Chapter 74 - Full Circle (2/2)

Io was also not gifted in any way, she was just a regular mortal until the day she was snatched by Zeus and used by him. After being in such close proximity to the gods, longer then most mortals, she did end up with small benefits, but nothing grand enough to put her on Annabeth's level who was an actual demigod, though she was cursed never to age by Zeus.

Annabeth clutched her dagger tightly ready to draw at a moment's notice as they strained their ears to listen for the smallest sound out of place.

Their heads jerked right when they heard a branch snap

___________________________________________

Theoric meanwhile was n.a.k.e.d, enjoying himself under the waterfall, letting it wash over him. The pounding of the falling water soothing his scalp like a nice massage.

His gear was placed just offshore under a barrier he erected around it as he took the time to relax.

It wasn't long before it came to an abrupt end as he peaked his head out of the falls, listening to the noises heading his way from both sides.

From the south, he could hear the screams of girls and from the north the toppling of trees.

”Anna! Slow down! You're better than this!”

Walking out from under the falls his n.a.k.e.d form was revealed to Annabeth as she burst through the underbrush. She immediately froze upon seeing Theoric in all his glory, only snapping out of it when she heard Io yelling again.

Io- ”Anna! Don't go too far!” she yelled once she lost sight of her, knowing she had no way to keep up with Anna if she continued to run at full speed.

Anna hearing her call, paled as she recalled what she was running from, rushing into the ankle-deep water without a care, choosing to hide behind Theoric hoping he would take care of it.

Theoric's eyebrow rose seeing her action, wondering what had her so frightened as Io came bursting through the brush next

Io paused briefly seeing the nude form in front of her before her attention shifted back to Annabeth.

Io- ”Anna! You have to get over this fear.” she started to berate as she ran over to check on her.

Without glancing up at Theoric she offhandedly said as she passed- ”Could you put some clothes on after you take care of that.”

Theoric amused by the situation as Io passed to check on Anna who was cowering behind him, asked- ”Take care of what?”