82Once again, thank you, The Blue Warrior, AnnaYasashii, PenguinsForever, my two Guest(s), Continue (Guest) and xXfoliveXx for reviewing! Thank you Writer's Bakery and onceuponamormon for following! And thanks to CrystalRed, Anonymous1684, PenguinsForever, mockingjay9392, and xXfoliveXx for favoriting!
I'm sorry for the late update but don't worry. Though it's hard to update and a lot of things are getting in the way, I won't abandon this story. That, I can promise.
Chapter XVI: Conspirative Entourage
Piper mentally kicked herself for not taking Lance's offer at learning self-defense. Now, she was standing in the hallway, her legs rooted to the spot and Jason, like any guy who's got a bit of common courtesy, was playing hero. He didn't have his sword but he shielded her from the walking shadow that was slowly approaching them. Piper knew it was best to cover their backs but she couldn't take her eyes off the figure that appeared.
There was a chuckle and then Piper heard something rustle.
"Tiring, isn't it?"
The voice was dripping with honey, sweet and soothing.
"Who are you?" Jason called out. "We don't want any trouble."
"Neither do I."
The figure was a few meters away but Piper could clearly hear his voice as if he was whispering in her ear.
Suddenly his shadow vanished.
Jason put a protective arm over Piper's body. "Where are you?"
"Right here."
Piper gasped, and turned on her heel then performed a weak attempt of a roundhouse kick. Her foot only hit air.
Nice try, sweet sister.
It was a different voice. He sounded more regal. More godlike.
Piper felt fear coil up inside her. Jason shared her sentiment.
"Oh no..."
"Show yourself!" she yelled.
"Very well."
Piper felt Jason leave from her side. She heard him grunt and stomp his feet but judging by his groans, his efforts were futile.
The lights turned back on. In front of her, standing casually was a beautiful man. Piper took no shame in staring at him. His dark brown hair touched shy off of his shoulder and it was pulled back, giving her a nice view of his high cheekbones and strong jaw. He was wearing faded jeans and slung over his shoulder was a white bow and a sack of arrows. His shirt was white with something red written on it but his jean jacket was blocking it and behind him one majestic wing sprouted from his left side.
And he was staring at Jason with glowing red eyes.
"Hello again."
Jason tensed. His captor, a blue eyed guy about eighteen or so, had him locked in a chokehold with a knife at his throat.
"Cupid," Jason spat.
"Eros," Piper corrected.
The love god smiled at her. "Piper, we have much to discuss."
Piper swallowed. She looked at Jason, who was struggling under the death grip of Eros' accomplice then glanced back at the love god. "Okay, fine, but tell your lackey to let Jason go."
"My apologies." Eros didn't look sorry nor did he give any indication for his companion to let Jason go. "I can't control Brandon. Seems as though his lust is insurmountable."
Piper glanced over her shoulder, eyebrows furrowing. Brandon still held Jason from behind. His nose was on the top of Jason's head, sniffing his musky scent with his mouth pressed against his hair.
At least it's not me, she thought, noting Jason's discomfort.
"Enough, Brandon."
Once Brandon released him, Jason gave a good distance between them, making sure he stood next to Piper. There was a haunted glint in his cerulean eyes.
Composing himself, he turned to Eros. "What are you doing here? I thought you resided in Italy."
Eros shrugged. "This is an exception. Our dear mother is in need of our assistance."
"Mother?" Jason asked. Piper could see the wheels turning in Jason's head. "As in Venus...?"
Eros nodded.
Piper gasped and snapped her fingers. "She's missing!" It was all starting to make sense. Gods, why didn't I see it earlier? "I haven't heard from her since we defeated Gaea. That's what the Cult of Aphrodite want, right? They're looking for her. And Eros..." Piper slowed down in realization. "You're the leader."
Eros smirked and nodded. "And I wonder who came up with the notion that children of Aphrodite were stupid."
"Speaking of children of Aphrodite, why are you kidnapping them?" Jason demanded. "And not just them, the mortals, too. If you're looking for Aphrodite then what do they have to do with it?"
"That is none of your concern."
"It is my concern." Jason's tone was controlled but Piper could see that he was struggling not to raise his voice. "Venus' children belong in Camp Jupiter as do the Aphrodite children. What are you doing with them? Why are you having them terrorize the country?"
"I will deal with you later, Jason Grace," Eros said nonchalantly. "I know of your conflict with two dazzling young women—"
Jason flinched.
"—and as much as I'd love to address your problem I'm on a tight schedule. But more importantly I have an offer for my sweet sister."
Piper swallowed. "Offer? What is it?"
Eros put a finger to his lips. "It's best if we discuss this privately."
The love god snapped his fingers. Brandon opened one of the hotel's room and stepped inside. After a few seconds, he emerged, holding a redheaded girl by the arm.
"Shiki!"
The Japanese/American girl stumbled forward as Brandon thrust her. Jason caught her by the elbows but she slouched in his grasp while her feet dragged limply behind her.
Piper shook her friend's shoulder. Shiki just moaned.
Piper glared at Eros. "You drugged her!"
Eros waved it off. "She is fine. No need to fret." He turned to Jason. "Why don't you take care of Piper's friend? My sister and I have much to discuss."
Brandon led Jason and Shiki away and towards the elevators. Jason carried Shiki bridal style and she looked like a ragdoll in his arms. He glanced at Piper over his shoulder then promptly left.
"What do you want?" Piper asked as soon as the elevators closed.
"Straight to the point?" Eros asked. "Very well. I would like to enlist your help."
"Why?"
A twisted grin appeared on the god's complacent face. "My group needs specific individuals. Besides, Italy isn't an ideal place to recruit passionate people."
"It's a better place to be than here."
Eros chuckled. "Sure, I spend my time in Italy but when I heard that our mother went missing," he paused. "well, I had to come. The gods have kept me out of it but I suspect. Of course, that's not the reason why I bought you here. We've been keeping you under watch, Piper. You and your Assassin friends are hoping to recruit the girl.
"Girl? What girl?" Eros raised an eyebrow. Piper's breath caught in her throat. "You mean Charmaine Louanne?"
Eros nodded. "Don't get your hopes up, Piper. My followers have kept her under surveillance and judging from her current behavior, it's likely that she'd be willing to join my cause instead of yours."
"Excuse me?" Piper resisted the urge to punch him. "Look, I get it if you're recruiting demigods but mortals?"
"Piper, poor child, you have no idea, do you?"
"No, I don't. And if you stop talking to me like that and start telling me what's going on, then maybe I'd understand."
Piper's bold statement would have killed her but so far she saw that Eros wasn't like most gods. And thank Aphrodite for that. Her recent change of behavior was unlike her yet it was something she had grown into. It just felt natural to speak her mind freely.
Eros chuckled at her hearty answer. "Well, mortals are not meant to meddle in the affairs of demigods. They can be a victim to such, like your father—"
Piper flinched.
"—but they cannot be involved. At least, not in Camp Jupiter.
"You see, Camp Half-Blood is more lenient with mortals. It's common that one can gain access into Camp Half-Blood but the same cannot be said with Camp Jupiter."
"I... didn't know that."
Eros hummed. "Well, you do now. Oh and did you know that a curse was placed on Camp Jupiter?" Piper shook her head. "He who has no god's blood coursing through his veins shall suffer a terrible fate blah blah blah or some nonsense. Don't believe me? Look at what happened to your poor friends."
Piper's eyes widened. "Wait, so you're telling me that Roberto is dead and that Sophia is being held hostage because of this curse?"
Arms crossed, Eros stepped forward and leaned his head close. Piper stood her ground but leaned her head back.
"Are you sure your friend's dead?" he whispered.
The wind was knocked out of Piper. "Wait... but..."
No, it can't be. Roberto...alive? She remembered the last time she saw him. He was pushed into the hole and the darkness consumed him. They never found his body. Could it be...?
Piper's chest tightened but she immediately shook the thought away.
"How does this justify with what you're doing?" She asked.
Eros chuckled. "In a world full of monsters and gods, the mortals are necessary. By recruiting them—"
"You mean brainwashing them."
"—I can grab Zeus' attention. I've got quite the bounty on my head and he has forbid me from entering Olympus, you know."
Gee, I wonder why.
Instead, Piper asked, "How come?"
"They don't want me meddling."
"Meddling with what?"
Eros stepped back with a serious countenance. "I suspect that he imprisoned her."
"Her?" Piper was afraid she knew who he was talking about. "As in Aphrodite? Why would Zeus lock her up?"
"Because love is stronger than anything, my dear. It's dangerous and it blinds people from seeing reason. It can bring anyone to their knees, even the gods. That's why they locked up our mother. To contain her."
Piper frowned. "That's ridiculous."
"Exactly. Our dear mother is the mastermind of what our heart wants. You've heard stories, I presume. Medusa, for example. Mother made her ugly and look how that creature turned out. Heartless and hungry for blood.
"Nevertheless, Zeus has begun to think that her interference are crimes. But no one can hold back what the heart desires." He let a pause settle in before adding, "They tried to imprison me, as well."
Piper snorted. "And how'd that go?"
Eros chuckled. "Well, I'm here now. And right now, I—no we; we need to free her."
"You're asking me a lot."
"Oh, so you'll help."
"I didn't say that."
Eros narrowed his eyes. "Your father didn't tell you of your Assassin heritage because he wanted to protect you," he explained. "So he left you in the dark. Ignorance is bliss, after all but look where that got him."
"What happened wasn't his fault," Piper growled. Why were they discussing this?
"No, but you swore on the Styx that you would avenge your father and find the people who killed him."
Piper's eyes slightly widened at the prospect. She forgot about that.
Eros smirked. "Once you make the swear, you can't turn back. I can help you find these men who planned your father's death."
"I'll find them on my own. Besides, what do I have to do for you in exchange?"
"Work for me," he said simply. "I'm one of the few gods who will admit that I need a demigod's help. You should be flattered."
Piper scoffed. "Tsk, well I'm not and I'm definitely not interested."
"I'm not a fool, Piper."
"I never said you were." Gods, is this what having to put up with a brother felt like? She didn't expect the night that she buried her father to discuss this. Of all things. She understood the predicament that she was in but something about this didn't add up.
"Is that the real reason why they locked up Aphrodite?" She asked quietly. "There's isn't something else?"
"Well..."
"Spit it out." This is getting ridiculous.
"Aphrodite has been toying with us. All of us. Every mortal, god, demigod that's ever breathed."
Piper bit her lip. "I don't believe you."
Eros sent her a challenging look. "Did you know that's why Jason has been so... unfaithful to you lately?" Eros inquired. "Our mother has been containing his emotions for Reyna in order for the Great Prophecy to be in our favor. If Jason hadn't chose you, Piper, can you imagine what that would have done?" He smiled as if everything he was saying was a miracle. "Seeing as you played a part in the prophecy, can you see why Aphrodite did that? If Jason had picked Reyna over you, would you have followed him?"
"Shut up."
"Fine, don't believe me. I'm sure you heard of Zeus' many affairs with mortals and how he likes to cheat on Hera and such."
"Who hasn't?" At that, Piper was expecting a bolt of lightning to randomly come hurling at her but was relieved when none come.
Eros chuckled. "Well, who's to say that that quality hasn't passed down to his children? Our beloved mother has been keeping that side of Jason under control just for you. In fact, she's been doing it for every child of Zeus or Jupiter. Now, she's paying the price. That is why Zeus has her under lock and key. And to sum it up, that is why we need all the help."
Well, that's not my problem.
"I'm sure Mom can get out of it." Piper said. "You have almost every child of Aphrodite with you. How is it any different if I don't join?"
Eros put a hand on her shoulder. His touch was cold. "How about I ensure your position?" he asked.
Piper stepped back. "Position?"
It seemed impossible but Eros' smile widened. "You're having difficulty with Jason that's—"
"That's none of your business." She finished. "There are other things to worry about."
"You're so young, Piper," Eros said, his tone patronizing. "You shouldn't carry the burden of this Assassin responsibility. You should live your life, experience new things—"
"And I should do whatever I feel like without anyone telling me what to do," she countered. "I appreciate your offer but no."
"Then, I will take the girl."
Piper's mind reeled. "What?"
"Charmaine Louanne would be a valuable asset. Didn't your friend Mason just task you with recruiting her? Do you think she'd want to join your side and not ours?"
Piper looked down. "You're talking about her like she's some horse—"
"Eventually, she will have to choose."
Do I have to get on my knees and beg?
"If you say you've been watching me," Piper growled, "then you know how much we need this."
Eros hummed. "How about this, sweet sister? You can keep the girl but you must form an alliance with us."
Piper's eyes slimmed. "That simple, huh?"
"Well," the love god drawled, "in exchange for your services, I will provide you vital information about the Templars."
Piper pursed her lips. Eros smirked. "Now, I've got your attention. It is simple, my dear. You're just making it sound complex. I help you, you help me. We rescue our dear mother, you get your revenge, you get Jason, and everyone wins."
His offer sounded too good to be true but—
"What about the children of Aphrodite?" Piper asked. "I'm here because I have to bring them back."
"One thing at a time now."
Piper stared at Eros for a long time before she said, "You must really need my help. Don't see why, though."
Eros smiled. "Like I said, I'm one of the few gods who would admit needing a demigod's help."
Before the lights turned off, Piper caught a glimpse of his smile.
Monday morning, Piper and Shiki woke up early. The school Charmaine attended was a public high school that was smack in the middle of a surburban neighborhood. When they arrived, students lingered outside the school. Though it was eight thirty none of them seemed to be in a rush. Piper and Shiki made their way inside and headed straight for first period while keeping an eye for Charmaine Louanne.
Piper did not expect all of this to happen so soon. How could she even convince Charmaine Louanne to join them? The girl was a year younger than Piper and judging by her profile she looked like she hadn't worked a day in her life. Julian's daughter was constantly being thrown around. Her parent's divorce turned her life into a tug-o-war. She lived with her father in California, went to school in Texas where her mother worked, and her vacations depended on her parents.
Piper initially came to Texas to negotiate with the leader of the Aphrodite Cult and return the children of Venus to Camp Jupiter but now she was stuck with this job. Both missions were vital but there was only so much one person could do. Reyna was going to have to wait. After all, she said that it didn't matter how long it took.
When she sat down in the classroom, several students looked at them curiously. Shiki smiled politely, already sensing Piper's bad mood.
"Where's Charmaine?" The teacher asked during roll call.
"Roaming the halls," one girl said haughtily. "Call the office, miss."
"More like call the police," one guy commented.
"Great," Piper muttered.
"Well, at least, we know she's here," Shiki whispered. "Even better now that she's in our first period."
"As if that makes it any easier," Piper murmured. "How are we supposed to get her to come to our side, anyway?"
"We'll think of something," Shiki reassured. "We should mention Mason to her."
Piper's forehead creased. "Mason? Why?"
"You don't know?"
Piper shook her head.
"Well, Charmaine and Mason dated."
Piper raised her eyebrows. "Seriously?"
"Yep."
"No wonder. Mason acted strange when he told me to recruit her." Piper pursed her lips. "You think he still likes her?"
Shiki smiled slyly at her. "I dunno. Why you wanna know?"
"No, it's not that. Maybe he wants to talk to Charmaine?"
"Maybe, but I don't think Mason would lie to us about something like this. Especially now."
"You're right," Piper sighed. "Julian is Charmaine's daughter but does she know she's an Assassin?"
Shiki shrugged. "Probably not. But we have to convince her to come with us or else Abstergo will kidnap her."
"Yeah," Piper agreed, "either them or Eros."
Eros had made his offer pretty clear. Piper had to make sure Charmaine Louanne joined the Assassins and if she couldn't, Eros' band of love crazed freaks would take her. Piper figured that if she helped Eros in finding their mother then he would return the children of Aphrodite/Venus back to their respective camps. It seemed simple but something told her that there was more to it.
"Hey, Piper," Shiki said softly, "have you ever went to Japan, y'know, during your travels?"
Travels? Oh, she's referring to two years ago.
"Not really," Piper answered. "We mostly went to Greece and Rome. Why?"
"Do you want to go to Japan?"
Piper shrugged. "I guess. I never really thought about traveling."
Shiki glanced at her with sad brown eyes. "That's because there's no one to travel with, right?"
Piper nodded sagely.
There was a bright smile on Shiki's pretty face. "There is this place called the Surreal Wisteria Flower Tunnel in Japan. I've only seen pictures of it but they're amazing. You have to see them, Piper. It's so beautiful."
Piper smiled. There was something about Shiki's naivety that was oddly heartwarming.
"Sure," Piper found herself saying. "Let's recruit Charmaine Louanne first then you and I will go."
"You want me to come?" Shiki squealed in delight.
"Sure. I speak French but it doesn't mean I speak Japanese."
Naturally, a lot of things got in the way. The Surreal Wisteria Flower Tunnel had to wait. Charmaine Louanne had not made herself known for the rest of the day. But even if she appeared, Piper was not ready to recruit her. She wasn't even sure she could pull it off. How do you convince someone to join a group of knife wielding disciples who secretly run around the country intending to find some hidden truth that was buried in the past? You don't. You can't. It made Piper reflect on the day when she decided to join. That seemed so long ago when she was only an Assassin for two months.
Unsatisfied, Piper and Shiki returned to the tiny apartment.
The next day was the same. Piper didn't have much luck finding Charmain Louanne during lunch. She wasn't even in the first two classes Piper had with her. Her absence may have been irritating but it was Charmaine Louanne's reputation that worried Piper. Shiki had learned that Charmaine was... unique. A bit of a wildcard and, according to what she learned, Charmaine was an absolute party animal.
If that wasn't bad enough, Piper still had to worry about Jason. Even after hours of arguing and coaxing, he refused to go back to Camp Jupiter. Because of this, Piper confirmed her previous suspicions of him staying. He had only come to spy on her.
Jason's presence wasn't a nuisance; it was a hindrance. A distraction. Because of him, Piper needed to stay on her toes. He had asked her what Eros wanted and Piper confessed that Eros requested for Piper to join the Cult of Aphrodite. Jason objected to this, unsurprisingly.
Much to Piper's relief Jason kept his distance even though he should have been keeping an eye on her. At least, that's what Piper thought. She had kept a hostile aura whenever he was around and responded curtly whenever he spoke to her. Piper was sure that Jason didn't even know she was attending school here.
Speaking of...
It was last period. Shiki was in another class. Charmaine was suppose to be here but she's a no show.
Piper sat by herself near the door, absentmindedly clenching and unclenching her hands. A guy came up to her, dimpled grin running along his cheeky lips. "Excuse me but can you sit somewhere—"
Already frustrated, Piper stood up and left. The teacher was absent and the substitute wasn't even taking attendance, not that she cared. Piper was not in the mood to just sit tight and watch. The hidden blade felt heavy against her right arm. It was thin unlike the one she had used during the Feast of Lupercal and no matter how light it was Piper felt like the device was sinking into her skin. Several times, she caught herself rolling up her sleeves and wondered if it was all right to walk around without it.
She stopped walking once she realized she was at the front entrance of the school. She pulled out her phone and checked the time.
One of the security guards by the desk yelled, "Oi! Get back to class!"
Piper glanced over her shoulder, frowned, and said, "As if," then walked out.
It surprised her that they didn't pursue her. Maybe it was her tone that warned them to back off or maybe they just didn't care. Staying in that school was only necessary because she needed to observe Charmaine Louanne and so far that girl could've been dead for all Piper knew.
Did Eros take her?
No, it was only the second day. Students in the school said Charmaine's constant abscence was natural. The girl's habit was common and expected from her. Yesterday, Piper overheard one of the students say that Charmaine only came when her mother forced her to, something that happened about two to three times a week. She convinced herself that she just needed to be patient but if this girl's perpetuity of skipping school didn't end soon Piper would—
"Hi there."
Piper turned her head to the voice.
"You're the new girl, right? Shiki?"
"No, it's Piper."
"Oh, the other one."
Piper narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean 'other one?'"
"Nothing. My friends said Shiki was the cute one but they must've mixed it up. Don't worry about it. You're a little easy on the eyes."
Piper stared at the girl. The sun reflected brightly on her tanned skin and her dark brown hair fanned around her square shaped face in thick curls. She wore mid thigh jean shorts, a white tank top and a yellow flannel shirt. Her chin was tucked in and her dark blue eyes looked up at Piper with mild interest. She had a wide nose and thin, pink lips that were pulled into a lackadaisical smile.
The girl stepped closer. "So, why'd you move here, Piper?"
"Why do you want to know?"
The girl shrugged. "Just wondering. It's kind of weird. School's almost over but you decided to move here? What, your parents couldn't wait til the year ended?"
My parents are dead to me.
"Something like that," Piper answered.
The girl looked at her curiously then walked past her. "Well, I'll see you around..."
Before she left, she ran the back of her hand down Piper's arm. "...Piper."
Piper decided to sit on the hood of her rented car until the bell rang. By the time, she reread Charmaine Louanne's profile twice and sat still for half an hour in deep thought. Shiki came up to her, smiling warmly but it dissolved as soon as she saw Piper's expression.
"Piper, what's with the long face?"
"Huh? Oh, nothing, I'm just thinking."
Shiki hummed. "Well, I found out more about Charmaine."
So did I.
"It turns out Charmaine likes both guys and girls."
Piper raised an eyebrow at her friend. "No kidding."
Shiki tilted her head. "What's wrong? Did something happen?"
Piper bit her bottom lip. "Yeah, I just met Charmaine Louanne."