Week Nine: The Descendant: Weapon of Choice: Trump Cards Against Humanity

 Elli’s eyes gleamed. The Amphitheater was glorious. Nico wasn’t a bad tour guide, or a bad person, all the mysterious buried deep down inside him made him all the more interesting. Sometimes though, she could see the 1930’s kid in Nico’s eyes and she couldn’t help but giggle.

 At the moment, there were two Apollo kids spitting poetry at each other and Elli couldn’t help but smile. “What are they doing?” She asked Nico in curiosity.

 “They’re trying to see who’s better," Nico said with a smug look on his face. “Dionysus’s kids hang around here more than anyone else.”

 Elli smiled. “I’ve never been to a play before. Maybe they’ll hold one here?”

 Nico shook his head. “Better to go see the Lion King on Broadway.” He said and Elli couldn’t tell if he was kidding or not.

 “You might even like Wicked.” Nico suggested.

 “Would you go with me?” Elli wondered seeing that Nico knew more about this subject than she did.

 Nico smirked. “I don’t know…” He muttered. “Those shows are pretty expensive.”

 Elli laughed, “Are you kidding? You’re talking to the girl who helped solved murdered all her life!” She exclaimed. “Money’s nothing if you want to go.” She smiled.

 Nico blushed. “Whoa.” He said as they got up to leave, he finally had enough of the Apollo kid’s bickering. “You really mean that?”

 Elli nodded. “Well, Tucker said I had to train first before I could go anywhere.” She sighed. “But I guess after dealing with the minotaur I don’t want to go out there without being ready.”

 “We could figure out your most comfortable weapon.” Nico suggested. “That’s probably be an easier task than showing you around.”

 Elli smiled. “I think you’re doing a great job but if you think that’s easier than we should, I don’t want to torture you.”

 Nico looked away and Elli grinned. “Aw, thank you.”

 Nico looked at her in concern. “You should stop doing that.”

 Elli shrugged. “It’s not like you insulted me or anything.” She said innocently.

 Nico shook his head. “Can you seriously do that to anyone?”

 Elli nodded. “Well.” She paused. “Not everyone. When that spirit took over Viana…”

 “Viana?” Nico raised an eyebrow.

 “Right…” She said. She didn’t want to explain herself again. “Let’s say there’s a way to block my ‘inner lie detector’.”

 Nico smirked at that one. “You said spirit, did it have a name?”

 “Yea.” Elli sighed, how could she forget. It only happened a few hours ago. “they said they were ‘psudologoi’.”

 Nico nodded. “That would makes sense.”

 “How?” Elli asked in frustration. She didn’t always like the fact that she could tell if someone was lying or not but she didn’t like knowing that she couldn’t tell either. It was hotwired into her and it felt wrong without the ability.

 “Pseudologoi are spirits of lies.” He replied, “You, can sense lies and truths, but if they’re involved there’s only one way and that’s by lying. However…” He paused to think. “Maybe the Viana person didn’t know she was lying so she wasn’t?”

 Elli nodded. It sounded complicated but she knew exactly what Nico meant. “Viana herself didn’t murder those people. The pseudologoi that used her did and in that sense she wasn’t lying when she told me that she didn’t murder but when she admitted on tape that she did murder she was also telling the truth.”

 Elli felt even worse than before. The more she repeated the situation the worse she felt. Unconsciously, Elli started to twirl a loose string on the bag that one of the Athena girls had given her full of crochet tools and string with a couple of patterns for her to try out.

 Nico pointed towards the beach. “That’s Firework Beach. If you follow it there’s a creek and what we’re about to pass is the Mess hall, this is where we go to eat.”

 Elli nodded as Nico directed her, she could tell that he wanted to know about the murder but didn’t want to push her. She thanked him for that but also wanted to go back to her cot at the police station and sleep. A part of her wanted to go back, but she knew that she couldn’t.

 “Those are the cabins.” Nico gestured towards the personalized sleeping corridors. “There’s not one for Aletheia/Veritas yet but once you’re claimed they’ll make you one.”

 Elli looked at Nico in confusion. “A cabin only for me?” She tilted her head, “Isn’t that a waste?”

 Nico shook his head. “My dad along with his two brothers, Zeus and Poseidon had to make an oath that they wouldn’t have any more kids. I had a sister, my other sister is Roman so she went to go stay there but she visits for the most part. Percy doesn’t have anyone in his cabin either. There’s Tyson, his cyclops brother but other than that he doesn’t have another person in his cabin and then there’s Jason Grace, he has a sister but she’s a Hunter of Artemis, the Lieutenant actually.”

 Elli looked at Nico in amusement, so much information had flooded her system. Apparently, Nico had a lot to say about these guys without meaning to, she wondered if this would happen often with those names. She didn’t read up on any mythology. All she knew was that was the daughter of a goddess who decided after fourteen years to direct her somewhere safe. Elli shook her head. Such great parenting skills.

 Nico waved his hand in Elli’s Face. “Elli?” His eyes were full of concern.

 “Huh?” She asked quickly returning back to earth.

 “I was telling you about them and you kind of froze, are you okay?” He questioned.

 Elli let out a slow sigh. “Yea… If you could slow down on the details that’d be great.” She smirked. “I sort of felt all the emotional trust you have for these people.” She smiled. “At least I know you trust them.”

 Nico’s eyes widened. “Wait. How much did you see?”

 Elli tilted her head. “Well, you have strong feelings, or you did, for this Percy guy.” Elli started.

 Nico cleared his throat. “I told him already.”

 “I know?” Elli still looked at him in confusion.

 “Secret.” Nico said in despair.

 “Oh!” Elli said in amusement. “At the station I learned it didn’t matter about that. Why is it embarrassing for you?”

 “What?” Nico questioned. “You mean, it doesn’t bother you?”

 Elli shook her head. “Why would it…? You’re a nice guy… Who had many secrets… That I keep finding…” She said pausing between each phrase and smiling trying not to giggle.

 Nico rolled his head. “Seriously, you have to stop doing that.”

 Elli grinned. “I guess I have my trump cards against humanity.”

 Shaking his head, Nico let out a small laugh. “However you want to put it, that’s not going to get you anywhere in another Minotaur fight.”

 Elli frowned. Nico was right, the only monsters she had ever face were all mortals. Now, the challenge started, she had to face real monsters.

One Shot: Of Friendship, Of Loss IV

  Kumav let the tears fall from her eyes as she rushed to the scene. The horse collapse and she continued on foot as quick as she possibly could. Laid against a shield she didn’t recognize and ordering the guards not to fire. A horse ran wild as the guard tried to disobey. Running to her side was Umvi, a wolf she knew well, who eyed her necklace and gave a tail full of joy as she ran alongside her. Running at the dragon and rolling to avoid his fire she continued this process until she could jump onto his back. Doing so, she held his neck and cried.

  “Mahal Kita!” She shouted. “Pinagsisisihan!” She repeated. Slamming his tail into her rib cage, she cringed. Roaring and screeching, the dragon spewed fire in the air in anger. In agony, Kumav felt her grip loosen sending her flying in the next hit.

  Running to her side Umvi growled and barked at the dragon. Taking a step forward, the dragon bared his teeth. Seeing an opening, Gashvon retrieved his sword and unsheathed it.

  “Hindî!” She shouted and forced herself to drag her body on the opposite side of her injury. She had at least two ribs broken but she wasn’t going to lose him. She already lost one companion, she couldn’t lose another, especially to the one she lost.

  In desperation, Kumav reached out but let out a cough and clenched her hand into a fist. The pain in her right side wouldn’t let her go on. Instead, Umvi darted at her master, ramming herself him into his arm to release the sword. Spotting them, the dragon unhinged his jaw and sucked in a breath.

  “Maligaya!” Kumav yelled. “Mangyaring, hindî.” She said, this time softer and with a hint of pain.

  Using her as a distraction, Gashvon grabbed Umvi and rolled away, grabbing his sword in the process. In seeing this Umvi bit down on the hilt and tore it out of his grasp, running towards Kumav in rebellion. Cursing under his breath, Gashvon ran out of distance and held a guard’s shield in place. He could always count on his wolf companion until it came to her. It was always her. She always took that woman’s side and he never understood it. He hissed, if she loved the woman so much why not be her companion instead of his? Eyes lighting up, Gashvon dropped the shield. That was it, she couldn’t tame the dragon, he had to do it.

  Looking over at his wolf companion he watched as she nuzzled Kumav in assurance. The short breaths that Kumav took indicated that her injury could be fatal if he didn’t hurry. His heart twisted. He couldn’t lose her. If he did, he wouldn’t know how the dragon would react to him next. Sternly, he made eye contact with the dragon. Forcing down his aggravation and reluctance, he made his steps a rhythm. A rhythm he remembered when he first encountered the dragon.

  It was the path she had taken. Although he knew that the feeling between the two would not be the same, he still held her in his heart and that was enough to get the dragon’s attention. Only he could save the dragon now. All the fear he had gone through the first time the two met was gone. The battles that they lead in the war together, even though the two were not directly in contact, held fast in his heart. His gaze was real, the dragon was mesmerizing.

  Through her eyes, he could see. He never appreciated the dragon from what it really was. The golden scales gleamed and the dragon’s red eyes were realized to be a red orange. Not that it mattered to him, but it matter to her. The strong connection between the two was remarkable. He could understand why she tried as persistent as she did to defy him when it came to this dragon, because it was her dragon.

  Umvi’s rebellion was clear, the wolf knew and that’s why it went to the level of hostility to stop him from interfering the first time and even now, Gashvon smiled. When he found his wolf he knew he’d never live another day without her being at her side. It was abrupt for Kumav at first but she grew to like the wolf fast and the two became good friends, even when he went to the castle after the war.

  He didn’t realize how much love and compassion had passed between the dragon and Kumav. Almost as much if not more than what they had given each other except in different ways. Gashvon felt his strength return and all his worries wash away. Standing snout to nose, the dragon looked into Gashvon’s eyes and was reminded of the companionship.

  As he remembered the first time, Gashvno didn’t want to see it twice, but then again, it was necessary. Seeing the eyes of the dragon’s locked with his he took a step back, and the dragon followed. Taking a step to the side, the dragon followed. The guards watched in astonishment, Kuva gave a small laugh and held Umvi in comfort, almost completely forgetting about her pain.

  Stepping in, Gashvon took his hand to the dragon’s snout and slid it to the side. “Kaibigan.” He said sternly, almost reverting back to his old self. Feeling the fear crawl up in side of him he took the change to close his eyes.

  “Maligaya.” He said calmly, the snout of the dragon touched his face. “Kaibigan.” He said again.

  He never imagined himself speaking his native tongue to a dragon but Kumav did it so often that he didn’t doubt for a moment that the dragon understood the words and recognized his name.

  “Maligaya, Kaibigan.” He said at a rhythmic repeat. Feeling assured, Gashvon opened his eyes again and faced the dragon. Looking back at him were amazed eyes. Gashvon and Maligaya were never close, Gashvon was only close to Kumav and Umvi. Umvi made good friends with the dragon and Kumav got along perfectly with his wolf but he had never attempted to reach out the creature.

  Letting out a sigh, Gashvon smiled. “Maligaya?” He asked.

  A silent stare looked back at him. “…Kaibigan?” He questioned again.

  The dragon’s eyes lit up, giving a nod. Gashvon smiled but was quickly distracted by the cry of pain.

  Kumav let out a slow breath and looked at the dragon with a sly grin. Eye’s in alarm the dragon flew to her side with an abrupt rumble of a landing and touched his snout her hand giving a small nod to Umvi. Licking his snout, Umvi ran to her companion who caught her in his arms and set her down. Walking to Kumav, he shouted at the guards to get her medical treatment and for another apple for the horse, then to return it to its owner. In defiance, the horse ran from the guards and joined Gashvon’s side. Smiling, he ran his hand through the horses mane as it trotted next to him.

  Kumav held the dragon’s snout, rubbing her face against it and crying tears of job Kissing its snout, the dragon swung its head back, rolling her over. Giving a screech, Gashvon attended Kumav, putting her in a position she could withstand and then tended the dragon.

  “Maligaya.” He said with a stern command. The Dragon roared and thrashed. She had to tame him again, Gashvon realized and looked glanced back at her to see if she could make the hold. Raising an eyebrow, he looked down at the paw print necklace around her neck. Looking at Umvi, he narrowed his eyes. In response she gave a delightful bark and then tore it off of Kumav’s neck to hand to him. Still looking at it in surprise, Maligaya clawed the ground to try and step away from Kumav and his new friend. Noticing, Gashvon took a step forward.

  The dragon had to be tames. This was the only way. Reaching out with the necklace Gashvon forced himself to avoid the tail swatting and the claw snatching. Reaching the dragon’s neck, Gashvon touched the necklace to the dragon’s chest and hoped that it would be enough to sooth the creature.

  Sure enough, the brown marks burned back into place, this time, they burned a black, and then a white, and then back to brown. Taking a step back, Gashvon was greeted with a friendly puff of steam and a tail swat.

  Gashvon grinned. “Kaibigan.” He nodded and the dragon nodded too. In the distance, Kumav was being carried with delicate attention into the castle. Before she entered, the dragon touched his snout to her cheek and then faced Gashvon Nudging him, he lowered.

  Gashvon looked at the dragon in amusement and fear. He didn’t find a dragon companion for a reason. He didn’t find anything flying for a reason. He wouldn’t have controlled who his companion would have been anyway but this was a challenge far more than he had ever been offered in his life. Gashvon stepped away and the horse nudged him towards the dragon, cheerfully, Umvi barked and he glared. If anyone knew about his fear of heights it was his wolf companion and Kumav. Kumav never forced him to get to know the dragon.

  She knew that he was afraid of height and accepted it. Although, she did joke and tell him that the only way to get rid of a fear was face it. Gashvon narrowed his eyes at the dragon, the dragon was practically bowing at his feet. It was an honor to be a rider. But he had no such honor.

  Aggravated, Umvi snapped at Gashvon’s pant leg and began to drag him towards the back of the dragon. Gashvon hated heights. That’s why he was more than happy to lead the army on foot not in the skies. Kumav did a fine job in the skies as the only dragon rider with other mythical creatures following in her lead. He did fine with the mortals, horses, wolf, and land creatures.

  Ramming her head into his leg, Umvi barked happily and Gashvon held his breath as Maligaya lifted his tail to set him on his back. Being the distance off the ground already made him cringe. Even if he was a dragon rider, he’d at least get a saddle but the only dragon rider he had known of was Kumav and she didn’t believe in safety. If she fell, Maligaya would catch her but she never fell. She was also not afraid of heights. Gashvon hissed. He couldn’t come to believe that Kumav was afraid of anything. She faced a dragon, a war, stood in between his army and him to protect him and defy him, multiple times. She’d do anything as long as it meant putting herself in the line of fire and that’s why he couldn’t be around her anymore.

  She was everything he wasn’t. All except a leader. They both were able to lead but when came to battle cries and persuasion he’d fear his army into battle and she would fight alongside them, ready to die for the cause. If the risk was too high, he would retreat. The higher the risk, the more power she had with her army.

  As Maligaya lifted off, Gashvon clutched the dragon’s neck. The dragon lifted off slower than it normally did but still felt too fast for Gashvon. Holding tight and squeezing his eyes shut, he felt a snap on his shoulder and he turned to face it, the dragon’s tail returned to the back and he grunted.

  He was defiantly not a flyer. Below, Gashvon could see Kumav, the horse, and his wolf. Kumav headed for the medical section of the castle and he wanted to follow but the dragon had other plans. Holding on tight he looked forward.

  Looking forward seemed to help him when he rode horses. To his surprise, it also helped as he rode Maligaya. Picking up speed, Gashvon’s eyes widened. He was not ready for any tricks that he saw Kumav and her winged companion did in the past. Taking him past the castle, the dragon took him down to another cave that was far from both the castle and the village. As they came closer to the stop, Gashvon recognized the cave as Maliagya’s first settlement and followed the dragon inside. Once inside the cave, he dragon lead Gashvon down a deep route. Finally, Maligaya stopped and Gashvon came from behind the dragon to see what he was being shown. Gashvon gawked. Before him were thousands an thousands of massive eggs. No one had seen a dragon egg before, until him. Looking up at the dragon, he talked to him in the comfortable tongue that he had used for the past couple of years.

  “You left them?” He questioned and the dragon shook his head.

  Pointing to another side of the enormous room were different entrances. Gashvon turned to the dragon in amazement.

  “You protected them, now you protect us.”

  Maligaya nodded and wrapped his tail around Gashvon without warning, setting him back on his back. As the dragon exited the room, Gashvon could hear screeches and roars. Letting out a sigh, he grinned.

  “Salamat.” He said laying against the dragon’s neck.

  Swiping his tail, the dragon took the skies and this time, Gashvon didn’t fear the flight. 

—

Mahal Kita - I love you Pinagsisisihan - I’m sorry Hindî - No Maligaya - Happy 

Mangyaring - Please Kaibigan - Friend  Salamat - (Shorter) Thanks 

(Feel free to correct my Tagalog lol) 

<—Prevous Part

II. Week Eight: Passing Through

  A day. That’s how fast Xeq could travel to China. Of course, he didn’t know how slow or fast he went the first time but the straight flight might strain him. Stopping at Mikey's would be his only luxury. Appearing at the door, Mikey’s mother opened up and embraced him.

  “Xeq! What are you doing here at this hour?”! She asked.

  Xeq shrugged. “Mind if I ask what hour it?” He wondered.

  “Mikey’s actually going to get off soon! You want to wait for him? He might be walking home that new school girl so watch out.” Mikey’s mom laughed.

  Xeq grinned. “Ah, Mikey’s got a girlfriend?”

  Mikey’s father nodded at him as he came him, “Seems so, the girl really attached herself to him the moment she got in the car. It was as if they already knew each other. Course, he was a little confused as to what to do at first but the lad will learn in time.”

  Xeq nodded.

  “Hungry?” Mikey’s mom asked happily bringing out biscuits.

  Smiling, he gladly took a cup of tea from her and some of the biscuits. I’ll need to head out soon after Mikey gets here because I need to tell him something but that’ll be it. Then I should be heading back.”

  Mikey’s mom nodded. Sitting across from him on the couch next to her husband with the newspaper, Mikey’s mom began to readjust herself. Watching her closely, Xeq questioned. “Is there something on your mind?”

  A sigh escaped Mikey’s mother’s lips. “Well…” She shuffled. “Somewhat. “Mikey’s been acting sort of strange since that incident.” Mikey’s mother smirked. “And then you two came out of nowhere.” She said with a nervous laugh.

  “Not that I don’t like you and your brother but you two seem to come around often for Americans.” She shrugged. “I know it’s none of my business but I do have a right don’t I?” Mikey’s mom said meeting Xeq’s eyes. “I can have the right to know what’s wrong with m son?”

  “Wrong?” Xeq questioned. “Nothing’s wrong with your son, madam. I assure you.”

  “He assaulted a child and then the child even died!” Mikey’s mother protested. “I don’t consider that, fine and part of my daily list of chores to do!”

  “Honey.” Mikey’s father cut in. “What did I say about this? Mikey’s going through a phase is all. There’s nothing you should be worried about.”

  “Our son’s a murderer!” She screeched.

  “Olivia! By bloody hell. Would you? In front of him?” Mikey’s father sighed putting down his newspaper to comfort his sobbing wife.

  “If you could?” Mikey’s father requested.

  “Of course.” Xeq said getting up to exit the room. Not that he wanted to go into Mikey’s room without permission but it was the only room to go to.

  “I can’t stand it, Hun!” Olivia exclaimed. “If something’s going on with him he needs to let us know!” She yelled in between cries.

  Xeq sighed. Xeq and Vile didn’t really have parents. Vile was already adopted and Xeq wasn’t exactly close to his own family. He doubted that they even cared about them. Shoot, Zamer’s parents were more of parents to Xeq and Vile than their own. But this was something else. Telling a mortal that you’re a dragon can set off different messages. Some laugh, some cry, some scream. In this case, Olivia was doing all of that. Xeq couldn’t imagine having to deal with this every night. No wonder Mikey was sometimes out at the forest some nights when either himself or Vile showed up. Xeq could go, but if Mikey’s dad came in looking for him and finding not a trace that’d be suspicious.

  “Honey! Mikey’s here! Get a hold of yourself!” Mikey’s father hissed. Listening to her steps, Xeq stood at the door of Mikey’s room to go downstairs. Meeting Mikey’s father once again, Mikey’s father sighed.

  “She’ll never understand it.” Mikey’s father said meeting Xeq’s eyes. “So all you can do is pretend like it’s a phase and that it’s okay.”

  Xeq opened in mouth to comment but Mikey ran in panting. Passing Xeq and running up to his room to change, the two watched as he scrambled back down and out the door a few minutes later in shorts and T-shirt.

  “Don’t forget your worrisome mother on your way out!” Exclaimed Mikey’s dad shaking his head.

  Xeq smirked. Slamming the door behind him, Mikey breathed heavily. “Xeq?”!

  Xeq nodded in amusement. “Hey, little guy. What’s the rush?”

  “Dröfn,” Mikey said with a smile.

  “See.” Mikey’s dad said raising from the couch to grab his keys. “All a phase.” He nodded. “Woman and rebellion.” Mikey’s father laughed. “Lock the door for me will you, son.”

  Letting his father out, Mikey nodded. “Now that I don’t have to pretend like I’m frantically trying to escape this woman. I’ll gladly answer your questions up stairs.” Mikey grinned.

  “Pretending?” Xeq nodded. “Looked pretty convincing if you ask me.”

  “Well.” Mikey sighed. “See, I woke up to a nymph trying to suffocate me yesterday, killed her ex boyfriend the next day, and now she insist that we go somewhere else. How am I supposed to believe that she doesn’t want me to kill someone else? And I can’t do anything because I apparently have to serve her!” Mikey gasped taking one of his extra shirts to wipe of the sweat on his face.

  Xeq laughed. “Nymph?”

  Mikey nodded. Ægir imprisoned her along with her eight sister and mother because he thought it was funny and he did it for me. Now I have to serve each of the daughters for one year and the mother for two.”

  “What?” Xeq asked with a confused stare. “You’d be like twenty five by then.”

  Mikey sighed. “Yea…’ He said realizing it himself. “I would be twenty five by the time this is over.”

  “Why don’t you give your mother a good hug before you go out?” Xeq commented as they headed out the door. “It’d probably do her some good.”

  Mikey shrugged. “I’m not so sure about that. I’ll try to be asleep ‘on time’ instead.” Mikey smirked.

  “Suit yourself.” Xeq shrugged. “I’ll be heading out to China. Your mom made some muffin looking things and said I could take some for the trip.”

  Mikey looked at Xeq in confusion. “Crumpets?”

  Xeq shrugged. “Whatever they are they’re good so I don’t care what they’re called.” He laughed.

  “You told her that you were going to China?”

  “Oh, no.” Xeq laughed. “I said I was leaving once you got here.”

  Mikey nodded in approval. “Well, I guess that’s alright. Have fun. Stop by on the way back I guess?”

  Xeq nodded. “Tell me more about this girlfriend of yours when I do get back alright?”

  Mikey sighed. “I’d rather not but I’ll do my best.”

Week Eight: The Descendant: Keeper of Secrets

 Annabeth shook her head. “Aletheia…” She paused. “You said your father’s dead so a Goddess?”

 Elli nodded.

 “There aren’t many stories about Aletheia but I’m sure there’s something we can dig up.” She assured. “You have the ability to sense lies, right?” She questioned.

 “Yes.” Elli smirked. She hoped she didn’t have to help anyone with the power at this moment, after all she had been through she felt in need of a break.

 “I recommend you try not to use that power here or you might take over my counseling job.” Annabeth smiled and they both laughed. “Sadly though, Tucker and I have some business to attend to, I don’t want to leave you to roam but…”

 Elli tuned her out as she felt a wave of mystery hit her. Turning her attention away from Annabeth, she looked at someone who seemed to disappear and reappear through the crowds of demigods. Looking up, Tucker looked down at Elli. “His name’s Nico de Angelo. Feeling something?”

 Elli shook her head. “He’s seen a lot more than he’s willing to talk about…” She frowned.

 Annabeth raised an eyebrow. “Nico?” She smirked. “Yea, he’s the son of Hades and from the 1930’s. Percy saved him and his sister from the Lotus Hotel in Las Vegas. He’s been in higher spirits lately since talking with Will.” She smiled. “If he sparks your interest you should go talk to him,” She paused. “Here, I’ll call him over.”

 “Nico!” Annabeth exclaimed getting him to turn and face her with an interested look. “Come here!” She exclaimed again making him change his course to meet them.

 Elli blushed. “You didn’t have to…” She muttered. Annabeth shook her head. “If he catches your attention without giving you bad vibes you will definitely get along with him.” She smiled and turned to Nico.

 “Hey,” He said with an unreadable expression. “What’d you need?” He wondered.

 “I need you to show our newest recruit around, can you do that for me?” Annabeth’s smile brightened.

 Nico looked at her in confusion. “Y-you know I don’t do stuff like that.” He muttered.

 Tucker smirked. “Nico.”

 Nico looked up in alert. “Yes?”

 “Elli here feels like a sister to me and she seemed to have noticed you so do me a favor and take a little notice in her too, alright?”

  Nico’s eyes met Elli’s. “You noticed me?”

 Elli shrugged. “What can I say, I have my interesting set of friends.”

 Nico gave a small sigh and then looked at Tucker and Annabeth. “I guess, I’m not doing anything anyway.” He shrugged. “Come on...” He paused and looked at Elli. “Um…”

 “Elli Triad.” Elli said with a shaking hand.

 “Nico de Angelo.” Nico smirked. “Nice to meet someone who’s not afraid of me.”

 “Afraid?” Elli cocked her head and gave a last smile to Annabeth and Tucker as they left.

 “Annabeth told you didn’t she?” Nico questioned, his eyes darkening. “I’m the son of Hades, not everyone looks at me with interest.”

 “I’m the daughter of Alethei or Veritas…” Elli said as they began to walk and suddenly Nico stiffened.

 “The Goddess of Truth?” He asked.

 Elli frowned. If she made him do that, than how would others perceive her? She looked away as she replied. “I guess… That’s what caught my attention about you honestly…” She muttered. “You have quite a history.”

 “I think everyone does.” He said quickly as he looked to his left. “Do you want to check out the Big House first or the Volleyball court?”

 Elli shrugged. “Annabeth and Tucker went that direction.” She pointed towards the huge building that Nico had referred to as the ‘Big House’ so let’s go the opposite direction.”

 Nico nodded. “Do you like sports…?” He asked as they silently walked a few paces.

 Elli shrugged. “I didn’t really have a chance to play sports. If anything, I know how to crochet.” She smirked. “I kind of grew up in police departments after I was adopted to ensure my safety from these stalkers.”

 “Stalkers?” Nico questioned gesturing at the Volleyball court. “If it’s ever an interest to you I’ll try but…” He shrugged. “I’m not a sport person.”

 Elli smiled a small smile. “Don’t worry, I think I’ll live without having to play Volleyball.”

 Nico nodded. “You said crochet. I don’t know much about that but isn’t it like knitting?”

 “Kind of not really.” Elli smirked.

 “Then you’ll like this next building, it’s the Arts and Crafts place.”

 Elli nodded and then looked up at the sky. “Yea…” She sighed. “Stalkers.”

 “If you don’t want to talk about it you don’t have to.” Nico assured. If anyone knew it took time to talk it’d be him. Only recently had he opened up to anyone about anything.

 “No…” Elli shook her head. “I want to talk about it…” She smirked. “I… It’s a new concept for me.” She said with lit up eyes.

 Nico nodded. “I won’t rush you.” He smirked. “Take as long as you need.”

 Elli nodded. “Well. There is one thing I’d like to know.”

 Nico looked at her as they approached the Arts and Crafts building. “Which is?”

 “You may not be lying but you’re holding something back.” She said looking up at Nico. “I don’t want you to tell me, but you’re holding it from Annabeth and you’re not quite sure yourself if what you think is true is true but it is. I can feel it.”

 Nico sucked in a breath. “If it’s that’s you’re talking about then I know something’s different but…” He looked at her in concern. “Don’t tell anyone okay?”

 Elli nodded. “Oh don’t worry.” She grinned. “I can lie all I want and none of you will know.” Nico raised an eyebrow. “It’ll leave a bad taste in my mouth but only I’ll know that I lied.” She smiled. “You’re secret’s safe with me.”

 “And yours, with me.” Nico nodded. “If there’s any you’d like to share anyway.” He shrugged.

 Elli smiled. “I’ll let you know when the time comes. For now, can we stop in here and see if they’ll give me any supplies…” She blushed. “I kind of forgot my crochet at the police station in Missouri when my dad took my out for ice cream.”

 Nico nodded. “Yea, sure. We can do that.”

One Shot: Of Friendship, Of Loss III

  Feeling the wind at the speed of the most agile horse in her home village felt unreal. It had been years since she had traveled on horse. Before she met Maligaya she was the most well-known rider across the lands. Now, she felt sick thinking about being this close to the ground. She missed the skies. She knew of no other dragon tamers. Pushing the horse this far would nearly kill it but she had to make it to the castle, otherwise, her companion might not be alive or worse, the people of the castle would be injured if she didn’t hurry. There was a worse scenario she could think of but she rather save her fear for only the most concerning. If Gashvon got involved there was no telling what would happen. Their distance would either make the dragon’s life or end it. Kumav spoke to the horse as calm as she had been all day. Her hands were still shaking but the horse understood and continued to push. If only there were another dragon riders… She thought and remember the first encounter she had with the dragon. He was hostile. Wild.

  At first, she had come to his den to slay him but as she approached she could see that there was more than a beast staring back at her. With an army behind her she held her hand up to tell them to stand down. Her followers remarked about her suicide but she ignored them. Taking a step forward, the dragon snarled and spewed fire in her direction. Looking at her army again, she told them to back away.

  Again, they looked at her talking about her suicide. Turning her back to the dragon she order them to stand down and back. She yelled at them to trust her and if not, take her sword back to the village to announce her death. She knew he’d be angry with her for this heinous act but something in her heart pulled her towards the creature. If anything, she’d kill it if she had to.

  With every step the dragon eyed her. It took all of the guard’s will to stand down but they did. Now in range of a deadly shot of fire, she met the dragons eyes and saw the women who he was guarding behind him. None of them had a scratch except for some dirt on their faces. Taking the risk, Kumav put her sword down and pointed to it in peace. Eyeing the woman and then the dragon she nodded to the women to go.

  None of them move. She sighed. Walking passed the dragon, she entered the dragon’s den and grabbed both of the women’s hands. Stepping over her sword she took them to her army and ordered them to continue to stay except for a few who would take the women home. Amused, the men did what was ordered and the rest tried to get a view of their leader.

  In warning, she told them to stay out of sight. Reluctantly they took more steps back and sat away from the scene. Reproaching the dragon, Kumav stood out of reach of her weapon. A spark inside her lit up in her heart as she stared into the creatures eyes. Watching her, Kumav told it that she was not planning on intruding again and wished it well. Turning her back, she stood, frozen as another dragon’s open jaw met her eyes.

  Hearing a screech from behind her, she ducked and rolled hoping that if she did have any fire on her that she would put it out. Grabbing her sword out of sheer instincts she dodged another attack and stabbed the dragon, sending her sword down its chest and bathing in its blood she listened to its screech and rolled out of the way of its fall.

  Facing the other dragon she met its keen eyes and turned away quick to join her army who was standing in bare view. Cheering for their leader’s bravery, she silenced them and lead them home. Among the army she could hear praise. Aggravated, she hushed them, holding her sword tight. She didn’t want to kill the dragon but it had attacked her and she reacted. Now that spark that had lit up inside her burned but with a different sense. She’d face him when she returned home, he’d bicker but she’d ignore him. She’d return the next day.

  As planned, she left early morning an hour before anyone would awake. Umvi approached her and she sighed, motioning for the wolf to stay. She growled but Kumav took the risk in showing the wolf the dragon’s blood. To her surprise, the wolf sniffed and looked up at her in concern pushing the piece of cloth towards her. Shaking her head, Kumav took her extra shield and her cleaned sword. Exiting the room, she sighed and set down her sword. She didn’t want the same scene to reenact. This time, she’d be ready to defend.

  The route to the cave took longer than she had remembered but within time she made and found the dragon sleeping at the entrance of the cave. A fire was lit in her surprise, she didn’t think dragon’s needed warmth since they were dragons. Amused, she approached the den her silent movements allowed her to sneak into the cave to see the fire. Laying there, with a blanket was a small child. Why the women didn’t mention something suspicious was beyond Kumav’s understanding but as the child tossed and turned in its sleep she searched her bag for any leftover food. She didn’t believe she would need it but she always carried in case. Quietly sitting next to the child, she took out a cloth and tied it around the child’s mouth. She knew if she woke the child she’d wake the dragon and that was a fight she didn’t come for. Lightly shaking the child, as expected, the child woke in fright. Holding him down, until he finally stopped the struggle, she put a finger to her lips and showed him the leftovers. His eyes lit up and she smiled. Untying the cloth, Kumav handed the child the bread and butter. In the drinking sac Kumav hoped she grabbed the one of milk and not of wine. Taking a test, she grinned as she found it to be milk and handed it to the child.

  Excited, the child gave a screech of delight. Wide eyed, Kumav hushed the child. However it was already too late. On its feet the dragon rose and faced Kumav. Taking her shield, she held it in front of the child and stood. Jaw cracking open, the dragon inhaled but as the shield fell to the side and revealed the child chewed in delight, the dragon’s mouth shut and it stepped forward.

  Searching for her sword, the dragon nodded at seeing only her shield and the bag. Nudging the child, the child grinned snuggled with the dragon’s snout. Amazed, she stepped towards the child. Glaring, the dragon snorted making the child laugh at the steam. Taking a step away, she looked at the extra blankets that belonged to the village, there were now empty basket of food stolen from weeks ago along with some other equipment. Facing the dragon, she smiled.

  Kumav knew not of the child’s name but she knew that he did not belong here. Holding her hands up she took a step. Watching her silently, the dragon followed as she took the child in her arms. Gesturing at the dragon a friendly remark she shook her head to deny any harm and did her best to explain to the dragon that the boy had to go home and didn’t belong in the cave.

  Understanding, the dragon gave a sad look and the child gave the dragon one last hug on the snout before Kumav and the boy exited the den. Giving her a nudge, Kumav smiled and reached out for the dragon’s snout, eyes turning hostile, Kumav turned to face the line of archers from the village and her companion with his wolf standing at the lead. Angrily she shouted as she pointed at the child. Eyes narrowing at her, Gashvon sent Umvi to retrieve the child who happily road on her back to take refuge behind her fearsome companion.

  Gashvon stood sternly and held his hand up to lower the arrows. Again, the army reluctantly obeyed. Growling at her, Gashvon ordered Kumav to return to them. Holding Kumav’s sword at his opposite side of where he kept his, Gashvon tossed the bulk of a sword to her ordering her to defend herself if she wasn’t going to join them.

  Sword landing in arms reach, Kumav’s eyes met Gashvon’s eyes. Turning away, Kumav smirked and faced the dragon. Fear held fast in his Gashvon’s eyes. He know of her recklessness but this was taking their emotional turmoil to a new level. Gesturing to her shield Kumav took a step and Gashvon cringed. Gashvon angry insulted Kumav but she contently took another step shouting to her army to do as they had last time. Eyeing their current superior they glanced at their leader and then at each other. As one of them nodded, the rest agreed and put their bows down then taking a step back, Gasvon watched as the whole army began to stand down and walk away from sight. Setting down the child with them, Umvi struggled to shake off the child’s grip but finally, one of the archers came to Umvi’s rescue to take the child. In gratitude, Umi bowed and turned on her heels to returned to her master’s side. Turning back to face Kumav, he watched as she reached out and touched the dragon’s snout again.

  Running her hand down his snout she held his gaze. Gashvon didn’t know if he felt more anger or annoyance from Umvi but the wolf touched her nose to his hand and he looked down to look into her eyes. Sitting and wagging her tail she gave a bark only he could hear and gestured towards the dragon and Kumav. Sighing, he sat as well and put his arm around his wolf, receiving a joyful lick and a snuggle.

  Before him, the dragon stood. Kumav and the dragon stood snout to nose as if both were in a trace. Taking her hand to the side of his snout, Kumav took a step back and the dragon followed. Taking a step sideways, the dragon followed. Grinning, Kumav took a step in the dragon took a step over her wrapping her up in his tail, causing her companion alarm.

  Holding Gashvon down, Umvi put all her weight on her companion. Holding Umvi’s jaw in his hands and looking down her snout Gashvon shook his head and sighed to turning back to Kumav and the dragon. Laughing cheerfully, Kumav played along with the dragon as he threw her up and caught her. Giving an aggravated pout, Gasvon ran his hand through Umvi’s fur to distract himself from the what could turn deadly scene.

  Throwing her up in excitement, the dragon roared in pain making the cave shake. Holding him down, Gashvon glared at Umvi as he was forced to watch Kumav fall to the floor of the cave and rolling out of the way of the dragon’s outburst. Shaking, she watched as the dragon trashed about. Shaking her head, Kumav rolled to the side of the cave and used it to help herself up. Getting up, she pushed herself off the side of the cave to reach out to the dragon. Fear on the utmost level, Gashvon shoved Kumav off of his lap and received a tackle. Laying on his back Umvi growled and forced him to watch as Kumav touched the dragon’s side to calm it.

  In doing so, the dragon roared. Burning into its scales were brown lines, ones that didn’t seem to have a pattern at first but as they finished and smoked, Gashvon could see the skeleton track of the dragon. Amazed, he rolled over Umvi, making her yelp and watched as she jump on him happily. Giving her a good embrace he thanked her then shook his head in amusement. There were no dragon tamers in their lands to know one of the first since the war before their time was phenomenal. From then on, he took his companion’s worth to a new level, one that exceeded the skies. 

—

Maligaya - Happy 

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