Author's Notes: Oh my Goddddddd HELLO GUYS. I am MAJORLY sorry for abandoning this. I had this thing called a life and they distracted me from this fanfic. It's been a year and I'll start by saying HAPPY NEW YEAR guys. I have sad news to say. I'm not sure if I might be making fanfics anymore though Percy and Nico will forever be in my heart, I'm just not sure if I'm up with making fanfictions. Oh noes, that sounds bad. Let me clear up a few. I'm in a jumble right now. I'm not gonna be making smut fics. I might make a couple fanfics but not PJO based. But if it will be PJO, it will always be Percico (or Nicercy). I guess that's all I have to say. Comment if you wanna let me know anything. Again, I'm sorry. And this chapter is awfully short.

One more thing, the next chapter will be the last ;-; It's been fun with you guys. But it's time to end this. I've been planning the ending since the beginning and, let's face it, I can't prolong this any more I can. Next chapter will be up within this month. I'm sure of it.

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters. All rights go to their rightful owner.


What The Nefarious Carnival Does To You

Chapter Nine

He Who Remembers

The troubled Necromancer wanders outside the main room and takes in a deep breath. Why oh why did he have to be victimized to such things. And who could've been so against him as to wash away his memory?

Nico decided to find Hazel once more. He needs to vent and just feel like he had a sister again. Again...

Clearing his thoughts, he hastened his pace once the Siren came into his line of sight. Something about him made him feel jittery. He didn't affect him this much before. So, what changed?

Glancing at Percy from his peripheral vision, his heart starts to pump faster. "What the hell?" Nico muttered under his breath.

The green-eyed carnie was talking to Rachel and Octavian. He laughed at something Rachel said, which was probably another insult about Octavian seeing as the blonde looked pissed off. Oh, that laugh. Even from a few feet away, he could hear the sweet voice of the Siren. It was almost enchanting. Almost...

"Hypnotic." Nico's eyes widened as he froze in his tracks.

No way. It couldn't possibly be Percy even though he's been acting a little weird lately. Yes, Nico has noticed the small hesitations whenever Percy was around him. He thought nothing of it before but now… He hurried to find Hazel.

"I sense that, yes, there is something. But it is not my place to tell you." Anteros chuckled.

Hazel was fanning herself as she jumped in her seat. "How do I approach him? Gosh, I should confirm it first." she bit her lip. Nico entered the room and got the attention of the two. Seems like Anteros has been doing well since he's up and about.

"Hazel, I think I have an idea who..." Nico trailed off as he saw Anteros smile knowingly at him.

"What?" He grunted.

"Nico, is it? I can tell you're having problems with your… significant other." He said. Nico faced him with his eyes furrowed. "What are you talking about? I don't have a significant other." He huffed and crossed his arms.

Hazel looked surprised and sat both of them down. "Listen to him, Nico. He's unlike any other ordinary man out there. He can actually sense if there's a connection between two other people. He's like a god! Of requited love, that is."

Nico glared at the ground. "So what does this have to do with me?"

Anteros hummed and leaned back thoughtfully. "Have you experienced anything lately? Perhaps someone acting a little different towards you? Someone who tried to take what was yours?" He heard the grin in his words like it was taunting him. But looking back at him, he saw genuine eyes, not mocking ones. He couldn't possibly have known.

Nico didn't want to answer. He kept his eyes glued to the ground. There was one person who came to his mind. Hazel nudged him. "Well?"

Well, fuck it. He nodded.

"Excuse me but I have something important to tell my friend here. Can I maybe steal her for a minute before you continue conversing?" Nico intervened when Anteros opened his mouth. The man smiled and nodded, seemingly patient to be interrupted.

Hazel was dragged out of the room and pulled her hand away from Nico. "What was that about?" she frowned, "it wouldn't hurt to talk to him. I know he looks suspicious coming out of nowhere like that but, he's a man of his word. Nico, he does help with relationship problems! Well, that's one way to put it but I mean—"

"That's not the point. Look, I think I know the person who brainwashed me," Nico gulped, "but first, let's list off the people who may have the ability to charm speak or... hypnotize." The word left a foul taste in his mouth. He had Percy on the list and that wasn't good.

"Umm sure. There's Piper and Rachel."

Nico took a deep breath. "And Percy."

"Percy?" Hazel's eyes widened in surprise. "How?"

"Hazel, he's called a Siren for a reason. Sirens are beautiful yet deadly creatures. They lure people in with their enchanting voice," he blushed, confessing, "... and kill them afterwards. I don't think Percy has the ability to kill but he does have a melodic voice which would justify the whole hypnotizing thing." Hazel rubbed her arms nervously and fanned herself.

"Okay, it might be Percy. But, why would he do it?" She contemplated.

Meanwhile, Nico stared at his hands and tried to recall the feeling when he "felt" his washed away memory. The heavy kisses that were placed upon his body. The gentle touches of his assailant.

"I like you, di Angelo..."

Those words sent violent shivers down his back. Could it be? Could it be the boy with enchanting eyes and likeable qualities? He's not all looks. He's kind, cheery, at times, and friendly. Would he be the same if Nico confronted him? Would he push him away or would he tell Nico the truth? That's if he's making the right guess.

Should he tell her? What if he's jumping to conclusions? She waited for him, eyes boring into his and he knew he had to keep it between him and maybe Percy. "Hazel, I honestly am not sure. Maybe he said something regrettable and he wanted me to forget it?" And suddenly, it was like a bulb went off his head.

"I like you, di Angelo..."

He didn't want Nico to remember his confession. He was afraid of his feelings. Well, maybe. Nico was only assuming. But it's the best he's got than nil.

"That's possible." She muttered. But she wasn't even able to finish her sentence when Nico di Angelo walked away. Nobody knew what was in his mind that day. How sweet of a revenge it'll be. And to teach Jackson a lesson.

...

Jason gathered all the carnies a week later. Anteros was more than okay. He helped Jason and the others when needed. Taught them what he knew and told them stories, people he met, places he went. Everyone was cozying up to him. And maybe so was Nico.

He tuned out Jason and stared at his hands. A week. All his working and planning has been finished in a week. I guess revenge does fuel the system, he tells himself. It's gonna hurt... but going to be worth it. Jason will understand.

He catches the word "performance" and looks back at his blonde friend. "In six days, our carnival will be hosting a show. The Nefarious Carnival. As we all know, this is a yearly event and we never skip it. Gaia has informed of the number of our audience and is pleased to see them increasing. Guys, we're gonna have to top our last performance. Give it our best..."

Ahh, that's right. How could Nico forget? The Nefarious Carnival hosted a show every year. Albeit, it's an event so special, Gaea declared to have it on one day only. Everybody who's missed it will have to wait next year. It's like having your own event on the calendar. It's like Halloween put into play.

"... I want the Siren to go first. Next performer will be our Necromancer—"

"Wait!"

Everyone in the room looked at Nico. He caught Percy's eyes for the first time in one week. He saw confusion. He saw intrigued. He saw longing. He spared a second for a glance and looked away.

"Jason, I'd like to be last." He exhaled. Here it goes.

Jason blinked. He didn't expect that from him. The Necromancer always went second. Sometimes, third. "Save the best for last, eh?" Leo budged in. Jason shrugged. "Sure, for a change."

Nico mentally sighed in relief. Once again, he caught Percy looking at him. He looked as if he wanted in on Nico's thoughts. Not this time, you sly bastard. You'll have to wait and see.

Leo's right. It is gonna be one hell of a performance.