Part 3: Tori's POV
A breeze bites at my tan skin. The crickets chirp as I hear the cars zoom left and right in the city of Manhattan. The footsteps of late night joggers echo across the concrete. I look overhead, searching for an signs of danger. The leather hilt in my hand was getting hot so I set it down for a little while. Looking down, I smile at the cute sight. The little redhead was snuggling up against Robbie, her nose poking his neck. He had an arm around her. Taking out my phone, I take a quick picture and turn it off again. Jade was sprawled on the ground behind me while the other two were a bit farther away. I look back at the goth and marvel at the sight. Her pale skin was practically glowing in the early morning sky. The mane of obsidian hair was veiling half her face. She was usually angry or sarcastic. Her facial expression, though, was peaceful and at ease. It was beautiful.
Looking back out at the streets, I sigh and drink my coffee. I went to Starbucks earlier, right when they opened. In New York, they were early birds and we open pretty early. I bought some for the rest of them too. Each order was specific and I got what everyone wanted. Throughout the night, I think I took a nap twice but only for an hour or two. Nothing attacked us. That was a great relief since I really didn't want to wake the raven haired girl up. That alone would be worse than facing the monster. Chuckling to myself, I check the time on my watch, which I got for Christmas last year. It was a digital purple and white watch that was water and shock proof. Thank gods for that. It was 7:24 in the morning. I get up and stretch my back until I hear that 'pop' and sigh in satisfaction. I look through my bag but there was only the really important necessities plus a couple of my other personal and fun belongings.
Something starts and I immediately grab my sword. I search for the object of movement and sigh. The Canadian was yawning, getting up and looking towards me. "Well, good morning Tori. Good to see that we're still alive today, eh?" We share a small laugh and I hand him his coffee. He takes it gratefully. "Thanks," he sips it and sighs, "I really needed that." We sit in silence but it was comfortable. It was best to let the others have their rest. I see him looking towards the cuddling half bloods. An amused smile was curling his lips, a wistful look in his eyes. "Well if it isn't our closest friends, cuddling up like that," he teases. I grin at the comment.
"It's very cute," I admit, crossing my legs. Drinking more of my coffee, I smile at them. "Even took a picture." Another grin makes it to his face. The son of Aphrodite looks back at me accusingly but I shrug. "I did and I regret nothing!" Before I knew it, the coffee was out of my hands and back next to the others while the olive skinned boy tackles me to the ground. His fingers start to move against my tummy and I burst out in a fit of giggling laughter. "Beck!" I squeak. "Haha...gah, stop!" I choke out helplessly. I was completely vulnerable against his tickling fingers. He was laughing along with me the whole time. Somehow I manage to take his wrists in me hands, stoping his wiggling fingers. I was trying to catch my breath when I look deep into his eyes. They were so endless, I think I fell in. He was starting to lean in when something was starting to move. I freeze and gently push Beck off of me. Searching for the body, I witness West starting to wake up. Her arms were stretching and she was sitting up, looking at us. "Hey, sleepyhead. Good morning," I greet, bringing her her black coffee with two sugars.
The tattooed girl nods and sips the drink right away, probably burning her tongue. She runs a pale hand through her luscious dark curls. She eyes me curiously while drinking her beverage. "So you were up all night?" I nod my head in agreement. I'm not gonna tell her the naps I took because it would make me look weak. Her eyes widen, impressed at my achievement. "Wow Vega, I thought you would have passed out by my side," she admits while wiping her scissors from the monster blood. Scowling at her, she grins right back in my direction. "It's amazing that you still haven't passed out yet." My scowl deepens as everyone else starts to wake up. I hand them their coffees which they take gracefully. The park was starting to fill up again and was bustling with activity. Getting up, I throw my backpack on my back. Jade looks up at me in confusion. "Where do you think you're going?"
Gripping my sword, I shake my body to loosen the tense muscles. "We have to get moving. If I'm right, there's a bus that'll take us directly to the Empire State Building," I check my watch. It was 7:36am. "The bus passes at 7:45, so if I were you, we'd go now." No one argues with me and everyone collects their bags. We kick the ashes of our fire away and walk up to the nearest bus station. The sword felt heavier in my hand the closer I got Mt. Olympus; it scared me.
"I hate taking the damn bus," the goth murmurs. I turn and glare at her. She glares right back. Fury was deep in her eyes but there was something else that I couldn't decipher.
"Well how the hell are we gonna get a car without getting caught?" I growl at her. Her eyebrows furrow and I smirk in victory. The bus slows to the designated area. It was full of people, probably just tourists. We mount on board the public bus and we all sit in the back. All the girls sat on one seat while all the guys sat across from us. Cat had the window seat while I was in the middle and Jade had the aisle seat. I kept my eyes on the road. Soon enough, we would be in Olympus. In the front of the bus, I saw a peculiar sight. There was these three cheerleaders that were staring right back at me. Even from here, I could see their red eyes and fangs. Their skin was sickeningly pale and they glared daggers at me. I knew them from my Greek Mythology class. These beautiful women were Empousai. They drank the blood of men and lured them in by being seductive. One of them was eyeing me while the other two were focused on the boys. "Dammit," I curse under my breath but Jade catches it. She turns her head towards me as I sink in more into my seat. The redhead was giggling at the window.
"What's wrong Vega?" she whispers at me. I motion to where the monsters were. Her piercing blue green eyes widen. "Fuck. Those are Empousai, aren't they?" I nod vigorously and she stomps her foot on the ground. "What are we gonna do? They'll try to seduce the guys. Weaklings," she murmurs the last part. Her hand was gripping her small dagger. Her black sword was by her side just like mine. Clenching my fist, my chest starts to move in a rapid motion. A shutter runs down my spine, leaving me numb. "What the hell is up with you?" she hisses.
Turning to her, I stick a hand up in my thick brunette locks. "I could shock the bus but that would harm the humans but if we don't, they'll do it for us and have their way with all the males." She tilts her head to think about it, still holding onto her dagger. The goth nods and I grin. "Hold on," I mumble, raising my palm in the air, "This might hurt...a lot." Her eyebrows shoot straight up and I chuckle. "Well, maybe. I'm not sure." I feel the familiar powerful sensation in my gut and it booms with thunder outside. The hairs on the back of my neck rise as a huge bolt of lightning shocks the bus and it skids to a stop. People start screaming since the bus toppled over to the side. I was breathing hard, blood forming on my bottom lip since the lightning shattered the glass windows. Using my sword, I cut the window open as if it were plastic. I climb out and help the others. More people start to escape the same way. Children and some women were crying. I honestly felt bad but at least now they could escape from the Empousai. Wait. Where are they exactly? I haven't seen them since I-
A searing pain is pierced into my shoulder blade and mid back. It felt as if my skin burst into flames. The wound must be very deep since I was starting to feel tipsy. Turning around to see the attacker, I receive a blow to my right cheek. "Fuck," I mutter, looking deep into her red eyes. She grins evilly at me but I slice my sword at her in a viper's speed. Her blood red eyes widen in shock as she howls in pain before disintegrating. Looking around, I see that the other two monsters were dead. Jade's black sword was low but as soon as her eyes land on me, they widen in utter shock. "I'm fine," I lie through gritted teeth. "Lets just get out of here before the cops show up," I order, grabbing my stuff and run towards the tall building ahead of me.
Lucky for us, the bus crashed right in front of the Empire State Building. I did not want to run five blocks. Reaching our destination, I burst through the doors, the others following me. My sword was scrapping against the ground and I pick it up since it was a gift from my father. I respected that. Walking up to the front, I see a man with thinning hair reading a newspaper. "Um, excuse me?" I ask politely. Weird, huh? I'm nice now but when I'm in combat, I'm more vicious and more commanding than Jade...I take that as an insult though. The guy looks up, setting the papers down on the desk.
His eyes widen at my injuries and them at my friends. "Είσαι ένας ημίθεος?" he asks quickly. My eyebrow was cocked at him and I quickly nod. He basically asked me if I was a demigod. Of coarse I was! Where else would I get a cool sword and terrible injuries? Hockey? I think not. The man rushes up to the elevator and sticks in a key. He motions for us to enter. "Press the top button. Good luck, godlings," he wishes us. We all stroll in the elevator and I scan all the buttons. There was a big one at the top. It had an O and a Greek omega. This was Mt. Olympus alright. Pressing the button, the room bursts to life. It zooms upwards and I swear I hear thunder booming outside. We all jerk downwards and grip the railing. Finally, the torture device draws to a stop and I let out a big puff of air. Never knew I was holding it.
The elevator doors open and I gawk at the sight. Chiz... Everything was white and silver. The buildings were tall and made of sparkling marble. Kinda reminds me of Jade's flawless skin tone... What the heck, Tori? Shaking the thoughts out of my head, I continue to awe at the marvelous sight. It was breathtaking, to say the least. I look back at my friends' faces and I smirk. It was the same as mine. The goth snaps out of it and trudges forward. "C'mon, we're just wasting time," she urges. We nod and follow her. There were satyrs, nymphs, naiads, and other magical creatures throughout Olympus. They stare at us in wonder but there was a knowing look in their eyes. Some bow at us. After a bit of walking, an enormous gate awaits in front of us. It sparkles with gold and silver. Damn, the Olympians must be filthy rich.
Gate doors open for us and we gulp nervously as we exchange looks towards each other. Slowly, we walk in and come to view with the Olympian council. All of the thirteen gods were looking down on us and fear creeps up on my throat. I'm usually not shy but this was a first. I'm just surprised that the room hasn't blown up from all these godly beings being in one place. In the middle, I meet lightning blue eyes. My muscles tense, the blood roaring in my ears. This was him. This was Zeus, my father. He looks down on me, a twinkle in eye. Was it disgust or pride? I couldn't tell the difference anymore. My breath catches in my throat at the sight of these beautiful people. They were so majestic and oozing with power. They were about fifteen feet tall but that was my estimate. Maybe they were taller. The daughter of Hades was right next to me, her jaw clenched. She must be looking at her father. "Welcome, demigods," he greets us, his voice echoing along the hallow room. "I see you've been through a lot to be here but you've survived."
The wound on my back stings and I cringe at the feeling. I could sense the blood trickling out of the injury. My breathing became hard, my vision dizzy but I stay strong for my friends. For my father. I wouldn't act like a weakling in front of them. I had to man up and deal with it. Poison was making its way into my system. Dammit, I curse to myself. Kneeling before them, I hold my sword downwards into the marble ground. "Thank you...father and thank you Olympians. I'm very honored for visiting your magnificent home." The others take my example and kneel down next to me. Some of the gods nod their heads or grunt in surprise. I guess they like my manners. Smiling to myself, I wince when the pain in my upper back intensifies. With one hand gripping the sword, the other falls to the smooth ground. I gasp in pain and the other demigods look at me in shock, worry deep in their eyes. My breathing was becoming hard and labored. Sweat was forming on my forehead. The grip on the hilt was so tight that my knuckles were beyond white.
A gentle hand lands on my shoulder. I look up and sigh in relief. It was Apollo, god of medicine and healing. He grins at me, holding a hand over my wound. Wincing, I dig my nails into the ground. A wave of pleasure hits me and I bite back a moan as the wound was healing. After a few seconds, I felt better and more rested. "Thank you, Lord Apollo," I thank in gratitude. The young god just smiles and nods at me. He walks up to his throne where he goes back to his godly height. Looking back at my father, I see that that spark was pride. Pride in me! Yippee! Grinning to myself, I face the gods again. "Er, we're here because of the prophecy. Is there anything we must know?" I request politely. They stare at me quizzically but then the god the opposite to him nods.
"You may rise," he orders. We all jump to our feet and I examine the gods' thrones. They were enormous thrones that made a U around the central hearth, just like at camp. All of the seats were occupied, which was strange since it wasn't the summer solstice yet. Next to my father Zeus, was a beautiful lady with silver hair braided over her shoulder with a dress that resembled a peacock. Lady Hera. On his right, was Lord Poseidon, God of the Seas and Percy's dad. Next to him, a huge lump of a man with a leg in a steel brace, a misshapen head, and a wild brown beard, fire flickering through his whiskers. The Lord of the Forges, Hephaestus. A god with a business suit and a caduceus in his hand smiles at the goth next to me. It was Hermes, God of Messengers, father of Robbie. The God of Music was grinning at me, his white teeth sparkling. That was Andre's dad. Dionysus was twirling a grape vine between his fingers, looking bored. Then there was a buff guy with a military hair cut and dark sunglasses. It was Ares, Clarisse La Rue's father, God of War.
On the ladies' side of the throne room, a dark haired goddess in green robes sat next to Hera on a throne woven of apple tree branches. Demeter, Cat's mother and Goddess of the Harvest. Next to her sat a beautiful grey eyed woman in an elegant white dress. She could only be Annabeth's mother, Athena. Then there was Aphrodite, Beck's mother, Goddess of Beauty. She winks at me but I'm not exactly sure why. There was an extra throne next to Ares. There sat the God of the Underworld, Hades, Jade's father. Just having all these gods looking down on me made me want to sink in a deep hole. I was about to speak when I hear Beck's voice. "Who exactly is the enemy that we are facing?" he questions them daringly.
Biting my lip, I just hope the gods don't take that as an insult to their power. They better not zap him or I'm outta this prophecy. "It's worse than we feared," Athena declares. "For the Titans have started to rise again and they have Kronos' sword. That weapon is nearly indestructible and in the wrong hands." She moistens her lips a bit tensely. "That is your quest. Retrieve the blade and defeat the army of the Titans before they rise up against us. That is, if you survive," she admits harshly. I feel her intense gaze on me, all I want to do is get swallowed up by a hole. "I believe Tori Vega has something to say, no?"
My bottom lip trembles but I catch it between my teeth. "You three," I point to the Big Three, "you are arguing about his scythe and who gets it and who forgot to keep it protected," all the gods' eyes widen except Athena. "That's the feud. No wonder all of you are gathered here and it's not the solstice! It's about the dangerous scythe that can harm both mortals and immortals. Demigods especially," I falter, clutching my sword tighter. "Stop fighting about it! It happened and now the best thing we can do is stop them and take the sword back!"
Fingers curl around my tan wrist. I look back, eyes widening at the sight. Jade West was standing there, worry in her eyes. "We have to work together on this," she murmurs. I nod and turn back to the Council but this time I don't speak. "Look, you have to call off the feud and guide us to defeat the Titans and reclaim the sword. Your bickering won't bring the sword back, now will it? How did the Titans get the strength to rise up again, anyway?" My muscles tense and my knees almost buckle. Breathing became difficult.
The God of the Sea speaks up, eyeing my peculiar behavior. "The scythe was never locked up and somehow, they're getting their power from it. Kronos is still scattered in the depths of the Underworld." A sigh of relief escapes me but then I'm paralyzed with fear. The Empousai's red eyes were drilling into my soul, showing me the effects of the mighty sword. My chest was heaving. This was utter torture, seeing dead slaughtered corpses in front of me. Or many lives will be bloodily spewed. That line keeps repeating in my head. That's what it meant; that scythe will kill anything in its path. "Tori, what are you seeing?" he asks me. He knows that I'm seeing visions?
Swallowing thickly, I notice that everyone's eyes were on me. Sweat was starting to make my skin glisten a pale tan. "That scythe must be destroyed. Or many lives will be bloodily spewed. Mortal and immortal. Demigod and monster. Everything. The blade has gotten stronger than last time. It's made of mortal steel, Celestial bronze, and Imperial gold. Right now, they're planning on adding Stygian Iron to the blade," I admit to them. The God of the Underworld stands up in protest.
"Impossible!" he booms. His eyes were full of rage. Well, I see where Jade gets it from. "Only my children and I can use that kind of metal! No one else!" His dark eyes land on me but I hold my ground. "Brothers, please tell me this godling is lying!" he pleads.
Surprisingly, the two brothers nod their heads in agreement. My father was looking at me warily. "How did you see these visions, child?" he questions me.
Biting my lip, I sigh. "When one of the Empousai looked into my eyes too long, it gave away their plans but then I killed her. All I see are bloody corpses and a glowing scythe with many skulls around it. That's all I see, father," I confess. They're eyes were stuck on me and I shift uncomfortably. "I think that the Titans are rising in San Francisco, all the way across the country. Am I, right?" They nod and I raise my sword. "Then that's where we're going. May we be excused?"
Zeus nods but lifts his hand. He glances at the parents of our group. "First, let us talk to our children. Then you may leave." Now all my friends were speaking with their godly mother or father. A tall figure looms over me and hesitantly, I turn around to meet a pair of lightning blue eyes. "Tori..." He examines me. "You look just like your mother. Every time I see you, it reminds me of her." There was a wistful look in his eyes. I stand there awkwardly with him staring at me. "You've grown powerful in the few days that you found out you were a demigod. I hope you enjoyed the sword and I wish you the best of luck." Tilting my head to the side, my eyebrows furrow in confusion. A faint smile covers his face. From the corner of my eye, I see the goth staring at me. "Just know that we won't judge you. You are my daughter and if you want happiness then I'll let you keep it," he pats me on the shoulder, electricity crackling in the air. We both grin as we receive confused looks. "Looks like you're just like me too. Just because I'm king of Olympus doesn't mean I'm strict all the time. Good luck and be careful, I'll see you soon." I nod and tentatively open my arms out and we hug, his arms wrapping around me.
Snuggling into his pinstriped suit, I feel his warmth surrounding me. "I'll miss you. See you soon," I murmur into his shoulder. He nods and lets go, walking back to his throne. Zeus turns around and gives me one last smile before he disappears. Maybe he wasn't so bad after all. A hand curls on my shoulder and I cock my head. My hazel eyes stare into icy blue. "Time to go?" I ask her. She nods and I sigh, picking up my belongings. Gripping the hilt of my blade, I glance at hers. "Is that Stygian Iron?" The raven haired girl nods and I grin as we walk out together. The marble buildings were shimmering, the creatures bowing at us. All of us go back down the elevator and the man was still there. Digging into my pocket, I toss him a golden drachma. He catches it and smiles as he shoves it into his pocket. It was his tip. What? I'm very generous.
Exiting the Empire State Building, I whistle for a taxi. A bright yellow taxi van stops in front of us. He was eating a granola bar. A mischievous smirk forms on my lips. I learned an ability that makes people do what you say to them. It was charmspeak, it was an ability of Aphrodite. Maybe that's why she winked at me... "Hello sir. Can you step out of your vehicle?" His expression looks dazed and listens to my instructions. The keys were still in the ignition. Perfect, almost too easy. Turning to my friends, they had a shocked face on. "Just get in before I force you," I command. They climb in and Beck drives up front with Andre. I look back at taxi driver and grin. "You may now go to McDonalds and forget everything I just said." He nods and walks off. Getting in though the back doors, I sit next to Jade, while Robbie and Cat sit across from us. Unsurprisingly, the taxi was fairly big so all four of us fit comfortably with a lot of room to spare. I bet we could fit at least five more people. "Drive, drive, drive!" I holler at the Canadian. He starts the cab and screeches off.
"Go west to San Francisco. Lets just stop at Pittsburg. It's our pit stop," Jade snickers at her own joke. It was pretty clever. The son of Aphrodite nods and keeps on driving, my hand gripping the door handle. Building and apartments zoom by, only the sky remaining the same. We solved the feud but now we had to travel across the country to defeat the rising Titans that oppose us. Sighing, I tighten my hold on a golden drachma. I examine it and flip it in the air but it doesn't land in my hand. It falls in a creamy white palm. She sends a smirk my way and I roll my eyes. I try to reach over for it but the goth refuses. "Finders keepers, Vega," she sticks her tongue out at me. Growling, I look into her eyes and give her the puppy dog look. The raven haired girl stiffens then sighs. "Fine," she spits out, giving it back to me. I smile wide.
Grinning like a maniac, I look at a map of America. I squint at it, my vision blurring. My hold on the golden coin was slowly fading. Guess I was still a bit weak from the injury and my lack of sleep. We still had a long way to go to get to Pittsburg. Yawning, I fold the map up and look ahead of me. A smile creeps on my face. Both Cat and Robbie were on the ground, really close to each other. The redhead was on her side, snuggling into the geeky boy's side. It warms my heart to see them like this. They were just too cute to be together. Without noticing, my head was lowering itself on Jade's shoulder. Once it makes contact, her body tenses. "What are you doing, Vega?" she growls, sleep hidden deep in her voice.
"Sleeping. What do you think?" I slur. My eyelids were closed half way when I feel her head falling on mine. "Wait," I stop, forcing the two of us to lie down on the seat together. For some reason, she didn't mind. Maybe she was tired too. Her arm was around my waist, my head burrowed in her neck. We scoot closer together. The scent of coffee and mint invades my nose. It was luring me to sleep. The goth's heartbeat was beating with mine in harmony. It was nice. Our hair mixed together, my arm slinging on top of her abdomen, almost like in protection. My eyes flutter closed one last time before I'm out like a light, Jade's incredibly warm and comfortable body pressed into mine, almost a drug to lure me to sleep.
"Tori"," someone says in a singing voice, "wake up..." I ignore them and cuddle more into my soft pillow, or whatever it was. The heat source was just too warm to let go of. "She won't get up!" he groans in defeat.
Someone else giggles in the background. "They look so cute together! It's like they were made for each other!" There were a few grunts and 'hmms' in agreement. Something tightens around me, a low moan escaping my lips.
There was a long silence before I heard a faint swish of water being tossed around. "Gods, she's gonna kill us!" someone yelps. I swear I could sense the other person roll their eyes. Another long silence before a freezing cold sensation is thrown over my body. My eyes flash open in anger and shock. I see Beck holding a slurpee cup with Andre next to him, grinning. The son of Hermes was quivering behind them while Cat was giggling and playing with her hair. Anger fueled my energy and I growl at them, causing them to back away. "I told you she would kill us!" the geeky boy squeaks. "You can't just anger the daughter of Zeus! Are you out of your minds?" My knuckles were clenched tight, my glare intensifying on the tan Canadian before me. Ice cold water was dripping off of me, all because of them.
"What the hell were you thinking, Beck?" I growl. My hands start to twitch and he gulps uncertainly. Wait a minute... There's only five of us here. Where's Jade? My eyes widen as I slightly sit up and look next to me. There she was, sleeping, her hair covering most of her face. I could just make out her defined jawline. I had an unbearable urge to trail my fingers across it. It's amazing that she was still somewhat asleep. When I sit up straighter, she groans at the lost contact. She must like me as a pillow. Never knew she was a cuddler. Her eyes slowly open and when they do, her cheeks darken. I bet mine were flushed too. The goth's icy green eyes look at us and she quickly figures out the situation. It made me angrier now that she was awake. They woke us up. It was one of the best sleeps I've had in a while. Tackling Beck to the ground, I grip a fist full of his shirt. "Do it again," I warn, "and you be waking up in cow crap. Got it?" I snarl at him. My skin was starting to spark so I jump off him and run a hand through my thick mane. The popping was audible and they knew from there that I was wazzed off. His eyes were wide, his breathing heavy. That's what he gets for waking me up like that. "Where are we, anyway?" I ask, breaking the awkward silence.
The darker skinned boy shifts on his feet. "We went farther than Pittsburg. We're in Ohio right now. Specifically, at a gas station. Here," he hands Jade and I a glazed donut and coffee for each of us. "I know it's a little bit for breakfast but since we're traveling the whole country, we should save ourselves some cash. The camp gave us some money plus we already have some of our own. We have plenty of golden drachmas and my dad gave me this," he shows us a small box, about the size of a Harry Potter book. "It's full of mortal cash and a few drachmas. It's a lot of money but we have to conserve it. Apollo felt bad for me so he gave me this as a very late birthday gift." Biting my donut, I nod in agreement. He was right. We couldn't blow all the money at once. The amount was limited so we had to limit our needs a little bit.
Nodding, I scarf down the donut and coffee, even though the beverage nearly burned off my tongue. I was still wet from the wake up call. Running a hand through my soaked hair, I growl at the memory. I catch the tattooed girl's gaze on me. It was full of surprise and some other emotions that I couldn't figure out. Is it wistful? "Alright," I start, "Lets take a break. I'm not going to be stuck in a van forever." Getting up, I stretch my limbs, my t-shirt riding up to my abdomen. Fresh air nips at my hot tan skin. I open the back doors, the sun's rays on my faces and I sigh in relief. "C'mon, lets walk around," I urge them. All of then shrug and follow me.
Turns out that right next to the gas station was a little park. Those are some smart people to put a small shop next to a park. A petite body smacks into mine and she giggles. "Tori!" she babbles. "Can we run around the park?" I nod and she jumps up in joy. Then she grabs my wrist, pulling me forwards, making me lose my balance. We both fall on a surprisingly soft patch of grass. The redhead was laughing her butt off while was chuckling, grinning at the skin. Her velvet hair was spread along the green sea, beautiful with its brightness of colors. I smile at her and she smiles back. There was a dimple on her left cheek. Oh gods she was too cute. Digging into my pocket, I bring out her prize. It was a small but satisfying bag of Skittles. Her eyes nearly pop out of her head as she lunges for them. I laugh as she throws a couple of the colored candies into her mouth. "Fank you, Fori!" she exclaims with a full mouth. Her arms wrap around my neck, mine at her waist. I grin at the hyperness of the smaller girl. Off guard, she plants a kiss on my cheek. My face heats up as she giggles. From the corner of my eye, I see a pair of ocean eyes glaring at us. "Your face is so red, Tori," she teases, "Almost like a red Skittle." I just grin goofily at her. "Thank you for the candy and for protecting us."
Nodding, I lift her up, her arms still around my neck. Guess she likes to hug people. I hug her again and she sighs happily. Grinning, I give her a piggy back ride. The brown eyed girl squeals in delight and hops on my back, arms around my neck. With all that time in camp running and training, I've gotten a lot stronger. Mostly because I challenge the counselors to make me work hard so I won't get lazy. My hands hold her thighs up against my waist. We stroll back, with her on my back, to the others and I see a twinge of jealousy in the goth's eyes. Why? Maybe she wanted to spend time with Cat. That would make sense. I catch Beck's eyes on me and my eyebrows scrunch up. Huh. Weird. Still having the daughter of Demeter around me, I set her down and gently remove her arms from my neck. I lean in and kiss her forehead. Her cheeks turn into a rosy hue as I turn my attention to Oliver.
Raising an eyebrow, I have my arms crossed on my chest. An amused smirk was curling my lips. "Something you like, Beck?" I taunt. His eyes widen and he shakes his head furiously, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. "That's what I thought," I remark, leaving as I sway my hips a little bit more than usual. Slumping under an oak, my head hits the trunk. I groan and play with that gold drachma. It shines under the partially hidden sun. I flick it in the air but I didn't catch it. Looking up, I scowl at the daughter of Hades. "Can you stop doing that?" I complain.
She smirks and tosses it back. I barely catch it and shove it in my pocket. The raven haired beauty, well she was, sits next to me. "Hey Vega." Her fingers play with a rock.
"Hey yourself," I mumble. "How's your life going? Mine is terrible." I hear her snort in agreement.
Jade leans back on the tree and stares out on the others. They were playing catch but apparently, Cat is running away with the ball, not understanding the game. I chuckle at the sight. "Not so easy," she admits. "Being a demigod is harder than it looks. The weapons are cool and all but the monster attacks are bitches." A blade of grass was twisted between her fingers. "So...what was up with you and Cat?" her voice was low and soft but I could sense the hurt and jealousy in her voice.
Clearing my throat, I scratch the side of my cheek. "Uh, it was nothing. She just wanted to thank me for the Skittles I gave her. That's all. Nothing too personal. It was a piggy back ride and a small peck. Nothing big," I mutter. My fingers curl around the sea of grass. Looking up, I let the wind blow through my brunette curls. Something catches my eye. A big, dark red dog was running towards the gang. My eyes widen at the realization. It's piercing black eyes were glaring at them. The beast was the size of a mini SUV. Dammit! It was a hellhound. Leaping to my feet, I call out, "GUYS! HELLHOUND!" Their heads snap to the beast and begin to retreat. My legs break off in a sprint as I run over to poor defenseless Cat. "Cat!" The blood was rushing through my ears. I think that Jade was rushing behind me. The redhead looks over at me and I push her body away before the hellhound could attack her. Our body smack against the hard earth ground. "Jesus Cat. Don't scare us like that," I breathe. I hand her over to Andre and I look back at the monster.
The hellhound was attacking Jade and Beck. The daughter of Hades was using her small dagger while the Canadian was using a thick club. Raising my hand, my eyes close and the hairs on the back of my neck rise. Thunder booms, my eyes snapping open; full of determination and power. I get closer to the bull as it charges me. My eyes widen as the monster's body collides with mine. Its strong head butts into my ribcage, knocking the oxygen out of my lungs. A flash of lightning falls from the sky as it shocks us both then it explodes as we both fly backwards. The beast whimpers as it disintegrates into dust. My chest was heaving hard, heart hammering. I was crumpled against the base of a tree, holding my head in pain. Why did I always act like a hero? All it would do is kill me. Blood was slowly trickling out of the wound.
A cold hand feels my forehead. I groan at the oh so good feeling. My hand grabs her wrist. "Jade, I'm fine. Its just a little head wound. Give me some ambrosia," I request. She hands me a small brown square and I shove it in my mouth. A moan passes my lips. The ambrosia tasted like delicious mouth watering chocolate. It melted on my tongue. I let out a big sigh. "I feel better," I whisper hoarsely, the wound in my head healing. The blood was starting to dry on my forehead. My eyes meet hers, they were soft and gentle. The raven haired girl presses a wet rag to the side of my head. I blink hard and start to notice that we were back in the taxi van. I must've passed out when our eyes meet and woke up to them. The geeky boy and the redhead were staring at me worryingly. "Hey guys," I croak, my throat sore. I try to sit up from the seat but Jade keeps me down. "Jade," I whine.
She shakes her head. "No, you have to lie down." I struggle against her grip and then she pins me down, straddling my waist. "Goddammit, Vega," she curses. "Stop moving!" Her hand pins my arms above my head. Growling at her, she scowls. I keep squirming under her until I feel her core against my stomach. That snaps me out of my trance. A shiver runs throughout my entire body. I stop struggling against her and hold her waist as I lean back against the back of the seat. Her piercing orbs look into mine and she freezes, noticing our position. None of us made a move. It starts to get really stuffy in here. "Vega," she murmurs.
I was about to speak when the van jerks to the side, causing Jade to be even more pressed against me. Now she even more on me. Her butt was now on my stomach, not straddling my waist. Her hands were on my shoulders for support. Mine were still on her waist. Gods, could this get anymore awkward? "Tori?" a deep but calm voice calls out. And it got more awkward. Looking over the goth's shoulder, I see Beck's shocked face. "Are you two-?"
Shaking my head furiously, I mange to get her off me, even though it was like a punch to the gut. "N-No! It's nothing. Just a little accident," I blabber. Running a hand through my hair, I smile nervously. His eyes were still narrowed at us. "Beck!" I cry. "It's nothing!" It was everything. "Just an accident!" That I loved so very much. "I wasn't cooperating and she had to pin me down and then the car jerked to the side. It was just cause and effect." Cause: A straddle and a gaze; effect: my crazy secret almost exposed. Yes, that's right! I like her. I like Jade West, the girl who I was supposed to hate. The girl who made my life a living hell. I bet it's just a crush, it'll just blow over. Yeah, nothing serious. I knew I was bisexual but did I like Jade like 'that'? Don't know but I know I would find out. Besides, I was trying very hard to hate her and she made it so easy for me to but I couldn't. I just couldn't hate Jade West, my tormentor.
His eyebrows were knitted together but he just nods and turns around. A splintering pain hits my head. "Ow!" I whine, holding my temple. A wet rag is pressed against the side of my face. My eyes flutter up and meet hers. A faint smile was on her lips but I could see the hurt in her eyes. It made me feel weak and guilty.
Something shimmers in the back of the van. It was floating, all cloudy and puffy. "Please insert a coin," it requests. Cat stands up and I toss her a drachma. She throws it in and an age starts to appear. It was two people. A guy with black hair and green eyes, and a girl with blond hair and grey eyes. It was Percy and Annabeth! "Cat?" the girl questions. "Are you guys in a van?" The ditzy redhead nods. "Oh, okay then. Where's Jade and Tori?" She points to us at the side and I limp towards the mist. The son of Poseidon's eyes widen at my state. "Tori...what happened to you?" The tattooed girl was right beside me, keeping me balanced.
"It's nothing. An Empousai clawed me with some poison, I got struck by some lightning twice, and a hellhound charged at me. It's all good," I lie. Their mouths go slack at my confession. To be honest, I didn't care how much I get hurt, as long as I protect my friends, I'm all for it. If it meant my friends safety, I would be up for it. "Trust me, I'm okay. All I need is some sleep. So, what brings you guys to Iris-Message us?" My hand goes into my pocket where I grip my lucky drachma. The tension was killing me.
Percy bites his lip in worry. "Oh, we were just wondering how you were doing. Where exactly are you guys anyway?" Tilting my head to the side, I look quizzically at Robbie. He mouths something and I nod in return.
"We're already out of Ohio and traveling to Chicago as we speak. We have to go to San Francisco to stop the Titans and collect the scythe." Their eyes widen at the mention of the location and the weapon. "Does it ring a bell?"
Annabeth nods. "The scythe...it was Kronos's weapon and the Titans live in Mount Etna. You need to be careful in San Francisco, it'll be more dangerous than when you were in New York. The Titans will stop at nothing but to destroy you. You have to stick together," she advices. Jade nods her head and starts to ask her questions while I go sit and rest my head. Why did I risk my life to save others? Others who probably hate me. I was too loyal and too kind. My enemies could use that against me. That's my fatal flaw. Tears fill up in my eyes. This is the first time I've cried since we've been in camp. I have never felt so weak in my life. Knowing that I would die for my friends was a noble thing but having them tortured and forcing my to watch... I would never forgive myself. A tear slides down my cheek but I wipe it away angrily. This was no time for sobbing. I had a job to do, even if it meant my already damned life.
Looking over at the three demigods, I could see that they were busy with their conversation. An exhausted sigh leaves my lips as I get up once again. I limp over to the boys up front. The African American looks at me with a sad smile. A map of the country was in his hands. There were pitstops and restaurants. I look out the window to see a sign that read, 'Welcome to Illinois.' Wow, this van was pretty fast. "How did we get here so fast?" I murmur in wonder.
The musical prodigy grins. "Well Beck here used Charmspeak on the taxi and its finding the best way out of each state without hitting traffic. Plus, the cab is a free spirit. It goes fast and we don't get caught. We'll be back in California in no time," he reassures me. I nod and stare head with a blank expression. "Tor, you sure you're okay? You look like you're gonna pass out."
"Fine," I rasp before I clear my throat. "I'm fine. Just, my head still kinda hurts but otherwise I'm okay." He nods and examines the nap. My eyes dart to the olive skinned Canadian. His eyes were focused on the road ahead, clear of distractions. Swallowing hard, I tug on the hem of my orange t-shirt. "Hey Andre, could I speak with Beck in private? Please? You could go and ask Annabeth something. They're Iris-Messaging us," I suggest. A faint grin was starting to form on his face. He nods eagerly and heads to the back. I sit in shotgun and stare out the window. "Hey Beck," I greet.
He sighs through his nose, shoulders slumping. "Hey Tori," Beck runs a hand through his hair. "How are you doing today?" My lips tighten uneasily at his tone.
"My head hurts like hell but otherwise I'm fine," I confess. He nods slowly and sips his cold coffee. "So what's new with you? You seem all quiet and depressed," my thumbs wrestle each other, "What's wrong?" A fresh breeze goes through my hair and I sigh in relief. That felt so good.
The van halts to a stop and Beck turns around to face me. Confusion, regret, and hurt was mirrored on his face. "You know what's wrong?" he asks me, his voice trembling with emotion. The actor was never like this. He was always calm and leveled. Guess not. "I fell for a girl that is beautiful, talented, and smart but I know that someone else is competing for her and they're winning." His fingers ghost over my tan cheek and I shutter. "I love you Tori. I can't deny my feelings anymore. It hurts me inside when you date or flirt with other boys. I just can't take it anymore." His hand was on my cheek, the other in his lap. Oliver gazes deep into my eyes and leans in. My breath gets caught in my throat. My mind goes blank. What was I supposed to do? I can't kiss him. The boy's lips were less than an inch apart before I hold his shoulders back.
Shaking my head, my eyes squeeze shut. "No," I say shakily. "We can't. I can't. It's not right, Beck." He tenses his my arms. I push him away and place a strand of loose hair behind my ear. I shift uneasily in my seat.
"Why Tori?" he croaks, holding back his anger and sadness. "Why can't we kiss? Just one harmless kiss." The Canadian pauses, his eyes closing tightly. "Does this have to do anything with Jade?" he murmurs with a dangerously low voice.
My heart hammers in my chest, breathing becoming farther. "I-I don't know," I reply numbly. "But I can't kiss you. I won't kiss my friend's ex boyfriend. It's not right. It's wrong and makes me feel all slutty." Leaning back in my chair, I bite my lip. "If you were so in love with me, why did you still go out with Jade? You could've broken up with her but you didn't. Not that I care. Your problems are your problems."
His jaw clenches. "If my problems are my problems, then why'd the hell do you keep budding into mine? You always help when no one asks! All of my problems started when you showed up! Jade and I kept arguing and fighting and I knew it had to do something with you," his voice falters, hands gripping the steering wheel. "It was always you..." Beck's head was low, his breathing becoming angry. "I fell in love with a girl that started this whole mess. Isn't that nice?" he sneers. "Just leave me alone, okay? Do me that one useful solid."
Beck's grief was turning into anger and frustration. He wasn't dealing with the problem correctly. He was just blowing off some steam. It'll blow over soon enough but I still didn't like getting dissed. "Well guess what Beck?" I ask raising my voice so the others could hear. I throw my hands in the air with a smirk on my face. "I'll never love you! Okay, lover boy? You can't yell at me because of your old relationship problems than expect me to love you." All heads turn to us and I notice that the mist of clouds was gone. Good, they were done talking to them. "To think that I almost liked you is excruciating. Your true colors were exposed and its not pretty. And you say it's my fault!" I scoff, storming to my seat and I sink in it. Four pairs of eyes were on me but I don't care. Slowly, I look up with an angry, intense stare. "Something on my forehead?" I bark. They quickly look away except for the goth. Her piercing blue eyes held the same intensity as mine. My eyes lower and I kick at the ground. Now I was regretting was I said.
The van starts again but it's Andre whose doing the driving. Lover Boy is in the seat next to him. His eyes glaring outside the window. Good, he had no right to be mad at me. I did have a reason. He loves me, no loved me. I don't think he does now. I still wonder who that other person is. The person who's winning me over. Ah, who cares. I'm not falling for anyone. Love is a bitch that comes and hurts you later on when your feelings are their strongest. That's why I didn't date much. It was just too painful. Ryder and Steven were just experiments and they both failed. Never dated anyone since and I'm not starting now. Guys could be some assholes. But not all. Andre and Robbie were both gentlemen and respected women. Beck, I'm not so sure anymore.
I glance at the my sword and I pick it up. The blade shimmers in the low light. It was almost five in the afternoon. We spent most of the day in this van. It's slowly killing me. Haha, killing me softly. I hear a stomach growl and my ears perk up, almost like a wolf's. My head turns over to Cat and Robbie. The geek was eating Skittles along with the redhead. They are so cute, I muse. Something then catches my eye. We were stopping at a local dinner in...Missouri. Okay then. I then take off my denim jacket for a quick minute. Getting up, I stretch my body, loosening up the tense muscles. Of coarse, my shirt rides up, exposing my lower abdomen. I shiver at the cold feeling on my hot caramel skin. Next I comb my brown waves of hair and throw my jacket back on.
We finally stop and I open the back doors but just in case, I take a bronze dagger and hide it in the pocket inside the denim cover. The van was parked next to a light pole so it'd be much easier to find. Our group enters the small dinner and we're welcome with delicious smells. My mouth waters and I sit at a table in the back, far away from the mortals. The boys order for us while we just sit at the table listening to the waitress. Kit Cat plays with the salt and pepper shakers, calling them maracas. A small smile curls my lips at the sight of her. The daughter of Hades, however, glares at us and says nothing.
Finally the food comes and we dig in immediately. I scarf down most of it and some of it was all over my face. They laugh at confused expression until I notice. Excusing myself from the table, I head to the bathroom. It only has three stalls and one for the disabled. Looking in the mirror, I fix my face and hair. There was a mark on the door. It almost looked like an Omega but it was crooked. Huh. What did it mean? I exit the lavatory and bump into someone. It was a guy, about fifteen. The boy had on an aviator's jacket. He had dark hair and pale skin. It almost reminded me of Jade except his eyes were dark as night. Wait a minute. "Nico?" I murmur. "Are you Nico di Angelo?"
The boy's eyes widen at me. "Wh-Who are you and how so you know my name?" he questions me, eyes narrowing suspiciously. Yep, he was Jade's half brother all right.
"I um, I'm Tori Vega, daughter of Zeus," I introduce myself. Again, his eyes widen at my father. It was shocking, I know. I'm still not over it but I've accepted it. "I went to Camp Half Blood and Thalia Grace told me about you. I have a friend who's a daughter of Hades too." He swallows nervously at my little intro on myself and how I know him. "I'm on a quest to San Francisco. Would you like to meet your half sister?"
Nico nods and I lead him to our table. Piercing green eyes look up at me with annoyance but then they land on him. Her head cocks to the side in wonder as I clear my throat. Everyone looks up at him and I. The son of Hades shifts awkwardly on his feet. "Er guys, this is Nico di Angelo, son of Hades." Jade's eye almost pop out of her head as she spit takes on Robbie. He complains while wiping his glasses. I chuckle at the sight but falter as I have eyes glaring at me. "We ran into each other, so yeah."
The raven haired girl stands up and eyes the pale boy. Her hand is held before her. "Hey. I'm Jade. Jade West, your half sister," she introduces herself as Nico reaches over and shakes her hand. Nothing happens and I grow envious. When I met Thalia, my hand was almost burned off. They lock eyes and smirk at each other. "Good to meet you, Nico."
He grins at her then turns to me. "It's good to meet you too, half sis. I'll see you around but you must know that you've only peaked the amount of powers you can use." The tattooed girl smiles big, excited to discover all of her abilities. "Oh and Tori," he smirks at me with an amused glint in his eye, "Good luck, it'll be hard but once you get through it, you'll love it." What did that mean? My eyebrows furrow together in confusion. He just chuckles and says his goodbyes to the others. Before I could ask him what he meant, he disappears, not a trace left behind. Dang it.
We finish our food and pay the check. Well, Andre did. He was the money keeper. Cat passes out because she ate too much and the son of Aphrodite carries her back to the van, Robbie and the musical prodigy right behind. I was about to leave when a hand falls into mine. Tensing, I look over my shoulder and calm blue green eyes meet my chocolate ones. "Jade?" I question her actions. Her fingers interlace with mine and I shutter at the cool feeling. "W-What are you doing?" I murmur.
Her pale thumb rubs the back of hand. My heart flutters in my chest at the warm feeling. "Can't I hold your hand?" she says in a slight purr. "We've done it already, right? At Nozu," she states correctly. I blink hard at the loving look in her eyes but it leaves as fast as it came. All I do is nod dumbly and we walk back to the van, our joined hand in tact. It feels really good... No. Stop thinking like this, Tori. It's never going to happen. But I feel so flustered when her hand was in mine. I had butterflies in my stomach, heart pounding hard in my chest. The night was beautiful; crickets chirping, the wind making the trees sway. The moonlight shines on Jade's face. It was just beautiful. Her eyes were closed, lips pursed in such a sexy way. The piercing on her left eyebrow was gleaming with the silver light. She was practically a goddess; just radiating with power and beauty. My breath gets caught in my throat when her eyes open, a smirk curling her lips. Her blue green eyes look lightning blue with grey under the moon's light.
For some reason, I knew there was some kind of hope for us. We were Jade and Tori, ivory and bronze. Fire and water. The sun and the moon. Ying and Yang. Love and hate. And if I know one thing, it's that opposite always attract.
End of Part 3
