Sure, Triton was in one damn of a hurry, but that didn't stop him, nor deter the solemn prying eyes of those gathered. He remembers how every step echoed off the walls as Triton force his legs to push towards Apollo's Temple. He remembers some gazes of questioning, some nervous, some solemn...He didn't think much of it at the moment, but now? It is constantly nagging the back of his skull as if it all pointed to something more.

With no room to walk around, with no place he's willing to go, with no clue about how much longer. It's a wonder his mind didn't start to wonder earlier. And it's killing him. This damn waiting room was designed to calm nerves and leave people at ease? Triton calls bull crap. It's the same as all mortal hospitals. It is constricting; the tan walls, the green tint, the mess of brownish chairs. The sterile smell only wants to make him feel sick. Though he can't. The chairs are uncomfortable and he knows, he's tried them all over the past hour.

He couldn't help. He wasn't allowed to be in the back... He didn't want to go home with no news at all. So all that was left was degrading himself by sitting in a chair too small, in a room too dark, and too worried to do anything. With nothing to show for it.

In order to keep sane, yes his mind started to dwell on why Apollo was acting so differently than he normally would. A shroud over Percy's head? Him being serious? And not goofing off the second the chance popped up? So many questions, so little answers... Let's not forget the the others. The growing mass of minor gods, goddesses, and nature spirits alike huddling at the door. Just waiting to be let in. No doubt gossip has spread about who the character Apollo is so fixated on. It's not for worry, nor care. It is entertainment. But Apollo has refused entry to all except a select few with his permission.

Though thinking about it a bit more, why is he the only one here? Surely other's would have gotten word about Percy's freedom by now and swarmed at the chance to see his well being. Right? Surely Khione would be here now. Father was exceptionally busy as of now. Yet, mother would feel inclined to be here. And what of Artemis? Where is she during all this? She risked plenty to save him.

But Triton sat alone in the damn common area. All alone. With the rhythmic banging of the doors the only thing keeping him company. Those damn vultures... It's been hours since Apollo started. 'This is stupid.' Triton thought to himself pinching the bridge of his nose. He felt inclined to forget the formalities and rush straight into the room without a single damn. He has waited plenty and it doesn't help that other entities sometimes slip in only to be kicked out in an instant. There really is no private life amongst the gods and goddesses of Olympus. It's all so barbaric.

With the screech of a lose tire on one of those patient carrier thingys Triton shot up from his seat dashing towards the doors to which no one was allowed through. Even so, the seconds that followed irked him more than the hours prior. The handle turned causing the merman god to hold his breath.

Then came out Apollo in a full surgeons uniform. All lined with blood, puss, and other liquids he care not mention... Apollo came out alone. Alone with the thingy, but alone nonetheless. "Ah, I see you're still here. I excepted as such." Apollo spoke casually realizing it was just the two of them. That's not right...

"Is Percy okay?" Triton wished to ask more questions however they all got clogged in his throat. Even that felt like a stupid question. A crucified boy and was he okay? Really? Apollo didn't answer right away which was off putting.

"I don't know." The sun god replied in a low tone. Those three words hit Triton like shards of ice straight through his heart.

"What do you mean you don't know?" Triton wished to yell, but he was beginning to feel exhausted, emotionally speaking.

"I tried extensively to heal what I could. I used Ambrosia, Nectar, even water but... things got complicated." Apollo trailed off rubbing his chin and crossing his arm over chest under his right one. It didn't suit him at all.

"Complicated?" Triton got stuck on the one word repeating it in his excessively in his head.

"*Sigh* It didn't work. Water was just that, water. It didn't do anything except clean up wounds normally-" Triton was about to cut in, but he kept going, "-And the Ambrosia and Nectar? Percy's body refused it. Even unconscious his body rejected any dose."

"So? What does that mean?" Apollo shrugged his shoulders.

"It means I chose to do it old school. Incisions. Stiches. Bandages. The whole nine yards... And if this continues recovering will take a looonng time. I should have used my powers, but... I don't know. The ancient laws are so keen on my helping in the first place... I'm sorry." Apollo walked past the water deity patting his shoulder in sympathy.

"Where is he? I want to see him." The merman ignored his apology, but didn't slap his arm away.

"He is not here."

"What do you mean he isn't here!? I laid him on the table!" There was his fiery attitude.

"Olympus can't find out about this. Ask Artemis when she picks up her girls... Also let her know about all of this. She deserves to know too." Apollo waved his hands around gesturing to the situation.

"Then where is he?" Again Triton wished to rush things and for once get straight to the damn point.

"Camp Half-Blood. As he always was." Apollo winked leaving the room. Waving over his shoulder. This is getting ridiculous.

Triton sighed again rubbing his neck, teleporting away. This is ridiculous. So freaking ludicrous.

Chiron held mixed feelings, relief was one, angry definitely there, sad for sure, and joy blossomed.

Relief as he watched Percy lay absolute still with the knowledge that he was safe and away from harm. Relief that the damage is now in the past and something that won't be repeated. Yet, he was angry with the insight that this happened at all. Angry that Percy didn't trust him enough to come to him for advice... or anything. The sad part was obvious while he sat still in his wheel chair unsure with what to do with his hands. And joy... it's finally over.

He has his kids back. Most of them. But they are back and resting. Hopefully more things come to light with the rising sun. They are not really his so to say, but giving the circumstances of their lives and upbringing, as well as staying in his care, he is responsible for them. Chiron knows that the likelihood of them coming back at all is low. But when they do? He can hardly describe it even after so many years.

Chiron rubbing the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index figure trying to ease away his concern. It didn't work.

Sure, Annabeth took up a bed with Thalia, both sleeping soundly. That is great, but the obvious still remains. Those damn pesky question he wouldn't dare ask after seeing the state they were in. No, they should rest. After all, later today the Winter Solstice meeting will take place. He dreads knowing that the children underneath his care will have to go, even after what seems like hell.

Chiron looks down at Percy with worry etched across his face. Mortals are fragile beings, but seeing this? This gave a new perspective. Was it alive when tubes, masks, and wires were keeping you alive? His bandages that are colored almost black from dried blood. Which reminds him that they should be changed soon. Swollen, bruised, broken. He sees that he won't be getting up anytime soon.

His left ear twitched when he heard the slight creek of the wooden boards beneath his feet. "How is he?" A cold feminine voice asked. Her tone monotone. But gaze piercing.

"He survived." Was all Chiron gave up. She heard the underlying message; alive and suffering. A chill ran down his spine with a cold breeze that ruffled the shudders. "Who-?" Chiron turned his wheelchair around, but was met with nothing.

Except for a a bouquet of blue Helleborus Orientalis with the rim edging on pink sitting quaintly on the nightstand by the window. Or more commonly known as the Lenten Rose that blooms during the winter of all times. The strange clump-forming, late winter-blooming perennials which stand around a foot and a half tall features large, cup-shaped, rose-like, usually nodding flowers with center crowns of conspicuously contrasting yellow stamens. They were beautiful and eerie all the same. Chiron knows the name Helleborus, it translates literally to "injure food". That's right, hellebore was named after its famous use as a poison. The ancient Greeks knew how to use this plant successfully. How Percy managed to know some one who knows about this plant that was used in battle to poison a besieged city's water supply, and in smaller doses to supposedly cure madness.

Since the fall of ancient Greece, this plant has held a shadowy place in the flower world. Full of magic, mystery, darkness, and danger, this flower is a gothic delight. This evergreen, wintertime flower reminds us all too clearly of our own mortality. It thrives in seasons of dying light and cold, frozen soil. Blooming in the shadows, hellebore's lovely flowers draw us into the darkness with it. It's a strange omen during strange times.

...But it also symbolizes peace and serenity.

Hopefully the currier brings it in hope of being the ladder.

Chiron's eyes were glued to the bouquet. It felt... surreal. Almost like a dream. The small interaction was so quick and precise he had begun to think it was his imagination. But, that couldn't be the case. As he wheeled himself over inaudibly the room grew colder by the second. Only when did he rub the petals between his thumb and forefingers did the chill seep away. It is real. Picked fresh.

He sighed once more, another question added to the ever growing pile.

"Chiron." Now that voice was familiar. A partial greeting, yet a greeting all the same.

"Triton, I was beginning to think you were not going to show." Chiron didn't bother turning around. As if noticing for the first time a note hiding amongst the pedals.

"I got hung up. What are those?" Triton peered over Chiron's shoulder seeing the flowers. 'This is intriguing.' thought Triton as he crossed his arms.

"Lenten Roses. This strain is incredibly rare. A gift. And before you ask, I don't know from whom."

"I see... In that case I must be off." Triton uncrossed his arms making his way to his brother's bed. He dug something out from his chest-plate placing it at his side then whispered something in his ear. Triton stopped next to the the old centaur opening and closing his mouth a couple times before he settled on patting the old man's shoulder.

"I understand." Chiron shook his head, almost forgetting the fact that Triton is in fact a god. One with many responsibilities that haven't been attended to over the past week. "Don't worry, if the situation changes I will notify you immediately."

"I'm not worried." He lied. "Oh, Artemis will show up soon so watch out for that." Triton hurtled over his shoulder before melting away into a puddle of oceanic water.

"Great." Chiron mumbled. Another issue to deal with. The Campers and Hunters have been at each other's throats all week. Now mama bear is coming back. It will go down one of two ways; either they leave without a trace or drag them away kicking and screaming. For once he wishes them to treat each other in a dignified civilized manner. Don't get him wrong, he respects Artemis and her girls greatly, but for once he wishes to have that confrontation without all the headaches. The rivalry in of itself is stupid.

Yet, it does wonders in letting all those pent up feelings lose.

With a quick look around Chiron calls it a night. Wheeling himself out of the room not situated for a centaur he makes his way over to the main lobby. It will give him a chance to stretch out his legs. It gives them privacy for the time being. With a long drawn out yawn Chiron settles himself in for the night. Or the next few hours as he mulls over his options.

The sudden appearance with lack of forewarning forced Chiron to kept his mouth shut. They needed to rest more than he needed answers. And if that wasn't enough, once news spreads that they are back... teenagers are relentless.

In order to keep the, ahem, damage minimal he will give the announcement as soon as lunch is over. The old centaur yawned once more gazing at the clock internally slapping himself. In a few hours the sun will rise and he with it. Not one to complain, he settled tucking his tell in letting himself get comfortable. Tomorrows worries can only be answered tomorrow.

The moment his eyes shut did they groggily blink open as the morning gleam tickled his face. This blessing of a dreamless sleep did not come often. Even if it was only for a short amount of time. With the light intruding in on his pupils, he blinked away the tiredness of his awakening. As per usual he forced his body to stand up through millennia of discipline, it becoming a mere habit now. In these few precious seconds Chiron stretched out his limbs fiercely. The jittering of his limbs felt good.

His horse legs began moving on their own. It was obvious where they were taking him. Another check up before he starts his day officially, sprinkled with a few more visits just to be safe.

Ducking his head underneath the door way, Chiron stopped dead in his tracks. "Well this is a pleasant surprise." Chiron remarks stepping closer one leg at a time. "And here I thought I would be here all by my lonesome." Chiron smiles fondly. Despite all the trouble the people in their care get into, it is very refreshing when Artemis makes an appearance.

"I shan't be long." Artemis stood gracefully in the middle of the room looking between Thalia and Annabeth on one bed and Percy on his own.

"Leaving so soon?" Chiron made his way over to her.

"Hm, I have made arrangements for my huntresses and I to leave before the day is out." Artemis crossed her arms over her chest as her eyes lingered over Percy's bandages. The bandages that already seem to be changed if his eyes are not deceiving him.

"And what of the council meeting?" Chiron asked facing her directly. He wasn't invading, just lookin out for them.

"They will be attending. There is much to say and I want them to hear it." She ended that sentence roughly almost like she wanted to continue.

"All of them?"

"Yes-" Artemis turned to face him, "However, if you don't mind I have an announcement I'd like to make myself." Her face was expressionless. Odd when you have the face of a thirteen year old.

"I don't mind at all, but may I inquire what it is about? This is a rarity." Chiron tilted his head to the side.

"Just a precaution. When would be the best time?"

"Well, how does after lunch sound? That's when I was going to tell everyone they came back safely." Chiron nodded towards the three.

"I can make it work." Artemis nodded her head spinning on her heel as she took her leave. She stopped right before the doorway turning her back to face him, arms still crossed, "For the time being, can you make sure we are not disturbed? I have a feeling we will miss breakfast. And tell Thalia when she wakes to meet me in my cabin." Artemis gave one last gander at the other three occupants. Chiron nodded affirmatively and she left.

Whatever Artemis has planned Chiron will damn well make sure things don't go down hill. He doesn't want a repeat of that one year half the boys turned into jackalopes and chased for sport. They weren't hurt, thank gods, but the scars of that one night still can be seen in certain parts of camp.

Chiron gave in to one more thought. Everyone already knows that Grover is back. But since his return he ventured into the forest and has not come out. Something is eating at the Satyr, yet Chiron feels compelled to leave it up to him. From what they gathered, the quest members placed incredible trust in him. And Grover will deliver. He always has.

Not one to explicitly waste time Chiron left the Big House gunning it straight towards the forest in the back. Without stepping into the danger ridden foliage, Chiron calls for a Nymph to pass a message along. One that states that Grover must attend lunch, it is not a topic up for discussion. It definitely seems cryptic, but if Grover knew sooner, he would act strange. He's good, but not that good at keeping this to himself.

Now? Well he does have classes until noon.

It may appear that Chiron is wasting time, but one does have responsibilities, and a lot of teenagers, snooping teenagers, so yea he had his hoofs full. People don't give teenagers enough credit for noticing changes in adult behavior. He must act natural. Simply said. Secrets have a way of acting as venom before the symptoms become apparent to others. Dum dum dum his heart beats... Breakfast passes with little thought. As so, Artemis and her hunters were no where to be found. That raised a few eyebrows, but not enough to warrant questioning. They looked pleased they weren't dare.

Time has its own flow and in that its own beauty, for it cannot be commanded by wind as water can, yet only pass with unique divinity. On occasion it soars by leaving us craving more. While other times the clock shuts down forcing us to beg like starved beasts. 'Hurry up! Quit suffocating me!' We wish to scream when it does not go our way. Again, we crave what we cannot have.

Chiron attempts to distract himself, but as the seconds tick by, he believes it to be minutes. It taunts him when he catches the clock, or sun, and only a fraction of said time passed. It is as if it laughs at him. In spite of the fact that it is good news. The desire to shout in glee is overrun by the desire to give them the rest they rightfully deserve.

Rightfully so because no one has woken up. Meaning there is no one to send to Artemis. That is until noon finally approached.

The bells rung calling the campers that stay for the winter. Vastly smaller than the summer horde. The year rounders jogged up the hill with smiles before they noticed the marching of silver clad male haters.

Lunch started. Sacrifices made. Glares shared. Stories told. And the near overwhelming urge to throw a cup of Sprite at the lady table. Accidently of course.

That is until they noticed the head of that table. Zoe. 'Strange, shouldn't she be on that quest?' whispers mulled around. Clueless, they did nothing. Maybe it was the Stolls again.

Lunch neared it's end with Mr. D shamelessly snoring at the head table. Nothing new. But before anyone made their way out Chiron cleared his throat rising up from his seat. Then came out Artemis from behind standing tall, proud, and beautiful. She chose an older look this time around. This got everyone's attention. Silence, meaning something big. "As you all know roughly a week ago six set out on a quest to save this very goddess. Seeing her here safe and sound proves they succeeded!" Cheers arose from the lunch crowd.

"But that is not all!" Chiron continued, "With their successful rescue, they managed to bring Percy Jackson back home!" More cheers arose. They cheered clinging arms, hugging, and high fived. Though this was mostly from the campers. The hunters scowled. Chiron sensed their growing questioning gazes, "Yes, they are here! But, I request that you do not swarm them as they recover. It was not easily won." Happy faces were still formed. Another win for them.

No one noticed one unclaimed child sneak away smiling to see his sister.

"Ahem!" Artemis seamlessly calmed everyone down, "We may have one this time, but the price was high. Six left and seven returned. I'm sure you can figure out the math doesn't quite add up. One of my own, Bianca, didn't make it." Artemis cares for all the hunters like they were her own daughters so it hurts saying such a detail. A moment of silence passes for a couple of minutes. Alas, there is more. Always more.

"And Percy has become... incapacitated for an unknown amount of time. And thus is still a target. After the Winter Solstice meeting tonight it has been decided that Zoe shall remain here until such a time Percy awakes!" Artemis makes her declaration.

In that stillness fear entices the crowd. Perhaps it is the tone suggesting more at play, or the lack of wind letting every hair hang without movement, they were not sure. They don't even blink, just keep their eyes on the goddess as if she faded from existence. Shocked? Hell to the yea.

I know that the pairing may be confusing, but honestly I don't even know what to do with it. I'm only building relationships as of now. I know it's not what you want to hear, I apologize. I don't know even how to write relationships that way anyway. Even in the books he hardly interacts with dudes up to this point anyway. That's just a fact. Percy will interact more with dudes so I hope that helps. I'll try to keep the teasing to a minimum. I really am sorry, please by all means let me know what you guys want.