The Wants of a Young Demigod Heart (Nico di Angelo, Leo Valdez x OC)

Flying on Festus

"Uh, Chiron, sir," I say tentatively after a few seconds. "When the demigods present remember the prophecy word-for-word, doesn't that usually mean they are the ones meant for the quest?"

"Usually, yes, but there is one issue," Chiron replies balefully. "Mr. Geltz here is currently under a strict watch. Unless we can find a responsible demigod to follow him around everywhere..."

"I'll do it," Nico says, frowning. "So, I suppose the people going on the quest will be Merrily, Leo, David, Ryan, Chey, Abigail and myself."

Abigail nods. "I think we'll have to travel to our old hometowns in order to find the items."

"But almost none of us are from the same place," Chey says. "I'm from New Jersey, Abigail is from Missouri, Leo's from Texas, Nico is from Italy, Ryan is from Mississippi, Merrily is originally from Georgia, and David is from California."

"You're right," Ryan agrees. "If we tried to walk to every single place, we'd be on this quest for years."

"We could take Festus," I suggest. "I rebuilt and upgraded him. He can carry up to eight people plus baggage."

"Why can't we just shadow travel?" Nico protests. "It's faster!"

"Not everyone here likes shadow traveling," I retort. "And besides, Festus is way more efficient and accurate."

"Are you calling me slow?"

"I guess I am!"

"We're shadow traveling!"

"Festus!"

"Shadow traveling!"

"Fe-" Merrily cuts me off.

"Last I heard, Nico, Will forbade you from using your powers for a while," she counters. "We'll take Festus. Who is Festus by the way?"

"Festus is Leo's super cool magical dragon!" Chey grins. "It's practically a gold mine!"

"Excuse me?" I ask. Gold mine?

"Not that I've stolen anything," she says hastily. "Anyway, Chiron, when should we head out?"

"Tomorrow morning would be best," he replies. "The reason why I suspected a prophecy would be given is because Zeus contacted me explaining that somehow, some very powerful items had been stolen from some of the Olympians. Now go pack and then get your rest. You should take off tomorrow morning, eight o' clock sharp." We all split up, heading back to our separate cabins. I go to my cabin first, to explain to Nyssa what happened. She's supportive, as per usual. I pack a backpack full of clothes, ambrosia, nectar, and a hammer.

Then, I head down to the forest and whistle for Festus waving a container full of motor oil and Tabasco sauce. Festus promptly comes tromping loudly out of the forest. I stuff my backpack into a compartment that I have installed onto him and make sure he's in working order. Before I know it, the sun is peeking over the treetops as I begin to slump on Festus's head. And everything goes dark.

I feel Festus nudging my face. "Mph?" I mumble. Another nudge. "Okay, okay, I'm up." I slowly stand up and stretch. It's seven forty-five. I hop on Festus's back and we fly all the way down to the Big House where everyone else is waiting patiently. When I land, everyone shouts and runs up to me.

"This is so cool!"

"How much is he worth?"

"My reflection is so pretty!"

"I could do better!"

"Too bright!"

"Probably over two hundred drachmas!"