In the Shadows: A PJo x KotLC Crossover

Chapter 5

Tam began his investigation at the place where he knew there would be the most information: the Big House.

He eyed the brilliant blue walls wearily, gripping the peeling pillars with utter malice. He could tell already that there was something wrong with this place.

So, so much negative energy it made his brain hurt. The aura seemed to wrap around his head and stab it with millions of tiny needles simultaneously.

Tam groaned, rubbing his temples with one hand and using the pillar to support himself with the other.

He had to leave here as soon as possible. Camp Half-Blood was really starting to creep him out. Besides, they had "blood" in their name. If that wasn't totally hair-raising, Tam couldn't say what was.

He half expected that Nico kid to appear behind him again - it seemed that Sophie wasn't the only one who could teleport. Or perhaps it was just a case of stealth.

Tam didn't have a care for it though, all he cared for was the fact that at this very moment someone could be watching him. He had to get the upper hand.

So, taking a deep breath and steeling his nerves, he made his way to the front door...

... which was wide open. If there was such an expression as "no comment", Tam would have invented it right then and there. What sort of rebels were they if they left the door open?

He sighed. It was probably a good thing they were so stupid. It would be easier to bring them down from the inside that way.

Tam narrowed his eyes and peered inside.

Nothing seemed off. It was a neat - although dusty - hallway, decorated with little shelves and priceless ornaments lining the walls. There was an old doormat waiting to greet him, with the phrase "Welcome Home!" printed in gold cursive.

It was pretty average. The classic human home.

Tam had to admit it was a kind of refreshing change from the usual glamour and splendor of the elven palaces. He would never say it out loud though.

The dark haired boy reached out his foot tentatively, and, placing it on the cedar floorboards.. CREAK.

Fuck.

Internally he cursed everyone and everything he'd encountered in his life - especially Keefe.

Oh, probably the Neverseen too.

He glanced to the side, and was relieved when there was no sound or sight. He'd have to be more careful from now on, if that was even possible.

He moved forward again. CREAK. He sighed. The day when he made it home seemed far away.

After making it through the hall without any more problems, Tam's best bet was the Big Room.

He'd nicknamed it that because it was marginally larger than the rest of the rooms in the house, and also, this place was called the Big House, after all. It only fit.

Damnit, Keefe was getting to him.

Tam made sure the coast was clear before he tiptoed into the living room.

Quietly, he observed. Some couches were arranged in a neat circle around a glass coffee table, adorned with a still-hot mug of mocha. Floral wallpaper, mahogany cupboards, and some miscellaneous clutter.

It was all so.. normal.

Tam inhaled and was met with the scent of books.

He could get used to this.

But something told him it was all too normal. There had to be more to this room.

Maybe if he searched through the piles, or.. but that would take too long. He needed answers now.

Tam knew it was immature to be impatient (maybe being around Sophie had clicked something) but he just couldn't wait.

He was all alone, and clueless, and afraid.

He wanted - no, he needed to get back to his friends.

So he looked around once more.

And froze.

And blinked.

And then stared.

Woah.

There was a lion on the fucking wall.

Well... a lion head. Same thing.

"Damn."

"Yes, Seymour is quite the sight, isn't he?"

Tam jumped and and almost fell flat on his face. "Holy Jesu-"

"Ah, did I startle you?" Chiron had managed to make his way through the door while Tam had been frozen with shock. "I'm sorry."

"You did," Tam said coldly. "I was just taking a look around."

"Hmm, well, curiosity leads the heart, as they say." Chiron chuckled. He brought his wheelchair over so that he was now resting beside Tam.

"No one says that," Tam commented.

"I just did," Chiron said. "And I'm sure atleast one other person has said it in their lifetime."

"I'm sure they have," Tam said. "But can you really talk about ethicallity when you have a fucking lion on your wall?"

"That's not the definition of ethicallity," Chiron sighed. "And Seymour is a leopard."

"A what?"

"A type of cat. I have some pictures if you'd like to - "

"No thanks," Tam interrupted. "Listen, I have to go. Things to do and people to see, y'know? I'd love to hang out with you but.."

"Of course. Go ahead."

"Thank you," Tam murmured. He went out of the Big Room and through the door of the house.

"Tam," Chiron called.

"Yeah?"

"Come back after dinner. I want to speak with you."