Warning: Certain ancient Greek names matches words use of foul language but no foul language was intentionally used. Also if you haven't read them yet read 'The Tales of the Son of Poseidon & the Early Adventures' 'The Tales of the Son of Poseidon & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief' 'The Tales of the Son of Poseidon & the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters' 'The Tales of the Son of Poseidon & the Olympians: The Titan's Curse' and 'The Tales of the Son of Poseidon & the Olympians: The Magical Labyrinth' as well as the one shots 'The Tales of the Son of Poseidon & the Stolen Chariot' The Tales of the Son of Poseidon & the Sword of Hades', 'The Tales of the Son of Poseidon & the Bronze Dragon' 'The Tales of the Son of Poseidon & the Olympians: The Last Olympian' and 'The Tales of the Son of Poseidon & the Staff of Hermes' before reading this story as stuff that happened in them will be mentioned. Lastly, any one who wants to do a Demigods and Olympian reads story using 'The Tales of the Son of Poseidon' is allowed as long as you inform me about it.

A/N: I'm going to MAKE THIS CLEAR. Just like I mention on my bio page about every other fanfiction I done: I DON'T OWN THE PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIAN SERIES OR IT'S CHARACTERS as the rights goes to Rick Rioran. Also I suggest you guys start paying attention to the Author notes and my warnings that I left on EVERY chapter of EVERY story. Because I KNOW I warn all of you about the first chapter before it started.

Sorry if this chapter is too much like the book

Jason's POV Part X

At first I was worried about who the mortal enemy Hera was talking was, but now I'm worried we would lose our target. The ventus moved like the wind and Leo insisted on not getting any closer to it unless we want it to spot us.

When the spirit dove into the grid of downtown streets. Festus tried to follow, but his wingspan was way too wide. His left wing clipped the edge of a building slicing off a stone gargoyle before Leo pulled up.

"Get above the buildings," I suggested. "We'll track him from there."

"You want to drive this thing?" Leo grumbled, but he did as he was told.

After a few minutes, I spotted the storm spirit again, zipping through the streets with no apparent purpose—blowing over pedestrians, ruffling flags, making cars swerved.

"Oh great," Piper said. "There're two."

She was right. A second ventus blasted around the corner of the Renaissance Hotel and linked up with the first. They wove together in a chaotic dance, shooting to the top of a skyscraper, bending a radio tower, and diving back down toward the street.

"Those guys do not need any more caffeine," Leo said.

I guess Chicago's a good place to hang out," Piper said. "Nobody's going to question a couple more evil winds."

"More than a couple," I said. "Look."

The dragon circled over a wide avenue next to a lake-side park. Storm spirits were converging—at least a dozen of them, whirling around a big public art installation.

"Which one do you think is Dylan?" Leo asked. "I wanna throw something at him."

I wasn't focus on finding Dylan, but rather the art installation. The closer we got to it, the faster my heart beat. It was just a public fountain, but it was unpleasantly familiar. Two five-story monoliths rose from either end of a long granite reflecting pool. The monoliths seemed to be built of video screens, flashing the combined image of a giant face that spewed water into the pool.

It looked like a high-tech, super-size version of that ruined reflecting pool I seen in my dreams, with those two dark masses jutting either end. At first I thought it was a coincidence, but then the image on the screens changed to a woman's face with her eyes closed.

"Leo…" I said nervously.

"I see her," Leo said. "I don't like her, but I see her."

Then the screens went dark. The venti swirled together into a single funnel cloud and skittered across the fountain, kicking up a waterspout almost as high as the monoliths. They got to its center, popped off a drain cover, and disappeared underground.

"Did they just go down a drain?" Piper asked. "How are we supposed to follow them.

"Maybe we shouldn't," Leo said. "That fountain thing is giving me seriously bad vibes. And aren't we supposed to, like, beware the earth?"

I felt the same way, but we had to follow. We had no leads on this daughter of Hades that's supposed to lead us to my sister, so right now those venti were our best chance to finding Hera.

"Put us down in that park," I suggested. "We'll check it out on foot."

…

Festus landed in an open area between the lake and the skyline. The signs said Grant Park, and I imagined it might have been a nice place during the summer; but it was a field of ice, snow, and salted walkways. The dragon's hot metal feet hissed when we landed. Festus flapped his wings unhappily and shot fire into the sky, but there was no one around to notice. The wind was coming off the lake bitter cold. Anyone with sense would be inside. My eyes stung so badly, I could barely see.

We dismounted, and Festus the dragon stomped his feet. One of his eyes flickered, so it looked like he was blinking. It lasted until Leo pulled out a rubber mallet from his tool bag, and whacked the dragon's bad eye, causing the light to go back to normal.

"Festus can't hang around here in the middle of the park," Leo said, "It's too risky. Maybe if I had a dog whistle…"

He rummaged in his tool belt, but came up with nothing.

"Too specialize?" he guessed. "Okay, give me a safety whistle. They got that in lots of machine shops."

This time, Leo pulled out a big plastic orange whistle. "Coach Hedge would be jealous! Okay, Festus, listen." Leo blew the whistle. A shrill sound probably rolled all the way across Lake Michigan. "You hear that, come find me, okay? Until then, you fly where you want. Just try not barbecue any pedestrians."

The dragon snorted, hopefully in agreement. Then he spread his wings and launched into the air.

Piper took one step and winced. "Ah!"

"Your ankle?" I forgotten about her injury back in the Cyclops factory, which I felt bad for. "That ambrosia we gave you might be wearing off."

"It's fine." She shivered, and I remembered to get her a new snowboarding coat. I hoped I live long enough to find her one. She took a few more steps with only a slight limp, but I could tell she was trying not to grimace.

"Let's get out of the wind," I suggested.

"Down a drain," Piper shuddered. "Sounds cozy."

We wrapped ourselves up as best as we could and headed toward the fountain.

…

According to the plaque, it was called Crown Fountain. All the water had emptied out except for a few patches that were starting to freeze. It didn't seem right to me that the fountain would have water in it in the winter anyway. Then again, nothing about this place seemed right, especially after how the big monitors flashed the face of our mysterious enemy Dirt Woman.

We stopped to the center of the pool. No spirits tried to stop us. The giant monitor walls stayed dark. The drain hole was easily big enough for a person, and a maintenance ladder led down into the gloom.

I climbed down first, bracing myself for the horrible smells. As it turned out, it wasn't that bad. The ladder dropped into a brickwork tunnel running north to south. The air was warm and dry, with only a trickle of water on the floor.

Leo was next to come down, then Piper where we both helped her despite her protesting.

"Are all sewers this nice?" Piper wondered.

"No," Leo said. "Trust me."

I frowned at him. "How do you know—"

"Hey, man, I ran away six times. I've slept in some weird places, okay? Now, which way do we go?"

I tilted my head, listening to the air that was blowing down here, before pointing south. "That way."

"How can you be sure?" Piper asked.

"There's a draft blowing south," I said. "Maybe the venti went with the flow."

It wasn't much of a lead, but Piper and Leo didn't have anything better.

Unfortunately, as soon as we started walking, Piper stumbled and I had to catch her.

"Stupid ankle," she cursed.

"Let's rest," I decided. "We could all use it. We've been going nonstop for over a dy. Leo, can you pull any food from that tool belt besides breath mints?"

"Thought you'd never ask. Chef Leo is on it!"

Piper and I sat on a bridge ledge while Leo shuffled through his pack.

I'm glad we're able to rest. I was still tired and dizzy, and hungry too. But mostly, I wasn't eager to face whatever lay ahead. I turned my gold coin in my fingers.

If you are to die, Hera had warned, it will be by her hand.

Whoever "her" was. After Khione, the Cyclops mother, and the weird sleeping lady, the last thing I want was another psycho villainess in my life.

"It wasn't your fault," Piper said.

I looked at her blankly. "What?"

"Getting jumped by the Cyclopes," she said. "It wasn't your fault."

I looked down at the coin my coin. "I was stupid. I left you alone and walked into a trap. I should've known…"

I didn't finish. There were too many things I should have known—who I was, how to fight monsters, how Cyclopes lured their victims by mimicking voices and hiding in shadows and a hundred other tricks. I'm supposed to know all those information—like they're supposed to be in my head. I could feel the places it should be—like empty pockets. If Hera wanted me to succeed, why she stolen the memories that could help me survive? She claimed my amnesia had kept me alive, but that made no sense. I'm starting to understand why Annabeth had wanted to leave the goddess in her cage.

"Hey," Piper nudged my arm. "Cut yourself some slack. Just because you're the son of Zeus doesn't mean you're a one-man army.

A few feet away, Leo lit a small cooking fire. He hummed as he pulled supplies out of his pack and his tool belt.

In the firelight, Piper's eyes seemed to dance. I had been studying them for days now, and I still couldn't decide what color they were.

"I know this must suck for you," I said. "Not just the quest, I mean. The way I appeared on the bus, the Mist messing with your mind, and making you think I was… you know."

She dropped her gaze. "Don't worry about it. Silena gave me some useful advice about it after I found out."

I wanted to ask her what she meant and what kind of advice, but decided against it.

Piper tugged at the little braids on each side of her head. Again, I thought how glad I was that she had lost the Aphrodite's blessing. With the makeup and the dress and the perfect hair, she'd looked about twenty-five, glamorous, and completely out of my league. I never thought that beauty was a form of power, but the way Piper had seemed—powerful.

I liked regular Piper better—someone I could hang out with. But the weird thing was, I couldn't quite get that other image out of my head. It hadn't been an illusion. That side of Piper was there too. She just did her best to hide it.

Over at the fire Leo stirred some sizzling bell pepper and meat in a pan. "Yeah, baby! Almost there!"

"You still don't think Thalia replaced you, do you?" Piper asked.

I remembered our conversation at the factory. "No. You were right. Thalia might have not replaced me," I said. "It merely just grew during my absence. I just wish I know what happened exactly."

"We'll figure it out," Piper said. Then she took a shaky breath. "Jason, there's something I should tell you."

She didn't get the chance as Leo announced, "And bingo."

He came over with three plates stacked on his arms like a waiter. I had no idea where he'd gotten all the food, or how he'd put it together so fast, but it looked amazing: pepper and beef tacos with chips and salsa.

"Leo," Piper said in amazement. "How did you—?"

"Chef Leo's Taco Garage is fixing you up!" he said proudly. "And by the way, it's tofu, not beef, beauty queen, so don't freak. Just dig in!"

…

I wasn't sure about tofu, but the tacos tasted as good as they smelled. While we ate, Leo tried to lighten the mood and joke around. I was grateful Leo was with us. It made being with Piper a little less intense and uncomfortable. At the same time, I wished I was alone her; but I chided myself for feeling that way. Still, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of advice Silena gave Piper that helped her feel better about the Mist being used on her memories.

After Piper ate, I encouraged her to get some sleep. Without another word, she curled up and put her head in my lap. In two seconds she was snoring.

I looked up at Leo, who was obviously trying not to laugh.

We sat in silence for a few minutes, drinking the lemonade Leo had made from canteen water and powdered mix.

"Good, huh?" Leo grinned.

"You should start a stand," I said. "Make some serious coins."

"Maybe," Leo said.

I stared at the embers of the fire. "So… I take it your fire powers are true?"

Leo's smile faltered. "Yeah, well…" He opened his hand. A ball of fire burst to life, dancing across his palm.

"That is cool," I admitted. "Why didn't you say anything?"

Leo closed his hand and the fire went out. "Didn't want to look like a freak."

"I have lightning and wind powers," I reminded him. "Piper can turn beautiful and charm people into giving her BMWs. You're no more a freak than we are."

"Yeah well, not everyone in Hephaestus Cabin sees fire powers as cool," Leo said. "According to Beckendorf said fire powers are super rare."

"Does Beckendorf know?" I asked.

Leo nodded. "He found out after I used my powers to unlock a hidden bunker," he explained, "And maybe when Festus blew fire at me the first time I saw him."

"Seriously?" I asked.

Leo nodded.

"Well, maybe fire power doesn't have to be a bad thing," I said. "Obviously Beckendorf didn't see it as a bad thing."

Leo cleared away the plates. "Maybe. But I'm telling you… Fire powers aren't always a gift."

I fell silent. "You're talking about your mom, aren't you? The night she died."

Leo didn't answer. He didn't have to. The fact that he was quiet, not joking around—that told me enough.

"Leo, her death wasn't your fault. Whatever happened that night—it wasn't because you could summon fire. This Dirt Woman, whoever she is, has been trying to ruin you for years, mess up your confidence, take away everything you care about. She's trying to make you feel like a failure. You're not. You're important."

"That's what she said." Leo looked up, his eyes full of pain. "She said I was meant to do something important—something that would make or break that big prophecy about the seven demigods. That's what scares me. I don't know if I'm up to it."

"Well, we're meant to be the seven greatest demigods of our generation right," I said. "Maybe it won't turn out as bad as it sounds."

Leo nodded, but I doubt he believed me. I doubt I believe my words either. I mean, most demigods don't end up okay. Some ended up worse off than others.

Leo poked at the remnants of his fire, turning over red-hot coals with his bare hand. "You ever wonder about the other four demigods? I mean… if we're three of the ones from the Great Prophecy, who are the others? Where are they?"

I though about it, all right, but I tried to push it out of my mind. I had a horrible suspicion I would be expected to lead those other demigods, and I was afraid I would fail.

You'll tear each other apart, Boreas had promised.

I was trained to not show fear. I was sure of that from my dream with the wolves. I was supposed to act confident, even if I didn't feel it. But Leo and Piper were depending on me, and I was terrified of failing them. If I had to lead a group of six—six who might not get along—that would be even worse.

Then my mind went to that seven year old boy in the photo with Thalia: Percy Jackson. I know for sure he was one of the seven now. I couldn't help but shake this feeling he has part in getting the seven of us together. It can't be a coincidence that he disappeared days before I appeared on the school bus and Hera wouldn't have send Annabeth to get us, making her think she could find clues on her boyfriend, if the two of us are connected.

"Well, there is one we know that is part of the prophecy," I said. "Annabeth's missing boyfriend. Maybe he's out there looking for the other three."

"Yeah, maybe," Leo grunted.

The draft picked up, blowing toward the south end of the tunnel.

"Get some rest, Leo," I said. "I'll take first watching.

…

It was hard to measure time, but I figured my friends slept about four hours. I didn't mind. Now that I was resting, I didn't feel the need for more sleep. I been conked out long enough on the dragon. Plus, I needed the time to think about the quest, my sister Thalia, and Hera's warning. I also didn't mind Piper using me for a pillow. She had a cute way of breathing when she slept—inhaling through the nose, exhaling with a little puff through the mouth. I was almost disappointed when she woke up.

Finally, we broke camp and started down the tunnel.

It twisted and turned and seemed to go on forever. I wasn't sure what to expect at the end—a dungeon, a mad scientist lab, or maybe a sewer reservoir where all Porta Potty sludge end up, forming an evil toilet face large enough to swallow the world.

Instead, we found polished steel elevator doors, each one engraved with a cursive letter M. Next to the elevator was a directory, like a department store.

"M for Macy's?" Piper guessed. "I think they have one in downtown Chicago."

"Or Monocle Motors still?" Leo said. "Guys, read the directory. It's messed up."

Parking, Kennels, Main Entrance: Sewer Level
Furnishing and Café M: 1
Women's Fashion and Magical Appliances: 2
Men's Wear and Weaponry: 3
Cosmetics, Potions, Poisons & Sundries: 4

"Kennels for what?" Piper said. "And what kind of department store has its entrance in a sewer?"

"Or sells poisons," Leo said. "Man, what does 'sundries' even mean? Is that like underwear?"

Jason took a deep breath. "When in doubt, start at the top.'

…

The doors slid open on the fourth floor, and the scent of perfume wafted into the elevator. I was the first to stepped out with my sword out and ready.

"Guys," I said. "You've got to see this."

Piper joined me and caught her breath. "This is not Macy's."

The department store looked like the inside of a kaleidoscope. The entire ceiling was a stained glass mosaic with astrological signs around a giant sun. The daylight streaming through it washed everything in thousand different colors. The upper floor made a ring of balconies around a huge central atrium, so we could see all the way down to the ground floor. Gold railings glittered so brightly, they were hard to look at.

Aside from the stained glass ceiling and the elevator, I couldn't see any other windows or doors, but two sets of glass escalators ran between levels. The carpeting was a riot of oriental patterns and colors, and the racks of merchandise were just as bizarre. There was too much to take in at once, but I did see normal stull like shirt racks and shoe trees mixed with armored manikins, bed of nails, and fur coats that seemed to be moving.

Leo stepped to the railing and looked down. "Check it out."

In the middle of the atrium a fountain sprayed water twenty feet into the air, changing color from red to yellow to blue. The pool glittered with gold coins, and either side of the fountain stood a gilded cage—like an oversize canary cage.

Inside one, a miniature hurricane swirled, and lightning flashed. Somebody had imprisoned the storm spirits, and the cage shuddered as they tried to get out. In the other, frozen like a statue, was a short, buff satyr, holding a tree-branch club."

"Coach Hedge!" Piper said. "We've got to get down there."

A voice said, "May I help you find something?"

All three of us jumped back.

A woman had just appeared in front of us. She wore an elegant black dress with diamond jewelry, and she looked like a retired fashion model—maybe fifty years old, though it was hard for me to tell. Her long dark hair swept over one shoulder, and her face was gorgeous in that surreal super-model way—thin and haughty and cold, not quite human. With their long red-painted nails, her fingers looked more like talons.

She smiled. "I'm so happy to see new customers. How may I help you?"

Leo glanced at me like, All yours.

"Um," I started to say, "is this your store?"

The woman nodded. "I found it abandoned, you know. I understand so many stores are, these days. I decided it would make the perfect place. I love collecting tasteful objects, helping people, and offering quality goods at a reasonable price. So this seemed a good… how do you say… first acquisition in this country."

She spoke with a pleasing accent, but I couldn't guess where from. Her voice sounded rich and exotic—making me want to relax and hear more.

"So you're new to America?" I asked.

"I am… new," the woman agreed. "I am the Princess of Colchis. My friends call me Your Highness. Now, what are you looking for?"

I heard of rich foreigners buying American department stores. Of course most of the time they didn't sell poisons, living fur coats, storm spirits, or satyrs, but still—with a nice voice like that, the Princess of Colchis couldn't be all bad.

Piper poked me in the ribs. "Jason…"

"Um, right. Actually, Your Highness…" I pointed at the gilded cage on the first floor. "That's our friend down there, Gleeson Hedge. The satyr. Could we… have him back, please?"

"Of course!" the princes agreed immediately. "I would love to show you my inventory. First, may I know your names.

I hesitated at first. It seemed like a bad idea for us to give her our names, especially after Hera's warning.

On the other hand, Her Highness was on the verge of cooperating. If we could get what we wanted without a fight, that would be better. Besides, this lady didn't seem like an enemy.

Piper started to say, "Jason, I wouldn't—"

"This is Piper," I introduced, "This is Leo. I'm Jason."

The princess fixed her eyes on me and, just for a moment, her face literally glowed, blazing with so much anger, I could see her skull beneath her skin. My mind was getting blurrier, but I knew something didn't seem right. Then the moment passed, and Her Highness looked like a normal elegant woman again, with a cordial smile and a soothing voice.

"Jason. What an interesting name," she said, her eyes as cold as the Chicago wind. "I think we'll have to make a special deal for you. Come, children. Let's go shopping."