A/N: Late as usual. This was supposed to be a one-shot for Thaluke ship week, but I fell in love with the idea, and so now their will be at least one or two more, likely four or more, parts for this story.

Disclaimer: The PJO/HOO universe belongs to Rick Riordan the true titan of forethought; I am but a humble fan.

Prologue

"Nico!" I called out, but he didn't turn. The kid was no fan of mine or of anything to do with the hunters. "Nico," I repeated, edging closer to the small gaunt figure. He still didn't turn or acknowledge my existence which I took as a positive because he could easily slip into the shadows. No reaction was better than a negative one. "Annabeth sent me."

He moved for the first time since I came into his hovel, tilting up his head in acknowledgement. "So she sent you. That Athenian wit strikes again," he ended the statement with a sardonic chuckle. My fists clenched at my sides.

"She has a lot on her plate at the moment," I said, "I just need you to tell me, is Percy—"

"No," Nico cut me off, "Thalia, I don't know where he is but he isn't down stairs."

"Thanks," I turned to leave but stopped short of the door. An old question returned to the forefront of my mind and only Nico could answer it. I stiffened and turned, forcing myself to ask before I talked myself out of it. "Did he make it?" I blurted out.

Nico looked at me, "What? Percy's alive, that's all I can give you."

"Not Percy—Luke," I said, "Annabeth told me he was going to try for the Isle of the Blessed if he made it to Elysium. Did he do it?" Nico's eyes widened slightly and a bit of his barrier broke away.

"Last month," Nico said, "Right now Luke's soul is back in the world somewhere as a one-month-old." A smile seized across my face. He's back. The thought rocked through me. "I pity the poor bastard too. Life would have been easier if he had been given Punishment than come back after what he did."

The grin melted off my face. "What do you mean?"

"He played both sides. The gods don't forgive people who make passes at their wives much less a guy who nearly brought about the end of Western civilization. The monsters will be after him as well, whether or not he is a demigod," Nico explained, "He'll be lucky to survive." My jaw set and I took in a deep, wavering breath. I had to find him before—before anything happened.

I hope you enjoyed! If you did, feel free to send me a review or pm me.

eMMeD :)