Prova Ancora

"Can you try not to get injured next time?" Will huffed, unwrapping the Ace binding from Nico's ribs. The son of Hades only raised an eyebrow.

"It's part of the job description."

"That's not what I mean and you know it." Nico sighed and rolled over onto his side, squishing some pillows beneath him.

"What do you want me to say? That I enjoy getting beat up?"

"No," Will cried. "This is just a phase of destructive behavior."

"Destructive behavior! You call this a case of – "Nico inhaled sharply. "I thought you knew me Will. You know that I take risks, that I do the things no one else will do, and I'm damn well good at it. Never mind, I don't have time for this." He stood and pulled his shirt over his head.

"How do you want me to explain it? You came here with a broken collar bone, four cracked ribs, internal bleeding, and a concussion. Not including the fact that you passed out on arrival and I had to fend off angry iris messages from your sister."

"And you helped. So thanks. I'll be taking off now."

"No, just," he wrapped his hand around Nico's wrist. "be more careful. For me and your sister and your other friends if anything. Gods, Neeks, what are we supposed to do if you screw up and there's nothing left of you to fix one day. And with the way you're going, it might be someday soon. This is not the first time you've luckily managed to dodge a bullet." Will let out a shuddering breath and kissed Nico's forehead.

"Take care of business, but stay safe."

"Thanks Will, and I really mean it." Nico cracked a shy smile and accepted the bag of supplies that was given to him. "And tell Austin thanks for cleaning the laundry."

"What was he supposed to do? Let you soak more of my sheets with blood," Will deadpanned and Nico winked, shadow traveling away.

That had been two days ago. After the encounter at Renesmee's house, he had shadow traveled to Will's place in Texas. He had promptly passed out, but he knew he could rely on the son of Apollo to force some nectar down his throat and a piece of ambrosia to start the healing process. He spent less than a day nursing long sips of Unicorn draught before visiting his sister and reassuring her that a) he was fine and b) she did not need to send the legion to bail him out. The rest of the time was spent discussing things with Alecto.

He loved his father immensely, but in order to get closer the vampire population, Nico was going to have to integrate. And his father wasn't going to doctor paperwork to falsify his age. Instead, Alecto had brought the documents to him, all required forms filled and validated with false signatures. She had brought him the keys to a bike and another set of keys for a permanent residence in town—an apartment not too far from the center of town. There was a reason she was his favorite Fury.

But now, Nico observed, riding in the motorcycle might have been a little too ostentatious. Forks High School oddly reminded Nico of an old-fashioned town. There were plenty of one story buildings littered around on campus. The faded bricks only added character to the strange green creatures running up and down the walls. The campus was shaped to facilitate a growing student body, but it seemed that there were barely enough students around to fit the criteria. Of course, Nico looked at Camp Half-Blood and New Rome—both had around 11,000 demigods combined at both institutions, not including faculty, retired citizens, and college attendees. Here, there were about 1300 students, if he had done his research right.

Nico arrived early and claimed an empty space in front of the main office building. There were barely any students around, but those that were seemed like those nosey obnoxious kids who needed to know the juiciest new gossip—like the Aphrodite cabin. He would not be surprised if the news of his arrival

Nico snapped out of his thoughts when he reached the front door of the office building and pushed open the old door with practiced gentleness. The door creaked violently against the soft shove, but it was enough to announce his appearance to the administration. He walked to the front desk and stood patiently, pulling out a manila folder from his satchel.

A plump woman made her way to the front desk from a back room, where two other women were sitting. They looked at him with raised eyebrows, which Nico shrugged off in favor of focusing on the woman coming to attend to him. She had short red hair with small brown eyes hidden behind her large bifocals. She stared at him with unabashed interest, which to say the least, was creepy in Nico's opinion.

"Hello dear, what can I do for you?" she asked, pushing thick glasses up the bridge of her nose. Nico merely held out the thick folder containing his information.

"I believe my father contacted the school a few days ago," he lied smoothly. "I'm Nico di Angelo." He handed over the files with a smirk. She turned on the old computer modem and typed a few keys, staring at the information. She flipped a few pages, before her eyes grew wide and she looked at him with surprise.

"Oh, Mr. di Angelo, I'm so happy to welcome you to our school." Mrs. Cote gave a large smile and shuffled to the file cabinet located to her left. She came back with a new packet of forms.

"These need to be filled out by the end of the week and this is your schedule." She handed him a sheet highlighted with different classes. "This is the school map, so you can find the classroom buildings," he nodded along. The blessing of being a demigod meant cartography came easy. As well as the monsters, and the battles, and the short life expectancy.

"Thank you," he said and grabbed the papers.

"If you need anything else, you can come find me here." She said. I am hoping she is not implying anything else. he gave her another nod and exited, shivering in disgust. Adults who were attracted to young kids needed new partners, or new hobbies. Just to distract them from preying on kids like him.

The parking lot was now filling in with cars. Many students stopped to stare at the sleek new motorcycle parked in one of the unreserved spots. Whispers filtered between various lips and Nico sighed. This is just like camp.

Renesmee woke with a groan and a massive headache. Her muscles were stiff, which was uncommon due to her vampire blood. Yet, her human qualities always found a way to show dominance, even on a good day. But she was stressed. Between watching Nico's beating and blaming herself for it every night, it was not very hard to imagine why she cried to sleep most nights.

She stumbled and pushed herself from underneath pink sheets. Her room was princess themed, some ill-conceived notion of her younger self's that persuaded her family to decorate in gaudy color palates—pink sheets, blue fur pillows, white throw covers, and a chandelier. Renesmee tottered her way downstairs and shuffled into the luxurious kitchen. To her surprise, her entire family was gathered there as well as Jacob and Seth. Renesmee knew better than to ask where Leah was. The wolf may have recovered, but she couldn't stand vampires.

She gave them the silent treatment, her past behavior for the past few days. Rosalie rolled her eyes at the juvenile display, but they deserve so much worse. Renesmee took out a carton of orange juice and guzzled it down. The taste of freshly squeezed oranges, and not that nasty concentrate stuff, woke her up enough to notice the kitchen's jovial mood. Carlisle was working on some notes while Esme set out plates. Aunt Rosalie and Uncle Emmett were trapped in their own world, holding hands and communicating inaudibly. Her mother and father were situated at the stove, making food to feed two wolves and a hungry half-human. An inkling (and her ears) told her that Aunt Alice was in the shower and Uncle Jasper was situated at the sink, washing something. It was charmingly domestic.

"Morning honey," her mother ran over and kissed her forehead, before disappearing back to the stove. Esme set a large plate of waffles, freshly cut strawberries, and crisp slices of bacon in front of her. She moaned as she ate and Seth laughed.

"No matter how many times I eat your dad's cooking, I still make the same sounds." He grinned. "Think he'll make me a cinnamon bun?"

"Don't count on it." Jacob's gruff voice echoed.

Renesmee grinned. If only every morning could start this way. She stopped thinking and dug into her massive pile of food like a starved man.

"What's on the agenda for today?" She asked between bites.

"You're still grounded for starters." Edward calmly sat down next to her. "If you didn't sneak off, you would not have been in trouble. No plans with Jessica or Angela this weekend."

"But, you will have your privileges back next week," Bella sat on her other side.

"That's unfair." She grumbled.

"The threat's gone, so things can go back to the way it was," Emmett said. "And I thought you were giving us the silent treatment."

"I'm hungry and not at school." Renesmee shrugged. "Also, what happened with you, Seth? I heard you imprinted on someone."

He sighed. "She's gone."

"Was she a tourist? A teenager at my high school? We can help." She laid her hand on his bicep as he mulishly poked around at his food.

"It's fine." His smile was weak so she let the subject drop. Renesmee finished her plate and left the table to prepare for school. The mundane routine coupled with the normal breakfast almost made her forget about why she was angry in the first place, but the more time she had to ponder on it, the longer it remained perfectly ingrained in her mind. Her family's conduct was beyond despicable, but it was their method of protecting her. It was both morally wrong and right; a repeat of every horrible act committed in history can be listed under "Done for Protection" in her family.

The youngest Cullen took a quick shower and got dressed. The weather was gloomy, calling for some jeans and a nice sweater. She pulled her hair into a bun and put on some flats, running down the stairs to grab her backpack. She made it to the front door, when Jacob stepped in front of her.

"Want to take a ride with me?" He asked, dangling car keys in front of her face. She reached for them, springing up similar to a cat, but missed when Jacob raised his arm higher.

"That's not fair," she stuck her tongue out at him and he laughed.

"Come on, when was the last time we talked?"

What is this about? Renesmee followed him without answering, staring at the Rabbit they were sliding into. Jacob revved the engine and Nessie leaned back in her seat. This car was built by his hands, well not literally, but this was his baby. He had rebuilt it, devoted time and energy into this creation and she could feel the dedication in the soft leather seats. She looked out the window, staring at the green forestry lining either side.

"Are you just going to stare out of the window or are we going to talk?" He asked.

"You invited me so you start. You know I'm still mad at you." She waved her hand dismissively. He took a deep breath and clenched the wheel.

"We, no, I am worried about you. Why did you pursue him?" Jacob was known for skipping the nonsense and going straight to the point. That was one quality she had always admired.

"We don't need to talk about it. You guys acted like psychotic maniacs and attacked an innocent person so let's just pretend it didn't happen and you were all justified." She looked down at her nails, bitterness rising in her throat.

"I was trying to protect you. You didn't see what he was capable of," he muttered through gritted teeth.

"I saw exactly what he is capable of. In case you didn't notice, I spent an entire day with him and I was completely find. I watched him fight you and he had plenty of opportunities to hurt me, but he didn't."

"And who's to say he wouldn't have eventually tried? I swear to God, you are so naïve! You think everyone is so great, despite all the attempts on your life that I've been protecting you from since you were a baby. Do you know how I feel when I see you doing this?"

"If it upsets you, then don't focus on it." She hissed. "Not everyone and their mother is a homicidal prick just because you've been exposed to a few."

"I imprinted on you!" he shouted and Renesmee shrunk into the comforting leather at her back. "God, you frustrate me so much. The point is" I want to protect you, but you are making it extremely difficult. You are just like Bella."

The comparison stung. It always caused a twist in her heart, knowing her imprinter once had affections for her mother and tried to separate her parents before settling for her. It sickened her with ripe bile and she squirmed. Renesmee took a deep breath.

"I am not my mother. I know what I am doing and I know the risks."

"If you knew the risks, you would not be flirting with dangerous men. Don't think I missed your proposition for the guy when you were cuddling him on the couch." His nostrils flared with disgust, his facial muscles twisted with anger.

"Propositioning…" she whispered her mind blanked until a certain memory appeared. 'Maybe you can take me to New York sometime. It'll be a real adventure'. Her face lit aflame, remembered how she had pressed her damp body against his to present a kiss.

"You know what I'm talking about." Jacob accused as he pulled into the school parking lot. "I'm not letting that guy around you. I will kill him before he gets too close."

"I think you've done enough, seeing how he's no longer around." Renesmee shook her head and grabbed her bag, not waiting for the vehicle to stop and unbuckled herself. She opened the door and slammed it shut, marching off to her first class and ignoring the incredulous stares of her classmates.

"What the hell Nessie!" Jacob screamed as he shut off the car and leapt out. By now, Renesmee had traveled halfway across the parking lot and shot him a dirty look.

"When you get over your fucking jealousy, you can come talk to me!" She shrieked. "But until then, get over yourself. You're not the only guy in my life, Jacob, and, although you might be the last, you certainly aren't the first. So leave me the hell alone!"

Students watched the wayward argument with astonished interest. Renesmee was known for her calm demeanor; she was the most approachable out of the Cullen/Hale siblings, but just as beautiful. She was not this mad demon who descended upon one of the most sought after guys in the town. There were rumors circulating that the two were dating, and this recent outburst would definitely be the talk of the month. After months of speculation, some would even say this confirmed the theory that Cullen and Black were dating in secret, seeing how he always visited her when he could at the school and he went wherever she went in public. Jessica hung onto this news like a leech and stared at her friends with a smug smile.

"Don't do anything stupid, Jess." Angela warned. "Let Nessie calm down." But Jessica shook her head, curls bouncing in every direction.

"Did you not see that? And she told us nothing was going on between them."

"Maybe she didn't want it out in the open." Mike said. "Especially if their relationship is that explosive." He waved a hand in Jacob's general direction. The taller man was squaring off with Renesmee's older brother Edward. Their words were quiet, but it was visibly escalating until Bella separated the two.

"Who cares," Lauren sighed. "I'm more interested in the new student."

She nodded to a sleek motorcycle parked in farther away. Mike only recognized it from various magazines, and this was an Italian brand. A Moto Guzzi MGS-01 Corsa, one very expensive piece of luxury equipment. He quelled his urge to go up and touch it. It seemed Forks had acquired another affluent student.

"Woah, I thought only rich people owned that. Is that one of the Cullen's?" Eric asked. Ben shook his head and pointed over to the other side of the parking lot where all the Cullens were standing around their vehicles.

"You know they stay next to each other. How do you know he is new?" Ben asked Lauren. The dirty blonde just laughed.

"My mom had an interesting chat with Mrs. Higgins from the office and apparently some music mogul's son joined the student body." Jessica licked her lips.

"Sounds yummy, but I am going to find Renesmee."

"Me as well. I want to make sure she is alright." Angela pointed out. The two girls walked into one of the buildings and watched Renesmee angrily stuff books into her locker.

"Someone is antsy," Jessica joked.

"If you were just grounded for doing nothing, you would be mad too. If one of your oldest friends accuses you of being easy, then you would be livid."

"Jacob did that? But why?" Angela placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and Renesmee frowned.

"It isn't easy to explain."

"Then start from the beginning." Jessica wanted to hear all the details.

"Well, after you guys left, I bumped into this guy and we didn't have the best introduction. But then we had lunch on Sunday and I met his sister. But, Jacob came and started a fight and my family wanted to have reenact the Spanish Inquisition, so I haven't seen him since Sunday and Jacob is still pissed that I was out with him." She licked her lips and stared with renewed interests at her textbooks. Jessica's eyes grew wide. Renesmee had a crush on someone, not from their school, but just a regular guy. That was bound to make Jake pissed.

"Did you exchange numbers?" She asked, pretending to be disinterested. Renesmee shook her head.

"No, we," she sighed. "Let's just say that we couldn't even shake hands without Jake breathing down my neck."

"Aw, Nessie, you have a boyfriend. It's okay if your family doesn't get it now. They'll probably come around eventually."

"I don't have a boyfriend. We barely know each other. I mean we do, but we don't?" She shook her head and groaned. "Oh, I don't know. I'm messing this all up. I haven't spoken to him since I helped him escape the interrogation at my house."

"That must suck." Angela gave her a small smile.

"Well, don't focus on that. We have a new student joining our school." Renesmee looked confused. Who knows who that is, no one ever moves here. She turned her head back to her friends after shutting her locker and locking it back up.

"I thought Trevor's cousin was moving in with him next week."

"No, this time it's the son of some music mogul," Jessica announced conversationally as she scanned the halls. "I haven't seen him yet, but I want to. He had a nice ride parked outside and I am hoping he is interested in getting a girlfriend for the school year."

"Who told you that?" Her friends had officially distracted her from her own problems and she laughed at their antics. "And what about Mike?"

"That boy is too slow," Jessica shook her head. "Angie and Ben will be married by the time he realizes what he has."

"How does hitting on the new kid help Mike notice you?" Angela asked.

"It will either make him jealous or I'll have nice eye candy for the rest of my junior year." Renesmee laughed again.

"You are too much; I want you to know that." She grinned at their foolishness and the here trekked down the hallways to their first period class. They sat down at the desks in the back of the room and Renesmee opened her backpack.

"I forgot to do the homework." She said sheepishly. Angela smiled pitifully and handed her some of the trig they had been assigned. "Thanks."

The three girls sat in perfect amiable silence until the warning bell. Then all hell broke out. Renesmee had been too absorbed in completing some assignments that she missed the appearance of the new kid. Jessica's 'He is soo hot' and Angela's subsequent blush went unnoticed until Jessica pinched her arm.

"What?" she asked sharply and looked up, gasping at the sight in front of her. There were a pair of familiar boots, skinny jeans, and a white shirt covered in a bomber jacket. He had smooth, unbroken skin, the image of blood forever forgotten in favor of untouched pale flesh. The dangerous smirk was back in place on those full lips and an arch in the finely shaped eyebrows captivated her attention. Renesmee felt her heart race and blush spread through her face as her eyes connected to the eyes of the owner of that picturesque figure. The tousled hair only completed her recollection of him and Nico smirked.

"How interesting," he mouthed at her. The dangerous smirk stayed on his lips and Renesmee forgot to breathe. Nico was in her class. The guy who had disappeared was back and in her class.

"Hello class, I'd like to introduce our new student, Nico di Angelo. I want you all to give him a warm welcome." And Nico di Angelo winked at her, Nessie knew. This guy was going to be the death of her.

This update was pretty short, but school is killing me :( But, I am going to reply to some questions and I'll see you next update. Also, let me know which of the Seven or other demigods that you want to see in future chapters. Be warned: I am not taking all minor character and any The Hidden Oracle references will not be counted. Any content from TOA will not be used in my story so get used to that. Also, don't throw in minor characters that get thrown in a lot, but don't play a major role (i.e. Clovis, Nyssa, etc.) Thank you.

Trife: Other demigods, specifically the Seven, will appear. There is one in this chapter too.

Star-Of-Radiance: This is not going to be a demigod army just tearing up Forks. The other demigods will come, but will provide support in various capacities.

18Dragon: That's a little aggressive but Hazel is not going to do that. That would be Nico's job if he chooses to do so.

32: This is primarily Nico, but my muse wants the other demigods to have cameos. Hazel, as his sister, will appear the most, possibly followed by Percy and then Reyna, but you all can tell me which characters you want me to see.