I know what you're thinking: How can a 2-door sports car, have another set of doors? Believe it or not, as soon as we stepped inside in the what seemed to be uncomfy-looking ride, turned to have a limousine interior, complete with tv and champagne. I slid into the leather seat and Jason followed. Apollo sat in front of us crossing his legs, which got me thinking: who is going to drive this thing? The lord of the sun seemed to notice my puzzled look.

"Don't worry sugar, it's on autopilot. It's fixed everytime the sun has to give way for the night." He winked at me.

"So are you saying that, this car right here, this is the sun-chariot?" I asked, totally bewildered.

"Yep. But I figured that the chariot thing is getting a little retro over the years, so why not model it to an awesome ride? But enough of that, on to business shall we?"

He reached below his seat and hauled a bright yellow duffle bag with a tag that says "Dude, Not Your Bag!". He opened it, pulled a set of golden bow and arrows and handed it to Jason.

"Here. With him inside you, you're better off with these. I saw what you did with the Poseidon kid and I'm pretty sure he's going to be limp for a week. Mind you though, these are not ordinary archery weapons sonny, I call it 'The Arrows of Truth'."

Jason raised an eyebrow. " 'The Arrows of Truth'? Is it like a truth serum?"

"Oh no, much better! It will... uhm... it will... hmm... let's just say that the truth will set you free, plus it's not lethal and will only stun your enemies! How cool is that?" Apollo exclaimed.

"Uhh... that doesn't make much sense. So you're giving me an old-fashioned tranquilizer?" I nudged Jason on his side and immediately he thanked the god. Apollo unzipped the front pocket of the bag and handed me a silver necklace with a cockleshell for a pendant.

"Here, your mom asked me to give this to you. It's supposed to protect you, but it also has some... side effects, so only wear it when needed."

"What side effects? And why gave me a necklace when I can only wear it 'when needed"?" I asked completely confused.

"Beats me. All I know is that no trinket from a god, or goddess for that matter, has zero-percent side effects. For example, that weapon that I gave you, will make you look older or younger– depending on how you think and see things in life. Earlier this morning as I was leaving Olympus' throne room for my usual sun-driving rendezvous, she approached me and removed it from her own neck and said that if ever I should run into you, I should give you this,"

He then handed us the whole bag and mentioned that there are double-stuffed Oreos, water, some nectar, ambrosia, a couple of dollars but a lot of drachmas. I frowned, but not because of the weird partitions of money.

"That's it? No weapons for me?"

"Sorry sugar, but none for you. That necklace is all you've got."

"Hey don't worry Pipes, I'I've got your back." Jason said, patting my back.

"That's the thing, I don't want you protecting me all the time. I don't want to be a freakin' damsel-in-distress here." It's true. Ever since I woke up, Jason's been doing his best to protect me. Don't get me wrong, I like it when he fights for me and gives that protective stance every time danger is lurking around, but I feel so helpless even though I am SO NOT. He must've felt the frustration in my voice because he handed me his sword and smiled.

"Here, you can use this for now since I have these bad boys to play with. I'm sure you're now familiar with sword-fighting, right" He grinned.

"Of course I am! I can kick some serious hiney with swords!" I tried to lift the sword and gave it a slight swing, but I have to admit it's heavier than I expected. Jason kept smiling like an idiot.

"What?" I glowered, trying not to show my slight weakness with the blade's mass.

"Nothing, you just look... cute." he took a quick glance to the god and I figured that whatever it may be for calling me 'cute' will have to be for later.

"So, that's it then. I'd love to give you guys a ride to Camp Jupiter but I have a scheduled gig at Bo's poetry-reading club tonight. That place sure is a total mess without my awesome haiku-puns."

...

Apollo couldn't have picked a better spot to drop us off.

"Well... it is almost midnight and I guess he must have figured that we needed a place to crash for the night."

The place couldn't be more enticing, not with the huge sign above the two-storey commercial building blinking the word 'Motel' every two seconds. I cringed at the reputation of such place but seeing Jason's tired eyes, I shut my mouth and nodded to proceed to the front desk. Thank the gods that the room has a bed and sofa, despite the few bucks Apollo has given us.

"Whew! Thought I'll spend the night in the floor, but not bad!" Jason removed the duffle bag from his torso and placed it beside the sofa.

"Are you sure you want to stay there? You can take the bed and I'll take the couch. For today, you really deserve the bed."

"Nah, you deserve the bed more than I am. Besides, what kind of a guy lets his girl stay on the couch? Total jerk right? Too bad though, this place can't get any brighter than a headlight." It's true, the place has lights that are dimmed as a movie house's. Seeing his smile and the protruded muscles on his shirt in the low light, my heart pounded and I can feel my face heating up.

I've always admired Jason with his gentleman-like demeanor, but sometimes I can't help to think certain thoughts about us. We've made out a couple of times but that's it, no necking and second bases are out of the question... at least that's what I think. I'm always certain that he's probably the only guy existing nowadays whose brain is placed where it should be: right between the ears and not in another region. But hey, I'm only human... a human whose got a totally, sizzling hottie for a boyfriend. Back when I was transported to Ancient Greece, I furiously blushed when our make-out session (by our I meant me and Paris- who's a total clone of Jason, so I can't help it!) turned too hot. It took me by complete surprise when he started to kiss the crook of my neck. I wanted to protest but was completely overpowered by Helen's desire to his touch.

"Piper? Pipes, are you even listening?" and with that I came crashing back to the ground, leaving the luscious memory in mid-air.

"Huh? Wha? I'm sorry, what are you saying?" Still feeling hot-red all over.

"Oh no, don't apologize. You're probably tired, sorry for being insensitive."

"No! I insist please. What is it?"

"I was just saying that maybe you should wear your mom's necklace, just in case. I know that we're in the middle-of-almost nowhere, but you'll never know what sickening character from the history will pop out here." He peeked through the curtain of our small window and gave the surrounding land mass a quick scan.

"If that's the case, then I suggest that you sleep now while I keep watch."

"Again, what kind of a guy would I be if I let my girl stay up while I peacefully rest the night away?"

"Uh, the smart-practical kind of guy? It's fine Jason, I'm not that tired compared to you who just summoned a huge bolt of lightning today," I assured him. "Besides, I just had my share of sleep for what, two days?"

"Two and a half."

"See? Kinda long, don't you think?"

"Fine. If you insist. I know you can manage but please... wake me up as soon as there's trouble. Promise me?"

"Yes Grace, I swear to the river Styx." I giggled.

He settled in the comforts of the furniture beside the window. I handed him the extra pillow and blanket that was sitting on the edge of the bed.

"By the way," he took the blanket and held my hand a little longer "you look cute every time I see that independent-woman-vibe coming out of you, McLean." He gazed into my eyes, as if contemplating if he'd kiss me, so I held my breath. Much to my disappointment, Jason-in-control won and kept himself busy arranging the pillow and his blanket. Like a little kid who was just refused a piece of candy, I headed back to the bed.

"By the way Jason, you do look a lot older. Like a guy in his mid-twenties."

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

"I'll never tell." I teased and climb towards the mattress.

With the curtains and lights closed, the moon shined bright that evening. My contemplation is the only thing that's keeping me wide awake tonight. There's no doubt that a lot has happened today, A LOT. The thought of Leo, possessed by Menelaus right in front of my eyes. The question that has always leaving me uneasy remains a mystery:

Will we ever bring him back?

Honestly, I can't remember anything every time Helen takes over my body, to which I must immediately also find a solution to. Body possessions are not cool and somewhat downright creepy. Maybe she intervened and took over for my own good but how about the events and the people that will make her feel good?

Will she use my body anytime she pleases?

I looked at Jason's sheet-covered form and thought Helen might one day take over and seduce him, more-so if she learns that Paris is residing within him. But, I think she already knew. I tried to push the horrid idea away from my mind.

Remembering his request, I reached for my pocket and gaze at Aphrodite's trinket. I'm not much of a fan of the ocean and all that lurks beneath it, but the pendant is so pretty. Once in the Wilderness School library (yes, even that place has a library.) I read a book containing all the Greek Mythology stories, and saw a picture of my mom rising out from a cockleshell. I made a mental note to myself to make a list of questions to ask when this war is over, and put where did Mom really came from: a spawn of Zeus or from the sea?

I wore it and played the pendant between my fingers, until I noticed the dirt on the collar of my shirt. I sat up straight and saw that my whole shirt is covered in filth. We didn't exactly plan this trip so I knew that clothes aren't available in our luggage, but I have to try. Quietly, I tiptoed my way to where our bag is and hoped that Apollo is awesome enough that he say he is to pack us spare clothing. I unzipped it with caution, careful not to wake or alert Jason and reached for anything that resembles the familiar textile feel and there it is. I grabbed it out to see it's a plain white tee, just my size. As I was quickly undressing my shirt, I was shocked when a hand touch my bare shoulder. I hadn't even noticed Jason moved and there he is, sitting in the couch, staring at me. I quickly held the shirt (i don't know which) to cover myself.

"Jason! What the hell? You scared me to dea–" He didn't let me finish. He cupped my face with his hands and locked his hungry lips to mine.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR Readers! Yes, the holiday vacation for writer-in-me is finally over as I present you with a New Chapter. :) What do you think is going to happen next? O.o Comment below! :))))))

Until then! ;)