Chapter 46 – A Training Session, An Encounter
The morning sun shone brightly over Camp Half-Blood, birds chirping cheerfully as if mocking the chaos from the night before. Percy and Grover finally finished cleaning the cabin—the floors scrubbed, trash bags piled outside, and the lingering smell of spilled drinks slowly fading. Exhausted and sore, they headed toward the spot agreed upon with Chiron, walking along the familiar path lined with blooming strawberry fields that filled the air with their sweet scent.
Percy looked at Grover, still wiping sweat from his brow, and said: "I'm never listening to your idiot ideas again. I almost died trying to clean that bathroom."
Grover looked at Percy, leaning on his crutches with a sheepish grin, and said: "Well, take it easy. I helped you clean up the mess after the party."
Percy said: "After all the mess you caused."
Grover said defensively: "Well, but yesterday was a memorable day, right? After all, yesterday you finally stopped being a boy and became a man."
Percy got a bit embarrassed, his cheeks flushing under the warm sun, and said: "The worst part is that I was so drunk yesterday that I don't remember anything that happened."
Grover said with a mischievous wink: "The important thing is that it happened. Now you just have to do it again sober to have memories this time."
After talking and bantering for a while along the shaded path—the cool breeze rustling the leaves overhead—they finally arrived at the dining pavilion, where Chiron waited patiently at one of the long marble tables, his thoughtfully.
Chiron looked at them with his ancient, knowing eyes and said: "Well, I see the gentlemen have finally arrived after taking so long."
Percy said apologetically, scratching his head: "Sorry, professor, but the cabin took a long time to clean up—it was a total disaster."
Chiron looked at him, sighed deeply as if recalling countless similar incidents over centuries, and said: "Well, you've finally arrived. So let's start your training so you don't die when you go out to fulfill the quest."
He then led Percy to an isolated and open area with no trees—a wide, grassy clearing perfect for sparring, the ground soft underfoot and the sky vast above.
He then looked at Percy and said: "Well, this is where your training begins."
Percy said, gripping his pen-sword nervously: "Well, and are you going to train me?"
His question was interrupted when Percy saw a sword coming toward him in a gleaming arc of celestial bronze.
Percy then dodged by rolling to the side, heart racing as the blade sliced the air where his head had been.
He then raised his head, breathing hard from the sudden adrenaline rush, and saw Luke standing there casually, sword balanced expertly in his hand.
Luke looked at Percy and said with a grin: "Good reflexes, friend."
Percy looked at Chiron, confused and still catching his breath, and asked: "What's going on?"
Chiron looked at Percy calmly and said: "Well, Luke will be your partner in this training. Since he's one of the oldest in this camp, he has a lot of combat experience. He agreed to help you push your limits."
Percy stood up, dusting off grass from his clothes, and said gratefully: "Well, I really appreciate that."
Luke then grabbed a practice sword from a nearby rack and tossed it lightly to Percy, who caught it mid-air with a surprised grip.
Luke then said confidently: "Well, let's start—no holding back."
He then charged at Percy with his sword in a flurry of precise, controlled strikes—testing, probing, forcing Percy to block and parry on instinct.
Chiron watched Luke and Percy training intently from the sidelines, the clash of bronze ringing through the clearing, and thought quietly: Well, I just hope this training at least helps Percy get a little stronger so nothing happens to him on this quest. He'll need every edge he can get.
On the other side, in the golden warmth of Rome, Annabeth and Dante stepped out of a discreet portal in an isolated, shaded spot near the outskirts, the ancient city's distant hum welcoming them back.
Annabeth looked at Dante with admiration and said: "Your power is really convenient. We can take a ride through Tuscany and visit several places and then just open a portal back to where we were without needing to book a hotel every time—it's like having unlimited freedom."
Dante said modestly, closing the portal seamlessly: "Well, I can't deny that this power is really cool to use even in everyday things—like skipping long drives or surprising someone with instant travel."
Annabeth said thoughtfully, glancing at the scenic landscape: "Well, then what's the plan now? Go back to camp already?"
Dante pulled her close in the quiet spot and kissed her softly, the moment tender under the Italian sun, and said: "No. Let's have dinner at a nice place and then tomorrow morning we return to camp. What do you think of that idea—one more perfect night here?"
Annabeth smiled brightly, her eyes sparkling, and also kissed Dante deeply before saying: "Yes, I thought it was a great idea—romantic and just what we need."
After some time kissing passionately in the secluded area—hands exploring gently, breaths mingling in the warm air—they finally separated, both a little breathless and smiling.
Annabeth looked at the rented motorcycle parked nearby and said practically: "Well, it's better we return the motorcycle and go back to the hotel to take a shower before our dinner—we've been out all day."
Dante smiled playfully and said: "I don't mind doing that under one condition."
Annabeth smiled curiously and said: "And what would that condition be?"
Dante said teasingly: "Well, that I can take a shower with my beautiful girlfriend—save water, you know."
Annabeth said firmly but with a hint of playfulness: "No. I want to bring the wolf inside the house.
She then leaned close to Dante's ear, her breath warm and teasing against his skin, and whispered seductively: "But when we get back from dinner, I think I'm already ready for the last thing—the one we've been waiting for."
Dante kissed her intensely in response, the passion building quickly, and Annabeth returned the kiss with equal fire.
Dante separated from her reluctantly, eyes dark with desire, and said: "Well, then let's hurry and return this motorcycle before I lose all self-control."
They then rode back to the city through the beautiful countryside one last time—the wind whipping through their hair, Annabeth's arms wrapped tightly around his waist as they enjoyed the final scenic ride—and returned the motorcycle smoothly.
Already at night, under the enchanting glow of Rome's historic street lamps that cast romantic shadows on the cobblestones, Dante looked at Annabeth in her elegant black dress that accentuated her figure perfectly and smiled sincerely, saying: "Well, what can I say besides you look beautiful? Absolutely breathtaking tonight."
Annabeth looked at Dante in his sharp white suit, the fabric fitting him impeccably and highlighting his strong build, and said: "Well, you too—handsome doesn't even cover it. But you really liked wearing suits? You pull it off so well."
Dante smiled and said: "Well, I'm just following advice from a friend of mine who says suits make us look better—and more confident."
Annabeth said teasingly: "Well, he got that right. You look like you stepped out of a dream."
Dante said gallantly: "So let's go," while extending his arm like a true gentleman.
Annabeth then held his arm securely, her touch warm, and said: "Well, let's go. I'm excited."
They then walked arm in arm toward the restaurant, the night air cool and filled with the distant sounds of laughter and music from lively piazzas.
Annabeth said smiling curiously: "So which restaurant are you taking me to? You've kept it a surprise."
Dante said honestly: "Well, I really don't know anything about restaurants, so I chose one of the most famous in the region. If I'm not mistaken, the restaurant's name is Salumeria Roscioli. Well, that's it—supposed to be authentic Roman cuisine at its best."
Annabeth said approvingly: "Well, it's a good choice. I've heard it's amazing."
They then finally arrived at the restaurant—a cozy, historic spot with exposed brick walls, warm ambient lighting, and the irresistible aroma of fresh pasta, cured meats, and herbs wafting out invitingly.
After being greeted warmly by the host and led through the bustling yet intimate space, they finally sat at a romantic corner table with flickering candlelight and a view of the charming street outside.
Dante looked at her—she seemed a bit quiet, gazing thoughtfully at the menu—and asked gently: "What is it? Is the food not to your liking? We can order something else if you want."
Annabeth said softly, setting down her glass of water: "No, the food is great—perfect, actually. The problem is knowing that after today I'll have to return to my life at camp. It's strange, but even though we've only been gone two days, I feel like I've been away for a long time. To the point that the idea of returning to that world of gods, monsters, and divine quests feels... almost unreal now."
Dante then placed his hand on her face tenderly, caressing her cheek with his thumb while smiling reassuringly at her across the candlelit table, and said: "If you don't want to go back and live a normal person's life, you can stay and do that. With my power, I can make it happen—safe, comfortable, whatever you need. So you just need to choose: either stay in the human world and live a normal life or go back to the demigod camp and keep doing the same as always. You can decide freely. I'll support you in any choice. Just remember one thing: you're no longer the helpless little girl who arrived at Camp Half-Blood all those years ago. You've grown up and become a strong, incredible woman. And besides, now you have a strong dragon boyfriend who'd do anything for you. So this time you can choose what you really want—no obligations forcing you."
Annabeth smiled warmly hearing that, her eyes glistening slightly in the soft light, and said: "Thank you very much. I really appreciate it—more than words can say."
Dante kissed her hand gently and said: "You don't need to say anything. I know your heart."
Annabeth then looked at Dante deeply, the decision crystallizing in her mind amid the cozy restaurant ambiance.
She then called the waiter politely with a wave.
The waiter arrived promptly at the table, professional and attentive, and said: "Well, are you enjoying the meal? Everything to your satisfaction?"
Annabeth said graciously: "Yes, it was great—truly delicious. But now we want to leave. So can you bring the bill, please?"
The waiter said: "Well, one minute, please."
He then went to prepare the bill efficiently.
After paying smoothly and leaving a generous tip, Annabeth and Dante left the restaurant hand in hand, strolling back through the romantic, lantern-lit streets toward the hotel.
Dante then looked at Annabeth at her room door in the quiet, elegantly decorated hallway, and said tenderly: "So this is where I say goodbye—for tonight."
He was about to turn and head to his own room when she grabbed his arm firmly, pulled him inside her room with a determined tug, and closed the door behind them with a soft, decisive click.
Dante, seeing the intense look in her eyes and the charged atmosphere in the dimly lit room with its large bed and city view balcony, already understood completely. He then looked at her softly, voice low, and asked one last time: "Well, are you sure? We can take it slow if you need."
She said nothing—just threw herself at him with passionate certainty and started kissing him deeply, her lips urgent and full of pent-up desire, hands clutching his suit as if afraid he'd vanish.
While they kissed hungrily—lips moving with building heat, tongues exploring, breaths coming faster and hotter—they started taking off their clothes with eager hands: his jacket tossed aside, tie loosened and pulled free, her dress zipper sliding down slowly at first then urgently, shirts and fabrics falling to the plush carpet until skin met skin in the warm room light.
Dante then picked up naked Annabeth in his strong arms effortlessly, her legs wrapping around him instinctively, and placed her gently but firmly on the soft hotel bed, the sheets cool and inviting against her heated skin.
He then spread her legs carefully, eyes locked on hers with tender intensity, and started licking her pussy slowly—teasing circles at first, then deeper, more rhythmic strokes with his tongue that made her arch her back and moan loudly, fingers tangling in his hair as she pulled his face closer, lost in the waves of pleasure.
He then inserted a finger gently into her anus, moving it in perfect sync with his tongue, building pressure expertly until her body trembled uncontrollably, leading her to an intense, shuddering orgasm that left her gasping his name.
Dante then climbed on top of her slowly, trailing hot kisses up her body—neck, collarbone, pausing to suck and tease her breasts until her nipples hardened and she moaned more desperately, hands roaming his muscled back.
He then placed his hard penis at the entrance of her pussy and inserted it calmly and carefully—slow, deliberate thrusts to let her adjust, knowing she was still a virgin and wanting her first time to be filled with pleasure, not pain.
When he inserted everything fully, filling her completely, she shuddered deeply with a mix of sensation and held onto him tightly, nails digging into his back as her body accommodated him.
Annabeth said in Dante's ear with a slightly hoarse, breathless voice full of emotion: "Wait a bit. It still hurts a little."
After waiting a patient while—kissing her softly, whispering reassurances—he felt her relax and she nodded with a trusting, eager smile.
He started moving gently at first, building a steady, loving rhythm that made her moan even more, her hips rising to meet him as pleasure overtook any discomfort.
He then turned her on her back carefully, entering from behind with deeper, more possessive thrusts that hit new angles.
Annabeth bit the sheet to muffle her louder cries of ecstasy, body rocking intensely with each powerful movement.
Dante then increased the strength gradually, thrusting deeper and faster while holding her hips, driving her wild until she screamed his name.
Dante then came deep in her uterus with a deep groan of release, filling her warmly and triggering her own explosive orgasm that made her whole body convulse around him in bliss.
Dante then lay on the bed, pulling her close, when Annabeth—still full of energy and desire—climbed on top of him confidently, straddling him, and started riding him hard—hips grinding with passionate control, taking him deep again and again.
They stayed like that—switching positions fluidly, exploring every sensation, lost in each other's bodies and moans—until the first hints of dawn crept through the curtains, exhausted and utterly satisfied.
In the morning, with soft sunlight warming the rumpled sheets, Dante looked at Annabeth sleeping peacefully in his arms—her face serene, body curled against his—and thought contentedly: Well, it looks like the idea of going to camp early in the morning isn't happening. Well, no problem at all.
He then closed his eyes to drift back to sleep, holding her tightly, while thinking playfully: Well, the chances of Athena having gained a grandson after this night are pretty high.