Nico (POV)
I tap my wand on my suitcases, shrinking them to pocket size.
"Will I see you around camp?" Will asks.
"Probably." I tell him. "For now I'm going to be visiting Hazel." I tell him.
He nods. "Well you better IM me."
I give him a shaky smile.
I put my hand to shake his, but Will pulls me into a hug.
I lean into his embrace, hiding my head in his shoulder. How could we fight the earth itself?
I arrive at camp Jupiter, and flip my sword. I always need to be ready to fight in case the Romans discover my heritage.
The Romans should have told Hazel I'm here by now.
I notice familiar golden brown hair in the distance. I smile.
I have missed Hazel. With everything that happened at school I haven't been able to visit her as often as I'd like.
"Hey." Hazel greets. "I've brought a friend."
I turn to see shaggy black hair and familiar sea green eyes. Oh merlin.
Why is Percy here? Does he remember me? Is he going to tell them all who I am?
"This is Percy Jackson," Hazel tells me, with a quizzical expression. "He's a good guy. Percy, this is my brother, the son of Pluto."
I need to calm down. Percy probably can't remember anything either.
"Pleased to meet you." I greet, putting out my hand "I'm Nico di Angelo."
He takes my hand, studying me warily.
"I-I know you." Percy tells me.
I panic, before forcing myself to act casual.
"Do you?" I raise my eyebrows and look over to Hazel.
Hazel hesitates giving me another confused look, before saying. "Um… Percy lost his memory." She tells me before explaining how Percy got to camp and his run in with Octavian.
"So, Nico…" Hazel continues carefully "I thought…you know, you travel all over. Maybe you've met demigods like Percy before, or..."
I give her a dark look. Drop it.
She stops at once, clearly understanding me.
I continue speaking with Percy, explaining Gaea to him, hoping he doesn't suddenly remember who I am.
Thankfully Frank interrupted our conversation. I like Frank, he's kind to Hazel and really that's all that matters.
Thankfully Percy then leaves, allowing me to talk to Hazel.
I'd like to talk with you some more. I can't shake the feeling—" Percy tells me.
"Sure." I agree, pretending to be calm at the idea of speaking to him. "Later. I'll be staying overnight."
"You will?" Hazel blurts out 'What about school?"
"Term ended early." I tell her.
I notice the confused expressions on Percy and Frank's faces. Most demigods don't attend school, it's too dangerous.
"Go on, Percy, settle in." I tell him before turning to Hazel. "My sister and I need to talk."
Once they had left Hazel turns to me. "You know him, don't you?" Hazel asks.
We sit on the roof of Pluto's shrine, which was covered with bones and diamonds. The bones had been here a long time, but I know the diamonds are because of Hazel.
I swing my feet, gazing across the valley. We need to do something about the doors of death.
"Percy Jackson." I say the name as if it is an incantation. "Hazel, I have to be careful what I say. Important things are at work here. Some secrets need to stay secret. You of all people—you should understand that."
I look over to Hazel. My words have a double meaning, I cannot tell her about us being Greek yet, but I will never be able to tell her about how I felt about Percy. I just got my sister back, I don't want to lose her.
Hazel's cheeks burn. "But he's not like…like me?"
"No." I answer quickly "I'm sorry I can't tell you more. I can't interfere. Percy has to find his own way at this camp."
"Is he dangerous?" she asks.
I manage a dry smile. "Very. To his enemies. But he's not a threat to Camp Jupiter. You can trust him."
"Like I trust you," Hazel says bitterly.
I know I keep a lot from her, but it's for her protection. I have to keep secrets.
I twist one of my rings, causing the bones around me to quiver.
"Look, I know this is hard." I begin "But you have a second chance. You can make things right."
"Nothing about this is right," Hazel replies angrily "If they find out the truth about me—"
I know what she means. That's exactly how I feel wherever I am.
"They won't." I promise her "They'll call a quest soon. They have to. You'll make me proud. Trust me, Bi—"
I catch myself. Hazel's not Bianca, she abandoned me.
I see a flash of hurt cross her face before she hides it.
"I'm sorry." I apologize.
"Then it's true about Death? Is Alcyoneus to blame?"
"I think so." I say "It's getting bad in the Underworld. Dad's going crazy trying to keep things under control. From what Percy said about the gorgons, things are getting worse up here, too. But look, that's why you're here. All that stuff in your past—you can make something good come out of it.
You belong at Camp Jupiter."
I feel odd telling her that, in spite of It being true. If someone had said that about me belonging at Hogwarts or camp I would have laughed. I don't belong anywhere.
Hazel's eyes glaze over and begin to sting with tears. I recognise what's happening, she's having a flashback.
I grasp onto her shoulders. "Hazel!"
A few minutes later her eyes return to their usual bright gold.
"You did it again." I tell her.
"S-sorry," she murmurs.
"Don't be." I tell her. "Where were you?"
"My mother's apartment. The day we moved." She answers.
I nod.
"You have to work on controlling those memories." I warn her "If a flashback like that happens when you're in combat—"
"I know," she says. "I'm trying."
I squeeze her hand "It's okay. I think it's a side effect from…you know, your time in the Underworld. Hopefully it'll get easier."
She looks away. I know she hates to be reminded of what happened to her, but ignoring something doesn't make it disappear.
"Are you still having yours?" she asks me.
I nod. I feel guilty about not telling Hazel of my own past when she has told me so much about her own.
"How?"
"I just let them play through. I can't remember everything, but they seem to have stopped." I explain.
She nods solemnly. "It's been eight months."
"It takes time to remember an entire life." I tell her.
She turns to me. "Was it ever really a life?"
My gaze turns sympathetic. I don't know what it's like to have a past like Hazel's. Though we are both from a time which was prejudice against us, I could hide. Most of the time I didn't even think about it. I had a good childhood.
For the rest of the day I stay close to Hazel and Percy.
I had expected another mind numbingly boring war game (it's almost as bad as Quidditch!) but this time things are different, the fifth legion wins and someone is killed.
I feel her soul leaving her body, then it stops. She came back.
When Mars arrives and gives them their mission and tells them of Thantos I realize what I have to do. With Thantos gone the doors will be in chaos. I know Hazel will complete the mission, but just closing the doors in Alaska won't be enough. I'll have to go into the underworld
Right before Hazel, Percy and Frank set off on their quest I return to the underworld to find the entrance.
I take a death breathe and throw my black bag over my shoulder. A goblet and plate from camp, Persephone's seeds, nectar and my shrunken trunk. My wand righting in my dragon hide arm holster.
I look down upon the pit. Its pull does not affect me as it does others, though I must still make a conscious effort not to fall.
I take another deep breath. I just need to find the doors and seal them, what happens after that is irrelevant. If I don't do this than Gaea will be able to raise whatever monsters she wishes, then we'll have no chance of defeating her and we'll all die, Hazel, Kat, Percy, Will. Everyone I care about will die.
I stand at the edge of the pit and allow it to pull me inside.
After several days of falling through the dark I begin to wonder if I will ever land, what if that's all Tartarus ever was? A deep never ending pit.
When I do eventually see the ground beneath me, I pull my wand from my holster and point it at the ground. "SPONGIFY!"
I highly doubt the ministry will be able to tell if I use underage magic in Tartarus.
I land softly, a pleasant feeling that quickly disappears. My skin begins to blister, the air suffocating me.
Of course no hero had ever seen Tartarus and survived, but surely the pit would not be so kind as to kill as soon as a hero arrives?
Something here must help. I look around me. There are two rivers and blistering red ground all around me. It must be one of the rivers…
I try to think quickly, ignoring the burning in my throat. Perhaps these are the rivers of the underworld?
One has flames dancing across it's surface while the other seems to be severed in toxic red clouds.
I begin to stumble towards the river of fire, remembering it's legend.
Once I finally reach the river Phlegethon, I push my hand into the fire before forcing the flames down my throat.
I let out a horrified scream as the fire burns it's way down my throat, but I keep drinking. The air has ceased to burn, but I then realize something I hadn't noticed with the pain. My senses are tingling, death and suffering far worse than anything I ever say in the underworld is all around me. I let ou a strangled scream, trying to push back the twists in my gut. If I allow it to get to me I will no doubt go insane.
I pull myself back, ignoring my senses and still in excruciating pain from the fire. I pull out the goblet I had stolen from camp half blood.
"Water!" I say, and thankfully it begins to fill with the clear liquid.
I drink the entire goblet at once before summoning more.
"Fancy seeing you here." A voice rings.
I look up to see once of the monsters I killed in the battle of Manhattan hovering over me with a cruel smile.
I pull out my sword and attack.
Two days have passed and I quickly learnt how much I overestimated my abilities as a child of Hades. Though my powers are much stronger here that is not necessarily a good thing. The pain and suffering around me is almost blinding.
I had long since lost my goblet and plate and now felt like my skin is trying to strangle me, pushing at me lungs making it almost impossible to breathe.
When the giants came for me I was barely alive, but I still tried to fight to no avail.
Will POV
Once Nico and Kat had disappeared Lou Ellen walks up to me, bags in tow.
"Come on sunspot. We have a plane to catch." She tells me.
I smile at her and head off to our text.
Once the plane lands a confused taxi driver takes the two tweens to the strawberry farm in the middle of nowhere.
"I have missed Camp." Lou declares.
I nod in agreement, thinking of my half siblings. We had become really close over the last two holidays especially after losing Michael and Lee.
When I arrive at camp they all pull me into hugs.
Sadly I had to leave my cabin quickly as another kid looked in the wrong light so I had to go to the infirmary to heal their eyes.
The atmosphere at camp is very tense. Everyone knows another war is on the horizon, something only the Ares kids were happily about, insisting they didn't get enough of a chance to fight in the last one.
A couple weeks into the summer we receive an Iris Message from the Annabeth, telling us everything that happened with the romans and Percy's quest. That was all frightening enough, but then she tells us about one of the seven Hazel's brother.
"There's something else." Annabeth's misty form tells us. "Hazel's brother Nico was kidnapped by giants. We are considering going on a rescue mission.
I freeze. Nico's been kidnapped? And what do they mean considering?
"WHAT HAPPENED?!" I yell, pushing my way to the front of the crowd.
The campers look at me in surpise. I rarely get angry, I prefer to be the one calming others.
After a moment Annabeth answers. "He entered Tartarus to close the doors but failed, and was kidnapped by giants. They are now keeping him in a large jar in Rome. Hazel tells us he has entered a death trance, but it will only last a week."
I feel like I'm about to have a heart attack. "THAT IDIOT!" I yell, frightening everyone. "I THOUGHT HE DID SOME DANGEROUS STUNTS BUT ENTERING TARTARUS?"
They all freeze, before starting to mutter.
"You know the child of Hades?" Drew asks, wrinkling her nose in disgust.
I glare at her. "His name is Nico and yes. He's one of my best friends."
That seems to surprise everyone. We are far from similar.
I ignore their reaction, instead focusing back on Nico. Why would he enter Tartarus? He knows very well that it's suicide. The idea of Nico dying makes something twist in my gut. Why would he risk that?
"I'll contact you if there are any developments." Annabeth says. "But IMing in Rome may be difficult."
"I'll send MoJo then." I say, making her glare at me.
"No you will not." She says with a terrifying look.
"Who's MoJo?" someone asks nervously.
I ignore them. Nico has a week left before this death trance is over. I rack my mind trying to remember the effects of a death trance. When I do I only become more furious.
"If that boy isn't dead I'm going to heal him of all injuries then kill him myself." I mutter, storming off to my cabin.
Nico POV
When I wake up I find myself being thrown around a large jar.
I hold onto the sides, attempting to breathe.
I then notice the two horrifically dressed giants throwing me around.
They laugh manically, before yelling at each other for messing up their hair. Great I was kidnapped by the Gilderoy Lockharts of giants.
Thankfully the giants hadn't taken my bag. I pull out Persephone's seeds and my wand and stare at them as they are also thrown around the jar.
I don't know any spells to help me breathe, nor do I know anything to get me out except for the exploding spell, which would kill me if I tried.
I shove the wand into my pocket, relieved the giants had finally put down my jar.
I sigh and take one of the seeds and swallow it, before beginning to meditate.
I don't have another choice. I just hope to the gods someone saved me before I run out of these seeds, but then again it's clearly a trap for Hazel or another demigod. The idea of Hazel dying because of me makes me sick, but there's nothing I can do.
Will POV
A week and a half later MoJo arrives. I had already been using MoJo to write to Kat, but the last time I wrote Annabeth.
I take the letter from his claws, petting the poor owl before reading.
Hey sun dude! It's Leo. Annabeth is…. Indisposed, which is something I'll explain later in the letter.
I roll my eyes and continue reading.
I haven't known Annabeth very long but she's going to be hella pissed at you for using an owl for messaging (hence why I replied) to answer your question we rescued the living dead (Nico) and are now on our way to Greece with Nico.
Thank the gods he's alright. I'm going to kill him.
Back to what I mentioned earlier… We have a tinsey little problem. Percy and Annabeth fell into Tartarus and are now attempting to close the doors of death. Okay maybe a GINORMOUS PROBLEM! P.s we have the Athena Panthos aboard ship (summoning a shitload of monsters) but it was the mission Athena gave Annabeth and apparently is very important.
I hope they're alright. I'll have to tell the others.
The Super-Hot Leo Valdez
After face palming at Leo (who reminds me way too much of Kat) I call a meeting with the others.
After the meeting where I spent half an hour being yelled at by Athena campers, I make my way over to the infirmary, my thoughts still on Nico.
He's never had a good sense of self preservence, but this is just ridiculous.
Nico POV
I look across the sea, perched at the helm of the Argo II.
Hazel keeps sending me concerned looks. She thinks Tartarus broke me, I think she might be right.
Every time I try to sleep my mind is filled with images of all of the pain I went through, all the death I saw.
I haven't spoken to Will or Kat either, I'm not sure how to.
I feel a hand on my shoulder. I immediately throw them off, before realizing it's Hazel.
"Hey." She greets softly. "Would you like something to eat?"
Before I could answer I hear an angry squawk.
I raise my sword fully prepared to kill whatever monster is attacking the ship, only to see a familiar fluffy owl.
"MOJO!" I exclaim.
Mojo lands on my shoulder, glaring at me.
I take the letter off of his leg.
I haven't seen Hazel this confused since she first saw my APod.
"Why is there an owl on your shoulder?" she asks.
I realize that if Annabeth were here she would be yelling at me for abusing poor Mojo, while Percy laughs and asks ridiculous questions, but no they fell into Tartarus trying to save the Athena Parthenos.
If they'll lucky they'll survive like me, but is that really lucky.
I ignore Hazel, and start reading Kat's letter.
Dear my imbicile of a best friend who once again forgot my existence.
You better respond to this! If I have to wait two months to hear your reply I actually will kill you this this. Will says that he has no idea where you are (probably a lying little bugger) but if he doesn't you better tell him because he sounded worried, and more importantly TELL ME! My summer has been more interesting than the last. I have actually visited Draco a couple times (avoiding Useless AKA Father) and I'll tell you all about that when you reply! Anyway I had fun with Alex as well and met up with The Weasley twins (MAGIC TWIN POWERS UNITE!) send me a reply, death boy.
Elladora Malfoy (Apparently as everyone seems to insist on calling me)
I almost smile. Kat (Or Elladora apparently) really is good at cheering me up.
"HEY GHOST BOY!" Leo yells. 'What's with the owl and letter?"
I glare at him. "It's being used as a messenger pigeon."
He raises his eyebrows at me, before snatching the letter out of my hand. "Who's Elladora? Your girlfriend?"
I give him a warning look, before calmly saying "Give me back that letter before I shove your screw driver so far up you never find it again."
He pales before handing it back to me.
Hazel chuckles. "But seriously, who is she?"
"I told you about her." I tell her, thinking back to my edited version. "Her name is Kat."
She gives me a confused look. "The girl who got all the mirrors in the school to make your professor think he was ugly? And started two different food fights? Forcibly washed your science teachers greasy hair and made someone's room play some kind of screaming music?"
Leo bursts into laughter. "Can I marry this girl?"
I glare at him. "I would never get a moment of quiet again."
When we find Hazel she was all alone. She quickly falls into Leo and my arms.
"I met Hecate." She tells us.
I freeze. Why would the goddess of magic wish to speak to my sister? I'm the one that carries her gift.
Hazel then begins to explain everything Hecate told her.
Hazel's mother really did have the gift of magic? Why did she never attend Hogwarts or another school? Are me and my sister really both sorcerers?
I take Hazel by her hand. "Hazel, you met Hecate at a crossroads. That's…that's something many demigods don't survive. And the ones who do survive are never the same. Are you sure you're—"
"I'm fine." she insists, not convincing me for a second.
I consider telling Hazel of my own magic before Leo speaks, reminding me of his presence.
When we return to the Argo II I try to find Hazel alone, knocking on her door after dark.
She opens the door instantly and gives me a small smile. "Hey Nico."
"Can I come in?"
I don't have my own room. Percy and Annabeth's rooms are empty, but I can't. I am over Percy but sleeping in his or his girlfriend's room would just feel wrong.
"What did you want to talk about?" she asks taking a seat on her bed.
I sit next to her. "I wanted to talk to you about Hecate."
She looks away. "I'll be alright."
"I know that." I tell her. "It's just that…" I swallow. "What have I told you of my mother?"
She gives me a confused look. "That she was an Italian politician living in Washington."
"My mother was a witch." I say plainly, making her eyes widen. "She was a politician for the Italian and American wizarding community's"
She gapes at me. "Wait, are you?"
"I'm a wizard." I tell her. "My whole family have been blessed with magic for a thousand years. Our kind have always lived in secrets from those who are not blessed."
After a moment of silence she says. "Is it a blessing or a curse?"
I frown. "Like Hecate said magic is a tool." I tell her.
"Why didn't you tell me?" she whispers.
I bow my head. "I wasn't sure how you'd react, considering your past."
Hazel nod, taking my hand in hers. "Thank you for telling me, Nico."
I give her a small smile.
"What's it is like?" she asks me.
"The wizarding world?"
She nods.
"The magical community Is very cut off from non-magical, or as we call them: muggles. From what I have seen of the mortal world it's very similar. There is a lot of prejudice towards those who are different."
Hazel saddens at this.
"They seem indifferent to skin colour, but those who do not come from wizarding families or that are not entirely human have quite a lot of prejudice towards them." I tell her, making her frown.
"Meaning us."
"Well I don't think they know about our kind, but yes. I don't think they'd be welcoming to us." I tell her.
She squeezes my hand. "So this school you go to?"
"Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry." I tell her.
She starts giggling. "Hogwarts?"
"I've heard all the jokes." I tell her.
She snorts. "Thank you for telling me, Nico. So this Ella did you send a reply"
"No, Mojo vanished I'll send a reply later" I tell with a forced a smile before leaving her room.
Travelling with the other demigods isn't very different to being at Hogwarts, except one important thing: they know about me. I can tell they're all terrified of me, they all jump whenever I speak and avoid being alone with me, but It's understandable I have an aura of death. One would have to be very brave or very stupid not to be afraid of me, meaning Kat and Will.
Being in Italy again is very familiar, but incredibly different. Hazel keeps trying to push me to open up to the others, she doesn't understand. She may be a child of death, but she's not like me. People like her.
I had planned my mission with Jason to be simple: find the sceptre and perhaps fight some angry ghosts. If I had thought for a second that I may have met Eros than I never would have volunteered.
When I had realised who Favournis is I felt like my chest had collapsed on itself. I had always loved the legend of Apollo, Favournis and Hyacinthus. It gave me hope, not because it was a happy story it was far from it, but because no one cared, his love for was treated just like every other legend. Now I have grown to hate it. Some legends are misleading.
The legend of Favournis quickly left my mind when he told me that Eros had been expecting me.
"Stop it!" I yell "It's me you want. Leave him alone!"
Even with those words a part of me wants nothing more than to run.
"Poor Nico di Angelo." Eros says, his voice laced with disappointment. "Do you know what you want, much less what I want? My beloved Psyche risked everything in the name of Love. It was the only way to atone for her lack of faith. And you—what have you risked in my name?
My heart speeds up, adrenaline taking over my body.
"I've been to Tartarus and back!" I snarl. "You don't scare me."
As much as I want to deny it I'm not entirely over Percy. In spite of all my attempts over the years to ignore my preferences, my feelings towards other boys have just grown stronger.
"I scare you very, very much. Face me. Be honest."
He's right, he terrifies me more than anything I've ever faced. I am a coward, the sorting hat was right. I do let fear rule my life.
I feel the ground around me shifting, the grass withering and stones crack.
"Give us Diocletian's sceptre. We don't have time for games." I tell him.
"Games?" Cupid hisses, causing me to fly into one of the pedestals "Love is no game! It is no flowery softness! It is hard work—a quest that never ends. It demands everything from you—especially the truth. Only then does it yield rewards."
If that is what love is like can't I just be alone? I don't want all this pain, I can't have it.
"Nico." Jason calls to me. "What does this guy want from you?"
"Tell him, Nico di Angelo." Cupid taunts. "Tell him you are a coward, afraid of yourself and your feelings. Tell him the real reason you ran from Camp Half-Blood, and why you are afraid to get close to anyone, why you are doomed to be alone."
I let guttural scream. The ground at my feet splits open and skeletons crawled forth.
"Will you hide among the dead, as you always do?" Cupid taunts.
I feel waves of darkness roll over me, before flooding to the rest of the room.
Memories wash over me: Percy protecting me and Bianca from the manticore. He was the first demigod I'd ever seen in action, Percy taking me by the arm and promising to keep Bianca safe .I believed him. I looked into his sea-green eyes and thought, How can he possibly fail? This is a real hero. He was my favourite game, Mythomagic, brought to life.
My heart shatters remembering when Percy returned and told me that Bianca was dead. I had screamed and called him a liar. I'd felt betrayed, but still…when the skeleton warriors attacked, I couldn't let them harm Percy. I had called on the earth to swallow them up, and then I ran away—terrified of my own powers, and my own emotions.
Then I remember the horrible grief I went through after losing Bianca, then Hagrid and Harry arriving telling me I'm a wizard. I had been so afraid of being found out, hated, that everyone would figure out what I was.
More memories flash before my mind: Meeting Kat and Will, the sorting hat telling me how I allow fear to rule my life, how shocked everyone was that someone as creepy as me is a Hufflepuff. Then I had found friends, Kat and Will were so kind to me when no one else was, they accepted me in spite me giving them no reason to. Will even accepted me for being a child of Hades. I can't remember a moment where he treated me any differently because of my father. More memories wash over me: How jealous I was when Will got a valentine, Will's unconditional acceptance of me, and all the times I would have done anything to save him.
I can't deny it any longer. I care about Will, but not how someone should care about their friend. I have feelings for him.
Anger explodes from me, causing the skeletons to reach forward and attack Cupid. How could I be so stupid? I find someone who accept me and I ruin it by falling for him?
My skeletons begin to pin down the god.
"Interesting! Cupid says, struggling against the skeletons "Do you have the strength, after all?"
"I left Camp Half-Blood because of love." I admit, before changing tactics "Annabeth…she—"
"Still hiding." Cupid hisses, smashing another skeleton to pieces. "You do not have the strength."
"Nico," Jason chokes out "it's okay. I get it."
I glance over to him. He could never understand.
"And so you run away again." Cupid chides. "From your friends, from yourself."
"I left Camp Half-Blood because I don't belong! I'll never belong! Not even at Hogwarts! If they knew about me I'd have to run again! But where else can I go?" I yell.
The skeletons had Cupid pinned now, but the invisible god still laughed cruelly.
"Leave him alone, Cupid." Jason croaks "This isn't…"
I freeze. Jason knows. He must hate me, why else would he stop.
. "I—I wasn't in love with Annabeth." I croak out.
"You were jealous of her." Jason says. "That's why you didn't want to be around her. Especially why you didn't want to be around…him. It makes total sense."
He knows. My mind whispers to me.
All the fight and denial seems to leave me. The darkness and skeletons disappear, showing what I truly am: a scared kid.
"I hated myself." I mutter. "I hated Percy Jackson, but I could never bring myself to hate Will."
Cupid reveals himself. A pale man with long black hair are un-naturally perfect features, all sharp enough to kill. His eyes are red, as though full of blood. He grins triumphantly at me.
"I'm homosexual." I hiss "That's the truth. That's the big secret."
I glare at cupid. "Happy now?"
For the first time, Cupid's gaze seems sympathetic. "Oh, I wouldn't say Love always makes you happy." His voice sounds smaller. "Sometimes it makes you incredibly sad. But at least you've faced it now. That's the only way to conquer me."
Cupid dissolved into the wind, leaving me alone with Jason.
I may have faced my secret, but I feel far from better.
I reach to the ground, picking up the spectre, before turning to Jason.
He hasn't said anything yet, I'm not sure whether that's good or bad. His gaze doesn't seem angry, if anything it's sympathetic, but I must be misunderstanding him. How could someone feel bad for someone like me?
"If the others found out—" I begin.
"If the others found out," Jason continues for me. "You'd have that many more people to back you up, and to unleash the fury of the gods on anybody who gives you trouble."
He doesn't hate me? Why not?
I think back to Bianca, she never judged me for liking others boys, then Kat, a lot of her shirts mentioned being against homophobia and she's always against judging others for being different… no. I can't get my hopes us. People like me aren't accepted.
What does Jason mean? Is he going to tell them?
"But it's your call," Jason adds quickly. "Your decision to share or not. I can only tell you—"
"I don't feel that way about Percy anymore." I mutter. I want to say I don't feel that way about Will, but would he really believe me? I doubt I could convince anyone of anything right now.
"Nico." he says gently, "I've seen a lot of brave things. But what you just did? That was maybe the bravest. A true Gryffindor." He tells me.
I turn to him. "You-"
"I saw everything." He tells me. "I know about Hogwarts and everything else. I won't tell anyone." He promises me.
I nod, still not trusting him. Could he be telling the truth? I am not brave, I am weak. I run and I hide, like the little kid that I was when I first realized how I felt about other boys. The hat was right, I am no Gryffindor.
"We should get back to the ship." I tell him.
"Yeah. I can fly us—" he suggests.
"No." I announce "This time we're shadow-traveling. I've had enough of the winds for a while."
Jason seemed to keep his promise. As far as I'm aware no one else has learnt my secrets, but I am far from trusting him. For the rest of the mission Jason keeps trying to get me alone to ask me about the wizarding world or tries to convince me to leave the shadows, but I avoid him whenever possible.
When Percy and Annabeth returned from the quest it was definitely awkward. Jason keeps sending me sympathetic looks. I was almost happy for the opportunity to leave with Reyna and Coach Hedge. Everyone here knows too much, there's too much history. I leave my trunk and wand with Hazel (who was extremely fascinated with the idea of a shrunken trunk.)
Shadow travelling the Athena Parthenos with Reyna was more exhausting than I could have possibly imagined, at every turn we faced a new threat.
While shadow travelling us to Italy, my thoughts stray to my childhood. Things were never this hard. We had our problems and secrets, but I was never alone.
Will POV
After finishing reading Kat's letter (who is still annoyed at me for being vague.) I start writing to Nico. Hoping MoJo can find him.
NICO YOU IDIOT!
Why would you go into Tartarus? It's obviously a suicide mission! And a death trance? THAT'S INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS! You better be taking care of yourself (though considering the rest of your behaviour I highly doubt it.)
Please write back soon
Your future murderer Will Solace
A few days later at lunch I get my reply when MoJo passes out on my sandwich.
Quickly taking the letter and running from the angry Athena children I hide in the infirmary and read.
Dear Will Solace.
This is not Nico. I'm afraid you just missed him as Nico has left for a separate quest with Reyna and Coach Hedge where he will be shadow travelling the Athena Panthos back to Camp Half Blood. I know it is a dangerous mission, but it is necessary to stop the war. For the record I am aware of everything. After an incident I saw a number of Nico's memories (I won't tell) and I am really worried about him. He won't eat or sleep and avoids everyone but Hazel. He spent most of his time on dangerous missions or glaring at his potions homework.
Jason Grace.
I remember how drained Nico is every time he shadow travels short jumps by himself, but with a giant statue and two people? IT'S GOING TO KILL HIM! Why would he agree to that? Doesn't he value his own life? What am I saying of course he doesn't.
I make my way to call another meeting, muttering about suicidal children of Hades.
Nico POV
When we reappear something seems wrong. I collapse onto the ground instantly, but before I could pass out I notice where we are: My old home in Italy.
When I wake up Reyna and Coach Hedge have set up around me.
"There you are." Reyna says when she sees me awake.
I study the area around me. Like I had thought we're in the back garden of our summer home in France.
"Any idea where we are, kid?" Coach Hedge asks, handing me the Gatorade. "Reyna said you're Italian so do you know where we are?"
I take a sip before answering. "My old family home."
Their expressions turn to ones of surprise.
Coach whistles. "Nice place. Don't by any chance have the key?"
I look over to the building. As I remember it is a six story white marble manor with ivory growing over the side of the building, complete with large gardens and a Quidditch pitch.
I nod, pulling myself from the ground and making my way toward the door.
I place my hand on the window, allowing the wards around the house to recognise me.
The manor is just as I remember, except all the furniture and portraits are covered in white sheets, making the house seem empty, almost sad.
From behind me I hear Coach Hedge whistle in approval. "Nice place you got here." He says, before accidently tipping Gatorade onto the carpet.
I glare at him.
Before I could say anything I hear a loud POP! Behind me.
I turn to see a familiar large bat ears and big excited eyes. Vergo looks much older than the young elf I remember, but she has the same joy in her eyes when she sees me.
"MASTER NICO!" She yells, running over to hug my legs.
Reyna and Hedge raise their weapons.
"CAN I KILL IT?!" Hedge yells, waving his bat manically.
"NO!" I say instantly. "Vergo is a friend."
They lower their weapons, studying the elf. "What is she?"
"House Elf." She chirps, smiling at them. "Would master's friends like some food?"
Reyna seems to give Vergo an adoring look before catching herself and returning to her usual stern expression.
"If you don't mind." I tell the elf, before adding "He's a vegetarian."
"Will you be staying long?" she asks with a hopeful expression.
I shake my head, making her ears fall.
"Sorry, but we're on a quest." I explain, making her look panicked.
"Is master in danger?" she squeaks.
I give her a small nod, making her squeal in terror. "Oh dear."
Once Vergo had skipped off to the kitchens they both turn to me.
"Why do you have a house elf? And what is a house elf?" Reyna asks.
"WHY CAN'T I KILL IT?!" Coach Hedge whines.
"She's a magical creature." I explain. "She worked for my family when I was younger. Apparently she never stopped." I explain.
They raise their eyebrows at me.
"Your family knew of magic?" Reyna asks.
I give her a look to say: Don't ask questions.
"We can stay here tonight." I say changing the topic. "The Athena Panthos should be safe in the back garden. As far as I'm aware there's no one for miles."
"I'll have Aurum and Argentum guard it anyway." Reyna says with a wary expression.
I nod.
The elf reappears holding a gigantic tray of tomato and basil pasta. "Sorry Vergo didn't have time to make more courses." She says, putting the food onto the dining table along with three plates and cutlery.
They raise their eyebrows.
"Thank you, Vergo." I say. "Can you please prepare three rooms?"
She nods excitedly before disappearing.
Once I had inhaled the pasta, Vergo shows us to our rooms.
My room has not changed in seventy years. Still are the light blue walls with brooms and snitches flying around (My mother's idea, not mine) and large canopy bed.
I trace my finger over the moving picture of me with Mama and Bianca. It may all look the same, but everything else has changed.
"Hello Master Nico." Vergo squeaks from the doorway.
"Ciao." I greet.
"Will Mistresses Maria and Bianca be joining us as well?" Vergo asks hopefully.
I look towards the picture, before choking out "I'm sorry Vergo, they're gone."
She lets out a strangled whimper. "I had thought they were for some time, I thought you all were."
I walk over to the mirror on the other side of the room, studying my reflection. My skin has lost all colour, becoming sickly green. My eyes are sunken and surrounded by dark shadows, and my body looks more like the skeletons I control than a person. Maybe I am just as dead as my family.
I sigh and explain everything that happened since we hid from Zeus in the hotel.
Vergo latches onto my legs. "I'm so sorry, Master."
"Vergo cannot stop master from going on this quest, but Vergo can help. Vergo will prepare nutrient potions for young master."
I go to protest, but she interrupts me. "Master must rest. Vergo will prepare."
She uses her magic to force me into bed, turning out the light on the way out.
Vergo really hasn't changed.
When I wake up the next morning I notice a number of potions by my bedside table, all to do with nutrient and healing (and even a tanning potion -_-)
I reluctantly drink the potions except the tanning one (all of which taste like goblin piss) before making my way to the kitchens where Hedge and Reyna are sitting watching Vergo skip around making breakfast.
Over breakfast I write a letter for Kat and hand it to Vergo as we prepare to leave.
"If you don't wish to stay here alone you can stay with my friend Kat." I tell her, cheering the gloomy elf. "But she lives with muggles so you'll have to be careful."
Reyna and Coach look at me in confusion, but I ignore them.
"Oooooh muggles." She says dreamily.
"Give that letter to Kat. It will explain everything." I tell her.
She gives me a quick hug before we once again take off with the Athena Parthenos.
"Until your little secret comes out."
Bryce flicks the point of his piliium across Reyna's face, leaving a line of blood,
And my rage explodes.
Later they told me what happened. All I remembered was the screaming.
According to Reyna, the air around me dropped to freezing. The ground blackened. In one horrible cry, I unleashed a flood of pain and anger on everyone in the clearing. Reyna and the Coach experienced being pulled from time, losing my sister, hiding who I am at Hogwarts, my journey through Tartarus, my capture by the giants, my days washing away in that bronze jar. They felt my anguish from my days on the Argo II, and my encounter with Cupid in the ruins of Salona.
They heard his unspoken challenge to Bryce Lawrence loud and clear: You want secrets? Here.
They saw what I did to him: I was cold, evil, I killed him in cold blood without even raising a weapon. I turned him into a ghost.
After that I had completely dissolved into shadows for three days. If it weren't for Coach Hedge I still would be.
Reyna stares at the cairn of rocks, her eyes full of torment, as if more unwelcome spirits might emerge from the grave.
I take a deep breath, getting a nose full of Hedge's fragrant home remedy. "Reyna, I…. I didn't think. What I did to Bryce-"
"You destroyed him." Reyna tells me. "You turned him into a ghost. And, yes it reminded me what happened to my father."
"I didn't mean to scare you." I say bitterly. "I didn't mean to… to poison another friendship. I'm sorry."
I had already ruined my friendship with Will, I'll never be able to return to Hogwarts so I've lose Kat and the others as well. And I know what happens when my friends find out just how dark I really am.
Reyna studies my face. "Nico, I have to admit, the first day you were unconscious, I didn't know what to think or feel. What you did was hard to watch… hard to process.
Coach Hedge chews on his stick. "I gotta agree with the girl on this one, kid. Smashing somebody's head in with a baseball hat, that's one thing. But ghostifying that creep? That was dark stuff."
I would have expected to be angry- to shout at them for trying to judge me. That's was I normally did. But I can't judge them. I am dark, there's no questioning that. They have every right to judge me.
"Why did you bring me back?" I ask. "You knew I couldn't help you anymore. You should have found another way to keep going with that statue. But you wasted three days watching over me. Why?"
Coach Hedge snorts. "You're part of the team, you idiot. We're not going to leave you behind."
But they know about me. They know all my secrets, they even said themselves that what I did was dark, wrong.
"It's more than that." Reyna rests her hand on mine. "While you were asleep. I did a lot of thinking. What I told you about my father… I never shared that with anyone. I guess you were the right person to confide in. You lifted some of my burden. I trust you, Nico."
I stare at her, mystified. "How saw my anger, saw my worse feelings…"
I swallow. They know I liked Percy, that I still do like Will. They know how utterly wrong I am.
"Hey kid," Coach Hedge says, his tone softer. "We all get angry. Even a sweetheart like me."
Reyna smirks, squeezing my hand. "Coach is right, Nico. You're not the only one who lets the darkness out one in a while. I told you what happened with my dad, and you supported me. You shared your painful experiences; how can we not support you. We're friends."
I don't know what to say. They'd seen my deepest secrets. They knew who I am, what I am. Will and Kat had always accepted me, but they don't know the whole story. They just think I'm an orphan who can control shadows, they don't know I can kill without even touching someone, how dark I truly am. They don't know what I am.
But Reyna and Coach know everything, but they don't seem to care. No…. they care more.
They're not judging me. They're concerned. None of this makes sense to me.
I'm about to attempt to shadow travel again when a voice stops me.
"Nico?"
I spin around, my sword instantly In my hand, almost decapitating Will.
"Put that down!" Will hisses. "What are you doing here?"
He seems to be staring at me, making me incredibly uncomfortable. I know I look a lot different than I used to.
"Hello to you to." I mutter, thinking back to my realization during my confrontation with Eros.
I study Will. He's as handsome as ever, in spite of the ridiculous black paint on his face. He's wearing all black, a sight I rarely see outside of our school robes, as well as binoculars around his neck. I then notice the other people present: Lou Ellen whose hair is an identical green to the bushes around her is also painted black hiding in the bushes with a dagger along with the Hermes camper Cecil.
"Me?" I ask glaring at him. "What are you doing here? Getting yourselves killed?"
Will scowls at me, apparently not expecting me to yell at him. "Hey, we're scouting the enemy. We took precautions."
"You dressed in black." I note. "With the sun coming up. You painted your face, but you didn't cover that glowing mop of blonde hair. You might as well be waving around a yellow flag."
He blushes, while Lou Ellen chuckles.
"Kind as ever, Neeks."
I glare at her, before turning back to Will.
"Lou Ellen wrapped some mist around us as well." Will argues. "And you're not exactly hiding with that shirt. Lovely colours on you by the way."
I blush "This wasn't my idea. My shirt was destroyed." I grumble.
"How?" He asks, glaring at me.
Cecil and Lou Ellen share amused looks.
"An incident." I reply gruffly. Will probably wouldn't react well to me facing the original pack of werewolves… and egging Lyacon on and killing him.
"The kind of incident that gets you sent to Tartarus or the kind that has you shadow travelling across the world with a giant statue."
I intensify my glare. "Those weren't incidents, they were choices."
He glares at me even more. "Extremely bad ones."
I realize Will has a point about me attracting attention so I crouch down next to him. "Anyway." I say, dismissing his anger. "Did Coach Hedge make it to camp?"
"Did he ever." Lou Ellen chuckles.
Will elbows her.
I hadn't paid much attention to how close they are before. Do they like eachother? It would make sense. She's one of his best friends and he can trust her with anything and she is pretty, not to mention she's a girl.
"Yeah Hedge is fine. He made it just in time for the baby's birth." Will tells me.
I instantly forget all thoughts of Will and Lou. "The baby!" I grin, hurting my face muscles. I haven't made that expression in a long time. "Mellie and the kid are alright?"
"Fine. A very cute little satyr boy." Will shudders. "Have you ever delivered a baby?"
I give him a look of absolute disgust. "Um, no."
"I had to get some fresh air. That's why I volunteered for this mission. Gods of Olympus, my hands are still shaking. See?"
He takes my hands in his, sending an electric current down my spine.
I blush and pull away quickly. "Whatever." I snap. "We don't have time for chitchat.
Will looks a little hurt, but shakes it off.
"The Romans are attacking at dawn and I've got t-" I continue, before I'm interrupted.
"We know." Will says. "But if you're planning to shadow travel to that command tent, forget it."
I glare at him. "Excuse me?"
He holds my glare as always. Everyone else seems to be afraid of me, but In the last two years Will hasn't seemed even intimidated by me for a second.
"Coach Hedge told me about all the shadow travel you've done. You get exhausted with a small jump! This is killing you!" he exclaims.
"I just did try it again, Solace. I'm fine!"
He flinches. "So we're back to last names are we? Di Angelo? And no you're not. I'm a healer, I could feel the darkness in your hands as soon as I touched them. Even if you made it to that tent you'd be in no shape to fight. But you wouldn't make it. One more slip, and you don't come back. There's no way in Tartarus I'm ever letting that happen. You are not shadow travelling. Doctors' Orders."
My glare softens. Would he really care that much?
"Hey lovebirds. We're still here." Lou tells us, grinning.
We both glare at her, blushing.
"The camp is about to be destroyed-" I argue, ignoring Lou Ellen.
"And we'll stop the Romans." Will tells me, his blue eyes fixed on my black ones. "But we'll do it our way. Lou Ellen will control the Mist. We'll sneak around, do as much damage to those onagers. But no shadow travel."
"But-"
"No."
Lou Ellen and Cecil's heads swivel back and forth like they're watching a really intense Quidditch game.
I sigh in exasperation. I hate working with other people, no matter how many times over the last couple years I have worked with Will, I will never get over how stubborn he is.
I gaze down at Camp Half Blood, where the rest of the Greeks are preparing for war. Past the troops and ballistae, the canoe lake glitters pink in the first light of dawn. I remember when I first arrived at Camp-Half Blood, crash landing in Apollo's sun chariot, which had been converted into a fiery school bus.
I remember Apollo smiling and tan, completely cool in his shades.
Thalia has said He's hot
He's the sun god, Percy replied.
That's not what I meant.
I gaze over at Will. He is also ironically hot, but not in the way Apollo is. He's natural and humble, a sweet guy who doesn't even realize how great he is. Oh Hades I'm turning into a child of Aphrodite.
"Whatever." I grumble, glaring between them. "But we have to hurry. And you'll follow my lead."
"Fine." Will agrees, seeming put off by my attitude "Just don't try to kill yourself again and I think we'll actually get along."
Will's plan worked surprisingly well, or at least until we get found.
I really wish I could use magic. A few simple spells and Octavian and the only Romans would cease to be a problem, but no I had to leave my wand in my trunk with Hazel.
I can still easily kill Octavian even without my wand. I am sure I can do it before the First Cohort intervene, nor do I care whether doing so kills me as well. The trade-off would be worth it. But, after what happened with Bryce, the idea of killing another demigod in cold blood –even Octavain- doesn't sit well. And the last thing I would ever want is to kill Will and the others with me, and if I do manage to find a way to not kill them, I hate the idea of Will seeing me like that, as a murderer.
"I'm helping the Greeks and Romans." I say, making Octavian laugh.
"Don't try to con me. What have they offered you? A place in their camp? They won't honour their agreement."
"I don't want a place in their camp." I snarl. "Or in yours. When this war is over I'm leaving everywhere camps for good.
I don't say Hogwarts, but I'm sure Will understands what I mean. I have grown to consider Hogwarts a home, which is why it's so dangerous. Especially now that I know I have feelings for Will. Being around him will only make them worse.
Will makes a sound likes he's been punched in the gut.
I scowl. "This is not the time!" I hiss at him. "But I don't belong. That's obvious! I'm a child of Hades! It's better to cut my ties now."
Will turns red "Oh please. None of us ever pushed you away! You have friends, people that care about you but you never let us get close because you think we're going to suddenly hate you. You're the one who pushes us away, maybe if you get your head out of that brooding cloud of yours for once-"
I glare at him. What does he know? I have to push people away, if I let them get close it will just hurt more when they leave.
"Enough!" Octavian snaps. "Di Angelo, I can beat any offer the Greeks could possibly make. I always thought you would make a powerful ally. I see ruthlessness in you, and I appreciate that. I can assure you a place in New Rome. All you have to do is step aside and allow Romans to win. The god Apollo has shown me the future-"
I don't believe him for a second, but his words still get to me. Am I ruthless? I know death is necessary, but do they really think I am someone who would let others die for my own gain?
Will shoves me out of the way and gets in Octavians face. "I am the son of Apollo, you anemic loser. My father hasn't shown anyone the future because the power of prophecy isn't working. But this-" he waved at the assembled hordes of monstrous armies spread across the hillside. "This is not what Apollo would want!"
Octavian's lip curls. "You lie. The god told me personally that I would be remembered as the saviour of Rome. I will lead the legion to victory, and I will start by.
I feel the sound before I hear it- thunk thunk thunk. All at once the onagers fire, and six golden comets billow into the sky.
As Octavian loaded the faulty onager I almost lost my nerve. I know Octavian will die if he attempts this, I know it may even kill Jason and the others in the sky with Gaea, but my father's words continue ringing in my ear.
Some deaths should not be prevented.
"Good-bye, Gaea!" Octavian yells "Good-bye, Jason Grave the traitor!"
I avoid looking at Will as the catapult sprang forward, launching Octavian along with the ammunition. The augurs scream fades until he was simple part of the fiery comet soaring skyward.
"Good-bye, Octavian." Michael Kahale says.
He glares between Will and I one last time, as if daring us to speak. He then turns his back and trudges away.
I can live with Octavian's death. I might even say good riddance.
But I feel my heart sink as the comet kept gaining altitude. It disappears into the storm clouds, and the sky explodes in a dome of fire.
Over the last couple days I haven't spoken to Will. He must have finally seen too much. There's a reason I have avoiding killing anything or anyone in front of Will, but now he has seen me at my worst: allowing someone else to die.
"Look, Nico, the reason I wanted to talk to you… I know what you said back at Auster's palace. I know you already turned down a place at camp Jupiter. I-I probably can't convince you to change your mind about leaving Hogwarts and Camp Half-Blood, but I have to…"
"I'm staying."
Jason blinks. "What?"
"I'm staying at Camp Half Blood. The Hades cabin needs a Head counsellor. Have you seen the décor? It's disgusting. I'll have to remodel. And someone has to do the burial rites properly, since demigods insist on dying heroically."
"That's fantastic!" he exclaims, opening his arms for a hug. "Right. No touching. Sorry"
I grunt. "I suppose I can make an exception."
Jason squeezes me so hard I feel like my ribs are about to crack. "Wait, what about Hogwarts?"
I sigh. "I'm not going back."
He freezes, letting me go. "Is this about Will? Because you should know: I don't think he'd judge you. He might even feel the same way."
I think back to Will's absence over the last couple days. I don't think he'll ever speak to me again let alone be with me.
I look away. "It's not worth risking it."
"So you'd rather just give up? Even if he doesn't feel the same way he's still your friend. And what about Kat? I didn't see much, but she seems cool."
I do miss Kat. I happen to look over to the Apollo cabin to see Will looking at me. "You don't understand. If they found out what I can do at Hogwarts it wouldn't be pretty. And you don't understand-"
"Yes I do. I saw Hogwarts, and we both know if anything does go wrong you'd be out of there before anyone could even get out their wands. And if you're about to tell me how everyone would be disgusted by you if they knew, I need to tell you that is just not true. Sure there are homophobes, but most people are accepting, gay marriage is complete legal all over America. Things have changed in seventy years."
I freeze. Is he telling the truth? Jason, Reyna and Coach all reacted well to finding out so why not Will and Kat?
"I'll think about it." I mutter.
Jason grins at me. "I'm going to take as a yes. But until then since we're both alone in our cabins we can share a table in the dining hall. We can team up for capture the flag and sing along contests and-"You really are doing a good job at making me want to leave." I tell him.
He smirks at me. "I'm just glad you're not going to be on your own either way."
The funny thing is, I believe him.
I look back over to Will who's stern expression had only grown. Hee points to the ground at his feet like to say: You. Here. Now.
"Jason, would you excuse me?"
Jason just smirks between us.
"So where were you?" Will demands. He's wearing his usual green surgeon shirt with jeans and flip-flops, which is probably not standard hospital protocol.
"What do you mean?" I ask.
He glares at me, as if saying: what do you think I mean?
"I've been stuck in the infirmary for, like two days. You don't come by. You don't offer to help."
"I… what? Why would you want a son of Hades in the same room with people you're trying to heal? Why would anyone want that?"
"You can't help out your best friend? Maybe cut some bandages? Bring me a soda or snack? Help me with my homework? Or ask me for help on yours which you've apparently been trying to glare to death. Or maybe a simple How's it going, Will? You don't think I could stand to see a friendly face?"
"What… my face? When am I ever friendly?"
The words simple don't make sense together. Friendly face. Nico Di Angelo.
"You're even denser than I remember." Will notes. "I hope you got over that nonsense about leaving Camp and Hogwarts."
"I'm staying at camp." I say.
When I notice Will angry expression I add. "And I'm going back to Hogwarts. If I say no you'll just try and kidnap me anyway."
"You got that right." He smirks. "Kat and Lou Ellen would help. And I'm glad you're just dense not an idiot today."
"Jason and Reyna would help too." I mutter, glaring at the end of that sentence. "Be glad I don't shadow travel you to china for that."
"Right now you couldn't summon a wishbone without melting into a puddle of darkness. I told you, no more underworld-y stuff, doctors orders. You at least three days in the infirmary. Starting now."
I feel a hundred skeletal butterflies are resurrecting in my stomach. "Three days? I-I suppose that would be okay."
"Over those three days maybe you'll explain why you're in such a mood, or why you were stupid enough to go into Tartarus!"
I gulp.
Out of the corner of my idea I notice Jason smirking at us.
I resist the urge to have the earth swallow him, knowing it would just make Doctor Solace even angrier.
"Not happening." I tell Will, glaring.
"Oh it's happening." He glares back.
A loud whoop cuts through the air.
Over by the hearth in the centre of the common, Percy is grinning at something Annabeth had just told him. Annabeth laughs and slaps his arm playfully.
"I'll be right back." I tell the arguing Will.
I walk over to Percy and Annabeth, who are both grinning like crazy.
"Hey man." Percy says. "Annabeth just told me some good news. Sorry if I got a little loud."
"We're going to be spending out senior year together." Annabeth explains. "Here in New York after summer. And after Graduation…"
"College in New Rome!" Percy pumps his fist like he was blowing a truck horn. "Four years without monsters to fight, no battles, no stupid prophecies. Just me and Annabeth, getting our degrees, hanging out in cafes, enjoying California…"
"And after that…" Annabeth kisses Percy on the cheek. "Well Reyna and Frank said we could live in New Rome as long as we like.:
"That's great." I tell them. I'm a little surpised to realize that I actually mean it. "I'm staying at camp for the rest of the holidays before going back to Hogwarts."
"Hogwarts?" Percy raises his eyebrows. "That's even worse than vampire academy as I've been calling it."
I study his face- his sea green eyes, his grin, his ruffled black hair. Somehow Percy Jackson seems like a regular guy now, not a mythical figure. Not someone to idolize or crush on.
"So." I say. "Since I still plan on spending a lot of time at both camps, I think I should clear the air."
Percy's smiles wavers. "What do you mean?"
"For a long time." I admit. "I had a crush on you. I just wanted you to know." Percy stares at me for a moment before looking at Annabeth, as if to check he heard correctly, then back at me. "You-"
"Yeah." I say, thinking back to Jason's words. "You're a great person. But I'm over that. I'm happy for you guys."
"You…. so you mean-"
"Right."
Annabeth's grey eyes start to sparkle. She gives me a sideways smile.
"Wait," Percy says. "So you mean-"
"Right." I say again. "But we're cool. I mean, I see now… you're cute, but you're not my type."
"I'm not you're type… Wait. So-"
"See you around, Percy." I tell him, feeling strangely relieved. "Annabeth.'
She raises her hand for a high five, which I oblige, before walking back across the green to the still glaring Will Solace.