The Tower of Nero (The Trials of Apollo, #5)

by Rick Riordan

So, can I risk giving you a place to catch your breath, some fresh clothes, and a hot meal? Yeah, how could I not?”

Sally Jackson is actually worthy of being a goddess, she’s too good for this world.

Here’s all you need to know about Will Solace: he had clothes waiting for me. On his last trip into town, he’d gone shopping specifically for things that might fit me.

Will Solace is everything I’ve ever wanted to be in my life, if I grow up to be like him I will feel complete.

Nico sighed. “I’m guessing that was a Star Wars reference. My boyfriend is a Star Wars geek of the worst kind.”

Oooh another reason to adore Will. He’s my people.

“We need to run!” I said, exercising my noble duty as Lord Obvious of Duh.

He insisted we partake liberally of his medicinal stockpile of Kit Kat bars. “The best thing for recovering from shadow-travel,” he assured us. Who was I to argue with the healing powers of chocolate and wafers?

Remus Lupin would agree with this medical opinion. But also, Kit Kats are (one of) my faves too.

“Friends, meet my glow-in-the-dark boyfriend.”

As far as demigod powers went, glowing in the dark was perhaps not as showy as skeleton-summoning or tomato-vine mastery, but it was still impressive. And, like Will’s skill at healing, it was gentle, useful, and exactly what we needed in a pinch. “I’m so proud,” I said. Will’s face turned the color of sunlight shining through a glass of cranberry juice. “Dad, I’m just glowing. I’m not graduating at the top of my class.” “I’ll be proud when you do that, too,” I assured him.

I…I have never wanted to cry so hard. Will’s entire being is just simple, strong power. Apollo is so stinking proud of his kid. I can’t handle this.

Meg and I didn’t speak as we climbed the front steps. By silent agreement, we gripped each other’s hands as if another river might sweep us away.

My son Asclepius, god of medicine, used to chide me about helping those with disabilities. You can help them if they ask. But wait for them to ask. It’s their choice to make, not yours.

Disability rep!! Yes!!

Not being well prepared, I screamed and threw Gunther’s sword at him. By some miracle, the hilt hit him in the face and knocked him down. THAT IS NOT NORMALLY HOW ONE USETH A SWORD, the arrow said.

I’ve seen a meme like this somewhere… :)

Rachel pulled out a blue plastic hairbrush and threw it at the nearest barbarian, beaning him in the eye and making him howl. Sorry I underestimated you, Rachel, I thought distantly. You’re actually kind of a hairbrush ninja.

I channeled all my remaining strength into my hands—the way I used to do when I played the lyre or the ukulele, when I needed to express a truth so deep it could only be communicated in music: the death of Jason Grace, the trials of Apollo, the love and respect I had for my young friend Meg McCaffrey.

The relationship that Apollo and Meg have by the end is beyond goals.

By my reckoning, you have read two hundred and ten of my haiku.

That is many haiku!

However, anytime you take aim and prepare to fire your best shot, anytime you seek to put your emotions into a song or poem, know that I am smiling on you. We are friends now. Call on me. I will be there for you.

I weep. His character arc has been so wonderful to watch, his love for the people around him so amazing… his support unending. I can’t.