The Valdez Legacy (A Heroes of Olympus Fanfic)

Chapter 8: The Zhangs

  Sofia and Leo reached New Rome, and Sofia looked around, having no clue where she was. It seemed like a town out of her ancient history text book. Sofia looked out in wonder. The buildings were amazing! She was enjoying looking at the structure, and Leo smiled as it reminded him of Annabeth. Sofia is a true daughter of Athena

  Sofia seemed so engrossed in New Rome, that she didn't notice the shocked looks that were being sent there way. Or the comments asking for confirmation of him being Leo Valdez. Or whispers wondering about the young girl walking next to him. Leo tried to ignore them as best he could, as well as the urge to shout something stupid like "LEO VALDEZ, BADBOY SUPREME IS BACK!"

  Leo kept walking with his hand lightly placed on Sofia's back, softly pushing her forward. Odd stares were shot in the Valdez's direction, making Leo uncomfortable. He didn't even recognize Reyna when he bumped into her. Reyna sure recognized him though. Despite their edgy history, Reyna gave him a smile, a really genuine smile.

  "Well, I didn't think I would see you back here anytime soon. But I suppose nothing can keep Leo Valdez away for long." Reyna told him.

  Leo simply laughed, "I've been gone for thirteen years."

  "So you have been keeping track!"

   Leo smirked, "I guess I'm not as stupid as you guys think."

  And then, Reyna's eyes had drifted from Leo to Sofia, who had woken up from her trance, and was now looking back at Reyna. Reyna's eyes widened, "Leo, why is this preteen following you around?"

  "Uh...she's my daughter, Sofia." Leo introduced. Sofia awkwardly waved at Reyna.

  "Daughter?" Reyna choked, "She can't be younger than ten!"

"Twelve." Leo informed.

  Reyna's eyes grew wider, "That means she had to have been born within a year of you leaving!"

  Leo nodded, "Do you know where Hazel and Frank are? I need to talk to them about something."

  Reyna's eyes hardened, "Yes, I know where they are. They're at Hazel's farm which is straight to the right of us. There's a small house there."

  "Thanks Reyna!" Leo exclaimed. Reyna's face simply dropped, as if she wanted to say more, but there was nothing more to say. Leo traveled in the direction Reyna gave, with his daughter close behind.

  "Dad?" Sofia asked, softly. "Who was that? And why did you leave? I mean this place looks cool!"

  Leo simply laughed, "That was Reyna, she used to be...an acquaintance of mine. And I never actually lived here. I lived in a place like this, but that place and this place share a connection."

  Sofia had no clue what he was talking about, nor did she have any clue why her father would fly all the way to California for a specialist for nightmares. There were tons of those in New Jersey! Sofia had known quite a few people who've had nightmares. So why would her father go through so much trouble? For something that didn't really require so much?

  Sofia looked at the wonderful buildings....she always loved looking at the structure of buildings, never quite understanding why. The further they traveled in their direction they were going, the less buildings there were, until eventually, everything was grass, and it started to smell bad. Soon they saw stables, and Leo knew they were close, and then they saw a house.

  Leo stood and stared. Of course, it might not have been their house at all, but Leo was pretty sure the large black letters on the mailbox spelling ZHANG were an indicator. It was at that moment that Leo completely froze. Never had he ever felt so afraid of confrontation. He had left them for thirteen years, with no goodbye, no phone call. Yet, here he was, about to ask them for a favor? Some friend he was.

  Leo despite how far he'd come, had considered turning back, and reverting back to plan B. Perhaps he should've listened to Athena and his father about this life catching up to him. It may have been time to send Sofia to Camp Half-Blood. But all of a sudden, a woman came out, staring right into Leo with golden eyes. Except her eyes were curious, not angered. The girl was dressed in pants and a T-shirt. Her curly cinnamon colored hair was tied into a curly ponytail.

"Can I help you?" she asked.

  This was the first time Leo had been face to face with one of the seven in thirteen years. Yet, all Leo could muster was a small chuckle, "H-hey Hazel."

  Hazel's eyes widened, with emotions Leo couldn't understand. Humans were too complicated, yet Leo saw a mixture of disbelief and confusion in her eye, "Leo?!"