Silver | HoO

NINE

Emilio didn't relax even after the glow of Quebec City faded behind him. His thoughts were swirling like a storm, worried about the fate of their quest and for Elle. And he was hundreds of feet in the air again.

"You two were amazing," He heard Jason say from behind after he had finished explaining everything to Leo.

Emilio didn't feel amazing.

"Oh, it was nothing," Emilio turned and flashed him a grin, "Hermes kids are fast thinkers so you don't have to worry your pretty little head thinking too hard."

Emilio was sure the flush on Jason's cheeks was from the cold air.

Piper said something in French that none of them understood.

"What'd you say?" Jason asked.

"I said I only talked to Boreas. It wasn't so amazing."

Emilio knew she was lying and frowned. He couldn't fault her for lying because then he'd be a hypocrite but Emilio had no idea what she, a new demigod, could be hiding.

"Hey," Emilio said, "you saved us from joining Khione's subzero hero collection. Don't sell yourself short. You're amazing."

"Thank you, Emilio."

Emilio couldn't see her facial expression but he hoped that he was able to cheer her up just a little bit. Emilio had noticed that she had seemed a little out of it after the conversation with Aquilion. He couldn't blame her, he was too. It was a lot.

Leo passed them some sandwiches from his pack. He'd been quiet for most of the ride so far. "I still can't believe Khione," he said. "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."

Piper smiled, but Leo didn't look pleased.

"I'll go with you," Emilio grinned and winked at the son of Hephaestus, managing to get a small chuckle from the boy, "Chione would have just iced your whole evening. You're way too good for her."

Leo's quietness unsettled him. He hadn't said much about his time in the palace, or why the Boreads had singled him out for smelling like fire. Emilio had heard of Vulcan kids having fire powers but knew they were rare. Like Apollo kids having light powers. Emilio kept that to himself for now though. It seemed they were all hiding something. Except Jason, who still had no memories.

Leo's mood, however, seemed to be affecting Festus, who grumbled and steamed as he tried to keep himself warm in the cold Canadian air. Happy the Dragon was not so happy.

They ate their sandwiches as they flew. Emilio had no idea how Leo had stocked up on supplies, he'd even remembered to bring veggie rations for Piper.

Nobody talked. Whatever they might find in Chicago, they all knew Aquilion had only let them go because he figured they were already on a suicide mission.

The moon rose and stars turned overhead. It was like a reminder to Emilio that time was running out. He had yet to do anything that he thought would redeem him.

Emilio glanced over his shoulder at Jason, who was looking out over the horizon. He took a moment to really look at Jason. He was no longer the fourteen year old he left behind. Two years ago, Emilio had loomed over him but now he was only half a head shorter. He had lost most of his baby fat making him look more angular, more Roman. Jason was cute before but now he looked like a god.

Jason, probably sensing Emilio's stare, turned to him, his gaze questioning. Emilio felt caught despite him not being subtle in the slightest.

"Everything okay?" Jason asked him and Emilio didn't know how to answer because no, everything was not okay. Emilio was feeling too much towards the boy he used to know, the boy that should hate him. That will hate him.