"Hold on, time out." Jason made a 'T' with his hands. "He matches them both? I thought- you said you were- what?" Nico butted in then.

"Tell them." He ordered. "Tell them what you told me."

"I… I can't, I- no, wait-" Charlie ducked back as Nico advanced, back hitting the wall. "Look, I've screwed up so much already, I can't… I can't say anymore, just please, wait, I- I- I can fix this, I'll-" He glanced at his parents. Louisa was holding Leo tightly, shielding him from whatever monstrosity Charlie was. She was glaring at him like he was the scum of the earth, like she knew he would cause trouble, angry that no-one had listened to her warnings. Leo was still comatose, but he did seem rather comfortable with his head on her shoulder.

"Nico, what the hell is going on?" Annabeth's tone was sharp and tough, stormy grey eyes flashing dangerously. Nico clenched his jaw stubbornly. "I have a pretty good idea already, but it doesn't make any sense." Her fury swivelled and landed on Charlie. He was still with his back up against the wall, hunching his shoulders and lifting his arms to protect his head. Annabeth's knife was in hand, a warning if he didn't start talking and soon. The others were arming themselves as well, no longer seeing Charlie as another Leo, but as a threat, even if he was the smallest one there, unarmed and trapped to the wall. "Start talking."

"No." Charlie defied, lowering his arms for a second to look her in the eye. "I can't."

"But you told Nico."

"'Cos I know he won't tell anyone else, he'll want me to tell and I'm not going to." Charlie shook his head. Annabeth started to speak. Nico shoved her out the way, rather unceremoniously.

"Hey!" She and Percy objected instantly. Riptide cut away Nico's blade and then the cousins were fighting. "Apologise!" Percy insisted. "I don't know what's gotten into you, Nico, but how dare you treat Annabeth like that!"

"Stop it!" Piper tried getting between them, the charmspeak filling the air like a cloud. Jason and Frank pulled her back, Jason taking her place to try and separate them. "Boys!" Piper reprimanded. "Move away from each other, now!" The three did part, but it was mere seconds until Nico and Percy clashed again. Their weapons rang together, slashing through whatever magic Piper had produced. Hazel tried using the Mist to no avail. Annabeth was pulling on Percy's arm, insisting she was alright, asking him to stand down. They had bigger problems, she reminded him. "Percy, please!" Annabeth pleaded, launching her weight backwards and dragging him with her. She nearly toppled, Percy's arm locking around her waist and putting her upright. He kept her with him, watching Nico distastefully, sword at the ready.

Nico flexed his shoulder, having jarred it trying to deflect Percy's jab. He wasn't built like his cousin, the crossing of their swords sending white hot pains up his arm.

"You could stop this," he spat at Charlie, who stood, peeking through his fingers, "just tell them." Charlie stayed quiet, offering the minimalist of head shakes. Nico saw red and lunged. Then he saw green, lots of green, and it was pulling him back. He saw Charlie's face light up and then he saw more green disarming everyone else. The weapons were chucked to the other side of the room, Nico was dragged towards the door; he tried calling upon his shadows, recognising the sea energy. He could usually combat the twins' power, but not now, it was different, brighter and stronger, stubborner.

Still encased in the oceanic energy, he was brought face to face with its master, someone not much taller than him, wearing a red hoodie under a very familiar army jacket. He struggled, despite his better judgements, trying to see the face of his captor. There was a flash of a familiar wicked grin and then her hood went down.

"Mama!"