Chapter 8: Love is scary, like physically.

The rest of the bus ride was terrible. After suggesting telling our secret to Glen, Sabrina wasn't the happiest. Her expression quickly changed, said no, and ignored me for the rest of the ride. I know I told her earlier to keep it a secret, but she told Will. Also Glen deserved to know what was really at stake.

I was able to sleep, although it wasn't for long. Let's just say I was more than happy when I saw the bus stop approaching. The bus stop was on the outskirts of the city. Once the bus driver said we could get off, everyone ran off with their items besides the three of us. We gathered all of our items and started our walk. "So where's Apollo's temple?" Glen asked.

I thought of a giant greek building with columns holding it up and a giant pot with a fire in the center. Maybe there was a statue of Apollo near the fire so he could smell the offerings, or give a warning. Strangers and punk teenagers who think it would be funny to throw trash in the fire would be annihilated by the statue. I thought of Apollo firing arrows from the sun onto those who disrespected him. I didn't know where a place like that would be. To my surprise it wasn't like an old temple at all.

Sabrina had been silent for a moment and I gave her a nudge with my elbow. If she was going to berate me for my mannerisms earlier than I'll bug her on hers. I also know she hates Glen, but she needs to act like a team player.

"Its the Rock and Roll Hall of fame," Sabrina said begrudgetly. Yeah ok, I think that makes sense. Apollo being the god of music and all. It did seem a little bit weird, although it would make more sense than a traditional temple. Glen just seemed to accept it.

The walk around Cleveland seemed like forever. Glen and Sabrina were actually quiet, contrast to their bickering in New York. I don't know which one I liked better though. The yelling and fighting was just annoying and tiring. While the silence just seemed to hold tension that didn't need to be there.

Occasionally I would hear someone say "hey" like in New York. Although when I looked at Glen and Sabrina they didn't seem to hear anyone. I decided to not say anything about the voice in my head. I've heard a few stories at camp about heroes that go on quest, only for them to have gone crazy along the way.

The atmosphere around the city reminded me of Michigan, probably because we were one state away. For a second I thought of how I could just take another bus ride and be home by tomorrow. I could see my dad and tell him all about camp. I could also ask him what the deal was with him keeping all this a secret. Also ask him all the questions I had about him and Aphrodite.

I decided that the detour wouldn't be worth it. By the time we made it to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame it was eleven in the morning. We made it just as it was opening. The city streets were busy but no one seemed to be around the pyramid-shaped building.

We made our way into the building. There were few people in the building. A tour of senior citizens, the occasional tourist taking pictures with wax status and a group with old rock shirts like AC/DC and Metallica. We made our way to the ticket booth before Glen stopped us. "We don't have any more cash for tickets. We used it all up on the bus ride."

"So now what?" I asked. We made it this far and now the only thing stopping us was a lack of funding. I looked at Sabrina, she crossed her arms and started to tap her right foot. We were all silently thinking about any ideas. I started to bite my finger nails impatiently.

"Can't you charm speak our way in Peterson?" Glen asked.

"Charm speak?" I was confused. I learned a lot about Greek life, but I've never heard about what charm speak was.

Glen knitted his eyes which made him look angrier than usual. "You're a child of Aphrodite yet you don't know what charm speak is?"

"Shut up Glen!" Sabrina snapped. "I have a better way to get in that doesn't involve manipulating mortals." Sabrina made her way to the ticket booth.

She walked with her usual confidence while me and Glen just stood in place. She leaned against the desk where the attendant was. I couldn't hear what they were saying but then she raised her hand toward us. The attendant tilted their head and looked at us. I could hear them laugh about something before Sabrina made her way back.

"What did you tell him?" I asked Sabrina.

"I just told him who my parents were!" She was back to her cheerful side. "Now we get the V.I.P experience!"

Glen shook his head " Yea cause charm speak is manipulating people," He mumbled under his breath so only I could hear him.

We started to walk toward the first exhibits. "So you just told the guy you were Apollo's daughter and they just let you in?" I asked

Before we walked into the first exhibit door and before Sabrina could respond. We were stopped by someone. A man stepped in front of the doorway. He was tall and wore a Rock and Roll hall of fame uniform. He was handsome and had devilish features that made him seem like he would break any girl's heart.

"You three must be the V.I.P, right this way I'll be your tour guide." He spoke with elegance and an allure which made me worry instead of feel comfortable. "Ms. Driver, if you and your friends would follow me," He spoke before escorting us inside.

Inside the first exhibit were walls filled with memorabilia. Clothes from rock legends. Guitars and drums from rock stars of the past. Signed autographs were all next to their respective areas. During camp I learned that most modern celebrities and politicians were demigods. I started thinking about who could be one and who their parents were.

We eventually made our way to the end of the first exhibit. The last part shown was 'Sun Records' with a sun at the top of the board. I looked at Sabrina and she gave me a smirk. I read the plaque on the wall. It took me a minute but I learned that Sun Records was a pioneer publisher for rock. Apparently the helped launch the careers for Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Sabrina stepped forward next to me. "So your last name is Driver?" I asked Sabrina, remembering how our tour guide referred to her.

"Yep, Sabrina Driver." She sounded sad. Then she looked at me as if she was waiting for me to respond. I assumed she didn't want to talk about her last name. Come to think about it, Sabrina has never mentioned her mom before. Sabrina getting us V.I.P tickets and her not liking her last name. I didn't understand completely but I understood enough.

I stepped back next to Glen. Our tour guide who has been completely quiet walked next to us. Sabrina waited for everyone else to clear the exhibit. She took out a pack of oreos Chiron had given to us as food supply. She placed it in front of the Sun Records plaque and started to pray.

After her prayer nothing happened. I looked to Glen, then the tour guide who had gotten a smile on his face. "I don't understand, Apollo has always talked to me?" Sabrina said.

"Well honey I think I should explain," Our tour guide said now sporting a southern accent. We all looked at him as he walked in between Glen and I. Sabrina reached for her bow.

" There's no need for that," He said to Sabrina while he put his arms around Glen and then me. Glen was staring with his eyes wide open, ready for any form of hospitality.

"Zeus ordered the shutdown of temple uses during this whole revolution fiasco. I've been put in charge here to keep track of the demigods that come through here. But I was surprised when I saw the three of you"

A shiver went through my back when he mentioned the revolution. His arm was still around me which now felt heavy and cold. I looked at Glen and he looked at the man confused like what are you talking about? I tried to take a step back but his grip around my shoulder was locked.

"Im sorry sir I think you have us confused," I tried to play dumb. Only soon realized that he knows who Sabrina is.

"Oh don't waste your time lying to me, I already know Sabrina!" His gaze went from Sabrina and then right to my face with his arm still around me. "And I've heard much about you Adin." When he said my name I was finally able to break free. Glen had grabbed his pair of new swords and was facing the tour guides back.

I took a few steps back. I went to reach for my sword only to remember that I had used it in a game of fetch yesterday. Glen looked at the man like he was about to strike. Sabrina however had her bow lowered.

"Who are you?" I asked standing up straight trying to look intimidating.

"And what are you doing in Apollo's Temple?" Sabrina Added.

The man chuckled "Adin, You're still new to this aren't you? Well I'll give you a pass but I'm surprised Glen here doesn't recognize me? And Sabrina, this is a dual temple, it also belongs to me." He gave us an eerie smile.

"I don't know who you are!" Glen growled.

The man turned around."Oh but were half brothers? Adin here is also my half brother."

Now I was really confused. Judging by the look Glen had on his face he was too. Sabrina was just standing there inspecting the man, waiting to see what happens next. She started mumbling something to herself in greek.

"Maybe this will help you three out," The tour guide said as he hunched over. Erupting from his back shot out a pair of wings. The tour guide soared up toward the ceiling. He circled us in the sky. It was hard to make out but it seemed like he got younger.

"So?" He asked. Everyone was on guard but everyone was also confused. "Aww come on now. Isn't it obvious? Its my temple too? You've heard plenty of songs about me. 'Can't fight this feeling' by Speedwagon. 'Come and get your love' from Redbone. "I was made for loving you" by Kiss? Kiss for pete sake?"

Silence filled the air as he was hovering above us. "Cupid?" Glen asked. The god responded by swooping down and pinning him, holding Glens arms to the ground.

"Technically I'm Eros, Cupid is my Roman counterpart. You should know that Glen," Eros said eerily.

"Let him go and well leave," I deepened my voice to try and sound intimidating. I was hoping he would let us off with a warning. He is both Glen and mines half brother. A child of both Ares and Aphrodite.

"Mhh? Oh I can't let you leave. Zeus warned me and the other gods about the revolution Percy Jackson and you other demigods are plotting." He turned his head toward me. For a god of love he started to look like a demon.

"What are you talking about? Percys just missing and we were sent on a quest to find him," Glen said. I wanted to explain everything right then but Eros let Glen go and he quickly got to his feet. Eros shot back up to the sky.

"I'm afraid you've been lied to Glen, so sorry about that. What do you think Sabrina? How about you Adin?" Eros said smugly, crossing his arms.

"What's he talking about guys?" Glen asked us.

"He's lying Glen. Can't you see that through your thick skull?" Sabrina told him.

He looked at my way waiting for me to say something. I felt horrible for lying to Glen, even if he can be a jerk. It seemed like my silence spoke for me. Glen got an angry look on his face. I would normally expect him to lash out but he didn't do anything, he just stood there.

Eros started to laugh. "Oh man, I do like my drama. I get that from my mom. Speaking of which, Adin, are you ready?" Eros floated down closer to me. My immediate reaction was to back up a couple feet.

"Ready for what?" I asked.

"Oh you know, your adventure! Unless mom or anyone else hasn't told you yet?"

"Sorry, I haven't gotten the pleasure to meet Aphrodite yet." I got more afraid as he got closer to me. His form was shifting slightly. He always kept his devilish features yet he looked like a different person.

"Oh trust me, meeting Aphrodite isn't a pleasure. She always goes on and on about mortal love. She views it like a soap opera. Sometimes we get together and gossip over it. Other times we end up fighting over who to ship together. Mom loves her romance. She's always forcing people together. Diane and Prince Charles, Elvis and Priscilla, Taylor and well her and Taylor aren't on the best of terms right now".

He was right in front of me again. He was so close that I couldn't see what Sabrina or Glen were doing. A million things were going on in my head. I thought of ways to kill Eros, then I realized I don't know how to kill a god. Or if killing a god is even possible. Then I settled on an escape. Only problem was I was cornered and had to wait for an opening.

"So Aphrodite likes love stories? What's wrong with that?" I asked, trying to buy time.

Eros chuckled like an anime villain. "Do you know what mom said when she claimed you? She told me and some other gods that 'Adin Peterson, will have the greatest love story yet'." Great. I thought to myself

"Mom is always crafting her next greatest romance. She goes and forces love onto people. She's going to do that with you Adin, her own son having the greatest love story. Her last big love story started the Trojan war. And as much as dad loves war. There isn't that much room in it for Eros. Now tell me, have you gained feelings for someone out of nowhere recently?"

I thought about all that he just told me. Aphrodite meddling with the romance of everyone. How she views love between mortals as nothing more than soap operas. How she expects me to have some sort of grand love story.

"Isn't that what you do? You shoot arrows at people and force them to fall in love with strangers?" I was looking at him in the eyes which constantly changed colors.

Eros scoffed. "I can only enhance what is already there. Observe." Eros turned around. A bow manifested with an arrow in it. He pulled back and took aim at Glen, only for him to aim it at Sabrina. I knew the arrow wouldn't be fatal, that didn't stop me from pushing Eros over which caused him to miss. I should say nearly missed, the arrow landed nearby Sabrina and had a mini explosion when it pierced the ground. The arrow was now on fire in the ground.

I ran over to the other two and we bolted for the exit. Eros however was able to fly over to the exit, beating us. His form slowly started to grow.

"You're crazy!" I yelled at him.

"Haha haha. Crazy? Yes, people have called me crazy before. Love will make you crazy, people will say! But what's love if it isn't crazy and scary." His form started to change faster. He turned into what could only be described as a towering black beast. He almost resembled a hellhound, except Eros was bigger and more deformed.

The beast who was formerly Eros started charging at us. "Run into the museum!" Glen suggested as Sabrina was already booking it. We ran as fast through the exhibit as we could. Eros was rampaging, knocking over plaques and stations throughout the museum. We passed by rock through the ages and Eros destroyed a wax Elvis. We got into the next room and Eros went right through a giant record that was spinning.

As we were running I tried to think of ways to slow him down. Although if the giant record and the King of Rock couldn't stop Eros then I had no idea what could. We finally found an exit sign and started running toward that. I didn't look behind me but could hear Eros breaking the museum. Blood rushed into my ears as fear was the only thing on my mind right now. By some small chance we exited out the door. Except it was a staircase with the real exit one flight below.

I was hoping Eros would give up. If this was a temple to him too then he wouldn't want to destroy it completely. Especially if this was also a temple to Apollo. Glen and Sabrina were down the stairs and out the door. I turned around expecting Eros to run through the wall. Instead he casually walked out the door in his 'normal' human-like form.

"You would be saving a lot of lives if you just die now Adin," He spoke calmly. "You don't know what you're going to put the people you care about through. Love is powerful, it drives people. It can also be deadly." He lifted his arms and the bow appeared again aimed right at me. He fired and I tried to block. The arrow however was too fast and landed right in my gut. I fell backwards out the door.

I opened my eyes and we were outside. I was lying face up toward the sky. I saw the outlines of Sabrina and Glen but closed my eyes right away. I didn't know how the arrow worked but I didn't want to take any chances. Closing my eyes was a mistake as my stomach started to feel tingly. From where the arrow was, a sensation spread throughout my body and I lost consciousness.