, the moment she has the freedom to speak out without filter things become complicated. Not many know this, but Zoe doesn't like having senseless thoughts plague her mind. It didn't end all that well the first time. In the eons of history, a couple of hundred thousand stories, where to start? Perhaps... Well, it seems as good as place as any to start in the beginning. Not the beginning beginning, but close enough. Within seconds her words slip over her tongue seamlessly. Every conversation she ever has revolves around the topics of the day - fear, terrorism, money, petty disagreements, monsters - It is safe to say she is out of practice. Yet, that doesn't stop her from telling Thalia of one of her first adventures in incredible detail. But she guess that's the point of talking, to get what's in your head out there, to start new lines of thought and hope they ripple out into our collective "pond." Interesting enough Thalia doesn't lose focus throughout the entire thing. Funny, Zoe expected criticism. Safe to say the first story came and went, as did the second followed by the third with little evidence Annabeth was on her back. They were generally short, but it felt like time was speeding by like an F1 vehicle.

Only when Zoe started saying her fourth story, did she finally hear the rapid approach of steps. Three pairs. Which account for Artemis, Annabeth, and Triton. Not a fourth however. Were they carrying Perseus? Must be, if the cry of her father was anything to go by. Yet, Zoe couldn't help feel somewhat ashamed. Not the fact that she ran away, no, because sometimes that is the only chose. But, in the fact that she wasn't a part of her father's imprisonment.

She was stuck here after fleeing to look after her new sister. It's strange how things play out.

Zoe shook herself from her thoughts as the thumping of feet grew louder. Along with the distinctive sound of heavy breathing. And the worrying mumbles of a certain sea god. A couple seconds past before they burst out from the tree line. Zoe immediately drew her bow realizing something was clearly up. But, nothing appeared behind them.

So Zoe took the chance to look at their faces a little more closely. Artemis's expression was stern with an obvious side of panic. Annabeth was completely ignoring looking towards the ragdoll on Triton's back, but the distinguished lines of dried tears were a dead giveaway. Triton on the other hand, didn't bother looking in front of him. His eyes were trained on his little brother mumbling encouraging words with apologies and promises.

It took her a moment to notice, but Percy looked smaller... and more dead.

"Get up!" Artemis shouted, "We are leaving!" Well that much was obvious. Zoe dug her hands underneath Thalia's backside, earning a grunt from said woman, and heaved her up to carry her.

Artemis ran up beside her and gave her a hand before curling her lips together forcing an earsplitting whistle. Ah yes, the chariot. A truly worthy ride for the likes of Artemis. Zoe was thrilled to be getting a ride from one.

"How long?" Triton demanded, looking every which way before the seconds even caught up. Zoe was about to tell him to be patient when Artemis beat her to the punch.

"Not long!" Artemis countered.

"That's too long!"

"I know! Just give them a second." 'Why? What are we running from?' Zoe analyzed.

Wait. Wait... Sounds easy, right? Adrenaline pumping. No time. Hungry. Cold. Aching muscles. Bored. They are supposed to wait here until the sleigh come and they are already so wound up they'll probably just get into another fight if it is too long. Not good. Plus no one is in any condition to fight properly. That and the hoard on their backs. Artemis and Triton pondered all of this, but this was still their only option.

There is a kind of waiting that feels like gentle onshore breezes kissing salty stones. It isn't warm but there is a sense of calm, of nature, of things expected. Then there is the kind that feels like the head of a medieval mace is loose in their guts and their heads have taken a beating with a hefty plank of wood. As the seconds pass wait to see or hear something, it is the latter. Artemis stares so hard her mind almost conjures something to please her but she won't let it. Tonight they have to stay in reality, for Percy, not depart into the fantasy life that demands their attention at all the worst moments.

They are listening to things that go beyond the stiff breaths for a sign that they still have a chance. There has to be something that they can hear. There is the whistling, the sleigh swaying, the sounds past the forest, past the carnage on their way - and it felt as if their brains are leaking a ton of information that you weren't completely aware they were giving away. They are listening for what seems like hours, but couldn't possibly be more than a few seconds.

Artemis felt a surge in her gut which she instantaneously took as a good sign. Without any words she took Thalia from Zoe and began running. Followed closely be the others. They weren't gonna stop. They weren't going to slow down. This was a one time chance.

No warning. Artemis leaped up into the canopy vanishing from sight with Thalia clinging for dear life. Albeit weakly. The other's didn't stop, but Zoe climbed her way up soon also disappearing. Now there were three. "You ready?" Triton asked sprinting with Percy on his back.

"For what?" Annabeth didn't want to know. The answer was sure to scare her.

Triton grasped her arm and with much confidence whispered, "I hope I don't miss."

"What!?" Annabeth screamed as her feet no longer touched anything, but the air.

Triton tightened his grip on his brother and jumped with the strength only a god has. His face may have crashed into a few branches, but that's okay. His body clear the canopy and he spotted the sleigh... The chariot is entirely silver, including its reins. The only exceptions are the four golden reindeer, whom have silver horns. It was bigger than he suspected. Also there was the fact that Artemis's arm was extended which he graciously accepted. She swiftly lugged the heavy fella on board then went towards the reigns.

Zoe settled Annabeth and Thalia down without so much as a word. Lord knows one needed to be said. Though not now. Artemis was not to allow mortals on her chariot, but these were dire circumstances.

Triton carefully laid Percy down wishing he didn't get any more hurt. All ignored the brash cry of frustration from below.

They were going home... So to speak.

They were getting help.

Time was a putrid concept finally hitting the non-godly beings full force. It was draining, the physical and emotional toll that wouldn't light up no matter how far they managed to come. Now with the brutish Titan behind them, they can finally get some well deserved rest. No matter how much they denied they wanted it...

Except for Thalia. They couldn't let her fall asleep with her concussion. Too risky. Instead she stared at Percy. Her knees clutched to her chest even though she should be laying down. Under the moonlight he looked... dead. But his mangled breaths that whistled through his nose reassured her he wasn't. Not yet at least.

It dawned on her just how much they were willing to risk when someone actually chose them specifically. How sad is that? How messed is the world when basic human decency is praised more than gods? At least someone cares. That is enough. Right? Thalia nuzzled her head further into her knees and watched. She hoped she was hallucinating his breathing, that would be too cruel. The night was still young and from the looks of it, it will only get longer.

With that Thalia quickly glanced at Annabeth and Zoe nuzzling close to her. It was colder than she expected, but that's alright. She couldn't sleep- wouldn't sleep. So as the time slipped by as they neared New York, Thalia disassociated. From everything; the winds whipping, the light snoring, the mangled breathing, from it all. Just be.

"Why don't you put a blanket over Percy? It gets pretty damn cold up here by mortal standards." Artemis glanced over her shoulder and at her feet making note of the passengers. The girls lay at her feet off to her left with Thalia in the middle. Zoe to her right and Annabeth to the left. Percy took up the middle row completely to himself, but his feet dangled over the back. She offered to make it bigger, but Triton shot her down. 'It will be pointless.' were his exact words. And lastly, Triton, he sat crisscross with her knees up and his elbows perched on his knees.

"No need. The cold doesn't affect him anymore anyway." Triton half mindedly mumbled. His cheek fell to shoulder and he huffed out some air.

"I see..." Was all she said. Artemis wanted to ask more, but bit her tongue. She just nudged her Reindeer to move faster.

"How did you do it?" Triton asked not a moment later. It caught Artemis off guard for a split second.

"Do what?" Artemis asked innocently.

"How did you get him to open up? I've been trying and as far as brothers go, he tells me a lot. All the normal stuff, I guess. But..."

"But there is still plenty you don't know." Artemis finished for him.

"Yea..." He would be lying if he said it didn't bother him. He knew a lot of his secrets, some he'd rather fade than share however, it's not enough. It is never enough. Especially for gods. Curiosity is a real pain in the ass with them.

"...I didn't do anything to be honest. Percy was fully intent on dying on that summit. Even risked his ass so he can free me, which put him firmly in the hands of death... Yet, look at him still holding on." She was beyond furious when she first realized what he had done, setting the Titan free. Even branded him a traitor. After a bit of silence Artemis continued, "I think he just wanted someone to know."

"Know what?"

"That he didn't give up on finding those families. But, it looks like he can do that himself now." Artemis smiled to herself knowing that things just might tur out okay.

"He still told you plenty more than that. I can read it all over your face. The way you look at him, talk about him, you care."

"I do. And he only told me because he was losing it. Probably through hysteria..." Artemis opened and closed her mouth a few times before she continued, "However, I must say that I don't deserve his caring nature."

"No one does. I know I don't because of how I handled things previously, so why don't you?"

"I branded him a traitor. Argued with him until my voice went hoarse. Cursed him. Hated him. Wished harm upon him." Artemis almost got choked up when she listed off her wrong doings, "But, he looked past all that. Talked, listened, and trusted me to do the right thing and warn the other Olympians about the threat looming over us." Artemis clenched the reigns tighter.

Triton stiffened, but did little else to acknowledge her words. He didn't speak, whisper or shout. Triton let her stir. To be honest, he doesn't know if he was any better than her at first. It reminded him a lot of his first impressions of Percy. Back before he lived with them. And the crap he threw at him during his stay. It was not all fun and games.

So he sat still and waited as New York grew ever closer. Finally.

"How much longer?" Triton asked after a few minutes. His impatience was growing.

"We're here." Artemis replied while steering her chariot as close to Apollo's temple as possible. No need to make it any more difficult than need be.

Triton shot up from his lax position watching as they descended directly onto Olympus. Usually the wind gods and spirits would deny them this, but they were owed a favor. They witnessed a crowd starting to emerge down below along with the tell tale alarm that this was an emergency. Triton doubts that the crowd, the alarms, the seriousness was all for Percy. He doubts it is him at all. But, with a captured goddess returning, certain details were bound to come to light.

And those that do figure out that Percy survived... Well that will earn truly mixed responses. Hopefully nothing too detrimental to Percy's health.

"I need everyone to move out of the way now!" Apollo shoved his way through the crowd forcing them to disperse. Or at least give him some breathing room. This was the first time Triton saw the goofball of a god be serious about something personally. That's a good sign. Maybe.

Artemis landed with no problem and before it even completely stopped Triton jumped out ready to aid Apollo in any way. "Grab the boy and haul ass to my temple! I've already got everything set up!" Apollo ordered while moving a stretcher into place. Triton placed Percy onto it and Apollo immediately covered his entire body with a blanket. "Go, we don't need a scandal." Triton was sure there was more to it than that. But he didn't argue and rushed off.

Artemis almost joined him, but was stopped by her brother. "What? This is no time to dawdle!" Artemis shouted.

"What about the girls? I'm sure they need attending to."

"They already were. Ambrosia and Nectar should have done the trick." Artemis was no fool because the foolish perish.

"Good. However, you need to be with them at the moment... Get them to my temple and I will discern their states after I deal with the boy. I'll fill you in later." Apollo was dead serious. He flashed her a quick smile before teleporting away.

Artemis sighed calling over a couple spirits to aid her. They were in for it now.