We are back once again. I'm glad to see that my extra chapter didn't cost me reviews. I'm also glad you liked the scene with Percy and Nico at the end. And the sparring one. Let it be known that this is the estimated halfway point. I believe the chapter has about 10-13 more chapters to go. Hopefully. Now I know you've all been excited about this chapter. It's the chapter I mentioned like two chapters ago. You've all been excited to see it. Hopefully it won't disappoint. I'm hoping I didn't go overboard, but knowing me I did. Let me know how much you hate it T.T. Or love it. Whichever. Alright, on to shout outs.
Veerayne: I'm glad you loved it, as always. I know. I just want to hug him. Percy can hug him, though. Percy has to try and take it all slow. He's gotta be smooth to win Nico's heart. Oh...you didn't read the latest chapter of Children of Loss, did you? Fluff bunny...had an accident. Hmm...I don't think you'll find any this chapter. Well...there is Will this chapter, but not with Nico. I'm glad you liked Nico's sexual side.
Reining: Do you love me again? Thank you. I fell in love with it instantly. It was perfect for him. Yes. Now Percy just needs to become stronger. Obviously he should be with Nico. You get more on Percy's thoughts on that this chapter. He's...something alright.
Demon inside the Angel: Stop letting me spoil things before you read it lol. It's like Christmas came early, in the form of an extra chapter of Choke. Yes, I didn't like the idea of Percy just finding out what he was and being a total badass. He can't be that until close to the end. I feel I'd run out of stuff to do at some point. I mean, I could have Percy and Nico playing an action packed game of chess.
Luckyducky: Thank you! Haha. Well you go both, and that's pretty awesome. Fluff bunny was bitten by zombie bunny...I had to put them both down...or I snapped its neck. Who's to say what happened?
RestlessHeart182: Thank you. I will! I shall never let you down! Unless I do...then I guess I might.
HeyItsAmber: ...Lol. You do realize I got all four of your reviews from your crazed need to post on chapter 18, right? It's ok. I still love you. I'm assuming you meant, 'It isn't that good'. Though, I'm not sure what you were referring to. Choke? The chapter? The Hunger Games fic I was talking about?
iPineapplePants: Haha. I'm sorry. I only did it because you all earned it with all the reviews. And I don't have 15 chapters extra of this :P. I only just finished 13 the other day. Now I have to stalk your profile to make it fair. We can be like neighbors that watch each other with binoculars.
emtherebel: Thank you! Bragi helps me a lot. By help I mean slaps me.
Ms. Wharton: Oh god, you haven't read my other fic that has smut in it, have you? Let it be known that Choke is now a G-rated story! Now I'll just feel awkward having a teacher/counselor read my smut. I must make it family friendly. Dammit...I mean darn it. Haha. Why do I suck at my posting schedule? Was it because I had the last chapter posted past the deadline? I blame Bragi for that one...unless he sees this, then I don't. Thank you! Bragi won't let me learn to be a publishable writer, though. I blame Twilight for everything. I find it works out well. I also blame Justin Bieber...I don't have an apology for that one if someone likes him.
DarkLove: Thank you! I had my doubts about it. I enjoyed Nico's openness as well. They are cute together. Well, it's finally here.
Make-It-Now: Shut up. Nope Told you it stopped bothering me. I never liked Will...except in the physical sense. He is sexy.
Oh, and yes I was joking about making this a G-rated fic. I think Demon might kill me if I don't have at least one smut scene. Well, actually I hadn't planned on one. I just figured I'd decide when the time came. I guess I could leave it up to you guys to decide. Alright, I want to do a shout out for a story. The last chapter made me go insane, though. God. I didn't realize what I put you people through sometimes until I read this story. The story is, The Blackness 2: Shady by Fence Surfin. If you read the latest chapter, you already know what I'm talking about. Oh my god. I promise I'll try harder not to torture you...much... Oh that reminds me. I want to dedicate this chapter to all of you that read A Tale of Love and Thrones. I just want to say two things. Kinzie and your welcome.
The sequel has been flushed out a little more, for those of you that want to know. Bragi and I discussed some stuff with Nico and I feel good about how it's shaping. I did change the story art again. I like the new one better. If you are wondering, it is Nico. You can go to my deviantART, XSonofHadesX, and get a better look at it, if you want. Blah. Anyways. Let's get on with the chapter.
Warning: There may be a bad one liner on the horizon.
Disclaimer: I don't own CSI Miami...you'll find out at the end.
Chapter 12
"And where is this warehouse again?" Percy asked. He was currently perched on Nico's bed as the dark haired boy finished changing shirts. Nico had his back to Percy, but that didn't stop Percy from raking his eyes across Nico's pale skin. Nico had just gotten out of the meeting to discuss where the Consortium was going to be tonight, and Percy wanted to tag along.
Nico looked at Percy in the mirror. "Nice try, Percy, but you aren't going," Nico replied.
Percy pouted. "Why not? I'm capable of holding my own."
"Yes, but you are far too important to risk."
"You make me sound like I'm made of glass." Percy stood up and walked over to stand beside Nico. "Besides, you already risked your life for me. Doesn't that put us in the clear?"
"We're not sure, Percy. Chiron just feels it would be best if you remained here."
Percy attempted giving Nico puppy-dog eyes. "Can't you vouch for me, or something? Please?"
Nico rolled his eyes and tied his shoes. "Nice try, but your guilt trip will not work on me."
"Any other way I can persuade you?" Percy asked with a grin.
Nico placed a hand on Percy's chest and pushed him back gently. "Not happening, Percy. We've been over this."
"Sorry," Percy mumbled. "I'm going to talk to Will while I'm out today."
Nico raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Percy nodded. "Yea, I've got stuff to talk about with him."
"Do you now?" Nico said with a smile. He let his hand trail across Percy's torso as he walked by the taller boy.
"I never said what it was about, cocky."
Nico shrugged, picking up a bluetooth headpiece and attaching it to his ear. "I feel pretty confident."
"Then why can't I go ahead and get a kiss if you feel you know my decision?"
"I enjoy torturing you," Nico replied with a smile. "Now then, I'm going to go kick some ass, and you are going to go talk to whoever it is you are going to see about your telepathy." Nico walked over to his door and gestured for Percy to go. Percy frowned, but headed out the door. Nico shut the door behind him. Percy assumed he was just going to shadow travel to his destination. Percy headed down the hall to his room to grab a few things before he left.
After he was done, Percy boarded the elevator and hit the lobby floor. When it stopped he ran into Leo, who looked to be in a rush. "Hey, Leo. What's up?" Percy asked.
Leo looked up in surprise at Percy. "Oh, h-hey, Percy," Leo replied, giving Percy a nervous wave.
Percy grabbed Leo's arm as the smaller boy boarded the elevator. "You couldn't tell me where that mission is going to be today, could you Leo?"
Leo shook his head. "No, I've been told to keep that private from you."
Percy frowned. "But I just want to help."
"The others got it under control, Perce, don't worry about it."
"What if something goes wrong?"
Leo shrugged. "We haven't had any major problems yet. Besides, it's a pretty large team going out there. I think they can handle whatever Kronos throws at them."
Percy sighed and let go of Leo's arm. "Alright, well if they need me, you know how to reach me." Leo nodded and the elevator closed. Percy kicked the ground in frustration before heading towards the exit.
Percy jumped out of the taxi and handed the driver some cash. He looked up at the building before heading up the stairs. Walking inside, he traveled up the staircase until he came to his destination. He knocked on the door and waited for it to open.
He heard some shuffling around before the door opened and revealed Will. "Hey, Percy," Will said with a confused look on his face. "What are you doing here?"
"If you don't want to see me, I could just leave," Percy said playfully.
"No no, it's fine. I just wasn't expecting you." Will stepped aside to allow Percy entrance into his apartment. Percy walked in and took a seat on the couch. Will came over and sat next to him.
"So, what's up?"
"Just thought I'd come and spend some time with you."
Will smiled and scooted closer to Percy. "Oh, well then, I'm glad you stopped by."
Percy and Will sat in silence for a moment. It made Percy feel slightly awkward, it was definitely different between them now. Percy really wasn't sure what to talk about. He figured he should have a lot to talk about with the blond, but nothing came to mind.
Will cleared his throat. "So, are you doing better? All better and out of the hospital?"
Percy nodded. "Yea."
Will cocked his head to the side. "So, why haven't you moved back into your apartment?"
"Oh, well, my parents wanted me to stay with them for a little while to make sure I was ok."
"Oh, when do you think you'll be back at the apartment?"
Percy shrugged. "I'm not really sure."
"And Nico?" Will asked bluntly.
Percy sighed. "You really don't like him, do you?"
"Should I? I was hoping I could have something with you, Percy, but now that he's come along, I feel like I've lost all chance at us being a couple." Percy didn't say anything. He didn't know what to say. "I take it you're still seeing him?"
Percy nodded slowly. "Yea," he whispered.
"Do you like him?" Percy nodded again. Will sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Just answer me this, do I still have a chance?"
"I-I don't know. I'm just trying to do what's best for me." Will's lips thinned. "I don't mean that to sound bad. Life's just been confusing lately. I think Nico just understands me a lot better than most people."
"Because you haven't really talked to any of us lately, Percy. Maybe if you told us what's going on, we could understand too."
"I can't."
"Why not?"
"It's complicated."
Will sighed and stood up. "So, what exactly did you come over here for?"
"I just wanted to see you."
Will locked gazes with Percy. "Why?"
"I'm still trying to figure out who I should choose."
Will ran a hand through his hair. "Percy Jackson, you are the most frustrating person I've ever met. I'm not very happy with you, but at the same time I just want to jump in your lap and kiss you."
Percy smiled meekly up at him. "Sorry."
Will shook his head. "It's not your fault you're so damn sexy." Will moved closer to Percy and leaned down to stare into Percy's eyes. "Now then, what can I do to help you make up your mind?"
Percy cleared his throat and scooted back against the couch. Will smiled and climbed into Percy's lap. Percy's mind drifted off as Will's hands started feeling Percy's chest. Was this all his relationship with Will was? Nico hadn't tried to get in his pants yet. Nico seemed more concerned with knowing Percy on an emotional level than in the biblical sense.
In the past, this gesture from Will probably wouldn't have even bothered Percy, but now it was all he could think about. Nico was many things. He was angry, standoffish, sarcastic, and curt. But, he was also loyal, faithful, and was genuinely interested in getting to know Percy. The fact that he was always just out of Percy's reach, barely tangible, but still there, made Percy want to grab hold of him all the more. Percy grabbed Will's hands as they grabbed for Percy's belt. "I think we should stop," Percy whispered.
"Why?" Will asked.
"I'm just trying to figure this all out, and I don't want to screw anything up with either of you while I try and make up my mind."
Will sighed and rolled off of Percy. "You've changed. Used to be you would never bat an eye at something like this, but now you seem almost opposed to sex."
"It's not that I'm opposed to sex, I'm just hesitant."
"Because of Nico?"
Percy nodded. "He got hurt pretty bad with his last boyfriend. I don't want to cause him further pain." Percy cleared his throat and stood up. "Well, I think I need to get going."
Will pouted. "Already? Can't you stay for a little longer?"
Percy shook his head, pulling out his phone to check the time. "I'm sort of pressed for time. I need to go back and see the doctor for a checkup in a few hours."
Will stood up and walked Percy to the door. "Well, come back and see me when you can."
"I will." Will leaned in and placed a small kiss to Percy's cheek. "I'll see you later."
Poseidon and Sally looked up at Percy as he closed the door behind him. "Percy? What are you doing here?" Poseidon asked. "I thought you were going back to U.N.I.T. to train?"
"Well, there's sort of a problem. They can teach me telekinesis, but they can't help me with telepathy," Percy replied. "You guys wouldn't have any knowledge on it, would you?"
Poseidon scratched his head. "Well, we have some theories on it, but nothing concrete yet. I suppose we could give you what we know, and see if that helps." Poseidon stood up and grabbed his keys. "We'll head over to the lab and talk to Athena."
"Who's Athena?" Percy asked, cocking his head to the side. Poseidon just grinned at him. He patted Percy's shoulder as he walked past his son, walking out the door. Sally and Percy followed after him, making their way down to Poseidon's car. Jumping into the back seat, Percy sat patiently as his father drove them to their destination.
Upon exiting the car, Percy's eyes instantly fell on a large, square, white building. His parents made their way up the steps, not even waiting for Percy to break out of his fascinated trance. Shaking his head, Percy jogged up the steps after his parents.
Poseidon opened a door, allowing them entrance. A security guard sat behind a desk, reading a newspaper. He looked up as Poseidon, Sally, and Percy approached. Poseidon waved a badge in front of the man, receiving a nod in return. Poseidon headed over to an elevator at the back of the lobby, and they all boarded. Poseidon hit the sub-basement floor, and they began to descend.
The doors slid open to reveal a large white room with computers scattered around the room. Books were stacked on tables and shelves. A large screen sat on the left wall above a large control panel. A few feet away from that was a metal pedestal. Percy walked forward, but was knocked backwards by a forcefield that suddenly appeared in front of him. "Halt, intruder!" a voice rang through the air.
"Relax, Athena, he's with us," Sally said.
The pedestal lit up and a hologram of a woman appeared on top of it. "My apologizes," the hologram replied.
"Who-" Percy began, but Sally interrupted him.
"Her name is Athena, she's the artificial intelligence program we have set up here."
Percy walked over to the pedestal and inspected the holographic woman. He waved a hand through her, breaking her imager momentarily. "Stop that!" Athena yelled.
"Uh...sorry," Percy said, rubbing the back of his neck. He looked over at his parents. "You created her?"
"Yes we did," Poseidon responded. "It took us almost ten years, but she's one of our best pieces of work."
"Thank you, sir," Athena said. Percy continued to stare at her. It was amazing, seeing something like this actually existed.
"What does she do?" Percy asked.
"I am capable of a wide variety of things. One of my many functions is guarding this facility from those of...your kind."
"Athena," Sally said exasperatedly.
"I meant no offense by it."
"So, you keep the people from the organizations from breaking in here?" Percy asked, running his finger along the pedestal.
"That I do. No one gets passed my defenses."
"What defenses?"
"Athena runs the security system of the building. She has a small army of A.I. robots at her command," Poseidon said, standing next to Percy. "She can run a variety of defense maneuvers in order to keep out unwanted guests."
"That's cool," Percy said, poking at Athena again, earning him a scowl. "What else does she do?"
"She has a vast archive on the powers that have been identified."
"And she has stuff on telepathy?"
The large screen lit up, displaying a large amount of data. "I have several volumes and thirty working theories regarding the power of telepathy," Athena answered. A virtual screen appeared at chest level in front of the screen. Percy walked up to it and slid his fingers across the virtual screen. The images on the monitor began sliding by on the screen.
"We'll let you look through this for a while. Athena will help you sort through the material, if you want," Sally said, rubbing Percy's back. Percy's parents walked back to the elevator, leaving him alone with Athena.
"Can you sort this by prioritizing the most relevant data?" Percy asked, looking over at the hologram. Athena held her hand out to the monitor and the data started flying around, organizing itself at Percy's request.
Athena's pedestal brightened and her hologram grew in size. "I would be glad to summarize it for you, if you wish," the A.I. said. Percy nodded, stepping away from the virtual keyboard. "The human consciousness is, essentially, a specific pattern of electrical impulses contained within the organic computer of the human mind."
"So I'm a computer?"
"Essentially. The human mind retains memories, identity, thoughts, sensations, and all other mental ideologies as electricity in the form of neuronal connections."
Percy nodded. "Ok, I see."
"My strongest theory regarding telepathy is that the mind of a telepath is able to transmit electrical signals instead of simply retaining them."
"You mean pushing thoughts?"
Athena nodded. "Push thoughts upon others, or sort through the files of one's mind to pull a memory from them. There is precedence for this in the existence of humans who are able to interact with technology."
"You mean the hackers in U.N.I.T.?"
"Yes, they are dangerous to most forms of electronics and computers."
"But not you?"
Athena shook her head. "No, I was created to be vastly superior to all other technology. If one were to attempt to hack into my systems, I could reroute the virus back to its source."
"Making them corrupt themselves." Athena nodded. "That's pretty cool."
"Although techopaths, as they are usually referred to, are unable to interact with organic computers and minds because of the specificity and difference in function between a silicon based computer and an organic computer, such restrictions should not, theoretically, apply to a telepath."
"So, I'm going to be able to read a human's mind as well as a computer's?"
"Eventually, yes. However, the degree to which you will be able to interact with a computer is up for debate."
Percy glanced between the monitor and Athena, letting his mind wrap around this new data. Then his mind thought of something. "So, you wouldn't be able to find a particular person for me could you?"
Percy crouched behind a dumpster, watching the deserted looking warehouse. Athena had told him that this was where Nico was, but it didn't look like anything was happening. The sun was beginning to set. They should have been here by now.
Percy hid himself when car lights appeared in the parking lot. A large black van had come to a stop near the entrance of the building. Percy peaked out when he heard the van doors open. He narrowed his eyes as he spotted Luke getting out first. Behind him were five others, but Percy had trouble making them out.
Luke led them inside, shutting the large warehouse door behind him. Percy inched out from behind the dumpster, heading for the building. Staying as low to the ground as possible, Percy crept closer and closer to a small door to the side of the building.
He slowly slid the door open, sliding inside as quietly as possible. He heard hushed voices from somewhere in the building, but decided he should find a good place to watch things from. Looking to his left, he spotted a metal staircase. He walked up it as slowly as possible, flinching when the stairs creaked beneath him.
Once at the top, Percy stuck low to the ground. He crept behind a wall of barrels and peered down at the ground below. Luke stood in the middle of the room with a tall black man. Percy couldn't really make out what they were saying, due to their hushed voices. Percy glanced around the room for any sign of U.N.I.T., but he found none.
Luke snapped his fingers and a tall blonde girl stepped forward with a briefcase. Luke held it up to the man, who opened it up, revealing some small vials of some substance. The man was about to touch one of the vials when a bolt of lightning shattered them. Luke growled and threw the briefcase away. The man ran off, leaving Luke and his men alone.
Nico appeared before Luke, looking very unhappy. The dark shadows had already encompassed his eyes. "I was wondering if you were going to show up, love," Luke spat with venom.
"Don't call me that, bastard," Nico growled. Four other figures came out to join Nico. Percy could make out the figures of Jason and Apollo, but the other two he didn't recognize. "Brought more friends, did you? Afraid you couldn't take me by yourself?"
Luke scoffed. "You're one to talk, you brought friends as well. I mean, if you want them to watch as I have my way with you..."
"Fuck off!" Nico growled, shadows flickering to life around him.
"Now now, no need for that," a blonde girl by Luke said. She smiled sweetly at Nico, while resting her head on Luke's shoulder.
"Fuck off, Kinzie," Nico said, raising a hand full of shadows in her direction.
"Aw, does the demon boy not want to play?" Kinzie asked mockingly.
"Don't call me that!" The building creaked as the shadows around the roof were pulled closer. Luke and his group took battle stances.
"This doesn't seem very even," Apollo spoke.
"I always like a challenge," a tall girl next to Apollo said. She was quite tall, towering over most of the boys in the room. She was also one of the most muscular people in the room, second to the Asian boy on her left. Her stringy, long brown hair was braided, lying down her back. She had angry brown eyes, that reminded Percy of an angry bull about to charge.
"That makes two of us, Clarisse," the Asian boy next to her said. The boy was large and stocky, built like a bear. A notable feature was his face, for it reminded Percy of a child. He had short black hair, and sharp brown eyes.
"How cute, they think they stand a chance," Ethan said.
Luke smirked. "He's right, you don't stand a chance. You're outnumbered. I'll tell you what, if you walk away right now, we'll let you live," the blonde said.
A tall man stepped closer to Luke. He had platinum blond hair, which he parted to the side. He had stormy black eyes and a slightly crooked nose. "The boss won't like us letting them walk away," he said to Luke.
"Shut up, Aeolus," Luke barked back. The man flinched and took a step back.
"Can't we play with them a little bit?" A young woman with dark brown hair said. She had emerald green eyes which seemed to flicker like fire. Her long brown hair was braided over one shoulder with tiny golden threads. She had long black painted nails, and that reminded Percy of a witch.
"Yes, let us play with them for a while," a shorter girl next to the previous girl said. She had similar green eyes, but hers screamed of death. She was a beautiful thin woman, and Percy thought she looked like a vampire. Her green eyes shined in the darkness. She had long red nails, perfect for sinking into someone's flesh. She had long, curly, dark hair. She had a lot of jewelry on her arms and several rings on her fingers.
Clarisse cracked her knuckles. "Circe and Medea, I'll take both of you on," Clarisse said with a smirk. Both girls frowned at the large girl, unamused by her statement.
"Enough of this," Luke growled. "Just kill them."
Luke's group smirked and Medea leapt for Nico. A barrel crashed into her stomach, sending her a few feet through the air. Luke looked towards Percy, who was now standing up. "Leave them alone!" Percy yelled.
"Percy? What the hell are you doing here?" Nico yelled, fists clenched tight.
Percy leapt off of the metal walkway, catching himself with telekinesis before he landed. He lowered himself the rest of the way and jogged over to where Nico and the others stood, taking his place by the dark haired boy. "I came to help."
"You're not supposed to be here," Jason said, keeping his eyes on the group in front of them.
"But the sides are even now," Kinzie said in her sickening sweet voice. "Besides, he's kind of cute." Nico growled at her.
"The boss will want him alive. I'll take him," Luke stated. "Feel free to do as you please with the rest." His group smirked and lunged at the team from U.N.I.T. Percy made an attempt to intercept, but was yanked backwards by Luke, who threw him into a pile of boxes.
Jason arched his hands backwards before sending them forward, sending a bolt of lightning into Kinzie. The girl screamed as she twitched on the ground. Jason walked over and ripped her off the ground. Her screaming stopped and turned to an evil smirk as she gripped Jason's arm. Jason gasped as ice crept up his arm, making his way up to his shoulder. He took a step back, releasing Kinzie from his grasp. He swung his arm at a metal beam to break the ice on his arm. He moved his head to the side at the last second to dodge two ice spikes flying by his head. Kinzie created two more ice spikes, flinging them at Jason again. Jason flicked his arm and sent a bolt of lightning into the shards, shattering them into hundreds of pieces.
Nico dropped through the air, having been ported up by Ethan. He raised two fingers up to his face, and then arched his arm down towards Ethan. Shadows swirled down towards Ethan, striking at the boy like a snake. Nico vanished in the air, reappearing on the ground. He kicked at Ethan. Upon contact with Ethan's side, lights erupted from the impact. Ethan stumbled backwards, clutching his eyes. Making a blind attack, Ethan grabbed the nearest object he could find and ported it above Nico. Nico dove out of the way, but yelped when the crate landed on his leg.
Frank's figure slowly morphed into a large grizzly bear. He stood up on his hind legs and swiped at Aeolus. Aeolus clutched his chest, his shirt now with a long tear across it. He thrust his hand out, sending a heavy gust of wind at Frank. Aeolus snapped his fingers, sending the air upwards, and lifting Frank off the ground. Frank growled and stumbled around as he was lifted by the wind. Aeolus lifted his arms up and flung them forward, causing the wind to fling Frank through the air, into a pile of barrels.
Clarisse clutched her hands together, summoning twin psionic swords into her hands. Circe stood in front of her, smirk firmly in place. Clarisse lunged at her, but Circe snapped her fingers at Clarisse. A kinetic blast erupted in front of Clarisse, sending her flying backwards. Clarisse pushed herself back up with a growl. The glowing swords merged with her hands. She let out a loud yell and ran at Circe once again. She flung herself through the air, forcing Circe to dive out of the way. Clarisse swung her right arm downwards, catching Circe in her side. Circe rolled across the ground, clutching her wound.
Apollo and Medea circled each other. Apollo held a ball of fire in his hand, ready to attack. Medea made a grab for Apollo, but the blond pulled himself away from her grasp. Flinging his hand out, he sent the ball of fire crashing into her. Medea was flung backwards into a metal beam, her clothes now scorched. She rolled out of the way as Apollo flung another fireball at her. Apollo extended both of his hands, flames poured out of them. Medea dashed in circles around Apollo as he tried to hit her with his flamethrower attack. She slid across the ground towards the blond, catching his leg. Apollo let out a gasp. He threw a ball of fire at the ground, but Medea slid behind Apollo and grabbed him from behind. She wrapped a hand around Apollo's throat as his fire slowly stopped appearing in his hand.
Apollo's eyes widened and his blood became sickeningly visible. Medea sank her nails into Apollo's skin, but Apollo couldn't form a scream. Medea leaned in closer to Apollo, opening her mouth. She began sucking in air. A faint mist slipped out from Apollo's opened mouth and slid into Medea's. The room became blurry and Apollo passed out. Medea smiled evilly, and let go of Apollo's throat. The blond collapsed to the ground.
Percy grunted and pulled himself out of the boxes, barely dodging a punch from Luke. Percy was forced to roll in order to dodge a sharp kick from Luke. Luke made another attempt for a punch, but Percy held up a hand and held Luke back with his mind.
Luke's jaw tightened and he struggled forward, trying to grab Percy. Percy raised a barrel in the air and flung it at Luke, but it just bounced off of him. "Give it up, Percy. You can't win this," Luke said between clenched teeth.
"I'm not going to let you guys win. I'm going to stop you," Percy returned. Luke swung at Percy again, only to be stopped once again. Percy threw Luke through the air, into the pile of boxes he had just crawled out of. Percy glanced around the warehouse to try to find Nico. He spotted Nico on top of Ethan, punching the boy in the face.
Percy was tackled to the ground by Luke, who grabbed Percy's throat, trying to suffocate him. Percy clutched at Luke's hands, but couldn't pry them off. Luke's eyes stared murderously down at him. Percy's pupils dialated, covering his eyes in black. Luke's grip loosened briefly before he clutched his head. He fell off of Percy and rolled on the ground. "What the fuck are you doing to me, Jackson?" Luke screamed and punched the ground, the voices in his head becoming overwhelming for him. Percy's head started shaking as he pushed harder into Luke's head.
A hand dug into Percy's shoulder, and his link with Luke's mind was broken. All of his energy seeped out of his body and he collapsed to the ground. He peered up at Medea as she walked over to help Luke up. "He's a feisty one, isn't he?" she said, smiling down at Percy.
"Shut up and go take care of the others." Medea walked off as Luke walked up to Percy. "You're more trouble than you're worth." Luke kicked Percy in the side, and he could only clutch his ribs in pain.
Nico was ripped off of Ethan by Circe and Aeolus. They flung him backwards. He slid along the ground on his back. He slid into something. He looked back to find Jason unconscious. Kinzie smirked down at him. Nico looked around the room at the others. They were all unconscious, scattered around the warehouse. Aeolus helped Ethan to his feet, who was clutching his bruised face.
"All alone now, demon," Medea said, kneeling before Nico.
"Stop calling me that," Nico growled back, his chest rising and falling quickly. He was out of breath, and his body was covered in sweat. He didn't stand a chance against all six of them, but he couldn't abandon his team.
"Why don't you just accept what you are, Nico?" Luke asked, kneeling next to Medea. "Kronos accepts you for what you are, why can't you? He would gladly let you join us and put your powers to good use."
"That fucker killed my parents!" Nico yelled. He flung his hand out at Luke. A dark shadowy claw extended from Nico's hand and grasped Luke's throat. Kinzie and Aeolus ran over and tried to pry it off of Luke, but were unsuccessful. Nico's eyes darkened and cracks slowly spread out from his eyes. "And now I'm going to kill you."
Nico leapt at Luke, but Medea caught him by the throat and thrust him against a beam. She sank her claws into Nico's neck, causing him to scream. Nico's vision blurred for a brief moment as he felt his energy slowly being drained. Medea leaned in closer, placing her lips to Nico's. Nico let out a muffled scream as he felt his skin start to burn. His veins rose to the surface of his skin as the darkness in his eyes faded away.
"That's enough," Luke ordered. Medea pulled away, releasing Nico's throat. Nico collapsed to the ground, unable to move. Luke walked forward and kneeled in front of Nico, rolling him onto his back. "You'll never beat me, Nico, and you'll never beat Kronos. Do you know why?" Nico didn't answer. He could barely keep his eyes open. His body felt like it had nothing left. "Because you won't push past that wall. You keep your true power trapped within you, and because of that, you are weak."
Luke stood back up, snapped his fingers, and headed for the exit. His group looked at Nico's motionless form for a moment longer before following after Luke. Luke grabbed for the door handle to leave the building, but the door bent inwards. Luke looked up as the entire building began creaking. The roof was pulled inward, bending to a dangerous degree. Luke looked over to Percy, but the boy still lay unconscious where they had left him.
His eyes flickered over to Nico, where the boy was standing back up. Nico's entire body had become engulfed in shadow-like flames. His eyes were once again covered in darkness, and it crept out along his face. The dark cracks had spread from his eyes and had now encompassed his entire figure. Nico stood in front of them like a marionette puppet. Ethan took a step forward, but Luke held an arm out to block him. "Don't," Luke whispered. All of the lights in the warehouse shattered, making the building much darker.
"I sucked him dry," Medea stated in astonishment. The shadows around Nico extended around him to become tentacles.
"Take him down!" Luke yelled. The group ran at Nico in attempt to stop the boy, their fatal mistake. Nico's eyes flickered to life, mouth pressed into a thin line. He reached out with his hand in a strangling gesture. A tentacle flew from his back and latched itself around Kinzie's throat. She was lifted off of the ground, kicking and screaming. The others stopped their charge to stare up in horror at their teammate in the air. Nico's other hand rose and he thrust a single finger out in Kinzie's direction. Another shadow tentacle flew through the air and impaled her through the stomach. Kinzie started gasping, while blood poured from her new wound. The tentacle around her throat tightened as blood seeped out of her mouth.
Two more tentacles flew up to her and wrapped around her legs. Luke could only stand and watch in horror at this. Nico had never let himself go like this. Percy groaned from his place on the ground and blinked his eyes open. He heard screaming and looked up to see Kinzie in the air.
Nico opened his mouth and started mumbling something to himself. The shadow in her stomach removed itself to wrap around her torso. All of the shadows tightened their grip on her and began to slowly pull away from one another. Kinzie screeched in terror as she felt her bones starting to crack. Nico jerked his arms apart and Kinzie was ripped to pieces, her lifeless body parts dropping to the ground. Medea made a dash for Nico, trying to grab him. Nico caught her by the wrist and pulled her close to him. He used his other hand to pull shadows to it. He held his hand over Medea's screaming face. He let shadows drop down into her open mouth, causing her to choke and clutch her throat.
Medea stumbled backwards, trying to spit up the black substance. Nico held his hand out like a claw. Medea's eyes widened at him. She stared pleadingly into his black eye sockets. Nico pulled his hand backwards, ripping the shadows from Medea's throat. Medea fell to her knees as she began choking. Nico held up two fingers and pointed them at Medea's head. A snake-like shadow wrapped itself around Nico's arm, sliding down Nico's arm to his hand. It pointed itself at Medea and launched itself at her head, impaling her through the eye. Medea's lifeless body fell backwards as blood poured out onto the ground.
Luke had seen enough. He punched a hole in the wall and made a run for it. Ethan vanished from the warehouse, leaving Circe and Aeolus frozen in horror. Nico held his hand out over the ground, letting shadows pour down onto the ground. It started moving and rising. A black beast stood beside Nico, who had once again returned to his marionette position. The beast snarled at the two in front of it, who were taking steps backwards.
It leapt at Aeolus, pinning him to the ground. Circe screamed and ran for the hole Luke had made. Aeolus screamed for her to help him while the beast tore into his flesh. Percy tried pushing the beast off of Aeolus with telekinesis, but barely nudged it. However, the beast took notice of Percy. It left Aeolus lying on the floor as he tried to shove his intestines back into his body cavity with what time he had left, and stepped towards Percy. Percy gasped and pushed himself off of the ground. It leapt at Percy, who managed to scurry away as it barreled into a pile of boxes.
Percy ran up to Nico and began shaking him. "Nico, you have to snap out of it!" Percy yelled, looking between Nico and the shadow beast. Nico didn't answer or even make a move. He just stood there. Percy was tackled to the ground as the beast jumped past his head. He looked up to see Jason above him.
"Don't let your guard down," Jason said, eyes trained on the beast.
"But it's Nico."
Jason pointed to Nico's unmoving form. "That isn't Nico, Percy. That's what happens when he loses control." Jason pulled Percy back to his feet. "He won't discriminate on who to hurt. He's become insane and paranoid. He. Will. Kill. You." Percy looked around. Frank was helping Clarisse out of the building, she was limping on her right leg. Apollo had made his way over to Jason and Percy and was shielding them from the shadow creature. It leapt at them and Apollo blasted it with a large blast of fire.
"We need to get out of here," Apollo stated.
"He's right, Percy."
"No, I can save him," Percy said, pulling his arm from Jason's grasp.
"Percy, you saw what he did to the others. He will kill you without remorse in his current state. Do you know how upset he'll be with himself when he gets his sanity back? He doesn't want to do this, but he can't help it. Luke pushed him past his limits."
"No! I can get through to him. I know I can." Jason looked at him hesitantly. "Go! I'll be fine." The roof of the building cracked, sending debris down to the ground. Jason looked at Percy for a moment before nodding.
"I hope you're right." Jason clapped Percy on the shoulder and jogged off with Apollo.
Percy looked back at Nico. The shadow beast was seeping back into the pile of shadows around Nico. Percy took a few steps towards Nico. "Nico, I know you're in there." The walls of the building creaked, and pulled inwards. Percy looked around at the walls, The shadows on the walls were being ripped from the walls to aid Nico.
Percy closed the distance between them, raising his hands to grasp Nico's face. "Get off of me!" Nico yelled, expanding the shadows around him to try to push Percy off.
"Nico, stop! I don't want to hurt you!"
"Well, that makes one of us," Nico growled back. He held out his hand to form his shadow dagger. Percy grabbed Nico's arm to halt the attack.
"Nico, stop! I know you don't want to do this! You need to snap out of it." Percy grasped Nico's head between his hands, pushing into Nico's mind.
"Why do you care?"
"You're just like Luke. You'll abandon me."
"You're weak. You would throw your life away, willingly, to try to save me when I don't even want to be saved."
"That's not true!" Percy yelled, pulling Nico closer. "I know you're still in there. I know you don't want to do this. I'm not going to abandon you. I never will." He made Nico look into his eyes. "I know you won't hurt me." He touched his forehead to Nico's, wrapping his arms around Nico's waist, and trapping Nico's arms at his sides.
"You'll betray us!"
Percy pushed in further, trying to find the human part of Nico he knew was still in there.
"Letgoofme...Ihateyou...Failure...Hate...Kronos...MomDadBianca...Percy."
Percy blinked his eyes and stared down at Nico. The cracks on Nico's face had darkened. Parts of the wall broke off and the shadows from them pooled into the pile around Nico.
"Percy! Get away! Now!"
"DIE!"
Darkness exploded from Nico's eyes, sending Percy flying back into a metal beam. Percy grunted as he fell to the ground. He looked up at Nico, who was stumbling towards him. Nico held his hand up, bringing a sharpened shadow tentacle above him. He swung his arm at Percy, sending the tentacle spiraling at Percy. Right before impact, Nico's eyes cleared up and slowly closed. His arm fell limply to his side, and his body fell to the ground. The tentacle vanished, leaving a faint hissing sound in the air for a few seconds.
Percy blinked at Nico's unconscious figure. He crawled over to Nico and brought Nico's head into his lap. "Nico?" Percy asked, running a hand through Nico's wet hair. Nico didn't answer. Percy slipped a hand under Nico's shirt to feel for a heartbeat. Nico's heart was beating in overtime. Percy gasped and scooped Nico up. He hurried outside, to find the others standing at a grey van.
"What happened?" Jason asked when Percy reached them.
"He just collapsed," Percy answered. Apollo and Frank opened the back of the van and Percy lay Nico inside of it.
"He exhausted himself," Clarisse said, feeling Nico's pulse. "He really pushed himself. We need to get him back to base immediately."
"Is he going to be ok?" Percy asked as everyone started boarding the van.
Jason pulled Percy inside, letting Percy sit by Nico's side. "He'll be fine, Percy. He just lost control. When that happens, he doesn't know when to stop. Be glad something brought him out of it," Jason assured him.
"Why?"
Apollo looked back at them from the passenger seat. "Because, if he didn't, he would have destroyed himself," Apollo explained. "He doesn't know when to stop. Our bodies are still mortal, Percy, even with all the things we can do. His body would have eventually torn itself apart, because he wouldn't have stopped using his powers. His only conscious thought is to destroy anything he sees as a threat, which is everything."
You can go ahead and give me your praise for giving Kinzie a gruesome death. Again, for those that read A Tale of Love and Thrones. Everyone hates her in there. I hate her in there. So, Bragi told me I can vent my rage in Choke, and that's just what I did. So, did you guys hate it? I worry I crossed an OP line with Nico. I do have something about that on the horizon. Expect clues next chapter. Also, you get a vague clue to the sequel next chapter. Well, vague if you're not paying attention. Now you will be :D. But there is a reason Nico is so freaking powerful. I promise its not just because I love him. I has reason. You find out next chapter. Also, I thought Percy's inner monologue while at Will's place was nice. He's starting to come closer to that decision I think. Also, how did you like my use of Athena? She's pretty awesome. She was Bragi's idea. Needed someone to help Percy with telepathy. But yes, how did you guys feel about the scene at the end with Nico going crazy? Oh yes, before I go. Ahem. Nico's gone crazy. Crazy...
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...in love.
YEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!
I have no shame. Yea. There's my CSI Miami thing, if you didn't get it. I'm on a kick of that right now. I blame Jesse Cox. Anyways, I'm out. No extra chapter this week, so I'll see you guys next Sunday. Bye.