𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐔𝐌 • Heroes of Olympus

IX

THE GLOW of Quebec city had completely disappeared behind them by the time Jason finished telling them what had happened with Boreas. Andy had a hard time processing all the information.

The part about Boreas changing his form made Andy uneasy. The god had found it highly amusing that Jason had recognized him in that form---his roman form, Aquilon. Something about it felt wrong. Why did Boreas shift his form?

Hera made a dangerous gamble, Boreas had said. Why? What had Hera done? Whatever it was, it wasn't going to end well. Boreas did not believe the demigods would survive Hera's little game. That was why he had let them go, apparently.

Their quest was suicidal, but they were doing it anyway.

At least, Leo and Jason were going to finish it, even if Andy didn't. 

Was she a delusional selfish coward for running off from her quest to try to save Nico from a fire breathing giant? Yes. Did she care? No. It was her fault Nico was taken. She had to get him back. The world could burn, and Andy would still choose her friends.

Leo was quiet the whole time Jason talked, and even after he finished, the son of Hephaestus stayed silent. He passed them a few sandwiches from his pack, not uttering a word. His face was scrunched up in concentration. Andy could imagine the gears churning in his head.

"I still can't believe Khione," he said at last. Why he chose to make himself look like an idiot, Andy didn't know. But to each their own, eh? "She looked so nice."

“Trust me, man,” Jason said. “Snow may be pretty, but up close it’s cold and nasty. We’ll find you a better prom date.”

Andy whistled. "Real poetic, Thunderboy."

Jason winced. "Please don't call me that."

Leo, however, didn’t look pleased. His foul mood seemed to affect Festus, who grumbled and steamed as he tried to keep himself warm in the cold Canadian air. Happy the Dragon was not so happy.

Once the sandwiches were over, Andy was sleepier than ever. It took way too much effort to even keep her eyes open. At last, she gave up and leaned forward, closing her eyes.

***

Andy's dream had taken her into the labyrinth, before it had been destroyed. The rock walls of the tunnels seemed to live and breathe. There was a distant sound of swords clashing, and someone yelling. 

It took a while for Andy's eyes to adjust to the darkness. When they did, she made her way around a bend, from where the noise was coming. There, in front of her, was her. 

But this Andy was younger. Her hair was shorter, and her face softer. Before Young Andy, a younger Nico di Angelo stood with his sword raised, panting.

"Get lost, Andy," he yelled. "I will bring my sister back."

He struck. Andy sidestepped. She hit his side with the flat of her blade, sending him flying onto a wall.

"Minos is tricking you," she snapped. "He's using you, Nico."

"I don't care!" Nico exclaimed. "I just want Bianca back."

Andy took a step forward. "Nico-"

"No." Nico flinched away. "Get away from me."

The look that crossed Young Andy's face was so full of hurt it made Nico look guilty. But he regained himself quickly.

"Minos will help me bring Bianca back," Nico assured. "I trust him."

"Do you not trust me?" Andy asked in a small voice. Nico sneered.

"The last time I trusted one of your kind, my sister died!"