9. Visitors

October 2009

Olympus

Everyone looks at us as we reentered the ballroom, the orchestra played faintly throughout the space. They parted for us to walk through, a few nodded in greeting, some women curtsy. I smiled back in curtsey as we passed them and then I see Zeus standing next to my father, speaking to a young blonde man. I couldn't see his face as his back was turned to me, getting closer I could feel my mouth go dry. Dad looked over to us and gave me a smile of encouragement before he walked to us. He placed a hand on my shoulder and gave me gently squeeze. The music stopped abruptly.

"Isabella and Perseus," he said proudly, "I would like you to meet Jason Grace."

Jason turned around to look at us, and there was no denying how was extremely handsome he was. He was the son of Zeus, of course, shared the same striking electric blue eyes with his father and sister. But I could see kindness and compassion in them, and that's something I never saw in Zeus.

I swallowed my nerves, took a stepped forward, and said, "Hello. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Hello. It's an honor it to meet you as well," Jason spoke, his voice clear, and it had a certain charm to it.

He took a couple of steps forward until he was right in front of me, reaching out a hand with palm up. I placed my hand in his, heart raced at his touch even though I was wearing gloves. When his lips gently kissed my hand, it sends shivers through my whole body. I held my breath the entire time his lips touched my skin. The moment broke when Zeus came behind Jason.

"Son, why don't you ask Isabella for dance," Zeus said, and it was not a suggestion.

"Yes, Father. Isabella, would you like to dance?" He asked, and his hand reached for mine again.

I stared at his hand for a minute before I looked up to meet his eyes. The air around us was still; it felt as if everyone was holding their breath, waiting for me to respond.

"Yes," I said lightly with a smile that I hoped didn't look forced. I took his hand, and once again, music filled the silence as we began our dance. We were quiet for a while, too focused on the steps of the dance. He was even mouthing the counts.

I let out a chuckle when I noticed what he was doing.

"What?" He asked quietly as I did a circle around him while he stood still in place.

"You don't need to count," I commented when I stopped in front of him. "You're a natural."

"I could say the same for you, you're an incredible dancer," Jason whispered in my ear as he orbited around me.

My heart jumped at his sudden proximity, his voice tingled my skin. My eyes caught he moved slowly to stand in front of me again. They glowed brilliantly in the gentle candlelight, they look so beautiful. They lock into my mine and left me completely and utterly dazed. My breath shook as our hands interlocked once more.

Somehow I found my voice to say, "Thank you. I'm glad the dance lessons that Aphrodite force me to take paid off."

He grinned and chuckled, and I couldn't stop myself from joining in.


It took Jessica twenty minutes to beat Mike, yet it only took two minutes for her to knock Emmett off his feet. The sound of the sword clashing against the ground was the only thing that broke the silence. Emmett laid shock as Jessica stood above him, her feet planted firmly on the ground side of him.

"I win," she declared confidently, as she stepped aside.

But Emmett hasn't moved a muscle to get up. His eyes were wide open and his lips move, but I couldn't hear what he said. Although, whatever he said caused Alice to giggle.

"Huh?" Jessica mumbled. "Dude, are okay?"

"How?" He spoke little above a whisper.

Jessica rolled her eyes. "Simple, you had horrible posture right from the beginning. You lost before you even began."

Emmett sprung forward and there was this newfound spark in his eyes. "Again."

"What? Why? I'll just beat you again," Jessica stated with a huff. "Besides, I need a break."

Emmett groaned and began to plead. They went back and forth for a while until finally, Mike stepped up. And it only took him under a minute to beat Emmett. And they went again. And again. Jessica and Mike took turns fighting with Emmett. Yet despite losing miserably each time, he still got up and fought again. All the while, Alice and I were having a blast at the sidelines.

"Do you mind if I invite Jasper? I know he would hate to miss this," Alice giggled.

"Sure," I replied chuckling.

I laughed louder when once again Jessica threw Emmett to the ground. He loudly complained, slapped the ground, and got up. A tap on my finger drew away my attention.

"Huh." I turned to look at Alice. Her face was now filled with discomfort. "What's wrong?"

She quietly pointed over to where a figure stood at the edge of my property. I grinned instantly when I saw him. My feet moved before I could say another word to Alice. My pace quicken with each step I took and my smile widen as I got closer to him. He smiled faintly in return, a small blush blossomed on his cheeks.

He wore his usual leather jacket, and his dark hair fell over his eyes. He looked so pale which made the dark circles under eyes pop out more. But that small smile on his face, made him look so beautiful.

When I stopped in front of him, I didn't immediately throw my arms around him. Instead, I just look at him, grinning, and he looked back.

"Hey," I said as I bit my bottom lip to stop myself from laughing.

"Hi," Nico replied and his smile grew.

I lost it when I saw his smile. I could stand it anymore so finally gave in, and hug him tightly. He chuckled softly as he hugged me back.

"I miss you," I mumbled into his neck. "You weren't there to say goodbye."

"I'm sorry," he murmured; his arms tightened. "I'm here now. Even if I'm a little late."

"It's okay, I'm glad you're here." I told him and took a step back. "Let's take walk."

I link my arm to him, and we began our lazy walk at the edge of my yard. It was nice to talk to him, almost forgotten how nice it was. He asked about Forks, school, the people, and he listened attentively and without complaint as I went on and on about my time here.

"Where were you?" I finally asked.

He took a minute to answer. "It was hard to say goodbye, I just needed space."

There was a nagging feeling that there was something more to his answer, but I didn't say anything. It was quiet between us, the leaves crunched underneath with step we took.

"What about the nightmares?" He asked gently.

I exhaled loudly. "It's gotten better; they don't come every night anymore. I'm actually getting sleep on some nights. But there are still there, waiting around the corner. Ready to jump out when I least expect it."

He squeezed my hand, and we were quiet for a while as we walked on. No words were needed; we were both lost in our thoughts when Emmett's shouting distracted us.

"New friends?" He asked as saw Mike throw Emmett over his shoulder.

I chuckled. "Yeah, and they're vampires."

"Really?" He asked as Emmett bounced back to his feet and wiped his pants. I nodded. "That's kind of cool."

"Do you want to meet them?" I inquired, and he only nodded in response.

And so we made our way back to the group where Rosalie and Jasper have now joined. Jasper looked to be having a blast watching Emmett get his ass kicked repeatedly. Rosalie, on the other hand, seemed to be having the complete opposite reaction. While once again, Emmett implored to go another round from his place on the ground.

"Nah, I'm exhausted," Mike groaned loudly as he rubbed his shoulder.

"Give me one more chance," Emmett begged. "I swear, I can so beat you this time."

Mike scoffed loudly and shook his head. I chuckled as we reached them while Nico laughed more quietly. That's when we were noticed by everyone else. Jessica and Mike came to greet him and even made small chit-chat, while the rest stood back.

"Nico, the guy that keeps getting his ass kicked is Emmett. His wife, Rosalie. And that's Alice and Jasper," I told him, pointing to them respectively. "Cullens, meet Nico. Son of Hades."


It took some encouragement on my part, but eventually, the Cullens came closer to shake Nico's hand. Things were tense on the Cullens side, Jasper and Emmett firmly planted on Alice's and Rosalie's side. Nico, in an attempt to break the ice, decided to show Emmett how it was done. So now Nico was practicing with Jessica while the rest of us watched.

"You really should practice." Mike commented as Nico ducked.

"I know," I groaned and pouted. "But I suck."

"Practice makes perfect," Mike recited, and I threw him a glare. "Go change, and get your sword."

"Fine."

I whipped around to stomp inside like a petulant child. Just I was about to up the flight of stairs the doorbell rang. Frowning, I cautiously opened the door to find Edward on the other side. He stood stiffly and uncomfortable with his arms rigidly by his side. And I hated how my heart jumped at the sight of him.

"Hello," he greeted me, and wordlessly stepped aside to let him.

"Hey. Came to join the party?" I asked.

"I hope I'm not intriguing. I texted Jasper where he was, and he told that they were all here." He explained as we strolled further into the house.

"It's cool, they're all in the backyard. I'll be there in a bit; I have to go change."

And with I took two steps at a time upstairs to get away from him. I slammed the door behind me and rested against the door. I clenched my eyes and took some deep breaths to calm down. Opening my eyes, I found a pair of leggings and a grey, long sleeve cropped shirt. Once I stuffed on my boots, I pulled the black box from underneath my bed, hands shook slightly as I lifted the hatches. It felt like an eternity before I mustered the strength to lift the lid.

Nestled on a velvet cushion, the sword glowed beautifully. My face reflected on the surface as I delicately raised it. I turned it over in hands as the memories of Charlie's smile flooded my head. He looked so proud when he gave me the box.

I know you suck, but you still need a kick-ass sword. He told me when I opened the box for the first time.

Wiping away the tears, I walked out of the room with the sword in hand.

He stood in front of the wall filled with frame photos, staring critically at one of me with Percy, Annabeth, and Grover. He threw me a quick look as I bounced down the stairs, his eyes snapped my sword for a second before he turned back to the photo. I walked up to him to look at the same photo: we're smiling towards the camera with the water glistering in the background.

"Your brother, Percy," He pointed him out with a finger, I nodded with a hum. "Same eyes."

"Yes, our father's eyes. I look more like Mom, while Percy has more of Dad's features, like his hair," I commented.

He hummed softly and asked, "And who are these two?"

I smiled nostalgically, as I responded, "That's Annabeth, I didn't tell you this yesterday but she actually Percy's girlfriend now, and this is Grover."

"I notice something; I see that that you have streak of gray hair. At first I thought nothing of it, thinking it could have happened due stress or perhaps it's just genetics of premature gray hair, which almost made me certain since I saw it on your brother. But it is almost in the exact same location and Annabeth has it too," he observed and finally turned to look at me.

"We got it during another quest, another long story so I only tell how we got it. Annabeth was tricked by…," I struggled to say his name, but I managed to choke it out, "Luke, to take on the burden of the Titian's Curse; holding up the weight of sky so it won't crash down to Earth. A curse originally bestowed on Atlas by Zeus as a form of punishment."

I paused to look him to see if he understood so far, he gazed back and indicated for me to continue.

"Those who have taken on the burden of the Titan's Curse acquires the gray streak," I said.

His eyes widen in realization, connecting the dots in his head as he lingered on my face. I could see he was contemplating what to say next. His mouth was gaping like a goldfish which caused me to giggle a little.

"You're saying that you…along with your brother, held up the sky," Edward finally managed to speak out.

"Yeah we did, you can't possibly imagine how heavy it was," I groaned out as I remember the weight of the sky on my body, I shook it off and said, "Luke was holding for Atlas then later tricked Annabeth into hold it off for him. She was so close to dying, she held for so long, then Artemis took the burden. In a plan to defeat Atlas and trick him back into holding the sky, Percy and I took it off Artemis so she can fight Atlas with Zoë, Atlas's daughter."

"It clearly worked since you're here," Edward commented.

"Yeah it worked, but Zoë died in the hands of her father." I told him with a heavy heart.

That shocked him, his face displayed no emotion but I could see something in his eye.

"We should go to the backyard, or Mike might start yelling," I said emotionlessly and walked outside.

"About time!" Mike yelled as I stepped onto the grass.

"Shut up," I told him. "So who wants to go first?"

Mike, Jessica, and Nico looked among each other before they gathered in a circle and started to play rock-paper-and-scissors. After a few grunts, groans, and one loud whoop from Jessica, Nico stepped forward with a weak grin.

"Really? Loser goes first?" I said irritably and Nico shrugged. "Whatever, let's get this over with."

"Okay, remember, you got this," Jessica told me as we got into position.

I could feel my blood rushing throughout my whole body, every single nerve was vibrating, my breath quickened as I got into position. Everyone else vanishes from my line of eyesight until all I see is only Nico.

With a single nod to each other, we sprang into action. Nico swung and I block as best I could. I turned to the attack from the side but Nico was quicker. He pushed down to my knees and swiftly flipped to the right as Nico's sword hit the ground. I kick him back when his sword came over me, I jumped to my feet.

It went on like this for some time, I honestly didn't know how long we fought. But eventually, Nico managed to get off my feet. My head pounded as it met the hard ground and the air rushed out of my lungs.

"Again?" Nico asked as he held out a hand.

I nodded, panting, "Again."

And I took his hand.


Ugh, come on!" I complained as Nico managed to get the sword from me for the fourth time.

"How is possible that Percy is one of the greatest swordsmen and he has you as a sister?" Nico said smugly and proudly as he played with my sword.

"I don't know, but you should ask him shoot an arrow next time," I grumbled as wiped my leggings. "Let's see how badly he misses."

I let out a loud groan as I stretched my back when Emmett's laugher rang out.

"And I thought I was bad," Emmett yelled. "I'm starting to doubt all those stories you told."

Arching an eyebrow, I replied, "I may be awful with a sword, but I am damn good with a bow and arrow."

"She's deadly with her bow and a great fighter without any weapons," Jessica said and threw me a nod.

"Really?" Jasper mocked.

"You want proof? Let me show you," I challenged him.

He held my stare for a solid minute before he nodded, took off his jacket, and began to tread towards me. Nico backed away slowly, but I noticed how he gave Jasper a look. An emotionless Edward stood behind a worry Alice, who tightly grasped on Jasper's jacket. Jasper scrunched his sleeves up to his elbows, displaying his scars on his arms. I couldn't stop myself from glancing at them, but I quickly lift my eyes to look at his face.

"Good evening, cousin," I snapped my eyes to my right to find Hermes coming into view. Dressed in jeans and a thick jacket, his caduceus on full display with George and Martha. "I see you have guests."

I shook off my surprise before dropped my head into a bow. I was about bend into a curtsy when I heard Hermes softly whisper into my ear.

"A queen never bends the knee."

I nodded and straightened myself then cleared my throat.

"Good evening, Hermes. George and Martha, good evening to you two as well. It's been a while. To what do I owe the pleasure?" I tell him politely as we exchange a small kiss on our cheeks. "Let me introduce to Jasper Cullen, he goes to my school with his siblings," I gestured to the rest of his siblings, grinning when their faces mirror Jasper's expression. "Jasper, this is Hermes. And those two snakes on his staff is George and Martha."

Good evening, Bella. Always nice to see a friendly face. Martha greets me happily. George has been extremely annoying.

Well, you haven't easy to be around with either. George snaps back. What's with the pale dude? Has he never seen two snakes talk before?

I snorted loudly when I glanced at Jasper's face, but he quickly shook off the shock. And muttered a quiet hello to Martha and George.

"Ah yes, a vampire. It been a while since I've spoken to a vampire. It's nice to meet you Jasper, hope Bella hasn't cause your family too much trouble," He joked and I frowned at him.

"I-it's an honor to meet, sir. And Bella hasn't been any trouble at all." Jasper looked stun meeting Hermes, obviously and completely star-struck.

"I've known Bella and her brother since they were twelve, I know they have hack for finding trouble or trouble finds them," He laughed loudly and I shook my head at him, slightly annoyed.

"Hermes, enough," I told him sternly. "Why did you come here?"

"Oh right! Came to drop by message from Zeus, there will be a family gathering starting tomorrow. Will last through the entire weekend. You are to be in attendance," He said. "Martha, the invitation, please."

And so Martha opened her mouth wide enough for the black envelope to slip out of her mouth. The Cullens' eyes jaws drop at the sight and I chuckled at their faces. While Nico, Jessica, and Mike only looked slightly disgusted. A bright gold wax steal shimmered in the evening sky, an outline of Mount Olympus imprinted on the seal. My name was beautifully written in calligraphy on the other side in gold ink.

"Thank you passing by. Would like to come and rest for a bit?" I offered him.

"No, thank you. But I must be on my way, you know the overnight express can be," He told me.

"Its booming," I said nodding and he chuckled. "Fine, but wait here. I'll be right back."

I jogged into the house and headed straight to the kitchen. Grabbing a Coca-Cola can from the fridge, I went back out to where Hermes was talking with the rest of the group.

"Here, one for the road," I told Hermes as I handed over the canned drink. "And I'm sorry George, I don't have rats for you."

Aww, bummer George sighed sadly.

Get over it. Martha hissed at him and nudged him.

Oh, my gods. Stop touching me! George yelled at Martha.

"Stop fighting, or I will turn you back into a phone," Hermes scowled at both of them. They quieted down immediately. "Thank you for the drink, Bella. See you tomorrow for breakfast."

And with that, he began to walk away, disappearing into a shimmer once he's far away enough. I look at the Cullens but all of their gazes were still turn towards the direction where Hermes vanished. I cleared my throat to get their attention.

"What do you think?" I asked them with a smirk.

"I have no words; I just never picture him like that," Edward commented as he finally looked at me.

"They modernize with the times; did you think they were going to be himation or chiton forever?" I asked him, looking up to meet his eyes. They looked lovely in the evening glow.

"Well yes, that's how I always envisioned them." He answered, looking into my eyes.

"They still dress like sometimes, though its rare. Most of time they dress like normal mortals," I said softly, and we stood there looking at each other. His eyes look bright and gold, yet nothing like Kronos. I snapped out of it and clear my throat when I remembered that we weren't alone. "I should go in and pack. Big family weekend…so I should finish some homework tonight. I know I won't be able to work on it tomorrow."

"Right, you should do you your homework. We should go home, been taken up too much of your time. Have fun with your family tomorrow," He said as he takes a few steps backward.

"Thank, I'll try. They can be a little too much sometimes but they're family," I say with a snicker. "Jasper, rain check?"

Jasper snickered, "Looking forward to it. Just let me know when."

"Is possible that you take pictures?" Alice stepped forward to ask me.

"Um, I don't know. But I'll see if can," I answered.

I smiled at her which she returned it eagerly, and he sprinted off with Alice in hand. Rosalie and Emmett were right on their tail, leaving only Edward behind.

"I'll see you in school on Monday, then?" He walked backward until there were at least eight feet between us, keeping eye contact with me.

"Yup. Goodbye Edward," I whispered but he could hear me perfectly. I walked back to the house, the others went in ahead of me. But I stopped right by the door, Edward was still in the same spot, staring at me. I look back at him; shivers consumed my body.

"Goodbye Bella," He said loud enough for me to hear, and with one last nod, he vanished into the trees. The leaves on the trees rustled before the settled, all was silent, and slowly walked into the house.


I woke up early on Saturday once again to set the pegasi for the day with enough food and water. Nico was eating a bowl of cereal while I washed the last of my dirty dishes from yesterday. I practically had to beg him to stay for the weekend while I was away to look after the pegasi. Stuffing my homework that was all over my dining table into my backpack when Apollo entered through the front door and loudly shouted, "Good morning!"

"Good morning, Apollo. Right on time," I muttered while Nico only rolled his eyes, his mouth filled with Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

"Of course! My dad would have my head if I was late." Apollo said as he lifted himself to sit on my countertops.

"Yes, that is something I would love to watch," I joked, which caused him to stick out his tongue.

"What's up, Nico." Apollo lifted his chin that guys usually do. "Shouldn't you be in camp?"

Nico paused for a second, spoon stopped midway to his mouth, then just shrugged in response and resume to eat.

"Okay…you ready?" Apollo asked me, and I nodded.

"How did he convince you to pick me up and drop me off? I was confused when I saw that note on the invitation."

I got my overnight bag, peck Nico on the cheek, and headed toward the door. Apollo followed behind me; his usual bright red Maserati parked outside. This family loved Maserati cars.

"I actually volunteer to be your chauffeur for the weekend. Once I heard you were coming, I jump at the opportunity to pick you up," He said, unlocking his car. "Get some quality time with my future sister-in-law."

I tried to calm myself as I entered the car, things didn't end well the last time I was in this car. Then again, Thalia was driving and caused us to crash. So hopefully things will be different this time, but my heart drops when the car purred to life. I held on to the door handle for my dear life as the car zoomed forward then thrust into the sky.

"So are you ready to see your lover boy?" Apollo said so calmly while I was trembling in my seat.

"He's going to be there?" I said, completely caught off guard.

"As if Zeus is not going to invite his newest golden boy," He scoffed.

"Be nice, you're just jealous you're not the favorite anymore," I told him teasingly, and he doesn't anything more on the subject.

Instead, he turned up the volume on and pressed play on his iPod, the beginning of one of Lady Gaga songs filled the car. I turned to him with a raised eyebrow, and he shrugged before he started to sing. Despite Apollo singing, this was a better experience than when Thalia drove. Only slightly better.

"Do you think I can take pictures?" I asked once the song was over. "Of the Olympus?"

"I don't see why not; you should ask Zeus." He said before the next song began.

We listened to songs for the rest of the drive, and he somehow convinced me to join him. I burst out in laughter when he started to pump his fist. I didn't know he that is such a big fan of Lady Gaga.

When we land softly on a piece of concrete by the gardens, I caught a glimpse of Jason off to the side by the garden. The sight of him, standing there, his hair rustling in the wind, it sends warmth through my body. It felt as if I was waking up from a dream, that Forks was only a dream. That Edward was just a dream. I gave him a smile and wave before I unbuckle my seatbelt, gathering bag from between my feet, I opened the door. I walked to him but as I got closer to him, I sped up to a sprint. I jumped into his arms with a small shriek, wrapped my arms around his neck and legs around his waist.

"I like this hello," His voice was a bit muffled by my hair as he returned my hug. We stood there for a while, even Apollo passed us, gaging loudly.

"Get a room!" He yelled from a distance.

"We will, don't worry!" Jason yelled back, and we both erupt into laughter.

"Oh my Gods! I can't believe you just said that," I gasped as he finally set me down. He was still laughing and he brushed a piece of hair from my face. His hair shined like the sun and his blue eyes sparkle vividly.

He leaned down to touch his forehead with mine and looks into my eyes.

"Hi." He murmured with a soft grin.

"Hey." I grinned back, heart pounded in my chest.

His lips touched mine, his hands gripped waist and brought me closer to him. My lips moved with his as I place my hands on neck, inching toward his hair. It was so soft and warm. We kissed, heavily, in a tight embrace; I moaned deeply, as I feel his lips travel to my jaw. I gripped his hair hard and pulled, a moan erupted from him.

"Jason," I said breathlessly, when he kisses traveled to my jaw, he hummed in reply. "Maybe we should get a room."

He buried his head in my neck, so I ran my fingers through his hair. He lifted his head from my neck and gave me one more deep kiss that left me completely breathless.

"Let's go." He told me with a smile and dragged me into one of the many rooms in Olympus.