Four False Lives

A S H

Frank was Shifter? Frank was shifter. Was Frank shifter? Frank couldn't be shifter. Could Frank be shifter? Frank had to be shifter. Frank was shifter?

Those were the only thoughts running through my brain. Sure, Annabeth had shocked me too, but Frank was my best friends boyfriend and my arch nemesis.

Hazel was waiting for me at the door, a few tears brimming in her eyes. As much as I hurt, I knew she hurt too. Maybe even more than me.

Percy had visited Annabeth already, but I hadn't asked him about anything yet. From the way he slammed the door, I could tell he and Annabeth hadn't had have the best talk.

I wrapped my arm around hazel, feeling worse for the her with every passing minute. She was crying softly as we walked in to talk to Frank.

She didn't want to come alone, and despite being a 'fearless hero', I didn't want to come alone either. I thought I knew Frank well, but I was wondering if I really knew him at all.

"Hey guys," Frank gave a small smile. "I guess the secrets out. But the real question is, how are you two going to break me out?"

"B-Break you out?" I stuttered. "No, Frank, I'm sorry man but this was your fault. I wor-I watched Ash work tirelessly to get you in here,"

"Oh come on. You can't seriously still be on their side. Ash is a dweeb," when he realized I wasn't budging, Frank turned to hazel. "Haze? It's me, Frank. I love you, I thought you loved me too. But maybe your the one who told the biggest lie,"

"Frank, I'm sorry. I'll help you es—" hazel started but I clasped her mouth shut.

"No, Haze you can't trust him anymore. He's using what they call a change in tactics, I learned about it in college. I was an English major,"

Hazel nodded and wiped his tear and turned to Frank. "You did this to yourself. I'm sorry, Frank. You. . .Killed thousands of people. You deserve this. I-I have to go,"

As hazel ran out of the room, I turned to Frank. "You can't do that to her. You know how much she cares about you. You used that against her, And for that you deserve far worse than whatever you are punished for. You betrayed hazels trust, and by doing so, my own. You deserve whatever's coming. Hazel doesn't deserve any of this, you should know that better than anyone,"

"Leo, I thought you were my friend,"

I shook my head and tried not to let tears fall. "And I thought you were good. I guess we're both disappointed,"