"I could ask you the same thing," he bit back. When I didn't relent, he sighed and pressed on. "I'm here because my father said to look into the kids who train here, said one of 'em might be a demigod. He dropped me off hear about an hour ago. I heard someone else enter, so I retreated to the office, saw the rune mark and rushed out here, where I was tackled to the ground by some stupid little girl who -"
"Stupid little girl?" I scoffed. "Is that the best you can come up with? Also, this stupid little girl has almost killed you quite a few times, so do try to keep that in mind before you start insulting me."
He bared his teeth and snarled, trying to look intimidating.
"Phoebus," I sighed. "You're about as threatening as a Chihuahua. Just stop it now before you embarrass yourself further." Then it hit me. "Hang on," I said, backing off a little. "Your dad sent you here?"
He nodded, or as much as he could with a dagger at his throat.
"Yeah," he said. "Why?"
"He sent me here too," I said.
Phoebus' eyes widened. "Really?" he asked. "But he knows we hate each other; that we'd end up ripping each other apart."
"Maybe that's the point," I said, hopefully connecting the dots in the right places.
I got off him and helped him up. Looking disdainfully at me, he brushed some imaginary dust off his shoulder, giving me a 'do continue' look.
"Lord Ares told me about the other demigods being attacked, and that they all have something in common with the mark that was on that office wall. He said that I was the only one anyone could think of to investigate this guy called Sebastian who attacked me. Ares dropped me off here about half an hour ago."
Phoebus looked confused. "There are no other attacks," he said slowly, as if talking to a small child. "I didn't even know you'd been attacked – I'd have congratulated the guy who had the nerve to go after you." At my unimpressed look, he smirked and carried on. "I really wasn't expecting you. In fact, I'm fairly sure this is the most civil conversation we've ever had. Don't you think?"
Well, he did have a point there.
"I suppose," I said. "Do you think he set us up on purpose, hoping to have us fight?"
He shook his head. "No, 'cause then he'd have to come down here and sort us out. It is suspicious that you've now been targeted twice."
I made a noise of agreement. "Think someone's out to get me? Beside you, I mean," I added hastily before he could interject.
He just laughed. "Could be," he said. "Pissed anyone off lately?"
I paused to think about it. I'd been to Camp over Easter break, but I hadn't come across any gods that visit. I did go to Camp Jupiter for the first time, though, and I think having a Greek breathing on their property pisses them off. I hadn't made any enemies in particular. Except for maybe…
"Could a demigod with a big enough grudge somehow orchestrate all of this?" I asked him.
He shrugged. "I guess. Why, who'd you annoy now?"
I ignored the self-satisfied smirk playing on his lips.
"Over Easter I went to Camp Jupiter and -"
"You went there and lived?" he asked. "I thought they'd've eaten you alive!"
I pursed my lips, beginning to get a little ticked off.
"Thank you for that vote of confidence, Phoebus," I said dryly. "Yes, I went to Camp Jupiter and I managed to annoy quite a few people: some more than others. Do you think any of them could have done it?"
He cocked his head in thought. "No, I doubt it. No demigod could have the power to manipulate this many people against you like has been happening. If they knew the right people, however, that could open all sorts of doors."
"The right kind of people?" I asked. "Like who?"
He shrugged. "Anyone really. You sure you haven't pissed off anyone important?"
"I really don't think I have," I said, my brow creasing.
"It's strange you haven't accused me of this," he said, stepping closer, backing me up to the wall. "I mean, I do hate you," he whispered.
"Not your style," I said, leaning away from him. "This plot is far too complicated for you. You're more 'stab-you-in-the-chest' than 'stab-you-in-the-back', don't you think?"
He inclined his head. "Touché," he said slyly.
"Mind backing off a bit?" I asked, trying to remain calm.
He just leaned in closer. "Why?" he asked, his breath tickling my lips. "Am I making you uncomfortable?"
I smirked slightly. "I was thinking more for your health than my discomfort," I said.
"The offer still stands, you know," he said, placing one hand on the wall behind me by my head and the other on my right arm. "If you ever feel lonely, you know how to get in touch – Oof!"
I punched him in the gut; winding him and making him double over.
"I don't know how many times I have to tell you, Phoebus," I said in his ear. "I'm not interested. Go get a life and pick on someone else, eh?"
He stood up straight and glared at me. "You really have a death wish, don't you?" he growled.
"I have the strangest feeling of déjà vu," I said. "Haven't we been here before: you come on to me, I tell you to back off, you threaten me, I annoy you, we fight, I win. Isn't that how this normally goes?"
He roared and swung for me. I caught his arm, twisted it behind his back and shoved him up against the wall, a dagger over his heart from the back.
"And this was going so well," I said, disappointment lacing my voice. "Although, I suppose I should thank you: you've given my much to think about. But, I am going to have to leave you now."
I smacked him upside the head and knocked him out. Stepping over him, I walked down the road in search of a bus stop. On my way, I thought over what had been said. I did owe Phoebus for thickening the plot. So, according to Ares I was sent there to investigate the attacks, but according to Phoebus there were no other attacks. If there weren't any more attacks, why had Percy had to go? Why had Ares sent me here? Who was really pulling the strings?
I glanced at my watch. 11:54, Still plenty of time to do my own investigating. I made a plan to do some travelling, talk to the people I knew I could always trust. Time to IM a few people…
A/N: I just want to take this opportunity to that everyone who's supported this story. Everyday when I check my emails I see 'review alert' or 'new favourite story'. It's a really nice feeling to know people are enjoying my, so I'm going to try my very best to update more often to keep you all loyal! Thank you! Fronk x