Reyna's Flashback

MONDAY, 9th January

"Hm, Regina, right?"

Reyna raised her eyes to see a short girl with long black hair in a ponytail nervously switching her weight.

Isn't she Hazel's and Nico's friend?

I believe so.

"Yes, that's me. What can I help you with?"

"You're Sierra's friend, right?"

Oh, God, what did she do now?

I hope nothing illegal.

I wouldn't put it pass her, she DID grow up with Niel, after all.

"Yes, did she do something to you?"

"Well, funny thing..."

***

Reyna kept pacing like a caged panther and inside her mind, Regina wasn't much better.

"How can you so irresponsible!? Do you even have an idea what you did!?"

Dammit, Sierra, there are rules! And LAWS! Kidnapping is serious offense!

Sierra kept twisting her hands, avoiding Reyna's eyes.

"I used my creativity to set up a date?"

"You KIDNAPPED A GIRL! Worse, you kidnapped TWO GIRLS!"

"Well, technically speaking-"

"Technically speaking you should be in jail right now!"

"You told me to go for it!"

EXCUSE ME? HOW DARE SHE?

"WHAT!? I'd nev- why would yo- WHEN?!?"

"When I told you how much in love I was."

She's not making any sense, we never said anything like that!

"I never-"

Reyna cut herself off when she remembered the conversation Sierra was referring to.

"I told you to apologize and ask for her number! Not kidnap her!"

Wait, do you mean that time at the café when she called Niel, she was SERIOUS!?

"She wouldn't have said yes."

WHAT. IS. WRONG WITH HER??

Reyna had to close her hands to keep Regina's fury under control, but her voice was strained.

"If you were so sure she was going to refuse out of her own free will, HOW did you get to the conclusion that to resolve this issue you should REMOVE her free will? And did you even TRY to ask her?"

"It seemed pointless."

"SIERRA HENRIETTA CLARKE!"

Sierra let out a drawn-out sigh.

"Oh, my full name, how exciting."

LET ME AT HER, JUST PLEASE LET ME AT HER!

***

From her position on the floor, Reyna saw out of the corner of her eye the door to her room opening and Hilda entering.

I mean, as my sister she would be by my side, right?

"Regina, what's wrong? I called you seven times already, I was hoping to get something to eat before we visit the next apartment."

"You mean the next batch of apartments."

"I suppose so."

Without saying anything else, Hilda joined Reyna in lying down at the floor. They kept silence for some minutes, before Reyna broke it.

"If I killed someone, you would hire a good lawyer for me, right?"

"No. I would help you destroy the body, get you a ticket to a random city and a whole new identity. Have you decided how are you gonna kill them?"

Good, she remembers what sisterhood is for. Lawyer, check. Accomplice, check.

"Not yet, I'm just making sure I have all my bases covered. You know, I could really go for some pizza. Do you think we can find someplace to eat a decent pizza at... what time is it?"

"4 pm."

"At 4 pm?"

Hilda got up first.

"We can sure try."

Reyna accepted the hand offered and stood up, following Hilda out of the apartment and into the rental car.

***

I mean, now is a good time as much as ever.

Do you want me to?

Better than to keep searching for an apartment.

"Hilda?"

"Yes, Regina?"

"What if we searched for a house instead?"

Hilda kept quiet for a minute, either considering or waiting for Regina to continue.

"I suppose we could... but why?"

"I was thinking we could get a dog? Or two."

Her thoughtful expression gave way to surprise.

"You... want a dog? Since when?"

I feel I should be offended at her shock, but I can't pinpoint why.

"I have been entertaining this idea for a couple of days."

"I didn't even know you liked dogs."

"Don't you?"

At her sister's doubtful tone, Hilda seemed almost offended.

"Of course I do! Don't tell me you honestly thought I was a cat person!?"

"I was just asking."

"Fine, let me call the realtor. Should I ask for more apart it being a house?"

Regina?

I would say my own bedroom, but all the apartments so far were already two-bedroom, so I'm cool with anything.

"Not really."

WEDNESDAY, 11th January

She entered the mat, not surprised to see Adam walking towards her.

"Regina! I was worried when you didn't come on Monday."

"Sorry, I had a... problem, in a way?"

"Is it something I can help?"

"I appreciate the offer, but no."

"Was it Sierra?"

Her eyebrows shot up.

Wow, that was fast.

"Why would you think that?"

"You have your Sierra face."

I have what?

"My... Sierra face?"

"It's a...hm... what do I explain this... a particular expression of frustration?"

He could be pulling our leg, but I totally believe this to be a thing.

Well, she seems to like to make you frustrated.

Each day I'm more convinced that she's made a sport out of it, there is no other reason to go THAT far!

Adam smiled knowingly, nodding to himself.

"It was her, wasn't she? I think it's better if I don't pair you up with the others for today."

"What do you mean?"

"Your Sierra face just got darker. I think it's better for everyone safety if you only pair up with me today."

Great, now even he feels like he can read me.

Regina, I can feel your frustration rising, I wouldn't rule out the possibility that my own expression is changing.

"Maybe I should go home, I wouldn't want to hurt you or the others."

"I think I can take it."

"I don't think you can."

Adam's smile broadened to an arrogant grin.

"Well, that means that now I have to prove you wrong, right?"

***

Reyna's cheek hit the mat, hard.

OW!

Get out of it!

I'm trying!

Try harder!

You either help or shut up!

While she kept trying to find a way out of Adam's lock, he started to talk calmly, his lack of panting angering her more.

"So, what did Sierra do this time?"

"None of your business."

"Wow, that was excellent!"

Is he mental?

"What was excellent?"

"Well done, Laura! That's the spirit!"

"Your attention is really on Laura?"

If his attention is elsewhere, why can't I get out of this stupid lock?

I would like to know that as well!

Shut up!

"Well, yeah. I'm still their master, I can't let them roam around without supervision, right?"

Finally edging her foot where she needed it, she pushed hard, finally able to break free from his hold, rolling until she was out of his reach.

Took you long enough!

You're really annoying today.

I thought your Roman training should help you out.

It is helping, but you don't have my muscle memory or my strength. Besides, I don't have my demigod gift to instinctively know how to fight him. He's using more than one style, and it's hard to read it.

Well, now we know he can take you.

In your body, yes. In my own body? He would be eating dirt before he could take a step forward.

That sounds like empty boasting.

Say what you want.

"Why don't you try the offensive? I can see you still have a lot of steam, so... come at me?"

Oh, great, he's being corny.

"You'll regret these words."

"Oh, I don't think I will."

***

"Hey."

Reyna raised her head to find Adam waiting for her at the exit.

"Hey."

"So, want to grab something to eat and vent about Sierra?"

She opened her mouth, ready to refuse, but he beat her to it.

"It's not a date, I promise."

Regina?

Ah, what the hell. Just... as long as it isn't a date.

"Fine, not a date."

"You first."

***

"Anyway, if it wasn't for that girl Lucy, I wouldn't even be aware of it."

Adam kept playing with a straw, not looking her in the eye.

"Please don't take this the wrong way, but are you SURE Sierra doesn't have any... ah... psychological issues?"

How dare he say something like this about my friend?

You've been thinking the same thing.

I have the right to!

"What do you mean?"

He looked up and flinched at the ice in her eyes, but answered anyway.

"I'm not suggesting she's a psychopath or something like that. Just that... maybe she's used to someone, likely a family member or a guardian, taking decisions for her without considering her feelings on the matter and now she is, consciously or unconsciously, reproducing this behavior on this Lisa girl?"

Reyna leaned backwards, crossing her arms and avoiding looking at Adam.

Does she?

I don't know. She lives with her aunt and I've witnessed some heated arguments over the last few years, but I don't think she takes decisions for Sierra. I can't honestly see Sierra allowing anyone having this kind of power over her.

What about her parents?

I know her mom is dead, her aunt told me. About her father... I have no idea.

The subject never came up?

Actually, it did. But from their reaction, I grasped that speaking about him is a taboo among them, so I dropped it.

Do you think he could be present in her life?

I never saw any sign of it.

Well, it was worth a try.

Shrugging, she leaned forward again and watched Adam playing with half a dozen toothpicks, the straw forgotten by the side. She almost smiled at how it reminded her of ADAH demigods.

"I can't think of anything she said or did that suggest it."

"Well, I'm not her friend, but I don't think someone with a personality like hers would admit it, even indirectly. I'm not a specialist, but I think the signs would be on what she DOESN'T do or says."

Ok. He's better than I expected.

Wait.

What?

Now that he mentioned... there's the Switzerland thing.

What about it?

I only found she was leaving the day before, and when I asked why, she deflected the question by...

By...?

Hm, bringing something up that we'd promised to forget. I obviously got angry and left. Thinking back at it, she never told WHY she suddenly left, when it was clear she didn't want to.

Well, she did find a way to get expelled.

If her father put her there...

Likely against her wishes...

He could be this figure.

So... what are you going to do about it?

What do you mean?

If she has psychological issues about her father...

We call that daddy issues.

Either way, she clearly needs help. Be honest, do you think Niel could provide this help for her?

Honestly, I think he has bigger issues than she does.

So that leaves...

Me.

Yeah.

Great, like I didn't have my plate full with Hilda.

So you're saying that because you have your own issues, you can't bother to help your friend? Are you that selfish?

... that was low.

I'm not apologizing.

I never said you should.

That means...?

I was being selfish. I guess Sierra has put herself like someone who is saving me for so long, I didn't consider that she might need saving.

Did you need her saving?

I will never admit it out loud, but I did. After I parted with Hilda, knowing that it didn't matter what I did, Sierra wouldn't leave me, really helped.

Maybe she had her own fear of being abandoned.

And that's why she decided to stay by my side no matter what?

And if she did?

Dammit. Like I wasn't feeling indebted before.

People have more issues that we might think.

That's cliché.

I wasn't trying to be cliché.

Then what were you trying to say?

Remember my power?

Which one?

That I could lend my strength?

Yeah?

The after-effect is a... rebound. If there are hundreds I'm helping, personal issues get lost among the confusion. In small numbers, it's easier to discern between their emotions. Even if I can't always figure out why they're feeling like that, sometimes certain emotions or their intensity can surprise me.

Like Nico?

Yeah, like him.

"Regina?"

"Sorry, I got lost thinking about Sierra. And... you might have a point."

"Do you want another milkshake?"

"What?"

"Your face is... ashen-like. I think you could use another milkshake."

I second that.

"Yeah, I think I do. And sorry to leave you hanging."

"Not a problem. It's... amusing to watch your expressions change while you have a full conversation inside your head."

Reyna could feel her stomach drop and Regina panicking.

"I... what?"

"I mean, everyone has their own conversations inside their head, but you clearly take your time with it."

Fantastic. He thinks I'm crazy.

"Are you suggesting that I also have psychological issues?"

"Regina, everyone has psychological issues one way or another. But no, it's more like... a personality trait? Like you prefer to think about things at length before speaking. I think it's admirable."

Well, that went better than expected.

***

After parting with Adam, Reyna set her route back to their house.

Well, I guess that settles it.

What settles what?

I need to get along with Hilda.

I agree, but why are you saying that?

Sierra needs my help. And I won't be able to do much if I keep myself wrapped up on my own problems. So, I need to solve my issues, at least partially.

And how do you want to do it?

Call Hilda. Ask her if I can spend the night at her hotel room. We could watch a movie together.

You want me to self-invite us to a movie night with Hilda?

Yeah.

Consider it done.

Flashback over, back to the present

SATURDAY, 21st January

Reyna and Hilda shared an exasperated glance, both scowling while waiting in the quick growing line at the café, waiting for the six girls in front of them to finally decided what to order. If the cashier's deep breaths were anything to go buy, she was losing her patience, along with every other patron in the shop.

Heavens, one would think that five minutes in the line were enough to choose.

Well, you heard them, they were busy discussing other things.

Oh yeah, like if the red head one should do a nose job, if the Mexican girl's boyfriend is cheating on her or if blondie over there has a chance with her crush.

And if she should play angel or devil to get his attention.

Clearly, things that absolutely couldn't wait for after they had ordered.

Next to her, Hilda answered to her phone, even though Reyna hadn't heard it ringing. Still, her voice was much louder than she normally used.

"Yes, I do realize we're late to the meeting, unfortunately, SOME PEOPLE think that just because THEY aren't in a rush, no one else is, so yes, I'm STILL in line."

The girl at the back of the group, who clearly heard Hilda's provocation, turned to give them the stinky eye, quickly regretting when met with both Reyna's and Hilda's full on glare. She let out a squeak and pushed closer to her friends, quickly ordering her own drink and moving to the side.

One would think it's obvious that the majority of patrons on a café in the morning are too caffeine deprived to show any patience to people like them.

***

Reyna leaned towards Hilda, whispering so that the realtor, who hadn't stopped talking so far, wouldn't listen to them.

"Ok, apart from him, what's the catch?"

"I'm curious as well."

In a word, it was perfect. The house in itself was small, with two simple rooms, a living room connected to the kitchen and a large enough bathroom, not counting the garden that could easily keep a dog or two. The price was lower than they expected, especially considering its location.

There has to be a catch. No way the perfect house with a reasonable price would just be waiting for us.

As someone who has never gone house hunting before, even I can sense there is something they aren't telling. Still, I doubt the realtor would answer us directly.

You know... the internet is an amazing place to find information.

We did search the address on google. Nothing came up.

Yes, but none of us are very proficient in it, right?

What are you suggesting?

I'm suggesting we make good use of your contacts.

The other demigods are not any better.

I wasn't thinking of the demigods, exactly. I was thinking... Piper.

Piper IS a demigod.

But Trish isn't, and I know I'm not the only who suspects that half of her information doesn't come from legal sources.

***

Once she heard her phone ringing, she stopped drying her hair to answer Piper's call, most of her body still stiff from her workout.

"So, what did you find on it?"

"I... I looked it up. And I got the info you wanted."

When she didn't elaborate, Reyna pressed.

"And? We don't have all night. Spill it."

"First, let me tell you how absolutely badass you were just now."

"What?"

"I mean, not even a hello or something, just straight to the point."

"Sorry. Hi, Piper. And Trish."

"Oh no, we don't mind, it was seriously badass, we felt like hackers in a movie. Or spies. Like we were answering to a mafia boss, or our team leader. It was amazing. And considering the info we have, not that far from the truth."

"What do you mean?"

"First, you have to promise not to ask how we got this intel."

"Intel?"

"We already feel like we're in a movie, might as well speak like them."

"Right. So, the intel?"

"Long story short, it was once a safe house. You know, witness protection services?"

"Yes, I know."

"Like I said, it WAS a safe house."

"So... they were found."

"Snitchers get snitched. It was a witness against a drug dealer. And not a dumbass at school selling weed, I mean a REAL drug lord, moving millions and having several labs going on mass production. It was almost four years ago, and it was an execution, but unfortunately for our witness, it wasn't clean or quick. It took the police almost two months to recover most of the body. And I said most, not all."

My God...

"Fields of Punishment and beyond, this is a hell of a catch for a small house."

"I know, Trish was almost having an orgasmic seizure inside my head. Not for the whole torture and body cut to pieces, more for the whole drug lord and snitcher part."

"What should we do?"

"Obviously, tell your sister. After that fiasco, it was discarded as a safe house, for obvious reasons. And the drug lord was arrested after all, two years after that, with his empire crumbling to dust. I THINK it should be safe. Not as a safe house, of course, just like a normal house."

"Yeah, I think we need to talk to Hilda."

"By the way, Trish would like to thank you for the trust and for allowing her such an amazing opportunity. I have another call and need to go. Peace out!"

Well. That was it.

Wow.

I know.

I was thinking something light, like a robbery gone wrong, or a crazy family member kills the others, not drug dealers.

Drug lord.

Even worse!

When should we call Hilda?

Now. Then we can leave her to figure out the rest and sleep peacefully. Hopefully without any nightmares.

Or we might get double nightmare. You know, drug lords and ancient monsters.

With Sierra kidnapping their witnesses from safe houses.

And Trish giving us intel through an earpiece.

And we being badasses.

Now that sounds interesting.

A/N: Well, even if I was surprised by Sierra's decision to just kidnap Star, I wasn't really thinking to WHY she decided to do it, but since Adam brought it up... I guess it makes sense. Special thanks to StarWrites7  for leaving such amazing comments and giving me the push I needed to finish this chapter.