Turning Tables - Leo Valdez AU

Chapter One

Piper and Jason were still inside the warehouse, being tormented by three starving Cyclopes. Meanwhile, I was outside being persuaded by ol' Earth Lady herself. I gotta admit, her offer was tempting enough to make me think about it deeply (which was for about five seconds; that's deep thinking for me).

"I've known you've wanted to get away from the two who exclude you," Earth Lady said, her voice mystical as if she was in a dream. Just hearing it made me want to go to sleep, or, well, I wanted to do that before hand. The funny thing was that she was right, that I did want to get away from Jason and Piper. They could be love birds all they wanted to without me in their way -- but they couldn't be if I didn't save them right now, and if I did maybe they would appreciate me more.

"Helping them... What difference will it make?" Earth Lady said. In the back of my mind I knew it was true, but I wanted to believe different just to make myself feel better.

"You were the one who killed my mom," I said harshly.

"For good reason," Earth Lady said. "You needed to be prepared for the worse that is to come."

"How is that a good reason? I don't know about you, Earth Lady, but I'm not the type to go around killing demigods' innocent parents and making their lives miserable," I snapped. "And then making the kids feel--"

I tried to choke back a sob, but it didn't work. Now I looked like a weak fool in front of Earth Lady, even though I doubt she was judging me.

"Join me. I'll bring your mother back after this war is over. And I can bring back your dragon, too," Festus's eyes started glowing again, as if he had just fixed himself. "Besides, we need you more than Jason and Piper do. I'll make sure no monsters -or anyone for that matter- try to kill you," Earth Lady said.

I looked through the warehouse door at Piper and Jason hanging over the fire one last time. Don't fall for Gaea's trap, a voice in the back of my mind said.

"No, I couldn't just leave my friends like that," I said, trying to sound as confident as Piper could speak. Earth Lady nodded in agreement.

Don't work with her! I thought. Don't work with Jason and Piper! I also thought. If I wasn't going to be with either of them, I would have to work alone. And that's what I planned to do.

"Look, lady, I know you need someone to keep you company, but I'll be honest. I only chase girls who are completely out of my league, which you're not. And I'd only date a girl with... You know... A single form? And, well, that's not you." I sassed. Earth Lady looked at me, puzzled.

"Dating?" She asked, completely confused.

"You know, I love you! I love you too!" I impersonated Jason and Piper, and then made a kissing noise. Earth Lady stared at me, unamused. I sighed. "Forget it."

"If this 'dating' thing involves granting you a safe passage, safe from the Cyclopes, then I would be delighted to date you," she said. I think I might have accidentally blushed.

"Uh-- it's--" I stammered. Earth Lady had grown long, flowing hair made out of the falling snow for me. She actually looked-- no, I told myself. I'm not dating the earth lady who just came out of the porta-potties. I thought the argument with myself was over. But she's wide open! Asking me to-- SHUT IT!

"I'll be back, Leo. Get away from Jason and Piper, start a new adventure of your own." She said. Festus started nudging my arm impatiently.

"You're just--"

"Keep the dragon."