So I may or may not be out of town right now. How do I not know? Because I'm writing this in advance and will be too lazy to come back and change it. Before I begin, I have a confession. Chapter 10 isn't finished yet. I'm just kind of blah about writing it write now. I mean, I'm getting really close to Percy and Nico's reunion, but just getting there is becoming frustrating. But I'll have it finished before next Monday have no fear. It just means I'll have to work extra hard when I get back so I can put some buffer back between what I'm posting and the chapters I'm writing.

Before I go on to shout outs. I have a small favor to ask of all of you. A slightly evil favor, but a favor nonetheless. Hopefully the author doesn't see this to see that I'm playing dirty :P. Well, if he/she does, then they can see that I'm dedicated to this cause. Anyways, I want you all of you to go read Oceans and Underworlds by acirejacksonmellark57. After you read it, I want you to post a review that includes Percy should be the top. Before you say I shouldn't try to force an author to do what I want, you should understand something. They said they were going to leave it up to the reviewers, so that is why I ask this. Do this for me and you shall be rewarded. I'll keep an eye on who does it and take one-shot requests from everyone who does it, or something. I'm finding the story interesting, I just want to see Percy come out on top, pun intended. I posted a long review stating why I think Percy is the top, which can be found on their reviews. I don't put them in their positions just because I want them there, I put them there because it makes sense. It makes sense to me as a psychology major and as a gay guy, no offense to girls(because I know there are a lot of you reading this probably), but there really is no arguing with a gay guy when it comes to gay sex. It's sort of easy to identify which guy fits the bill for a top and which the bottom. Anyways, go review that. I realize I'm using my powers for evil, but it is a good cause. Is it wrong to use fans for your own personal goals? Shout outs.

Earth Soldier: Thank you! That always makes me feel awesome when people say things like that. I'm working on it. I just got lazy and have now 'have other deadlines with a blade over your neck', as my beta put it. Just don't fall off.

Guest: Yea she is. Evil in an awesome way. Thank you. I'm working on it :/. Chapter 10 is being worked on as I speak.

Reining: Don't stop reading Tale, you'll regret it later. I just said it would be an epic romance. It must have heartache along the way. Besides, in the process of all this heartache, I'm resolving future problems. I'm still debating on that one-shot. I like black hair and blue eyes too. It will be something interesting. Nico is attractive, very adorable. She don't know who she be messing with. I love Hades. He was just giving Nico what he asked for.

Jywy: Well, you can't unsee what has already been seen. I'm glad you like it. The pace will be the death of me I feel. Haha. I'm sorry Choke was too dark for you. It's really only like two chapters in that fic that I get dark. Children of Loss is dark, but it is very good. I don't plan to. I don't think I'm capable of writing super happy fics. Towels are awesome. You all are pervs :P.

Veerayne: Hopefully I won't have to have that actually happen, because I don't want to write another fic with a war right now X.X. In Aphrodite's plan or his own? In Aphrodite's plan, he is the pawn that will get Percy to question his sexuality so that Nico can come along and scoop him up. However, the story is complex. Everyone has their own agenda. Aphrodite may be behind all of this, but all the people in this game have their own agenda. I can say that both camps want Percy, that is their agendas as a whole. However, it then breaks down into the individual people. Mwhaha. I guessed correct. Don't worry, it'll be our little secret. That would be a fun little game to play.

Luckyducky: Yes. Now you can see Percy yell at her. Lol you are loving this too much, considering you were originally Percabeth until I turned you. He is super adorable. I'm not sure when it'll be, since it hasn't been written yet, but it should be in the next 3 chapters. I'm glad you enjoyed.

Darknessaintsobad: I'm glad! Thank you! Haha. Yet? Like the sirens. We do love it. I've started reviewing more myself, gods know I love getting reviews, so others should get them too. Bragi. He does do a good job at keeping me in line and making sure my grammar is all nice. I do agree. I struggle reading stories that lack good grammar, one author in particular...ahem...anyways. Thank you! Bragi has a whip that he cracks me with if I don't write. I really don't know how I write so much. Lol. Veerayne was just talking about this with me the other day. Bragi also told me it probably will make other authors upset with my ability to post so fast. Though, I am really suffering right now, all of my stories have caught up to my most recently written chapter. Children of Loss is the only one that actually has a decent buffer, and it's only like 2 or 3 chapters. So yes, writing 4 stories is rough. Let us not talk about how many hours I spend :P. Um. If I actually apply myself, I'll write all day, and have the ability to write 3ish chapters. That's on a good day. Usually nowadays it's just one chapter a day. I have started slacking, but I'm going to work on that. All 4 of my stories?

Cheyennexx: Your wait is finally over!

xPercyx: Hmm. Indirectly. All focus will be on Reyna and Annabeth when it comes to Percy's love life. Annabeth will know, but they probably won't fight out in the open. Yes, the mother of shippings. On his own agenda? You'll have to keep reading to find out.

Miette in the Rain: Thank you! Harsh, but it's ok because I do not really like her due to her dating Percy in the books. You are right, she will not be pleased. Well, Percy would have to find that out in order to question that. I felt he was off :/. He'll probably be off this chapter.

PinkRenegade: Well, we already had our discussion via PMing, so I shall refrain from repeating all of that. I'll just go ahead and warn that if that seemed off to you that Hades might seem off to you this chapter as well. I mean in the scene with him and Nico. I tried to make it as awkward as possible, considering Hades wouldn't be good at stuff like what Aphrodite is going to ask him to do. So yes, before you say anything, he only does what he does this chapter because Aphrodite told him to, and partly to better his son's own life I guess. It's just a long complicated thing that would take a ton of explanation. I did think of something after we talked, though. My beta is extremely strict. I call him a Nazi. This fic is supposed to be pretty close to what could come of the actual book series, obviously taking liberties with Nico's sexuality and the end pairing. The point is, he would have shot me down in a heartbeat if he felt it was out of character for Hades, I assure you that. And he is very in depth when it comes to the PJO/HoO series as well as Greek and Roman mythology.

DarkLove: O.o Me? Go read A Tale of Love and Thrones. I use a cliff to make a cliffhanger. I'm good like that. I swear I think some of you are actually addicted. The equivalent of a drug addict. I find it amusing :P. Harsh. You right. She should be put to death. But it's more fun if she gets to live in agony watching Percy be with Nico. I just sort of wanted to get into Hades's head a little bit. He may become a POV character throughout the rest of this story. A few of the gods and goddesses might. But very limited. I just don't like touching on them, in fear of messing them up. I will have more POVs being introduced, though. I'm glad you think so. Aphrodite doesn't do anything half-assed. I love that video. No, but it was in the video. I do greet her with "Get in, bitch, we're going shopping" just because I can. Vagina=gross. What did you get freaked out over in that story?

Make-It-Now: That would require him going back to Half-Blood, where he'd be around Annabeth. Now who do you want him around? I'm not going to make her a bad person, don't worry.

HeyItsAmber: Thank you! I'm sure she does secretly ship Perico in the books. Well, I hope you enjoy it. Those eyes look like alien eyes. I forget, probably something dirty.

Sportschic5646: Thank you! That means a lot. I'm glad you are enjoying them. I try to make them chapters that I would enjoy reading myself.

RestlessHeart182: Yep. That she would. That little devil. Percy will go off on her, don't worry. Hmm. I may have let my own personal experiences slip in there... If she wasn't a lady, he could punch her in the face. Jason isn't, though... Keeping the attention off his son.

I really do want to thank everyone that reviews, favorites, and alerts my stuff. It really means a lot to me. You guys have no idea. I thought I was going to suck it up when I first started, so I want to thank everyone for being supportive. And even those of you that just read it, perhaps with or without an account. I remember what it was like before I started writing, I didn't really review. I just enjoyed reading the stories that authors put out. So never expect me to harp on anyone for reading and not reviewing. I do have anon reviews open if you should ever feel the need to write me something. But I'm just happy to know people are enjoying my stories, and they are doing so well. I actually started to think about going back to college to study writing, literature, and the english language. I just don't really want to because I just finished and I don't want to go back. But I don't know, the idea of actually writing a book and publishing it has this big appeal to me that I can't explain. I blame the documentary I watched on George R.R. Martin, the man is a genius. Just would take a lot of work and stuff on my part before I ever could do something like that, but I'm going to think about it. Anyways, enough about my long time dream, yes I have thought about writing for a job before, but opted not to go that direction. I was that kid that sat in class and filled up countless notebooks with stories. Anyways, on to what you guys really want to read.

Warning: I may suck up the gods.

Disclaimer: Don't hate me if I do.

Chapter 9

Hades rubbed his temple as he sat and listened to Poseidon, Zeus, and Athena yell at each other. The other Olympians would throw in their opinion from time to time, but Hades and Aphrodite had stayed silent thus far. This seemed ridiculous, all of this fuss over one boy's love life. Sides were obviously beginning to take form, and it was no surprise that most of the gods wanted to stay neutral, that is to say, side with Percy. Hades was pleased that Nico's name had not yet been mentioned, as Aphrodite had said it probably would not. All of the gods' focus was put on Percy, Reyna, Jason, and Annabeth.

"You're daughter cheated on my son!" Poseidon yelled at Athena, who just scoffed back at him. "After all he did for her?"

"Your son abandoned her!" Athena shot back. "He abandoned Camp Half-Blood to go live as a Roman. My daughter made the wise decision in this."

"She could have been honest with Percy. What she did just wasn't cool," Apollo said, leaning back in his chair.

"Let Percy be mad at the girl, he should be with Reyna. She seems the more logical choice," Hephaestus supplied.

"I must agree, I am very disappointed in Annabeth," Artemis added.

"Your son already has a girlfriend, Zeus! He's just like you!" Poseidon yelled at his brother.

"You're one to talk, Poseidon," Hera said coldly. "Where's your sense of loyalty to Amphitrite? If you were loyal as you would have Annabeth be, we wouldn't even be having this discussion about Percy."

"Perhaps we should remember that he did save us, twice," Hermes reminded them. "We needed him. Percy deserves to be happy after all he has been through. I must agree with Poseidon that Annabeth ruined their relationship."

"Percy doesn't seem so broken up about it," Athena said, glaring at Hermes. "He's already distracted himself with that whore over at Camp Jupiter."

Ares shifted form to Mars, causing all of the gods to do the same. "Watch your mouth, woman," Mars growled at Minerva. Minerva just snarled back at him.

"Why are we even talking about Peter Jackman?" Bacchus asked. "If you want to simplify his life, just take away all the problems. Let him be single."

"Everyone is entitled to their mistakes. My daughter and Percy are destined to be together," Minerva countered.

"Percy deserves someone better," Neptune growled.

"Always the best for your perfect son, is that it?" Juno sneered.

"Perfection deserves perfection," Apollo added, smiling to himself. "Even I must admit that Percy's good looks and personality deserves only the best."

"Perhaps Percy should go back to Camp Half-Blood," Minerva stated. "Then maybe my daughter wouldn't feel the need to seek elsewhere for company."

"Oh, Percy and Annabeth are so meant to be," Venus said with a smile, filing her nails briskly. Pluto tossed her a questioning look, which she ignored.

"Percy seems happier at Camp Jupiter," Vesta replied.

"He's glorifying Rome, making it into what it should be," Mars said proudly. "He and Reyna are perfect for each other; two praetors leading New Rome into a new Pax Romana."

"Then trade Percy and Jason back," Jupiter supplied.

"No offense, but your boy is a brat," Ceres stated boldly. "He pales in comparison to the achievements young Perseus has accomplished."

"Reyna is an honorable girl, as well as a fierce warrior. Let her have Percy," said Diana.

"Reyna is very beautiful," Venus said. "They would be perfect together."

"Can't you choose a side?" Minerva asked with malice.

Venus just shrugged. "I can't help it if there are multiple pairings for young Perseus. He's just so perfect for a romance story." Minerva covered her face with her palm. Neptune sat back in his chair, crossing his arms. He smirked at Minerva.

"You're just bitter," shot Juno. "Doesn't feel so good when the unfaithful shoe is on the other foot, does it?" Venus narrowed her eyes at Juno.

"It's not my fault your husband's child is just like his father. He can't keep it in his pants because he's so full of himself," Venus spat back. "This is why I chose Percy for the epic romance, Jason isn't deserving of it."

Thunder boomed in the distance. "Watch your tongue when speaking of my son," Jupiter snarled.

Nobody noticed as a faint chill ran through the air. Hades tapped his fingers against his chair in annoyance. "Jealousy does not become you brother," Neptune said innocently.

"Jealousy?" More thunder boomed.

"Jealous that someone besides one of your kids is getting all of the glory?" Mars asked with a smirk.

"Everyone, we need to stay calm," reasoned Vesta. "We just want to have what's best for Percy."

Pluto sighed heavily. "Not that this isn't an invigorating conversation, but I do have better things to be doing," Pluto stated. "I do not wish to be a part of your meaningless bickering." With that Pluto rose from his seat and vanished from Olympus. Jupiter tapped his finger a few times on his throne before adjourning the meeting. Venus smiled to herself before vanishing as well.

Pluto and Venus shifted back to their Greek forms upon entering the Underworld. Hades walked back to his throne and sat down on it. "That was exciting," Aphrodite said cheerfully.

"And what was your game up there?" Hades asked.

"If I had stayed out of it, they would have suspected something." Hades nodded in understanding. "We must be careful, though. Athena is going to be on alert. She will be looking for any sign of foul play."

"What now?"

Aphrodite smiled, running a hand through her hair. "Now, you need to go talk to your son. He needs to get back out there. Get him back to Half-Blood to work with his friends. He is going to need all the allies he can get."

"I suppose I can do that."

Aphrodite's smile brightened, squealing to herself. "After that, he needs to be getting back to Camp Jupiter. The time is almost right for him to seize Percy."

"What makes you so sure about this?"

"Percy is beginning to question himself. Eventually he'll start to accept things a little more, but Nico will need to be there so that Percy can direct these feelings at Nico."

"What about your other pawns in all of this?"

"Don't worry. It will all work out in the end. Percy will be where he needs to be. Nico will have what he wants. Everyone will be happy."


"You lied to me!" Percy yelled at the Iris message. "How could you do that to me?" Percy's eyes were full of rage as he glared at Annabeth. His fists were clenched tightly at his side. Annabeth had pursed her lips tightly together as she listened to Percy yell. "After all we've been through, you cheated on me!"

"It's not like that, Percy," Annabeth pleaded. "It was just one kiss. I'm sorry! I made a mistake."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't know how I felt. I'm still confused. You've been gone so long. I haven't seen you in a year! It's just, Jason was right there and-"

"What about Piper?"

"I wasn't thinking, ok?!" Annabeth now refused to look at Percy. "How did you find out?"

Percy's gaze was still burning into her, his body shaking in rage. "The Lares were talking about it." Annabeth's eyes narrowed, her nostrils flaring. "Don't change the subject. You hurt me, Annabeth."

"I know," Annabeth whispered. "I'm sorry, Percy. I really am." Annabeth paused, finally looking at Percy. "Why don't you come here and we can talk?"

Percy gave her a look of shock and disgust. "What makes you think I want to see you right now? If I went back, Jason would need a hospital."

"I would rather we talk about this in person. It would give you a chance to see everyone." Annabeth paused, giving Percy a sad look. "I miss you, Percy."

Percy's anger wavered slightly. He sighed heavily, running a hand across his face. "I miss you too, but that doesn't change what you did."

"Maybe we could work something out. Perhaps we could even try again."

Percy stared back at Annabeth's image. "I don't know, Annabeth. Maybe it's not a good idea. I don't think I could handle looking at Jason right now. You really hurt me, Annabeth," Percy whispered.

"I know. I want to apologize in person. We can work things out, just trust me. I'll make sure you don't see Jason." Annabeth bit her lip. "Please, Percy."

Percy's anger fell away, looking broken now. "I-I'll th-" Percy stopped when the door to his room burst open, Reyna and Octavian in the doorway. "What's going on?"

Reyna and Octavian walked up to Percy. Octavian smirked at the look of frustration on Annabeth's face. "We were looking for you, Percy," Reyna said. "Your mother is here, she wants to see you."

Percy cocked his head to the side. "Do you know what she wants?"

Octavian shrugged. "She just wanted us to find you. You better hurry and find her, she seemed impatient," Octavian said, slinging an arm around Percy's shoulders. Percy turned to say goodbye to Annabeth and end the call, but Octavian stopped him. "Go on, we actually need to discuss some camp business with Annabeth." Percy nodded uneasily and walked out of the room. Octavian and Reyna turned to face Annabeth. "Now then, I believe you need to leave Percy alone, camp slut." Octavian gave her an innocent smile as he spoke.

Annabeth snarled at him. "I don't believe you can tell me what to do. Percy and I belong together, I'm not giving up on him," Annabeth replied.

"Yet, you broke up with him," Reyna supplied.

"After she cheated on him," added Octavian. Reyna nodded. "We can't forget that. With our very own ex-praetor. My my, how our old golden boy has fallen. I do believe we don't look kindly on things like this in Rome."

Reyna smiled coldly. "No, I don't believe we do, Octavian." Reyna turned back to Annabeth. "You need to stay away from him. He's not going back to Half-Blood. His life is here now. Accept it. We aren't going to let him go to you just so you can abuse his feelings for you. If he goes there, he'll crack and forgive you for what you did."

"Fat chance of that happening," Octavian said, finally letting his smile drop. "Percy's place is here. He represents all that we strive for here at New Rome. You don't honestly think we're going to let you take him, do you?"

Annabeth tightened her jaw. "You can't stop this. Percy has the right to choose," Annabeth stated.

"Yes, but he won't be making a very impartial decision if you are batting your eyelashes and making him do what you want him to," Reyna spat at Annabeth.

"I still love Percy."

"Funny way of showing it."

"You have no power over him here," Octavian stated. Annabeth glared back at them for a moment before she wiped a hand through the mist, ending the Iris message. Octavian turned back to Reyna. "I think that went well."

Reyna rolled her eyes. "She's not going to give up that easily."

Octavian smirked. "And that's why I took the liberty of informing Percy's mother of what happened."


Hades entered Nico's room in his palace, glancing down at Nico's sleeping form. He couldn't help but be reminded of the little boy in Maria's arms so many years ago. Even if Nico did take after Hades, something about him reminded Hades of his mother. Needing to talk to his son, he woke the innocent looking sleeping by.

Nico sat up, rubbing his eyes. When he noticed his father in the room, he visibly straightened. "Father?" Nico asked, looking up at the Lord of the Underworld.

"I wanted to talk to you about something," Hades said, keeping his face blank. Nico nodded. "I need you to go back to Camp Half-Blood."

"What? Why? Annabeth will kill me!" Nico flailed his arms around for emphasis.

Hades sighed and rolled his eyes. "She won't lay a hand on you. You just need to make some allies there. Go talk to the friends you made. Have that Ares girl keep Annabeth off you for a while."

Nico raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Do you want Percy or not?" Hades asked a little harshly. Nico's eyes widened but he nodded his head. "Then you need to get back there and be making allies. You will need to head back to Camp Jupiter soon, but not right now."

"But Percy-"

"Will have missed you. You need to play your timing right. For now, you just need to concern yourself with making allies and making sure that people know about Annabeth and Jason."

"I don't see how this is going to help me with Percy," Nico mumbled.

"You will have people to keep Annabeth's attention away from you and Percy. Everyone's attention is going to end up being focused elsewhere, you can use that time to get back to Camp Jupiter and get you...sea prince." Hades seemed ill trying to get the last words out of his mouth, it made Nico smile. Hades narrowed his eyes at Nico, who looked away and tried to keep a straight face.

"I don't think I can make Percy want me."

"You will have help. Don't worry about that part right now." Hades sighed at Nico's defeated expression. "You're not...bad to look at." Hades rubbed the back of his neck. This was so awkward for him. "You are my son, and you just need to go after what you want."

"Percy's straight, though!" Nico exclaimed, a pout forming on his face.

"Then make him question his sexuality."

"But-"

"Stop making excuses, Nico," Hades growled. "Now, you are going to get out there and do as I say. Am I clear?" Nico nodded, his eyes wide. Hades tossed a pomegranate to Nico. "You could always use that if all else fails."

"Dad!" Nico scowled at his father. "I'm not using this on Percy!"


"Mom, what are you doing here?" Percy asked, walking into the principia. He walked up to Sally and hugged her.

"Am I not allowed to visit my son at camp anymore?" Sally asked, stepping back from Percy. Percy noticed the look on his mother's face. He took a small step back and rubbed his arm nervously. His mother was never really a wrathful woman, but he learned a long time ago it was never wise to make her angry. The expression on her face looked calm and happy, but Percy had seen it before.

"What did I do?" Percy asked nervously.

"Honey, what would make you think I'm mad at you?"

"You have that look on your face, like I'm in trouble, or something."

"Well, I came here to see how you were doing. I was worried after you told me everything that happened, when Octavian stopped me." Percy's face paled. "You didn't tell me that Annabeth had cheated on you."

"Mom, I just found out, honest."

"I take it you already messaged her?" Sally asked, looking at Percy questioningly.

Percy sighed, knowing there was no hiding anything from his mother. "I did."

"And?"

"She wants me to come there so we can talk," Percy mumbled.

Sally pursed her lips and crossed her arms. Percy fidgeted nervously in front of her. He felt embarrassed that even at the age of nineteen, she could still intimidate him. Truth be told, he would rather fight Kronos again, than face the wrath of his mother. "I hope you aren't planning on going."

"I-I don't know."

"Percy, she cheated on you!" Sally exclaimed. "You still love her. If you go, you'll crumble and do whatever she says."

Percy frowned. "I won't let her manipulate me."

"Then stand your ground and stay here." Sally ran a hand through Percy's hair. "You'll think more clearly if you have distance between the two of you."

"I miss her."

"I know you do, sweetie, but maybe it just wasn't meant to be."

Percy sighed. "Aphrodite said we would be the next epic romance."

"She said she was going to make your life the next epic romance." Sally gave him a sad smile. "Maybe she didn't mean with Annabeth."

"I don't know," Percy mumbled.

Sally cleared her throat. "Your father stopped by briefly earlier."

Percy looked at her curiously. "What did he want?"

"He's worried about you."

"He couldn't come and talk to me?"

Sally pursed her lips. "Things are complicated right now, Percy. He probably won't be able to talk to you right now."

"Why not?"

Sally didn't answer. She looked off for a moment before finally looking back at Percy. "He just wanted me to make sure that you didn't do anything reckless."

"Like go to Camp Half-Blood?" Sally nodded. Percy let out a long sigh, rubbing his temple. "Alright. Fine. I won't go."

Sally smiled, wrapping her arms around her son. "Now, has there been any change with Nico?"

Percy groaned in frustration. "He still won't talk to me. I really don't know what to do. I really want to talk to him, but he just won't hear me out."

"Perhaps you could get someone to deliver a message," Sally said.

"Who?"

Sally swatted his cheek playfully. "His sister, Percy. Use your head for other things besides fighting."

Percy brightened visibly. "Oh yea, I didn't think about that. Thanks, mom! Maybe Hazel can convince Nico to come talk to me."

And there you have the latest chapter. How did you like the scene with the gods? Did I suck it up? I probably did. I really am hesitant on the Hades and Nico scene. I wanted it to be as awkward as possible since Hades wouldn't be comfortable with this stuff. Curse you Annabeth for trying to get Percy to come to you. And go Sally for putting a stop to that. I told you she'd be back. I'm probably not done with her either. Not much Nico this chapter. I'm sorry about that. This chapter was a little short compared to last chapter. Percy and Nico's reunion is approaching. It'll be in the next 2 or 3 chapters probably. I just need Percy fully questioning himself at that point. As for what to expect next chapter? Nico is back at camp, I can say that from what I've written so far. And my favorite troublemakers will be making an appearance. I'm going to introduce a new POV from one of the playing characters in this big game. So I said something about it yesterday, but I'll talk a little more on it. I have my next fic idea. I'm not going to say what it is about, I'll just say that it is completely from scratch, and there's no other fic in the fandom that is anything like it. I'm not going to start on it until I finish Choke, but it will take that long just to finish world building, working out the plot, create a lore, and sort out the characters. Anyways, let me know how I did and I'll see you next time.