Bewitched || P. Jackson

𝔾odly bucket lists, with Perseus

Nicki's eyes widened and her jaw dropped at the sight before her. Frost covered the chariot track and the strawberry fields. The cabins were decorated with tiny flickering lights, like Christmas lights, except they seemed to be balls of real fire. More lights glowed in the woods, and weirdest of all, a fire flickered in the attic window of the Big House.

"Why didn't I come here sooner?" She whispered in awe. Thalia chuckled at the girl, rolling her eyes.

"It loses its charm pretty quick, trust me."

Nicki frowned at the girl. "Are you always this cheerful?" Thalia shoved the girl's shoulder sending her stumbling. "A yes would've sufficed!"

"Whoa," Nico breathed as he moved closer to Nicki. "Is that a climbing wall?"

"Yeah," Percy deadpanned.

Nicki placed a hand on Nico's shoulder peering intently at the distant wall. "Why is there lava pouring down it?"

"Little extra challenge. Come on. I'll introduce you to Chiron. Zoë, have you met—"

"I know Chiron," Zoë said stiffly, turning away from Percy. "Tell him we will be in Cabin Eight. Hunters, follow me.

"I'll show you the way," Grover offered.

"We know the way."

"Oh, really, it's no trouble. It's easy to get lost here, if you don't"—he tripped over a canoe and came up still talking—"like my old daddy goat used to say! Come on!" Zoë rolled her eyes, but she must've figured there was no getting rid of Grover.

The Hunters shouldered their packs and their bows and headed off toward the cabins. As Bianca di Angelo was leaving, she leaned over and whispered something in her brother's ear. She looked at him for an answer, but Nico just scowled and turned away.

Nicki's face dropped into a scowl as Bianca rolled her eyes and stalked off. "Are they all such massive bi—"

"Take care, sweethearts!" Apollo called after the Hunters, interrupting Nicki's cursing. He winked at Percy slyly. "Watch out for those prophecies, Percy. I'll see you soon."

"What do you mean?"

Instead of answering, he hopped back on the bus. "Later, Thalia," he called. "And, uh, be good!" He gave her a wicked smile as if he knew something she didn't. "See you soon Ash Lady." Nicki waved sarcastically back at the god. Then he closed the doors and revved the engine.

The trio turned aside as the sun chariot took off in a blast of heat. When Nicki looked back, the lake was steaming. A red Maserati soared over the woods, glowing brighter and climbing higher until it disappeared in a ray of sunlight.

Nicki's scowl matched Nico as the duo faced Percy. The boy gulped harshly, running a hand through his hair.

"Who's Chiron?" Nico muttered. "I don't have his figurine."

"Our activities director," Percy answered, turning his attention away from them. "He's...well, you'll see."

"If those Hunter girls don't like him," Nico grumbled, "that's good enough for me. Let's go."

Nicki's grip on Nico's shoulder tightened. The older girl whispered something into his ear before locking eyes with Percy. Nicki's deep forest green eyes peered through her eyelashes. "Sorry, it's a little overwhelming." Nicki straightened up throwing her gaze to Thalia. "Shall we?"

Thalia chuckled, powering ahead of the trio. Nicki grinned to herself, dragging Nico along with her to keep up with the daughter of Zeus.

Percy lagged behind, seemingly lost in thought. Nicki now and again would nudge Nico's arm, pointing across the camp at something a camper was doing. Like the group of young teenagers having a snowball fight on the edge of the woods.