The Daughter Of Olympus

Chapter 13: Ta-Ta-Ta-Ta-Ta TA! (Do The Conga!)

Jasper grinned as he watched Nick stumble down the boat ramp. He found it hilarious that someone who would feel so high and mighty, like a child of Zeus, was brought to his knees by liquid in his ear. Jasper went to catch up to him, grabbing his arm so he wouldn't tip over into the water.

"Thanks." Nick muttered, stabilizing himself.

"Shouldn't you be ok by now? I was unaware sea sickness could last so long." Jasper said as they finally made their way to solid ground. Nick shrugged just as Luna stomped down the boat ramp, frowning. Luna confused Jasper to no end. She always seemed angry, like if she smiled she would get kicked out from the hunters group. He was pretty sure that it didn't work that way. Either way, it was fun to mess with her.

"Hello, sweetie." Jasper asked her as she reached them. He hadn't thought it possible but her frown seemed to increase. She actually looked quite scary.

"Didn't I tell you not to call me 'sweetie'?" She asked him. Jasper blew air out of his nose in amusement.

"My apologies." Jasper said. He meant to make it sound sarcastic but it came out sounding genuine. Luna's face softened. Now she only looked slightly irritated, not furious. She sighed.

"I feel like there's a lot of magic going around here." She said.

"Well, it's Italy. We aren't far from Rome either, so obviously there would be a higher amount of magic then we're used to." Nick said. He seemed to have gotten his land legs back, seeing that he was no longer leaning on Jasper.

"I know that, but I've been here before and it wasn't like this. It feels... deathish." She said awkwardly.

"Deathish? I'm sure you could do better than that." Jasper commented.

"What do you want me to say, huh? Deadly? Deathly? Dead? Those don't work!" Luna argued, her face getting red.

"I was joking, darling, don't take it too seriously." Jasper said, putting his hands up in surrender. Luna glared at him, crossing her arms. Suddenly Nick snorted then started laughing. They both looked at him, confused.

"Are you okay, Nickolas? Did that water get to your head?" Jasper asked, genuinely concerned for his brotherly friend's well being. Nick shook his head.

"No, it's just... You guys fight like a married couple." He said, grinning. Married couple? Oh gods, I hope not. Jasper thought. He would never be able to deal with Luna's temper.

"I would never marry this moron." Luna informed. Ditto.

"I know. It was just something that came to mind." Nick said, realizing he'd made it uncomfortably awkward.

The cringe worthy moment was thankfully broken by a man yelling into a megaphone.

"ATTENTION: All visitors to Rome please be very careful upon entry. Hooligans have been seemingly popping up and harassing anyone who is roman or of roman descent. They are wearing what looks like old armor, so please make sure to keep an eye out. We suggest you stay in one of the nearby cities for the time being until we get the situation under control. We apologize for the inconvenience." He announced.

"Well that sounds...Odd..." Jasper faltered. Someone slapped his arm, he turned and saw Luna.

"I told you it felt deathish!" Luna said, looking triumphant. She was smiling. Of course the only time she smiles is after assaulting my arm. Jasper thought, rubbing his arm. She hit surprisingly hard. He replied to her victory with a small smile. And a step away. 

He turned to Nick.

"So, should we go?" He asked him. Nick looked at him as if he were crazy.

"Yeah! Zan's probably in some deep trouble out there!" Nick replied, suddenly standing up straight. Jasper looked him up and down. He grinned. Snow White's trying to switch places with his Prince Charming.