(Hello again my loyal readers!
There isn't much to say, so I'll just put the new chapter out.
Disclaimer: I own no works by Rick Riordan or any other works mentioned.)
"How did he know?" Silena asked from the passenger seat.
"Good question. The most obvious answer seemed to be a mole, but I don't have the time to find the leak. Our only chance is to play along," I told her, cruising through the New York streets with precision.
She sighed. "This is going to be difficult," she said at last, looking out the window.
"That's why we're going to take all the steps needed. Hale has a special interest in you, we'll use that against him."
We had left the gym, much to the protest of Silena's parents. I assured them I knew what I was doing, and with Silena's support, they backed down.
"A special interest? Marvelous," she muttered.
"So, we're going to go to his place. Alone, unarmed. He'll search us for anything and everything. I've already sent out the texts to my brothers and sister. They are the most elite I know, in my level of training. They'll be here by Monday. They're going to break in, and we're going to take him down," I said.
"So I have to go to bed with Hale and risk my life?" It wasn't her backing out, just a simple question.
I sighed. "No, no. I have another idea. Hale still wants be my his side, despite everything. I can manipulate him into letting me have you first," I said. I stopped on the side of the street, since this was a serious conversation.
She looked at me with those damn grey eyes. "So, we fool around and wait for back up?"
I scoffed. "Fool around is... a word for it. But yes, more or less. I understand if you want another plan Silena."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm not a girly girl, in case you couldn't tell. If I have to pretend to have sex with someone, I want it to be someone I can trust. I trust you, and I'm pretty sure you won't hurt me," she said.
I nodded. "Unless I wanted to be turned into a spider or cast on a ten year voyage, yeah, I'm not hurting you," I said with a tiny smile.
She gave a small laugh. "Well, good. You're not bad looking, I suppose. Minus the scar, but who am I to judge?"
I laughed, feeling the rope burn around my neck. It came from my hanging so long ago. "I had the option to get it removed. I decided to keep it," I told her, starting up the car again.
"It does give you a kind of character," she said, touching her own. While mine was ragged and ugly, hers was smooth and clean. I mean, it wasn't beautiful, but it looked nicer than mine. Some wild thought went through my mind that our contradicting scars were an allegory to our personalities.
We made more small chit-chat before stopping at a coffee shop near the Empire State. I couldn't help but look to the top, wondering what my father was up to. Silena had explained Olympus was apparently like 600 stories up or something.
She saw me looking and smiled. "It's beautiful. We are allowed to go any time, believe it or not," she said.
I looked at her. "How about now?"
She raised her eyebrows but nodded. "Sure! They have the most wonderful cafe..."
We went inside and Silena stopped to talk to an older man at the desk. He was reading a Times magazine.
"Hey Albert, 600?"
The old man smiled kindly and nodded, pressing a small gold button form his side of the desk.
A side elevator opened and we stepped in. The doors closed and I held the rail gently.
"So, Mount Olympus. Always wanted to hike the one in Greece, but this will do as well," I said, shrugging like it was no big deal.
She laughed, shoving me gently. "Hah, you're excited and you know it."
"I am. Do, uh, we have to worry about anything?"
Silena just shook her head. "Nah, it's safe. Other than the odd god walking in and saying hey," she explained.
We got to the top and the doors opened. My breath was taken away.
There was a large stone patio where we stepped out, surrounded by gardens and statues. There was a huge fountain in the middle made of marble, spewing the cleanest water. Beyond that, there were so many buildings. My minor knowledge of Greco-Roman architecture told me some where temples, others homes, and the largest one on the peak like the Parthenon.
"Wow," was all I could say.
"My mom redesigned it after the Titan War. It was beautiful before, but she... made it something else."
I could see what she meant. Olympus was a paradise. It had the familiarity of a city and yet the tranquility of nature. The streets flowed like veins, giving the home of the Gods blood to be alive. People, maybe Gods, walked the streets busily.
"It's pretty incredible. So, this cafe?" I asked, tightening my suit jacket.
"Just up the road a bit," she said, already walking. I walked with her.
When we got to the cafe, Silena grinned. A large man sitting outside waved back with a smile.
"Grandpa!" she said, running up to him. She hugged hum tightly and the man laughed, green eyes ablaze with joy.
"Ah, Silena! Good to see you," he said. His voice was calm and soothing, but I could detect wariness behind it.
"What brings you to Olympus?" she asked, sitting next to him. She waved me over to follow suit.
"Oh, this and that. Zeus wanted to go over some matters about the Atlantic, trivial things like that. Plus Apollo demanded I hear his latest haiku. He's getting better at it, believe it or not," he said.
"No way. I'll believe it when I see it," she said, relaxing into the wooden chair. "Oh, grandpa, Aaron. Aaron, Poseidon," she introduced.
I extended my hand across the table, and he shook firmly. "Mmm, my nephew. You look quite a lot like your father," he said. "Hopefully, you aren't as... stubborn," he said, like the final word was the most polite thing he could decide upon.
I chuckled. "I try not to be, sir."
His eyebrows raised. "I may have lived in four millenniums, but I'm not old enough to be called 'sir'. Besides, I should be calling you sir, since you saved Silena's life," he said, sipping at his tea.
I shrugged. "I do what I can."
"Humble as well? Well, you certainly aren't the usual son of Zeus after all. Silena, would you refill my tea?" he asked.
Silena cocked an eyebrow like it was an odd request. Probably was, since a god could summon an ocean of tea f they wanted. She obliged though and went inside to refill it.
He leaned across the table slowly. "I like you, and you seem to be a good man. So don't take this the wrong way," he said lowly.
If fear ever dominated my body, it was then. My stomach dropped and I nodded. "Of course," I said weakly.
"This... plan of yours, to take out this bastard. I understand it may require... uncomfortable tactics. I have little doubt your intentions are pure, but try and do what you can to avoid that encounter. Are we clear?" He asked. His eyes were stern and reminded me of the awful hurricane a few years back.
"Crystal. Silena's well being is my priority," I said.
He smiled and leaned back. "Good! I hate to be like that, but, I can't be jolly all the time," he said sighing.
"I've read the myths. They didn't portray you in the most flattering light," I said, trying to ease the tension.
He laughed. "No, they didn't. But I was younger then, less disciplined. My temper seemed to get the better of me. But age has brought me control."
Silena came back with the tea, and two coffees. "You two playing nice?"
"Of course," I said, sipping at the coffee she brought me.
"Yes, I like this boy. He seems to care very much about you. I best be off, however. Atlantis requires my attention. Stay safe, you two," he said, standing with his drink. He said farewell to Silena and walked away.
She just smiled. "He warned you didn't he?"
"I would have done the same," I said.
She sighed. "I just wish people would let me take care of myself. I'm sick of people treating me like I'm wounded," she snapped.
I sighed. "I never thought you were wounded. I just wanted you to be safe."
"Aaron, I will never be safe. I'm a demigod."
"You are my friend and now my partner. I swore on my life that I would do everything in my power to make sure I would die before anyone else to see Hale dead," I told her.
"That's foolish promise. You must have known it couldn't be done," she said.
I glared. "That's not the point. I am their leader, and they rely upon me for security. I have not provided them that, and I must atone."
"You can't carry the world on your shoulders," she said.
"No, they don't call me Atlas."
"I'm serious."
"And so am I. If I wanted to be a cruel tyrant, I would have adopted the name Kronos or Uranus. I called myself Zeus because I am their leader. And like my father, or perhaps unlike him in certain cases, I do my best to ensure their survival," I said.
"You blame yourself," she stated.
"Yes. And until I have killed Thomas Hale, their ghosts will haunt me." I bit my tongue when I realized what I said.
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing," I said, drinking the scorching coffee.
"No, tell me."
"I didn't mean anything," I rasped.
"Yes you did."
"You may be my friend but that does not mean I have to tell you everything," I snapped, slamming the drink down.
She didn't even flinch. "No, but it does mean I have the right to care about you. How about you be as honest with me as I've been with you?" she asked. She used my own words against me.
"I have... nightmares. Every night. The ones I've killed... the ones I sent to die... Serena. They blame me," I said quietly.
She put her hand over mine gently. "It isn't your fault. You had to kill those people."
"Did I? It didn't bring Serena back."
"No, but it stopped them from killing more girls, didn't it?"
I considered that. "Yes, but that wasn't my intention at the time. I wanted revenge."
"Anyone would. Even if no one would, it doesn't matter. Can you forgive yourself?"
"I don't know. I can never forgive myself for what happened to my friends. I sent them all to die, just so we could make money."
"Money to be used in this fight. Aaron, you are a hero. And heroes always have to make sacrifices. If they didn't, they wouldn't be so esteemed. You've made choices, impossible choices. But you've saved lives. You saved my life. And despite it makes me sound like a damsel in distress," she said, smiling. I smiled back a bit. "You are my hero."
I squeezed her hand and she squeezed it back. "Thank you," I said.
"It's the truth. But you're welcome," she said. "Now let's go. Might want to call Hale later, tell him you've made up your mind."
"I will. Back to your place?" I asked.
She nodded, and we walked back down the road a bit. When we reached the elevator, we were stopped by a man who looked middle-aged. He looked happy enough, and due to his winged sandals I had only one guess.
"Lord Hermes," I said, with a polite bow.
The man laughed and just hugged me. I was surprised but hugged back. "Ah, just brother or bro will do fine. I have some mail for you, actually. I decided it was important so I picked it up myself. I better be off though, lots of mail to be delivered. Good to see you too, Silena," he said before jogging off.
"What is it?" Silena asked.
I opened the letter in a hurry. "Just the directions Hale said he would give me," I replied evenly, handing her the letter.
"Well, this seems straightforward enough," she said as we stepped into the elevator.
"Very," I said, stroking my beard in thought.
Sil hit the button and looked at me. "What's on your mind?"
"This mole in my organization. I can't fathom who it might be..." I trailed off, quickly running over everyone in my mind. My instincts told me it was likely one of the newer recruits... but who?
"Like you said, there's no time now to find that out," she said.
"Indeed. Strange, I've never had to deal with this before. I've become too lenient."
"That's not necessarily bad."
"In my line of work, I can not afford to be like that."
"How long do you intend to be a drug lord?"
I sighed. "Who knows? It pays pretty well."
"Are you going to college?"
"Of course."
"What for?" she asked.
"Business, maybe politics. Is my brother the Governor, Jason Grace?"
She rolled her eyes but nodded.
"Well, holy shit. Poseidon's been moaning about him forever," I said, laughing.
"Why?"
"Well, Jason is an ice cold guy with the war on drugs. However, we've been keeping him at bay. The Mexican Cartels are making a huge push out there, and they are more ruthless than Atlantis. So, Poseidon's been battling them, sometimes side by side with the police. We make sure the people know that even our organization wants to keep the country safe."
"You're drug lords and yet you have a code," she said. The elevator came to a stop and we stepped out.
"Of course. See, our philosophy is that what's good for society is good for us. The Cartels like to kill people, kidnap them. They rape, which means they rank no higher than Hale. Jason seems to know that, and lets Poseidon- gah, I mean Michael. He lets Michael run free as long as he continues to battle the cartels and stick our current M.O. Still, Jason has to make an example sometimes. I understand, which is why I help him out whenever I can."
"What do you mean?" she asked as we walked back to the car.
"His opponents are conveniently tarnished by dirt being dug up on them. Affairs, drug use, unethical decisions, the list goes on. How much of a difference it makes, I don't know. Michaels had candidates ask him for help in return for easing up on him. But Michael and I agree; Jason is what California needs. He's dug them out of debt, gas prices have lowered, people have prospered more under him than any other Governor. What's good for the people is good for business," I explained.
"Hmph. Fair enough," she said.
We stepped in the car and I started it, driving back to her residence.
When we got there, Percy and Annabeth were outside, and they seemed to be arguing with Clarisse.
I got out of the car.
"-look, Torrington is off the table. He's a psychopath."
"Oh, and what Sherman did was okay?" Percy asked.
Clarisse glared. "How dare you Jackson. Sherman was under pressure, we all were. What about what Luke did, why does he get a free pass?"
Annabeth looked fired up. "Luke NEVER killed surrendering demigods. You have no ide-"
"Enough!" I bellowed. Thunder boomed to back me up.'
The three looked at me, and Silena just stepped aside.
"What's going on here?" I asked, in a more calm tone.
"You. You want Torrington on our side? You're out of your mind. He'll never join us," Clarisse spat.
I glared. "Neither would I, if anyone killed my siblings. Who was responsible for that?"
"Sherman, a son of Ares," Percy said calmly.
"Did he face charges?"
"No. He was under stress. You don't understand. You're the Prophecyborn and suddenly you think you can change everything. How about you get off your high horse!" Clarisse shouted.
I stepped close to her. "I am a son of Zeus, and little as I know of your previous struggles it is my duty to alleviate the current ones you are going through. You will know your place, daughter of Ares," I hissed, shoving my finger in her chest.
She slapped it away. "Go to Hades," she said before storming off to get in her truck.
"I'll see you there!" I shouted back. "What a bitch," I muttered.
"What was that, 'know your place'?" Silena said.
I took a deep breath. "A poor choice of words. I don't wish to become like my father," I said, fishing out a smoke. Gods knew I needed one.
"Humph. Well, that's a lot of people's view on Torrington," Percy said, gesturing to the driving truck down the street.
"And this... Luke. Who is he?"
Annabeth sighed. "He... wanted demigods to get claimed earlier, for the Gods to care. He went to Kronos, who used him. People... are conflicted on him," she said, closing her eyes tight to hold back tears, or so I bet.
"Hmmm. I have dealt with traitors. Neither Luke nor Torrington sound like traitors. Just products of a desperate time," I mused.
Percy just smiled a bit. "You have a good head on your shoulders."
"Hardly, but thanks. I have been betrayed. I may not have gone to Kronos, but if the option had been there... to have the power promised to destroy Hale... I can't say I would have said no. And Hale has already killed my friends. I would have done what Torrington did. But I don't care about Clarisse's opinions. Her mind is the mind of war, and this is not the time to be turning down potential allies," I said, inhaling the smoke deeply.
"No kidding. But you can't just steamroll the people who get in your way," Silena chided.
"Says who?" I asked, in a mere curious tone.
"It's unethical. Camp is a democracy, for better or worse."
"That's a nice notion in times of ease. But Greece, and Rome, need firm hands to lead. I will do whatever it takes for us to win this war," I argued.
She threw her hands up in the air. "That's insane!"
"Is it? Who led Greece in the Titan War?"
"I suppose I did," Percy answered, shrugging.
"Anyone else?"
"Well, the Council Heads helped me out..."
"But when it came to Manhattan, were you in total command?"
"Yes," he said, albeit reluctantly.
"There you have it. You could have never won if everyone was second guessing you. I don't intend to snatch the reigns of power... but I am the sole son of Zeus. I am not bound by the Hunt, as Thalia is. I am not bound by California, as Jason is. I intend to see Greece, and Rome, prosper," I said.
"That's also a fine notion, but being the son of Zeus doesn't give you the right to be our commander," Silena argued.
"That's not what I said."
"It's what you implied."
I just glared at her. "I'll call you with the plan, Silena. Percy, Annabeth," I said, before turning heel and walking back to my car. I drove away soon after.
