𝑥𝑥, aka ash and percy's second dance

                                    

                                          
Ash raised her hands to her mouth, eyes shining as she smiled. Percy feebly made to grab her hand back but was unsuccessful in his shock. Annabeth squeezed Thalia's shoulder once and let it go, like she'd been expecting this all along.
	"I will," Thalia said firmly.
	Zeus rose with concern in his eyes. "My daughter, consider well–"
	"Father," she interrupted. "I will not turn eighteen tomorrow. I will never turn eighteen. I won't let this prophecy be mine. I stand with my sister Artemis. Kronos will never tempt me again."
	As she knelt before the goddess and began her oath, Ash blinked back tears of mixed emotions. She was sad Thalia would be leaving but so proud of her friend, but then she was also devastated; the Great Prophecy would now fall on Percy's shoulders.
	Or Nico's, she realized in horror.
	Ash snapped out of it when Thalia came over to give Percy a hug, which was a little surprising. He blushed as she pulled away and gripped his shoulders.
	"Um... aren't you supposed to not do that anymore? Hug boys, I mean?"
	Ash had to laugh a bit. "I'm honoring a friend," Thalia corrected. "You're a hero. You will be the one of the prophecy."
	"Great," he muttered, then looked up and smiled. "I'm proud to be your friend."
	The blue-eyed girl put her arms around both Ash and Annabeth, squishing them into a group hug. "I haven't know peace since... since Half-Blood Hill. I finally feel like I have a home."
	They pulled away, all three girls teary-eyed. "You'll always have a home with us, Tali," Ash said. "But I'm happy for you." Annabeth nodded in agreement. Then she hugged Grover, who looked ready to pass out at the touch of a Huntress.
	With Thalia going to stand by Artemis's side, the Council moved on to the issue of the Ophiotaurus. Percy advocated fiercely for keeping Bessie alive, and eventually they all agreed. And getting all the Olympians to concur on something was a major achievement which, of course, needed to be celebrated. So that was how three half-bloods and a satyr could be found half an hour later partying with the gods themselves.
₪₪₪
	Annabeth was off dancing with some minor godling while Grover walked around, double-espresso latte in hand, muttering "Pan" over and over. A few other highly caffeineted satyrs trailed behind him like baby goats. Percy and Ash quickly got separated as the former talked to his father and the latter was introduced to Mr. D's wife, Ariadne, before being accosted by the twins.
	"You're getting to about that age, aren't you? Well, if you ever want to do some driving practice in the sun chariot, let me know! A little birdie also happened to tell me that you have a secret talent for archery! Man, target practice from up there, there's nothing like it. Lord Apollo's Driving School and Archery Lessons! How about it?"
	She thanked the god politely and assured him she'd take him up on the offer sometime. And maybe she actually would.
	"I hope you know, young maiden, I highly considered asking you to become my lieutenant. However..." the goddess looked to where a certain boy was now being given a stern talking-to by Athena. "I had an inkling you may not desire this path for yourself. Whatever you choose, the Hunters will always have a place for you."
	"Thank you, my lady," Ash replied. "I'm honored, truly."
	Artemis put her hand on the girl's shoulder. "Zoë spoke the truth. You are an unusually powerful half-blood. I must say, of course not without some bias, that with lifetimes to hone your skills, I believe you could be one of the greatest heroes of the milennia."