Artemis' proposal sat in the air, and a million thoughts danced in Thalia's mind. Nothing made any sense. Why wouldn't Percy let her go? A small flurry of guilt danced through her as she absorbed his affection. She was a monster, but he didn't seem to understand that. When he found out about her mother, or what she'd done on the plane, he'd leave her. Just like Luke did.

Yet, despite her insistence, he held her tighter, enveloping her in a way that she never experienced before. What had he said? That she was lying? She wanted to keep struggling, but his embrace was so comforting that her brain finally melted, her never-ending stream of thoughts ceasing. The sound of Percy's heartbeat stabilized her own racing heart, and without thinking, she finally embraced a lifeline she had been wrestling with since returning to the land of the living.

But now she had a decision to make. She could join Artemis and replace Zoe, becoming the immortal Lieutenant. In its own way, the option was tantalizing, and it felt natural, as though she was made for the position. The world felt like it was constantly spinning, and even though the unnatural haze that lingered from her sojourn beneath the sky had now faded, a portion of her felt like it had never left the Burden, always teetering on the edge of reality. Maybe she could be healed. Mr. D could do it if he was feeling generous, but given his comments during the meeting, she wasn't exactly hopeful.

She shuddered. This living nightmare could finally end. She wouldn't need to worry about boys anymore. Despite their arrogance, and with an eternity to learn, she could even come around to liking the stuck-up huntresses too. Objectively, she'd be an idiot to turn down the offer.

As the question sat heavily in the room, the tension thickened. Many of the gods began shifting uncomfortably, and Percy's heart began to race, its echo ringing in Thalia's ear. What had he been trying to say? It was almost as if he knew the question was coming, and he didn't want her to do it. For a brief moment, that nearly made her want to say yes out of principle. Who was he to know what was best for her? His head was full of kelp, even if he was heroic.

Her hoodie smelled faintly of sea salt, just like the blue one Percy had on. The same one she had thrown back at him on the night of her return. When she put it on for the first time, it felt like a massive weighted blanket had been placed on her, the long sleeves hiding her hands. It was a foreign feeling, not grappling with the pressure to make all the decisions or be ready to flee without warning. But even if it was an illusion, that was all she wanted right now. A nice weighted blanket as she tried to navigate her new world.

Percy removed the hand that was on her back, keeping the one holding her head against his chest. She frowned, suddenly feeling very exposed once again, adding to the complex calculation with which she tried to make her decision. His hand drifted towards his pocket, and she caught sight of an iPod. Thalia scrunched her eyebrows. That was odd, but if he was going to let her listen to some music, she wasn't going to complain. It usually helped her think, anyway.

Percy pressed a button, and Welcome to Paradise began to play softly from the iPod. Another lump began to form in her throat. She wasn't sure how Percy knew that it was her favorite, but that didn't matter. All that mattered was that he was right. It was bittersweet, a reminder of the little refuge she had crafted away from her mother. Now, she needed to build another one. The paradigm of her decision shifted. Would accepting Artemis' offer allow her that refuge? Or would she just be signing up for a nearly endless stream of fighting again? Was it worth the sacrifice?

"I just want you to be happy," Percy murmured, his voice wavering as he held her tighter. "I just…I don't know… just do what you want…I just thought you might like this."

The answer became crystal clear in her mind. He had been thinking of her, even when she didn't deserve it. She looked up to protest as much. Why was he being so sweet after how she treated him once she returned? Annabeth's last words to Luke began to ring in her was right about you.

"Shhh," Percy said, shaking his head as if sensing her protest. "We'll talk about it later." He began swaying with her as the song finished. It was almost like dancing. The repeated motion washed over her, calming her. "But godly magic can't fix everything. Otherwise, the gods would be perfect. Just think about that, okay?"

Thalia nodded, giving him a watery smile. "Just like you said. They're shitty parents anyway."

Percy's grip relaxed, and Thalia turned towards Artemis, who looked impatient. "Lady Artemis." She began, steadying her voice. "I appreciate the offer, but my answer is no."

It was almost imperceptible, but Thalia felt all the tension in Percy's body melt away. She could've sworn his heart stopped racing, too. A quick glance had her own heart beating faster, a brilliant smile gracing his features. He didn't look angry or sullen, ready to fight anything in his way. He didn't look like he was obsessing over a million problems. He looked really, genuinely, happy.

Artemis, however, looked shocked. "No? You would turn down a position of such honor."

A million reasons why she was making a mistake filled her mind, but for the first time, her heart felt warm. The internal war was ending. The look of relief on Percy's face was just a confirmation that she made the right decision.

"That's correct." She said. "I do not accept the position."

Artemis looked hurt. "I see." She said slowly, carefully. The silver flickering around her began to intensify. "I do not approve of your choice, but I have vouched for you. And you have endured more than anyone ever should, so I will let your dismissal slide." She looked like she wanted to say more, but she stopped herself.

She turned toward Annabeth. "You, my dear, are just as brilliant, especially in battle. You would benefit from my blessing, the same as Thalia. My offer is now extended to you."

"Wait a minute," Athena said. "My daughter has a brilliant mind. She would be much better served in a different role."

Annabeth shifted uncomfortably, all eyes now on her. "Lady Artemis," she began. "I'm honored you hold me in such high regard, but I also have some of my own dreams and aspirations. I want to build something permanent, not necessarily be something permanent."

Artemis frowned. "You will be part of something permanent, building it in your own image, acting as the head of the family when I am absent." She beckoned Lyra toward Hephaestus, who whispered something in the ear of the Blacksmith.

"You can build something to last a thousand years, and be around long enough to witness it in all its glory. And when the time finally comes that you join Zoe, you will have the choice as to your final destination, whether it be in the stars or behind the gates of Elysium," Artemis announced.

Annabeth continued shifting nervously. "Lady Artemis, may I approach you?"

Artemis nodded, and Annabeth quickly walked over. Thalia could no longer hear their conversation, but what she wanted wasn't a secret. Even when she was just a little girl traveling in the woods, she would tell anyone who would listen every cool architectural fact that she knew. It wasn't really Thalia's thing, but it was impossible to resist Annabeth's little excited face, spending every night sketching out interesting designs. She was going to ask for some kind of arrangement where she could do that in her downtime, Thalia was sure of it.

Annabeth had always been more open to the Hunters. Thalia couldn't get along with Zoe, or any of them, when they crossed paths at their boarding school in the fall. She rebuffed the standard recruiting pitch, but Annabeth seemed interested in the idea of a permanent family and some sense of stability. For a time, Thalia wondered how Percy would take the news, but he seemed pleased. If anything, he seemed far more worried about her own potential membership. That opened another can of worms Thalia wasn't ready to grapple with, but that was tomorrow's problem. She could pretend everything was normal again, as worry-free as the dreamscape had been.

Annabeth glanced back at the two in an embrace, and her expression was mixed. She looked mildly pained, but she bore a spirit of quiet resignation. As Artemis continued their quiet conversation, her expression slowly morphed into a smile, and the tension that burdened her dissipated, exuding a calm aura of confidence. Thalia smiled; seeing Annabeth regain some of her spunk was nice.

Lyra was smiling as she joined Annabeth and Artemis. In her hands was a laptop that was far beyond anything Thalia had seen in any of the computer labs at school. Considering the usual danger demigods were in when it came to using technology, she never got good with computers. Artemis held out her hand, waiting for Annabeth to shake it. Annabeth looked back once more, her previously mixed expression now completely relaxed. She took Artemis' hand and shook it.

"It is nearly done," Artemis announced. "Now it is time for you to take the oath."

Annabeth nodded.

"Repeat after me. I, your name, pledge myself to the goddess Artemis. I turn my back on the company of men, accept eternal maidenhood, and join the hunt."

Annabeth took a deep breath and began the oath. "I, Annabeth Chase, pledge myself to the goddess Artemis. I turn my back on the company of men, accept eternal maidenhood, and join the hunt."

She began to glow silver. Her face looked a little fuller, restoring the weight loss from her time in the prison. Her back stood a little straighter, and the fatigue weighing in her bones dissipated instantly. On her head, a silver tiara now sat like a warrior princess.

"I accept," Artemis announced. "Welcome to the Hunt, Annabeth Chase, Daughter of Athena, Slayer of Monsters."

Despite herself, Thalia flinched, earning her another squeeze from Percy. Defeated, she turned into him once again. It would all come crashing down, she knew it. Maybe as soon as tomorrow; but for now, she would enjoy it while it lasted.

Raucous cheers broke out in the throne room, even from Athena, who previously seemed opposed. Oddly, none of them were louder than Aphrodite, who had been giving the embracing pair her undivided attention despite the contentious debates around her. Thalia didn't want to be the pet of the gods, but she didn't feel like starting a fight with the temperamental goddess. However, if she were to try, she knew Percy would help her.

"Well then," Zeus said. "Since that's all settled, we have no further business." Everyone stood up from their thrones and vanished as Zeus snapped his fingers. In their place, massive banquet tables filled with nectar, ambrosia, and every kind of food imaginable appeared. "Then it's time to celebrate!"

It was nice to be celebrated, but it was difficult to enjoy. The golden lights of Olympus felt harsh on her eyes, and the cacophony of noise from the myriad of conversations around her was overwhelming. Satyrs and nymphs danced in the center of the room, with the banquet tables lining the edges, allowing all kinds of intermingling. Percy hadn't left her side, although he was constantly bombarded with questions. He handled them politely, but he was clearly ready to go, too.

Apollo had enchanted a magical stereo system, allowing everyone in attendance to listen to whatever they wished. Thalia was incredibly grateful for that. As much as she loved Grover, his music taste was awful, and she wasn't hopeful that a bunch of immortal gods would be much better.

"Huh." Percy cocked his head, perplexed. "That's weird. I didn't even think about it, but the song changed."

"It's trippy, right?" Thalia said. "It's almost like it knows what we want before we do."

"Well, I guess I won't complain too much; in terms of 'godly bullshit,' this is probably my favorite." Percy laughed. "What are you listening to? I don't want to assume, but I think I have a good guess."

He nodded toward her hoodie, and Thalia blushed slightly. As much as she would never admit it, the gesture was incredibly thoughtful, and not at all something that she thought Percy was capable of. She wanted to ask why it smelled like him. Maybe it was just because it had been with his stuff for a few days. She wanted to kick herself for being so weak, being so clingy. Even when she had come back from being a tree, she hadn't been this way, but she felt so exposed now. She wanted to cherish it before he found out what she really was.

"Hello?" Percy was grinning at her, and it knocked her out of her mental stupor. "Did you hear me?"

"Yeah, sorry," Thalia responded. "You asked me about what I was listening to, right?"

Percy nodded. Thalia turned towards the music, trying to decipher it. Honestly, she hadn't been paying attention, and the additional noise overwhelmed her senses. She strained her ears, allowing the soft melody to absorb. It was a heavy guitar line with a melancholic, slightly gravelly male lead.

"The Diary of Jane," Thalia said. "I really like this one, even though it didn't come out until after I got back."

Percy closed his eyes as a smile crept on his face. "There, now we're listening to the same song." He glanced around the room, shifting from foot to foot. "And, if you want. I think I owe you a dance."

It certainly wasn't a traditional dancing song, at least compared to the two dances she had attended, one of which was at Westover. As the beginning riff began to play, she felt the beat and started swaying. Anything for a few more minutes to forget. "Okay," she said.

He took her hand in his, sliding his right to the small of her back. Teasingly, she sent a slight shock, just a reminder to not try anything too crazy. She had been expecting a reaction or smirk, but he hardly reacted as she allowed her fingers to vibrate. Instead, his fingers glowed slightly red.

His right hand tensed as he pulled her closer, his lips now level with her forehead. A million things she wanted to say crossed her mind, but she didn't even know where to start. The last time they were like this, she was contemplating killing him. He had just been the same arrogant Percy that she'd always known. But now? Now, in her mind, she could only hope the roles hadn't reversed.

"Look." Thalia began, trying to calm her racing thoughts. "I don't know what I'm saying, or what I even want to say, but–" She took a shaky breath. "–I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything. You were right." Silent tears began to fall once again. "Even about Luke."

He raised an eyebrow at her, and she promptly buried her face in his chest so she wouldn't have to look at it had apologized countless times as a child: to her mother, to little Jason, about anything and everything. Everything had always been her fault, and apologizing had just been a way to try and dampen the abusive onslaught that came about more often than not.

Now, all she could think about was all the times she'd been angry at Percy for his choices, for trying to make amends, and it ate away at her. It just confirmed what she already knew. She was a monster, willing to take out her problems on anyone around her, not caring about the consequences.

She gripped his hand tighter, fingers still shaking. Percy inhaled, like he was going to speak, and she flinched. Now it would happen. He'd yell at her for all the stupid things she'd ever done, and she deserved it.

"I forgive you," Percy said, his soothing voice precisely the opposite of what Thalia was expecting. "We can talk about everything later, but I'm not mad at you." She could hear the smile in his voice. "Besides, you already apologized. At least about Capture the Flag."

"But you don't understand!" Thalia's head snapped back to look at him as her voice rose. "Why aren't you mad at me? Why aren't–"

The hand that had been on her back instantly went to the back of her head, pulling her to his chest and muffling her voice. "Tomorrow, okay?" He said. "I know there's a million things you want to say. Me too, but let's just enjoy tonight, okay? You're safe, and that's all that matters." He cracked another smile. "We have ADHD; we procrastinate everything. Let's just put this off until tomorrow."

She didn't want to, but her heart began to slow, mimicking Percy's strong, rhythmic thrums. With it, her mind began to calm, enveloped in a blanket she didn't know she needed.

"Fine." She huffed, her usual defiance gone. "Tomorrow."

Percy sighed, the song reaching its conclusion. "Thanks, Thals. It's all gonna be okay."

That sounded like a lie to her, but she could tell Percy believed it, and that was enough for now. He had fought a god for insulting his mom, so she didn't doubt he'd do everything he could to make his promise materialize.

"Hello." Artemis' voice rang out from behind them, startling the pair apart. "Sorry to interrupt, but I need Percy for a moment."

Truthfully, Thalia didn't want to let him go, nor was she excited about leaving him alone with a goddess known for turning men into Jackalopes. She probably shouldn't push her luck, given she turned down the most prestigious position Artemis could offer.

"Sounds good," she said reluctantly. "You'll know where to find me when you're done."

Percy nodded as Artemis flashed them away, leaving Thalia alone with her thoughts. The lights felt too bright again, and all the noise around her felt like it was only getting louder. She felt exposed, and her panicked breathing picked up.

"Hey, Thals," Annabeth called out, catching her eye. "You doing alright?"

Thalia nodded her head, but Annabeth didn't believe it, if her immediate beeline towards her was any indication. She shot her a glowing smile. "You don't need to lie to me, you know."

I'm not lying, Thalia signed. I'm as good as I can be.

Annabeth sighed. We'll never be the same again, will we?

A sudden onslaught of thoughts battered her mind like a storm. Had it only been a week? Just a week ago, she had been preparing for Winter Break at camp with Annabeth, finally ready to flee the horrific life that was high school. Since then, she had been on a rescue mission, lost Annabeth, blew up a plane, held the sky, and was forced to live in the deepest recesses of her mind. She shuddered, all of it threatening to overwhelm her again. She wanted to kick herself for it, but every time she tried to pull herself together, it felt like she had been shattered into a million tiny pieces, impossible to regroup.

She took a shaky breath. It was so much easier then. Even surviving in the woods. She signed. Back then, it was all about surviving one more day, worrying about no one but ourselves.

Annabeth cracked a smile. Well, I'll be back to that. Living in the woods. Except this time, I'll be immortal.

A smile crept onto Thalia's lips. She had a million questions she wanted to ask Annabeth, so she started with the most pressing. Why'd you take it? I thought you wanted to be an architect. You could've said no.

Annabeth shrugged her shoulders. It was a hard decision, and I had been thinking about it for a few months. I told Artemis that I needed to be able to design buildings. She asked Hephaestus for this. She pulled out the laptop Lyra had delivered. From where, Thalia wasn't sure, but it probably involved the same kind of magic within their bows. It sends all my ideas to Olympus, and I can work on it whenever we're not actively hunting. From there, the choice was pretty simple.

Despite her mixed feelings, a strong sense of relief washed over Thalia. She understood the pressure of trying to choose between two different dreams. Now, Annabeth could design to her heart's content for millennia.

I'm glad. Thalia said. I'm really happy you didn't have to choose between that. But I'll really miss you. How does the blessing feel? Did it heal everything like Artemis promised?

Annabeth shrugged. Honestly, I'm not sure. I feel stronger, and even injuries I got when I was a kid feel healed now. She scrunched her eyebrows. But I'm still me, and it's not like the memories went away. Her gaze bore directly into Thalia, searching for answers. Why didn't you join? You were her first choice.

A myriad of reasons came to the forefront of her mind, but among all of them, a specific green-eyed boy rose to the top. Despite herself, she felt her cheeks begin to heat up. I don't trust godly magic, She finally signed. Technically, not a lie. If godly healing worked on everything, then why are they so fucked up?

Annabeth snorted, trying desperately to stifle her laughter. I'm sure it was more than that, but I'd never thought about it that way. Her smile dropped, and her expression turned serious. Was Mr. D serious? Did you and Percy really threaten to overthrow Olympus if he didn't let you go?

Thalia raised an eyebrow. Come on, Annie, what do you think?

Well, I'm flattered you would do that for me. Annabeth signed. But I guess I'd have a hard time joining you now.

Let's hope it doesn't come to you know better than anyone that. Thalia signed. Percy is gonna get himself killed soon. I'd rather that didn't happen. You see how he reacts when the gods attack anyone but himself. There is not a single thing he wouldn't do if he thought it would help his friends.

You don't have to tell me twice. Annabeth agreed. But if anyone is entitled to that, it's him. Fighting a god and living to tell the tale is no small feat.

Annabeth held out her arms and pulled Thalia into an embrace. "I'm really going to miss you. I hope you know that." She said, signing no longer possible. "It feels right, and I know it's right, but just because the change is coming doesn't mean I need to be excited about all of it, you know?"

Thalia nodded. She understood what Annabeth meant. Plus, the thought that once she died, Annabeth wouldn't be joining her wherever she went was incredibly bittersweet. She hated not having control, even when she knew those choices were never hers to make. She could only hope that immortality ended up being better than she originally thought. Despite her resignation, she felt a piercing heat behind her eyes as she thought about their upcoming separation.

"Send me an IM before you two do anything stupid, alright?" Annabeth said. "I'll drop by as much as I can."

"Y-yeah," Thalia said, choking out her words. "J-just be safe, please."

"You're going to be okay," Annabeth said. "And I get it if you need to talk about anything."

Thalia swallowed, gathering her thoughts. There was one moment Annabeth had relayed that had never made sense, and it suddenly seemed relevant. Annabeth's own experience with the Sirens.

"The sirens," Thalia said. "You don't need to tell me what they showed you, but I know how they work. How did you recover from that? Having everything you ever wanted promised, only to have it be ripped away."

Annabeth pursed her lips, and her shoulders tensed. "Truthfully, it still bothers me." She admitted. "The only thing that makes it easier is remembering that getting everything you ever wanted will never come without a price. So if I got it, I'd likely end up worse than where I started."

"What do you mean?"

"A family," Annabeth said. "I wanted a family, My family. My mother and father, Luke, you. All together, like everything else was a bad dream." Her tone turned bitter. "I held out hope that it was possible, but I see that I would've had to ignore a lot, about a lot of different people…" Her voice trailed off as the last syllable caught in her throat. She took a shaky breath to finish her thought. "But still, I replay every interaction I had with them, wondering what I could have done differently."

Luke's betrayal. The more Thalia thought about it, the more it tore her up inside. He was obviously different, and she had been warned, but she couldn't believe he wasn't the same boy he had always been. The alternative was even scarier, that he had always been that way, and she was just too blind to see it. In Thalia's case, she got a pass because she wasn't around for most of it, but Annabeth witnessed it all and interacted with him on a daily basis.

"Beneath the sky." Thalia's voice was quiet, barely more than a whisper. "They have Siren-like things. They promise you everything you ever want if you just give up because it's hopeless anyway." She took a trembling breath, allowing her train of thought to coalesce. "They showed me perfection, and I took it. I gave up. I was too divided. As I gave up, I felt the sky physically burrow into me, like my skin was no longer there. It was already unimaginable, but from that moment, until Percy collapsed in my lap, I felt like I was dissolving. It's–"

Annabeth squeezed her arms. Thalia didn't notice her breathing pick up, but now it was unmistakable. Twice, she had bordered on the realm of Hades, the murkiness still hanging in her mind. Ideas she wasn't even sure she could describe. The words simply didn't exist, like trying to describe a new color to someone who couldn't see.

"I get it," Annabeth said. "The words don't exist and never will, but that doesn't make it any less real." The edges of her lips tugged into a smile. "On the plus side, I've already seen the Underworld in person, so I don't need to die first."

"Yeah," Thalia said, mimicking Annabeth's smile. "I guess you don't."

A moment of silence passed. One final night before their eternal destinies would separate. They would cross from time to time, but now, Annabeth had her own responsibilities. Thalia, on the other hand, had an upcoming prophecy. She shook her head. Tomorrow .Just like Percy said.

"Want to pretend like this is one of our school dances, just for this one night?" Thalia asked.

Annabeth shot her a warm smile. "Yeah, I like the sound of that. But no manticores this time."

Before them stood the King of the Gods. Dressed in his royal suit, with his light gray beard, he looked like an aristocrat. Thalia clenched her jaw. Of all the people in this world that she wanted to see, her dad was at the very bottom of the list.

"Good evening," Zeus said. He addressed Annabeth. "May I have a moment alone with Thalia?"

Annabeth shot Thalia a nervous glance. "Are you sure, sir?"

Zeus' glare narrowed slightly, and the scent of ozone permeated the air. "Yes, Lieutenant Chase. I am sure. You may return shortly."

Annabeth paled. She shifted from foot to foot but decided to stay silent. Thalia shot Annabeth what she hoped was a reassuring glance, but it did little to stem the growing tide of anxiety within her. After all, her father seemed open to the idea of killing her just a few hours before. That, and the fact that it had been radio silence from him on her quest.

Annabeth gently squeezed her arm before leaving them alone.

Gods, her thoughts were spiraling now. She couldn't shake the feeling that she deserved everything that had happened to her. She was a monster. Everyone knew that monsters belonged in Tartarus; she was lucky no one had come along and incinerated her yet. And not to mention all the people she had hurt and failed. Even if she knew Zeus would have helped with the plane, would she have still blown it up? The fact that the answer leaned toward yes…Thorn's taunts relentlessly battered her. She couldn't disprove them; in many ways, he was right, and that was the most sickening part of it all.

Too late, she noticed that she was hyperventilating. If Zeus noticed, he didn't say anything. Good, Thalia thought. He's never cared; he doesn't get to pretend now.

Zeus cleared his throat. "I've noticed you don't want to sleep in your cabin." He said. "Why would you refuse?"

It took a beat for his words to even register. Really? That's what he wanted to talk to her about? Not a fake apology for the way he abandoned her? Not even a scolding for killing his last mortal concubine?

"I'm not even supposed to exist," Thalia said bitterly. "Why would I want to acknowledge that fact?"

"Because it is your birthright, as my daughter. You were born to rule." Zeus said matter-of-factly. "You are running from the mantle that is rightfully yours."

"So now you care about my potential?" Thalia spat. "Where were you in the first years of my life?" Tears filled her eyes. "What about when I was pleading for my life as I lay dying on the borders of camp? I know you didn't save me. Percy's dad did. And I don't want to hear any bullshit about ancient laws!"

"You are running from your destiny," Zeus said finally. "Running from what makes you who you are."

"Are you even listening?" Thalia asked incredulously. "You abandoned Jason and I. Because of you, Jason is dead, left in the hands of that monster known as my mother!"

Zeus tensed. "Your mother couldn't handle the truth, yes. Just another reason that gods and mortals should remain separate."

Thalia just stared at her father. "Glad to know you don't give a fuck about my brother."

"What happened to your brother was…tragic." He paused as if the word was foreign to him. "But in millennia of existence, the lifetime of thousands of my children have come and gone. I cannot interfere with all of them. And if I were to interfere in some, then chaos would reign on the earth, with gods helping out their children, even against other demigods."

"You could at least pretend to be sad about it, you know," Thalia said flatly. Truthfully, she didn't buy the argument. She understood she was already unique and was sired in violation of an oath; Hades' furies had made that very clear in her first go-around, but even if it were the case, her father could have shown some grief or even apologized. Instead, here he stood, stoic. The only thing he cared about was that she was rejecting him. Her fingers started vibrating with rage, and she let the emotion wash through her. How dare he.

"Grief is an emotion the gods have no room for," Zeus said, his voice monotone. "I will not pretend to be sad over a routine event."

"Then I'm not going to pretend to fucking care!" Thalia snapped. "If all you wanted was for me to sleep in your cabin, I don't want to hear it. I know you hear my prayers. I know you heard me cry every night I spent with my horrid mother. And you did nothing!"

Zeus bristled. "You should show your father respect, child."

"Go fuck yourself." Thalia spat. It felt cathartic. Her years of frustration at her absent father, all the bitching she did in the woods when she was on the run. She shared grievances with Percy and Annabeth. But this time was different. Now, she could air a fraction of her grievances at the man responsible. She still felt shattered, but she found a bit of relief by hurling expletives at her father. It made sense that she was a monster, considering she was the daughter of two of them.

Zeus began to flicker dangerously. The air around him suddenly felt heavy and electric all at once. Just beyond him, she caught sight of Percy making his way over, Annabeth in tow. The buzzing disappeared as the King of the Gods calmed himself, once again adopting his regal, controlled manner. Percy and Annabeth now stood between Thalia and her father. Annabeth's attention was on Thalia, but Percy was staring Zeus directly in the eye.

"Is there a problem here?" Percy said flatly. "Or have you finished your little chat?"

Zeus bristled but put on a fake smile. "No, I believe Thalia knows exactly what's expected of her. You would do well to get out of the way, son of Poseidon."

Percy just smirked. "Then I believe we're done here."

"Just know, Perseus Jackson," Zeus growled. "That next time, I will not be so forgiving of such insolence. Dionysus was right about you." He began to glow, and Thalia's eyes found the flood out of instinct. Before anything else could happen, he vanished.

"Are you alright?" Percy and Annabeth asked simultaneously.

Thalia hadn't even noticed how badly she was shaking. Her eyes hurt, and all she wanted was to lie down. It was cathartic to voice her thoughts, but now her emotional high was quickly crashing as the adrenaline wore off. Her entire body felt heavy.

"Yeah." She said, "I'm okay. Just kind of tired."

Annabeth pulled Thalia into an embrace. "It's probably best if you go back home and get some rest." She said, and Thalia's eyes filled with tears at her tone. "But just know that I am really going to miss you. Even if this is the right choice."

Thalia squeezed back. "Yeah," she said thickly. "I know." There were a million things she wanted to say, but she hoped Annabeth understood them all as she hugged her even tighter.

She took a shaky breath as Annabeth released her. She wished she wasn't like this, unable to handle a tense conversation with her father without falling to pieces. Being a burden was the last thing she wanted.

The Olympians, deities, and other beings were all starting to leave the party, walking or vanishing from the hall.

"I think it's about time to go." Annabeth said. "But it's all going to be okay. I know this isn't the last time we'll see each other."

"I know," Percy said, speaking Thalia's mind. "It'll just be weird, you know? This was my first quest without you, and I didn't know what I was doing. It'll be weird without you there."

"Just don't push yourself too hard, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth said, giving him a soft punch on the arm. "For better or worse, I think we'll see each other again soon. Hold down the Capture the Flag title until I come back, alright?" She shot a smile at Thalia. "That means you too, Thals."

Percy gave a mock salute. "Yes, Lieutenant." His smile quickly faded, his eyes swimming with his thoughts. "Take care of Lyra for me."

Thalia raised an eyebrow. She wasn't sure of their history, but considering that Percy hated the Hunters nearly as much as she used to, she figured it was a story worth telling.

"I will," Annabeth reassured. "When I design buildings. I'll add little notes for you to find, like a scavenger hunt."

"Ugh, you know I hate reading." Percy rolled his eyes, smiling. "Still, if that's what it takes. I'll do it."

"You had better," she smirked. Annabeth shot the two of them one final smile. "I've gotta go now. Artemis has been calling me for the last few minutes. Don't want to be late on the first day. IM me if you guys are planning on doing something reckless. I want in."

'Will do." Percy said. "See ya around, Wise Girl."

"See ya, Annie," Thalia said. "Although I'm dropping out of school, just FYI, now that you can't make me go to class."

Annabeth sighed. "Tell that to Chiron."

A flash of silver appeared next to Annabeth, and they averted their eyes as Artemis materialized, tapping her foot impatiently.

"Has everyone said their goodbyes?" She asked. Everyone nodded, and she looked towards Percy. "I hope Zoe's letter answers all your questions." Thalia looked down, finally noticing the envelope Percy held. "I have not read it, but it was the last thing she handed to me before she…before she took her place among the stars. Just know how important it was for her."

"I will," Percy said. "I promise."

Artemis relaxed. "Then, as a final courtesy, I will send you back to Camp." She motioned towards Percy and Thalia. "Close your eyes."

They did as they were told. Suddenly, Thalia felt dizzy, and she felt Percy grab onto her. Around her, the world felt like it was spinning faster and faster, and her stomach threatened to expel her dinner. The air around her felt unnatural, warping against the air currents. A scream caught in her throat as the ground beneath her vanished. She squeezed Percy's arm, desperate for any kind of lifeline, as terrifying thoughts of freefalling from a plane again flooded her.

As quickly as the spinning started, it stopped. Her feet once again found solid ground, and she immediately sat down, her head still spinning. Next to her, Percy did the same. Cautiously, she opened her eyes and breathed a sigh of relief, though her heart refused to slow. The familiar pavilion of Camp Half-Blood greeted her gaze. She was home.

"Welcome home," Percy said, giving her a gentle side hug. "We've missed you."

Thalia nodded. "My cot will be more comfortable than a prison cell." She tried to say it as a joke, but it fell flat between them.

"Yeah," Percy finally said. He stood and looked at her for a moment, opening his mouth like he wanted to say something. Instead he just sighed before offering her a hand.

"Mind if I walk you back to the Big House? Don't want the cleaning harpies to be alarmed."

"That would be nice," Thalia said, taking his hand and standing. She shivered. It was warmer inside camp than the rest of New York, but Mr. D still allowed soft frost to permeate the borders.

"I guess we should walk quickly then," Percy said. "Don't want you to freeze to death out here."

"Oh, please," Thalia said. "A little cold won't kill me."

"I'm not risking it," Percy said firmly. "Two brushes with death is enough for one lifetime, no?"

"We're demigods," Thalia said bitterly. "Brushes with death are all in a day's work."

Percy sighed. "You don't need to remind me." He said, staring off into the distance. "Let's just worry about…everything tomorrow, alright? It's been a long day for both of us."

Thalia couldn't really argue with that, so she relented, letting Percy lead the way back to the Big House, unable to find the words for what she wanted to say.

As the Big House approached, she couldn't bite back the nervousness that slowly filled her, squeezing her stomach. She didn't want to be alone, especially with Mr. D and Chiron as the only roommates in the Big House.

No. She thought. I'm not so pathetic I can't spend one night by myself. It'll be fine. Camp is safe.

"Everything alright?" Percy asked. They were stopped now, the Big House directly in front of them. "Anything I can get for you?"

Thalia hadn't noticed her trembling hands. She slid them into her hoodie pockets. "I'm good." She lied, "Just cold."

Percy looked at her, his lips pursed skeptically. "You sure?"

"Mhmm." She said, nodding. "Good night."

Percy quickly pulled her into a hug. "Good night, Thals." He murmured in her ear. "I hope you sleep well."

The warmth of his embrace was tempting, but she had decided. Fighting her body, she willed herself to leave Percy's warm arms, forcing herself up the steps and into the house. She would not be weak. The mantra repeated in her mind as she opened the main doors to the Big House, ready to turn in for the night.

AN: We've got another one, this time full of fluff. It's been a while since we had a Thalia POV that wasn't heart wrenching angst, so now we get to see how she recovers and how Percy fits into all this. As always, favorites, reviews, and feedback are always appreciated! Now, time for review responses.

Ginocide02: The scars start on the back of the hands. I'm glad you liked Aphrodite's poetic musings.

True Wielder of Riptide: Fear not my friend. I will finish this fic. Although I get how you feel, I'm at the mercy of other authors as well. Finals week is just kicking my ass (I wrote 15k words in academic final papers this last wee).

theronjohn325: Glad you're enjoying!

Me Myself and I 777: Well, were you right? I'd love to hear about it.

Kaidofett: Well, I think you know the answer now

Guest: Glad I can help

Guest 2: You won't find me defending canon Athena. Mythological Athena is pretty cool tho.

CereysKerrigan: Ah yes, but what's the fun in that? I hurt myself with all the angst, so now the readers must suffer as well. Mwahahahahaha. (In all seriousness tho. I'm glad you're enjoying)