I notice that some people are getting more annoyed at Fayden. I'll try and tone down his 'dickhead-ary' but that is kind of his thing. Also, it shows depth that not everyone likes the things he does. I'm also going to ignore the comments on making super original ideas for the plot. That is literally the exact opposite of the point of this fanfic. I mean sure, I'll make a few minor changes, like how both Fayden and Leo discovered Bunker 9, but I'm not going to suddenly make Percy the God of Night or a Chaos Guardian or some shit. This whole thing is basically the original plot with an OC. He might not change the universe he was thrown into (By moi) that much.
Also, I've made a massive decision. Well, two. And I need help deciding which one to pick.
One: Fayden becomes less vicious to everyone, but he's still a sarcastic idiot to everyone.
Two: He stays the way he is, but around the time of Son of Neptune, he reconciles with Drew alone, and they kinda become friendly acquaintances, instead of sworn enemies. Cause most of you had a problem with Fayden being an ass to Drew, even though I think it's in character.
Fayden's POV
They landed in what must have been the penthouse suite, but the place had been hit by a flash freeze. The entry hall had vaulted ceilings forty feet high, huge draped windows and lush oriental carpets. A staircase at the back of the room led up to another equally massive hall, and more corridors branched off to the left and right. But the ice kind of took the spectacle. The room's beauty became almost scary. When Fayden jumped off Festus, the ground crunched under his feet. A fine layer of frost covered the furniture. The curtains didn't budge because they were frozen solid, and the ice-coated windows let in weird watery light from the sunlight. Even the ceiling was furry with icicles. As for the stairs, Fayden didn't fancy trying to walk up Elsa's staircase from Frozen, but oh well.
"Guys," Leo said. "Fix the thermostat in here, and I would totally move in." Fayden snorted at his comment, but Jason frowned.
"Not me." Jason looked uneasily at the staircase. "Something feels wrong. Something up there…"
Festus shuddered and snorted flames. Frost started to form on his scales.
"No, no, no." Zethes marched over, although in the Elvis shoes, he was surprised I have an order today. "The dragon must be deactivated. We can't let it breath fire in here. The heat ruins my hair."
Festus growled and spun his drill-bit teeth.
"'S okay. Boy." Leo turned to Zethes. "The dragon's a little touchy about the whole deactivation concept. But I've got a better solution."
Fayden watched as Leo slipped his hand under Festus' left foreleg as Piper asked,
"Leo. What are you…?"
"Watch and learn, beauty queen…"
Before Leo could continue, the noise of a shuddering dragon slowly becomes louder. Everyone backed away as Festus folded like origami. His bronze plating stacked together. His neck and tail contracted his compacted until it was a rectangular metal wedge the size of a suitcase. Leo tried to lift it, but the thing looked like it weighed about six billion pounds. "Um…yeah. Hold on. I think- aha."
Leo pushed another button. A handle flipped up on the top and wheels clicked onto the bottom.
"Ta-da!" he announced. "The world's heaviest carry-on bag.!"
Fayden came forward and clapped him on the back. "Good luck getting that through customs, bro."
Leo grinned, but Zethes suddenly yelled, "Stop!" He and Cal both drew their swords and glared at Leo.
Leo raised his hands. "Okay…what'd I do? Stay calm, guys. If it bothers you that much, I don't have to take the dragon as carry-on…"
"Who are you?" Zethes shoved the point of his sword against Leo's chest. "A child of the South Wind, spying on us? Hmm?"
Before Leo could respond, Fayden had tugged the cord of his keyring, and thrust it under Zethes' throat.
"Let. Him. Go."
Zethes swallowed, seemingly outweighing his love of bad 80's rock haircuts for surrendering. Leo suddenly gasped out, "Fayden! Put the sword away!" he turned to Zethes. "I'm a son of Hephaestus! Just a friendly old son of a blacksmith, no harm to anyone!"
Cal growled as Fayden snapped the sword away, tugging at the cord. He put his face up to Leo's, and he definitely wasn't any prettier at point-blank, with his bruised eyes and bashed-in mouth. "Smell fire," he said. "Fire is bad. For Cal."
Fayden stared at Leo, deciding it was his lie to tell. "Oh!" Leo paused slightly. "Yeah, well…my clothes are kind of singed, and I've been working with oil, and…"
"No!" Zethes pushed Leo back at sword point. "We can smell fire, demigod. We assumed it was from the creaky…"
But again, Zethes stopped, feeling another blade touch his neck. This time Cal rounded on Fayden, wo ducked the swing from the sword, which narrowly missed his brother.
"Watch it, you imbecile!" Zethes hissed, and Cal didn't raise his sword again. The 80's rock Boread was glancing at Fayden's sword in worry. Then he licked his lips, and said, "What do you want?"
Fayden leaned in. "Let us meet Boreas. All of us."
"No! Not the child of Hephaestus…"
Zethes had winced as if being struck as Fayden raised an eyebrow. The Boread swallowed, then said, "His aura is forbidden. We can have no flames in the house of Boreas. He would be killed on sight by the god himself!"
Fayden stared for a few seconds, before releasing his weapon hold on Zethes, who shook his head and body, as if daring anyone to suggest that it happened. Then he lunged.
Fayden had already known what was about to happen, but was still surprised the future hadn't tricked him. Zethes lunged in a jab, and Fayden blocked easily. Cal swung up at Fayden, but was met with a gleaming golden gladius. Fayden and Jason shared a brief nod, then they went to work. Leo and Piper, sort of bravely panicked. When they'd gotten their wits about them, Piper started calling out things, confusing the Boreads, like, 'Zethes! Turn around!' just as Fayden swung.
Jason tackled Cal, or more accurately, Cal tackled Jason, slamming him into one of those solid ice curtains. Everything inside Fayden yelled help as Cal raised his help,
"Jason! Lightning!"
This made both the Boreads instantly pause their fighting. They were nothing if not pragmatically timed.
"What is this? Jason? Lightning? He cannot be the son of Zeus. He doesn't look anything like our…"
Cal grunted. "Not our Jason." We squinted at him through the grimy windows. "Doesn't look the same."
Zethes stepped forward and also joined the squint at Jason club. "No, he's not our Jason. Our Jason was more stylish. Not as much as me- but stylish. Besides, our Jason died millennia ago."
Fayden was feeling rather confused. "Wait, how did we go from trying to kill each other to friendly greetings? Did I miss the group session?"
Zethes held up a finger to say something, but Jason beat us to it.
"Wait. Your Jason…you mean the original Jason? The Golden Fleece?"
Of course," Zethes answered. "We were his crewmates aboard his ship, the Argo, in the old times, when we were both mortal demigods. Then we accepted immortality to serve our father, so I could look this good all the time, and my silly brother could enjoy pizza and hockey.
"Hockey!" Cal agreed.
"But Jason…our Jason…he died a mortal death." Zethes said. "You can't be him."
"I'm not," Jason agreed.
Fayden had a strong desire to join Cal in cheering about violence. But even blundering Cal betrayed me.
"So, destroy? Or no destroy?" Clearly the conversation was giving his two brain cells a workout.
"No," Zethes said regretfully. "However, much I would like to finish my duel with this demigod…"
"Half-Blood," Fayden snapped.
Zethes rolled his eyes. "No difference…"
"There is with me."
Zethes didn't seem to make a connection, so turned back to Cal.
"If he is a son of Zeus, he could be the one we've been watching for."
"Watching for?" Leo asked. "You mean like in a good way: you'll shower him in fabulous prizes? Or watching for like in a bad way: he's in trouble?"
A girl's voice said, "That depends on my father's will."
Fayden looked up at the staircase, and had to admit, she was gorgeous. She was dressed in a silky white dress. Her skin was unnaturally pale, the colour of snow, but her hair was a lush mane of black, and her eyes coffee brown. She reminded Fayden of a winter version of Calypso. She glanced over everyone: Jason with interest, Piper with indifference, Leo with a completely blank face, and Fayden with deep set thought.
She looked back at Jason, seeing the sword in his hands, and seemingly getting the situation, said coolly, "Father will want to see the one called Jason," the girl asked.
"Then it is him?" Zethes said excitedly.
"We'll see," the girl said. "Zethes, bring our guests."
Leo grabbed the handle of his bronze dragon suitcase. He wasn't sure how he'd lug it up the stairs but he had to get next to that girl and ask her some important questions-like her e-mail address and phone number."
Fayden watched in surprise as she froze him with a look. Not literally froze, but she might as well have."
"Not you, Leo Valdez," she said.
Fayden watched Leo's little brain tick, and eventually sent out a brainwave screaming 'Whhhhyyy Noooot?!'
"Why not?" Yep. He sounded perfect.
"You cannot be in the presence of my father, the girl said. "Fire and ice – it would not be wise." She glanced round at Fayden as well. "You too as well. I sense something about you that isn't…you will stay, until I ca…ah!"
The girl's unflappable coldness broke as Fayden apparently teleported right next to her. Leo was grinning, Piper looked like her 'I'm going to kill Fayden list' is growing longer and Jason wore that constant state of depressive staring. Fayden pretended to lean against this woman. Her skin was incredibly cold, and he wouldn't be doing it again.
"Fine. This one can come, if you stay away from me. But Leo Valdez stays."
"We're going together," Jason insisted, putting his hand on Leo's shoulder, "or not at all."
The girl tilted her head, as if two denials of her orders were too much, and she wanted to start bashing things, like a baby with a drumstick.
"He will not be harmed, Jason Grace, unless you make trouble. Calais, keep Leo Valdez here. Guard him, but do not kill him."
Cal pouted. "Just a little?"
"No," the girl insisted. "And take care of his interesting suitcase, until Father passes judgement."
Jason and Piper both looked down at Leo, but it was Fayden that Leo looked up to. The message was clear: How do you want to play this?
Fayden smiled as Leo's eyes exploded with joy, possibly over how awesome Fayden Thatch is! Ok, he'll be serious. Leo looked incredibly relieved, which a lot of people would consider that normal. Fayden obviously saw that the Boreads feared Leo's flaming ability. And something about Fayden. He assumed it wasn't his dress-sense.
"It's fine, guys," Leo finally said. "No sense causing trouble if we don't have to. You go ahead."
"Listen to your friend," the pale girl said. "Leo Valdez will be perfectly safe. I wish I could say the same thing to you, son of Zeus. Now come, King Boreas I waiting."
Jason's POV
Jason thought he might survive this visit. If Fayden didn't kill them all. Swear to god, he was worse than Leo.
Jason watched as Fayden kept asking annoying questions to the ice woman. Jason had spotted her hands slowly turning to ice, but said nothing, worried that if someone else started pestering her, she'd just kill them for peace and quiet. He heard Piper sigh as they turned another ice-covered hallway, looming icicles threatening to drop from the ceiling any second.
"So. You have a summer job? I think you should. Being this cold, all the time must get annoying and uncomfortable."
The ice woman stiffened slightly, then looked at Fayden, and Jason could see that the ice on her hands definitely spread to her glare.
"The only thing making me irritated and uncomfortable, is you, strange demigod."
Jason groaned. She'd just made the ultimate mistake: admitting Fayden made her uncomfortable. Goddamn it. Surprisingly, he didn't immediately pounce on the opportunity. He was staring at the woman.
"Could you stop calling me a demigod. Half-Blood." Jason could sense the humour and a smidge of annoyance behind the request.
The woman frowned, and still managed to make it look cold. Which wasn't very surprising.
"They are the same thing…Half-Blood. You are half…mortal," her lips curled, "and half god."
Jason could see Fayden's smile grow wider, and had to admit, it was funny. He was surprised it wasn't common knowledge, however, but he guessed the Boreads didn't really get out much.
"Ahhh…that's…not especially true. Somewhat. You're 50% right."
The ice woman froze (ha), and looked at him. She was suddenly defensive, and looked at Fayden suspiciously.
"So, you're a god? Who!"
She raised her hand, and ice formed a dagger under Fayden's neck. Jason could see the swallow just press against the knife, but Fayden kept the grin.
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
The icy woman stared for a few seconds, then smiled evilly. "If you are a god, you would survive being slashed at the throat. Or you could teleport away. Shall we test it?"
Fayden hesitated, and Jason anticipated his release, and then a bajillion questions about Kronos. But he grinned again, then vanished. He heard Piper gasp, but he swore he could have seen a split-second blur of Fayden zip through the air, almost as fast teleporting. He had run. Almost at the speed of light.
The woman glowered at the spot Fayden had appeared, and suddenly a wave of ice knives streaked towards him. His smile froze (ha again) and he ducked to the floor. Jason flipped his sword into existence as the woman streaked towards Fayden as well, slashing.
"Who are y…?" but the question…he won't say it, on her lips.
They all watched as she brought her knife away from her arm, and they stared at the thin trickle of blood creep down his arm. It was red.
"Who are you?" the woman growled. "No one but the gods can teleport."
Fayden, finally, decided to take the murderous glare seriously. Jason actually breathed a sigh of relief when he started explaining, instead of grinning.
"I'm not half god. I'm not full god. I'm not any god. Zeus is my half-brother."
The woman stared, suddenly getting what he was saying.
"You…you're a…" her glare strengthened. "I don't believe you. What Titan would let you teleport. None have that as a genetic power.
Fayden grinned, and pointed down to the end of the hall, where massive dark oak doors, like the entrance to a castle, which made sense. Dark, intricate patterns weaved in and out of the creases in the boards, mapping the world. In each corner was a man's bearded face, blowing wind. Jason was pretty sure he'd seen maps like this, but in this version, all corners were Winter, blowing snow and ice over the world.
"Is Boreas in there?"
The woman froze (Jason swore inwardly as he thought it again), but stiffly nodded. Fayden nodded happily, and waved his arms.
"Lead on."
The woman stared at him, and Jason's grip on his sword tightened, but then she glowered, a step down from murderous glare, and started walking. Not before, however, she hissed,
"You will tell me, demi…titan. Sooner or later."
"Undoubtedly. But not now. I find it amusing."
The woman's footsteps were sharp against the ice, and Jason could hear the force she was slamming them down. She looked around, and zeroed in on his sword.
"Put that away, son of Zeus. Now."
Jason looked down at his hand. The combination of how tightly he held it and the cold had made his hand go stiff. He tried to wiggle his fingers, and they moved slightly. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Jason reached round with his other hand and prised the sword away, letting it turn back into a coin. Watching him pocket it, the woman didn't even so much as nod in approval, but walked on.
Jason turned, then did a double take. Zethes was walking behind them, sword out. Jason had completely forgot the guy was even there, and he even walked quietly over the ice. Zethes noticed him staring and said,
"What? I'm not bi, so stop staring. Turn around."
Jason raised an eyebrow, and quickly turned. The guy may have looked like a disco-era reject, but there was nothing funny about his sword. One hit and Jason figured he'd turn into a popsicle. He glanced at Piper, and she smiled back. Jason tried very hard not to blush, and was about 5% sure he succeeded. Oh, he failed. Aphrodite's blessing was fading, thankfully. Her hair was returning to its short, choppy and braided style, and the makeup on her face was fading. It made her look more real, and, in Jason's head, much more beautiful.
He was sure now that they'd never known each other before the Grand Canyon, that their relationship was trick of the Mist. But the longer he spent around her, the more he wanted it to be real.
Stop that, he told himself. It wasn't fair to Piper, thinking that way. Jason had no idea what was waiting for him in his old life- or who might be waiting. But he was pretty sure his past wouldn't mix with Camp Half-Blood. After this quest, who knew what would happen? Assuming they even survived.
At the end of the hallway, they stopped, facing the giant double doors. The princess turned. Her brown eyes flashed over Fayden, then settled on Jason and he felt like he was Christmas present she was about to open. Actually, that was too warm. He looked like a patient she was about to dissect. Much better. Or not, actually.
"This is the throne room," she said. "Be on your best behaviour, Jason Grace. My father can be…chilly. I will translate for you and try to encourage him to hear you out. I do hope he spares you. We could have such fun."
Fayden had to cut in. "I know, right? Is it his eyes? You could just get lost in that blue. I understand your feelings. Or the hair? So neat. I'd get that."
The princess turned and glared at him. "And you, demi-titan. I will find out your parent. My father will make you tell him."
Fayden leaned slightly forward. "Why didn't you?"
Jason hurriedly brought her eyes back to him, before Fayden became an ice statue. "Um, we're really just here for a little talk. We'll be leaving right afterwards."
The girl turned back to him, and smiled. Jason had a feeling that his sense of humour didn't really match hers. "I love heroes. So blissfully ignorant."
"Hey! It's his first time," Fayden cut in. "Give him some slack. I know for a fact we aren't leaving that room without a fight to the death, but I rarely leave any room where that isn't the case, so…"
Fayden said it like a joke, but Jason reached his hand back into his pocket, trying to look casual. Fortunately, the woman didn't notice. She was looking at Fayden.
"And so," she frowned. "Why are you not running away? Or at least panting. I enjoy that bit. The panting and sweating, and pale face. Where is that?"
Fayden raised an eyebrow. "You are into some weird stuff. I bet you're all for BDSM, hmm?"
Piper choked, and stared at Fayden, but Jason had no idea what that meant. Judging from the short laugh from Zethes, Jason wondered why Piper knew what it was.
"I'm not having a panic attack, because, well. This ain't my first rodeo," his accent was awful, "and I'm still here. And you're about to say…" he raised his hands as the princess interrupted.
"Think again, hero. This will be the time you don't escape."
Then she frowned, and then scowled. "You can tell the future? Who is your parent!"
Fayden laughed. "I can tell the future, to a point. But I didn't just then. Everyone says the same thing, and I always escape. You'd think my reputation on doing that would have spread, but apparently not. Now, lead on, IP."
The woman frowned. "Who is…"
"It's a TV show. Irrelevant. I thought it was funny. Just show us your dad."
Piper said, "Hang on. Fayden? You just admitted to having to fight our way out? Why on earth are we going in in the first place?"
Fayden grinned. "Because that would be boring. Besides, have you seen their swords? I'm procrastinating fighting those things, however hot a Fayd-cicle would be."
Piper opened her mouth, then closed it. To make up, she looked over at the ice princess, as if determined to have a go at someone. Girls, Jason thought.
"How about you enlighten us? You say you'll translate for us, and we don't even know who you are? And I don't particularly like you delight at the thought of killing us? What's your name?"
The girl sniffed in distaste, but Fayden looked at Piper in disbelief. "Honestly, Piper, weren't you grilled to an inch of your life by the Athena Cabin?"
Piper looked ridiculously confused, and Fayden nodded knowingly. "Ah, that explains it. It's a painful experience, mentally. I won't ever feel the same. Anyway, this…"
Fayden flourished his hands towards the ice girl, who was looking surprisingly expectant.
"…is Khione, daughter of Boreas, goddess of snow. So yeah, chilly demeanour."
Jason looked at Khione, and noticed something had changed in her face. She was looking at Fayden, not with hate, but with a strange kind of relief, as if she'd been waiting, and had finally received something she never knew she wanted. It was gone rather quickly, however. She sniffed again, and said,
"Hmm. That is correct. You are an odd one, demi-titan. Not many ancient Greeks knew me. Their islands were always too warm, too far from my domain."
She stirred the air with her finger, and a miniature blizzard swirled around her – big, fluffy flakes as soft as cotton floating around her.
"Now, come," Khione said. The oak doors blew open, and cold blue light spilled out of the room. "Possibly, you will survive your little talk."
If the entry hall had been cold, the throne room was like a meat locker.
Mist hung in the air. Jason shivered, and his breath steamed. Along the walls, purple tapestries showed scenes of snowy forests, barren mountains and glaciers. High above, ribbons of coloured light- the aurora borealis- pulsed along the ceiling. A layer of snow covered the floor, so Jason had to step carefully. All around the room stood life-size ice sculpture warriors- some in Greek armour, some medieval, some in modern camouflage- all frozen in various attack positions, sword raised, guns locked and loaded.
At least Jason thought they were sculptures. Then he tried to step between two Greek spearmen, and they moved with surprising speed, their joints cracking and spraying ice crystals as they crossed their javelins across everyone's path. Jason heard Fayden sigh, and mutter, "They can't be just be statues. That would be too easy."
Jason found some comfort in Fayden's nonchalance. It made him feel secure that at least one person here could laugh and smile seconds before he was killed, as if he'd been there a hundred times before. Or, and Jason found this equally likely, Fayden had balls of solid steel.
From the end of the hall, a man's voice rang out in a language that sounded French. The room was so long and misty, Jason couldn't see the other end, but whatever the man said made the ice guards uncross their javelins.
"It's fine," Khione said. "My father has ordered them not to kill you just yet."
"Super," Jason said.
Zethes prodded him in the back with his sword. "Keep moving, Jason Junior."
"Please don't call me that."
"My father is not a patient man," Zethes warned, "and the beautiful Piper, sadly, is losing her magic hairdo very fast. Later perhaps, I can lend her some something from my wide array of hair products.
Before Piper could even fake gag, Fayden spluttered, "Hair products? I'm sorry, Zethes. I'm sure you're a lovely ice angel, but how many is wide array?"
Zethes frowned. "I had a competition with Aphrodite centuries ago. She just won."
Fayden stared, as if trying to judge the seriousness of that statement. "You couldn't be more 80's if you tried. I suppose you do your nails?"
Jason noticed Zethes quickly cover his fingers, and Fayden sighed, turning to Khione. "Please, just kill me now. I can't stand being kidnapped by the time-lagger who founded Vixen."
Khione laughed, and Jason was shocked to hear only 50% coldness there. She genuinely found that funny. He raised his eyebrows at Fayden, who leaned in and whispered, "I got Thalia to fall for me. You think princess over there is colder?"
Jason laughed, but another bout of French from the mist sobered Khione, who ordered them to keep walking.
The mist parted to reveal a man on an ice throne. He was sturdily built, dressed in a stylish white suit that seemed woven from snow, with dark purple wings that spread out to either side. His long hair and shaggy beard were encrusted with icicles, so Jason couldn't tell if his hair was grey or just looked white with frost. His arched eyebrows made him look angry, but his eyes twinkled more warmly than his daughters- as if he might have a sense of humour that Jason related to buried under that permafrost. He hoped so.
"Bienvenu," the king said. "Je suis Boreas le Roi. Et vous?"
Khione the snow goddess was about to speak, but Piper stepped forward and curtsied.
"Votre Majesté," she said, "je suis Piper Mclean. Et c'est Jason, fils de Zeus; Fayden, fils de…" she hesitated slightly, but Fayden seemed to catch on to what Piper was saying in French, despite being surprised by the sudden outburst of Frankish-ness. He nodded, and Piper continued cautiously, "Fayden, fils de Kronos."
The king spared a pleased glance at Piper, but his eyes fixed on Fayden. His voice was riddled with disbelief. "Un fils de Kronos?!"
Khione had also gasped slightly, and was staring at Fayden, who seemed used to the reaction, however wasn't particularly displeased.
Khione stepped forward. Speaking urgently, she said, "Le fils de Kronos! Dois-je le tuer maintenant, père?"
Jason didn't know what she said, but Piper gasped and glanced at Fayden, who was equally oblivious. Boreas however, had shut off Khione before Piper could argue whatever she had heard.
"Non. C'est un invité."
Khione looked like she wanted to argue, but a sharp glance made her silence. Boreas offered another wary glance at Fayden, but turned to Piper, smiling.
"Vous parlez Français? Très bien!"
"Piper, you speak French?" Jason asked.
Piper frowned. "No. Why?"
"Because you just had an entire conversation in French."
Piper blinked. "I did?"
The king said something else, and Piper nodded. "Oui, Votre Majestré."
The king laughed and clapped his hands, obviously delighted. He said a few more sentences, then swept his hand towards his daughter, as if shooing her away.
Khione looked miffed. "The king says…"
"He says I'm a daughter of Aphrodite," Piper interrupted, "so naturally I can speak French, which is the language of love. I had no idea. His majesty says Khione won't have to translate now."
Behind them, Zethes snorted, and Khione shot him a murderous look. She bowed stiffly to her father and took a step back.
"Hang on," said Fayden, and everybody looked at him. "Why can't she still translate? Surely she deserves the honour of doing so in her own household?"
Everyone stared harder, and Jason leaned forward. "Dude, did she drug before coming in here?"
Fayden whispered back, "No, you idiot. Look around. Zethes is busy coaxing up a new Roxette album, and Boreas likes Piper. She's the only one currently in the mood to kill us. Besides…"
The king said something in French, and Piper said, somewhat pleased, "No. The king wants me to translate."
Jason caught Khione's glare at her father, then let Fayden finish.
"There, see. Now, she thinks I approve of her, when her father doesn't let her do the most menial task…"
Jason stared at the back of Fayden's head as he leaned away. He was a lot sneakier than he let on.
The king sized up Jason, and Jason decided it would be a good idea to bow.
"Your Majesty, I'm Jason Grace. Thanks for, um, not killing us. May I ask…why does a Greek god speak fluent French?"
Piper had an exchange with the king.
"He says the same reason the Olympians speak English, not Ancient Greek. He speaks the language of his host country. Boreas was never welcomed in their realm. His domain was always found far to the north. These days, he likes Quebec, so he speaks French."
The king said something else, and Piper turned pale.
"The king says…" She faltered. "He says…"
"Oh, allow me," Khione said. "My father says he has orders to kill you. Especially the son of Kronos, who I'm surprised is not already dead. Did I not mention that earlier?"
Was it him, or was there a hint of annoyance in her statement, not at the failure of the job, but the existence of it? She found it annoying that Fayden had to be killed. Sweet Hippie Zeus, Fayden was a damn genius. Although, Jason realised he should probably be focusing on the whole 'a god wants to kill him'.
The king was still smiling amiably, like he'd just delivered great news.
"Kill us?" Jason said. "Why?"
"Because," the king said, in heavily accented English, "my lord Aeolus as commanded it."
Boreas rose. He stepped down from his throne and furled his wings against his back. As he approached, Khione and Zethes bowed. Jason and Piper followed their example. Jason wasn't exactly surprised when Fayden didn't. The king looked at him, and Fayden waved his hands.
"Please don't be offended. I make it habit not to bow to anyone who expects it."
Boreas, to Jason's relief, smiled. "And why are you not dead? That sounds like a particularly life-threatening hobby."
Fayden shrugged. "Apparently not."
The king turned to Jason and Piper. "I shall deign to speak your language," he said, "as Piper Mclean has honoured me in mine. Toujours, I have had a fondness for the children of Aphrodite. As for you, Jason Grace, my master Aeolus would not expect me to kill a son of Lord Zeus…without first hearing you out."
Jason's gold coin seemed to grow heavier in his pocket, and his hand itched to reach inside, just for comfort. If he had to fight, he didn't like his chances. Two seconds at least to summon his blade. Then he'd be facing a god, two of his children and an army of freeze-dried warriors.
"Aeolus is the master of winds, right?" Jason asked. "Why would he want us dead?"
"You are demigods," Boreas said, as if this explained everything. "And no, he wants to kill you even more for being a son of Kronos," Boreas said to Fayden, "so don't complain at my word use. Aeolus' job is to contain the winds, and demigods have always caused him headaches. They ask him for favours. They unleash winds and cause chaos. But the final insult was the battle with Typhon last summer…"
Boreas waved his hand, and a sheet of ice like a flat-screen TV appeared in the air. Images of a battle flickered across the surface- in the distance, a giant wrapped in storm clouds, wading across a river towards what Jason guessed was Manhattan. Tiny, glowing figures- the gods, Jason guessed- swarmed around him like angry wasps, pounding the monster with lightning and fire. Finally, the river erupted in a massive whirlpool, and the smoky form sank beneath the waves and disappeared.
Fayden stared at the side of the video, in the forefront, which showed the Empire State Building. Then he scowled.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me!" He threw his arms in the air. "That's like your picture being taken on a rollercoaster while your tongue's out!"
Piper frowned at where he was looking. "What are you talking about?"
Fayden pointed, and Jason saw a small dot, fall down the side of the building, like…a person.
"That's you?" he said, shocked.
Fayden nodded.
"You fell down the Empire State Building?"
"Technically, no. I fell from 500 floors above it…the Olympian throne room."
Boreas, Zethes, Khione, Jason and Piper all stared at him. Boreas grunted, then asked,
"You have been in the throne room?"
Fayden nodded. "Twice. Last summer and a few years ago."
Jason saw the annoyance of Boreas' face. "Twice? That is wonderful. The Half-Blood has been to Olympus more than the god in the room."
Fayden winced. "Sorry?"
Boreas waved his hands. "Ah, it doesn't matter. Back to the matter at hand. Typhon's death released masses of storm spirits and wild gods who answered to no one. It was Aeolus' job to track them all down and imprison them in his fortress. The other gods- they did not help. They did not even apologize for the inconvenience. It took Aeolus centuries to track down all the spirits the first time Typhon was defeated. Then, last summer, Typhon was defeated again…"
"And his death released another wave of venti," Jason guessed. "Which made Aeolus even angrier."
"C'est vrai," Boreas agreed.
"But, Your Majesty," Piper said, "the gods had no choice but to battle Typhon. He was going to destroy Olympus! Besides, why punish demigods for that?"
The king shrugged. "Aeolus cannot take out his anger on the gods. They are his bosses, and very powerful. So, he gets even with the demigods who helped them in the war."
Fayden scoffed. "Gods who can't attack other gods taking it out on demigods? What would you say, My Greatest Lord Majesty of the North? Déjà vu?"
The king smiled at the obvious overdoing of his title. "I cannot officially deem that with an answer, but it does seem to happen a lot. Aeolus orders to us, the four wind gods: demigods who come to us for aid are no longer tolerated. We are to crush your little mortal faces."
There was an uncomfortable silence.
"Look, I can't," interrupted, guess who? Jason sighed as Fayden continued. "Were those his exact words? Because I'm picturing a frustrated god stomping around like his mom's just told him off, screaming 'Smash their little mortal faces!' and having a real diva moment."
Boreas frowned. "Do not mock Lord Aeolus, demi-titan. He is not the forgiving type."
"Humph. Déjà vu again. Are all gods the same? Do you visit the same cosmic therapist? Read the same self-help guides? Follow the same inspirational, emotional Instagram accounts?"
Before Boreas could add to his ice army, Jason interrupted the god's glare.
"But you won't crush our faces yet, right? You're going to listen to us first, 'cause once you hear about our quest…"
The god glared at Fayden again, before waving his hands. "Yes, yes. You see, Aeolus also said that a son of Zeus might seek my aid, and if this happened, I should listen to you before destroying you, as you might- how did he put it? – make all our lives very interesting. I am only obligated to listen however. After that, I am free as I see fit. But I will listen first. Khione wishes this also. It may be that we will not kill you."
Jason felt like he could almost breathe again. "Great. Thanks."
"Do not thank me." Boreas smiled. "There are many ways you could make our lives interesting. Sometimes we keep demigods for our amusement, as you can see."
He gestured around the room to the various ice statues.
Piper made a strangled noise. "You mean- they're all demigods? Frozen demigods? They're alive?"
"An interesting question," Boreas conceded, as if it had never occurred to him before. "They do not move unless they are obeying my orders. The rest of the time, they are merely frozen. If they were to melt, I suppose, which would be very messy."
Khione stepped behind Jason and put her cold fingers on his neck. "My father gives me such lovely presents," she murmured in his ear. "Join our court. Perhaps I'll let your friends go. Sorry, friend…"
She glided over to Fayden, tracing a finger down his chest. "I'd never let this one freeze. He's far to entertaining. Perhaps he could help me with other things…"
She traced even further down his chest to his stomach, and Fayden grinned at Jason. Jason rolled his eyes at the idiot's face.
"Sorry, Khione," Fayden said. "While that offer both pleases and terrifies me, I'm on a quest. I really have to get going soon."
Zethes broke in. "What? If Khione gets those two, then I deserve the girl. Khione always gets more presents!"
"Now, children," Boreas said sternly. "Our guests will think you are spoiled. Besides, you move to fast. We have not even heard the demigod's story yet. Then we will decide what to do with them. Please, Jason Grace, entertain us. Tell us your story."
Jason felt his brain shutting down. He didn't look at Piper for fear he'd completely lose it. He'd got them into this, and now they were going to die, or, worse, they'd be amusements for Boreas' children. At least Fayden got to stay defrosted! He watched as Khione purred around Fayden's neck, and he was glad she favoured Fayden over him. Jason didn't particularly envy the demi-titan as he watched Khione whisper something into his ear.
With as much force as he could muster, he said, "You won't kill us. And you won't capture us."
Khione looked up from Fayden, an amused expression on her face.
Jason continued, "We are on a quest from the queen of the gods herself, so unless you want Hera busting down your doors, you are going to let us go."
Khione's smile faded, and she backed off from Fayden staring at Jason in astonishment.
"Hmm," Boreas said. His eyes twinkled, but Jason couldn't tell if it was with anger or amusement. "A son of Zeus, favoured by Hera. This is definitely a first. Tell us your story."
Jason would've botched it right there. He hadn't been expecting to get the chance to talk, and now that he could, his voice abandoned him.
Piper saved him. "Your Majesty." She curtsied again with incredible poise, considering her life was on the line. She told Boreas the whole story, from the Grand Canyon to the prophecy, much better and faster than Jason could've.
"All we ask for is guidance," Piper concluded. "These storm spirits attacked us, and they're working for some evil mistress. If we find them, maybe we can find Hera."
The king stroked the icicles in his beard. Outside the windows, night had fallen, and the only light came from the aurora borealis overheard, washing everything in red and blue.
"I know of these storm spirits," Boreas said. "I know where they are kept, and of the prisoner they took."
"You mean Coach Hedge?" Jason asked. "He's alive?"
Boreas waved aside the question. "For now. But the one who controls these storm winds…It would be madness to oppose her…"
Fayden interrupted. "Surely you've noticed how little I care for the madness involved in opposing powerful beings? Tell us her name, so we can bash her face in repeatedly, then I can heal it, then bash it again."
Boreas smiled, as if he was amused. It was like Fayden was a four-year-old saying he'd be an astronaut when he grew up.
Hera's in trouble," Jason said. "In three days, she's going to be, I don't know, consumed, destroyed, something. And a giant is going to rise.
"Yes," Boreas agreed. Was it Jason's imagination, or did he shoot Khione an angry look? "Many horrible things are waking. Even my children do not tell me all the news they should. The Great Stirring of monsters that begun with Kronos – your foolish father Zeus believed it would end when the Titans were defeated. But just as it was before, so it is now. The final battle is yet to come, and the one who will wake is more terrible than any Titan. Storm spirits, these are only the beginning. The earth has many horrors to yield up. When monsters no longer stay in Tartarus, and souls are no longer confined to Hades…Olympus has good reason to fear."
Fayden sighed in annoyance, and Boreas looked at him, eyebrow raised.
"Why is it, that the gods can't just fricking help us, for once?"
Boreas smiled. "It is against the ancient laws for…"
Fayden rolled his eyes. "Right, yeah. Like I haven't defied Fate. If I can, they can. And they're immortal! I just got an angry glare from Atropos a few times! What is she gonna do to the gods?"
Again, everyone was staring at Fayden. Khione stepped forward. "You say you defied Fate? Impossible."
Fayden looked at her. "Um, no. Surprisingly easy. Two people were supposed to die, I saved their lives. Big grumpy session from Atropos later, I'm…fine."
Jason noticed the pause. Fayden had paused. But the gods in the room were too busy staring at Fayden in shock. Jason got a feeling they thought either more highly of Fayden, or that it'd be better off that he died. His hand crept to his pocket, but Boreas caught the movement.
"What is that on your forearm, demigod?"
Jason hadn't realised his coat sleeve had been pushed up, revealing the edge of his tattoo. Reluctantly, he showed Boreas his marks.
The god's eyes widened. Khione actually hissed and stepped away.
Then Boreas did something unexpected. He laughed so loudly an icicle cracked from the ceiling and crashed next to his throne. The god's form began to flicker. His beard disappeared. He grew taller and thinner, and is clothes changed into a Roman toga, lined with purple. His head was crowned with a frosty laurel, and a gladius – a Roman sword like Jason's – hung at his side.
"Aquilon," Jason said, though where he had gotten the god's Roman name, he had no idea.
The god inclined his head. "You recognise me better in this form, yes? And yet you said you came from Camp Half-Blood?"
Jason shifted his feet. "Uh…yes, Your Majesty."
"And Hera sent you there…" The winter god's eyes were full of mirth. "I understand now. Oh, she plays a dangerous game. Bold, but dangerous! No wonder Olympus is closed. They must be trembling on their thrones at the gamble she has taken."
"Jason," Piper said nervously, "why did Boreas change shape? The toga, the wreath. What's going on?"
"It's his Roman form," Jason replied. "But what's going on – I don't know."
The god laughed. "No, I'm sure you don't." He peered over at Fayden. "But you…well. Hera's already told, you, hmm? You're not one of the seven. Oh, this will be the best show since the final season of Game of Thrones."
Fayden frowned, and Jason expected some important comment on the future of the world. Instead,
"The last season was rubbish."
Boreas growled. "Those White Walkers were based off my collection. You would insult my army?"
Fayden shrugged. "Collateral."
Boreas was still grumbling. "Humph. Your story will be interesting to watch. What Hera has planned, well. You will want to kill her, you know."
At this comment, Jason noticed the colour drain from Fayden's face, and so did Boreas. "Ah! Someone has already warned you! Who was it?"
"Poseidon," mumbled Fayden, and Boreas nodded.
"Well now. Two immortals warning you that Hera's plan with anger you beyond imagining, and you're still trying to save her?"
Fayden shrugged again, and Jason was shocked to see he didn't have a witty remark. Something was going on with Fayden, something with Hera deeper than just saving her.
Piper stepped forward. "Um, Lord Boreas? If you think Hera's made an entertaining show, does that mean you'll let us go?"
"My dear," Boreas said, "there is no need for me to kill you. If Hera's plan fails, which I think it will, you will tear each other apart. Aeolus will never have to worry about demigods again."
Jason felt as if Khione's cold fingers were on his neck again, but it wasn't her – it was just the feeling that Boreas was right. That sense of wrongness which had bothered Jason since he got to Camp Half-Blood, and Chiron's comment about his arrival being disastrous – Boreas knew what they meant.
"I don't suppose you could explain?" Jason asked.
"Honestly, Jason. Keep up. He's a god. Of course he's not going to give us any more help than what he finds amusing." Fayden's tone was somewhat colder, and Jason saw he was half glaring Boreas.
Boreas stared at Fayden, as if deciding whether to freeze him or nod in agreement. He decided to nod.
"Quite. Hera took your memory for a reason, and it is not my place to interfere!" His voice sounded as if it was so much more fun not to interfere, rather than he wasn't allowed.
Boreas continued, "you know, I have a reputation as a helpful wind god. Unlike my brethren, I've been known to fall in love with mortals. Why, my sons Zethes and Calais started as demigods…"
"Which explains why they are idiots," Khione growled.
"Stop it!" Zethes snapped back. "Just because you were born full goddess…"
"Both of you, freeze," Boreas ordered. Apparently, that word was taken in a more literal sense in the household, as both siblings went absolutely still. "Now, as I was saying, I have a god reputation, but it is rare that Boreas plays an important role in the affairs of the gods. I sit here in my palace, at the edge of civilisation, and so rarely have amusements. Why, even that fool, Notus, the South Wind, gets spring break in Cancún. What do I get? A winter festival with naked Québécois rolling around in the snow!"
"I like the winter festival," Zethes muttered.
"My point," Boreas snapped, "is that now I have the chance to be the centre. Oh, yes, I will let you go on this quest. You will find your storm spirits in the windy city, of course. Chicago…"
"Father!" Khione protested.
Boreas ignored his daughter. "If you can capture the winds, you may be able to gain safe entrance to the court of Aeolus. If by some miracle, you survive, be sure to tell him you captured the wins on my orders."
"Okay, sure," Jason said. "So, Chicago is where we'll find this lady who's controlling the winds? She's the one who's trapped Hera?"
"Ah," Boreas grinned. "Those are two different questions, son of Jupiter.
Jason had time to think, Jupiter. Not son of Zeus, before Fayden groaned.
"There we go!" He pointed at Boreas. "You almost surprised me; you really did. You gave us so much information! I was surprised when you said Chicago. I was expecting, 'The state that starts with a 'C' and had seven letters!' But then…" His hands drooped to his side. "You failed. You can't answer a simple question. I swear to the gods…"
"Fayden," Piper interrupted, and Jason could hear the charmspeak. "Shut up."
Jason was shocked to see him grin at Piper, and say, "What? You thought third time's the charm? Unluckily…"
But he stopped talking. A thin layer of ice had crept up to his lips, and he tried to look at it, proceeding to make his face look demented. Then he spun around, and locked eyes with Khione. A silent eyebrow raise, and Khione rolled her eyes, and waved the ice away. Jason couldn't help but notice Zethes' surprise at this, as if he expected her sister to keep the ice there.
Boreas was waiting as Fayden turned. "Silence. Your insults grow petty."
But Fayden never listened. He frowned. "They weren't compliments? I didn't insult you nicely. I'm surprised it took so long to be punished."
"If you wish for your friends to live, you will be silent."
This shut Fayden up, which Jason was happy about. Boreas turned back to him, saying, "The one who controls the winds," he mused. "Yes. You will find her in Chicago. But she is only a servant – a servant who is very likely to destroy you. If you succeed against her and take the winds, then you may go to Aeolus. Only he has the knowledge of all the winds on earth. All secrets come to his fortress eventually. If anyone can tell you where Hera is being imprisoned, it is Aeolus. As for who you will meet when you finally find Hera's cage – truly, if I told you that, you would beg me to freeze you."
"Father," Khione protested again, "you can't simply let them…"
"I can do what I like," he said, his voice hardening. "I am still master here, am I not?"
The way Boreas glared at his daughter; it was obvious they had some ongoing argument. Khione's eyes flashed with anger, but she clenched her teeth. "As you wish, father."
"Now go, demigods," Boreas said, "before I change my mind. Zethes, escort them out safely."
They all bowed, and the god of the North Wind dissolved into mist. As they turned to leave, Jason caught the wink he sent towards Khione. Fully expecting an angry remark or a Fayd-cicle, as he put it, Jason's hand twitched. However, again, Khione surprised him, by smiling. But it wasn't a happy smile. It was a 'I'm one of those animal females who bite your head off after lovemaking' kind of smiles.
Fayden still grinned, and Jason saw something change in Khione's eyes at the response to her coldness, but he couldn't identify it.
Back in the entry hall, Cal and Leo were waiting for them. Leo looked cold but unharmed. He'd even got cleaned up, and his clothes looked newly washed, like he'd used the hotel's valet service. Festus the dragon was back in his normal form, snorting fire over his scales to keep himself defrosted.
As Khione led them down the stairs, Jason noticed Leo's eyes follow her. Leo started combing his hair back with his hands. Uh-oh, Jason thought. He heard Fayden snort as well, and saw him looking at the same thing. Jason made a mental note to help Leo with his choice of dates. Snow goddesses who wanted to kill them was not someone you swiped right with.
At the bottom of the step, Khione turned to Jason. "We are not done, Jason Grace. I will see you as a statue in the throne room soon enough."
"Boreas is right," Jason said. "You're a spoiled kid. See you around, ice princess."
Khione's eyes flashed, but Fayden interrupted. "Woah, guys. Chill." He grinned. Jason paused, then groaned. Khione was staring at Fayden like he was an uncommon disease.
"I do not understand."
Fayden laughed harder, and had the nerve to touch her shoulder. "Don't worry, snowy. You have looks. You don't need a sense of humour."
A mixture of emotions, multiple of which turned her face red flashed across Khione's face, before she stormed back up the staircase. Literally – Jason watched her turn into a blizzard and disappear halfway up.
"How did you do that?" Zethes asked Fayden. "I have never seen sister look like that towards anyone."
Fayden grinned, and Jason inwardly smiled. There was something infectious about his stupidity, and Jason fell right into it.
"Maybe I'm one of a kind, or maybe…" he grinned at his upcoming joke. "…I'm warming her up."
Zethes gasped and thrust his sword at Fayden. "Take back that insult at once! Take it back!"
Fayden reached into his pocket, which surprised Jason, who expected him to reach for his sword. However, Fayden's arm suddenly blurred, and Zethes had a small butterfly knife jammed into his throat.
"Poke me with the popsicle again, I dare you."
Jason heard the mirth in his voice, but Zethes didn't. Cal didn't either. He swung his giant sword at Fayden, and Jason reached for his sword, but Fayden made an impossible move. As if he had eyes on the back of his head, when Cal rearranged the course of his sword, Fayden spun to complement it, and Cal smacked Zethes' wing with his sword.
A few feathers flew into the air as Zethes roared in pain, shouting obscenities at his brother, while Fayden walked over to Jason, Piper and Leo. He said to Leo,
"We ready for lift off?"
Leo paused, then realised he meant Festus. "Oh, yeah! Hang on."
While Zethes was still yelling at Cal, they all leapt up onto the dragons back, who creaked and groaned in happiness. Jason agreed. He was glad to be leaving, however, he had a feeling this place would be the most hospitable place for the rest of their quest.
As Leo pulled on Festus, Zethes suddenly looked up, and realised they had run off. "Hey! Come back here!"
But he did nothing to follow, obeying his father's orders.
"So," Leo turned in his seat at the front, addressing Jason. "Where we going?"
Jason looked back down at the palace of the Boreads. "Let's go to Chicago…and try not to die."
Leo grinned. "We'll try our very best, captain."
In a mock sailor's salute, he twisted round, and suddenly Festus swerved in his flight, travelling further away from the Ice Palace as fast as his bronze wiring could manage.
Piper's POV
Piper didn't relax until the glow of Quebec City faded behind them.
"You were amazing," Jason told her.
The compliment should've made her day. But all she could think about was the trouble ahead. Evil things are stirring. They had been warned. She knew that first-hand. The closer they got to the solstice; the less time Piper had to make her decision.
She replied, "Si tu savais la vérité sur moi, tu ne penserais pas que j'étais si incroyable." If he knew the truth about her, he wouldn't think she was so amazing.
"What'd you say?" he asked.
"I said I only talked to Boreas. It wasn't so amazing."
She didn't turn to look, but she imagined him smiling.
"Hey," he said, "you saved me from joining Khione's sub-zero hero collection. I owe you."
Piper faked a smile as she replied, "Fayden's a fault though. I think you should be complaining to him, not complimenting me."
They both looked at the sleeping demi-titan. He'd fallen asleep almost instantly, and they had all noticed his rapidly changing reactions. He was smiling, then he had gone pale, then he looked downright terrified, then shocked, and had finally settled on a scary determined look that reminded Piper of what she imagined Jason would look like once he figured out she was a traitor. The easy part of that quest was stopping ice bi…ice witch from stealing Jason.
Once he figured out she was giving him to someone else, he might not be so friendly.
Piper was still bothered at the way Boreas had changed shape, and why he'd let them go. It had something to do with Jason's past, those tattoos on his arm. Boreas assumed Jason was some sort of Roman, and Romans didn't mix with Greeks. She kept waiting for Jason to offer an explanation, but he clearly didn't want to talk about it.
Until now, Piper had been able to dismiss Jason's feelings that he didn't belong at Camp Half-Blood. Obviously, he was a demigod. Of course he belonged. But now…what if he was something else? What if he really was the enemy? She couldn't stand that idea any more than she could stand Khione.
Leo passed them some sandwiches from his pack. He took out a fourth one, looked at Fayden, who was still flitting between scary and sad, then placed it back in the pack. Leo had been quiet ever since they had told him what happened in the throne room.
"I still can't believe Khione," he said. "She looked so nice."
"Trust me, man," Jason said. "Snow may be pretty, but up close it's cold and nasty We'll find you a better prom date."
Piper smiled, but Leo didn't look pleased. He hadn't said much about his time in the palace, or why the Boreads had singled him out for smelling like fire. Piper got the feeling he was hiding something. Whatever it was, his mood seemed to be affecting Festus, who grumbled and steamed as he tried to keep himself warm in the cold Canadian air. Happy the Dragon was not so happy.
They ate their sandwiches as they flew. Piper had no idea how Leo had stocked up on supplies, but he'd even remembered to bring veggie rations for her. The cheese and avocado sandwich was awesome.
Nobody talked. Whatever they might find in Chicago, they all knew Boreas had only let them go because he figured they were already on a suicide mission.
The moon rose and stars turned overhead. Piper's eyes started to feel heavy. The encounter with Boreas and his children had scared her more than she wanted to admit. Now that she had a full stomach, her adrenaline was fading. She smiled at what she thought Coach Hedge would have said:
Suck it up, cupcake! Don't be a wimp!
Piper had been thinking about the coach ever since Boreas mentioned he was still alive. She'd never liked Hedge, but he'd leaped off a cliff to save Leo, and he'd sacrificed himself to save them on the skywalk. She now realised that all the times at school the coach had pushed her, yelled at her to run faster or do more push-ups, or even when he'd turned his back and let her fight her own battles with the mean girls, the old goat men had been trying to help her in his own irritating way – trying to prepare her for life as demigod.
On the skywalk, Dylan the storm spirit had said something about the coach, too: how he'd been retired to Wilderness School because he was getting old, like it was some kind of punishment. Maybe that was why he was always so grumpy.
Whatever the truth, now she knew he was alive, Piper had a strong compulsion to save him.
Don't get ahead of yourself, she chided. You've got bigger problems. This trip won't have a happy ending.
She was a traitor, just like Silena Beauregard. It was only a matter of time before her friends found out. And something about Fayden, not even the way he addressed her, hinted that he knew more than he let on. She prayed that her true intentions weren't one of those things. She looked up at the stars and started thinking about long ago, when she and her dad had camped out in front of Grandpa Tom's house. Grandpa Tom had died years before, but Dad had kept the house in Oklahoma because it was where he grew up.
They were nice memories. Nice distractions.
Fayden's POV
Of course. Fayden was surprised they had waited this long.
Insert Kung Fu Fricking Panda's voice: Ah. My old enemy…stairs.
Wait. Dreams. The whole point of that was to personalise…never mind.
Fayden was dreaming.
And he wasn't exactly sure what was going on.
He was again hovering over the Caldecott Tunnel, but instead of being hijacked by Old Lady Hera, he was allowed to drift freely. Like last time, the entire hidden camp was completely empty of people. It stayed that way.
He floated towards the main segment of military buildings, peering inside and all the while wondering 'What the hell is this place?'.
He was side-tracked by the baths. Fayden sat on the edge, watching his legs faze through the water, feeling nothing. The room was huge, with multiple giant baths and enough steam to tell him how hot it was. It reminded him of the old Roman bath style.
He wondered the city, finding random signposts in a language he didn't understand. Then one caught his eye. A red banner, with a golden eagle hung by a building that looked a lot like military barracks, somewhere where an army would sleep. Underneath, the words: Twelfth Legion Fulminata.
Now Fayden didn't remember much from his history lessons, be it at actual school or the Athena Cabin, but a legion was Roman. He started paying more attention to the signs.
Finally, a second red flag was spotted outside a giant white building. It looked like a high school lecture hall. A semicircle of tiered seats faced a dais with a podium and two chairs. One of the chairs has a small velvet package on the seat. The podium was obviously a position of power, but it all struck him as oddly Roman.
The flag had the letters SPQR plastered in gold – the same letters on Jason's arm. What did Annabeth say they stood for? Senatus Populasque Romanus or something.
Boreas had apparently shown himself to Jason in his Roman form. He was amused at Jason appearing Roman. And this appeared to be a Roman camp. Thinking back on his last dream, Fayden remembered the temples to gods.
This was a camp of people that worshipped Roman gods. But Jason was a son of Zeus. Except…when Boreas had changed, he called Jason a son of Jupiter.
This was camp of Roman demigods.
Holy fricking crap.
"Yes. It's quite shocking."
Fayden spun, and saw nobody. He tried to float up and look around, but found his feet glued to the earth. He looked down, and yelped.
There was a woman's face in the ground to his left. Her face was a pale green, like a dryad's, only it looked sickly, not natural. Her eyes were closed, and her voice slurred. She was asleep, Fayden realised.
The woman's eyes twitched, as if she was about to open them, but the eyelids relaxed again. The woman's face had a look of annoyance, then a smile that made Fayden shudder.
"Almost. Almost. You don't know who I am, do you Fayden Thatch."
The woman gave off a strange aura, like she was seeing him, even with her eyes closed. Then the earth shook around her. It fell away into nothing, but just as her obviously naked body came into view, the dirt covered her in a revolving dress that circled her body like a weird snake. She stood, well, floated, and stared at Fayden, her eyes still relaxed. She still had that 'I'm superior' smile. Fayden wondered if people felt as annoyed at him when he did it as he was right then.
"Um, no, sleepy lady. I have no idea who you are."
The woman smiled. "Even though we've spoken before, and you've met my husband?" Her voice seemed designed to make Fayden listen, each syllable dragging him along.
He frowned, then thought about one of his early dreams – where the earth was breathing, and speaking to him in a female voice. The same female voice as Miss Psychopath.
"Who are you?" Fayden's voice had an accusatory edge.
The woman laughed in her slurred speech. "What? And ruin the game? This is so much fun!"
Fayden stared at her. "You're actually annoying. I thought I'd mention it, just in case I left you guessing with the glares and pointed stares."
The woman didn't laugh. "You know. I never experienced human sarcasm first-hand before. It's tedious."
Fayden shrugged. "Some say sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. I say they have bad taste."
The woman still didn't smile. "It's still tedious."
"You're still annoying."
The woman's eyes scrunched, and her mouth tilted. Her sleepy glare was weird with closed eyes. "I have watched you annoy multiple immortals, and from a third person view, it's funny. Not now. Silence."
She drifted closer. "I'm annoyed. I watched you annoy Aphrodite, call her ugly. I watched, and thought – weak. I would never be baited like that."
Fayden grinned. "And now you've met me?"
The woman leaned away, and started dissolving into dirt. "I really hope my son saves you. I'd love to see you live and continue messing up my plans."
Fayden winced as she slowly faded. "That was amateur. I mean, it has to be subtle."
The joke was still lost on dirt face. "I don't usually take joy in such things. But killing you…that will put a smile on my face."
Then she dissolved into dirt before Fayden could even register the quote. Then he leaped in the air and whooped.
"That's more like it, Dirt Face! That was awesome!"
Then the world dissolved.
And of course, he was plummeting through the air.
He was staring at the ground rapidly approaching.
And one thought went through his head.
Huh.
This was also a fun chapter. I'll let your imaginations run wild on how much Khione likes Fayden. I mean, it won't change anything. I'll still write what I want. Still. It'll be funny to read. Also, yeah. Since Juno (he thought it was Hera) told him he'd visit Camp Jupiter, I thought it made sense that he figure out what the place was. Hope you enjoy.