𝐈𝐈. 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐋. leo valdez

011. 'Tell me, is she prettier than she was on the internet?'

.༻⊰✯⊱༺.

XI. THE AGE WHERE WE FELL OFF A DRAGON THAT'S BLOWING SMOKE!

━━━━━━

"Are your conversations cool, 

like are you even interested?"

          "WELL ISN'T SHE SUCH A sweetie," As Quebec City vanished into the distance, the chill of Boreas's presence still lingered in the air between them. Jason and Piper exchanged a glance, their relief palpable now that they were far enough away to breathe easy. Kasturi's gaze remained fixed on the sky, her thoughts as cloudy as the gray horizon. She was almost thankful she hadn't pressed the issue of not following further if all Boreas and Khione wanted to talk about was to Kill.

Leo handed out sandwiches from his pack, but his usual energy was muted. He hadn't been the same since they'd recounted the icy encounter in the throne room. "I still can't believe Khione," he muttered, shaking his head. "She seemed so... nice."

"Trust me, man," Jason said, tearing into his sandwich. "Snow may be pretty, but up close it's cold and nasty. We'll find you a better prom date."

Kasturi resisted the urge to roll her eyes, her lips barely touching the edge of the sandwich, leaning back against Piper who hugged her reassuringly. The absurdity of their conversation grated at her nerves. Prom? Of all things. It wasn't like they'll ever get the chance to experience it, considering their lives were now hijacked by the gods and monsters — they'll never get an ounce of normalcy after this. Albeit, then again, Kasturi admits that she and Jason had long already been a part of the world of mythology. But still...

...also, it didn't help the fact that Leo had something that he wasn't telling them, and Kasturi was starting to believe that it may be something really important. Perhaps it was the thing he had suddenly backtracked on telling her prior? Either way, whatever it was, his mood 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. Kasturi had no idea how Leo had stocked up on supplies, but he'd even remembered to bring veggie rations for Piper. The apple granolas that Dodie had packed for her was nothing against the cheese and avocado sandwiches.

For the entirety of the flight, nobody talked. Whatever they might find in Chicago, they all knew Boreas had only let them go because he figured that they were already on a suicide mission, so why even putting on any effort when someone else is going to do it for him, right?

Above them, the moon glowed cold and distant, casting a pale light over their small party as the stars spread in every direction. The night had fallen silent, even Festus's gears seemed to grind more quietly. Piper's arms, once secure around Kasturi's waist, slackened as she dozed off against Jason's back. Kasturi's eyelids fluttered with exhaustion too, but sleep was a luxury her restless mind refused to grant her.