Triple-yay day! Yay for friday, yay for break and yay for update! So after this chapter I think we're looking at two more. I should be able to get the next two up quick because I have some days off :)
Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson or his friends.

Percy's POV:

Annabeth and Leyna are talking as they run, catching up on their news. I lag behind, trying not to feel nervous. I mean, normally when I fight monsters, they have no trouble finding me. I've never gone looking for them.

The sounds of the one-sided battle fade behind us. I wonder how long it will take the Hunters to realize we're gone and come after us. Probably not long, knowing them.

"That was a pretty impressive illusion," Annabeth is saying. "How long will it last?"

"Not long without me holding it up. We have ten minutes at best," Leyna says, barely even out of breath.

Great. Not only do I have to fight a monster that's almost impossible to kill, but I have a time limit too.

Oh, I'm loving this.

"You'll be fine," Annabeth says, falling in step with me. I glance sidewise at her. That isn't something you can really say to a demigod. Because normally, it isn't true. But she's looking at me honestly. "I believe in you," she says, kissing me on the cheek, which was a feat considering that we're running for our lives.

Okay, a tip to all you girls out there. When your boyfriend is about to go get himself killed, don't say "I believe in you." Because all of a sudden, he's not just getting killed, he's letting you down at the same time.

My confidence is doing really great now. Annabeth looks at me and I'm sure she can tell. She rolls her eyes and takes my hand.

"Come on, Seaweed Brain. We're letting Leyna get ahead."

As we run, I'm happy she's here. I can't think of a single near-death experience when she wasn't there. It would just be weird.

Then again, nothing lately has been close to normal.

Leyna skids to a halt before us. Annabeth and I jog up, feeling slightly concerned.

"The entrance... just around the corner," she pants.

I step forward to look like the ADHD guy I am, and Leyna pushes me back.

"Before we go in, there's some things I need to tell you guys."

Oh great. Annabeth shifts nervously beside me.

"First off, Percy, you should know that the Pyralis gains the powers of whoever she eats. So right now, she has a lot of control over the light. That's what I'll be working to counter, just keep it in mind while you're fighting."

"Why are you telling us this now?" Annabeth interrupts.

"Honestly, I didn't want to scare you away," Leyna looks at me apologetically.

I shrug. By now, I've taught myself that things can always get worse.

"And another thing," Leyna shuffles awkwardly. "I know this is a weird request, but Percy, when we go in, I need you to pretend that I've got your hands tied behind you. Just until the fighting starts."

"Why on earth do you need him to do that?" Annabeth asks, frowning.

"It would get us closer-"

"How?"

"If the dragon thinks I'm bringing him as a tribute," Leyna says.

Annabeth's eyes narrow. "Why would the dragon expect a tribute? Unless... it was prearranged?"

Leyna shakes her head. "No, it wasn't. I mean, not like that." She takes a deep breath. "When Nico got taken, Pyralis showed up in a dream. She said that if I brought her the son of the sea god I could have him back. But I'm not turning Percy in. She's not killing Percy or Nico." Her eyes flash defiantly. "She thinks I'm bringing Percy to get Nico, but I'm bringing him to kill her." Leyna looks me right in the eye. "She underestimated you, Percy."

"So you want to pretend you took Percy captive," Annabeth starts.

"And you need to hang back. Just until the fighting starts. Just a second closer he is to her could make a huge difference."

Annabeth's grip on my hand tightens. "I'm going with him."

Leyna rubs her forehead. "I know Annie, I get that. It's just, we need her to believe just for a minute, because if she knows right away... she'll attack... and Nico..." Leyna's voice dies.

I watch Annabeth, expecting her to be her stubborn self with a will of steel. But instead, she's looking at Leyna with a curious expression. Then she smiles a little and nods.

"Okay. I'll hang back at first."

Leyna is so relieved she gives Annabeth a hug. To my surprise, Annabeth is smiling now, a real full blown smile.

What is she so happy about?

I feel like I'm missing something really important, because Annabeth has that smile and Leyna looks really relieved and kind of embarrassed at the same time. And then I draw my usual conclusion: girls.

But as we walk silently towards the end of the tunnel, I remember the way Leyna said Nico's name and the fear in her eyes. And for the first time this whole trip, it strikes me that this isn't about the dragon. Or avenging Leyna's mother.

This whole thing, has been about Nico.

And Leyna.

Now I'm starting to smile.

So yeah, that wasn't the most exciting chapter ever... but just you wait! It's coming up! So bear with me! Thank you to all those who review, those reviews mean the world to me. So please review and let me know what you think!