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chapter three ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
003. Pitching Camp and Troublesome Decisions

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Percy was an idiot, atleast in Cassie's opinion.

His reaction after being told by the young auburn-haired girl in front of him that she was the goddess Artemis went something like, "Um... okay."

But if you thought that was bad just wait till you hear about Grover. The satyr quite literally dropped to the snow and started rambling.

"Thank you, Lady Artemis! You're so, you're so... Wow!"

"Get up, goat boy! We have other things to worry about. Annabeth is gone!" Thalia said, while supporting Cassie with a side hug.

The daughter of Ares' eyes were red but she blamed the cold. She rolled them after watching the two boys in front of her.

She loved them but now wasn't the time and she was already annoyed.

"Yeah stop your ogling! Brainiac needs saving and I'm
going after her whether any of you like it or not.

"Whoa. Hold up. Time out." Bianca called.

Cassie held back whatever sarcastic remark she had to say. Ever mention she gets snappy when mad and stressed.

They all turned to the eldest di Angelo. The brunette raised an eyebrow.

"It's rude to point you know." Cassie gestured to Bianca's finger that was shifting between the demigods and the hunters.

She ignored the daughter of Ares. "Who— who are you people?"

Artemis's expression changed to one of pity. "It might be a better question, my dear girl; to ask who are you? Who are your parents?"

Bianca took a glance to Nico who was still adorably staring in admiration. Cassie caught his gaze and mustered a small smile.

Cute kid. Like the ones whose grandma's pinch their cheeks when they come to visit.

The brunette could've sworn she'd seen him before now.

"Our parents are dead. We're orphans. There's a bank trust that pays for our school, but..." Bianca hesitated as she saw the looks on their faces.

"What? I'm telling the truth." She insisted.

"You are a half-blood," Zoë Nightshade spoke and she was pretty straightforward about it. Her accent was like someone reading old Shakespeare. "One of thy parents was mortal. The other was an Olympian."

"An Olympian... athlete?"

"No. One of the gods."

"Cool!" Nico cheered.

"No! This is not cool!" Bianca trembled.

Nico did an excited little happy dance.

"Does Zeus really have lightning bolts that do six hundred damage? Does he get extra movement points for—"

"Nico, shut up!" Bianca ran a hand across her face, overwhelmed. "This is not your stupid Mythomagic game, okay? There are no gods!"

"The Lotus Casino!" Cassie blurted out before she could stop herself. That caught everyone's attention as they looked at her curiously.

"You two were at the Lotus Casino, weren't you?"

All Bianca did was nod in response. Meanwhile, Nico took the time to walk over to Cassie and place an old Casino card in her hand.

She ruffled the boy's hair before staring at the card and pretending to inspect it to hopefully get the attention off of her.

It worked. Everyone seemed to now notice Bianca who was standing there awkwardly, trying to comprehend everything.

As eager as Percy was to search for Annabeth, he couldn't help but feel sorry for the siblings. He remembered the feeling when he was told he was a demigod.

Thalia seemed to understand too and some of the anger cooled from her icy blue eyes. She squeezed Cassie's hand before stepping forward.

"Bianca, I know it's hard to believe. But the gods are still around. Trust me. They're immortal. And whenever they have kids with regular humans, kids like us, well... Our lives are dangerous."

"Dangerous, like the girl who fell." Bianca said.

Cassie scowled and Thalia turned away, stepping back. Even Artemis looked pained.

"Do not despair for Annabeth. She was a brave maiden. If she can be found, I shall find her." Artemis reassured.

Her wording didn't ease Cassie's nerves. 'Was a brave maiden' made it seem like Annabeth was dead.

"Then why won't you let us go look for her?" Percy questioned.

"She is gone. Can't you sense it, Son of Poseidon? Some magic is at work. I do not know exactly how or why, but your friend has vanished."

Didn't stop Cassie from wanting to fall off the cliff and by some miracle find Annabeth.

Percy knew it was pointless because if Annabeth was in the sea, he'd sense it.

"Oo!" Nico raised his hand. Reminded Cassie of a little kind wanting to be called on by their teacher. His eyes still sparkled with the youthful anticipation. "What about Dr. Thorn? That was awesome how you shot him with arrows! Is he dead?"

"He was a manticore. Hopefully he is destroyed for now, but monsters never truly die. They reform over and over again, and they must be hunted whenever they reappear." Artemis clarified.

"Or they'll hunt us," Thalia added.

Bianca seemed to shiver at the memory of something. "That explains... Nico, you remember last summer, those guys who tried to attack us in the alley in D.C.?"

"And that bus driver. The one with the ram's horns. I told you that was real." Nico said.

"That's why Grover has been watching you. To keep you safe, if you turned out to be half-bloods." Percy informed.

"Grover? You're a demigod?"

"Well, a satyr, actually." He took off his shoes and sure enough, he had goat hooves. Bianca was just about ready to pass out.

"Grover, put your shoes back on. You're freaking her out." Thalia muttered.

Cassie couldn't help but laugh.

"Hey, my hooves are clean!"

"Doesn't make them any less scary." The brunette faked fear.

"Bianca, we came here to help you. You and Nico need training to survive. Dr. Thorn won't be the last monster you meet. You need to come to camp." Percy was the only one taking it seriously at the moment.

"Camp?" she inquired.

"Camp Half-Blood. It's where half-bloods learn to survive and stuff. You can join us, stay there year-round if you like."

"Sweet, let's go!" Nico agreed, no hesitation.

"Wait. I don't—"

"There is another option," Zoe offered.

"No, there isn't!" Thalia denied, giving the girl a heated glare.

Zoë returned one of the same hatred. Percy had no clue what was going on but he knew there was animosity between the two. They definitely had serious history.

Cassie sighed. They reminded her of herself and Annabeth just two years ago. Funny how much they've grown just for Annabeth to be ripped away from her and kidnapped.

Luke was definitely getting a piece of her mind next time they met.

"We've burdened these children enough. Zoe, we will rest here for a few hours. Raise the tents. Treat the wounded. Retrieve our guests' belongings from the school." Artemis ordered. She made eye contact with her lieutenant before glancing to the eldest di Angelo.

"Yes, my lady."

"And, Bianca, come with me. I would like to speak with you."

"What about me?" Nico asked, fiddling with his jacket.

Artemis thought about it before deciding, "Perhaps you can show Grover how to play that card game you enjoy. I'm sure Grover would be happy to entertain you for a while... as a favor to me?"

That got to the satyr. He hurriedly got up and turned to the little boy. "You bet! Come on, Nico!"

Nico and Grover left towards the woods talking about myth-o-magic. Cassie almost went with them to avoid whatever was going on between Thalia and Zoë.

Artemis walked with Bianca who was still very confused. The Hunters behind them began making camp.

Zoë shot Thalia one last mean glare before marching away to her fellow Hunters.

As soon as she left, Thalia huffed in frustration. "The nerve of those Hunters! They think they're so... Argh!"

Cassie raised a defeated eyebrow. Was this was her and Annabeth used to be like.

The girl's mood dampened again at the thought of the blonde. Now she wanted to hurl herself off the cliff for other reasons.

"I'm with you. I don't trust—" Percy was cut off.

"Oh, you're with me? What were you thinking back there in the gym, Percy? You'd take on Dr. Thorn all by yourself? You knew he was a monster!" Thalia shouted.

"I—"

"If we'd stuck together, we could've taken him without the Hunters getting involved. Annabeth might still be here. Did you think of that?"

Percy was just about ready to reply some harsh things when Cassie came between them.

She noticed something navy blue buried in the snow.

Annabeth's New York Yankees baseball cap.

That's when the tears started to fall. Thalia stomped off, wiping away a tear of her own. Cassie knelt to the ground and picked up the trampled hat.

Percy went to say something but closed his mouth. Cassie waved him away and the son of Poseidon left. His head dropped at the thought of falling Annabeth and hurting Cassie.

The daughter of Ares stayed there while and let the tears pour. She held the hat carefully not wanting to ruin it more.

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By the time Cassie joined the others, camp was already set up. The Hunters were pretty quick.

The daughter of Ares walked through the campsite with her head hung low. She kept staring at the baseball cap in her hands and wiping her eyes.

She didn't blame Percy. She couldn't even if she tried. It was her fault for not being fast enough. The brunette should've known Annabeth would do something like that. She could've stopped her.

But there was nothing they could do right now and moping around wouldn't help.

Cassie raised her head and kept the hat in her hand before making her way to find Percy. He was probably injured and she should focus on that right now.

The brunette passed by seven huge tents of silver silk. They circled around one side of the fire. Cassie noticed the dozen of wolves and falcons that were circling camp.

If it had been a different time, Cassie would've gone and pet them. But she didn't have the excitement to do so.

No doubt Artemis was behind all the animals and the weather. The falcons had the same gleam in their eyes as the goddess.

Cassie felt the wind had died away and it was no longer snowing. Sitting by the fire felt comfy.

Then she caught sight of a disheveled Percy. She could already tell he was feeling guilty and his shoulder definitely wasn't helping.

Cassie walked over the boy and threw her arm around his waist in a side hug. She was never this affectionate with a guy but it was Percy. Also they both needed it.

The daughter of Ares rested her head on his shoulder.

"Kelp Head, it's not your fault you know. Forget what Thalia said."

Percy nodded but his heart wasn't in it. "I know Casanova."

Cassie raised an eyebrow. "Totally believe you. What's wrong? And don't say nothing. I'm not that stupid Bubble Guppy."

"So you admit you're stupid?" Percy grinned.

Cassie rolled her eyes and smacked his good arm. "Next time I won't be this nice."

"Ok ok," the son of Poseidon raised his hands in surrender. "Just miss her already and Thalia's definitely annoyed so that's fun."

"She'll get over it... eventually."

Cassie's eyes drooped. Wow, crying really tired people out. That's a surprise.

The two glanced to Westover Hall. The brunette internally sighed. It still hadn't settled in that Annabeth was really gone.

She couldn't help but wonder what Annabeth was going to say. It was definitely important, but now she might never know. That hurt more than it should.

Here Cassie was crying over the girl she hated just two years ago, if it was ever really hate. Thinking back to when the first met.

Those stupid stunning gray eyes and soft blonde hair. Was it ever really hate? Cassie didn't know but she didn't feel like it was. Yet she also didn't know what it actually was.

Maybe she'd find out soon...

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Cassie had zoned out for a bit and fallen asleep on Percy's shoulder.

She woke up to a backpack being thrown in her lap.

"Umph."

The daughter of Ares scowled, opening an eye. Some of the hunters were walking away as Grover and Nico were approaching.

Cassie lifted her head off Percy's shoulder. The son of Poseidon has fallen asleep too but woke up before the girl.

"It's our backpacks." Percy muttered as Cassie was still half asleep.

She yawned while nodding her head. Cassie opened her red backpack and found her polaroid camera. It had been awhile since she used it. The daughter of Ares also propped her sunglasses on her head.

Nico came bouncing up to the girl wanting to show her whatever was in his backpack. Cassie raised an eyebrow but watched intently.

Grover was busy helping bandage Percy's arm.

"It's green!" Nico cheered in delight.

"His arm?" Cassie questioned wondering why the boy would be happy about that.

"No I meant the backpack Cas."

The nickname surprised her. The daughter of Ares wasn't the best with children but apparently this one liked her.

"Hold still. Here, eat some ambrosia while I clean that out." Grover instructed, holding Percy's arm.

Percy winced in pain but the ambrosia was making the pain go away. That and the magic salve Grover used fixed the son of Poseidon in less than a couple minutes.

Nico was busy shuffling through his bag which the Hunters had packed. Cassie had no doubt that they snuck in the military school unseen.

The little boy took out a ton of figurines. Cassie inspected the little replicas of Greek gods and heroes.

Zeus had to be the one with the lightning bolt, Apollo had his sun chariot, and of course her dad had a spear.

"Cool collection, you missing any?" Cassie asked as she twisted the Ares figurine in her hand.

Nico beamed at the topic. "I've got almost all of them, plus their holographic cards! Well, except for a few really rare ones."

"You've been playing this game a long time?" Percy added.

"Just this year. Before that..." Nico frowned.

"What's wrong?" Cassie said.

"I forget. That's weird."

He seemed unsettled, but he perked up quickly. "Hey, can I see that sword you were using?"

Nico was facing Percy so Cassie took the opportunity to rest her head on her hands and listen.

Percy explained how Riptide works to Nico.

"Cool! Does it ever run out of ink?"

"Um, well, I don't actually write with it."

"Are you really the son of Poseidon? And you're a daughter of Ares, Cassie?"

"Well, yeah."

"My one and only dad, yep."

"Can you surf really well, then? And can you do all those cool fighting things."

Percy shot Grover a look as the satyr was stifling his laugh. Meanwhile Cassie happily answered the questions, anything to distract herself.

"Jeez, Nico. I've never really tried!"

"Of course I can!"

Nico came up with pretty random questions.

Did Percy fight a lot with Thalia, since she was a daughter of Zeus? (Percy didn't feel like answering that one.)

If Annabeth's mother was Athena, the goddess of wisdom, then why didn't Annabeth know better than to fall off a cliff? (Cassie started to rethinking her judgement of the kid.)

Was Annabeth Percy's girlfriend? (Percy was about to murder him if Cassie didn't do it first.)

Percy was ready to explode and Cassie was going to shake the life out of Nico, but then Zoë Nightshade walked over.

"Percy Jackson." Her dark brown eyes scanned over him and she upturned her nose. The silver circlet on her head sparkled and her face held a proud expression.

She really did look like royalty and maybe Cassie would've cared more. But right now she blamed the Hunters for Annabeth's kidnapping.

Percy had to keep himself from sighting up straighter and saying "Yes, ma'am." Zoë glanced at him disgustedly before turning to Cassie.

"Cassandra Carter. You two come with me. Lady Artemis wishes to speak with thee." Zoë beckoned.

The lieutenant led them to the last tent and gestured inside. Bianca was sitting next to Artemis on the floor.

It was really cozy inside the tent. The floor was decked with silk rugs and pillows. A fire burned in the center.

Behind Artemis was a display with her amazing silver bow. It was carved and shaped like gazelle horns. Hanging on the walls were animal pelts. Ones belonging to a bear, tiger, and other unrecognizable ones.

Cassie thought Grover would have a panic attack if he saw all the skins, but she knew Artemis had the power to bring back whatever she hunted.

Percy almost thought there was another animal pelt lying next to her but he realized it was actually a live dear. Its fur sparkled with snow and its horn reflected the light. The dear nuzzled into Artemis' lap.

"Join us, Percy Jackson and Cassandra Carter," the goddess offered and pat the floor in front of her.

Percy sat across from Artemis and Cassie on his left. The auburn-haired girl inspected him. Her silver-yellow eyes looked much too old for a little girl.

"Are you surprised by my age?" Artemis questioned, feeling Percy's questioning gaze.

"Uh... a little."

"I could appear as a grown woman, or a blazing fire, or anything else I want, but this is what I prefer. This is the average age of my Hunters, and all young maidens for whom I am patron, before they go astray." Artemis informed.

"Go astray?" Percy asked.

"Grow up. Become smitten with boys. Become silly, preoccupied, insecure. Forget themselves."

"Oh."

"Waste of time." Cassie nodded in agreement.

Zoë sat down and glared at Percy like he was the cause of everything Artemis had said.

"You must forgive my Hunters if they do not welcome you. It is very rare that we would have boys in this camp. Boys are usually forbidden to have any contact with the Hunters. The last one to see this camp..." Artemis hesitated and turned to Zoë, "Which one was it?"

"That boy in Colorado. You turned him into a jackalope." Zoë recalled.

"Ah, yes. I enjoy making jackalopes." The goddess sounded quite proud of herself. "At any rate, Percy, Cassie, I've asked you here so that you might tell me more of the manticore. Bianca has reported some of the... mmm, disturbing things the monster said. But she may not have understood them. I'd like to hear them from you two."

So they told her. Everything from when the first met Dr. Thorn to their time as captive to when Annabeth was taken.

Percy handled recapping the last bit and when they were done Artemis laid a hand on her bow. Her brows furrowed thoughtfully.

"I feared this was the answer."

Zoe leaned in. "The scent, my lady?"

"Yes."

"What scent?" Percy wondered.

"Things are stirring that I have not hunted in milennia. Prey so old I have nearly forgotten.We came here tonight sensing the manticore, but he was not the one I seek. Tell me again, exactly what Dr. Thorn said." Artemis requested.

Ever so often her eyes went in Cassie's direction as if checking on the girl. Though their eyes never met since the brunette kept her head hung low.

"Um, 'I hate middle school dances'?" Percy offered.

He got a sigh from Artemis and an eye roll from Cassie.

"No, no. After that." The goddess said.

"Idiot," Cassie muttered in the son of Poseidon's direction, "He said somebody called the General was going to explain things to us."

Zoë went white as a ghost. She went to say something but was stopped by Artemis raising her hand.

"Go on, Cassie," the auburn-haired girl allowed.

"Then he started rambling about some Great—"

"Stirring," Bianca cut in.

Cassie raised an eyebrow. "Yeah. Then Thorn got all cocky because, 'Soon we shall have the most important monster of all the one that shall bring about the downfall of Olympus." The brunette mocked his accent.

Artemis seemed to tense and stiffen.

"Maybe he was lying," Percy shrugged.

"No. He was not. I've been too slow to see the signs. I must hunt this monster." Artemis held a determine look in her eyes but a frown graced her lips.

Zoë didn't seem as willing but she covered it well. "We will leave right away, my lady."

"No, Zoë. I must do this alone."

"But, Artemis—"

"This task is too dangerous even for the Hunters. You know where I must start my search. You cannot go there with me."

"As... as you wish, my lady." She had to listen to the goddess.

"I will find this creature. And I shall bring it back to Olympus by winter solstice. It will be all the proof I need to convince the Council of the Gods of how much danger we are in." Artemis promised.

"You know what the monster is?" Percy guessed.

Artemis's grip on her bow tightened. "Let us pray I am wrong"

"Can goddesses pray?" The son of Poseidon spoke his thoughts aloud.

A glimpse of a smile flashed onto Artemis's lips. "Before I go, Percy Jackson, I have a small task for you."

"Does it involve getting turned into a jackalope?"

"Sadly, no—"

"What a shame." Cassie muttered before the goddess continued. She earned an elbow from Percy.

"I want you to escort the Hunters back to Camp Half-Blood. They can stay there in safety until I return."

"What? But, Artemis, we hate that place. The last time we stayed there—"

Artemis really seemed to like interrupting Zoë.

"Yes, I know. But I'm sure Dionysus will not hold a grudge just because of a little, ah, misunderstanding. It's your right to use Cabin Eight whenever you are. Besides, I hear they rebuilt the cabins you burned down."

Artemis looked to Cassie for confirmation. She was the only one who had been at camp the whole time.

"Yeah they're fine now. Took a while to fix believe it or not. But my siblings definitely won't be happy to see you. One because you burnt our cabin to a crisp and two because you guys totally cheated last capture the flag."

Zoe cursed under her breath. Cassie caught something about stupid campers.

"And now there is one last decision to make." Artemis was talking to Bianca. "Have you made up your mind, my girl?"

Cassie had almost forgotten the eldest di Angelo was there.

Bianca paused, obviously debating something in her head. "I'm still thinking about it?"

"Wait. Thinking about what?" Percy asked.

Cassie had a bad feeling but she knew what decision they wanted Bianca to make.

"They... they've invited me to join the Hunt."

Common offer most girls got from the Hunters. Even ones who were all on their own with only a baseball bat and some stolen cash.

"What? But you can't! You have to come to Camp Half-Blood so Chiron can train you. It's the only way you can learn to survive." Percy insisted, so Cassie put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"It is not the only way for a girl," Zoë corrected.

Her eyes met Cassie's in a silent reminder of the choice she had made all those years ago.

Percy had to keep his mouth from falling open. "Bianca, camp is cool! It's got a pegasus stable and a sword-fighting arena and I mean, what do you get by joining the Hunters?"

Maybe not the best argument but Cassie was glad he tried.

"To begin with, immortality." Zoë counters.

Percy blinked and first looked to Cassie to make sure he heard Zoë right. "She's kidding, right?"

The daughter of Ares shook her head and turned to Artemis.

"Zoë rarely kids about anything. My Hunters follow me on my adventures. They are my maidservants, my companions, my sisters-in-arms. Once they swear loyalty to me, they are indeed immortal... unless they fall in battle, which is unlikely. Or break their oath." The goddess explained.

"What oath?" Percy remarked.

"To foreswear romantic love forever. To never grow up, never get married. To be a maiden eternally."

"Like you?"

Artemis nodded. Percy couldn't get his mind to wrap around what she was saying.

Being immortal and hanging around a bunch of only middle-school girls forever. The son of Poseidon glanced to his best friend.

To him it would never make sense but it seemed perfect for Cassie. Why hasn't she taken the offer, unless it was never given to her?

Deep down Percy hoped she'd already denied but he couldn't help but wonder: would Cassie take the opportunity if given it?

"So you just go around the country recruiting half-bloods—"

"Not just half-bloods. Lady Artemis does not discriminate by birth. All who honor the goddess may join. Half-bloods, nymphs, mortals—"

"Which are you, then?" Percy questioned Zoë.

That seemed to touch a sore spot. Zoë's eyes filled with anger. "That is not thy concern, boy. The point is Bianca may join if she wishes. It is her choice."

"Bianca, this is crazy." Percy started, his argument seems to end there.

Cassie took over. "What about your brother? You can't just leave him. Nico definitely can't be a Hunter."

"Certainly not," Artemis nodded in agreement. "He will go to camp. Unfortunately, that's the best boys can do."

"Hey!" Percy exclaimed offendedly.

"You can see him from time to time. But you will be free of responsibility. He will have the camp counselors to take care of him. And you will have a new family. Us." Artemis explained.

Cassie's face scrunched in disgust but maybe it was just her hidden annoyance. Bianca would really just abandon Nico and join the Hunters? If she didn't have a brother Cassie wouldn't oppose but she did.

"A new family. Free of responsibility." Bianca seemed to like those ideas.

"Bianca, you can't do this. It's nuts." Percy said.

She looked to Zoë. "Is it worth it?"

"That's not bias at all." Cassie rolled her eyes.

"It is." Zoë replied.

"What do I have to do?"

"Say this: I pledge myself to the goddess Artemis."

With little to no hesitation, Bianca repeated the oath. "I... I pledge myself to the goddess Artemis."

"I turn my back on the company of men, accept eternal maidenhood, and join the Hunt." Zoë added

Bianca repeated her words. "That's it?"

"If Lady Artemis accepts thy pledge, then it is binding."

"I accept it," Artemis nodded.

The fire grew and a silver glow filled the room. Bianca still looked the same.

"I feel.. stronger."

"Welcome, sister," Zoë said.

"Remember your pledge. It is now your life." Artemis warned.

Percy's words failed him. He felt like he didn't belong and that he had completely failed. After everything they'd done, they'd lost Bianca to an eternal girls' club.

Realization didn't seem to settle into Cassie until now and boy was she pissed. They'd done so much, they'd lost Annabeth for the di Angelos. All of this was fucking stupid to her.

"Do not despair, Percy Jackson. You will still get to show the di Angelos your camp, And if Nico so chooses, he can stay there." Artemis reassured.

Cassie glared but her mind had been made up. If Bianca di Angelo was ready to leave her brother just like that, Cassie would make sure that little boy never felt alone.

She would be the older sibling she always wanted and she most certainly wouldn't leave for immortality and swearing off love.

"How great." Cassie muttered sarcastically.

Percy elbowed her again. "How are we supposed to get there?" He asked the goddess.

Artemis closed her eyes as if sensing the time. "Dawn is approaching. Zoë, break camp. You must get to Long Island quickly and safely. I shall summon a ride from my brother."

The lieutenant didn't seem too happy about that idea, no that she'd go against Artemis' orders. She beckoned Bianca to follow her and the eldest di Angelo did.

Bianca paused in front of Percy and Cassie before leaving. "I'm sorry guys. But I want this. I really, really do."

Then they were left with the young goddess.

"So. we're going to get a ride from your brother, huh?" Percy said.

"Yes, boy. You see, Bianca di Angelo is not the only one with an annoying brother. It's time for you to meet my irresponsible twin, Apollo."

"Fun."

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ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ author's note

literally wrote the last 1/3 of this last night and this morning 😅

already fell behind!! look at me go! but thankfully i have this week off sooo grinding out ch. 4 and 5 maybe??

but yayyy!! next chapter has Apollo 🥳

tell me why this chapter was so long 😢 and now i'm really sad for baby Nico...

anyways thanks for reading as always <3

same time next week?

hasta la vista! 🫡

—Just Another Overthinker