Ch38

Zeus and his wife Hera watched as the Norse Messenger god Hermod came up to Olympus guided by Hermes. The Norse God was wearing traditional Viking era attire while Zeus, his wife, and Hermes were in their Greek attire. "Lord Zeus I hope all is well with you and your realm. I bare a message from Lord Odin."

Zeus nodded; he had been expecting a message from Asgard for a while now. He knew that Asgard sent agents to New York to keep an eye on things for his Norse counterpart but he chose not to do anything since they did not interfere in his pantheon and he had more pressing matters. "I am well, our pantheon is dealing with a crisis but things will work out," he said. "What message does Lord Odin have for me?"

"Lord Odin wishes to speak to you directly about a pressing matter," Hermod said. Zeus nodded while the Norse God did his pantheon's equivalent of messaging.

A cloud of smoke appeared and the image of Lord Odin and his wife Frigg in their thrones appeared in front of them. "Lord Zeus you look like you have seen better days," Odin said with a small nod. Frigg waved and smiled at him and he waved at both of them and he had to shoot his wife a look to not insult her.

"I have, we are dealing with a small civil war what do you wish to speak about?" He asked though he had an idea about what they wished to speak about.

Odin nodded, "It is about one of our own children. He is currently residing with your own children down at your camp."

Zeus looked at Odin as he noticed his wife tense up. Hera I have known you for ages I know what you did when that boy shot out of the volcano with the son of Poseidon. "You speak of Magnus Chase I presume?"

"Yes I do," Odin said with a small nod. He could tell by looking at him that Odin was choosing his words carefully.

"What of him?" He asked. He and the council had already voted to have the boy live in their camp with their children. Our world was the first he knew and he has proven his loyalty and has not told any of our children about his heritage. Only my daughter, Poseidon's son, and Zoe know of his true heritage.

"There was a prophecy uttered that is vital to our pantheon," Odin said carefully. "We believe it has to do with Magnus Chase.

Zeus noticed Hera and Hermes stiffen. He sighed while showing no emotion, the boy has his support among our children and the Gods. He had a feeling what Odin wanted to ask him but he knew that he had to choose an answer carefully. We are in the middle of a crisis; it would be bad for Olympus to show weakness and give up one of our fighters. Even if he isn't one of us by blood he has proven his worth countless times. However, looking into Odin's eye he could see that he was not looking for a fight, neither was this some sort of power move.

"The boy Magnus Chase is a great warrior and has proven himself many times by fighting alongside the children of Olympus," he said firmly.

"I do not doubt that," Odin said. "Despite my wisdom, I do not pretend to know the meaning of prophecies. However, he will play a role in both of our pantheons I believe."

Odin nodded as he noticed Hera and Hermes eyeing Odin carefully. In the past when their children or the children of other pantheons fought for us it usually either lead to a bridge being built or a conflict. He did not want a conflict with Asgard but he had to choose his decisions carefully.

"He is a bright boy. I am sure he will accomplish many things; I noticed your men and his father have contacted him," he said as he sat upon his throne while his wife avoided his gaze.

"Indeed and I have instructed them to not interfere with the affairs of Olympus," Odin said though he noticed that he saw him shoot a look a Hera who shifted nervously in her seat.

"I have no problem if the boy's father or your subjects visit him so long as our children are not hurt and no misunderstandings occur," he said firmly. He remembered when his daughter ran into the daughter of Thor on the quest, he was so alarmed by such a brazen move he nearly sent down his forces to protect Thalia.

Odin nodded, "Neither do I object to your children and pantheon mingling with ours. I have noticed that your brother Hades's claim on his soul is no more."

Zeus tried his best to not look surprised. "Hm must have been his son," he muttered.

"Either way, his name is starting to reappear on the list of future Einherjar. In time when he dies he will most likely come to Valhalla," Odin said carefully.

He noticed Hera glaring at Frigg at the memory of his own little adventure in Valhalla. Oh what an adventure it was. "And if the boy wishes to go to Elysium?" He said. He knew that he could not afford another war with Asgard now and he knew that they were not picking a fight. With the Egyptian pantheon in chaos as well they do not want any trouble.

Odin sighed, "As the ancient laws state we would have a better claim on his soul since he is a son of Frey."

Zeus knew the ancient laws and as much as he would like to see his brother have another fit over his Norse counterpart he would not tolerate Olympus to appear weak, especially now. Though Asgard distrusts Hades's counterpart much more than Olympus distrusts Hades.

"But the boy Magnus has fought alongside Olympus and has recognized our children as his family for the longest time," Hera said coolly. "Maybe if you all did not decide to just wait until your children died to take care of them things such as this would not happen."

He sighed he gave his wife a look that said shut up. He knew that his wife had a lot of hard feelings towards the Norse, some of it had to do with history and his own misadventures with some of the Norse Goddess. However, he knew that his wife's domain was marriage and family; and for the Norse to just leave their children until they die without any form of training or safe space was not something even she could not tolerate.

"Well that's funny coming from you. You killed a lot of heroes you deemed unworthy for your perfect family," Frigg said with a condescending smile. "You threw your own son off of a cliff after all because he was not attractive enough for you."

Hera's eyes flashed with anger as she stood up, "Why you-"

"That's enough!" he said loudly as he gave his wife a look. His wife's eyes were angry but he could not tolerate losing face because of her. Hera reluctantly sat down while she glared at her Norse counterpart.

He looked back at Odin, "I am well aware of the ancient laws but the fact remains that he is currently fighting on our behalf alongside our children."

Odin sighed while Frigg rolled her eyes. "I understand that, I say we discuss this more later there is a more pressing issue of concern."

Zeus nodded as he tried to hide the surprise from his face. "What is it?"

"The dragon Fafnir has reformed. Ever since the boy Magnus awakened the sword Gram he has been reforming slowly. The dragon most likely will come after him and your children," Odin said.

Zeus felt his back stiffen, he knew that the boy wielded the sword Gram and while it was indeed a valuable weapon to have at their side during these times he did think that the dragon would come back. "How did it come back?" He asked tersely. He noticed his wife stiffen in her chair as she glared at the screen while Hermes appeared to be clenching his teeth.

"We are still investigating but that is only one of the issues. We believe that Loki has been in contact with Kronos's forces and convinced Fafnir to help him," Odin said seriously.

Zeus noticed the horrified look on Hermes's face while his wife's expression appeared stunned as she sat on her throne. He himself was stunned, he knew that the trickster god had caused problems for both pantheons in the past but this was something else.

"Rest assured," Odin said quickly. "We are dealing with Loki. I have sent a team to make sure he causes no trouble but the fact is that the dragon Fafnir most likely will aid Kronos. Rest assured that the team I sent is already on its way to prevent Loki from escaping his bindings."

Zeus tightened his fists, the last thing they needed was to have another threat. "There better be no misunderstandings Odin," he said as he heard thunder in the distance.

"There won't be any," Odin said seriously. "Besides with the boy Magnus and the sword he now wields he should be able to take care of the dragon."

Zeus nodded, "Yes the sword Gram took care of it last time along with the sword Balmung." The Norse hero Sigurd usually had two forms; one Nordic and one Germanic, similar to how they had Greek and Roman forms.

Odin nodded, "Yes Gram was used to take out the dragon. However, here I come with another proposal."

"What proposal do you have?" He asked.

"Since Loki appears to have contacted Kronos and your father's men have attempted to harm Thor's daughter I am willing to make sure that Kronos's force stay out of New England and any areas in our domain," Odin said. "It won't be an alliance but seeing that your father is a threat to Asgard as well I cannot just sit by and watch."

Zeus nodded slowly. He was surprised by the offer and while he could not make Olympus appear weak he had to admit the proposition is good. Odin prioritizes the safety of Asgard over everything and we can use all of the hands we can get. However, he does always have his own interest and motives for doing anything. He looked at his wife and Hermes who were both eyeing Odin suspiciously as if they were wondering what he was getting out of it. "What benefit does Asgard get?" He asked

Odin stared at him from his seat, "The benefit we get is that our areas will be protected from your father's influence. If by chance your father takes down Olympus Asgard will most likely be next and if that happens Ragnarök will occur."

Zeus sighed as he contemplated his choices. He looked down at Hermes who was lost in thought while his wife looked as if she were contemplating. "Fine," he looking at Odin. "But the balance of power in North America will remain the same," he said firmly.

Odin nodded, "Of course. You have my word that Asgard will not take territory or expand at the expense of Olympus," he said seriously. "Also, perhaps to avoid conflict in the future concerning Magnus we let him decide and let him choose for himself where he wishes to go?"

Zeus nodded; he knew that he could trust Odin's word. "We shall discuss that later, the boy Magnus may be of your blood but he has been living his whole life amongst our children. Now if there is nothing else I have a war to fight."

Odin nodded, "Good luck Zeus stay wary of the tricks of your enemy."

"Bye Zeus," Frigg said with a smile as she waved at him. Zeus nodded and after exchanging final pleasantries the message ended. When the meeting was done Hermod bowed and Hermes saw him out. This war is getting more complicated by the day.

"Hey Magnus how are you? Can you hear us both?" Annabeth asked as she sat next to her father in his house.

"Yeah I can thanks for calling," Magnus said through the phone. Annabeth sighed, her cousin had decided to get an emergency phone just in case and while she tried to argue against it he was determined to have one for emergencies.

"Hey Magnus I hope you are well," her dad said through the speakerphone.

"Hey Uncle Frederick thanks for calling I am well," Magnus said through the other side.

"That's good to hear. I know you have been busy but I hope you have a good birthday this weekend," her dad said through the phone.

"Thanks I plan on spending it with some friends," Magnus said through the phone. "We will hang out on the beach or something."

"Wow sounds nice I hope you have a good time. Will you be hanging out with Percy?" Her father asked.

Annabeth felt a knot in her stomach as she gripped her fist tightly. "Yeah and our other friend Rachel," Magnus said through the phone.

Calm down just take a deep breath she told herself as she felt her nostrils flare. It was no surprise to her that Magnus and Percy had been hanging out a lot more lately, what annoyed her was that Rachel was spending a lot of time with both of them. She looked away at the phone as she clenched her fist. Its not that I mind Magnus and Percy having a life outside of camp. But seriously whey her? They include her in everything it seems.

The last time Magnus came to visit he showed them a bunch of pictures of him with Percy and Rachel, much to her chagrin. The thought of Percy and Magnus at a beach with Rachel made her blood boil. Apparently, Magnus was taking ASL classes at school and for whatever reason Percy and Rachel were learning it too. It wasn't that she was mad that he had a hobby but still why was he so attached to Rachel?

"How have you been Annabeth?" Magnus asked through the phone.

"Um good I uh have been busy," she said quickly trying to think of anything to say. Her father looked at her as if thinking something was wrong but she showed no emotion on her face. "I've just been nervous with all the stuff about the war you know." Unlike you and Percy the rest of the camp has been fighting to keep our world safe she thought bitterly. She knew it wasn't fair to say that but the idea of her and the other campers risking their lives to stop Kronos while her cousin and Percy had a nice vacation with Rachel made her want to kick something.

"That's good," Magnus said. "I hope you stay safe."

"You stay safe too Magnus," her father said. "I hope you enjoy your birthday let us know if you need anything."

"Alright thank you Uncle Frederick," Magnus said as they all exchanged final pleasantries before Magnus hung up.

"Well I am glad your cousin is doing well," her father said with a sigh.

"Yeah me too," she mumbled as she got up. "I have to do something," she said as she got up.

"Is something wrong Annabeth?" Her father asked with concern.

"No I'm just tired," she said with a sigh. She knew she shouldn't lie but she just wanted to be by herself for a bit.

Her father nodded at her as she headed to her room. She closed the door and immediately sat down on her bed and let out a sigh. Why am I even so worked up? I mean so he is spending his birthday with Percy and Rachel.

Yet no matter how hard she tried to say she was ok with it her anger got worse. I mean if Percy just sees me as a friend I don't care. In fact, if he prefers being with Magnus and that mortal fine, I don't care.

She pulled her pillow close to her and let out a small scream into it. The memory of the kiss she had with Percy ran through her head. He never brought it up, he must really not think of me as anyone special she thought bitterly. Yeah it was a heat of the moment thing and a part of her did it to one up Magnus but still the fact that Percy said nothing of it and swept it aside hurt her.

He will be 16 soon she thought bitterly. All of the mixed feelings she had for Percy swam inside of her as she realized that the Great Prophecy was approaching them fast.

She then rested on her back as she looked up at the ceiling. Magnus you and I have come a long way huh? It was true, while they still looked out for each other she felt as if they were growing apart much more. He is apparently living alone too. Supposedly Chiron and her dad helped him find a place but she could tell that something was off since the apartment she went to looked pretty nice. She hadn't been to it but Magnus sent her pictures and it looked cool but something about it seemed off. Are we really growing apart? Looking back she guessed it began when Percy came and they started being friends during the quest to save her. Not that she was upset that her cousin had a friend but she kind of had a crush on Percy and felt that Magnus was sort of a wedge between her and Percy.

"He really does look like Kurt Cobain," she said with a sigh. The last time she saw her cousin he had nice long hair and she noticed that he was growing a lot. While he was still on the lean side he gained a bit of muscle and was pretty attractive, a fact that a lot of girls at camp were starting to notice. I mean any girl would be lucky to have him but still he is hiding something and it isn't a girl.

She knew it had to do with his sword Gram. She looked into the story and saw that it was wielded by a warrior named Sigurd who slew the dragon Fafnir. But that story is a Norse one, why on earth would a Norse sword be in Magnus's hand. It all just didn't make sense, where would he even get a weapon like that? Did Chiron give it to him? She thought of the idea but honestly did not know but it wasn't a far off idea. Chiron has trained a lot of heroes maybe he acquired it somehow, but Sigurd was a hero from Norse mythology. No matter how many times she tried to come to an answer it was as if her mind could not figure it out.

She shook her head and felt her mind fall asleep. She felt her consciousness drift to sleep and soon found herself in a room with her mom of all people. "Mom what are you doing here?" She asked in surprise.

Her mom Athena was sitting in a chair and dressed in traditional Greek armor. "Hello Annabeth I came to discuss something with you quickly," she said in a calm voice.

"What is it?" She asked curiously.

Her mother looked at her with her calm eyes. "I know you are worried about your cousin Magnus but believe me there are things that he and Percy are not allowed to speak about."

Annabeth felt her eyes widen, "Wh-What do you mean?" She felt her heart race, did her mom know about her efforts to dig into Magnus's past? Did she know as well?

Her mother only stared at her, her eyes not revealing anything. "Your cousin and the son of Poseidon have sworn an oath not to speak about certain things pertaining to him. I have also sworn to not say anything to my children."

Annabeth avoided her mother's gaze as she tried to not feel angry. So everyone knows but me huh, the thought made her clench her fist as she avoided her mother's gaze.

"I know you must be angry but know it is for the best. Your father took enough risks taking your cousin in as it is. There are things best not mentioned to others," Her mother said calmly. "Now I believe you have a war to prepare for," she said as Annabeth felt the dream slowly end.

"Wait!" She said but before she knew it she was sitting in her bed. She was breathing heavily as she looked around. She slammed her fist into the side of her bed as she looked up at the ceiling. "Magnus what on earth are you hiding from me," she mumbled. For once in her life she did not have the answer.

Mr. Fierro was looking forward to spending Christmas with his family. He was reading a book in his room while his wife was in the kitchen and his real children were outside playing. Yes my real children he thought as he sighed. He was glad that his freak of a daughter was gone.

Good riddance to her he thought as he turned the page of the book he was reading. His daughter was nothing but a freak and was an embarrassment to his name. She and her 'mother' who brought her into this world were nothing but homewreckers in his mind.

But that is all in the past we are normal now he thought as he turned the pages of his book. However, the sound of stuff falling in the kitchen snapped him out of his thoughts. "What was that," he mumbled. He heard footsteps in their living room but assumed nothing of it. "She must have dropped something," he said with a sigh as he put his book down.

He stretched his body and slowly walked to the door; he couldn't explain it but he felt uneasy as he slowly opened it. When he exited his room he made his way to the living room and was surprised to see three ceramic jars in the middle of the floor, in front of their Christmas tree.

"Where did these come from?" He said as he carefully walked towards one and opened the lid. However, when he opened the lid he was greeted by the sight of his wife's decapitated head. "AHH!" He yelled as he jumped back and fell onto the couch.

"Merry Christmas dad," said a voice he swore he would never hear again.

He looked up and to his surprise, he saw his daughter Alex walk into the living room. It had been a few months since he had kicked her out but something about her was different. For one her smile was anything but friendly and her demeanor was confident. Her physique was also different, more masculine and muscular. However, what caught his attention were her hands; they were stained blood red.

He looked at the hands and back at the jars and felt his blood boil, "You did this!" He roared as he got up.

Alex just smiled at him and did not even flinch as she met his eyes, "Merry Christmas I thought you and your perfect family would enjoy the vases I made."

He looked back and noticed that there was more than one jar, "No," he said in horror as he turned to Alex who was laughing. "You freak," he snarled as he lunged at his daughter who did not even move.

He then was knocked to the ground by an unseen force, "Wow Alex your dad really is something," said another voice. He turned and saw two other people enter the room, an Asian kid with an eye patch and a curly haired brunette with green eyes.

"Yeah he is thanks Alabaster now lets tie him up," Alex said with a dark smile. The two teens nodded and despite his protest, Mr. Fierro soon found himself bound in chains on a chair.

When he was bound he felt his daughter's fist, it was stronger than he thought, "Don't worry dad," Alex said in a cold tone. "You won't die yet; you don't deserve the mercy of a quick death."

Mr. Fierro felt his eyes widen as Alex punched him again and again while her friends laughed. "Oh and don't worry dad I sent various things to your business partners and clients about the type of person you really are," she said with a laugh. "When I am done with you your money will help those in need don't worry I have no need for it," she said as she took a vile from her friend. "My friend Alabaster made this just for tonight and I have been waiting to try it out," she said with a twisted smile, her eyes having no friendliness to them.

"Now how about a joke for Christmas," Alex said with a wide grin while her eyes were filled with malice. Mr. Fierros glared at her as his daughter approached him and looked him in the eyes. As he stared in her eyes he felt fear as he looked into them. "What do you get what you routinely abuse your child to the point of them running away?"

Mr. Fierro did not answer as he glared at his daughter. Alex smiled at him and he felt a shiver down his spine as she held a vial of some liquid in her hands. "I'll tell you what you get. You get what you deserve," she said as she held the vial up for him to see.

Mr. Fierro looked at the vial, he didn't know what it was but he soon found his mouth being forced open and the liquid shoved down his throat. Little did he know at the time he would have wished to have had a quick and painless death instead of the torture he was about to endure. "Merry Christmas Dad," followed by his daughter's crazed laugh were the last things he heard.

AN: So realized some schools teach ASL so i decided to have Magnus take it at school to help him learn it. Percy and Rachel learn it too for fun though Magnus is better at communicating with Hearth than the other two.

At this point Alex is 100% under Kronos's influence, a few months have passed and she is thoroughly indoctrinated.

I won't update next week since i want to review the next few chapters.