AN: This story is back to Eden's POV. Also, sorry about going a little overboard in this chapter, but it wouldn't have made sense as two chapters. Enjoy! Fronk x

"You're far more beautiful than her, for a start," Loki said, looking down at me. Did he really think that or was he just trying to make me feel better? "In addition, you are far more intelligent, far better company and lay far higher in my estimations than she could ever hope to. In short, Eden, you have a lot for her to be jealous of."

I flushed – something I constantly seemed to do in his company – and dropped my gaze to our feet. Again. It was a good job Loki had very interesting shoes, no sarcasm intended, or I'd be very bored looking down constantly. He changed the subject quickly, perhaps sensing my discomfort, and we resumed our usual flow of conversation and banter.

Loki was one of the few people I felt I could completely be myself around. I didn't have to stop myself from saying something or explain myself to him. He just took me as I was, and dealt with it. I could only really do that around Laura before.

"You're still wearing my charm, I see," Loki said some time later.

"Yeah, of course," I said, smiling happily. "I love it. Plus, I never take of my Camp necklace, so I'll always wear it, no matter what."

He seemed very glad to hear that. What I didn't say was that I also wouldn't take it off because he had given it to me, and I loved him.

But whatever.

He was just about to reply when someone tapped him on the shoulder. We stopped and he looked over his shoulder. I saw Nico standing there.

"May I cut in?" he asked, a little timidly.

Loki looked at me for confirmation. I nodded, signalling I was happy for Nico to dance with me. Before he let Nico take his place, he kissed my hand, his eyes never leaving mine, and stood aside. Dazzled, I let Nico sweep me away across the floor.

"You two seem close," Nico observed, smirking slightly.

"He's my friend," I said defensively.

"Right," Nico said disbelievingly. "And Frances and I are best friends." Frances, of course, is his girlfriend.

"Really," I said, laughing, "We're just friends, nothing more."

"Okay," he said, thankfully letting it drop. "Have you noticed everyone staring at us?"

I hadn't, actually, because I'd been so absorbed in Loki for the whole evening. Looking around, I saw that no one was actually looking at us. I was about to tell him that when I saw it – that fleeting glance. As I looked around the room more carefully, everyone was indeed staring at one demigod or the other. A few were turning away quickly and whispering to their partners.

"Oh, yeah," I said. "They're not very subtle, are they?"

Nico laughed. "Not particularly. I think it's anticipation for the power demonstration. You know how magic isn't tolerated very well here? Apparently, they really dislike the idea of an apparently magic free planet still having magic. Still, I have no idea what I'm going to do for mine. I mean, I can't summon an army of the dead, or kill a bunch of plants. That would scare the shit out of everyone, and make me a reject here, too."

"You could shadow travel to a bunch of places, go get things for people?" I suggested. "Or create a fissure without actually reaching the Underworld?"

"That sounds like a very good idea," he said. "I can show my powers without actually involving the dead. Brilliant."

"Not just a pretty face, you know," I quipped.

"Thank the gods," Nico said. "Your face isn't that pretty."

I slapped his arm playfully. "And I don't know what Frances sees in you!"

Just as he was about to say something back, Odin's booming voice sailed across the hall as the song ended.

"Citizens of Asgard, dear friends," he said. "I would like to thank you for coming to the official welcoming for the demigods of Midgard. Now, if we could all make our way to the gardens, I would like to state the start of the power demonstration, as prepared by said demigods."

"As sprung on said demigods by a certain ruler," Nico mumbled under his breath. I elbowed him sharply in the ribs, silencing him.

We all went through the large double doors at the far end of the ball room into the gardens. I'd never been here before, so was relying purely on the throngs of people flowing towards a certain point. The gardens here didn't look as enchanting as the path Loki and I walked everyday. Somehow, because it was so well kept, it wasn't as natural, as magical.

About ten minutes later, we arrived at this fountain. More accurately, we arrived at the base of the hill that had the fountain on it. I was about to push my way through the crowd when Nico stopped me. Smiling devilishly, he held out his hand.

"Might as well go first," he said.

I took his hand and we arrived at the top of the hill first. Again I had to cling to Nico to steady myself, but it wasn't as bad as the first time. There was an audible gasp from the crowds. Nico suddenly looked self conscious. I squeezed his hand reassuringly.

"Go on," I said. "I'll be fine while you go and show off."

He nodded shakily and took a deep breath. Then he was gone. People looked around desperately, trying to find him. When I spotted him, standing in the middle of a field of wild flowers, I discretely created a circle of light around him, highlighting him to the mass of Asgardians. A slow applause began building. Nico took off once more, this time to the base of a tree, and again I highlighted his position. This went on a few more times before Nico appeared back at my side, slightly shaky and a little too pale, even for him.

"You okay?" I asked. He just nodded, probably too exhausted to say anything. Excessive shadow travel often did that to him, even now.

By this point the royal family and the other demigods had joined us on the top of the hill.

"Thank you for that display, Nico," the All-Father said. "Nico di Angelo, everyone!" he called the audience. Rapturous applause followed. Suddenly, the Asgardian crowd had warmed to us.

Percy then went up, controlling the water from the fountain into a massive wave that rushed over the audience before sending it back into the fountain. Annabeth put on her Yankees cap and ran around a lot, disappearing and reappearing at different intervals. Thalia created a mighty lightning storm, bolts zapping the grass around her. It was only Rachel and I left.

"You not doing anything?" she asked.

"I'm last. You're up," I said.

She shook her head. "I'm a prophetess, Eden," she said sadly. "I don't have on demand powers like you guys do."

I rubbed her arm affectionately. "You're still amazing, Rach. You know that, right?"

She smiled dazzlingly bright. "Well, duh. I am an art student, after all."

I laughed and walked up. I took a calming breath and almost began, but stopped. On the 4th July that year, I'd had a medley of 'American Anthems', put together by the Apollo cabin. I had no such luck that evening. But fireworks without music never really went. Fleetingly, I searched the crowd for some, if any, of the musicians. Thankfully, I found one. Quickly, I dashed down the hill toward the hill to him. I heard Odin tell his subjects to talk amongst themselves, but I wasn't paying attention.

"Hi," I said.

"Um, good evening," he said, slightly confused. He was a slightly older man with fading brown hair and warm eyes. On his arm was a beautiful motherly looking woman, probably his wife.

"You're one of the musicians, right?" I asked.

He nodded. "Yes, I play the flute."

"That'll work perfectly," I said. "Could you play some music for my demonstration?"

"You know Asgardian music?" he asked.

"Not really," I admitted. "But if you could play the very first song you played this evening, I'd be very grateful."

"Of course, Lady Eden," he said. "If you will allow my five minutes to gather the other musicians and we will set up on the hill."

"Oh, thank you – sorry, I don't know your name," I said, a little embarrassed.

He smiled kindly. "I am Alli, my lady."

"Thank you, Alli," I said. "And please, it's just Eden."

He smiled and bowed slightly before kissing his wife on the cheek and disappearing off into the crowd. I saw a few other people moving who I assumed to be the other musicians. I headed back up the hill towards the quizzical glances of my friends.

"What was that about?" Percy asked.

"What's a firework display without a little music?" I asked, smiling devilishly.

They all laughed. A few moments later Alli came up the hill with the band of musicians. They set up as promised and gave a nod when they were ready. I caught the All-Father's eye and nodded. He called attention to the people and they waited expectantly. Giving the signal to the band, I began.

I sent up different shots of light, all different colours, some exploding into different shapes. I stared off with different reds and greens, representing the Princes of Asgard. Admittedly, there was a little more green than red… Next I sent up green, blue, a rusty orange and a pale indigo (almost silver) for the Warriors Three and Lady Sif. Appreciative oos and ahs came from the audience, fuelling my show. Finally, hearing the song build to its final climax, I sent up intertwining pale indigo and golden hue shots which, once in the air, exploded into two different halves of a heart. This was to represent Odin and Frigga. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw them clasp hands lovingly.

As the song finished, I sent up seven shots of lights up and over the audience, forming a rainbow in the night sky. Thunderous applause erupted from the audience, the citizens of Asgard. It was still going strong some minutes later. Odin had to call the cheering to an end.

"My people," he called. "Tonight we have been blessed with an experience never before witnessed on Asgard and one that will probably never be witnessed again. The demigod's visit is truly an honour."

"It is all ours, All-Father," Percy said to him. We all nodded vigorously in agreement.

"Thank you, Percy," he said, before turning back to the crowd. "I believe the appropriate way to call this section of tonight to an end is to say: Dinner is served!"

There was an almighty cheer as the people stampeded back inside. We all followed. I went over to thank Alli and just before I was about to descend the hill I felt someone pulling at my arm. I turned to see Loki standing there, a heart melting smile on his face.

"You coming?" Nico called.

"I'll be there in a minute," I said. When he saw Loki holding my forearm he smiled knowingly, rolling his eyes before going down the hill.

"What's up?" I asked Loki.

"The display," he said. "It was amazing. I just wanted to tell you personally."

"Thank you, Loki," I said. "That means a lot."

Before I could do anything he pulled me into a tight embrace, his arms over my shoulders. Slowly, I slid my arms around his waist. We just stayed there for a few moments, in each other's arms, not saying a word. Nothing at that moment could make me feel happier.

"I merely speak the truth," he said, pulling away. He smirked a little. "Something I don't do very often, being the god of lies."

I smiled slightly. "C'mon," I said, tugging on the sleeve. "We'd better get to the feast. They'll start wondering where we are soon." As we went down, I added, "Plus, Volstagg will have eaten all the best food if we don't hurry up."

"I have a better idea," he said, grabbing my hand and pulling me close. The ground fell away from my feet for a second before we landed outside the doors that lead to the ball room. "I often find teleportation a lot quicker than walking," he explained.

"Well, that's a lot better than shadow travel," I said, laughing. He smiled and led me inside to the feast.