Chapter One: When You Meet Strange Men in the Woods

The first time Loki met the son of Hades was in the middle of the woods in Central Park.

Nico di Angelo had an arrow aimed at the trickster god's throat before he could say world domination. "Who are you and what are you doing here?" he demanded.

Loki was on the forest floor, leaning against a tree. He was clutching his bleeding stomach - injured while escaping Asgard. He was obviously in pain, but he smirked. "Have you not watched your mortal news in these past six months, human?"

The fifteen-year-old narrowed his eyes. "You say that like you're not one. Again, who are you?"

"Loki Laufeyson, if you must know," he snapped, "Is it the policy of half-bloods to let the injured bleed out before them? Some heroes you are."

Nico scowled, lowering his bow, though he kept one hand on his Stygian iron sword. If this was the famed Asgardian, it was no wonder he knew of his heritage. He was dangerous, a silver-tongued liar. Nico wanted to curse that stupid demigod instinct that put him in these kinds of ridiculous situations. Being a hero is overrated, he thought dryly, Maybe I could just pull the son of Hades card?... Nah, that rarely ends well. "Nico di Angelo," he introduced himself. The half-blood snapped his fingers and pulled a canteen of nectar the Shadowrealm. He tossed it to the godling. "Drink," he ordered.

The god of mischief looked at it suspiciously, wondering if there was poison.

Nico sighed. "It's nectar."

Nodding, the older man took a sip. Immediately, the slice in the godling's belly was healed, leaving only dried blood caked on his hands from trying to stop the bleeding. Ordinarily, he could do it with his magic, but after months in that Asgardian prison, Loki couldn't see himself managing even a small feat of magic. Not that he would admit that to the small half-blood in front of him.

The Prince of Hades was dressed in his tunic and armor, having just left a senate meeting at Camp Jupiter. He had felt a disturbance in the Mist and come to investigate it. He'd expected a powerful spirit of some sort, perhaps a poltergeist, not this green-eyed godling from a different pantheon. He didn't seem hostile, but he had heard the stories. Nico didn't make a habit of trusting rumors, but there was one undisputed fact he knew: Loki Laufeyson was dangerous.

The two demigods looked at each other for several moments, neither willing to break eye contact.

Finally, Nico broke the silence. "It is generally considered polite to explain your injuries to the one who saved your life."

Loki didn't bat an eyelash. "Asgardians, as usual."

Nico hummed in understanding. "Troublesome things, those."

He could see the amusement in the godling's green eyes as he replied. "You've met them?" Loki asked casually.

"The blonde Prince came to New Rome once," he admitted, "A diplomatic trip. He was very enthusiastic. About everything." And had no place on a diplomatic trip, he wanted to add, And didn't know the meaning of the word tact. And unbelievably stupid for someone who's been alive for thousands of years. So, basically a typical god.

"I would expect so," Loki agreed with barely-concealed distaste. "Now, I don't suppose you know where we are?"

Nico shrugged. "Somewhere near New York, I think."

"Do you intend to try to turn me in to the Asgardians?" the frost giant inquired nonchalantly, sounding for all the world like it would amuse him to watch that endeavor. But he was nervous. He hid it very well, but Nico could see something like fear in his eyes.

Nico surveyed the man. Hmm... Yeah, he tried to take over the world and everything, but that doesn't really concern me. I never much liked this world anyway. Killing him might draw the attention of the Asgardians, and I really don't want to get involved with any more pantheons. Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians are more than enough for me.

Nico finally answered. "No. That would require interacting with Asgardians. I deal with enough idiots already. I don't need another pantheon breathing down my neck. Although, if you do get caught again, I would appreciate my name remaining unmentioned." The last part was just cold enough to imply a threat.

Loki was about to give a sarcastic reply when every shadow in the clearing deepened dramatically in the span of a second, and then the Greek disappeared.

The green-eyed godling did not sputter, did not in fact give any indication of his temper flaring. But inside, he was more than a little irritated at such blatant disrespect. A human threatening him, and then disappearing like he had more important things to do than talk to a god! He didn't let the fact that di Angelo probably dealt with gods on a daily basis detract from his annoyance. Or the tiny kernel of begrudging respect at the foolish human's boldness.

A/N:

This is set a year after Blood of Olympus and six months after the Avengers. It's slightly AU PJO-wise because Nico doesn't actually live at either camp. That will be mentioned in the story, but I kinda wanted to get it out there now. I have no idea how long this will be. Read and review please!

Oh, and I'll just get this out here: I own nothing. Let's just say that disclaimer counts for the rest of the story.