Thalia's POV

I ran off to find Jason. He was my main priority. I wanted to make sure he was dressed properly and had everything he needed. Of course, he could probably handle all of it on his own having been at the Roman camp for eight years or so but it was my inner older sister freaking out.

Besides, he could be rather forgetful. It ran in the family and often times he forgot he was wearing his glasses when they were on his face. Even worse he sometimes forgot they were on his head and spent hours trying to find them.

I jogged into our cabin glancing about to see if he was there but he wasn't. Sighing I figured he was off doing something important. If anything I shouldn't bother him. So I resorted to getting ready myself. It had been a long time since I'd worn actual armor and it had gathered a thin layer of dust.

Sighing I wiped it off as best as I could when I heard a light knock on the door. "Come in!"

I glanced over my shoulder surprised to see a familiar red head. It was Rachel.

"Hey," She smiled sitting down next to me.

"Hey what's up?" I asked.

"Nothing just that Sila's been hanging out with me. He said he wants to help. So does Grover and Fawn," Rachel informed.

"We can use all the help we can get," I said. " Grover's got moves and he's a bad bad ass so he certainly can help. As for Fawn she's small but she's strong. Sila worries me though. It may be hard on him to fight his siblings."

"It's no different than you," Rachel shrugged.

"How so?" I asked.

" I mean considering you and your Dad," Rachel explained. "And before you ask how I know what happened on Olympus it's because of oracle stuff."

"Right," I laughed albeit a little uncomfortable that she'd seen all that had happened. "I guess you should tell them to suit up then. And if Grover is planning on fighting I want to see him beforehand."

Rachel nodded and stood up running off. A minute or two later Grover walked in prepped and ready for the fighting that was to come.

"Does Percy know your planning to fight?" I asked.

"Yeah he does," Grover nodded. We both knew if Grover had decided to fight without saying anything, Percy would be mad. He had told Grover a while ago to not worry so much about fighting and to follow his dreams by fulfilling Pan's former duties. While this put a kink in the time they got to spent together Grover and Percy still kept in touch and as close as ever.
In a way, Percy was like me. He wanted Grover to move on from fighting and to have a future. Percy knew he was going to be fighting for years to come and he didn't want to drag Grover along with him. It wouldn't be fair.

"Kick some butt alright?" I smiled. Grover rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, yeah I will," He laughed and gave me a quick hug.

"You call that a hug? Come on, give me a proper one. I don't bite!" I teased ruffling the hair between his horns. Grover laughed and hugged me tightly.

"Sorry," He said. "You're not much of a touchy person unless you're asleep. Then you cuddle."

"So I've been told," I laughed. He pulled back and fixed his hair.

"I'll let you finish getting ready. Make sure you stay safe when the fighting starts," Grover said though a slight bit of worry was in his eyes.

"I will but you have to say safe too," I countered. Grover nodded and saluted before trotting out. Once he was gone I focused on getting ready. Unfortunately, it'd been so long since I'd worn proper battle gear, I'd forgotten how to strap it on appropriately. Frustrated, I searched for Reyna and found her telling a group of Apollo kids where to set up medical tents.

"I can't get this right I need help," I grumbled as the group ran off to set their medical equipment up.

"I swear you're like a kid," Reyna sighed adjusting the armor so that it was positioned right.

"I am a kid. I'm sixteen." I said.

"Technically not really." Reyna said.

"Right then I'm older than you so you need to respect me," I joked. Reyna rolled her eyes but smiled lightly. Her eyes held the same look as Annabeth's  like her thoughts were a million miles away. She finished rather quickly seeming to have this down to a science. "Thanks."

"Yeah no problem," She nodded. "Um I have things to check up in but I'll try and find you later."

"Um okay," I nodded, but it was weird. She seemed almost flustered as though she were extremely nervous. "Hey Reyna?"

She glanced back at me expectantly. "Yeah?"

"Take a few deep breathes. You're fine," I assured. She smiled and this time it reached her eyes.

"Got it." She walked off trying to get the attention of a legionnaire.

"See yah," I sighed, turning around to see Jason and Nico talking animatedly while walking to Nico's cabin. "Of course Jason would be with Nico. I'm so stupid! How did I not think of that?"

Shaking my head I set off to Nico's cabin. Of course I knew I was wasting time but we still had about thirteen hours or so before anything drastic was supposed to happen. If the enemy arrived sooner we'd be fighting in the dead of night but if they arrived as scheduled it would be in the early morning.

Either way the darkness was their friend. We had to be ready before the sun set, once it was dark we'd never be able to see in order to work. I needed to make my visit fast.

I paused at the door hearing their rather loud voices and wondered if something was wrong.

"Well what do you want me to do Jason?" Nico asked and I imagined him crossing his arms his typical stance during an argument.

"I don't know maybe say something about it." Jason insisted.

"It's not my place to tell her. I'm not gonna do that," Nico replied.

"Okay," Jason sighed. I started to wonder if this had something to do with Piper.

"Look I understand Jason I do. But it's a personal thing that you have to realize and come to terms with on your own. Besides they could just be really good friends," Nico said his tone comforting.

"It's just I care about both of them and if something were to happen I don't want it to be too late you know?" Jason said his voice a bit sad.

"I know. And I know you're trying to help but if it's really bugging you talk to her not me," Nico sighed.

" I really think she's just clueless. Maybe even a little scared but it's obvious to me and everyone else," Jason explained.

"Whether Thalia's gay or not depends on what she wants. Maybe she just doesn't want to deal with relationships because let's be honest here, she hates everyone for the most part," Nico replied. "She's also a huntress. Things are different for them. They all act a little...fruity."

I couldn't help but be a little surprised. They were talking about me but they weren't just talking about me they were talking about something else entirely...my sexuality. I wasn't exactly sure how to feel. Gay? I mean Nico was gay, hardcore gay, so if anyone would know it would be him but he didn't seem to be sold on the idea of it. Then again why was I going off of someone else's opinions. And why the hell would Jason ask him over me? It was me they were talking about after all.

But my brain was in overdrive. I mean I wasn't was I? And who would they even be talking about as my potential partner. I didn't have an obvious crush on anyone. And Nico was right. For the most part I hated people. Mostly boys but plenty of girls pissed me off too.

I slowly crept away from the door as not to be heard by Nico or Jason. I couldn't keep the frown off of my face. I felt as though I shouldn't have been so confused or even so conflicted but I was.

I was snapped out of my daze when I heard a rather loud commotion going on. I followed the noise until I ended up near the forge. A crowd had fathered around a broken chariot that had fallen over on someone.

"How are people already getting hurt?" Frank sighed pushing through the group of campers. "Everybody back up give us some space."

No one moved an inch until Annabeth who'd been in the center of the group told everyone to 'back the fuck up'.They listened this time. I wasn't sure who it was that had been sandwiched between the ground and the heavy bronze chariot but they were clearly in pain.

"What happened?" It was Reyna this time followed by Leo.

Leo cursed. "I told no one to touch that thing until it was ready!"

"Doesn't matter we gotta move it," Frank said. "Someone keep him steady. Someone else help me lift."

Annabeth knelt down next to the chariot's victim and held their upper half straight. Leo made sure what portion of their legs stuck out were still. Reyna told someone to go get Will. By now Hermes had started to wander over.

"Lift on three," Frank said. Reyna sighed and nodded not seeming all that happy about dealing with this situation at the moment. "One, two, three."

Whoever had been crushed gave a yell of pain as Frank and Reyna did their best to lift. It created a small enough gap for Annabeth to tug the poor camper out from beneath the chariot.

Hermes disappeared in a flash and returned with Will who immediately started treating the camper. Leo was fuming with rage. So much so he radiated steam. But my attention was drawn else where.

Reyna easily matched Franks strength and it would have been surprising to anyone else who didn't know her. I knew she was fit and built very nicely but for some odd reason it was like I was only noticing her for the first time.

Everything about her had an aura of power and strength. He arms were toned and covered with thin scars that could go unnoticed unless you looked closely. Showing her experience on her skin. Her jaw was set and her eyes held a quiet fire of determination and slight anger. Most likely for having to deal with other people's shit.

She looked very much like a regal queen who'd been faced with a challenge. One she planned to face head on and conquer.

"What dumb ass thought it would be a good idea to do this?" She asked studying the group hat had gathered. No one said anything to scared about what would happen to their friend. "Whatever. From now on think before you act. We can't have people getting hurt before the real fight has even started."

"I couldn't agree more," Annabeth and Leo said at the same time.

"Get going guys and be careful," Frank sighed. Everyone left with heads bowed. He turned back to Annabeth. "The morale is low. Everyone's already defeated and we haven't even gotten to the fighting. If everyone thinks we're going to lose before hand then we are."

"How do you suggest we boost their confidence? We can't just throw a party," Annabeth replied sarcastically.

I started to tune out of the conversation. I felt awkward and rather horrible for staring the way I had, but I kept thinking back on certain things all the while observing Reyna. And the thought that kept popping back into my head was small and seemed insignificant and yet I realized for the first time that maybe...
"Hey uh Reyna I know this probably isn't the best time but I was wondering if we could talk about something."

Her rather angry look softened and she sighed looking down. "I would like to but there are things I still have to do. For instance, I now have to find somebody to replace the kid who's legs are probably broken."

"Right. Sorry. It was dumb anyway." I shrugged.

"I'm sure it wasn't. Anyways we'll probably have time to hang out a bit later. We've got what? About thirteenish hours?" She asked.

"Something like that," I nodded.

"Then we'll have plenty of time to talk. We've only got six hours of work left." She said the last bit sarcastically and I laughed slightly.

"Fine then. Six hours. Then I expect you to stop being such a stressed out little shit and enjoy yourself." She gave me a thumbs up and ran off. I watched her go for a moment before glancing at the ground.

"Awe you were staring!" Hylla laughed having snuck up behind me. With a small chuckle she slung an arm over my shoulders.

"What? No!" I grumbled trying to wiggle out of her grip only for Kinzie to do the same to me on the other side. "Let go you assholes."

"Not happening," Hylla said. "See, I was told by a little birdie you guys have a thing."

"No we don't we're just friends now piss off." I frowned, giving Hylla a particularly nasty glare.

"Uh huh sure," Hylla said sharing a look with Kinzie.

"I'm serious! After the war when everything calms down we're going our separate ways and that's that," I said getting angrier by the second. I was tired of people hounding me and getting involved with my personal life. It was aggravating beyond belief. I just wanted to be alone and not have anyone say anything about what I did.

"Okay if you say so," Hylla said but it was clear she didn't believe me.

"I'm going to kill you if you do not let go of me," I said flatly. The sudden calm edge to my tone of voice must have been effective because they both laughed and walked off leaving me alone.

I found the closest thing to me and threw it angrily. It just so happened to be a rock.

"Calm down. What's gotten you all twisted up?"

"Go away," I grumbled knowing it was Artemis who was going to try and parent/big sister talk me.

"Sorry but no," She replied stubbornly. Truthfully I shouldn't have been surprised that she didn't listen. If their was one trait that ran in the family it was being stubborn.

"You want to know why I'm mad? It's because everyone gets so involved in my personal life." I said glaring at her though it wasn't her fault. 

"You know," Artemis started, "you want people to get involved in your life and then you don't want them to. Which is it?"

"I only want certain people to know certain things. So I tell certain people those certain things," I explained heatedly.

Artemis nodded in understanding. "I can see that. And I know what it's like. But there comes a point when doing that only makes you upset. What was it specifically that irritated you?"

"They're trying to dabble in my 'love life'." I made air quotations sarcasm dripping from words. Artemis nodded. We both knew anything related to this topic was extremely touchy.

"Well, it shouldn't matter to them. You don't really have one," She said simply.

"Exactly! So why does everyone think that I do?" I grumbled sitting down. Artemis smiled warmly and sat down across from me.

"Not sure," She shrugged. "Who do they think you like?"

I opened my mouth to tell her then thought better of it. "No one."

"I see," Artemis sighed. "You still don't trust me enough to talk about personal things."

"That's not true or fair and you know it," I pouted resting my chin in my hands. "But to answer your question they think I like Reyna."

My answer was mumbled and nearly incoherent but of course she heard it and smiled lightly.

"Huh. Wonder why. But who thinks that?" Artemis asked slightly amused.

"Nico, Hylla, her friend Kinzie, and my brother. And apparently a lot of other people," I growled.

"Sounds like maybe you're just in denial," Artemis remarked gently.

"But I'm not! I mean I'm not...I'm not gay." I said getting worked up again.

"Well then you have nothing to worry about," Artemis mused. "But even if you aren't why does it scare you?"

"It doesn't," I said flatly.

"It does. Why?" She asked again.

"Because it's not normal," I said.

"But you're fine with your cousin being gay,"Artemis pointed out.

"Yeah. I am. It's just people already hate me." I admitted. "Why put more fuel in the fire you know?"

"No they don't." Artemis laughed. "If anything you hate them. The only person who hates you is-"

"Dad." And that was it wasn't it? Dad. Always Dad. But not just because he didn't like me but because everything I cared about was taken from me. One way or another. Jason, Luke, Mom, etc.

"Thalia,"She sighed," he doesn't hate you."

"You're kidding me right?" I couldn't help but look at her as if the sky were falling. "Were you even there? Oh right you were. Remember Olympus? Where Aphrodite pissed you off?"

Artemis glowered. "I remember. Don't remind me."

"Then you understand where I'm coming from," I scoffed. She sighed and nodded.

"To some extent yes," She paused for a moment. "But it sounds to me like you have things to sort out."

"No I think I've pretty much sorted them out for myself."

"Then what's your answer? Do you like her or not?" Artemis asked.

"I don't," I frowned.

"Good then feel free to tell her," Artemis smiled and stood up.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I said and turned when I heard running.

"Hylla no!" Reyna laughed sprinting by.

"Come back here!" Hylla laughed following her sister with a sharpie in hand. I noted that Reyna had a bunch of really crappy drawings on her arms.

"I'm supposed to be doing important things not running from you because you attacked me with a sharpie!" Reyna breathed heavily.

"You need to lighten up a bit you're too grumpy." Hylla countered and made a dash towards Reyna who pulled me to my feet and ducked behind me.

"Hey I'm not a human shield!" I glowered.

"You hurt her I come after you." Artemis said to Hylla but both of them seemed to not care that much.

"Fine by me." Hylla said. "Grace you're kind of edgy. Want a tattoo?"

"If anyone is going to draw on me it's not going to be you. I'd pick someone with real art capabilities." I said getting ready to bolt for it.

"That's offensive." Hylla feigned hurt. Before she could do anything I took off running eager to not have some weird and most likely inappropriate things on my skin.

Reyna was close behind me laughing hysterically and for a moment I imagined her and Hylla small and hyper running around their house together playing some dumb game like this.

"We gotta hide," Reyna panted tugging me  into my cabin.

"Follow me, I know a place." Running towards the statue of my glorious asshole of a father I started to climb. Just behind it towards the top was a small crevice. I slipped inside of it and pulled Reyna in behind me where she covered her mouth with her hand to keep her breathing quiet.

Hylla didn't spend much time investigating the cabin and gave up after a minute or two.

"How did she do...this?" I asked gesturing to Reyna's arms.

"Oh well I may have hyperfocused on something and didn't notice," She said.

"Way to pull an Annabeth. What were you working on?" I asked.

"I wasn't working on anything," She said a bit awkwardly.

"Right." I nodded feeling very awkward and uncomfortable. I hadn't felt like this since the beginning of our adventures together. It was like I'd completely reverted to my old self.

"You good you seem nervous," Reyna noted.

"Oh yeah I'm fine," I nodded.

"Cool. So uh about earlier what'd you want to talk about?" She asked taking her hair out of her braid and re doing it.

"Actually I forgot," I lied.

"Oh bummer," She frowned. "Oh well. Things look nice as far as battlements go. We're on track to finish up before the fighting starts."

"Is it just me or does it feel kind of surreal? Like we aren't really about to fight for our lives." I said glancing at her.

She nodded and bit her lip. "In all honesty I'm not ready. I don't feel confident."

"No one's noticed," I shrugged.

"I know. That's the point. But the thing is I just...if I fail people die," She looked down worriedly.

"Your fatal flaw is showing." I noted.

"I know and I can't help it." She groaned. Laughing slightly I rested a hand on her knee.

"It'll work out. Maybe not how you planned it, but it'll be fine in the end. If anything, things will work out for you better than they are for me." I said. She glanced at me and raised an eyebrow.

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing, it's just bad luck remember?" I said. Reyna's features softened. A new habit of hers Id noticed whenever she looked at me.

"You realize you're actually pretty lucky right?" She asked.

"How so?"

"Well you've got me as a friend of course," She smiled. "I'd say that makes anyone pretty lucky."

"Aren't you narcissistic," I joked nudging her.

"Oh please." Reyna laughed and shoved me back.

"Rude."  Shifting in the small space so I was out of reach. She laughed rolled her eyes.

"Coward."

"Oh so you think I'm a coward?" I asked cracking my knuckles. She nodded smugly and crossed her arms. I lunged playfully getting her into a headlock.

Reyna laughed and tried to get out of my grip shoving her hand in my face and using it to push me away. She finally got free and collapsed on top of me.

"Jerk it's not nice to choke people!" She breathed.

"You called me a coward," I  shrugged.

"Yeah well what can I say? You seem like the scared type," She teased.

"Really? Scared of what?" I asked propping myself up on my elbows.

"Heights. Which reminds me how do you plan on getting down from here?" She asked smugly.

"Ah fuck me," I groaned realizing she was right.

"Sorry no can do." She shook her head and it took me a moment to realize what I'd said.

"That's not what I meant," I said hurriedly.

"I'm kidding!" Reyna laughed and got off of me and started to climb down. "Good luck figuring out your problem."

"I hate you," I glowered. She looked up at me innocently hopping down onto the ground.

"Sorry, you're gonna have to figure it out yourself." She turned on her heel and left but I could picture the goofy little grin on her face.

I groaned and stayed put waiting for Jason to come back and help me down. I hated it, it seemed the only time heights never really frightened me were when Reyna was around.

"Fuck!" I yelled, impatiently waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting for Jason to show up. Oh, and I waited some more.