Ch40
Magnus sat in the Viking ship as he looked out at the ocean. It was a nice day and he was glad that he was able to celebrate his birthday with Percy and Rachel. The three of them were relaxing and having a nice lunch on the boat in the ocean not far from New York City.
They had acquired some soda, food, and music for their small lunch as they enjoyed a nice excursion in the ocean. "Hey man hope you are enjoying this," Percy said.
"Thanks I man," he said with a small smile. Percy smiled at him with his bright eyes and for a second he felt a little flustered being around him. "The ocean is really nice today," he said as he looked out at the clear water.
"Yeah I know its great," Percy said. They spotted what appeared to be a dolphin in the distance. They both knew that it was Percy's father Poseidon watching over them. Whenever they went out on the boat they were always followed by one of Poseidon's guards to make sure they didn't go too far. Percy and him tried to make a trip to the Bahamas and up north to Canada only to be stopped by a dolphin and told that his dad forbade him from going too far because of monsters, though he personally thinks it was because Poseidon feared something will happen to Percy.
It was annoying, I mean we kind of want to see the northern lights but this is cool. He had to admit this was surprisingly peaceful, one could forget that they were in the middle of a war.
"Hey Magnus do you like this song?" Rachel asked as she put in a new CD.
"Yeah it sounds good," he said. Rachel smiled at him and he felt more flustered, he knew that Rachel had a thing for Percy but she was also really nice to him and like Percy he had trouble sorting out his feelings. Rachel, him, and Percy usually hung out together throughout the school year and more than once went on excursions together on the boat just to have fun.
He got a long with Rachel and he knew from Percy that for some reason his cousin did not like her. Rachel is so cool though and she also likes falafel though I know she still sees me as just a friend and likes Percy more. I mean she is cute but I just don't know, not that I have time for a relationship now he thought as he turned to Percy. "So this is peaceful huh?" He said.
Percy turned to him and smiled, "Yeah dude it is. I'm just glad we can rest and forget about all of the troubles of the war," he said with a sigh. "Things will only get worse from here as summer approaches," he said as he looked out at the sea.
"Yeah true, we should enjoy these small times while we can," he said as he watched the clear water and the dolphins in the distance putting on a small show for them. Well being the friend of Poseidon's son has its perks he thought as he watched the dolphins in the distance jump through the water and do various tricks for them.
He and Rachel enjoyed the show and told Percy to thank them when they were done. "Thanks for the show guys we enjoyed it!" Percy shouted at the dolphins who made some squeaking noise and returned to the waters. "They said that they didn't have a problem doing it," Percy said with a sigh as they went to eat their lunch.
Percy's mom made him a small blue cake and they packed chips, sandwiches, sodas, and other foods for their small lunch which they soon ate. "So Magnus how is school for you so far?" Rachel asked as she was eating a sandwich.
Magnus swallowed some food and drank some soda as he turned to face Rachel. "Good so far, I mean I am passing," he and Percy both laughed nervously. He himself was getting decent grades while Percy was hanging in there.
"How are things with you?" He asked as he drank some coke.
"Oh usual we have been raising some money and helping tutor some kids," Rachel said.
"Paint anything cool lately?" He asked.
"Oh just some buildings and some land features but nothing much," Rachel said as she drank some soda. "School is the same as always and my parents are the same," she said with a sigh
Magnus nodded, he and Percy had met Rachel's parents before. They were rich and were polite though they were just as Rachel had described them but at least they weren't rude to them directly.
"Oh Magnus have you seen Gunilla? I haven't seen her in a while," Rachel asked.
Magnus noticed Percy shift a bit in her seat, while they told her about him being a Norse demigod and Gunilla also filled her in on things he was still nervous about talking with her and her other friends. "I'm not sure she just left one day," he said. "Though Hearthstone and Blitz are still in the area, they will be at the party later," he said. The elf and dwarf were still around and had taught him some things about his powers and the Norse world. They were cool in general and were from friendly to him and Percy than Gunilla.
"Ah ok, I was just curious. Hearthstone and Blitz seem cool," Rachel said. Magnus nodded; he knew that Rachel spent a lot of time with them mostly talking about fashion and other stuff, she also was learning some sign language to communicate with Hearthstone.
"Yeah they are they aren't as pushy as other people," he said with a small laugh.
"Yeah they aren't aggressive either," Percy said as he rolled his eyes. As soon as their school year started Gunilla and her friend at the school who he believed was also a Norse demigod did their best to avoid him and Percy, which he didn't mind since they didn't bother him. They occasionally talked but it was clear that they were cautious around him. The only other person outside of Hearthstone and Blitz who he and Percy associated with was TJ and that Muslim girl Samirah since they helped him train with Gram. They were cool overall and also got along with Percy and Rachel too.
At first he was a little cautious when his dad said TJ and Samirah would be tutoring him but he slowly was starting to trust them even though Samirah was a bit pushy and more reserved but he felt like they were slowly warming up to each other.
At least Hearthstone and Blitz are cool he thought as he ate some cake. He still did not completely trust people from his dad's side of the family but he felt like he could trust them and to an extent TJ and Samirah. They told him, Percy, and even Rachel things about the Norse world and other stuff while helping him perfect his powers and abilities. His father visited him also and occasionally helped him with his powers, he was slowly opening up to him and was starting to trust him a little.
Well my dad did get me a nice apartment to live in and visits me occasionally so I guess he isn't that bad. He mostly lived with Heartstone and Blitz who helped with the upkeep of the place and it was cool overall but left him to his own devices. Truthfully he thought his dad was cool and was patient in teaching him his powers and explaining the Norse world to him and Percy even though there were things he still couldn't wrap his mind around. His dad was also pretty cool with Percy and often took them both out to lunch. The only downside was that when Percy was around they could tell that an Olympian was usually watching them. Usually, Poseidon if they were near a water source but occasionally he would feel the presence of another deity or two.
"Hey Magnus did you talk to Annabeth and your Uncle?" Percy asked snapping him out of his thoughts.
"Oh um yeah I did they are doing well," he said as he looked up at Percy.
"I still can't believe you and Annabeth are cousins," Rachel said as she ate some cake. "I mean you are much nicer than her no offense."
He and Percy exchanged a nervous look as they both laughed, "Thanks I guess. She is nice once you get to know her right Percy?"
He looked at Percy who nodded slightly, "Y-Yeah she is though she can be a bit rough at times."
"Wow sounds complicated," Rachel said as she returned to her cake. "So will your dad be at your party?"
He nodded, "Yeah he said he would be there along with Hearth and Blitz."
"Sounds cool," Rachel said as she took a sip from her soda. "I still cannot believe that Norse Gods and Greek Gods exist," she said with a sigh as she looked up at the sky.
"Yeah it is a lot to swallow," he said. He had told Rachel about him being a Norse demigod, his dad and Blitz also talked to her about the Norse world. He knew that he could trust Rachel and apparently his dad did also.
"Oh it was but I got used to it. I mean Blitz is a dwarf and Hearthstone is an elf. So how does it work does each pantheon have territory or something?" Rachel asked.
He looked at Percy and both of them shrugged, "We guess so, though they each try to keep to their own space. We aren't sure about the small details though." Rachel nodded and the three of them ate and had fun on the ship as the day passed by.
Overall he enjoyed the afternoon with his friends on the ship. When they were done they cleaned up and headed back to the city. They saw a movie together and when they were done they hung out at a skatepark and chilled for the day.
When it was evening Magnus returned to his apartment. His apartment was located in Brooklyn not far from Percy's apartment in Manhattan. His father rented out the place for him but he mostly lived alone with the exception of the visits from Percy and Rachel. When he opened the door he was greeted with a loud, "Surprise!" His dad Frey appeared and hugged him.
"Happy Birthday son," Frey said with a bright smile.
"Um thanks dad," he said as he looked at his father's smiling face and around the apartment. It was decorated with various party things and the table was full of his favorite foods. He let Percy and Rachel in.
"Happy birthday Magnus," Blitz said as he and Hearthstone came from the kitchen.
"Thanks guys glad you can come," he said as he greeted the dwarf and elf. "Wow all this food looks great."
"Yeah we prepared it for you," Frey said with a smile. "How was your day with your friends?"
"It was cool thanks for organizing all this," he said as he looked around the apartment which looked a lot cleaner than usual.
"Haha no problem kid no lets enjoy this party," Frey said with a smile as he clapped his hands and music started playing.
Magnus nodded and went to hang out with his friends. He played some x-box with Percy and Rachel before it was time for his birthday cake. The chocolate cake was really good and when he was done he opened his presents. Percy got him a cool big seashell while Rachel got him some books he liked and Blitz and Hearthstone got him a cool necklace and a nice button down shirt.
"Now here is my gift to you," Frey said as he handed him a small box. He opened the box and took out what appeared to be a small ornate war horn with various carvings and runes on it.
"What does it do?" He asked curiously as he held up the horn and looked at it.
"It's a gift from me, use it when you are in need of help," Frey said with a wink.
"Wow cool thanks," he said as he looked over the horn. It felt old but it looked pretty cool, he set it back into its box. He thanked everyone for their gifts and let Percy and Rachel look at the horn before they returned to relaxing. Percy and Rachel were chatting with Hearthstone Blitz when his dad pulled him aside. "What is it?" He asked as he followed his dad into the spare guest room.
"I just wanted to talk to you for a bit," Frey said as he closed the door behind him. His father's expression darkened as he looked at him. "I have to warn you about something. The dragon Fafnir has come back," he said with a grim expression.
Magnus felt his eyes widen, "Fafnir? As in the dragon Sigurd slew?"
Frey nodded, "Yeah, we don't know how he came back he is back. Asgard is searching all over for him but we haven't found him yet."
Magnus sighed, "Well this is getting better and better."
His father nodded, "Fafnir was a fearsome foe, the hero Sigurd slew it with Gram while in other stories the hero Siegfried slew him with Balmung."
"Is there a difference between the two?" He asked. Gram had told him the story of Sigurd and he had read it though he was confused about there being two stories about the same dragon.
Frey chuckled, "Sigurd went by a different name when he went down south. He left Gram with us and adopted the sword Balmung. The Germanic people to the south identified him with one of their own heroes. Similar with how the Romans adopted the Greek Gods a slight change in personality and legends that's all," he said with a sigh. "Sigurd was more direct while Siegfried apologized a lot and was quieter."
"So will I have to take down Fafnir?" He asked trying not to sound nervous. From what he heard Fafnir was really strong.
"If it comes down to it yes, the sword Gram should have enough strength to take it down. Oh we have reason to believe that Kronos is attempting to recruit the dragon," Frey said seriously.
Magnus felt his eyes widen, "Kronos?"
Frey nodded, "We have reason to believe so yes." Magnus felt his heart sink, "Don't worry though I can help you prepare to take it down," his father said reassuringly.
He looked up at his father and nodded, "Fine, I can use Gram alright though I am not much of a fighter."
"Don't worry I will see to it that you are prepared," his father said with a smile. "Oh to better your chances you might want to try and find the sword Balmung."
"Where is it at?" He asked.
"We believe in Mt. Davis in Pennsylvania. We believe it may have been placed there by a descendant or something. The area where Siegfried left his sword traveled with Olympus since Siegfried had more interaction with the Greek pantheon," Frey said.
Magnus nodded, "So I should just get it and it would better our chances?"
Frey nodded, "Or you could give it to your friend Percy, him having it would better your chances since he is better at using swords."
He sighed, "True. This thing is getting more complicated."
"Yeah but I know you can do it," Frey said with a smile. "Now here take this," he said as he produced another small horn. This one was made out of wood. "If you ever need to go to Alfheim blow this one and it will transport you there."
"Um thanks," he said as he took the small horn. Two horns, cool I guess he thought as his dad gave him a small bag to hold it in.
"Keep the horns safe, now I wanted to make another offer to you" his father said as a dark look passed over his face. "You will be facing many challenges this summer as your friend approaches the age of 16."
"I know," he said softly. "I want to help him and all my friends."
His father smiled at him, "You really do remind me of your mom anyway if you want to do it let me know, now go enjoy your party."
He nodded and went out to the living room and chatted with Percy and Rachel. Grover stopped by to say happy birthday as well, the Satyr got him a nice plant and was flustered to meet his dad since according to Grover he reminded him of nature. Eventually the party had to end and he ended up walking Percy and Rachel home.
"So what did your dad talk to you about?" Percy asked as they headed to his place.
"Oh um he was warning me about some threat is coming for us that may side with Kronos. I'll tell you about it later," he said with a yawn.
"Ok well it was nice celebrating your birthday man," Percy said.
"Thanks, I enjoyed both of you there," he said as Percy and Rachel nodded. They then exchanged final pleasantries before Percy left him with Rachel.
"So do you want me to walk you home?" He asked as they both made their way back to their respective homes.
"Sure why not you never know what will happen these days," Rachel said as they walked through the streets.
He nodded as Rachel led the way back to her place. "Your party was nice thanks for inviting me," she said.
Magnus felt his face flush, "N-No problem thanks for coming. I like a little company once in a while."
"Yeah I imagine that is a downside of living alone," Rachel said. "Oh here is good my house isn't far."
Magnus nodded, "Ok well have a nice night."
"I'll try to," Rachel said before surprising him with a hug. Magnus felt his heart rate increase as his body suddenly felt hot as his face turned red. "Th-Thanks," he said nervously.
Rachel smiled at him, "No problem see you around," she said as she turned around and ran off in the direction of her house.
He turned around and started to head back to his apartment when he heard footsteps running in his direction. He looked up to see a confused girl with blonde hair that appeared to be streaked purple at the tips and wore combat boots. He and the girl did not notice each other until it was too late and she crashed into him with her falling on top of him and him falling into a puddle of water.
"Oh my gosh I am so sorry," the girl said in what appeared to be a British accent.
"No problem," he said as the girl got up and he got up and realized his shirt was soaking wet.
"I am dreadfully sorry I am new here and I am a bit lost," the girl said with a laugh. "These bloody streets are so complicated."
"No problem where do you live?" He asked as he brushed off some of the water and dirt from his shirt.
"Um sort of," she said before clearing her throat. "I'm Sadie Kane nice to meet you," she said with a smile as she extended a hand.
"Magnus Chase are you from around here?" He asked as they shook hands.
"Well I was born in Los Angeles raised in London and live here in Brooklyn now," she said with a nervous laugh.
"Wow cool I am from Boston, my guardian and cousin live in San Francisco, and I also live here in Brooklyn," he said with a nervous laugh; Sadie laughed with him as he noticed that she was looking at him rather intently. "So um where do you live?" He asked.
"Oh um its near this place," Sadie said as she told him the address.
"Cool I know where that is want me to walk you there?" He asked hoping she wouldn't take it the wrong way.
"Sure I would love to get to know some locals," Sadie said with a smile.
Magnus felt his face redden again, "Cool this way then. So what brings you here to New York?"
"Oh some family problems you?" Sadie asked as they walked through the streets together.
"Yeah family troubles too. I kind of live and help out with some friends at a camp during the summer," he said.
"A camp cool. Some girls from my school also attend a nearby camp," Sadie said. "So have you lived here often?"
He shook his head, "No technically my dad rents a place here and I am reconnecting with him but he is out a lot."
"Ah I see," Sadie said with a sigh. "Well here it is actually I can make it home from here. Let keep in touch do you have a cellphone?"
Magnus nodded, "Um yeah I do," he said as he took his phone out. The two exchanged phone numbers before Sadie sent him a small verification text.
"Great see you around Magnus," Sadie said with a smile.
"Yeah see you," he said as he waved goodbye to her. Sadie Kane smiled at him as she turned around and jogged towards her place.
He let out a sigh, "Well that was fun." He couldn't put his finger on it but something was different about her.