Thia's POV

The thing about Olympian parties was the fact that they really knew how to throw a party. I'd only been to Olympus once and I had been very young. It was my official introduction to the Gods so to speak but I remembered very little, other than the fact that everything was very big, and I was very very small.

The throne room had been completely altered from what I vaguely recalled. Bright flashing lights flickered across white and gold marble. A stage was set up towards one end of the area where modern instruments were being played.

It appeared the Gods decided to throw together a last minute boy band. Apollo was on guitar and vocals, Hermes took care of the keyboard, and Poseidon handled the bass guitar while Hades rocked on the drums.

It was comical really, especially considering the conflicting styles. Poseidon looked like his usual self, Apollo had dressed to the nines resembling a classy vocalist, Hades looked to be going for the My Chemical Romance style, while Hermes was the most normal of the group.

"I'd have paid to see my dad up there with them," Mama laughed, observing the scenery as I had.

People were everywhere, demigods, satyrs, nymphs, minor Gods, spirits, and other creatures of mythical origins. All of them were dancing and chatting. It really was a proper celebration. There was food and drinks off to one side and laughter in the air.

"You made it!" Jaxon ran over from where he'd been waiting for our arrival. "Hey, matching bow ties!"

He pointed excitedly to the blue one around his neck then very carefully straightened my own. "Thanks Jax. Where's everyone else?"

"Oh I'll show you." He grabbed my arm excitedly and before I could say bye to my parents he was dragging me off. "This place is amazing, and I'm so giving you a wonderful time especially since it's your first Olympian party."

"Jaxon slow down," I laughed. We wove carefully through the throng of people until I caught sight of my other cousins. Maria was stunning in her dress as was Emily. Sol wore some sort of jumper that I was certain I could never pull off, but Grey was perhaps the most fashionable out of us all.

"Zere she is," Grey smiled, grabbing me and tugging me into a tight hug as his knuckles ran over my scalp.

"Greeeey. It took forever to do my hair." There was no way it was going to stay in place now.

"Oh come on! You love me," he laughed, releasing me from the knuckle sandwich. "I just vanted to say hi. I'd love to hang out but I have my girlfriend to find."

"Right, because you're the only one of us who can get a date," Maria teased, punching him on the shoulder.

"Hey, zere's plenty of people here. You guys just have to man up and look around." He gave us an encouraging wink before walking off and disappearing from sight.

"You just have to man up," Maria mocked, making her voice comically high pitched. "Please, everyone's just scared of my Dad."

"Awe come on, you're sweet." Emily smiled rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet. "I'll be your wing gal tonight if ya want."

Maria gave her a skeptical look before smirking slightly. "Will you?"

"Yep," Emily nodded.

"Great. Let's rock and roll. You have those sweet doe eyes, let's put them to use." And before I knew it only Jaxon and I remained.

"Oh I have a bad feeling about those two," he sighed, shaking his head.

"What? You don't want to go looking for love?" I asked, nudging him playfully.

"Please, I'm not desperate," Jaxon snorted.

"Oh darling you don't have to be desperate for love." Jumping slightly Jaxon and I whirled around to find Aphrodite.

"Hey Grandma," Jaxon smiled, giving her a little wave. Aphrodite laughed and ran a hand over his gelled hair. I wasn't sure what to do, everything in my head was saying, bad, bad run. Such feelings only got worse when Aphrodite's eyes stared down at me.

A hand rested gently on my shoulder and I glanced over to see Mom. She'd made her way over to my side and was now giving Aphrodite a rather daring look.

"You look beautiful darling now why don't you run along? Keep an eye on those cousins of yours." Aphrodite gave Jaxon a tender smile and he nodded running off as instructed. Aphrodite's attention then shifted back to Mom and I. "I would like to offer my gratitude."

This was a surprise. It not only floored me but Mom as well. Aphrodite wasn't the type of person to say thank you, let alone to me or my family. There was history between our names. Bad history.

"I understand you weren't too fond of Andy. However, I must say I'm thankful you gave him a proper burial whether he deserved your grief or not. Very few would have been so kind." I searched for any hint that this was all a joke. Something she'd come up with for the sake of being polite but it was sincere and genuine.

I wasn't too sure what made me do it but I hugged the goddess. She went stiff with confusion before relaxing slightly. "I'm sorry I couldn't really save him. He was a bit annoying but he was my friend."

"Yes, well, no tears here." Aphrodite smiled hesitantly, as I pulled back from the hug. It was clear she wasn't used to such pleasant interactions when it came to my family. "Now to fix that hair of yours Jaxon so rudely messed up."

With a flick of the wrist my messy brown hair was back as it had been. "Now, enjoy the party little Grace. These things can be quite fun."

With a wink Aphrodite was gone and I was left alone with Mom. She seemed more surprised than I'd ever seen her. "I never thought she'd be somewhat cordial."

"Sometimes you just have to warm a mean old heart with a hug," I shrugged. Mom smiled warmly at me and laughed softly.

"Thia, darling, you are one of a kind. Just be careful not to get into too much trouble. I have to go make sure-"

"That Mama isn't being dumb," I finished, earning another laugh from her.

"Yes, exactly that." She pressed a kiss to my forehead before straightening my outfit and sending me on my way. I glanced about the throng of people searching for a familiar face. I wondered if I'd spot my cousins up to mischief.

"Thia!" Before I could turn towards the voice I was tackled in a tight hug as laughter sounded in my ear.

"Geez Leah! Didn't anyone ever tell you not to sneak up on anyone?" I wheezed, as she hugged me tighter. She laughed again before letting go and spinning me around to face her.

"Look at you. I don't think I've ever seen you dressed this nicely." She smiled brightly. "I must say you clean up great."

"Uh thanks. You too," I stammered. She really did. A nice earth green dress complimented her eyes and light brown hair which was curled resting at chin length. I was so used to her quest apparel and weekend outfits that I'd almost forgotten she had an incredible sense of style. "But you're a lot better at um...dressing yourself? That's not what I meant. That sounds weird."

"Oh please, everything you say is weird," Leah teased, punching my shoulder lightly.

"Where's Tyler? I thought he was coming with you." I glanced around looking for the dark haired boy. He was a Mars kid and he looked like a typical jock. Big and muscular but also kind of dumb.

"In all honesty I don't really know. He said he was going to try and find the bathroom. But...considering how big this place is and how many people there are, I wouldn't be surprised if he got lost." Leah gave me a small smile.

"I wouldn't be too surprised either. Listen, you two have a good time together. I should probably go make sure my cousins aren't blowing something up. If I find him on my way I'll find you. Deal?" Leah contemplated my outstretched hand before cracking a smile and giving a firm shake.

"Sure thing Wonder Girl."

"That reminds me. If I have to have a nick name you get one too." This seemed to surprise her a bit, but there was a gleam of humor in her eyes. "If I'm Wonder Girl then...you have to be Super Girl."

"Is it because your uncle is Superman and your mom is Wonder Woman?" Leah smirked.

"Yes and no. I mean, if I'm wonderful then you're super," I insisted. Leah contemplated the name for a moment before giving an agreeable nod. "So you like it?"

"I love it," she smiled. "Now, don't you have cousins to coral?"

For a moment I forgot the question she'd asked me. I was distracted by the raise of her eyebrows. They had an interesting but very slight arch. I'd also noticed a while ago that her lips often turned up slightly at the edges when she raised her eyebrows. "Right, yes."

Shaking my head I turned curtly on my heel and made my way into the crowd. What the heck was that? Sighing, I made way towards the drink and food area.

Thankfully, there was water instead of just alcohol for the gods and adults. There was punch but I'd learned through too many movies that you could never trust the punch.

Grabbing a water bottle I made my way to one of the pillars and sat at its base tapping my foot to the beat of the music. It wasn't that bad of a tune. Scanning the perimeter of the crowd, where people less interested in the party clung to the outer edges, I saw a few familiar faces but I didn't remember any names. That was until I saw two very familiar people with their lips pressed together trying to suck each other's faces off.

My stomach twisted into knots and shock settled in my chest for a brief moment. It was quickly replaced with anger. Tyler had his arms wrapped around Jenna. The girl who was Andy's ex girlfriend and the personal tormentor of Marianna and I. Setting my drink aside I made my way over to the two.

"Tyler, what are you doing?" I demanded.

With a sigh he pulled back and I could see the insult prepared on his lips until he realized it was me. "Shit, what are you doing here?"

"What are you doing kissing Jenna? You're dating Leah," I frowned. Jenna pretended to be rather innocent but that was far from the case. There was an evil little gleam in her eyes.

"She doesn't have to know," Tyler shrugged. "That won't be a problem will it?"

"She has a right to know. Especially if you've been using her just to make yourself look cool. She adores you, and you're kissing Jenna of all people?" I asked. Tyler rolled his eyes and waved Jenna off as she tried to step in.

"I'm going to tell you a little secret." Tyler stepped forward so his words were quiet in my ear. "She was interesting for a little bit, but...you got in the way. She always came running to you for things instead of me."

"Because you were controlling and overbearing. I'm her friend. Sometimes you need a break from people. Even the ones you like," I explained. Tyler snorted and took a step back, his eyes glaring down at me. "What do you honestly like about her?"

"You're going to tell me how to date? If I recall correctly no one likes you runt. And the one guy you might have had a chance with is dead because of your quest." A slight smirk played at Tyler's lips. He was getting under my skin and he knew it. I couldn't pretend it wasn't working because my hands were balled into tight fists.

"You didn't answer my question. Besides, you can't intimidate me. I'm telling Leah so she doesn't waste her time with you and can be happy with someone else far more worth it!" Turning my back was a tactical error but I was too angry to care until he caught my sleeve and jerked me back roughly.

The fabric tore and in a moment his hands were clamped firmly on my shoulders. I had no intention of touching him, or hurting him, but he'd crossed a line. He didn't even see the right hook coming.

His head snapped back so hard and fast his neck cracked. He was quick to regain his composure. Him being a child of Mars told me he'd been in a scrap or two.

"I don't have any qualms about hitting a girl." Growling, his fist slammed painfully into my nose and I felt the warm flow of blood. Staggering back I barely missed his follow up punch.

"You don't have any qualms about kissing them either," I retorted. A muscle in his jaw twitched but luckily I saw the next move coming. Catching his leg I shoved him off balance. "I'm not looking for a fight. Back off."

Tyler either didn't hear me or didn't care. He lunged like a lineman on a football team. I didn't stand a chance. The two of us crashed into the tables full of drinks and food which crippled under our joined weight.

Spluttering, I blinked away the spray of mixed beverages that caused my eyes to burn and my nose to sting from the different fumes. Grunting and with a buck of my hips Tyler was thrown off.

"You're a lousy excuse of a person you know that? Any girl deserves better than what you just did," Using my sleeve, I wiped away the blood from my nose.

"You wanna know what I like about Leah? Huh? Well I'll tell you." Tyler snarled, clambering to his feet, clothes dirty and drenched like mine. A cut above his left eyebrow caused blood to run down his face. Catching my breath I nearly avoided his next assault. His knee slammed painfully into my stomach sending me to my knees. A kick to the ribs knocked the oxygen from my lungs. "She's pretty, has a nice body, and most of all she's a hero. Which means everyone likes her, but she's mine."

"You don't get to slap your name on anyone you want. People have feelings. She's not an object. No one is an object." Gritting my teeth I tried to get to my feet but he planted his foot into the side of my knee. A pained cry forced its way from my lips and I toppled to the ground again.

"Yeah? Well what makes Leah different from what I just said? What makes anyone want her other than that?" Tyler bent down and gripped the front of my ruined jacket and dress shirt. I was tugged to me feet pain flaring angrily in my leg.

"She's kind. She's brilliant and she cares about people. She's brave but she's humble. Leah is everything you aren't. You're bullheaded and stupid. Just a mass of muscle with anger issues," I panted. Tyler's eyes narrowed and with an angry growl he tossed me to the ground again. My elbow smacked painfully into the marble.

Curling up on my side I moved my arms to protect my head. Nothing else happened for a moment. There was an animalistic snarl followed by cries of pain and growling.

Peeking through my arms I spotted a stark white wolf shaking Tyler like a rag doll by the arm.

"Artemis, drop it. Drop it." Zoë broke through the crowd I hadn't noticed had gathered and pulled Artemis away despite her eager lunges to clamp her jaws on him again. "You can't just bite people."

Artemis gave an angry protest and lunged at Tyler once more. He yelled in fear and attempted to scramble away.

"Nice to meet ya you little fucker." Aunt Hylla grabbed him by the threat snd gave him an unimpressed once over. "No one touches my niece."

There was a collective gasp as she punched him so hard his body went limp in an instant. She unceremoniously dropped him onto the ground and dusted off her hands.

Grunting, I uncurled from my protective ball and made a move to stand. Two strong arms wrapped around my torso supporting my weight.

"Easy does it tiger." Mama gave a small laugh steadying me. "What happened?"

"He was kissing Jenna but he's dating Leah." Just saying the words made my feel sick and uncomfortable.

"So you beat him up?" Mama asked, though she sounded more proud than upset.

"He touched me first. He tore off my sleeve," I explained, trying to think through the pain of my throbbing leg.

"Alright. Let's get you cleaned up. It'll be okay." She pressed a kiss to my temple. Before I could protest Mama had scooped me up with ease and made her way into the gardens outside. Mom joined us at some point. worry in her expression.

"Now to figure out how to fix up this mess." Mama sighed, running a hand through her hair.

"I may be of assistance." It was a small timid voice that belonged to a simply dressed young looking girl.

"Hestia." Mama gave a small nod of respect. "It would be appreciated."

"Of course," Hestia smiled. She approached with hardly a sound and dropped to her knees in front of the bench I sat on. "Let's see, we'll start with the nose."

Her hands were surprisingly warm and the pain from setting my broken nose was hardly noticeable. I felt comfortable, warm, and safe.

"Mmmm. Not a very nice boy was he?" She asked good naturedly. "Athena, Artemis, and Hera have told me many stories."

Once again there was hardly any pain as she healed my injured knee and side. She took a step back and studied me for a moment.

"What kinds of stories?" I asked. "

"Never mind that, I know exactly what you would look stunning in."

"That's alright I do-" My sentence was cut short as the clothes on my body burned away. At first I startled in fear but beneath them was a white outfit similar to the armor that had protected me from Chaos. "Woah."

"Perfect." Hestia smiled looking to my parents for confirmation.

"Agreed," Mama nodded, looking between the two of us with wide eyes. "Can it be my turn next? That was really cool."

"Thalia!" Mom rolled her eyes smacking Mama playfully on the back of the head.

"I'm kidding," she whined.

"Now, chin up love." Hestia winked at me. "You have a party to attend. Might I say a second entrance is often a grand one."

"Thank you. You didn't have to do any of this. Honestly, I was fine just going home," I shrugged. Hestia chuckled softly at my statement.

"As the forgotten Olympian, I've learned it's often important for young girls to have a wonderful time while they can." Hestia smiled once more before dissolving in a plume of fire and leaving behind the smell of hot chocolate and marshmallows.

"Thia?" A familiar voice called.

At first I didn't great it, I was too distracted by the scene hearth goddess left behind. The ground was slightly burnt and it smoldered slowly.

"I guess you two should talk," Mom noted. My gaze following her own where I noticed that Leah had just entered the garden. Mama was about to protest when Mom clamped a hand over her mouth and dragged her off.

"There you are! Wait...you're not hurt. I tho-"

"Hestia. She fixed me up," I explained.

"Oh. Right,",Leah nodded. "I saw what happened."

"You did?" This admission made my heart go still. This wasn't good.

"Mhm," Leah nodded. "I wanted to find you sooner and make sure you were okay."

"Oh. Well I am. I'm fine. See?" Spinning around slowly I let her examine me just to be sure.

"Seems like you're intact," she smiled, crossing her arms.

"Yeah." Nodding I glanced away from her and studied the flowers nearby. A majority of them were ones I'd never seen before.

"Did-did you really say all those nice things about me?" The question surprised me and as quickly as I'd diverted my attention it was captured again.

"Yeah," I admitted with a shrug. Leah's expression softened at my response.

"Why?" She asked.

"Because they're true. You're better than a trophy date," I insisted. Leah nodded rocking slightly on her feet as silence settled over us for a moment. "I didn't mean to ruin things between you guys. I know you really liked him."

"Please, he deserved it " she sighed.

"Leah. You may not want to hear this but...you don't have to date someone to feel special or to get attention from your family. You're better than that. Someone will find you very special one day," I promised. Leah's eyes caught the moonlight and I could see tears glistening in her eyes. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," she shook her head and her gaze fell to the ground. "Your cousin, Jaxon, told me about your plans to visit Europe and establish a camp there. He said you woke up from a vision one night and that it's your calling."

"I was meaning to tell you when I'd finalized things." It was still a rather murky idea. It was a necessity though. Demigods all around the world needed sanctuary and my job was to continue restoring balance.

"How soon do you plan on leaving?" Leah asked, biting her bottom lip and once again avoiding eye contact.

"As soon as possible. The longer I wait the more I feel like I'm failing." I hated being idle when people needed my help. She nodded, puzzling over my answer for a moment.

"Well, thank you. For what you did tonight. For everything." A faint smile played on her lips. "But, you have a party to get back to."

"So do you."

"No, I'm going to admire the gardens a bit more. Besides, the party is for you. After all...you are the one who really smited Chaos. Not me."

I opened my mouth to say something else, I wasn't sure what, but Leah hugged me tightly. "Go get 'em Wonder Girl."

Nodding I left her be and slunk back into the party. I spotted Tyler still unconscious on the floor. No one had bothered touching him. Artemis was grumbling about having disgusting boy flesh stuck in her teeth and needing to floss.

It was odd but then again she had chewed him like a bone. The thought brought a thin smile to my face. Shaking my head I moved on into the larger group of people finding my cousins and deciding to hang with them.

What I didn't know at the time was that my Super Girl was crying in the garden.