Reyna's POV

For a moment I thought everything that had happened had simply been a dream. Only it wasn't. Everything I'd told Thalia was true, I meant all of it but it didn't mean I wasn't sad.

How could I not be? At least for her sake, but as I contemplated the entire situation I couldn't help but grow frustrated and angry. Not at her of course, but at the stupid gods on their pristine thrones watching everything happen.

It really wasn't fair. I'd expected things to be simple after New Rome's Civil War and for a very long and pleasant time it was. It just never lasted. Sighing, I glanced over at Thalia who was still asleep. She wasn't going to wake up anytime soon, the poor girl was exhausted. I could only imagine how she'd feel when she did wake up.

Her hair was wild and had the faint smell of sweat but I was used to it. She was curled against me like a cat, managing to be impossibly small. It was strange to see only two of her four appendages. Her arm on the right side ended just after the shoulder by an inch or two.

Bloodied bandages covered the clean cut stump and I was thankful I couldn't see what was underneath. Thalia's leg stopped about five or six inches down from her hip, it too was effectively covered and bandaged.

Sighing, I traced a small pattern on her shoulder. I would have to take her to camp as soon as she woke up and have Will look over everything to make sure she was healthy. Then I'd have Leo start working right away if he could. Maybe Sol could help if they were even there. They'd been spending a lot of time away from camp in Hephaestus' forges as of late. Ultimately, I didn't want Thalia to stay uncomfortable any longer than she had to.

Sighing, I studied her as she slept. Her eyebrows were slightly creased like she was thinking while she slept. Her lips were parted ever so slightly and on occasion her adorable little nose would twitch like she was smelling something she couldn't quite place. How she was so beautiful I had no idea. It really couldn't be physically possible but there she was.

Limbs or no limbs, Thalia Grace was a master piece and I was lucky enough to have her as my own. I stayed quite for some time until at last she began to stir. Her eyes fluttered open revealing her ever stunning blue irises.

"Morning?" Thalia squinted, noticing the light reflecting harshly from outside.

"Afternoon," I corrected. She nodded and yawned trying to snuggle closer. Laughing I wrapped my arms around her and tugged her closer. "Better?"

"Mhm," Thalia nodded, sleepily giving me a kiss on the lips. "I missed you."

"I missed you too." She smiled at that and rested her head on my shoulder.

"So, what is this story about bats you have to tell me?" She asked. I had nearly forgotten all about it until she brought it up.

"Oh, don't get me started." I launched into the story earning a laugh or two from Thalia as she listened. "So I had no weapon. I just grabbed a tree branch and swung it around like crazy. I promise you I had the best batting average of the century."

"I don't doubt it. You're Babe Ruth." Thalia smiled. "Especially the babe part."

"Are you hitting on me?" I asked, raising my eyebrows slightly. Thalia laughed and rolled her eyes. "I'm kidding."

"I can still hit on you if I want to." Thalia stuck out her tongue.

"I know. Now, let's get going. We have to get to camp and get you fixed up." Thalia sighed, her mood dropping dramatically but she nodded. "Do you need my help getting ready? I don't mind."

"Yeah," she nodded. Smiling softly, I helped her get changed and cleaned up a bit so that dirt wasn't stuck to her cheeks. Any lingering blood I wiped off and helped groom her hair so it wasn't as wild. "There. Good as new."

"More or less." Thalia laughed glancing around awkwardly. "Help me up?"

"Better option, I get to carry you so we can cuddle more." Thalia pretended to be annoyed but it was clear she didn't actually mind. She was easier to pick up than before, significantly lighter which wasn't something I wanted to think about.

Thalia rested her head on my shoulder and squinted as we stepped outside where it was impossibly bright. The others who had been up for quite some time stopped and looked our direction. Thalia attempted to shrink away from their stares.

"You want something to eat?" I asked, trying to distract her.

"No I'm not hungry." Thalia replied, shaking her head.

"Alright." When Thalia wasn't paying attention I glared at the others and they seemed to take the hint and quickly dispersed.

"Thalia, you're awake. Wonderful." Zoë gave her a hesitant smile. "I suppose you're eager to leave."

"Yes." Thalia replied dryly.

"Right well, Artemis will take you both, and you don't need to feel hurried to come back." Zoë's expression softened and she slipped out of formality. " Rest. Both of you. There's no sense in all of us killing ourselves when the real fight probably hasn't started. Take time to adjust. I really am sorry I wasn't more responsible. I take most of the blame. Perhaps you could forgive me?"

"Zoë sometimes I want to smack you," Thalia frowned, eyeing her companion.

"Pardon me?" Zoë questioned in confusion.

"I already told you it wasn't your fault. None of us know what the hell is going on so lighten up." Zoë nodded a bit dumbfounded and politely excused herself.

"I don't know if I should laugh or not," I mused, seeing Thalia's glare disappear the moment Zoë left.

"She doesn't need to beat herself up over it. Now let's get going. The quicker this is over with the better I'm gonna feel. Especially when I can do things on my own," Thalia sighed.

"What? You don't like me taking care of you?" Thalia smiled slightly at my teasing tone. The two of us laughed for a moment before we met Artemis who was more than happy to flash us back to camp.

"You know the drill. Close your eyes. The last thing I need is for you to go blind as well." Artemis had a small smirk as she looked pointedly at Thalia who rolled her eyes and closed them.

The trip was quick and a tiny bit disorienting but overall a success. Artemis left quickly once again to return to the others leaving Thalia and I alone in the pavilion.

"Let's see Will." Thalia nodded and relaxed slightly as I carried her to the infirmary. Will nearly exploded when he saw us.

"What happened?" He asked, doctor voice immediately taking over. Thalia gave him the quick version of the story and he was already checking the wounds. "Well, my sister did a pretty good job. You were thankfully in good hands though I have to say this is rather gruesome."

"No, really?" Thalia asked raising her eyebrows. "Who knew?"

While the two began to bicker I went to locate Leo. Thankfully he was in his workshop with Calypso at his side equally as grease covered as he was. Both of their hair was frizzy from the heat but neither seemed to mind.

"Hammer please!" Leo called holding out his hand. Calypso passed it over and he twirled it in his palm for a moment before smacking it onto glowing bronze.

I attempted to grab his attention but the sounds of the forge were too loud for him to hear me. Tapping him on the shoulder he turned around greeting me with the mask of his welding visor. He quickly flicked it up and gave a mischievous smile. "What can I do for you praetor?"

"I need your help! Get cleaned up and meet me in the med bay?" Leo nodded and tossed aside the visor.

"Let me finish this up really quick," he yelled, setting back to work but this time at a much quicker pace. Stepping outside I waited for him to emerge from the bowels of the forge. At last, he stepped outside hands somewhat clean. "Lead on my friend."

Leo had a similar reaction as Will but he kept his mouth clamped shut and got to business. "My word Grace you certainly did a number this time."

"You're the third person to tell me, I know!" Thalia grumbled, waiting impatiently as he took measurements of whatever he needed.

"I can most definitely work something out but I'll need an extra set of hands or two to get the job done quickly. You'll have to sit tight until this evening. That is, if I skip a lunch break." Leo sighed, his eyes glinting as he already started thinking of what he'd accomplish. "Well, I'm off! Super Valdez to the rescue."

He gave a dashing smile before making a move for the exit when I caught his arm. He looked back at me expectantly. "Thanks Leo, it means a lot. I'm sorry for the inconvenience."

"Hey, you guys are family." He smiled warmly. "I don't do half assed jobs for family. You get the best, always more, never less. It's why I'm nuts!"

With that, he ran off wild hair flopping around in springy waves. He needed a hair cut. He was staring to look like an older version of a Hispanic Nico.

It didn't take long for word to get around about what had happened. Some of the other Apollo campers had most likely spilled the beans. The first to stop by was Annabeth. Her eyebrows creased together and it was hard to tell if she was going to cry or throat punch someone.

"You are so stupid," Annabeth frowned, before tackling Thalia in a hug. "I want to kill you...with love...but also just kill you."

"Well that's a first. I don't think anyone's ever said that to me." Thalia laughed, trying to lighten the mood. She was never one to like things staying grim for too long. Annabeth gave her a half annoyed look. Percy later joined the two of us along with Maria who couldn't refrain from making a pun or two about the situation.

Next was a naive and eager Jaxon who bounded into the room like a tiny puppy excited to see friends.

"You guys are back!" He smiled happily crushing me in a hug. "How did it go? Is the quest already over?"

"No Jax." Maria laughed nervously. "Just an accident is all. They'll be on their way soon. Right?"

"Right," I nodded, watching as Jaxon took his surroundings for the first time. His expression shifted to one of deep concern.

"Are you alright? Does it hurt? What happened? Can I help?" Jaxon asked, bombarding Thalia with questions. She just rolled her eyes and ruffled his hair.

"I'm good little Jase." She smiled gently and he nodded but didn't seem eager to leave her alone. It was easy to see the worry in his expression.

"Do you think Thia is okay? She isn't gonna have this happen to her is she?" He asked nervously.

"I, uh, well we haven't had contact but I assume she's alright. She's a tough girl. You would know. She beats you at wrestling all the time," Thalia said. Jaxon considered this bit of information and nodded. He seemed to accept that bit of truth.

The others lingered for a bit until Jason found his way in the medical bay. The others were quick to leave knowing he'd want to be by himself for the moment. Thalia shifted nervously.

"Okay, before you get mad let me explain. I didn't know it was going to happen and I forgot I didn't have my shield. I didn't know that the monster's spikes could damage healthy tissue and cells the way it did. It was an accident and I'm sorry-" Jason held up a hand quieting her. He radiated an extremely calm demeanor.

"Are you okay?" He asked quietly.

"I'm alive and breathing so I think so," Thalia nodded.

"That's all that matters. I heard Leo is going to help," he said.

"We already talked. He's working his little butt off as we speak," I explained, to which Jason nodded giving us a small smile.

"Good." Jason sat down next to Thalia and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "I can only imagine what going through that was like. I'm sorry it had to happen to you. If it could have been me instead-"

"Don't say that! There is no way I'm letting my baby brother lose his limbs. If that happens I'm beating a monster with its own limbs until it can't walk and begs for mercy," Thalia frowned, glaring at him. "Then I'll take those limbs and shove them so far up it's a-"

"Thalia, we get it," I laughed.

"Good. Just making my point clear." She set her jaw. Jason looked slightly mortified but he was used to his older sister's protective nature by now. In fact, there was one time Jaxon had gotten pushed off his scooter in New Rome and Thalia had nearly beat a kid with it.

Now that had been pretty funny. In the end Thia, being about four at the time, climbed onto Argentum's back and rode him into battle like a horse chasing the kid off. I'd laughed so hard I nearly cried. She had been one frightening toddler when she wanted to be. And no one ever hurt Jaxon on her watch or she would go crazy on them.

She was very much like Thalia in that regard. Of course, Thalia was the type of person to follow through on her threats. Thia just made them scary enough that she didn't have to enforce them.

The three of us waited patiently in the infirmary well into the evening when the sun was just beginning to dip lower in the sky. Leo finally made his grand appearance.

"It took four of us but I think we got it,"He smiled. His face was dirty with grease but his eyes were excited and bright. "Sol helped as well, she put a lot of thought into it. So, what should we start with? Arm? Leg?"

"Arm," Thalia decided, eyeing the bundle he held in his arms that was rolled up in cloth.

"Great." Leo set the bundle down on the bed next to her and carefully unrolled the cloth revealing two black and very intricate pieces. He picked up the one that was clearly an arm and turned it over in his hand. "This is a Stygian iron and steel. There are small particles of imperial gold infused in the metal to help strengthen it along with the Stygian iron. Don't worry though, you won't be taking souls if you touch people. There's not enough Stygian in it to do that."

"How does it work?" Thalia asked curiously.

"Well, first I need Will's help with this. MISTER WILL!" Leo screamed like a pterodactyl until Will finally made his way over. "I need your help dear sir."

"Next time don't scream," Will sighed.

"Anyways, this here is the cap that goes on the end of your, uh, wound? It'll be medically glued to the skin so it shouldn't come off. Then this arm here has latches sort of like a cable being put into a socket. You press this button and it twists and locks into place. It won't accidentally pop off at all. And to undo it you just press the same button." Leo explained as Will took the cap, along with a black metal piece, and applied it carefully to Thalia's arm.

"It has all the fluid and normal functions of an arm. Basically full joint movement. How it works is there are small nerve receptors and neurological scanners in here." Leo tapped the arm. "It can sense wave lengths of the brain through some pretty serious algorithms that I'm not going to explain so it'll do what you want it to."

With that, Leo crossed the room and expertly attached the arm to the cap and with a push of the button it let out a small hiss of air and twisted into place.

"Try it," Jason encouraged, smiling in awe at his friend. Thalia sighed and her brow furrowed in concentration. I watched closely as the black metallic fingers curled with ease and her wrist rotated without a hitch. Thalia raised her arm up and down repeatedly moving it every which way before deciding it was sufficient.

"Alright Valdez not bad." She gave a tiny smile to him.

"Thank you. And same system for the leg. Press the button and it'll go on or off." He said. Will had already applied the other cap and Leo eagerly attached the new prosthetic leg. "That should do it. Give it a shot. It might be awkward at first but you'll get used to it. You just have to give it time."

"Thanks Leo, you're the best," Jason smiled, slinging an arm around his friend's shoulders.

"Thanks man, but I actually need your help with something." The two left talking animatedly about whatever Leo's crazy idea was. Thalia eyed the floor wearily and I noticed the look of doubt on her face.

"Come on, let's see if it works." She glanced up at me and nodded. "Hey, don't worry. If you fall I'll catch you."

Thalia hesitantly stood up and everything seemed to be fine so far. She was a bit unsteady for a moment shifting her weight from foot to foot. I was already contemplating how steep the learning curve would be.

"Take a step?" I offered. She nodded and attempted to take a step forward. Unused to the piece of machinery the artificial joint buckled.

"Fuck." Before she could even get close to hitting the ground I caught her arm and straightened her.

"Alright, try again." This happened a handful of times before she was able to walk around in small circles and change directions with ease. "There, not so bad now is it?"

"I wanna try running." Thalia said, her hands shifting anxiously.

"Take it slow. How about later?" She mulled the thought over for a bit before accepting it.

"It feels...weird. Like I can feel the pressure of touching something but I can't actually feel it." She frowned sitting back down on the medical bed. "I don't like it."

"I know." I could only imagine what that sort of loss would feel like. Taking her hands in my own I inspected the black metallic fingers. Thalia frowned and trailed her metal thumb experimentally over the back of my hand.

Her expression shifted from one of bitter curiosity to sadness. "I can't even feel that."

"It's okay," I promised.

"No it's not." Thalia shook her head. "I won't be able to feel things like normal. Like running my hand through your hair or..."

"Thalia." She clamped her mouth shut as I cut her off. Her eyes darted to the ground but before she could become too upset I tilted her chin back up and pressed a careful kiss to her lips. "Can you feel that?"

"Yeah of course."

"Then that's all that matters. I don't care if you can't feel anything else. Besides, you still have your left hand. All hope isn't lost for you." Thalia's eyes shimmered and she hugged me tight enough to cause my back to pop.

"I love you so much," she whispered, clearly not wanting to let go.

"I love you too." Smiling I pulled back the slightest amount so I could shower her face in tiny kisses. Thalia covered her face laughing as her cheeks heated up in a slight blush.

"No!" She jokingly shoved me away. "Kisses later! I'm hungry."

"Alright then. Let's get going. Besides, I was thinking we could risk an Iris Message to Thia. Just to see how she's doing." Thalia nodded, seeming to have thought something similar.

"Yeah. I can't help but worry about her. And if I'm being honest I'm worries about the other kids too," Thalia sighed, hopping off of the medical bed and taking my hand in hers.

Giving her hand a gentle squeeze we walked outside a bit slow as Thalia was still getting used to everything. I had to say it was odd seeing that the jagged edges of the wounds had already scarred and gradually faded into the metal.

It was oddly attractive. After a small bit of contemplation I ran my index finger over the raised ridges on her shoulder. Thalia glanced at me with a look of amusement.

Catching her half smile I quickly distracted her from my blush, "You look like a Star Wars character."