This chapter is short but it sets up some awesome things in the future, two awesome things.

It was exactly what I needed to know what to write for the next year in canon time.

Chiron was not sure what the think when he saw Medusa in full form, looking at him sans stone curse. "How?"

Aaron cackled madly, a scientist at heart that one, and explained his magic and idea to the man. Dionysius, beside Chiron, nodded. "Laurels, smart, potent magic those. Maybe next time, start with the power of Wind or Water, to wash away more of her curse like I did with Midas' curse."

Chiron cringed, knowing Athena would not be very happy to hear of such a thing. She would likely retaliate...

Aaron on the other hand looked at him with intrigue. "That is a great idea, maybe the sea? I could use Percy's blood, to invoke the Sea's essence to wash away the magic..." He bit his lips, turning to Percy who smiled at him.

"How much blood are you talking about, 'cause I like my blood in my body?"

Aaron just laughed. " A few drops, mixed into a paste and applied to create runes and sigils."

"That's fine with me then, when do we do this?"

"Maybe at my year, when my magic ought to be strong enough to handle the strain of the spell."

Chiron hid his groan, knowing that there would one hundred percent be consequences and he just hoped everyone involved would be prepared to deal with that fallout. "And what, pray tell, will you be doing from this point on Medusa?"

She frowned, then smiled. "Studying the craft, obviously. I cannot believe I never sought a way to undo the magic affecting me. I will aid the boy in undoing my curse and returning myself to a true life. One of fulfillment and pleasure. Perhaps I can work here if Lord Dionysius is welcoming. I could teach history, and help with academics and social skills."

Chiron gaped, but Dionysius just nodded. "That would be allowable, I do believe, you were once a high priestess of a reputable temple, I am sure you could do a good job..." The man was, to Chiron's shock, acting rather mature. It was so odd really, but he knew better than to question it so openly. He might be smote.

"That..." Chiron stared, hesitantly. "That would be interesting I suppose."

She nodded, eyes bright with a love and happiness he had remembered from her immortal nymph priestess days. "I miss people, Chiron, and I always loved helping children. I would love nothing more than to help others, these children, to help make amends for my once mad mind."

And there, Chiron realized, was why Dionysius respected the woman. He likely could sense her previous madness, born of loneliness and knew how she had been a victim. Mr. D was once driven mad, by Hera, and could relate. He also likely respected Aaron for healing that madness, even if accidentally. Really the boy's actions were starting to add into something ... not quite easy to swallow, the boy was already changing the easily followable patterns far too much. Who knew what was next... and that left Chiron uneasy.

"Aaron, speaking of new life, Persephone has a task for you now that your spark has been inflamed by magic enough to be considered a full sorcerer," Dionysius said, his tone almost bored but again oddly respectful. "She needs you to go and do something in Las Vegas. She will not say much else, but she requires you to leave almost immediately. In fact, in the next hour. She gave you this to start." The god handed the boy a card, a debit card with his name on it. "Take a train and go do what you need to, she will guide you as need be and AH!" The man keeled over, holding his head, stunning everyone. "Hera is also going to be borrowing you, she needs you to, right afterwards, to go to Phoenix and pick up a demigod... she wants you to protect and train the boy. This is high priority she says, and you do not have a choice. For both tasks you must be alone..." His eyes were wide. " Come with me, child." He stood and Aaron followed him away, and Chiron knew that whatever they were to talk about would be very, very interesting indeed.

Medusa sighed. "I cannot hold my curse much longer, I will depart, but do tell Mr. D thank you. And thank you, Chiron for allowing me your time."

"Never a problem, my dear."

:::

Aaron knew something big was up when he saw the look in Dionysius' eyes. The man was shivering, almost afraid. "What is shaking you up so much?"

He turned, the god, and said. "I hold sway over many places, parties, ecstasy, mindless energy. Pure emotional pleasure is my domain. There is a place, in Las Vegas, called the Lotus Hotel and Casino. It is the Lotus-eaters, in the Modern day. They warp time and feed on the pleasure of their captives. There are many demigods and legacies there, but two specifically caught my attention. Nico and Bianca Diangelo, who were placed there in the forties by their father... Hades." Aaron's eyes widened. "Yes, Father knew of them when they were younger but not now. He thinks they died, but they are in fact alive. I can sense them as my power holds sway in that place. I respect my Uncle, more than anyone, he allowed me to take my mother and wife to Olympus and never looked down at me for being the son of a mortal. I have said nothing, and I will not, but I must warn you. Be careful with what you say, do what you must to be safe and keep your heart guarded."

The boy nodded. "Thank you for telling me this."

The god waved off the words. "I respect you, enough to not want you dead. My sons are fond of you. Do not die and leave them sad. Now go, ready yourself and hurry... oh and as for the other quest, the one in Phoenix, I can tell you nothing, only that it is deeply important. I am not sure why, but Hera rarely cares enough about a demigod to have them protected... something is up and I am unable to foresee exactly why that is. That alone should unnerve you."

Aaron nodded. "I understand. I will be off shortly... thank you, My Lord."

"Take all of your magical artifacts, ready yourself to the T and be very careful."

Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.

This was a joy to write,

Your Ninja Overlord,

Mika.