Nico's POV:

My life and Jason had a lot in common; sometimes, I really hated them. I particularly hated them both on the days Jason decided to use my life experiences to torment me. That is why, as soon as my science teacher (whose name I didn't and still don't know) brought up corn, I knew that it was going to be one of those days. Jason refused to shut up and stop making jokes about corn and Venice, but he went too far when he decided to bring Persephone, my oh so lovely stepmother, into the mix. It was then and there that I vowed to kill him, because Persephone was a sensitive subject. Jason got lucky though, and the bell ran before I could strangle him.

As I walked to the gym, my mood did not improve, and I could feel the shadows pulling, tugging, lengthening, trying to get to me and wrap around me. Hazel gave me an odd look as we passed each other in the halls, no doubt noticing the shadows' strange behaviour. I gave her an I'll-explain-later look, and she nodded at me.

Of course, I wouldn't be Nico Di Angelo if my morning didn't get even worse. When I got to the change rooms to change for Phys-Ed, I found that the stalls that I usually changed in were locked from the inside, and I was not about to climb under there. This was a boys change room, and who the hell knew what had been on the floor in there. That unfortunately meant that I'd have to change outside, with the huge group of boys. If I was at camp or with my friends, it would have been fine, but I'd fought through two wars, and you don't fight wars without getting scars. My friends all had scars and understood where I got them from and how, but the mortals had no idea and never would.

I sighed to myself and decided to get it over with, before the change room got even more packed. I quickly pulled my shirt over my head, trying to ignore the whispering that ensued. I had scars crisscrossing my back from run-ins with hellhounds, dracnae and the occasional telkhine, among other monsters (and even a couple scratches there from Will, but these guys didn't need to know that). I definitely caught a couple looks for the claw-marks on my bicep from the werewolves, and the long scar that went down the entire length of my abdomen (made by Percy during a sparring match) got even more attention. I shot all of the guys staring a death glare, which made them look away real fast, but as soon as I left the change room, I just knew they would be talking about my scars. I figured that the whole school would probably know about them by the end of the week.

Somehow, the next few minutes managed to make my day suck more. When I went into the gym, Will wasn't there yet, and neither were any of my other friends, except Frank. While I liked Frank, and he was a nice guy, we didn't really have anything to talk about. The only thing we had in common was Hazel, and what do you say to your little sister's boyfriend, who's older than you are? Then, Jace had to walk in, and just the sight of that guy made me want to deck him in his pretty little arrogant face, though thankfully today he was quieter than usual. In science class, he'd yelped out loud and left the room, quickly followed by Isabelle, and they both came back in looking worried. I'm no Piper or Annabeth, but even I could see that something was up.

Thank the Gods, Reyna popped out of the change room a minute later, followed by Isabelle and the redheaded girl -Clary- meaning I had someone to talk to. This sucked even more, because I had actually been excited going into this ckass. We were supposed to be playing capture the flag that period, since everyone had really enjoyed it the last time (although the demigods crushed everyone else). "Hey Nico!" Reyna called, coming over to me.

"Hey, Reyna," I answered tiredly, still annoyed about the disaster that was my morning.

"What's up with you? Normally you're brooding, but this is a lot, even for you, especially around me."

I groaned, "The usual. Life hates me."

"Neeks!" I heard someone shriek, barrelling into me, and grabbing me tightly.

"Will," I grunted in response, "What is wrong with you?"

"What? A guy can't be excited to see his boyfriend?"

"Whatever, Solace, just get off me." I shoved him off.

Will turned to Reyna, "What's got his toga in a twist?"

Reyna answered before I could, "Scars and Jason." I was a little surprised she got the scars part, but Reyna could read me better than almost everyone else. That, and she had super sharp hearing and wasn't stupid. The other guys in the change room weren't exactly being discreet with the pointing and their attempts at whispering.

Will sighed, "Scars suck, I know, but they're part of you and they show your bravery." He didn't go on, since I'd heard the scar speech about a thousand times. "Now, what did Jason do this time?"

"He brought up my stupid stepmother." Will and Reyna both winced. "You know, next time he brings her up, I'll just bring up his. Let's see how he likes, having her royal highness, Queen of the bit-

"Watch your language, Cupcake!" A new voice barked, making me turn to Reyna in shock, whose wide eyes matched mine. "The cow goes moo! Stupid Valdez!" The megaphone screamed.

Slowly, I turned around, coming face to face with a short, old, slightly pudgy Satyr.

"Coach Hedge?" Frank muttered in disbelief, eyes trained on the megaphone. I hadn't seen that thing in ages.

"That's right, cupcakes! Did you miss me?" Only then did I notice Coach Hedge's shirt, which was that awful shirt that I also owned. It was so loud and colourful, it made me want to throw up. He noticed me noticing his shirt and he smiled, "Like it, kid? I heard you've got one too!" I glared, as Reyna stifled a laugh, probably remembering me in that stupid shirt.

"Alright, Cupcakes!" He said into the megaphone, addressing the rest of the students.
My name is Coach Hedge, and today, I- am your father." The voice changed to Darth Vader's and the whole class busted out laughing.

"I am going to kill Valdez!" Hedge dropped the megaphone and just shouted instead, something that he was good at. "Anyways, today, I will be substituting for both of your gym teachers, since both of yours are absent at the golf tournament. You know, it's a little unfair. They get to hit things with a club, meanwhile I'm stuck here, with you brats. I guess live targets are always more fun to hit with a club anyways. " The class took a step back, except for the demigods, who were all stifling laughs. "Though," He added as an afterthought, "I do prefer baseball bats."

Clary was looking at Hedge confusedly, like she was trying to figure him out, Isabelle looked bored with him, like she'd seen far stranger things than a short, pudgy gym teacher claiming to like hitting people with clubs and bats, and Jace was looking at Hedge inquisitively, smirking slightly, like he was somewhat amused by this violent old man. My expression turned a little sour again. I may not always love Hedge, but he had saved my life multiple times, saved our quest and subsequently the camp, and he was also a damn good father to Chuck.

I moved to step towards Jace to slap that smirk off his face, when Will put a hand on my shoulder and pulled me back. "Don't," He warned me, his blue eyes steady and unflinching on my eyes. I knew from his tone that he was serious, and he was rarely serious. For Will, serious meant important.

I glared at him anyways, "Why? Look at his expression. He sees Coach Hedge as amusing, and I won't stand for it. Hedge is my friend and I owe him my life. I won't sit down and let Jace look at him like a cat looks at a mouse."

Will shook his head, "You know, you two may be a little more alike than you think."

I glared again, "Jace is a self-righteous, self-obsessed jerk. Are you trying to tell me something?"

Will didn't laugh. "Seriously, Jace is really protective about people he cares about. In music class the other day, someone was going to call me, well, you can guess the word," I grimaced-I'd heard it enough to know what word he meant- and nodded, "And he almost killed the guy." I looked on in surprise. "He jumped on him, and started going on about the last time someone said it to Alec, and Simon had to talk him down." I could tell Will was leaving something out, but I let it slide. Everyone had their secrets.

"Wait," I thought suddenly, "Is Alec gay?"

Will shrugged, "I guess. Anyways, promise to back off Jace for a bit. He's really not that bad a guy."

I sighed, "Alright fine."

Will pulled me in for a hug, a "Thanks" whispered into my hair.

"Alright, alright, cut it out! Today, we're gonna play capture the flag, except, instead of tagging to capture the other team, it's tackling! Doesn't that sound like fun?" I rolled my eyes. Of course Hedge found a way to make it more violent.

"But sir," A girl said, "Couldn't someone get hurt, or crushed?"

"Absolutely!" Coach Hedge said, with way too much enthusiasm for my liking, "That's the fun part! Besides, almost getting crushed by something was bigger than you? That's the thrill of it! I remember this one time in Albania-" Reyna and I locked eyes, and came to a silent agreement. Together, we both tackled Hedge.

"We agreed never to discuss Albania." I hissed in his ear.

"If you speak of it, I will make sure that all the powers of Rome hunt you down as long as you live," Reyna added.

"Ok, ok. Gods, you guys need to chill." Together, we got off Hedge, and I turned to face the confused and fearful eyes of my classmates. I fell silent. I was never good in crowds, or with people. I might have been able to lie my friends and to ghosts, but strangers may as well have been a drakons with the way they paralyzed me.

Thankfully, Reyna had a pro poker face, and was a great liar, particularly in front of crowds. "Coach Hedge asked us earlier today to demonstrate why you must always pay attention while playing this game, as you can get tackled unexpectedly at any moment." Her tone was reasonable and final, as if this was fact, and could not be disputed. I recognized the tone as one she used when leading the senate, or making important decisions. It made everyone want to listen.

Coach Hedge dusted off his shirt, looking at me and Reyna apprehensively. "Thank you for that demonstration. Now, let's split into teams. Nico and Will, I want you to be team captains." Will and I both started to complain, but Coach Hedge cut us off with a hand. "You will not be on the same team, after what happened last time in the forest."

I felt my cheeks start to heat up, and Will slowly started smiling, as if he was remembering that particular-um- incident. Surprisingly, Frank also started turning red, and I couldn't figure out why, until I remembered that it was him who had found us, tangled together on the forest floor.

"Yes, you know what incident I am referring to. Honestly, first Percy and Annabeth in the stables, then you two in a forest. I am apparently failing at my job of keeping you children focused! You know, maybe I should start-"

"Coach?" Will said.

"Eh?"

"You realize you're now the one going off on a tangent, and distracting us. Can we just play?"

"Oh, fine, go ahead."

I immediately picked Reyna, knowing that she was strategic, competitive and inventive. Will picked Frank, which was a smart move. I picked Isabelle, simply because I didn't want to be on the same team as Jace, and that worked out when Will picked him. I grabbed the redheaded girl, Clary, who I knew was Jace's girlfriend, which could give us an advantage. She was also small, meaning it was easier for her to evade capture. Will and I continued to pick until everyone was divided up.

Coach Hedge took us outside into the wooded park near the school, and split the territories down the middle. "You guys have ten minutes to discuss flag placements and strategies. The rules are really simple: the flag has to be visible, defenders must remain ten feet away, and when you get tackled, you go back with the other team, until someone rescues you. You win when you bring the other team's flag across the boundary line. Understood?" Everyone nodded, and we all moved to our sides.

Immediately, I turned to Reyna. "Any ideas?"

"A few, but Frank's on the other team, so we'll have to be careful."

"Why's that?" Clary asked.

"Because, Frank knows most of my strategies."

"You have strategies for capture the flag?" Someone asked incredulously.

"Our camps take capture the flag very seriously. Winning is important, because bragging rights, first pick of desserts and best medics after the game. Camp gets violent."

"I wish Annabeth was with us. She's been playing and strategizing this since she was seven. It'll be hard with Frank on the other team, however, I've got a couple strategies he doesn't know. After all, I have Hylla for a sister, and I've been in charge a lot longer than him."

"How is Hylla?" I suddenly realized that Reyna hadn't mentioned her in a while.

"She's doing well. Continuing to build her resources and fortune. Give me a minute to think through some strategies we discussed. Last time we spoke, we discussed a lot. She was in a violent mood, after San Juan." I remembered San Juan with a lot of hate. I had been so afraid of the stupid Hunters taking away another person I cared about, and then they had gone and kidnapped all of us. Then we were chased by Orion, the psycho misogynistic hunter giant, who then went and murdered half the girls on that island. San Juan sucked.

Everybody was silent for a moment, until Reyna slowly grinned. "You've got an idea?" I guessed.

She nodded. "A good one. Anyone here interested in climbing that tree?" Reyna pointed to a tall tree of to the left, and Isabelle immediately volunteered. "Hedge said the flag had to be visible, and we have to be at least ten feet away. By putting that flag ten feet up, it allows us to stand at the base of the tree, and have people positioned in trees around the flag. That will make it difficult to get the flag."

"It won't work." Isabelle said, and I winced. Reyna was not used to being question.

"Why is that?" Reyna asked, surprisingly calmly.

"Jace will get around our defence." Everyone looked skeptical. "I grew up with Jace. I've lived with him for years. I've seen him do some crazy things, like jump off roofs, jump from tree to tree. He'll do almost anything, especially to win. I'm also his sister. Like you said, bragging rights are important. He'll find a way."

"She's right," Clary said. She had been so quiet, I'd almost forgotten she was there. "Jace hates losing, especially to Izzy, and he has more mobility than a cat."

Reyna closed her eyes for a minute. "Isabelle, since you know Jace so well and grew up with him, could you defend against him?"

"I could try, but I can't guarantee it'll work. Clary and I together should be able to pull it off."

"I don't like using two people on one. Are you sure you can't defend against him with just one of you?" This was why I needed Reyna. She was good at weighing options and the costs.

"The only person who stands a solid chance against Jace one on one is our brother, Alec, and that's just because he usually knows what Jace will do before he does it. Like I said, I could try, but there's still a good chance it might not work."

"In short, she's sure," Clary confirmed. "And so am I!" she added hastily.

Reyna pressed her lips. "Fine then," she said in her very final tone, the way she did when she had approved new battle plans and formations.

"Now that that's settled, we need fast runners to try and get their flag. If we're leaving Isabelle and Clary on defence, that still leaves us with about 26 players to work with. We need more than just Isabelle and Clary, though. Any football or rugby players here?" A couple people raised their hands.

"Anyone with siblings here?" Isabelle asked, and more hands went up.

"What do siblings have go do with tackling?" I asked, incredibly confused.

Reyna looked at me like I was stupid. "You're telling me you've never fought with your sister?"

"I haven't exactly known about my half-sister that long, have I? Hazel and I don't fight. And before Hazel," I broke off, thinking of my big sister, "Well, let's just say I was too young and reliant to think about fighting with her." I made sure that my tone was fierce, leaving no room for pity. Even though I still avoided talking about Bianca, it was getting easier, and the more I did it, the easier it became.

Isabelle's look was that of understanding, though thankfully I saw no pity on the face of her or Clary. Around the class, though, I got a couple of pitying looks, and a few who just looked confused.

"Anyways," I continued, "anyone down for dodging tackles and possibly getting tackled?" A few hands went up. "Reyna, you down to run defence?"

She grinned at me in a wicked way, meaning that, yes, she was very ready to run defence. "That's settled. I'll run point on offence, Reyna on defence. You guys," I pointed to a group of guys and girls who were either football or rugby players, or were broad-shouldered and violent looking, or had volunteered earlier, "You guys stay defence. Tackle and keep them away from the flag. Reyna will explain her plan for defences. Everyone else is on offence with me. Our goal is to not get tackled and to get the flag. Come with me."

I lead the offence away so we could discuss the plan I had, as Reyna was doing with her team. I saw Isabelle scurry up a tree as if she were part squirrel. Reyna walked over, and quickly whispered her plan in my ear, until rejoining the defence as my mouth slowly slid into a grin.

"So what's the plan?" One of the (highly competitive) girls asked, a glint I had come to associate with her winning in her eyes.

"I know Will, and he knows me. He's going to expect me to use you as a distraction and sneak around in the shadows Instead, I'm going to be a distraction. Who's the fastest here?" All the girls turned to a girl named Priya, and all the guys turned to look at a boy named Ben. "Everyone else will know you're the fastest?" They both nodded. "Perfect. You're also going to be distractions."

I continued to explain the plan. First, a couple people would go in and find the flag, then whoever didn't get tackled would come back and report its location. A quarter of the offence would be the initial charge, then I would slowly follow, pretending to sneak around to draw out Will and maybe even Frank. The next quarter would run the perimeter, drawing more defenders away. The two fastest would go in, hopefully drawing more defenders with them, and would lead the defenders in a long, pointless chase. Another quarter would run in and climb their trees, acting as scouts. While the defenders were distracted, the last quarter would run in, positioning themselves in a long line, so that the flag could be passed along the chain until back in our territory. Everyone was grinning by the time I finished. It was a smart plan.

Coach Hedge blew the whistle, and we took off.

I made sure that all of my scouts and decoys were in place before I took off into the woods. I snuck around the shadows on the outskirts of the other team's territory. I smirked when I caught sight of Will's mop of blond hair inching its way towards me. A few minutes passed and I continued to pretend to sneak around to get the flag. In reality, I was just moving Will away from our flag. Suddenly, I tensed. A low growl came from a patch of trees next to me, and I changed directions towards the noise, hiding behind a bush.

I felt Will slide in beside me, but I didn't spare him a look. "You heard it too?" He asked.

I nodded, still not looking at him. I reached into the shadows and I felt my hand rest on cool metal. I grabbed it and yanked, feeling pleased with myself that my new trick had actually worked. My hand closed around the hilt, and from the shadows emerged three feet of wicked sharp stygian iron. I gave Will the signal and we both crept forwards, my blade out in front, the game momentarily forgotten.

I prepared myself as the bushes rustled, and I raised my sword, ready to chop, when the bushes exploded. I immediately stopped myself, though, as I had realized that I was about to decapitate a rabbit. Will started cracking up, and I gave him a half-hearted glare. "It wasn't funny, Will."

He started laughing more, "Nico, you almost just decapitated a bunny. You drew your sword on a freaking bunny." I glared for another second but I couldn't help but join in. Will's laugh was contagious.

After a few more seconds of laughter, I turned around, ready to win a game, and Will followed. Them the bushes really exploded, and I turned around to come face to face with a hellhound. "You've got to be kidding me," I moaned, then slashed up with my sword.

The hellhound managed to dodge my blow, so I advanced. Will let out a piercing whistle, disabling the monster, and me momentarily. After about a second, I was fine, and I stabbed at the monsters chest. As my sword entered its chest, a streak of gold came hurtling over the monster, leaving faster than it came. The streak landed, revealing Jace, who was looking at me and Will with suspicion.

He walked over to the pile of monster dust and drew a dagger out of it. "What did you do to it?" He pointed his dagger at the golden dust.

"What do you mean what did I do to it? I killed it." One thing I really didn't like was people doubting my abilities. I'd had enough of that in my lifetime.

"Yeah, I got that part, but why is it dust? The demons I kill, they leave nasty little carcasses, not dissolve into little piles of sweepable dust."

"Demons?"

"Do you have ears? Yes, demons. Clearly, you've killed them before, since you seem to know what that was. I've been doing this for a long time, but I don't recognize that thing."

"That's because it isn't a demon. Where I come from, we call that a monster, that particular one being a hellhound."

He snorted, "What do you mean 'where I come from'? All Shadowhunters worth their broadsword calls it a demon."

"Shadowhunter?" The word sounded familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on it.

"Yes, shadowhunter. Also, monster, really? That's the best you could come up with? What does it do, hide under your bed and in your closet? Make noises and give you nightmares?"

The little comment about nightmares took it too far, and Will knew it, because he got between Jace and I before I could hit him, "Hey, let's all stay calm. Let's all put our weapons away, take a deep breath, and talk about this."

I glared, "Jace, why don't you go first. What the Hades are you?"