Leico Valdangelo... The Beginning

Chapter 13

Nico POV

Oh my gods. What the actual fuck?! I literally just woke up from being CORN! What is this shit?!

I sweep my eyes around me in a panic, trying to assess the situation. Calm down, calm down. I'm not corn. 

At least Hazel seems okay now. I sigh in relief.

Zhang, though. Dam. "Why are you taller?" I ask him, observing his quite obvious extra height and muscle mass. 

How long was I asleep?

"Everything's fine," Frank reassures me, and goes on to say that the farm god, Triptolemus is about to tell us how to survive the House of Hades. Yeah, I totally trust that son of a... never mind. Don't want to even think bad thoughts about gods. It never ends well for anyone involved.

After we receive what seem to be trade secrets from Trip about helpful herbs, I ask if we can finally get out of there. The other two really seem to like that idea, and we head outside to go back to the ship.

What is... I mean... all of the katoblpones are... gone?

Frank says that he had to destroy them. I can't help being a little impressed. "That was brave," I respond, "there must have been, what, six or seven in that herd."

"No," Frank clears his throat, seeming nervous or self-conscious, "I killed all of them in the city."

Holy shit. Now that I concentrate the death is practically radiating off of everything. Frank's new appearance is probably a blessing of Mars. I've heard of the stories. I just never imagined that this big dork could... woah. That's pretty badass.

Hazel looks starstruck. Gods, why? Overprotective older brother instinct has kicked in, even though I do respect Frank immensely.

After walking for what seems like forever, we get back to the ship. I'm feeling pretty fatigued. As much as I deny it, I'm not back up to mint condition from all that happened to me, plus I just spent a couple hours as corn... I can't imagine that would be good for anyone.

It's about dusk when we actually get onto the ship. We head below-deck to the commons room. Mostly Frank relays the story, with Hazel jumping in every once in a while. I kind of can't really concentrate on him, though. My ADD is acting up again.

I stay completely still, as per usual, even though I really just want to be fighting something. I stand in the doorway and try to concentrate on anything productive. I'm exhausted, but I really just don't want to sit down. Dam you demigod reflexes.

I survey everyone at the table. Piper catches my eye for a second. I haven't really gotten to know her all that well. I wonder what that was about.

I save Leo for last because I know that once I look at him, I probably won't want to look away.

He is playing with some random trinkets in his hands. Working screws and random things together, then reworking them into completely different things. He has grease smeared on his cheek, though it looks like he at least attempted to wipe it away. His eyes are on Frank as he talks, but they wander every few seconds.

When he catches me staring, he smirks and winks. I feel myself blush, and I give him a little half smile in return. I should really stop getting so distracted. I look back at Frank just as Hazel says something about what we were told to do to get through the House of Hades alive.

I help her to elaborate, prompting other people to join the discussion. As others join, I retreat, and just listen to what they say. They want to plan every little thing. That's dumb, if you ask me. We don't even know everything yet. Not that I say that.

My eyes drift back to Leo and we have a mock staring contest. I am determined to win.

My attention is pulled back to Jason when he says that everyone looks tired and should get some sleep, volunteering for the first watch.

Everyone agrees, and I move into the hallway as they all file to their respective rooms. Leo comes out after everyone else, and grabs my wrist, pulling me to his room with him.

When the door closes he grins a blinding smile. "I won the staring contest."

Hey guys, thanks for the read. I really love any votes or comments that you want to give. They mean the world to me. Love y'all. :) -LeofreakingValdez