A/N

I'm so sorry this took so long, I really have no excuse apart from busyness. Don't fear, however, this story is far from over.

Disclaimer: Still don't own either franchises. Working on it though.

Percy's POV | Camp Half-Blood

"You packed yet?"

Percy looked up. Annabeth had stuck her head into his room, blonde hair tied up into a messy ponytail. She was holding a book bound in purple leather under one arm.

"Not much to pack really." Percy shrugged. He pulled a few shirts from his bed and stuffed them into the bright blue backpack at his feet.

Annabeth laughed, stepping into the cabin.

"Is that the Waterland backpack we—"

"Got on our first quest?" Percy grinned. "Yeah. Found it in the back of my closet. Thought it might be good luck to bring."

"As I recall," Annabeth smirked, sitting on the bed beside him. "It didn't give us much luck the first time around."

Percy laughed.

"Maybe not." He grabbed a pair of flip-flops and tossed them into the backpack on top of the shirts. "Done!" He said triumphantly, zipping it shut.

Annabeth raised an eyebrow skeptically, looking at the half-full backpack.

"You don't know how long we're going to be there." She said.

"We can do laundry there." Percy said, waving a hand dismissively. "Plus if I forgot to pack something I can just buy it later."

Annabeth looked ready to argue so Percy hastily changed the subject.

"What's that?" He asked, gesturing at the book tucked underneath Annabeth's arm.

"A book."

Percy rolled his eyes and Annabeth went on.

"The magic people sent it ahead." She said, holding it up so Percy could see. In golden script along the top read '101 Things Muggleborns Should Know Before Starting School'.

"Muggleborns?" Percy asked after taking a few moments to decipher the curly script.

"Magical people from mortal families." Annabeth explained. "They call mortal people muggles."

"Weird…" Percy muttered.

Annabeth shrugged.

"Anyway, the headmaster wants us to read as much of this as we can before the wizards arrive- only don't mention it to Chiron," she lowered her voice. "He's super upset."

"Why?" Percy asked curiously.

"Apparently he's been trying to get more info on the magical world for centuries, but the wizards aren't having it." Annabeth frowned. "He borrowed the book from me, but it went completely blank as soon as he started reading it. The headmaster must've put some sort of spell on it."

"Rough." Percy grimaced sympathetically.

"I know." Annabeth tossed the book to Percy, who caught it. "I've already read the thing, but you might want to look through it a bit before the wizards arrive to pick us up." She glanced down at her watch. "You've got a little over an hour before they get here."

"Great…" Percy mumbled as Annabeth stood, heading for the door.

"Happy reading!" She called sarcastically over her shoulder.

Percy sighed and opened the book. Luckily the inside was written in print, as opposed to the curly script on the cover, but his dyslexia still made it Hades on earth to read. He had barely made it through the first few lines when there was a knock on the door.

"Come in!" He called and the door swung open to reveal Piper. She had a cyan backpack slung over one shoulder and was carrying a large tote bag in her free hand.

"Hey," she said, stepping into the room. "There's someone here to see you."

"Who?" Percy asked curiously.

"Not sure." Piper shrugged. "Chiron just said to send for you. But going off the visitor I just got," she gestured with her free hand to her face, which Percy noticed was done up with perfect makeup. "It'll be someone godly."

"Great…" Percy muttered. He stood, grabbing his backpack from the ground.

"Is that all you're bringing?" Piper asked skeptically.

"Yes?" Percy said tentatively.

Piper shrugged, turning to leave.

"Suit yourself. I'll see you at the Big House then."

Percy frowned after her retreating back for a moment before snagging a few more shirts from his closet and stuffing them into the bag. He then grabbed the book Annabeth had given him and left the cabin.

Down at the Big House, he ran into Chiron.

"You can set your luggage here." Chiron said, gesturing to a pile of bags at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the Big House. Percy put his backpack next to a purple duffle, setting the book Annabeth had given him on top of it.

Chiron's eyes narrowed slightly when he saw this.

"He's waiting for you at the lake." He said curtly.

Percy nodded and skirted around Chiron, heading in the direction of the lake. He now how no doubt in his mind of who his 'visitor' was and, sure enough, Poseidon was waiting for him at the bank, wearing his usually khakis and t-shirt. What he hadn't expected, however, was the familiar bulky form standing next to him.

"Brother!" Tyson exclaimed, rushing forward. Percy had just enough time to brace himself before Tyson caught him in a huge hug, effectively knocking the wind out of him.

"Hey big guy." He wheezed as Tyson let go, beaming at him. "It's great to see you."

"Daddy said I could come!" Tyson said happily. "He also said you were going away again." He added, brown eye looking worriedly at Percy.

"Uh, yeah." Percy said awkwardly, shooting Poseidon a sidelong glance. "I'm going to be going to school in Europe for a little while."

"Tyson." Poseidon said, speaking for the first time. "Why don't you go talk with Annabeth for a bit?"

"Oh," Tyson's face fell. "Okay." He lumbered off towards the Big House, arms swinging at his sides.

Percy glared at Poseidon.

"That wasn't nice." He said.

Poseidon sighed, running a hand wearily through his hair.

"I'm afraid we have important matters to discuss. Those which I would rather not concern Tyson in."

"What do you mean?" Percy asked warily.

"It is very rare that different worlds interact with each other. The mortal world being an exception, of course." Poseidon said grimly. "It is unheard of for a prophecy to connect two worlds, especially those so far apart."

"First time for everything, I guess." Percy muttered.

"You must take this seriously, Perseus." Poseidon growled, and Percy could hear frustration creeping into his voice. "We are dealing with unknown powers— powers that might even rival those of the gods. These are uncharted waters, and you must exercise extreme caution."

"Alright, alright." Percy mumbled. "I'll be careful. Was that it?"

"Not quite." Poseidon reached into his pocket, pulling out a shark tooth wrapped in a harness of thin leather. A single dark bead was set at the top of the tooth. Percy took it, puzzled.

"What's it for?" He asked, holding it aloft so the bead glimmered blue in the sunlight.

Poseidon didn't answer at first, his sun-worn brow creasing slightly as he stared at the tooth in Percy's hand. When he finally spoke, he did so carefully, choosing his words with caution.

"In a time of dire need, when you find yourself hopelessly outmatched or outnumbered, cut yourself on this tooth and let your blood fall into the sea." He looked up, eyes locking with Percy's. "But be warned, the power unleashed will be catastrophic. You must make sure you are surrounded only by enemies, for I cannot guarantee the safety of your loved ones should they be nearby."

Percy frowned down at the tooth in his hand before looping it through his necklace, letting it hang nestled in the center of his camp beads.

Poseidon nodded, satisfied, and straightened up as Tyson came lumbering back down the hill towards the lake.

"I will miss you, brother." Tyson said sadly, doe eye gazing forlornly at Percy.

"I'll miss you too, big guy." Percy sighed.

Tyson fumbled in his XXXL overall pockets before pulling out a familiar-looking watch. Percy's mouth fell open.

"Is that—?" He asked, taking the watch in one hand and examining it carefully. "But it can't be— I lost it years ago in the Labyrinth…"

Tyson grinned proudly.

"Not the same one brother." He said as Percy strapped the watch to his arm.

Percy flipped a switch on the side of the watch and it expanded instantly. Leather straps wrapped around his forearm as a round bronze shield erupted from the watch face. If Poseidon was surprised, he didn't show it, merely standing by patiently, hands behind his back as he gazed seaward.

It was the same shield…but not. The leather straps were lighter, the inside lacking the soft leather from before. Percy flipped it over and saw that the engravings were missing, leaving only smooth bronze in their place.

"I didn't have time to do the engravings…" Tyson said nervously. "But I tried to make it as close to—"

Percy hugged him, at a complete loss for words, but Tyson seemed to understand. After a few moments Poseidon spoke, clearing his throat awkwardly.

"Shall we be off then?" He said tensely.

Percy nodded, an odd lump in his throat.

"You'll visit, brother?" Tyson asked hopefully.

"Yeah," Percy said, trying for a smile. "I'll come as soon as I get the chance."

Tyson smiled and gave him one last hug before turning and following Poseidon into the water. Percy stared after them, fingers running distractedly over the shark tooth at his collar bone. After a few moments he turned and, heart heavy, climbed back up towards the Big House.

Nico's POV | Camp Half-Blood

"Are you sure you want to come?" Nico asked for what must have been the hundredth time.

Will glared at him.

"I'm coming, Nico." He said firmly. "There's no way I'm letting you get into this on your own."

"But are you sure—"

"Nico." Will raised an eyebrow. "Drop it."

Nico sighed, and dropped it.

The two were sitting on the steps of the Big House, the hot summer sun beating down onto their backs mercilessly.

"Dang," Will muttered, wiping his sweaty bangs off his forehead. "Wish Dad could cool it a bit. I know it's summer, but jeez!"

Nico chuckled. He never had trouble with overheating. It seemed that his dad had passed along some powers of eternal AC— not that he was complaining, of course. Though come to think of it, the sun was a bit blinding.

Nico blinked as the light brightened and a silhouette appeared with a golden flash. The light dimmed again and he made out the form of none other than the sun god himself, Apollo.

"Dad!" Will said, surprised. "Looks like all the gods are visiting to give their kids a final sendoff. So, what magical gifts do you have for me?"

Apollo frowned, and didn't answer.

"I need to speak with you." He said tersely. "Alone." He added, glancing at Nico.

Nico was surprised but stood nonetheless, not wanting to provoke the god any further.

"No." Will said suddenly, grabbing onto Nico's hand and pulling him back. "Anything you have to say, Nico can hear too."

Apollo's face hardened.

"Very well." He turned to Will. "You will not be going on this quest."

Will's mouth fell open.

"What?!"

"You are not part of the listed eight, and thus pose a risk of harming both your friends and yourself. I will say it again; you will not be part of the quest."

"You can't do that!" Will spluttered. "Nico- the seven, they need me!"

"As I recall they managed just fine without you last time." Apollo said stiffly.

Will's normally kindly eyes blazed with a blue fire Nico had never seen before.

"You can't stop me." He growled.

Apollo sighed.

"I can, and I will if it comes to it. I am doing this for your own safety. I will not allow you to put yourself in unnecessary danger."

"Maybe it'd be better if you didn't come." Nico said, squeezing Will's hand with his own.

Will whipped his hand out of Nico's grasp.

"Sure, side with him!" He shouted. "Figures you wouldn't want me with you!"

"Will—" Nico tried, but he had spun on his heel and stalked off, headed in the direction of the woods.

There was an awkward pause.

"Well," Apollo said, clearing his throat. "I'll be off then. It was good seeing you, Nico." And with that he vanished in another flash of bright light.

Annabeth's POV | Camp Half-Blood

Annabeth sat, examining the knife in her hand. It was not made from celestial bronze, but from silver, the handle wrapped in a soft grey leather and set with a turquoise gemstone. The blade was long and deadly sharp, curving slightly at the end.

She had found it this morning, tucked beneath her pillow. There had been no note, but Annabeth knew who it was from. Athena must've known she had lost her previous knife in the depths of Tartarus and had sent her a replacement.

It was a beautiful knife, truly, but Annabeth didn't want it. It was a painful reminder of the bronze one given to her by Luke and she felt guilty somehow by replacing it. She had almost left it in the cabin before she remembered her lack of a real weapon since the battle with Gaea. Plus, the knife would be easy to conceal while at the new school they were traveling to.

"Annabeth?"

She looked up. Percy was standing in front of her, looking tired as ever, green eyes somehow lacking their usual glow.

"Hey," she said, holding out a hand. He pulled her to her feet.

"What are you doing here?" Percy asked, gesturing to the roots of the tree she had been nestled in. Annabeth shrugged.

"Staying out of the heat. Hoping to catch a few moments to think before we plunge back into chaos."

"Is that from—" Percy began, looking at the knife in her hands.

"My mom, yeah." She said. "How was your chat?"

Percy's eyes darkened.

"Alright. He gave me this." He gestured to a shark tooth hanging from his camp necklace.

"It completes the tough-guy surfer look." Annabeth laughed. "Does it do anything?"

Percy hesitated.

"No."

"You're a terrible liar, Seaweed Brain."

"I know." Percy smiled for the first time. "Shall we?"

The two made their way back towards the Big House where the other six, plus Chiron, were waiting.

"Where's—" Percy began, looking around, but Piper silenced him quickly with a glare. She glanced meaningfully at Nico, who was scowling at the ground.

Annabeth raised an eyebrow. It seemed that Will would not be joining them after all.

"They should be here any minute." Chiron said anxiously, glancing at his watch. "They said they'd be here before noon, and it's almost that time already…"

"How are they getting here?" Hazel asked curiously.

"I haven't the slightest—"

There was a loud crack and three people appeared out of thin air. Annabeth jumped backwards, tripping over her bags and falling to the ground. She brushed her hair out of her eyes. Both Percy and Jason had drawn their swords and were squaring up, ready to face the newcomers.

"Guys!" Annabeth yelled, barely concealing a grin. "It's okay! Stand down!" She got to her feet and put a hand on Percy's arm, pushing his sword down. "Seriously, cool it."

Jason look rather sheepish. He reverted his sword to coin-form and tucked it into his pocket. Percy lowered Riptide, but didn't cap it, staring warily at the people before him. Annabeth rolled her eyes and turned to face the newcomers.

There were three of them, all wearing black cloaks and holding wooden sticks— no, wands— in one hand. The one in the middle, a broad shouldered man with grizzled hair and a very disfigured face was nodding approvingly at Percy.

"Good man." He said, and Annabeth noticed with alarm that one of his eyes was much larger than the other. It was colored a vivid, electric blue and was spinning like a top, looking every which way, even into the back of his head. Annabeth looked away, feeling sick. "Constant vigil—"

"Oh will you shut up a minute, Moody?" Another of the newcomers, this one female, spoke up. She was bent over her knees, panting, her hair a violent shade of bubble-gum pink. "I don't know how you manage international apparition so well— I feel like I'm going to puke…"

She looked it, too. Annabeth took a few wary steps back as the third wizard, a tall, black man, stepped forward, laying a large hand reassuringly on the woman's back.

"There, there, Tonks." He said, his voice slow and smooth. "It'll pass in a few seconds." He turned to face the demigods and Annabeth noticed he had a bright green hula-hoop slung over one shoulder. "Allow me to introduce myself. I, am Kingsley Shacklebol—"

"Yes, yes." The first man, Moody, interrupted impatiently. "There'll be time for introductions later. We only have a little while before the Ministry notices there's been an unauthorized international apparition. Gilbert only promised us a few minutes."

"Who's Gilbert?" Leo asked curiously.

"A Ministry worker in the Department of Magical Transportation!" Moody roared. "Keep up, boy!" He whipped around to face Frank, who looked terrified.

"Is this all your luggage?" He barked, gesturing to the pile of bags at the base of the Big House stairs.

Frank gulped.

"Yes sir." He said hastily.

"Good." Moody drew his wand and Frank flinched but he merely waved it at the bags, which disappeared instantly. "Kingsley, the portkey."

The tall man shrugged the hula-hoop off of his shoulder and held it out to the demigods, who all looked thoroughly confused.

"Err…" Piper began. "What exactly—?"

"Grab on, you blithering idiots! And quickly, too." The hoop had begun to glow a bright blue. Annabeth and the other demigods quickly grabbed onto a side of it, joined by the three wizards. Nico was squished between Moody and the pink-haired woman, who was still looking quite sickly, and did not looked pleased about it at all.

"Good luck!" Chiron called fervently, stepping back. "Be careful! Make sure to Iris-message me updates!"

Then Annabeth felt a jerk behind her navel, and she was spinning away into the dark unknown.

A/N

Has anybody finished Cursed Child yet? I've already gotten about halfway through, but I stopped so I could finish this chapter (that's how much I love you guys). I'll probably finish it tomorrow night.

Btw, in this story, Jason's coin/sword/spear isn't broken. There's no real explanation, so sorry about that.

Review! You can do it as an unanimous guest even! Also- check out my Capture the Flag fic if you haven't already. It fits in to this story between the previous chapter and this one (kinda like an unrelated chapter 4.5).

Thanks!