Unlikely Heroes

Chapter 87: Nothing new

Bianca di Angelo

Nico and I looked at our cabin. Zagreus sits just in front of the door as he guards the cabin. He looks a bit bored, but it is also noticeable that he seems to be enjoying something. A contradictory thing, but Gods could split their being. Perhaps he is at multiple places at the same time. It wouldn't surprise me to be honest.

"What do you think, Bianca? Is Aileen doing okay?" Nico asks me.

"I don't know, Nico," I say with a shrug, "She seems to be doing okay. I mean she appeared at the meeting, right? Must be a good sign, but I wonder how long she will be in this state."

"Hey, siblings! How's it going?" Zagreus says as he looks towards us. A smile on his face while he waved at us. What a carefree God this is. I share a glance with Nico before we both shrug. Why not ask him?

"Pretty good. Say have you visited Aileen recently?" I ask as we approach him.

"There isn't much to do, so yeah I visit her sometimes. Aside from her increase in power, not much has changed. She tries very hard to settle into her new form. I am not sure how long it will take. She did tell me to say that she misses you," he explains.

"She can speak? I thought she would be in too much pain or distress. I mean aside from the spiritual form she takes," Nico ponders. Zagreus sighs but nods.

"It did not go without the necessary effort. I assume she allocates more energy to keep a watchful eye over Annabeth. Her energy pool is limited for now, unfortunately. Most of her energy is forced to go to her spiritual readjustment."

"I see. Make sure that she knows we keep her in our prayers and thoughts. Hopefully, it will get better for you too, Zagreus, but we should be going," I say with a soft sigh.

"Sure thing! Good luck with the new sword trainer. He seems like an interesting guy," Zagreus says while pointing to the arena, "There's something about him. Not sure what, but I can tell he is very good from what little I have seen. Of course, I am better but still, impressive for a Half-Blood."

That is high praise. Zagreus is literally the best swordsman I have ever seen. He gave us a few lessons while we were in the Underworld. Nico and I were no match for him. I am curious to see what this person can do.

"I guess we should meet him. Thanks, Zagreus. Maybe we will talk later!" I say as we leave him to his duty. He nods with a sigh. "I will be here. Got nowhere else to go..." he says.

Poor Zagreus. At least he does many people a great favor. Annabeth most of all, I suspect. No, definitely Annabeth on number one with Hades close second. When we entered the arena, we saw Percy and Tyson talking with the new instructor, Quintus. It was quite rare to see an older Demigod. From what everyone said, it was more likely that they die at a young age.

Nico looked at Quintus strangely. His presence felt indeed weird, but I can't quite make out why. It is as if his presence is unnatural. Something is off.

"Something about this man is wrong, Bianca. His soul feels weird. This is not a natural thing. He is cheating death," Nico says softly to me.

Cheating death? How? I can't think of a way how he would be able to do that. Only Hades has the power to grant such a thing. Perhaps Thanatos too as he is a God of Death. Still, he looks very much "alive" and "human".

"I feel that something is off about him too, but cheating death is not possible. Right?"

"Talking about death?" Quintus asks us as he walks toward us. "Ah. You two must be the children of Hades."

"Yes, sir. Uhm, so... you seem old," Nico says awkwardly. Way to go, Nico. I would find it a miracle if you ever find a boyfriend.

Quintus laughs as he pats Nico on the shoulder. "Not all Demigods die young. But you're right. Not many reach the age that I have reached. Here for training too? I just finished with Percy. He's quite gifted, still needs some polishing, but getting there," he says.