Jason could imagine a documentary voiceover narrating his date with Piper. In this oasis of tranquility, nestled beneath the walls of the Acropolis, the intensity of Athens seems miles away.

And indeed, Anafiotika was a tranquil, scenic neighbourhood that made for a great date spot. More importantly, it was a less-than-five-minute walk from the Parthenon—but Jason wanted to put the mission to the back of his mind for now. This was his time with Piper...

"Did you know," Piper said in a light tone, "that with only forty-five houses remaining after an archaeological spat, and with the streets still unnamed, all the houses are listed under one name?" He pointed at one white cubic house that looked like something from the slums. "Like that one would be Anafiotika One, and that would be Anafiotika Two."

"Not too different from Forty-Nine on First Street."

"I think Anafiotika is a prettier name."

"It's a mouthful."

Piper grinned as he climbed the stone stairs, a step ahead of Jason. "Maybe that's why it's prettier."

Within minutes, the two boys reached the top of the outcropping, where they could admire the entire neighbourhood. Jason wouldn't mind staying here for a while. Piper sat on the edge of the cliff, his legs dangling over the open air. Jason remained standing a little behind, letting Piper be part of his view.

They stayed in silence, basking in the fresh air. A breeze blew at the bright blue feather in Piper's hair. Jason leaned back and spread out his arms, letting the gentle wind catch at his long sleeves. A bumblebee perched on the pale blue cotton until a dragonfly flew right into it, and the two harmless insects floated lazy circles around each other before going their separate ways.

Piper spoke up first. "Is there something you wanted to say?"

Jason sat down next to him. He was the son of Zeus – he could fly, for gods' sake – but he'd be lying if he said the height didn't scare him a little. "I'm sorry. For that night on the Glorious; for hurting your feelings; for draining you. I've been a burden to you these past few months. I was lost and confused, but you were endlessly patient, and honestly, Piper, you deserve better."

Piper touched his hand. His fingertips were callused, but his touch was gentle; it always was. "I forgive you. But..."

Lightning fired in Jason's brain. This wasn't the usual electrical signals—this was divine. Jason knew that Nico and the others had succeeded in fixing the Primordial Ooze, because his memories resurfaced in a crashing wave.

He is six years old, and his big sister Thalia holds his hand as they cross the street together. Little does he know that this will be their last day together, before Thalia runs away and disappears from his life for at least another six years. Orange leaves spiral in the air before landing in a shiny puddle like a flame. Thalia squeezes Jason's hand in a final goodbye.

He'd be frightened and confused at first, and then resentful at having been abandoned, but he'd eventually accept his sister's decision, as all good siblings do.

He is eight years old. A pack of wolves lays waste to his house, his mother still in the bathroom. Wild animals wander around the neighbourhood sometimes, but this is too organized to be natural. He doesn't have time to think about it, because the wolves chase him all the way to Camp Half-Blood. There are steps between – an entire journey across the states – but he only remembers Point A to Point B—and some of the kind faces along the way. In the camp, he sees the tree bearing his sister's face.

At another time, another self would have gloated. For abandoning him, this was her comeuppance! But Jason had cried on the roots and buried sliced peaches in the soil as an offering.

Thalia is a Hunter of Artemis now. She and Jason ride on venti through the night, the wind spirits transparent in moonlight. Jason is still younger than her, but the age difference has shrunk. Soon, they'll look the same age; someday, he'll be older than her. But she'll always be his big sister. Their relationship is precious to Jason—to Jason, all of his relationships are precious. They are meant to last forever.

More memories whirled around, faster now until he couldn't keep up. He latched onto a vision of a bright blue feather.

He and Piper are 16. Snow drifts onto their hair and jackets, covering everything in pure white flecks. Just a few weeks later, their world will fall apart—but for now, they are in a snowy paradise. Jason brushes aside a few strands of Piper's hair, revealing a bruise under his eye. "They hurt you."

"It was an accident, Jase."

"No, it wasn't. They were jerks, and you let them hit you."

"I was mediating a conflict that got out of hand."

And Jason plans to finish it. Without another word, he stalks away from Piper and finds the jerks who dared pick a fight with his boyfriend. A nagging voice in his head whispers, "Maybe this has gone on too far." It's the voice of reason. Piper is too nice, so Jason fights his battles for him. But maybe it's time he stand back for once and encourage Piper to stand up for himself. Being a good boyfriend isn't about fighting all the time, maybe it's about being supportive and ready to meet in the middle—

Piper flinched. "Are you okay?"

Jason got up, his legs shaky. Piper scrambled up afterward and grabbed his shoulders, steadying him. Jason slouched, trying to regain his balance.

"Jase?"

Jason straightened, more than an inch taller than Piper. "I know now." Piper looked down, but Jason lifted his chin so they were looking into each other's eyes. "I regained my memories. Piper, I'm me again." That felt wrong to say. What did that say about the person he'd been these last few months? He paved on, "I know things have been messed up between us, but I can fix it. I will fix it. I'm not giving you up without a fight."

Piper didn't look pleased. "I wasn't done talking. You need to listen to me, too."

But before he could continue, a cloud blotted out the sun, creating the perfect shadow for their friends to drop onto the roofs of various Anafiotika houses. Nico landed in a crouch. Marcus created such a thunderous impact that Jason was astonished the structure didn't crumble. Lilian stumbled and almost fell over the edge of the roof. And Will was as light and graceful as a fairy—and he wielded the weather fairies' power. Jason wondered how Apollo felt about that, especially since Will had just covered the sun, even if it was only for a second.

Marcus noticed Jason and Piper first. He waved at them and raised his narwhal tusk like a flag bearer. The Zealots were approaching, and the battle to defend all of Greek culture would begin.