*Zombie moans as I rise from my bottomless pit* So, life has been pretty much none stop hectic for quite a few months now. I had an internship in London for a month and couldn't write anything, then I got back for like two weeks before having to move to university, and I recently lost a family member who was really dear to me. So I'm really sorry that I've not updated in so long, but life really has been mental lately. Hopefully this Halloween special will make it up to you all. Thank you to everyone who is still sticking with my stories despite my horrendous update schedule.
Melancholy's Sunshine : Thank you. And Hephaestus has many tricks up his sleeve, though whether or not he'll be able to use them next time Leo gets in trouble is unknown. And I really must apologise for the wait.
Chromatophobe : Thanks J (even if all of these replies are going to be incredibly late). It's weird to think that the last chapter I wrote of this was in college during exam season, and now we are both in uni.
Skyfir3S4kur4 : It seems that the Teresa chapter has been sincerely anticipated And I'm really glad that you loved this chapter, fatherly Hephaestus was so much fun to write. I'm not as awesome as you guys. My updates are always late, yet you all keep reviewing which makes you so much more awesome than I could ever be.
Elephantlover123 : I'm usually too lazy to login whenever I'm doing anything on Fanfiction Thanks for saying the chapter was awesome, Hermes and Hephaestus were really fun to write. And even though you said that you don't mind the wait, I'm still sorry that it was this ridiculously long.
SunlessShipper : *Hands tissue* It's good that those are happy tears, rather than I just attacked you with angst tears. Though that may change this chapter…
FuzzyElf24 : And I love you random citizen! (Sorry, I really love that Megamind quote and like to use it as much as possible). Though seriously, I love all of you guys. It's so nice to see familiar names in the review section, I really enjoy getting to talk to you like this.
Neon Wish Likes Pine Trees : I'll take it that you enjoyed the chapter then
TheGirlWithQuirks : Welcome to the story! And I'll try and get that sorted at some point, it really would make things easier. Thanks for the suggestion.
Hispanicin : Hehe, glad to hear that you love it. I love writing it, even if I hardly ever get the chance to anymore.
Sidda : *Glomps back* I am so, so sorry for leaving for ages again! Life's just been really difficult lately, and it's been hard finding the time to write. I'm glad to hear that your thoughts were getting better (and if you've gone back to school then I hope that they have remained good). I also hope that your insomnia has improved. I've recently gotten into Black Butler, Finny is my fave. Who is yours?
A23 : Honestly, please never feel like you have to apologise for being "late" to review, especially when your review is as lovely as this one. I'm so much later than you and I'm very lucky that you guys choose to review at all. Anyway, I hope that you enjoyed camp (camping was one of my favourite parts of being in the Girl Guides), even if it was months ago. Thank you for reviewing, and I'm sorry that this was so late (not quite a year, but still longer than it should have been).
Ninjacook123 : Thanks for thinking that both me and my story are great, it makes me really happy to know that you like it. And I have finally read Trials of Apollo, and I am still internally screaming over the ending! Life's been kinda rubbish lately, but thank you for asking and I hope that you are being treated well by life. Yeah, sometimes I have to reread my stories to remember who everyone is. Teresa is the abusive foster mum who locked Leo in a closet and roughed him up. About Jadon, I may do a one shot about him settling in to camp at some point in the future, but it may be a long way off seeing as I have quite a few stories on the go at the moment.
Myra109 : Your review came at quite a lucky time seeing as I was thinking over which story to update today And seeing as Teresa is quite highly requested, she is up now.
Disclaimer : Nope, not mine. Never will be. I'll try not to cry. Neither is anything that is being used as a costume idea.
Warning : Violence and kidnapping.
"BOO!"
"SCHIST LEO!" Leo cackled as Piper swung at him angrily. It was Halloween and the camp was in uproar as they sorted last minute details for the awesome party that they were going to be having in the Bunker.
There was also the uproar caused by infighting due to the night before.
Mischief night was like a great big gift to the children of Hermes who had wreaked unholy terror on anyone and everyone. Hair colours had been changes, embarrassing photos had been taken, and Leo may or may not have been right at their side with some crazy mischief of his own.
Let's just say that more than one of his friends had received a taco to the face (as revenge for laughing at the taco snatcher incident).
Piper was still glaring at him as she finished tying up the banner that she had previously been trying to place before Leo had appeared behind her and screamed in her ear.
It was eight O'clock, and Leo was already in costume, even though the party was going to start around eleven.
This was because he had promised to take Harley trick or treating. A few of the other older demigods were taking younger siblings, though they had all agreed to make it back for the party.
Leo was practically fizzing with excitement. He adored trick or treating, and though he may be too old for it now (in the eyes of society at least), Harley had given him an excuse to hit the streets again in search of candy.
Because if he was going with Harley anyway, he might as well take a bag along for himself. Loads of people thought that he didn't look his age so it would be fine. Plus, he needed a costume for the party anyway, he was just using his to its full potential.
Leo was currently dressed up as Lance from Voltron, or as Leo liked to call him, spiritual twin number two (spiritual twin number one was still Sokka from Avatar).
Plus, Leo had bribed some of his friends to wear matching costumes. Nico was a perfect Keith (that had taken a lot of wheedling and quite a few trips to McDonalds to arrange), Percy made a pretty decent Shiro, Annabeth was relatively Pidge-ish, Piper rocked being Allura and Frank was gently persuaded (meaning pestered) into being Hunk. He didn't know who to get to play Coran, but he was pretty satisfied with those he had blackma… asked to dress up with him.
He had to say that he was impressed with everyone's spirit. For a group of kids/teenagers regularly harassed by monsters and demons, the demigods were still up for a spook filled night.
The Aphrodite kids in particular were loving dressing everyone up and doing spectacular make-up. After taking Harley out, Leo was tempted to ask Piper to do some day of the dead make up for him, or maybe a blue lion to match his costume.
Speaking of blue lions, Leo smiled as Harley bumbled up to him, beaming as Leo exited the bunker to meet him. Harley, in the spirit of brotherhood, had dressed up as the blue lion. He looked beyond adorable, and didn't seem to mind being told so. Leo picked him up and walked towards the way out of the camp.
He waved to Hazel as he passed the daughter of Pluto who was delightedly eating a chocolate apple in her Willow costume. The seven had watched Buffy when over at Percy's for Thanksgiving, and Hazel had loved the nerdy but kind hearted Willow.
As they made their way through the camp, calling greetings to fellow campers and admiring costumes and decorations (they really had gone overboard-Leo loved it), Jason sidled up and walked along with them.
Leo couldn't help snickering when he saw Jason's costume. Another show that they had binge watched together (this time it had been over at Piper's) was Shadowhunters, and some of them had read the books as well. This had somehow lead to Jason being called Jace constantly (the reasoning being: you're both blonde, both of your names begin with a J and also you are both considered as being one of the most powerful fighters of your generation) and Piper had sweet talked him into dressing as Jace.
"What's up Superman, or should I say, angel boy?" Jason rolled his eyes, but Leo's amazing best friend senses could tell that something was bothering the older boy. The son of Jupiter shifted slightly and scratched at his ear.
"I was just wondering if you needed someone to play chaperone?" Leo choked.
"You do know I'm sixteen Jay?" Shockingly, Jason blushed a little, before evading his gaze.
"Yeah, well aren't you going to be going for candy as well? Someone young enough to still be trick or treating needs a chaperone." Leo was about to argue this point, but his mouth snapped shut as something occurred to him.
"Do you want to go trick or treating?" He tried not to make his voice incredulous, though he knew that had failed when Jason got a little defensive.
"I just… I remember going with Thalia when we younger and I always wondered what it would be like to take a younger sibling, but obviously I don't have any younger siblings except you, Hazel, Frank and Nico, and although you are younger than me you are still too old for trick or treating and…" Leo threw his hands up to cut him off.
"If you want to come then I'm fine with it. You don't have to justify Halloween spirit to me bro. Is that alright with you Harley?" His younger brother (who had fallen silent as the older demigods talked) looked Jason's costume up and down with a critical eye.
"Okay!" He grinned and Jason smiled back. They had kept moving as they talked, and they had now reached the vehicle that they were all using to go into the city.
Other groups nodded to them as they all piled in, and the van was filled with excited chattering about how much candy they were all going to get.
Harley was particularly boisterous, and Leo had to keep bumping into Jason to avoid getting his nose broken by a flailing arm.
Eventually they reached their drop of point, and they all parted ways with cheerful farewells. They all probably would have stuck together, but Leo knew for a fact that you got less candy in large groups, he was a trick or treat king.
Their little trio ambled round, going from door to door and gaining plenty of sweets. At every house, Leo and Harley would bound up to the door together as Jason waited for them with an affectionate grin on his face. The Hephaestus duo were a big hit, dimpling together and playing up their little double act.
Sure, there were a few misers who refused to dish out the treats, but overall it was shaping up to be a great Halloween.
It was nearing nine, and all three of them were hyped up on candy (he'd shared his with Jason who had truly been getting into the childishness of the holiday). They were nearing a more secluded area, a place where the houses were a little more spread out, a little bit more luxurious.
It was then that Leo realised that he had dropped his helmet a little way back. He'd taken it off when it had hindered his ability to stuff as much candy as possible into his mouth and then had just forgotten that he'd been carrying it. Cursing quietly under his breath in Spanish, Leo halted his companions.
"Hey guys, I've dropped my helmet somewhere. How about you two take these houses and I'll catch up." Both of the others looked hesitant, but for different reasons. Harley pouted and complained that they were wearing matching costumes and had to go together whilst Jason looked a little concerned about just letting Leo wonder off by himself.
"Listen Harley," Leo crouched down so that he could whisper in Harley's ear "between you and me, I think Jason would really appreciate the chance to knock on some doors, but he's way too cool to do it without an excuse. I need you to take him and get him to fill my bag up, okay?" Harley's eyes lit up at this mission from his brother, and he nodded emphatically.
Jason looked at him suspiciously, so Leo shrugged and stood up.
"I'll be fine Jason. I have my toolbelt under this costume, and my fire powers. Plus, this is quite possibly one of the only nights were people would laugh my powers off as some sort of costume joke." Jason sighed and nodded. Leo shoved his candy bag into Jason's hands and winked conspiratorially at his younger brother who grabbed a surprised looking Jason by the wrist and pulled him up the sidewalk towards the first house.
Leo retraced his steps, and was relieved to find his helmet was not too far from the others, though it was around the corner and thus out of sight. He had to frown at the thought of not being able to see Jason awkwardly yelling out trick or treat and pretending to be younger than he actually is. Cackling a little at the thought, Leo ran over to his helmet.
However, his distraction caused him to not pay attention to his surroundings, and he smacked into someone rather hard, causing them both to fall down.
"My bad." Leo declared as he stood up, sheepishly holding his hand out to the person on the ground.
"I guess it is the date for things that go bump in the night" He joked awkwardly as the woman he had knocked over remained on the floor.
Suddenly, she began laughing creepily. It was dark, and Leo couldn't see under her ice blonde hair that was covering her face, but sheer dread filled him at that voice.
Her face tilted upwards, and Leo stumbled back, gasping.
It was Teresa. Her eyes were as icy blue as they had been five years ago, but the rest of her face had clearly suffered from her time spent in jail.
"Hello honey." Her tone dripped with malice, and Leo turned on his heel, only to be grabbed by a tall, shadowy figure that was hovering behind him.
The imposing figures green eyes practically glowed down at him with wicked delight.
"Well look who we have here." Leo could practically feel the blood draining from his face as he stared up at Officer Cormac who was gripping him painfully.
"Are you okay sweetie?" Teresa rose slowly, eyes glinting.
"I'm fine darling. Even better considering what a treat we've just been given." Her smile was wicked, and Leo's head span.
"You two are together! What the hell, that's like a reversed Joker-Harley Quinn weirdo relationship, except you were both psycho to start with!" Cormac didn't take to kindly to this, twisting his arms up painfully behind his back.
For a moment, Leo felt truly desperate, mind flashing back to when he was a kid and was at the mercy of either of these two freaks. This moment of hopelessness was enough for Cormac to start hauling him away, tossed over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Teresa followed, and Leo stared as his helmet got further and further away.
His finger tightened, and he snapped out of his funk in order to start struggling. But it was too late. Teresa skipped ahead and unlocked the door of a fairly ordinary detached house. As it was Halloween, Leo prayed that there would be someone nearby to help him, but no one was around here. It was getting rather late after all.
Cormac carried him into the living room, and Teresa dragged in a wooden chair from what Leo presumed was the kitchen.
Resuming his struggling, Leo managed to knee Cormac in the face, causing the burly man to growl in pain and drop him. The collision with the floor wasn't exactly pleasant, but it gave Leo the opportunity to scramble up and try to make it to the door.
A strong fist in his back halted him in his tracks, and this was followed up by the point of a high heel digging into the ridges of his spine.
"You aren't going anywhere." Teresa spat as Leo was once again dragged up by Cormac. He was toted over to the chair, and Cormac pulled of his belt to bind him to the uncomfortable wood.
Then the crazy couple stood over him, smirking.
Leo hoped that Jason and Harley would get worried waiting for him, and decide to look, because he really didn't like his odds right now.
"So, how did you two insane freaks get together?" Leo stalled, wanting to put off the inevitable beating. His insides were still frozen, dread rising as two of his nightmares loomed over him.
"Oh, you know how it is. Beautiful, young lady sent to prison for giving a filthy brat what he deserves, police officer who despises this rotten orphan meets her, they fall in love and once her sentence is up, the police officer quits his job and they move away together. Really, I'd almost thank you for bringing us together if I didn't want to hurt you so much." Teresa trilled as she wrapped herself around Cormac.
Leo almost wanted to laugh, not out of amusement but out of sheer amazement at how his life was just a series of unbelievable coincidences. How did two of the people who hated him the most, and who had hurt him the most ended up together.
"Oh, and before you devise a plan to run away, here's a little trick to match the treat of having you here." Cormac reached down, grabbed one of Leo's booted feet, and twisted it in a fluent movement.
A yelp was pulled from his throat at the crack, and tears began to burn in his eyes as more nightmare memories flooded his mind.
Memories of numerous injuries, pain building up as he was abused by adults who should have looked after him.
He whimpered, and was literally unable to prevent a tear from running down his face.
Gods let Jason find him soon.
Jason's P.O.V
Jason paced anxiously as Harley eyed him with worry, sucking a lollypop as he watched the older demigod.
Leo had said that he's meet up with them, but it had been fifteen minutes. Surely it wouldn't have taken that long to find the stupid helmet.
He'd taken Harley to the small group of houses I this area, and had even bagged some candy himself, filled with a secret thrill as he recalled his happy childhood memories of Halloween with Thalia.
It had been rather fun, and Jason had enjoyed himself, right up until he realised that they were at the last house and Leo was still nowhere in sight.
Finally, Jason snapped.
"Come on Harley, we're going to look for him." Harley nodded obediently, slipping his hand into Jason. Usually the young son of Hephaestus was rambunctious and hyper (as he had been for most of this night), but the kid was clearly worried about Leo.
"Don't worry, I'm sure he'll be fine. He probably just got distracted by something, you know what he's like." Harley nodded, but his strong grip on Jason's hand remained.
Truthfully, Jason was thankful for this. It was good that at least one of the brothers was safe by his side.
And if the other brother wasn't, then Gods help whatever was putting him in danger.
Jason was hyped up on sherbet and protective older brother rage. Any monsters wont know what's coming for them.
So, I hope that you all enjoyed that. I am once again really sorry for the lateness, and I wish that I could promise a better update schedule, but life is just insane.
