Hello again, lovely readers. No, I haven't updated Children or Shadows yet. Shadows is done, and will, hopefully, be out soon. No promises. Bragi is holding it hostage, for your "own good". As I may have mentioned in some previous note, he's going to be gone for a while, and won't be able to beta for me as much. So, he's storing stuff up to give back to me later. As for Children, I'm trying to put a lot of effort into it. I've gone back and read a lot of old chapters, just trying to progress in points that have been neglected. So, in the meantime, I thought I could offer this as a peace offering. Besides, I'm sure none of you will complain, since you all want to know where Nico is.

In other news, I've had a lot of inspiration lately, though none of it pertaining to my current stories. However, that could mean new stories in the future. And I'm still trying to get things together for an original story, with original characters. Well, I need to get some sleep, so I'll end the note here. Hope you enjoy.

Warning: Sexual themes(sort of), language, slash, talk of violence.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter 3

Percy stepped out of the ranger station with a groan. His fingers ran up into the back of his hair, his head falling back to look up at the sky. Rain clouds could be seen rolling in on the horizon. How fitting, Percy thought. Letting out a sigh, he hopped down the remaining stairs and began walking through the camp.

Will and his group were taking up the pavilion, and the blond leader perked up when he saw Percy walking through the camp. Percy watched the blond jump off of the table he was perched on and make a straight line for him. "About time you came out," the blond said, falling into step with Percy. He tilted his head to look over Percy's shoulder, at the lab. "Seems awfully small for a lab."

Percy rolled his eyes, but a minute smile graced his lips for a brief second. "Sorry, something came up."

Will nodded, running a hand through his short hair. Percy chuckled when the blond made a face at the feel of it. "I miss the old days, where it wasn't so hard to find a working shower."

Percy chuckled again and nudged Will's shoulder. "We have working water here. You can grab a shower in my cabin."

Will flashed a bright smile in Percy's direction. "That would be great. And after that, I think I'm going to turn in for the evening." The blond stretched his arms over his head, his shirt riding up ever so slightly. Percy cleared his throat and did his best to keep his eyes away from the exposed skin. "I'm so exhausted."

The Omega pursed his lips and ran a hand through his messy black hair. "Quite a change of pace from our college days, wouldn't you agree?"

Will's smile vanished, his blue eyes becoming very dark. "I wish we still were in college. It wasn't fair that everyone's lives got cut short with all of this, and I'm not just talking about those that were massacred."

"I know," Percy whispered. "Something does need to be done about it." Will gave a silent nod, the two locking eyes for a brief moment. Percy came to a stop in front of his cabin, the blond quickly looking it over. "Well, this is my place. It's not much, but I try to make due."

Will smiled and nodded. "It's nice. At least it's homier than some of the rundown places I've hauled up in during the past year." The blond's smile melted away again, an uncomfortable look appearing on his face. Percy frowned at him when he began rubbing his arm. "I just...didn't really feel safe in homes anymore, not after New York."

Percy nodded in understanding. He pushed his door open, letting the blond go in first. Will crouched down in the floor, taking the backpack that he had been carrying and unzipping it. He pulled out a fresh pair of clothes and tossed them on Percy's couch before turning around.

"So, bathroom?"

Percy smiled lazily and pointed towards his bedroom. "Through there, it'll be on the right. Feel free to make yourself at home."

Percy stiffened when Will gave him a hug. The feeling of warmth instantly hit him. He had honestly forgotten how warm Will always was. A lot of the times, when the blond had slept over with him, Percy would have to resort to pushing back the covers to keep from burning up.

"Thanks, Percy."

"Just don't get the wrong idea," Percy mumbled. Will frowned and pulled away. The slightly shorter young man stared up at Percy. "I am still with-"

Will rolled his eyes and turned around, picking up his clothes from the couch. "The boy that isn't here. How long are you willing to wait on him? What if he never comes back?"

Percy's brow furrowed as he watched Will walk towards the bedroom from the corner of his eye. "He will be back."

Percy groaned and collapsed on his couch when his bedroom door was closed. Thunder finally boomed overhead. Percy's green eyes drifted shut as he let his head fall back onto the couch. He really needed to catch a break. And, in the back of his mind, he could only imagine how upset Nico would be for letting Will crash on his couch.

He wouldn't deny that he had been feeling lonely, though. It had been a year since he had intimate contact, so could he be blamed for getting to this place? But what if Will was right? What if Nico wasn't coming back?

Percy nearly jumped off of the couch when a knock at his door was accompanied by thunder cracking through the sky. He pinched the bridge of his nose and stood up, walking over to the door. He stifled a yawn as he opened it to find a soaking wet Jason staring back at him. He arched a brow and stood aside to let the blond into the cabin.

"What's up, Jason?"

Jason stepped around the cabin for a few seconds, his blue eyes scanning over the area. Percy rolled his eyes, knowing he was looking for Will. "I just wanted to talk to you in private."

"He's in the shower, you can calm down."

Jason gave him a dirty look before crossing his arms. "Did you really need to bring them here? I don't think it was a good idea."

Percy let out a breath. "It's just for one night."

The blond gave him a disbelieving look. He frowned and circled around the couch, letting his fingers trail across it. "Is it? For some reason, I doubt that. You used to know him, we know that. So, are you okay with cutting him loose?"

The telepath ran a hand through his dark locks, leaning on the counter behind him. "I don't know, Jason. I haven't really put any thought into it. In case you've forgotten, I've had a lot on my mind recently."

Jason sighed and sat on the back of the couch. "I know you miss Nico, Percy. I'm just worried that you're going to let that affect your decision with this."

"I appreciate your concern, I really do, but I'm fine. You don't need to worry. If I decide to ask Will to stay on, it won't have anything to do with Nico, or my old feelings for him."

The blond furrowed his brow, his head turning ever so slightly towards the bedroom door. "I just want you to be careful." The blond paused, his gaze returning to Percy. "I've been thinking. How is it that Will got to be in charge of his group? There are plenty of those men that are older or stronger than he is."

Percy frowned, his lips forming a thin line. "I didn't say I trusted him, if that's where you're going." Percy's head shook slightly. "It's been two years since I've seen him, and the world has changed drastically since then. Who knows what changes it has had on him."

Jason arched a brow. "What are you thinking?"

Percy smirked, tapping a finger to his lips. "Maybe they should stay on with us." Jason narrowed his eyes. "It would allow us to keep an eye on them."

Jason smirked as well, nodding his head slowly. "I like this plan."

"Besides, I have that message to tend to tomorrow, so I can't really put any effort into investigating them until I get back."

Jason nodded. "I'll keep an eye on them."

"You're going with me."

"Oh. Uh, I'll have Apollo or someone keep an eye on them then."

Percy chuckled and nodded. "Good. I'll talk to Athena before we leave, have her start looking for us."

Jason frowned when the water was shut off in the bathroom. "Just keep an eye on him," he hissed. "I don't want to wake up to find you got your throat slit."

Percy chuckled and rolled his eyes, ushering Jason to the door. "I think I'll be fine."

Jason stopped in the doorway to turn around and frown at Percy. "Seriously, be careful. I still don't like that they are going to be here." His blue eyes shifted towards the bedroom. "They can't stay here permanently, Percy."

"I didn't say they would." He let out a sigh and crossed his arms. "But we do try to help people in need."

Jason's blue eyes returned to Percy's face. He stepped off of Percy's step, his hair matting down from the rain. "You can't save everyone, Percy." With that, the blond turned and walked off, sliding his hands into his pockets.

He heard the bedroom door open behind him as he shut the door. Percy scrunched his lips as turned around, nearly ready for bed himself. His eyes widened and he stopped in his tracks as he took in the sight before him.

Will stood there, soaking wet, a towel being secured to his waist. His hair was stuck to his forehead, and water was dripping from his body. He smirked over at Percy as he finished securing the towel.

Percy cleared his throat and looked away. "You could have gotten dressed in there."

The blond shrugged. "Not like you haven't seen it all before."

The raven haired youth gave him an annoyed stare. "I saw you take your clothes in the bedroom."

The blond shrugged, wagging his eyebrows once. "Did I? Whoops, silly me."

He was trying to push Percy, a dark place in Percy's mind voiced. He was being greedy, wanting to pick back up where they left off. Who was to say that he wouldn't try sneaking into Percy's bedroom in the middle of the night? Percy's green eyes darkened as they stared at the floor.

Percy gasped as he was shoved back, onto the couch. Will's wet and naked knee was placed between Percy's legs, dangerously close to his crotch. Will smiled innocently down at him. "I'm sure you've been lonely, and I just want to help."

Percy glared up at him and pushed the blond's leg away. "You can help by not doing that. Regardless of if he's here, I'm still with Nico."

Will frowned and tilted his head to the side. "Percy, we've messed around before. Can't we just help each other out for one night?"

"We messed around before I met Nico."

Will's eyes darkened and stared blankly at him. "You mean when you were stringing us both along?" The blond grunted and stood up fully. "Yeah, real sweet."

Green eyes glared. "I wasn't trying to hurt either of you."

Will huffed and walked back to the bedroom, where he returned with a pair of boxers. "Whatever, it's in the past," the blond mumbled, slipping them on under his towel. After he was done, he unfastened the towel and let it fall to the floor. He collapsed on the couch next to Percy, letting one of his legs drape across Percy's lap.

Percy frowned and pushed the leg off. "You should get some sleep. I'll have to go somewhere tomorrow, but you can feel free to look around the camp until I return."

Will faked a gasp. "Unescorted? I'm honored, Percy."

The Omega grunted and stood up. "Just behave yourself while I'm gone."

Will grinned and slid down on the couch. He spread his legs wide, managing to draw Percy's attention. His grin grew when Percy looked him in the eye. Percy quickly cleared his throat and looked away, taking a few steps back.

Will tilted his head to the side. "Are you sure you don't want company in your bed?" Percy's green eyes flickered back to him when the blond's hand wandered towards the hem of his boxers.

Percy bit down on the inside of his cheek and forced himself to look away as Will's hand slid under the fabric. He heard the blond let out a sigh, but refused to look at Will again. "I'm sure, now stay on the couch."

Will sighed and fell onto his side, a groan escaping from his lips. "Why are you so frustrating, Percy?" He grumbled into the cushion.

The green-eyed young man rolled his eyes and stepped towards his bedroom. "Let me find you a blanket and pillow."

He stepped into his bedroom, where he walked over to his bed. As he pulled an extra pillow from his bed, he levitated a blanket off of the top of his wardrobe. He gathered them both up in his hands and walked back into the living room with a yawn. Will took them with a smile before collapsing back onto the pillow, spreading the blanket out over himself.

Percy stretched his arms above his head, drawing the attention of Will's blue eyes. "I'm going to get some sleep as well. Wake me if you need anything." He narrowed his eyes when Will grinned and prepared to open his mouth. "Not for anything sexual, Will," he sighed.

The blond chuckled and shrugged. "Can't blame a guy for trying. Anyways, fine. Goodnight, Percy."


Percy pushed his wet bangs out of his eyes. He let the hot water cascade off of his body, his back pressed against the shower wall. He hadn't slept much last night, he was unable to. How was he supposed to sleep with this meeting happening today? There were so many questions that needed answers, but would this person be willing to provide them?

Were they a threat, or were they allies? Was Percy walking into a trap, or the company of a friend?

And then there had been the personal matters that had kept him up for most of the night. Some part of Percy's mind had wanted him to go get Will and bring him back to his bed. But he hadn't done that. He didn't know if they would have done anything. Mainly, Percy had just wanted the company. After sleeping alone for the past year, he missed having someone to lie next to him.

The other part of Percy's mind had yet to stop scolding him for all of those thoughts. How angry would Nico have been with him if he had witnessed any of this? And Nico was the main reason that Percy hadn't gone to get him last night. Not because Nico wasn't there and still his boyfriend, but because Will just wasn't Nico. No one could ever be Nico, no one could ever replace him.

But what if Nico's disappearance had been the pale youth's way of breaking things off with Percy? But he wouldn't have done that, right? He wouldn't have been so cold, would he? Did all of this mean Percy was single and able to pursue someone else? Did he want to?

Percy ran his hands through his hair again before reaching down to turn off the water. He just stood there for a moment, letting droplets of water fall from his body. Green eyes blinked, staring unfocused at the wall. How long did he really have to wait for these answers?

He reached out and a towel hovered over to him. Wrapping it around himself, Percy walked back into his room. The young man walked around in circles for a moment before removing his towel and drying his hair off with it. The blue fabric was wrapped back around him as he made his way back into his bathroom, where he picked up his toothbrush. His eyes dilated a single time, the water turning itself on.

Percy's face nearly resembled a scowl as he stared at himself in the mirror. He quietly stared back at his reflection as he brushed his teeth, resisting all of his urges to punch the reflective surface. Seeing himself...it just didn't feel like it was him. Who was this stranger?

After finishing with his teeth, he grunted and made quick work to get out of his bathroom. He grabbed the change of clothes that he laid out and headed out his door. Will was still asleep on the couch, only his nose and eyes exposed over the blanket. The blond's arm hung off the edge of the couch, just barely touching the floor. A small smile touched at Percy's lips as he walked by the sleeping blond, seeking his breakfast.

He had managed to get halfway through a bowl of cereal before the blond on the couch stirred from his deep slumber. Will sat up and stretched, the covers falling off his his nearly naked body. Percy stared at the blond's back for a long time, until the blond turned around and looked in his direction.

Percy quickly turned his attention back to his cereal as Will blinked at him, rubbing at his eyes. "Morning," Will yawned.

Percy grunted in reply, swallowing another spoonful of his cereal. The blond stood up and straightened out his boxers, something Percy refused to look at. And it didn't help that the blond decided to walk over to where he was sitting at the bar, still clad only in his underwear.

Will stretched his arms above his head and raised up on his toes with a long groan. "So, is everyone responsible for fixing their own meals?"

Green eyes flickered up to meet blue for a moment. "You can eat in the cafeteria. We set it up for convenience." He picked his bowl up and finished off his breakfast before depositing it into the sink.

Will nodded with another yawn. "I think I'll wait until after you leave." He rested his elbows on the bar and smiled at Percy. For some reason, Percy found himself thankful for the wooden surface that kept them separated. "I will have another shower, though, if you don't mind."

Percy shrugged and stood up. "Knock yourself out. But I'll be gone by the time you get out."

Will pouted at him. "Or you could join me."

"I already had my shower, and no." Percy sighed and rubbed at his neck. "We went over this last night."

"Don't get anywhere if you don't try." Will chuckled and winked before grabbing the clothes he had never put on and heading to the bedroom, though he stopped in the doorway. "Thanks for letting us stay here, Percy."

"Don't mention it." As Will turned to head into the bedroom, Percy reached out, only to remember he was across the room. "Wait."

Will turned around, eyebrows raised. "Yes?"

"I, uh, needed to talk to you." Percy walked around the counter, rubbing his arm. "Would you and your group want to stay a little longer?"

Will blinked in surprise. "I, uh-wow. Um, sure, if it's not any trouble." He scratched the side of his neck, his brow furrowed. "What brought this about?"

The Special shrugged. "Just thought you could stay a little longer." The raven haired youth sighed and slipped his hands into his pockets. "Hey, I've got to go, but I'll see you when I get back."

Will nodded, his blue eyes locked with Percy's green ones. It was slightly unnerving for Percy, though he couldn't really place why. "Be safe," Will muttered before disappearing into the bedroom.

Percy turned on his heel and walked out his door. The sky was still cloudy, the ground muddy. He let out a breath before stepping out, into the camp. Maybe things would go their way today. He could only hope.

He found Hazel standing against one of the pillars in the pavilion. The girl had an odd look on her face as she stared off into the distance. Percy walked up to her and stood beside her, looking down at her with a raised brow.

"What's going on, Hazel."

The girl frowned, not looking up at him. "Drew made a friend."

Percy blinked before following Hazel's gaze. Sure enough, Drew was engaged in conversation with Amphitrite. Percy shrugged and placed his hands behind his head. "I think it's a good thing. I've informed Jason that they will be here for a few days, so I'd like all of us to get along during the duration of their stay."

Hazel sighed and looked at Percy. "Is that a good idea?"

"Just trying to keep an eye on them, for whatever reason." He smiled and clapped Hazel on the back. "Relax. Besides, Drew could use a friend."

"Why defend her? You don't even like her that much."

The raven haired young man shrugged. Percy and Hazel began walking, heading for the ranger station. "Doesn't mean I don't think she deserves a friend. If she'd stop trying to get into my pants, I'd try harder to be her friend."

Hazel laughed, nudging Percy's shoulder. "It's all your fault. You're just perpetuating it."

Percy narrowed his eyes and scoffed. "How the hell am I perpetuating it?"

"You should try not looking so handsome."

Percy smiled and placed a hand on his chest. "Why, Hazel, I don't think Frank would be very happy to hear you flirting with another man."

The girl playfully stuck her tongue out as she opened the door to the ranger station. "I can't help myself."

The two laughed as the elevator began to descend. Percy smiled down at the floor. He knew it was all a joke. Hazel was devoted to Frank, there was no question about that. He liked to think that he had been trying to take a page out of their book for the past year, enduring his crisis with Nico.

Leo and Lou were at the main computer, the latter shoving the Latino boy out of the way so she could get a good lock on the building Percy and the others were going to rendezvous at. Frank stood up from where he was slouched against a wall and made his way over to them.

"Shouldn't we wait for Clarisse? She hasn't come back yet."

Percy sighed and glanced over at Annabeth, who shrugged. "We can't wait," he replied.

Apollo chuckled and stretched on the couch, leaning his head on Jason's shoulder. "You know she won't be happy that you didn't wait for her."

Annabeth rolled her eyes, shutting a book she had been reading. "And we don't need her type of...diplomacy for this."

"That's using the word loosely," Rachel mumbled.

Annabeth sighed and stood up. "She'd probably end up charging off and trying to lop off this person's head. Wouldn't get many answers if that happened."

Leo turned around and folded his arms over his chest. "I vote that Percy just goes in there, reads their mind, and all of you get out."

Jason rolled his eyes, his fingers running through Apollo's hair. "I'm sure that will go over so well. You saw they had all that footage of us. I'm sure this person knows of Percy's abilities. But I am with Annabeth on Clarisse."

Grover cleared his throat and nodded over to the large clock on the wall. His eyes returned to meet Percy's in a silent stare. "We need to leave soon."

Jason stood up and cracked his knuckles, drawing an annoyed look from his boyfriend. "Let's get going, Perce!"

Annabeth grabbed the back of the blond's collar as he made for the door. "Hold on a second there, sparky, it's going to be more than just the two of you."

Percy shrugged. "I do want to keep it light, but that's fine. Annabeth, you and Frank are coming as well."

Rachel cleared her throat. She glared at the back of Percy's head as he made to walk off. Annabeth shook her head, still holding fast to Jason's shirt. Rachel huffed and reached out, grabbing Percy by the ear. The green-eyed young man yelped as he was jerked backwards.

"Hold on there, big boy, we're not done here. You're taking someone else."

Percy rubbed his ear, giving her a dirty look. "Fine, fine. Hazel, you want to go?" The girl perked up and nodded. Percy's green eyes shifted back to Rachel. "We good now?"

Rachel smiled sweetly before nodding. Percy continued to rub his ear as he walked towards the exit, Jason at his side. The blond leaned in to whisper to him. "You know, sometimes, I wonder who's really in charge around here."

Percy frowned. "Dude, don't even get me started."

"Yeah, you should see Apollo when he's annoyed with-" Blue and green eyes widened as a fireball flew past their heads.

They turned around to find Apollo glaring at them, another fireball bouncing in his hand. "And what are the rest of us supposed to do while you're away?"

Percy rubbed the back of his neck, secretly making sure none of his hair got singed. "I'll need some of you to keep an eye on our guests. Apollo and Grover, I'll leave you two in charge of that." Percy lowered his hand, pleased to find all of his hair intact. "Leo, you can catch Clarisse up to speed when she gets back. Lou, keep an eye on us."

Apollo smiled and nodded. His attention turned to Jason, tapping his foot. The slightly taller blond cleared his throat, his cheeks tinging pink, and walked over to his boyfriend. Apollo placed a hand on the back of Jason's neck, both of them closing their eyes as their lips locked in a brief kiss.

Percy rubbed the back of his neck. "Are we good now?"

Everyone nodded. Percy hesitated a moment, making sure no one else wanted his attention. When everyone was silent, he sighed and made for the elevator, Annabeth, Frank, and Hazel now following behind him and Jason.

As they rode the elevator up, Annabeth strapped her compacted battle suit to her back. While he didn't want to call himself stupid, he still didn't fully understand how that thing didn't way a ton when it was compacted.

Percy nudged Jason's shoulder. "I still find it odd at how you grew taller than Apollo in the past two years."

The blond chuckled. "I think he often ponders the same thing."

It took nearly half an hour, but they finally managed to get loaded into a car. Percy let Frank drive, while Hazel took shotgun. Percy sat in the back, next to the window. Annabeth sat beside him, a GPS in her lap. Jason sat on Annabeth's other side, staring out the window.

"How far is it?" Jason asked as they reached the boarder of the camp.

"Not that far," Annabeth mumbled. "It's just in town down the road."

Hazel turned around with a frown. "Who do you think it could be? Is there anyone any of you knew before all of this happened?"

Percy, Jason, and Annabeth looked at each other before shaking their heads. "No," Percy whispered. "Frank, Jason, anyone else maybe from U.N.I.T.?"

Frank blew out a breath. He finally shook his head, not taking his eyes off of the road. "Not really. Most people left with Clarisse, when Zeus started rounding up Specials."

"But you didn't," Annabeth reminded him.

"No, I didn't. I didn't feel right being there, after they replaced Chiron like that."

Jason sighed. "Frank's right, though. Anyone that would have left is already at the camp."

Annabeth pursed her lips. "But whoever it was wanted you, Percy. That message was specifically for your ears."

Percy's brow furrowed. "But I don't think I know anyone that would want to talk to me so badly."

"Take this exit," Annabeth said, leaning forward in her seat to point. Frank nodded his head and drifted over into the exit lane.

Percy let his head fall back against the seat with a sigh. None of this was making any sense. What was he missing? Did he know this person? Whoever it was obviously knew him.

"Maybe it's a Special," Hazel suggested, "possibly an Omega."

"We could only be so lucky," Jason mumbled.

The blonde in between the two young men shook her head. "One isn't going to make a large difference in this fight. Zeus has an army. Like Frank told us, he went around the world and collected Specials."

"And put those that resisted on ice," Frank added.

Hazel fidgeted in her seat. "Don't remind me," she mumbled.

Frank's brow furrowed, his lips tilting down. "I'm sorry." He reached over and squeezed her hand.

"Take a left at this stop sign," Annabeth voiced. Frank did as he was told. "Now a right two roads down." Again, Frank followed the blond's instructions.

After navigating around the large town for nearly five minutes, they pulled up outside an abandoned high school building. "This is it?" Jason asked, closing his door.

Annabeth glanced down at her GPS. "Yeah, this is the place."

Percy glanced around the abandoned building. Most of the windows were busted out. Vines had already begun to grow on the side of the building. There were still a few cars outside, one standing out from the rest. It was a black four door car, a very expensive looking one. Unlike the other cars in the lot, it wasn't dirty, and it still had all of its windows and tires.

Green eyes narrowed at the vehicle. "Well, whoever they are, they are already here."

"Come on, this way." Annabeth motioned towards the school's gymnasium.

They stopped in front of the doors. The lock had been broken on the door. Annabeth sat down her battle suit and handed the GPS to Hazel. The blonde hit the compacted suit with her foot and it sprang to life. Percy watched as the suit crept up her body, and, before long, her entire body was encased in the metal suit. Annabeth smirked as her face was hidden behind her helmet.

Percy let out a long breath. "All right, let's go."

Jason and Frank pushed the double doors open. Annabeth stepped in first, shining a light from her shoulder around the large open area. Nothing. Percy and Hazel stepped in next, the girl staring down at the GPS. Jason and Frank quietly shut the doors behind them. Hazel led them towards the center of the basketball court before stopping.

"This is the exact spot," she informed them.

Percy looked around the place. He arched a brow. "I don't see-"

He was cut off by the lights powering on. They all took defensive stances when they spotted a lot of people in the bleachers, all of them wearing military or tactical clothing and armor. They all carried guns in their hands, but they didn't look like normal guns. Percy knew what they were, he had seen them back in New York. Nullifying guns, designed to render a Special's powers ineffective for several hours.

Several men clicked buttons in their hands. Several flat disks on the floor lit up, emitting a bright blue color. Percy frowned down at them. "Shit," he cursed under his breath.

"Are you sure you don't regret coming here?" Jason growled.

A door opened. "I would hope that he would not."

Percy's mouth hung open slightly as the last person he expected to see entered the room. Her long, perfectly straight brown hair hung down to her back. Her brown eyes were dark, and reminded Percy of the color of earth. She wore a black business suit with matching heels. Around her neck was the exact same necklace that Percy had last seen her in, several emeralds embedded into the silver necklace.

She walked forward, the sound of her heels echoing loudly in the quiet gymnasium, and held out her hand. She even had on the same color of dark green nail polish that she had worn to the funeral of Percy's parents. "Perseus, it has been a long time."

Percy's brow furrowed as he shook her hand. "Gaea, wasn't it?"

Gaea smiled at him. "I am very pleased that you remember me."

"Percy, who is she?" Frank whispered.

The dark haired woman smiled at him, but Percy could tell she was miffed by the presence of those with him. "An old friend of his parents."

Jason glanced around at Gaea's soldiers. "If you're an old friend, why all the armed men?"

Gaea waved a hand absently at all of the armed men. "They were simply worried about my safety. It is a dangerous world that we live in after all, Mr. Grace."

Jason narrowed his eyes at the mention of his last name. Percy pursed his lips. "If you're worried I'd hurt you, I give you my word that I won't."

Gaea smiled at him, lacing her hands together and taking a few steps towards Percy's group. "Oh, I have no doubt that you will be nothing short of respectable, Perseus. As I said, it was their decision to come along." Percy winced as one of Gaea's green nails was tapped against his forehead. "You are not the one that worries me."

Percy frowned, catching on to her meaning. How much did she really know?

Annabeth huffed. "And what's up with all of that footage you sent us? Why were you watching all of us?"

Gaea shrugged, continuing to circle the group. "I have my reasons. Knowledge is power, and in these times, people need all the power they can get." The woman stopped moving and made a small gesture with her hand. "I assure you, I meant no harm by it. It was for just as much your benefit as it was mine."

Hazel frowned at the woman, resisting Frank as he tried to push the girl behind him. "I seriously doubt that."

"Believe or believe not, but in the end, will your decision be of the best interest to you?"

Jason's eyebrows knitted together. "We didn't come here for you to pose us riddles."

Gaea sighed and cupped her chin. "I feel I am entitled to keep an eye on Percy. After all, much of who he is can be attributed to my assistance to his parents."

Percy's mind began to race. What was she saying? Was there more that his parents hadn't told him? "What...what do you mean?"

Gaea slipped a hand into her sleeve and pulled out a portable hard drive. Slipping it to Percy, she gave him a smile. "You parents never told you about their connection to me, did they?" Percy shook his head as he inspected the drive. "They worked for me." She placed a hand on Percy's shoulder. "And, when you were sick, I helped them find a cure. Athena was not around back then, they needed my help. Who do you think talked your father into his desire of making you as close to perfect as humanly possible?"

Percy's brow furrowed as he closed his hand around the drive. "You made me like this? Why couldn't you have just cured me?"

Gaea blinked. "I must admit that I did not know the extent of what your abilities would be when I helped your father with the alterations to your genetic structure." She hummed to herself, deep in thought, as she began walking again. "But, in the overall scheme of things, it seems to have worked out for us all. I have given you the power you will need to overthrow Zeus."

"It's your fault all of this happened in the first place!" The metal disks began to shake on the floor.

"Interesting," Gaea mumbled. She pursed her lips and pulled out a portable tablet, her fingers keying in information. A finger was tapped against her lip as she studied over something on the screen before pocketing the device. "Quite astounding. Your powers seem to exceed the energy levels of the dampening fields." She cupped her chin and turned slightly away, staring off to the side. "Perhaps aggression is the key..."

Percy's brow furrowed as he let his arms drop to his side. Annabeth sighed and took the drive from him, slipping it into a slot in her suit. "Just tell me why you did it," Percy whispered calmly.

"You were sick." Gaea placed her hands behind her back and turned to face Percy. I was simply concerned that my friends would lose their child. If we had not done the procedure, you would not have survived." She gestured before her. "Do you tend to get sick?" Percy frowned and looked down, shaking his head. "Your genetic code was altered for that. However, it was your father that wanted to find a way to perfect you."

The green-eyed young man took in a deep breath. Those were not words that a child wanted to hear about their parent, especially their dead parent. But was it true? His mother had said something similar. Nevertheless, it hurt.

"Why aren't there more people like me running around?" Percy whispered.

"I am not in the business of running an army, Perseus."

Jason rolled his eyes. "Obviously," he mumbled.

Gaea fixed him with a stare. "We thought it best to leave it alone." She frowned at Percy. "Do you know why Athena was created? It was to keep our work secret. She was created to make sure that no one would ever get their hands on that data, so no one could replicate our work." Her brown eyes darkened as they returned to Jason. "People like his father."

Jason glared back at her. "The only father I cared about is dead."

Gaea arched a perfect eyebrow. "And your sister?"

Jason's eyes grew in surprise. He swayed, nearly tripping backwards. She had struck a chord, and she knew it. "You-where is she?"

Gaea laced her hands together in front of her and took two steps to the left. "It seems we could be of use to each other. I could use your assistance, and I know something of great importance to your friend here...and perhaps you too, Perseus."

Percy felt a chill run down his spine, the hairs on his arms standing up. He shouldn't get his hopes up, but the way she implied that...

"Do you know where he is?" Percy whispered.

"I do," Gaea replied simply. "I can even show you where it is. All I ask is that you accompany me back to one of my labs. We can talk there, and I can give you the coordinates, plus something extra for what I know you are planning." She held out a perfectly manicured hand for Percy. "So?"

"Tell me where he is, and I'll help you with whatever you want."

Annabeth grabbed his arm. "Percy," she hissed. "Think about what you're doing first."

"It's fine, Annabeth." The Omega turned back to face the mysterious woman in front of him. "What would I have to do?"

Gaea pursed her lips, shrugging her shoulders. "Nothing really that you do not already wish to do. I ask that you take down Zeus, and I am willing to offer assistance with that. But, after that is over, I would ask that you join me in my organization and help rebuild." A smile touched at her lips as she touched her hair. "Your friends can even join you with me."

"And what do you get out of this?"

"Believe it or not, Perseus, not everyone is out for their own gain." The woman made a gesture with her hands as she took a few steps around the group. "I simply want to see things restored to what they were. Perhaps it was not a perfect world, but you must admit that it is better than what we have now. But, perhaps with your help, I could make some changes, improve upon what we had."

Frank narrowed his eyes. "And why do we have to go to your lab? So you can lock us up and experiment on us?"

Gaea's eyebrows rose briefly. She raised a hand to cover her mouth, chuckling quietly. "No. You will be welcome to leave at your own leisure." She cleared her throat and gestured to the doors. "I wouldn't mind some blood samples from most of you, Annabeth excluded, obviously. However, I will not force any of that upon you."

Jason's brows knitted together. "Take whatever you want, just tell me where my sister is."

"In due time." The woman sighed and straightened her business suit before walking towards the doors. "If you will all follow me to my lab."


Gaea had taken them to a small city, an hour away from their original rendezvous spot at the high school. The woman got out of the back of her black car, which had been surrounded by heavily armored black S.W.A.T. trucks. She motioned for everyone to follow her inside, and the others did as they were bid.

The inside of the hospital looked horrible. The place had, apparently, been ransacked after everything had gone to shit. Gaea snapped her fingers and most of her armed guards dispersed. The woman boarded a large elevator and motioned for Percy and his group to join her. The elevator shut behind them, sealing them in with the mysterious woman.

Percy's brow furrowed when the doors opened again. They were in a large, white, open area. Several scientists with white lab coats walked around, while some were at stations, studying data or specimens. Giant monitors were positioned around the room, and in one corner sat three large specimen tanks.

"We're here, now tell me where my sister is," Jason demanded.

Gaea let out a sigh. "Patience is not a virtue of your friend here, is it?" She asked, glancing at Percy.

Percy actually smiled and shook his head. His smile faltered, however, when he remembered the real reason why he had come. "But, it would be nice if you told us where they are. I assure you, we won't rush off."

Gaea exhaled and nodded her head. "Very well. How about a compromise? I tell you some of it now, and then show you the rest afterwards." Percy briefly glanced at his friends, nodding when there were no objections. "Very good." A finger was raised to touch at her lips. "As for Jason's sister, I cannot say. We had pinpointed her location, but she has since gone missing again. I believe that Zeus is having her moved around."

Jason's eyes darkened. Percy half expected electricity to shoot out from him, but nothing happened. He glanced around them, but didn't see any of those disks Gaea had used back at the gym. Perhaps they were hidden?

Jason clenched his fists. "He has her?"

"I am sorry," Gaea said gently. "However, I am willing, as I said, to offer assistance in obtaining her."

Percy swallowed and nodded. "What about Nico?"

A corner of the woman's lip tilted up. "That I can help with. He is being held against his will, but I do not believe it is by Zeus."

"Special hunters," Hazel whispered, her lips pursed.

Gaea gave a small nod. "I believe so. I can show you the place."

Percy swallowed again. He stared down at the ground, letting out a long breath. He silently nodded his head. "You said you wanted blood samples?"

The brunette smiled and gestured to a man off to the side.

The scars were the first thing Percy noticed. It was like the man had been clawed by something, very painfully. He looked to be dressed nicely underneath his lab coat, his sweater and button up shirt neatly pressed. The man kept his black hair in a short ponytail, which barely managed to touch his back. His grey eyes were calculating, nearly reminding Percy of Annabeth's own, but darker.

The man held his hand out and Percy hesitantly shook it. "Hello, my name is Prometheus. If you would all come with me?" He motioned over to a small station with a long bench, and they began to follow after him. He gestured for them to sit down, which they complied, all except Jason.

The blond stood there with his arms crossed, a frustrated look on his face. "I just want to find my sister. Is all of this really necessary?"

Prometheus blinked, turning to look at Gaea. The woman sighed. "If you prefer we-"

"No," Percy interrupted, "it's fine." He narrowed his eyes at Jason, silently demanding the blond cooperate.

Jason huffed, finally sitting down beside the others. Prometheus stared at them hesitantly for a moment before picking up the first needle and injecting it into Percy's arm. The raven haired young man's lips tilted down as he watched his blood begin to drain through the small tube.

His green eyes shifted their focus, landing on Gaea. "How did you know my parents?"

Gaea looked up from her clear tablet. "We went to the same university, studied under the same program." She placed the tablet under her arm. "We assimilated ourselves into the same routines and habits after a few late night discussions of our theories on genetics. This was, of course, before we knew about Specials, so it was fascinating to us to discuss the possibilities of human evolution."

"What does that make us?"

Gaea studied his face for a moment before pulling the tablet back out. "The next step in human evolution, with you at the top of the pyramid." Her brown eyes returned to skimming over data. "I'd like a scan of all of you as well, but that can wait for another day."

Percy stared off into space, processing everything that he had learned so far today. She knew where Nico was? He was close now, close to finding Nico. So why did the brown-eyed young man still feel so far away? He would rest easier, though, when Nico was safely back with him.

"Can you please tell me where he is now?"

Gaea shut off her tablet and placed it on a nearby table. "So close to perfection, Perseus, and yet you hold yourself back by human emotions."

"Please," Percy whispered, clutching at his jeans.

The woman pursed her lips, meeting Percy's green eyes with her brown ones. "Just...get this done, and then I will tell you everything I know about Nico di Angelo's whereabouts, you have my word."

Percy nodded, rubbing his arm when the needle was removed. Prometheus rolled in his chair, coming to sit in front of Hazel. Percy let his head drop the slightest amount, blankly watching the floor. Nothing else really mattered to him right now. He just needed to comply with this one task, and then he could know what he had been yearning to find out for the past year. It was all so close.

Hazel chewed on her lip while Prometheus removed the needle from her arm before he moved on to Frank, who had a death grip on Hazel's other hand. Jason sulked next to the large Asian, his face set in a scowl as he stared ahead, unfocused. Percy figured the blond was having similar thoughts to that of his own: just comply and get it over with.

Gaea walked off as Prometheus finished up with Frank, murmuring to herself. "Why all the precautions?" Annabeth whispered. "She says she knew Percy's parents, so is this all necessary?"

"Don't mind Ms. Gaea." Prometheus gave them an encouraging smile as he picked up the last needle. "She is just a cautious person. And it's not any of you exactly she is worried about."

"Kronos," Percy supplied, whispering it to his lap.

Hazel's head tilted to the side as she attempted to meet Percy's eyes, to no avail. "I thought you killed Kronos, Percy?"

"But not the damage he left me with." His eyes drifted up to meet Prometheus's grey ones. "I'm not going to do anything, I swear."

The man cleared his throat as he drained Jason of a portion of his blood. "I don't think she's worried about you, I think it's more to keep the rest of us calm. She seems very confident in the validity of your trust."

"I just want one thing," Percy whispered.

"And what would that be?" Gaea asked, her heels clicking as she stepped up to their station and picked her tablet back up.

"I just want you to give me Nico."

"I am afraid I cannot."

Percy's brow furrowed, his lips tilting down. Had she lied? "You said-"

Gaea sighed and brushed a strand of her hair back. "I cannot give him to you, because I do not have him." She pursed her lips and stared down at Prometheus, who smiled and nodded. "Very well, you are all done, so if you will follow me, I will show you what I know."

Percy and the rest of his group followed Gaea into a white office. The door slid closed behind them. Gaea sat down at a black desk and laced her hands together. She picked up a remote and clicked it. The left wall turned on, showing an image of a revolving Earth. Gaea stood back up and walked over to the wall, her tablet in hand.

She tapped on the tablet a few times and the image of Earth zoomed in to California. Percy's blood drained from his face as, little by little, the screen zoomed in on the very building that Clarisse had been scouting at just the day before.

"Oh shit," Jason cursed under his breath.

Gaea nodded once. "I take it you are already aware of this facility?"

"We-" Percy cleared his throat when his voice broke. "We are aware of it, but not what its purpose was."

Gaea nodded again. She tapped her tablet again and the image changed. Percy's brow furrowed as he now stared at, what looked like, surveillance footage from inside the building. Soldiers with guns patrolled the halls, gurneys with blood were scattered around the place, and one room had scientists working on samples of things that Percy could not identify.

"What is this place?" Annabeth hissed.

Gaea tapped her tablet one more time. Percy felt his stomach drop. He now stared at a room with people laying on top of metal tables They were all hooked up to IVs and looked malnourished. Hazel and Annabeth covered their mouths.

"They're Specials," Hazel whispered. "I know because that's how Zeus had us hooked up. Those drugs are keeping them in a coma."

Gaea nodded. "I am afraid that the girl is right."

Percy swallowed a heavy lump in his throat. He could feel his pulse quickening, his heart sinking slowly. "Ni-Nico is there?"

The woman sighed and hugged the tablet to her. "These people are not Specials themselves. They are normal people, Special hunters. But, if you want Nico, he is in this facility."

The blacks of Percy's eyes exploded, swirling and covering his eyes. His fists clenched at his sides as his body began to shake. Nico was there, of all places. He was there, and he was dying. Percy had to get to him, before it was too late. Any of them that stood in his way would regret it. He had no intention of being merciful in this instance. These were the people responsible for Nico's absence in his life for the past year.

Gaea's eyebrows rose as she stared up at the lights, which were now flickering. A few objects on her desk began to shift, some flying off and hitting the wall. Her eyes returned to Percy, surprise apparent on her features. Blood began to trickle from the green-eyed young man's nose, creating a small pool at his feet. Small lines of blood trailed out from his clenched fists from where his nails were digging into his skin.

"I will level that building," Percy growled.

Gaea observed him cautiously. "I must implore you to control yourself. If this keeps up, I fear you might trigger the facility's automated defense system."

"Percy," Annabeth whispered, reaching out and touching his arm. "You need to calm down."

Percy took in several deep breaths, his hands still trembling at his sides. He gasped and attempted to slow his breathing as his eyes returned to normal. He stumbled backwards, but Frank and Jason caught him, helping him to keep balance.

Gaea sighed, her shoulders relaxing. "That drive I gave you earlier will assist you. On it, you will find everything you will need to hack into their facility's defenses." She raised an eyebrow, still observing Percy. "After that, you will just have to worry about their guns, which I'm sure will not be a challenge for you."

"We need to go," Percy said, taking a final deep breath. His shoulders relaxed and the tension seemed to lift from the room. "I need to get him out of there."

Gaea gave a small nod. "Very well. Should you need me, that drive will also provide you with a way to contact me." She cleared her throat as Percy and the others filed out of her office. Percy looked at her as she fell into step beside him. "After he has recovered, we can begin our plans for dealing with Zeus. And once he has fully healed, we can enact those plans."

Percy smiled and nodded. "Thank you, this means a lot to me."

"I must advise you to act soon on this. It is my belief that Zeus may be about to get his hands on Nico and the other. If that happens, no one could know where Nico would end up."

Annabeth frowned, glancing between Gaea and Percy. "Other? What other?"

The brunette let her eyes fall on Hazel as they reached the elevator. "I believe your friend knows the answer to that."

Hazel blinked, confused. But Percy wasn't. "The one that helped her escape."

Hazel gasped, earning a scowl from Frank. The Asian grumbled under his breath as he boarded the elevator with Jason and Annabeth. "Possibly," Gaea replied. "I am not as certain as I am with Nico, but I do believe it a high order of probability that it is the one that assisted her."

Percy and Gaea locked eyes again, the young man nodding in her direction. "Thank you again. I promise I'll contact you again, as soon as I have Nico taken care of."

The woman nodded back and let them board the elevator. Percy's heart began to pound as they ascended up, into the hospital. Percy quickly marched down the halls, the others trying to keep up with him at a steady pace. He moved to get into the driver's seat, but Frank stopped him.

"You're in no condition to drive, Percy."

Annabeth rested an arm on the rear door. "He's right, you need to calm down."

Percy took a deep breath. "I'm about as calm as I'm going to get."

The blonde squeezed his shoulder as she slid into the middle of the back seat. "Let Frank handle it, Percy."

The young man swallowed and nodded, tossing Frank an appreciative look. They were right, he needed to be calm. It would do him no good to go in there in a full-blown rage. But, the question was could he keep himself calm when they got there?

Hazel slowly turned around in her seat. Her eyes were filled with concern as she watch Percy sit there, motionless. "Are you going to be okay?"

Percy slowly nodded, his head moving on its own. His heart felt like it might explode any minute, and he was doing his best to calm all his desires to cut down every person that was working at that facility.

"You need to calm down, Percy," Annabeth whispered. She grabbed his shaking hand, attempting to steady it.

His eyes were dull as they stared at the back of Frank's head. "I can't," he practically whispered. "He could have been there this whole time, Annabeth. He's been suffering this whole time, and I wasn't there to protect him."

"It wasn't your fault."

Percy was sure he looked near crazed, though he refused to look at the mirror to check. His head was spinning worse and worse with each breath that he took. He wasn't sure he was going to be able to control himself when they actually got there, but he would have to. If he accidentally hurt Nico, he would never forgive himself.

By the time they got back to camp, there was a dull ringing in his ears. The door to the car flung open as he reached out to do it himself. He attempted to take more shallow breaths as he stepped out of the car, but it didn't seem to help. Annabeth took to rubbing his back as they walked through the camp, the sun now beginning to set. It was quiet, though. At least, until the siren went off.

Percy practically growled through his teeth as he glared towards the ranger station. The dirt rose up before he took his next step. It fell back to the earth as he continued on his way, which was now nearing a jog. He just wanted to get more men and get going, Nico needed to be rescued.

They found Clarisse with Will pinned beneath her. The blond was covered from head to toe in mud, and more was being dispensed on him from a chute out of the side of the ranger station. The blond attempted to get free and scurry away, but Clarisse held strong and the mud just caused him to slip.

"Hey!" Percy yelled, causing the entire camp to fall silent. Everyone turned to look at him, Will's eyes wide. "What the hell is going on here?"

Will attempted to wipe some of the mud from his face. "I was just trying to look around, like you said I could."

Clarisse gave him a shove, sending him back into the mud. "Caught him trying to sneak into the lab."

Amphitrite shot Clarisse a dirty look as she moved forward to help Will to his feet. "The intruder has been dealt with, Percy," came Athena's voice from a speaker.

Percy sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I really don't have time for this." He caught Will's hand when the blond nearly fell again. "I did say that, but I didn't mean anywhere you wanted to go. That building is off limits."

"Oh." Will worked on trying to rub the mud from his body. "I'm sorry, Percy, it won't happen again. I'm going to go clean up."

Percy nodded. "Fine. Apollo, Clarisse, we have work to do."

Will's lips tilted down as his head tilted to the side. Apollo pushed past Clarisse, who grunted at him. "What's up, Percy?" The curly haired blond asked.

"We found him."

Apollo's mouth fell open before his expression brightened. "No way! That's great! Where is he, though?" The blond attempted to look around the returning group. "I don't see him."

"We need to get him." Annabeth was watching Will from the corner of her eye. Percy nudged her, bringing her focus back to the matter at hand. She pulled the drive out and held it up. "We need to hand this over to Athena. After that, we need to leave again, with more men."

Apollo frowned. "Where has he been?"

Percy's brow furrowed. "A Special concentration camp, in a coma."

Will stopped shaking the mud from his body and looked up. "Wait, you found Nico?"

Percy gave a nod, already pushing past everyone to get into the ranger station. Will took a step after him, but Clarisse stepped in front of him, crossing her arms over her chest. The blond held his hands up in defense before backing away.

Annabeth, Jason, Frank, Hazel, Apollo, and Clarisse filed in around Percy, while the green-eyed young man typed in the code for the lab. The doors shut and the floor descended. Percy let his head fall back in a groan. It had been a long day, and their work wasn't even over yet. It wouldn't be over, not until Nico was safely back in Percy's care.

Leo stuck his head out from around the corner when they arrived at the lab. "Everything good up there?"

Percy plucked the drive from Annabeth's hands and tossed it at Leo. "No time to explain. Upload that so Athena can make use of it. We found him, and we need to go get him."

Leo blinked. "What?"

Annabeth sighed and shoved past Leo, grabbing the drive again. "Nico. We found Nico."

Leo's mouth fell open. "Oh, damn, that's awesome!"

"Less talking, more working," Percy snapped, pacing around the lab.

Grover shot off of the couch. "When do you want to leave?"

"Now!" Annabeth and Percy shot back. The blonde shrugged when Percy looked at her funny.

"Just beating you to it," she smiled.

Percy rolled his eyes and went back to pacing. He didn't want to wait. "Can you have that ready by the time we get to the place?"

Leo shoved Annabeth out of the way, Athena appearing next to him. "Um, yes?"

Athena rolled her eyes. "I will have everything in order by the time you arrive at the facility."

"Good." Percy nodded. "Get more people, we need a small army." He went towards the elevator again, but stopped. "We'll need some larger vehicles, capable of transporting the civilians out of there."

"What's going on?" Rachel asked, coming through a door in the lab.

Percy held up a hand. "No time to explain, Leo can fill you in. Right now, we need to get going." He took a deep breath. "Everyone split up and get things ready. I want us ready to move in a little over half an hour. Get supply trucks, get people to fight. I want them to not even know what hit them."


And...still no Nico. Well, sort of. You can probably figure out that he will finally appear in the next chapter, that I will promise. And, kudos if you guessed what the building was last chapter. As some of you might have noticed, Percy isn't completely sane right now. Finding Nico should do him a lot of good. So, would anyone like to take a wild guess at who the other Omega is that is being held there? The one that helped Hazel escape from Zeus. I will go ahead and say that anyone who wants to see Percy jealous will like this story at parts. That and protective. I do find it unfair that Nico rarely gets a love interest, outside of the main pairing, so I'm gonna work with that. Though, I sort of already do that in Children...and Shadows...oh well. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and I'll see you next time, hopefully with Shadows.