Hey all, I'm baaack! I arrived last Friday but I was too tired to do anything :P!

So 1st of all, I want to thank all the crew of Costa Pacifica, especially Peppe and Andy for making the cruise very special! I want to thank all the friends I made for…well…being my friends. And finally, I want to thank people living in Catania, Civitavecchia/Rome, Savona[Italy], Barcelona, Palma della Mallorca and Tunis for making my time on land very memorable :D!

I know this is almost impossible, but is there anyone amongst my readers which was on the Costa Pacifica between the 6th and 13th August? If yes, please give a shout out in your review :D tnks!

Now that that bit has been settled, on with the overdue update :D

Chapter 14 - Proven Wrong

It's been almost 4 months.

4 months without seeing her face.

4 months without hearing her voice.

4 months without seeing my friends.

I haven't seen Nico, Thalia, Bianca or Malcolm in 4 fucking months.

And this is all Poseidon and Athena's fault.

In these 4 months Triton and I really got closer. As with Amphitrite. Both of them understood my pain. But Poseidon? He didn't give a shit. I never saw this Poseidon in the 5 years I spent with him. I thought he understood and knew what true love was. I guess I was wrong.

Today was December 24th. Tonight was the Winter Solstice and the children of the Big 3 are to be present. At least I get to see Thalia, Nico and Bianca. I'm sure they hate me because I never went back and I hope they'll understand after I explain why I couldn't leave. Poseidon had kept me on lock down and told all his guards to never let me out without an escort.

As for the Winter Solstice, I remember Poseidon telling me about it.

**FLASHBACK**

"Percy, can I talk to you?" said Poseidon when Triton and I paused from our sparring session.

I simply nodded. I didn't want to talk to him. Today marked the day of my 2 months in this Aquatic Tartarus. It literally felt like that. I couldn't go anywhere outside the Palace and I already knew the Palace like the back of my hand. If it wasn't for Triton, I would be already dead with boredom.

"In the next Winter Solstice, Zeus decreed that all the children of the Big 3 are to be present. You get to see Nico and Bianca again. So cheer up."

I rolled my eyes. "Dad you know what cheers me up."

"And what cheers you up, tortures me inside. So forget it," he said sternly.

I fake smiled. "Then cheer up dad. Cheer up for the fact that you're making your son live in Tartarus."

I left before he could reply.

**END OF FLASHBACK**

I sighed at the memory. Then I saw Triton come over. He sat next to me.

"So bro, you ready for the winter solstice?" he asked.

I nodded half-heartedly.

He sighed. "Look Percy, I think you should really make your move tonight. I have a plan. But it's pretty risky."

I looked at him, wide eyed.

"Go on," I said quickly.

"Use the lift down to Manhattan," he said simply.

After a silence, I burst out laughing. "Yeah right. Poseidon will catch me before I even get in the lift."

He smiled "But that's the trick. You get in the lift, you pretend to go down BUT when he goes inside the lift, you teleport yourself downstairs. Then you make a run for it."

My mouth hung open. "Oh my gods. Triton that's brilliant. But I need a distraction."

"That's where I come in," said Amphitrite as she came from behind us.

"I'll distract Poseidon long enough for you to go get your girl," she said smiling with a wink.

I blushed and nodded. Then I hugged them both. "Thanks guys. You're the best."

"We know," they said smilingly.

Then Amphitrite gave me a small box. I took it and opened it.

Inside was a beautiful silver necklace with a hallow, grey 3D-heart. Inside the heart was a piece of emerald, perfect cut.

My jaw dropped. Amphitrite and Triton smiled.

"That used to be something a child of Poseidon used to give a child of Athena to show their love. Before the feud of course. The silver heart symbolizes Athena's excellent defenses and knowledge. The emerald core symbolizes Poseidon's love and courage. Give it to her Percy and you'll be showing her that you'll want to spend your life with her. It's sort of a teen marriage thing. Without the bindings," said Amphitrite smiling.

I couldn't believe my eyes or ears. These people where enemies of Athena yet they wanted one of their own t be with her child. These 2 where incredible.

I hugged them again. "Thank you. Very much. This means a lot to me."

They smiled at me.

Don't worry Annabeth. I'll see you soon.

~Nico's POV~

Today was December 24th. The Winter Solstice. Normally it wasn't much of a big deal for me. I mean, it's just a boring council meeting.

But this year, Zeus has decided that all the children of the Big 3 are to attend. Hades had told me in a dream a few weeks ago. When I woke up, I went to wake up Bianca. She nearly bit my head off.

**FLASHBACK**

I ran to Bianca's room after Hades came to me in a dream and told me about the Winter Solstice. To wake her up, I simply grabbed the sheets and threw her on the floor.

"Nico what the Hades are you doing?" she yelled in my face.

"1st of all, don't yell or you'll wake mom up. 2nd of all, that's revenge for all the times you did it. 3rd of all, I just got a dream from dad. Guess what?" I said happily but breathlessly.

"What?" she asked curiously and still a bit annoyed at me.

"This year all the children of the Big 3 are to attend the Winter Solstice," I said excitedly.

"So?" she said raising an eyebrow. Clearly she was still asleep.

I took her shoulders and shook her violently. "Bianca wake up! We get to see Percy after 3 frickin months!" I yelled in her face.

Her eyes widened and watered a bit. "Oh gods, it'll be great to see him again," she said happily. But then her smiled vanished and said "I wish Annabeth could see him. She would be very happy."

My smile vanished too and I nodded. Annabeth had been turning worse with each passing day. We tried to cheer her up but it was useless. I couldn't believe how much she could love Percy in just 2 days. I guess it truly was love at first sight…with help from Aphrodite I imagine.

**END OF FLASHBACK**

I sighed. It was 9am. Today, I decided to tell Thalia that I'm a son of Hades. Since we were during Christmas holidays, Thalia usually slept more. How did I know? Yeah, I sort of go to her room before she wakes up.

I know it's creepy and stalker-ish but it calms me down to watch her sleep. I feel like Edward Cullen. Bianca made Percy and I watch all 3 movies at once and I guess it sort of grew on me. And I think I lost my hearing that day. See, we went to some fan club with Bianca because we had nothing to do that day. Big mistake. All the girls were screaming whenever Edward or Jacob took off their shirt or something. I hate the fact that all girls only see their abs and stuff. Most people hate Twilight because of that. Oh well.

I got out of bed, put on some clothes and shadow-travelled to Thalia's. I didn't wear shoes so I wouldn't make any noise.

When I got to her room, she was still asleep. I slowly went to her and sat beside her bed. That's how I usually spend my time here.

But today something went wrong.

All of a sudden, Thalia moves away from me on her bed, leaving an empty spot. Then she removes the covers from the empty spot and pats on it.

I sat there, motionless, breathing as quietly as possible.

But then, with her eyes still closed, she said "Nico, come here please."

I sighed out of relief. She was dreaming. Thank gods.

But when she opened her eyes, I fell backwards with surprise. She scared the Hades out of me. Then she sat up and said "I told you to come here. Now come on."

I was literally baffled. She sighed, got out of bed, came to me and pulled me in her bed. Then she went to her spot again, covered both of us and snuggled closer to me, smiling.

My mouth was still open. Then all I could ask was "How?"

She sighed and looked at me "I've been noticing you appearing out of nowhere ever since you did it the 1st time." Then she smiled and said "No son of Hades can fool a daughter of Zeus." then she kissed me.

So she knew who I was. Cool. This saves me a lot of explaining time. I kissed her back and pulled away, breathing for air. She put her head on my chest and looked at me.

I smiled " So I guess you know about the Winter Solstice." She nodded, smiling.

"I can't wait to see Percy again!" I said, grinning. She sat up quickly "Percy?"

I nodded. "He's a demigod too. Son of Poseidon. That's the reason he was taken away from Annabeth. Since she's a daughter of Athena and because they have the feud, they don't want their children to be together," I said sadly.

She sighed and placed her head back on my chest. It was so unfair that their children couldn't be together. At least Athena let Malcolm and Bianca be together. But she was a daughter of Hades, so she had no problem.

That's when I remembered that my sister will be there tonight.

"Hey Thalia. Why don't we go tell Bianca that you're Zeus' kid?" I said smiling.

"Ok, bug later. I want to enjoy this moment," she said smiling.

That's when her mother came into the room. So much for a moment.

"Thalia darling wake up. We have to…" she trailed off when she saw me. I gulped and blushed furiously. Cue shouting.

But strangely, it didn't come.

Instead, laughter came.

"So, you finally told him huh?" asked her mother, laughing a bit. Was she crazy? She just caught her daughter….with a boy…on each other….IN A BED! She's suppose to be yelling at us for being irresponsible and we're too young for this and stuff.

Thalia noticed my uneasiness and said "Don't worry Nico. My mom knows that you've been visiting me in the morning for over a month now. I told her that I was going to tell you someday before the Winter Solstice, so I picked today."

I gulped and nodded. Then Julia looked at me and smiled "Don't worry Nico. I'm not mad at this because I know you wouldn't take advantage of my daughter." I nodded. Then she turned to Thalia "You guys want some breakfast? I've got some waffles ready downstairs."

Thalia nodded and looked at me "Will you come too? Please?" she gave me the puppy dog face, which was strange. Usually she's this tough girl that makes everyone afraid of her, especially the school bully, but sometimes she acts so childish. One of the reasons I love her.

"I would've come even without the face," I said smiling.

She smiled and gave me a quick kiss. Her mother left us so that Thalia could get ready. I was about to get up when Thalia pushed me back down and gave me a kiss. I smiled and quickly gave her one back. Things started to heat up as the simple kiss turned into a make-out session.

But things started to go wrong when she tried to take off her shirt.

I quickly pulled away and held her hands tightly together. "Thalia, enough," I said seriously.

I looked in her eyes and she looked confused and guilty. With a deep exhale, she calmed down and rested her face on my chest.

"Sorry Nico. I don't know what got over me," she said. I could hear her voice cracking, as if she was about to cry.

I grabbed her chin and raised her face so that I could look in her eyes. "Don't cry Thalia. It's ok. We're not ready to take that step," I said. Then I smiled and said "Don't think that I don't want to, but we're too young to do it. But someday we will, don't worry." With that I winked at her, causing her to blush.

After she controlled her blush, she smiled at me and gave me a kiss "Thanks Nico."

Then she got up and said "I'm going to go change quickly. Be right back." With that she went to the bathroom

I smiled. But then my smile vanished when I heard "You better tell her that every time you get too personal. Or else."

I knew that that voice was no other than Zeus. How did I know? Let's just say that his voice and only his voice can turn my brain to mush. He didn't say it calmly….he more boomed it.

When Thalia came out of the bathroom she noticed I was white.

"What happened Nic?" she asked worriedly.

"Your father happened, that's what," I said, gulping. I told her what he told me.

She sighed out of annoyance. "When is he going to learn that I'm not a child anymore. And that I don't need his permission to do everything."

Thunder rumbled outside.

"Daaaad!" she yelled.

"Thalia, stop angering your father. Say you're sorry and leave it," we heard Julia say from downstairs.

She sighed. "We will speak tonight Dad," she yelled again.

Thunder struck as in saying "No we won't"

She growled at the thunder…literally. "Yes. We. Will. Father." She said angrily.

The thunder struck for the last time before going away.

I was still afraid of Thalia because her facial expression really scared me. But then she looked at me and smiled, turning back into the sweet Thalia I know. Another reason I love Thalia. She's very determined to do something if she thinks it's good.

She took my hand and said "C'mon, let's go downstairs."

With that, we went downstairs. When her mother saw us, she raised an eyebrow at me and asked "What did she do?"

"She yelled at her father," I said plainly.

Julia looked at Thalia, who just shrugged. "He threatened Nico, so I got angry. I'll talk to him tonight. Just because he's the King of the gods and my father, it doesn't mean he can tell me how to live my life."

Julia rolled her eyes and said "Eat up guys." With that, she gave us some waffles. We told her thanks and dug in. These things were heavenly.

After we finished, we helped her clean up. Then I turned to Thalia and said "We should go talk to Bianca now. She has to know you're a demigod. Percy can tell her about Annabeth and Malcolm later."

Julia seemed surprised. "Wait. Percy's a demigod?"

We nodded and explained to her who he was and why he was taken away. She nodded and sighed. "Well, let's all hope he does return."

We nodded again. Then I took Thalia's hand and shadow travelled us to my room. We went to Bianca's room but apparently she was in the shower. How did we know? We heard some songs I didn't recognize coming from the bathroom and a horrible voice singing them.

She usually takes a lot of time to shower, so I sat on her bed and Thalia sat on my lap, hands around my neck.

I smiled and leaned in, kissing her softly. It felt like the first time we kissed. I missed that day very much.

We were still kissing when I heard someone say "Damn it Nico! Go make out with Thalia in your room. It's so weird seeing your brother and best friend make out."

Bianca.

We broke apart and smiled at her.

She looked pretty annoyed. "What do you guys want?"

Thalia got off me and I stood up.

"We have something to tell you," I said.

She nodded and motioned for us to continue.

Thalia took a deep breath and said "I'm a daughter of Zeus."

Bianca's eyes widened and her arms went slack. Then she squealed one of her high pitched squeals.

"Yessss. I have a demigod friend to go shopping with for tonight."

Thalia and I rolled our eyes. "So Bianca, excited to see Percy?"

She smiled "Yep" she said popping the 'p'.

"And I want us to look awesome tonight soooo…" she looked at me and I knew something was going to happen. "Nico, you're coming with us shopping. Daddy sent me a credit card yesterday and told me to spend as much as I want."

I sighed. Thalia smiled "My dad sent me one too."

Both girls smiled at each other, then turned to me. I groaned. "Do I have to come with you?"

They both gave me their best puppy do eyes. I yelled out of frustration. "Mom, we're going shopping."

They grinned at each other. I heard my mom say "Ok. Have fun."

"Swimming in the Styx is fun. Shopping is Tartarus," I yelled back then turned to the girls who had a smug look on their faces. "Drop that look. Those eyes won't work forever."

Thalia smiled "We'll see." Bianca smirked.

I rolled my eyes, took their hand and shadow travelled to the shopping centre not far away.

I came here a few times with Bianca to shop for some clothes for some events during these last 4 months and I've come with this conclusion.

Bianca + Money + Shopping = Nico's death.

We went to find something for me 1st since I was the less picky one. Since the theme on Olympus was Gala-night-ish, I couldn't wear jeans. So I picked a black dress shirt and black trousers. Even though I'm not an expert on fashion, I know the materials, so I picked linen. I know, crazy idea to pick linen in winter, but on Olympus, it won't be that cold. They keep summer-ish temperatures up there, so if I pick thick clothing, they'll kill me. I bought a pair of black Italian shoes and a black coat. Since we had a small drive to the Empire State Building, I didn't want to freeze.

After I was done, we went to find something to wear for Thalia. She picked a midnight blue dress, which looked almost black. According to Bianca, it respected Zeus' color, which was blue but matched my clothes, since midnight blue is almost black. She picked out matching heels, some lightning shaped earrings and a necklace with a skull. In other words she was going to look awesome.

When Thalia was done, we went and tried, emphasis on the word people, to find something for Bianca. Thalia and I maybe took 1 hour, 1 hour and a half? Bianca literally took 2 hours to find something. Eventually, she went with a full white dress, completely opposite of Thalia with white heels and a pearl necklace. She got herself some diamond earrings and was happy with them.

So after 3 hours or more of pure torture a.k.a shopping, it was noon. Bianca told us that she wanted to go to this fancy restaurant to eat instead of the usual McDonalds or Burger King. When I asked her why, she said plainly "Daddy did tell me to spend as much as I wanted."

We rolled her eyes at that, but didn't argue.

So after having an excellent lunch, we decided to go home. When we arrived there, Bianca took all of our clothes and placed them neatly on mom's bed. She knew our mother already slept so she put them there.

It was 3pm, so Bianca told us to go take a nap. Thalia stayed with us so that when we woke up, she and Bianca would get ready. We had about 4 hours before we have to get ready. The solstice starts at 9pm, but the girls take too long to get ready.

Bianca went to her room to sleep while Thalia and I went to mine. When I opened the door to my room, I saw my mother coming with the laundry. She saw Thalia going into my room and raised an eyebrow.

I had no idea what to say. Thankfully Thalia saw this and said "Hello Mrs. Di Angelo. I don't think Nico mentioned this today, but I'm a daughter of Zeus. According to Bianca we should get some sleep before the Solstice so that we won't be tired. I hope it's OK for me to sleep in Nico's bed. My mother already knows about him sleeping in mine and she has no trouble with it, as long as he remains a good boy." She smiled at me and winked.

I was literally stunned. My mother, on the other hand, was impressed. "So you guys finally told Nico? Well, I guess if she's OK with it, then I'm Ok with it." She smiled at me before she left us.

Thalia had already gone inside so I quickly went inside as well. I found her looking outside the balcony, her back turned to me, so I quietly sneaked up to her and wound my arms around her waist. Then I whispered "I'm the bad boy?"

She turned, smiled and kissed me. "The girl is always innocent."

I smiled and pulled her to bed. I put her down and joined her, putting my arm around her waist, pulling her closer. She snuggled closer to me and smiled, falling asleep. I covered both of us, kissed her forehead and slept.

I was woken up later by giggling and bright lights. When I opened my eyes, I saw Bianca with a camera. Great.

"Get out of here," I said groaning.

She laughed and left. I'm betting those pictures will be on Facebook soon.

I looked at my clock on the nightstand and found that it was 6:50pm. I sighed and turned to Thalia. She was still sleeping and apparently she was having a good dream because she was smiling.

Even though she looked very cute, I had to wake her up or else Bianca will. And she'll use her methods. I shivered at the thought. So I used my methods.

1st I kissed her ear then blew in it. This made her shiver. Then I went to her neck and started a trail of soft kisses. When I got to her jaw, she was already moaning slowly. Then I went to her lips and kissed her.

That woke her up.

She looked straight in my eyes before closing them and kissing me back. I smiled and pulled back, earning a groan from her.

I got up, pulled out my phone and called Malcolm. Bianca had told me a few days ago that Annabeth told her that she'd be all alone on Christmas eve because her parents are going out with the twins to a place which Annabeth doesn't like, so she's staying home. So I thought that maybe Malcolm could keep her company.

"Hello?" he said.

"Hey Malcolm, it's Nico," I said.

"Hey man. What's up?" he said.

"Listen, you know that tonight is the Winter Solstice right?" I said.

He groaned. "Don't remind me. You guys are so lucky you're going. Christmas eve and I have nowhere to go and nothing to do."

I smiled. "Neither does Annabeth. Why don't you go to her place? I'm sure she'll enjoy your company. Bianca, Thalia and I won't be here and she'll be all alone. Plus tonight we'll see Percy. We'll talk to him and see if he has a plan of escape. Knowing him, he does."

"Ok man. I'll call her right now. And please tell Percy that Annabeth needs him."

"Will do. Oh and by the way. Thalia knows Percy,Bianca and I are demigods. But Bianca only thinks that Thalia's a demigod. So tomorrow, you should tell her about you. Ok?"

"Ok Nico. Bye." He said before hanging up.

I turned to Thalia, who was sitting cross legged on my bed. I imitated her and she sat on my lap, burying her face in my chest.

"Don't worry. Percy will be with Annabeth by tonight. You'll see."

She sighed and nodded.

Please have a plan Percy. We need you. Especially Annabeth.

~Percy's POV~

In 2 hours, the Winter Solstice will begin. Finally, I get to see at least some of my friends again.

Right now I'm battling with Triton. We were doing our final battle before the Solstice. 200 wins for both of us so this one was sort of the decider. We have these small competitions between us to make us stronger and at the same time, brings us closer. It was something which helped me when I arrived here to get a good relation with Triton.

All of a sudden, Triton lunged at me. I grinned. Stupid mistake. I easily dodged him and hit his side with Riptide's hilt, sending him to the ground. I jumped on him and held Riptide at his throat.

He sighed. "Fine. You win. Again."

I smiled and helped him up. That's when Amphitrite came to us.

"Come boys. Enough play. Percy, go get ready. You'll be leaving with Poseidon in 45 minutes. Triton, you and I will arrive after," she said.

I grunted. I still hated Poseidon for what he did to me. I rarely talk to him and when I do it's always a simple one-worded answer.

Amphitrite heard me and said "Don't worry Percy. Tonight you'll see your friends and Annabeth again."

I nodded. Then I remembered their plan. "Listen guys, I really appreciate your help but it would be too risky for you to stand up to Poseidon. I don't want you to get in trouble because of me."

"But-" started Triton but I cut him off.

"Listen to me. I've only got maybe 80 years of life. You guys live way longer lives than me. I don't want you to be punished by Poseidon because of me. I couldn't live with myself if I knew you 2 got hurt because of me."

They sighed and nodded. "I hope you know what you're doing," said Amphitrite. Triton nodded.

I smiled. "Don't worry. Seaweed brain's got it covered."

They smiled when I mentioned the nickname Annabeth gave me.

I sighed and looked at the surface. It was slightly orange, signaling sunset.

Tonight, Seaweed Brain will get his Wise girl back.

I followed Amphitrite to my room so that we could pick what I was going to wear. Usually, I would wear a shirt, jeans and my converse, but tonight, since it was the Winter Solstice, it was sort of a Gala night. So I had to wear a blazer. I hate them so much.

After going through my wardrobe, we finally picked a dark green dress shirt, dark green trousers and dark green Italian boots. Oh yeah, here in Poseidon's palace, all my clothes are in the green area. Poseidon bought them for me when I came here 5 years ago. He actually bought me 5 year's worth of clothes. Hecate had enchanted the wardrobe and drawers so that they could hold 5 years' worth of clothes. If I had remained with Poseidon this year, she would've come again and placed another enchantment for 5 years. And Poseidon told me that he would've bought me another 5 years' worth of clothes.

After placing the clothes on my bed neatly, Amphitrite left me to get ready slowly. Usually I would take a bath to calm down slowly. But today I was feeling like taking a long, hot shower. Don't ask me how I could do that underwater. It defied every law of physics. But Physics doesn't know about Greek gods, so I'm good.

After I was done, I cooled off and dried myself. I checked the time, which was 7:35pm. I just had myself a 30 minute shower. I put on my clothes, put on the shark tooth necklace Triton gave me a few weeks ago and the matching bracelet. I grabbed my blazer, checked that Riptide was in my pocket, which was a force of habit and left.

I went to the courtyard to wait for Poseidon. After a few minutes he arrived with Triton and Amphitrite. But there was something missing in them. They looked the same…except…they had no tails! They had legs. What the Hades is going on?

Both of them saw my surprised expression and smiled. "We use these legs when we have to go somewhere without water," explained Triton. "And mom and I decided to come with you guys now."

I smiled and nodded. Then I caught Poseidon looking at me. I looked at him then gave him my back. I swear I could still feel his gaze on me.

All of a sudden he raised his Trident and began moving it in a circle. The water started to swirl around us, engulfing us in a sphere of water. A few minutes and some weird feelings later, he pounded the butt of the Trident on the ground the sphere fell. We were in Olympus. Actually we were in Poseidon's house in Olympus. Each and every god, minor and major, had his own house here on Olympus.

Amphitrite made sure that everyone's clothes were OK, checked her hair and we all left. Poseidon and Amphitrite walked ahead, hand in hand, giving Triton and I a chance to talk.

"Percy what are you going to do?" whispered Triton. We knew Poseidon could hear us so he had to speak as quietly as possible.

"I have a plan, don't worry. And there's nothing that Poseidon can say that will make me back down," I said confidently.

Triton nodded and we continued to walk in silence.

After a while, we turned around a corner which led to the Throne room.

Good news was that we were nearly there.

Bad news was that we had to pass in front of the elevator that led to Manhattan.

I prayed to every god I knew so that the elevator wouldn't open now because I only knew some people who used it.

But obviously the Fates just love proving me wrong, don't they?

SOOOO after a week and a half, I finally updated again! Sorry I took so long but damn, that cruise really made me lazy XP! I hope this chapter was worth your wait and patience and I hope you weren't disappointed.

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR INTERESTING AND CREATIVE RESPONSES IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW!

Oh guys btw quick advert to one of my favorite authors. Please go check out xoKyorii's stories if you're a fan of Kingdom Hearts. Seriously, 2 of her stories, Ordinary Freak and Masquerade are THE BEST! I still read them today :D! she's one of my top favorite authors!

Bye. See you all in the next chapter! Which should be soon.

And thanks for all the reviews! I have so far 430 :D! tnks a bunch to all those who reviewed, even the flamers :D!

Peace out :D!