Warnings: This is Nico/Percy so if you do not like slash you will not like this.

Some chapters may contain descriptions of graphic content (i.e. physical abuse, torture etc.).

Some chapters may contain canon character death.

This chapter contains implicit adult content.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters unless otherwise specified. This story is not for monetary gain.

Enjoy!

~o-o-o~

Percy worked meticulously on his homework. He knew he didn't have to, with his mother's disappearance the school gave Percy time off, an extended absence, but Percy wasn't going to waste time sitting around. He had too much energy for that. Percy also wasn't ready to face everyone at the camps, because he knew he owed them an explanation, more, and he wasn't sure how he was going to word his jumbled thoughts. There was only one other thing Percy worked on extensively.

Plotting Ryan's murder.

It wouldn't bring his mother back, Percy knew, but Ryan deserved to suffer in the deepest depths of hell, and Percy would make sure he ended up there. He thought about making it quick, but that seemed too kind, and in the end, Percy decided the best way to kill him was to drown him.

Just as Percy has been drowning for years.

Percy set his pencil down and turned away from his work. Tears stung his eyes and he sighed, throat knotted up. He hadn't slept much since she died. An hour here and there. His eyes ached from exhaustion, but anytime he closed his eyes he saw his mother, going cold in his arms, eyes so blank when they were normally so full of life. Percy would do anything to bring her back. He couldn't. He accepted that. She was in a better place. She was no longer suffering. If nothing else, he had that peace of mind.

His chest ached despite that. Percy clenched his jaw and stood. Exercise would help. He'd go for a jog, get some fresh air, something, he needed something. Since he'd given up smoking, he tried his best to cope using other means.

"Percy." Percy jolted and turned, wide eyed. Nico put his hands up and gave a faint, uneasy smile.

"Nico." Percy breathed. "I'm really busy."

"You've been avoiding me."

"Gee, I wonder why." Nico clenched his fists and Percy looked away. "That's not fair."

"I want to help, with Ryan."

"I already know what I'm going to do." Nico took a step forward. "Don't." His dark eyes were soft, his lips were set in a line, and Percy noted how pale he looked, the dark bags under his eyes. Nico hadn't slept, hasn't for quite some time. Percy submitted and accepted Nico's embrace. Nico always had a chill on him, it clung to him and hung around him, but Percy found it endearing. Most disliked it, if the shivers people got around Nico at times were any indication. "You swore."

"I don't." Nico breathed in, and Percy blushed faintly. "I'm worried about you. You look thin."

"You're such a hypocrite." Percy replied. They both chuckled, wrapped in each other's arms. Percy pulled back, his laughs grew and Nico's did with him. They started howling, clutching their sides and grinning, until their faces hurt and they couldn't breathe.

"We're so fucked up."

"Oh the life of a demigod. It hasn't changed has it?" Percy mused. Nico shook his head. "I'm going to drown him, just as he drowned me, us, for years." Nico took Percy's face in his hands. His skin was cold, but Percy found solace in his hold.

"Death is too kind."

"He's going to suffer in the afterlife."

"Yes, but for him to pass so calmly, drowning…it's not a bad way to die."

"You've clearly never drowned." Percy stepped back. Nico sighed. "What did you have in mind?"

"There are many hells in my father's abode. He wouldn't be able to escape, he'd go mad."

"Mother has already driven him over the edge. I've already decided." Percy smiled. "And besides, I've told you there's no reason you should stain your hands. It never washes off."

"I don't imagine it would." Percy glanced outside. The sun was still high in the sky, burning hot and bright. A run still sounded like a great idea. "Percy."

"Mm?" Percy turned. Nico stepped forward and caught Percy's lips in a short kiss.

"Be careful." Nico breathed. Percy shifted forward and kissed Nico again, pressing harder. Nico obliged and moved into the embrace. The kiss grew heated, Percy's hands started searching, Nico's soon followed. They discarded each other's shirts, parting briefly, panting. Percy gazed at Nico, eyes dark with lust. Nico pulled Percy into a brief kiss before dragging Percy to his bedroom. Percy fell back on the bed, Nico climbed on top and started kissing down Percy's chest; he arched and panted softly under the tender gestures. Nico reached Percy's waistband and growled, annoyed, earning him a short laugh. Nico shot Percy a look before he set to work removing Percy's jeans.

"Are we really doing this?" Percy asked. Nico paused.

"Yes." Percy smiled.

"I don't want to go too fast. It's special, with you." Nico moved over Percy.

"We'll do this however you like." Nico smiled softly and pressed a light kiss on Percy's lips.

Percy clutched the sheets, panting, still recovering. Nico was littering kisses across Percy's shoulders, along his spine.

"You're amazing." Nico praised. Percy turned over.

"You too." Percy cupped Nico's face. "Thank you."

"Anything for you." Nico breathed and kissed Percy lightly. They lied down wrapped in each other's arms. "It's still light out."

"I like the idea of wasting the day away with you."

"Even with the end hanging over our heads?"

"Especially." Percy grinned. Nico hummed. "I needed this."

"Hey, if you ever need it again, don't be afraid to let me know." Percy laughed and slugged Nico.

"How's the ship coming?"

"Almost finished."

"I'll be ready." Percy stated. "When the time comes. I can go to Greece." Percy laced their fingers. "If you still want me."

"I do. We do." Nico assured. "Are you sure?" Percy nodded. Nico kissed Percy's temple and breathed in again. Percy smiled.

"Why do you do that?"

"You smell like the ocean. It's beautiful." Percy blushed. "I love you." Nico confessed. Percy glanced up at Nico.

"I love you too."

~o-o-o~

Nico was reluctant to leave Percy, but Percy made it clear he had to do this on his own. He'd told Nico in the past, and it was especially true now, after everything. Ryan had to die, and Percy would be the one to do it. Percy stood by the docks, listening to the water lap at the land, its gentle sway calmed him, and the fears that gripped him so extensively before were mere memories now. It was well into the night, after midnight. The stars were blotted out by clouds, and the moon was dim in the sky. Percy straightened and turned slowly. Ryan was a mess, worse, so much worse. His body looked atrophied; his eyes were big in his sunken, sleep deprived sockets. His skin was discoloured; a scraggly beard covered his jaw. His eyes were yellowed, and as he drew closer Percy could smell him, alcohol and sweat.

"I wasn't sure you'd come." Percy leaned on the railing. Ryan was a pathetic man before him, and despite everything he'd done, Percy felt pity.

"I need you back." Percy shook his head. "She'll kill me. She…she made me, Percy. You were only a boy. I didn't want to hurt you."

"I know." He knew in that moment, all of what had been done to him, to Sally, even to Gabe, had to do with Gaea. She used and abused Ryan, and like a puppet had him do her bidding lest he face her wrath. Percy found his anger towards this man was gone, entirely, and like every other who fell victim Percy only felt melancholy. Ryan ambled forward. "You're dying." He nodded. "Why don't we go to sleep?"

"I'm so tired." Percy took Ryan's hand. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry about your mother."

"You're not." Percy gritted. "And you do not get to speak about her. She's so far above you. You're not worthy." Ryan looked frightened, suddenly. "It's time to sleep."

"I don't want to die."

"We're only going to sleep." Percy promised. He forced Ryan into the water. They fell over and sank. Percy dragged Ryan down, willing the water to carry them out to sea. Ryan fought, but he was so weak, so frail, his efforts were in vain. They drifted further from the docks, out into the ocean. Ryan choked and gasped, bubbles of air leaving him. He shook and thrashed as best he could. Percy held firm. Ryan's eyes were wide, nearly popping from his head, and then he went still. A blank look took his face, and the angry lines relaxed. Ryan's grip released. Percy breathed deeply. He let go, and Ryan's body fell, drifting down into the vast depths. Percy propelled himself to the surface and got out of the water far away from where he dove in. He willed himself dry and never looked back. He never did.

"Feel better?" Percy chuckled and turned towards Hera. She was seated on a park bench, dressed as she was last time in an evening gown. She tapped the bench next to her and Percy joined her.

"No." Percy answered. "I didn't expect to."

"Then why do it?"

"We all want to be saved." He leaned back and sighed. "We're all running from our sins, hoping someone with rescue us, even as we continue to sin. The plague of man I guess."

"And you?" Hera didn't look at him. In her hands was a book, and she was reading as they conversed.

"I'm damned." Percy laughed again. "I came to terms with that a long time ago."

"You might be surprised, Perseus."

"Please, it's Percy, and you can't be seriously implying I'm not going to hell." Hera met his gaze, her blue-green eyes held him and he found his breath caught.

"All sins can be forgiven if we repent."

"You suggest I pray?"

"No, but the things you've done, they're not inherently evil. In your core you're good, I've told you." Hera closed her book. "You just need to make up for what you've done as best you can. That's all you can do."

"Why are you following me?" Percy tried to look away but couldn't. His throat knotted up but he maintained a calm exterior.

"As you know, I have no…mortal children of my own." Hera turned away then and Percy quickly averted his gaze. He sucked in a breath and his shoulders relaxed. "I don't condone infidelity, quite the contrary, but there are times when the gods are in need of mortals and…well, you suit my needs." Percy laughed, loudly. A few passersby glanced his way. Hera smiled too.

"We're just tools."

"Expendable tools. We expect you to succeed."

"Nico was right."

"I imagine so."

"Why should I do anything for you?" Percy gritted, amusement gone.

"You might find your soul saved if you do." Hera stood. "Don't be foolish, Percy. We both know you want Mother to fall, more so than the rest. Rebellious as you may be, you'll complete this task we command of you, for no other reason than self-satisfaction."

"I'm doing it for my mom." Percy growled.

"If that's what you must tell yourself." Hera gave Percy a knowing glance, mocking, and Percy felt a flood of anger burn through him, but it mellowed out as soon as she vanished.

~o-o-o~

"He said he'd do it." Nico informed at the next meeting. Numerous campers glanced between each other.

"Is he ready?" Reyna asked. "That seems foolish."

"I think so." Nico nodded, confident. "He will be. When he returns, he'll be ready." Nico assured. The Big House door swung open. Everyone turned towards it, and watched Percy enter.

"I owe you all an explanation. Something, I suppose." Percy smiled meekly. "It might take a while."

"Have a seat." Annabeth nodded at a vacant chair. Percy crossed the room and sat down.

"I'll start by saying I never meant any harm to anyone. I was so confused for so long, and learning about my father it…made it all clearer and muddled. God I still don't fully comprehend all of this." Percy took a deep breath. "My mother is dead, she was murdered by…Ryan, directly. Mother was…the driving force behind it. She married a man named Gabe to hide me, he apparently had quite the odor, and I believe he was targeted by Ryan specifically. Ryan…tortured me, when I was a boy, so I would obey him. He did all this under Mother's orders. It doesn't excuse what I've done as you all well know.

"Nico and I met when you were all fighting the Titan Lord. When New York was asleep, I didn't fall under the spell because I'm a demigod. We ran into each other, thought nothing of it and I threatened him before I ran off. I have had a few conversations with gods. The Queen in particular, but I also spoke briefly with Erebos. He said…his sister was foolish, and she'll fail, because the current King is meant to fall to a son to Metis. We have to stop her for her sake too. It's all so messed up." Percy looked down at his hands briefly and then met their gazes. "I want to help, anyway that I can. If you don't think I should go to Greece I won't, but if you do, I will. I'm done being manipulated."

"We've decided you're going. We decided that a while ago." Jason answered.

"Nine of us are going." Reyna added. "And Coach Hedge."

"Who?" Percy furrowed his brow.

"He's a satyr, you'll meet him soon." Annabeth replied. "We'll be setting sail within the week."

"Understood."

"This is a big deal, Percy. You have the least experience. It's…we need you to keep a level head." Hazel warned. "Can you handle it?"

"Absolutely."

~o-o-o~

When they said nine, Percy hadn't really understood why nine were going, until he found out Annabeth had a side quest to complete, and Reyna would see to it Annabeth succeeded. Finding the Athena Parthenos was unreal. It was one of the most beautiful statues Percy had ever laid eyes on.

"It's amazing." Percy stood by Annabeth, she looked like an absolute mess, webs tangled around her and standing on one leg because her ankle was broken. "You did all of this on your own." Percy smiled at her. "You're really amazing."

"Stop it." Annabeth laughed gently. "We should-" Annabeth winced, and then the ground rumbled. Percy grabbed her, they started to fall. Annabeth yelped, Percy only just managed to catch a small ledge. He gripped her wrist hard, constricting; Annabeth clung to him with both hands.

"Percy!" Nico rushed over, but they were too far down, and Jason and Frank were busy securing the statue. Nico thrust out his hand. Reyna rushed over. "Just hold on!" Percy looked at the ledge, his grip slipping. He glanced at Annabeth, who gave a faint smile. Percy turned back up to Nico.

"Meet us on the other side."

"What?!" Nico shouted. "No, it'll only be a minute, Percy just…"

"Promise me you'll meet us on the other side. We have to close the doors, right? Promise me, Nico." Nico
and Reyna looked stricken. He gave a slight nod.

"I promise." Percy turned to Annabeth.

"We can do this."

"You don't have to." Annabeth shook her head.

"I'm not dropping you." Percy let go of the ledge and they plunged into the Abyss.

~o-o-o~

AN: Well. Nothing can really excuse my absence. I've simply lacked the desire to write about this pairing. It's a shame, really.

I blame my lack of inspiration on House of Hades. God that book made me mad.

Implied sex is implied.

By now (if you've read some of my other stories) you know I like antagonizing the gods. I don't believe they've changed, and I think they're as open to using and abusing their mortal children now as they were in the past.

HM