Chapter XV

"Hey, um, Thee, are you sure this is a good idea?" I heard Bianca ask as we strode deeper into the forest.

"Yes," I said firmly, remembering what happened a few days ago. "you just reduced those Spartoi to ashes and you are turning thirteen in two days on the thirtieth, I think that's reason enough."

"I get that you think I should start figuring out my powers," She said hesitantly. "but what if I pass out again, like after shadow traveling?"

I stopped and she did as well, coming to a halt at my side. Turning to her, I noticed the low afternoon sun glinting in her dark eyes. I couldn't help but blush as I held her gaze for a moment longer than necessary before speaking, gods she was pretty.

"Bi, unless you accidentally shadow-travel everything will be fine," I told her reassuringly. "I am here for the case that you drop, aren't I?"

She gave me a slight smile, though it was clear it had done only so much to make her less uneasy. I didn't want to push her unnecessarily, but after she just incinerated the remaining Spartoi that had, gods know how, followed Percy to Camp a week ago, I really found it to be due diligence to at least start figuring out what she could do.

"Fine, then," She looked around. "Any place we are headed in particular, or are we deep enough in?"

"A bit further," I said, indeed I was going somewhere specific. "you'll see soon enough."

We headed on and even the uninitiated could see where I was heading as the forest slowly became more barren. If you went far enough north-west you'd hit a part of the forest that had burned down from a forest fire which a particularly unfortunate lightning strike had caused last summer when the camp's borders and magic had been fading. While it had been quite some time now and it had been contained soon enough, a significant portion had still not recovered.

"So, how's Nico," I asked. "did the little Lich get any less grumpy?"

"Just because he's our dad that doesn't make us undead," Bianca protested, mildly annoyed. "besides, you are the one turning to mist, so perhaps you should be concerned with yourself, you vampire."

"Ah, I am afraid I have no problems crossing running water," I smirked. "quite the opposite even, but really, is he getting any better?"

From what Bianca had told me, Nico had been really cold towards her, clearly he had by no means just forgiven her for joining the Hunt and leaving him. Understandably enough Bianca was quite upset by that and I really felt bad for her, I had seen first hand just how much she loved Nico and yet, he pushed her away.

Not that I could blame him too much, the kid had a lot of stress on him recently and it wasn't exactly morally ideal what Bianca did and even less so how she went about it. Perhaps he just needed time? But judging from the sigh Bianca gave it seems time had so far not healed any wounds.

"It's difficult, he still does his best to avoid talking to me, he won't even accept our Dad's figurine, for Nico to reject anything related to Mythomagic..." She trailed off and I nodded.

"So... I take it you haven't told him yet?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"Yeah," She confirmed, annoyed. "I tried last week, but he refused to listen. I haven't attempted again since."

I hummed in acknowledgement as we came before a dead oak tree, still mighty, even in its dead state. I have been here before, it was one of my favorite spots in the forest. Mainly because it was one of the parts of Camp that came close to being silent in summer before ten.

"Here we are," I announced and turned to her.

"Any concrete reason we are here?" She asked as she took everything in. "Not to say it is bad, it just feels strange."

"We are here because, frankly, I am paranoid, not just the walls have ears, the trees do as well, we don't need avoidable rumors about your parentage at camp." I answered before adding an afterthought. "And who knows, maybe all the death around here will do your powers some good."

"I am not sure that's how it works," She said, looking skeptical. "speaking of, how do I even start?"

Thinking back to my first lessons in controlling water, I tried to think of a good starting point, but there was one problem with that, due to being raised under the sea I simply had such an innate connection with my powers, even as an infant, that I always had something to build on.

Bianca had displayed her powers before, she had un-existed those Spartoi, but even more importantly she had seen in the dark, the shadows hid her, she shadow-traveled. Hades might be the god of the dead, but necromancy seemed like a notch or two too high to start and darkness was a lot more relatable to water. It couldn't be too different, right?

"It's plenty dark already," I mused. "perhaps you could try controlling the shadows, that seems like a good point to begin."

"Alright then..." She took a deep breath and looked towards one of the long shadows that was thrown onto the clearing.

Bianca stared at it intensely, though the shadows didn't move anymore than they already did due to the shaking branches. She scrunched her eyes and clearly was focusing as well as she could, but the dark did defy her still. Though I had a good hunch where the problem was, it was the method of attempt that was lacking, not her.

"Bi, I have a question for you," I called to her. "is that tiring?"

"No?" She said unsure, still trying.

"Exactly," I said, my suspicion confirmed. "but it should be, which means you aren't actually failing to do it, you aren't even attempting."

"Very encouraging." She said and scowled at me.

"Don't look so glum, it's an understandable mistake and I think I can help." I told her. "Try using your hands, do what feels intuitive, if you are willing it towards you, grasp, pull, get a hold of it."

"It didn't seem necessary when you made that pier collapse?" Bianca asked and I nodded.

"Well, it isn't necessary," I agreed before elaborating. "but consciously doing it that way requires at least some proficiency."

"So I'll try again?"

"Go ahead," I told her, leaning against a tree.

Once more she took a deep breath and looked around, picking out a different shadow this time. Bianca took a couple of steps towards it, raising her left arm and reaching out towards it. From the way her fingers moved, trying to grasp something it seemed she might be taking the advice a bit too literally, but that was alright, as long as it worked.

I observed the shadow intently as she closed her eyes, focusing hard on it.

It started slow, barely noticeable, the edges of the dark started to dance lightly, shifting in and out. Bianca's breath hitched for a moment and it was clear she felt it, even if her eyes were closed. What had started as just a flicker was now growing stronger, the shadow was darker, almost seeming pitch black in comparison to the snow around it.

The darkness moved towards her, at a snail's pace at first, but it grew faster exponentially. Bianca had opened her eyes again, seeming more confident now that she had a grip, though her focus didn't lessen. The shadow suddenly raced forward, closing the distance in the blink of an eye, before surging upwards. It stopped just short of her hand, the pitch black drifting mass looked almost liquid.

"It worked!" Bianca beamed at me and I felt my heart flutter a bit.

"Good work," I praised as I moved towards the shadow which still stretched out. "that was faster than I expected, you seem to really be a prodigy with shadows."

"You think so?" She asked happily and I nodded as I picked up a small twig.

I crouched down near her and poked into the darkness with the twig. There was a small bit of push-back but it sunk in as I pushed on. It was strange, to have darkness with actual substance. This was not what I had expected, but it was fascinating. I had the strong urge to reach into it with my hand, but knew it was a stupid idea.

"Interesting," I remarked as I rose again and pulled the twig out, a slight bit of frost having appeared where it was submerged.

"As endearing as I find your curiosity," Bianca commented. "Can I drop this now, it's not that easy to hold it like this."

"Sure," I said and she did so. "We have a lot more work to do anyways."

Bianca muttering under her breath didn't go unnoticed by me, but I had dragged her out here for a reason. I wanted to see just what she could do and it was important that she knew too, well that and perhaps to a small part it was an excuse to spend time with her as well.

"Fine," She said. "So what now?"

"Well what do you think?" I asked with a smirk. "You are doing that again, repeatability is essential."

"I think that's enough for today," I said as I noticed Bianca breathing rather heavily, she looked relieved as she heard those words.

"You are a slave-driver," She told me with slight annoyance, causing me to raise a brow.

"Oh come on," I said. "at the end you were pushing yourself on, you clearly had your fun, don't even try to deny that."

"Maybe," She conceded. "doesn't change anything about what I said."

I just chuckled as we walked in the forest, heading back out along the creek. It was still some time till dinner, but gods forbid we'd miss that, there was a reason no dessert for a week was a sufficient punishment for Campers after killing or maiming in Capture the Flag.

As we walked I was happy to hold some casual conversation, it felt good to forget all the stress I put myself under with the war now starting properly and from what Clarisse had reported after returning. I was sure my hair would turn gray if we found no solution to our labyrinth problem. It appears that Kronos' plans are by now quite beyond my ability to accurately decipher.

"I really am feeling lost with Nico," Bianca said exasperated, her annoyance becoming even clearer with her gesturing. "I get that he's mad at me and I want to make it right, but..."

"But he'll get over it, won't he?" I said, trying to encourage her.

"Hopefully," She said unhappily. "but Nico can be quite persistent, even over petty squabbles, but this is no petty issue."

"You are his sister, aren't you?" I told her. "I have so far not managed to be mad at Percy for longer than a week at most."

"I think we are at two weeks and counting now," Bianca stated. "He still won't talk to me, or at least not enough to talk it out."

"I could try talking to him," I offered hesitantly. "if you want me to that is?"

"Thanks for offering, but no," She shook her head. "as I had told you before, it's my responsibility and I won't have any arguing about that this time."

Satisfied I nodded, I would have helped if she wanted, but I thought it best this way, he was her brother after all.

Soon we had left the forest and the Pegasus stables came into sight and before us the vast strawberry fields laid. They were barren for now with the snow being let through and only a few of Demeter's kids and Dionysus' two sons being here there wasn't enough manpower to make them grow at their usual rapid pace.

"Well, I've got to string my bow before Capture the Flag, Thee, so I'd better get going." Bianca stated as she watched the dipping sun.

"Alright then," I told her. "see you at dinner then, Bi,"

Smiling, I watched as she hurried off towards the cabins. Admittedly Bianca had impressed me today, she was powerful, not to flatter myself, but she might even get stronger than me at some point and that was quite the feat.

I had partially hoped to gain some insight on how to control my new-found ability by helping Bianca, you know, learning through teaching and all that, but to my disappointment I had no eureka-moment on how to control it. So far I haven't even managed to trigger it again.

"So, rhyming nicknames already?" I heard a familiar voice speak up behind me with light amusement.

I whirled around, Silena had come up beside me without me noticing somehow. I wasn't even sure why she surprised me so much, meeting Silena near the stables wasn't exactly uncommon, quite the opposite even.

"Oh, shut up," I said, waving it off, though I felt myself growing hot. "I shorten almost every friend's name and well, Theseus is just impractical isn't it?"

"Sure..." Silena said, crossing her arms. "you are just friends, that's why you are still grinning."

"Sil, I've known her for just over two weeks now." I remarked.

"So, that doesn't mean much. Besides, in those two weeks you've been on a quest together already, one after which she left the Hunt." She said, smiling at the last part.

"I know you would like to believe that, going from your disposition towards the Hunt," I said, shaking my head. "but I am certain I am not the reason Bianca did as she did."

"Really?" Silena asked. "What was it then?"

I bit my tongue, I had so far made a point of not telling anyone about Bianca's parentage, that was for her and Hades himself to deal with. But not doing so made it highly difficult to argue with the daughter of Aphrodite, or at least to win that argument.

"Let's just say she has her reasons and leave it at that." I said before deflecting away from the topic. "But seriously Sil, there is nothing going on."

"So you are saying you don't like her?" She asked with a raised brow.

"I never said that," I said with a sigh. "it's just..."

"Complicated?" Silena finished for me with a smirk.

"No," I shook my head. "difficult perhaps, but not complicated, the situation is clear."

"Fine, I won't prod you further," She rubbed her wrist, looking at the forest. "I've got somewhere to be anyways."

"The Forest? Now?" I asked, surprised. "Isn't the conch sounding in like thirty minutes or so? You'll miss dinner, you want to fight on an empty stomach?"

"I'll be back before the end of it, don't worry about me." She said and walked past me into the forest.

Something felt strange, what was she going to do in the forest, alone, while everyone was at dinner? But, that was her business, though her words still made me think. Just how much did I like Bianca? I wasn't dense enough to deny that I found her cute, but it was a crush, nothing more, right?

"You know this is really sudden, Bi?" I asked as we walked up Half-Blood Hill.

"I already apologized," She said with slight annoyance. "besides, it's not like it's my fault that my father told me only tonight that we'd be leaving today."

"Well, I guess I should have expected as much," I answered. "I just didn't think that soon would mean the middle of February of all times..."

"Spring is coming isn't it," Bianca noted and I nodded.

It was a logical explanation, with winter retreating and spring coming it meant that Persephone was returning to the overworld. If I was Hades and planning on violating the ancient laws by taking my children into my care, I'd at least make sure it happens while their stepmom wasn't around to turn them into new fragrant flowers if she so desired.

"Yeah, I think you are right." I told her before I noticed something. "Say, where is Nico?"

"He is already in the car I think."

"Which car?" I asked as we crested the hill, though the question became redundant as soon as we did.

I had to say, since this whole departure was kind of cloak-and-dagger and it was five in the morning I had expected something less... flashy. But I guess a near all black limo and I am even talking about heavily tinted windows, which I was sure was against both state and federal law, did the job as well.

"Inconspicuous," I remarked dryly. "do you think there are colors besides black down there?"

Bianca chuckled and jabbed me lightly in the arm before retorting.

"That's rich coming from the guy who wears near black armor all day."

"Hey, it's only a third of the day at most," I protested. "and I very much wear other colors."

"Sure you do..." Bianca said with a smile. "Except for the occasional camp shirt, I think the brightest I've seen you wear is a dark burgundy."

"Which is an entirely different debate," I countered and she groaned.

"My point still stands you fool." She insisted and I smirked.

"Actually, all this talk of apparel has brought something to my mind." I said and saw Bianca's eyes turn curious.

"Really, what is it?" She asked and I reached behind my back.

Frankly it had been an outright lie that it had only come to my mind through the talk. I had been planning this for a while now and it had taken quite a bit of work to get there. Excited, I un-looped the surprise from my belt where I had fixated it with two of its strings. Carefully I brought it in front of me, holding it out towards her.

"A gift," I finally answered her question. "an arm-guard."

Surprised Bianca took it, turning it around, inspecting the details of the fine engravings in the shining bronze that sat on the leather. Happily I watched a smile form on her face, seeing her happy was absolutely worth the effort put into designing it and the drachmas that flowed during its making.

"I thought since it turned out you are a natural at archery, without, or despite not being a Hunter anymore, that you could use a good bracer." I stated and she looked up at me.

"Thank you." Bianca said, beaming at me.

"I originally meant to give it to you on your birthday, but I didn't have enough time to finish it by then." I stated apologetically.

"It's alright, I don't mind..." She waved it off and I nodded.

"So I take you like it?" I asked somewhat anxiously.

"I love it, it's beautiful." She said and I smiled gladly. "Though I see you have taken some artistic liberty with Talos."

"Ah, so you have noticed already." I said. "Yes, I wanted him to be a bit more distinct, it's hard to show someone is made of bronze, doubly so on bronze artwork."

I had decided to commemorate our quest in the engravings, with the centerpiece of the artwork being a crumbling Talos, that had been our closest call with death after all and also where she had saved my life, a sign of gratitude.

"Can I put it on?" She asked tentatively.

"Of course, mind if I do it for you?" I asked in return and took her holding her arm out as approval.

I brushed back her sleeve and took the bracer from her other hand. Seeing her blush as I placed it around her left arm I couldn't help but do so myself as well. Carefully I tied the strings together, the leather wrapping tight around her arm. When I finished I took a step back and let her feel it herself.

"How does it fit?" I asked.

"Perfectly," She said, surprised. "How did you even get my wrist measurements?"

"I have my ways," I said, winking at her. "It'd be better not to question them."

Bianca rolled her eyes and moved towards me. Much to my surprise and admittedly delight she enveloped me in a hug, as I have said I am not a touchy-feely person normally, but I didn't mind as I returned it for what felt like an all too fleeting moment. Bianca pulled back and I saw just how red she was as she looked away.

I was glad for the few inches I was taller than her, because it made my own blush, which I undoubtedly had, quite a bit easier to hide. For a moment there was an awkward silence between us, before Bianca looked at me again.

"Thanks," She said again, pursing her lips and was silent for a moment.

"I am afraid I have to go for now." She said and glanced to the car.

"Alright," I said begrudgingly, I knew it was the right course, but I didn't have to be happy about it.

"I'll try to stay in touch," Bianca insisted and I nodded.

"I guess I'll see you again soon enough," I said and gave her a smile. "Say goodbye to Nico for me, will you?"

"I will, goodbye, Thee," She said.

"See ya, Bi." I gave her a brief mock salute before she turned and walked towards the car.

When she slipped into the car, I let out a breath that felt like I had kept it in forever. I had a crush on her, there was no doubt about that and it was no small one, it would probably dwarf an aircraft carrier with the size it had grown to.

Gods how could I have been so foolish, what was I doing?

I could list a dozen reasons, none of which were our fault, why I shouldn't pursue this further: who our fathers were and the problems that could cause, the prophecy which meant I might die at sixteen, the fact that we were at the brink of war and it was just irresponsible.

I wondered if Aphrodite had cursed me? I guess that's what I got for talking smack about the ever-temperamental goddess of love...

"I don't see what's so problematic about it?" I asked Chiron irritated and felt the ground shake lightly. "We should at least get oaths from the councilors, I am sure most of them would support it."

"The answer remains no," The centaur said, his voice firm. "I will not sow distrust among my campers, nor endanger any of my students in such a manner, we cannot know the circumstances they are in."

"It is they themselves that are endangering them." I argued angrily. "They'd expose themselves before any harms would be done, they know they can't swear such an oath, it's foolproof."

"What it is, is too extreme," Chiron stated calmly. "there is no need for such measures."

"Fine!" I spat. "We'll see this summer what would have been too extreme and what would have been necessary. But go ahead, let those spies go rollicking around in Camp!"

I turned on my heels and stormed out the door, leaving the Big House and Chiron's office behind me with swift steps. It was unbelievable just how hard-headed that fucking horse could be, it seems four millennia had taken its toll on his rationality.

There were spies at Camp, I knew that, he knew that, everyone knew, but nonetheless he remained inactive about it.

Despite my previous involvement I frustratingly enough had no idea who they were, Luke had always taken personal care of that. But I didn't need clues, why use a scalpel when a sledgehammer would do the trick? I had repeatedly suggested forcing oaths, on the Styx that is, of loyalty from the older campers.

The turncoats would have to reveal themselves or accept heinous consequences, was it morally unquestionable? No, but was it justified? Absolutely.

I would find out who those traitors were and I would deal with them myself if necessary. It had been four months since our quest now, two since Bianca left, it was April already, we were wasting time, time we didn't have. I was growing tired of our inaction, we needed to act, take the war to Kronos instead of letting him move us like chess pieces.

As I came down the hill the Big House sat on I had a good view over Camp, numbers had actually increased since the winter holidays. Some of the year rounders, at least those with families to return to, had gone home for the winter and Christmas, perhaps a good five more campers.

I saw the campfire burning in the distant dark and a few voices sounding from it. It was late already and most of the present campers had gathered around, but I wasn't in the mood for smores or sing-alongs. My eyes wandered on, hinging on the arena for a few seconds, perhaps letting my destructive mood out on a training dummy would help me control myself.

But frankly there was no point in wasting time chopping wood and straw apart, it wouldn't make the problems go away, only doing something about them would. I decided to head towards my cabin for now, its ambiance would provide some solace and I would be alone, to plan and to act.

With decisive strides I entered the Poseidon cabin, instantly a small wave of calm washed over me, the splashing sounds of water coming from the fountain aided in soothing my anger.

An unfinished bronze model of the Yamato laid on a table, its parts glinting, inviting me to finish it. I had known I was a highly capable naval engineer by birth, I could instantly tell if a design for a submarine would get crushed at two thousand feet or not. Not exactly a useful skill, but it also applied to miniature ships, not that it made it any more useful, though far more fun.

On my bed a copy of H.P. Lovercaft's "Dagon" lay, reading wasn't that hard for me but it still was somewhat of struggle. But it was soothing for the mind to read about terrifying beings that, hopefully, were mere fiction instead of your next involuntary sparring partner.

Looking over to Percy's empty bunk, I wondered how he was doing. I truly missed him and hadn't talked with him for almost two months and that had just been a short Iris message. But even without my brother, the cabin made me feel at home nonetheless.

I made my way over to the bed and decided that I could do well with some distraction. I picked up the book, continuing from where I left, pushing onwards despite the words defying me.

As I turned the page, something caught my attention, a sound within the cabin.

"Please deposit one Drachma." A woman's voice spoke.

I turned my head towards its point of origin. A collect Iris message? Strange, I thought, those were rare, mainly because they required an exact location and person to be given and also because they were very rude, the caller pays, that was the commonly understood etiquette of IMing.

Bianca perhaps? But that seemed unlikely, though she had messaged me only last week, Bianca knew the third reason no one used them, the cost per time was twice the normal one and her father being the god of riches also meant she should know that's a scam.

But honestly I didn't know who else would call me…

I hoped I didn't look too terrible as I went over to the fountain and reached into its waters. Fishing out a golden coin I flipped it into the mist, in which it promptly vanished.

"Oh, Iris, Goddess of the rainbow," I called hesitantly. "I accept this message."

The mist cleared and revealed sight of something I hadn't expected. Worried sky-blue eyes looked at me, clearing slightly as they saw me, golden locks of hair glinted in low light. The girl I saw was leaning against a rusty metal surface, her face was dusty, but nonetheless familiar. As I had already stated, familiar in my case meant an enemy most of the time.

Looking at me was Eleanore Warne, daughter of Apollo and chief medical officer of the Titan army. I narrowed my eyes, what was the play here?

"Theseus," She cried out relieved. "finally I have reached you, listen, I need your help, desperately."

"Whoa there, Eleanor, hold up," I said. "what is going on, why are you calling me? We are enemies, did you hit your head to hard, got a concussion?"

"I have no time for your comments," She snapped, her voice rushed. "I seriously need your help and I do so fast."

"Again, we are enemies now," I said, confused by now. "I don't see any reason why I should listen to you, let alone help you."

"We are enemies, huh?" She scowled. "We used to be friends, before you upped and stabbed Luke before vanishing. That should be reason enough to listen to me."

I felt a bit guilty, she was right, she was one of the few there who I could truly have ever called a friend, to most I was either a tool or an officer, but no friend. I didn't owe her anything really, but I should at least give her a chance to explain, there was no harm in it, right?

"Ten minutes," I decided. "explain what's up and why I should help you."

"Thank you," She smiled. "Where should I start?"

So she started explaining and talking about what had been going on. Of how Luke was sadly, but as I already knew, still alive, how he was becoming more and more unhinged and deranged. How the methods of the Titan army were becoming more and more radical, with occasions of forced recruitment and certain punishments for attempted deserters. And then finally how it had culminated in her becoming disillusioned, wanting to leave herself, to return to Camp.

I could sympathize of course, I had learned what wavering loyalties felt like not too long enough. And I had reason to believe her. I knew Eleanore, she had always been one of those idealists in the Titan army, who thought she could make a truly better world, to fight all that suffering, both of demigods and mortals. The group was small compared to those of the revenge driven one, but it was present.

No matter what sympathies I held however, I wasn't stupid, this was a perfect layout for a trap, caution was necessary. Oh sure, you had become disillusioned and attempted to desert and were now stuck somewhere with enemy forces inbound, please come help me right now, was also a perfect way to get to murder me.

"Alright," I said as she finished explaining. "I certainly can see how that is a tricky situation, but I don't see why I should believe you, this could easily be a trap."

"Why," Her eyes glinted. "because I swear on the Styx that what I just told you is as far as I know the truth and I also swear that I intend for no harm to come to you."

I swallowed as thunder boomed through the message, a most solemn and consequential oath had been made, either she was incredibly self-sacrificing for their cause, or she was being sincere. I had believed her before mostly, she had seemed sincere, and even if she hadn't been my friend, she was strategically valuable, I had to act.

"That certainly is a convincing point you make," I conceded. "Fine then, Ell, give me the rundown, where are you, what's the situation."

"Finally," She said exasperated. "I am in Baltimore, Sparrows Point, the abandoned steel plant in the south east. The Pegasus I took is dead, my left shin and foot are broken and I am sitting in the rolling mill building and the search party after me will probably find me before the end of the night."

I nodded, already strapping on my armor. It seems I would get to do something productive and maybe even let out my wrath towards some unfortunate enemies, two birds with one stone.

"I'm on my way," I told her. "try not to die, will you? "

"Doing my best." She said and paused for a moment. "And thank you Theseus."

I nodded wordlessly as she lifted her bronze sword and cut through the message. With newfound resolve I pushed out of the cabin and into the night, with one clear goal, the stables

AN: Not too much to say, a transitory chapter, but it was fun to write nonetheless

As always I appreciate every bit Feedback in any shape or form, thanks for reading, following, favoriting or reviewing