Alright guys, it pains me to say this, but it'll be this chapter, one more Leo/Jason centric chapter, and then another Percy/Nico centric chapter, and that'll be it. 22 chapters is pretty good, and I feel this story is close to the end. I am truly sad to see this story stop. Maybe I'll write some sort of sequel story or spin-off or something.

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Percy's POV

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"Alright party guests!" I cried over the noise. Everyone hushed instantly and looked at me. "It is eight o'clock. That means that everyone except the VIPs must leave! If you are a VIP, present your ticket and claim your bunk now! After party snacks will be served at nine, and please leave in an orderly fashion." The regular guests grumbled as they left, and my gaggle of friends proudly produced the tickets to stay into the night. Frank led Hazel over to the bunk closest to mine, while Jason and Leo claimed one by the other window. Annabeth and Piper took the one above them. And my beautiful shadow prince climbed down off his perch and sat down on my bunk.

"This has truly been a party to remember," Will said to me before he left. "Thanks for the party Perce." Jake smiled at him and led the son of Apollo off, whispering something in his ear. I smiled at the happy couple. Will and Jake made a great couple. Finally, I turned to my friends.

"Ready for the after party?" I asked them, and they cheered. "Leo." Nodding, Leo used his fireballs to light the torches around the cabin. Jason called the winds and swirled the paper hearts on the floor around in a mini lethal hurricane, causing everyone to roar with laughter and duck. Piper produced enough sugar to kill the Minotaur. "Everything looks great guys," I said to them appreciatively. "Thanks for all your help in making this memorable."

"Guess what Prince?" Nico whispered beside me, startling me. He gently took my hand in his, and once again I was reminded of how mature he'd gotten. It seemed like just yesterday that he would jump into my arms and turn on the cute just to get my attention. Now he had it. He turned to look up at me, and I lifted him off his feet. "Guess what?" he said again.

"What?" I asked, a smile now permanently plastered on my face.

"It's our first holiday together," he said. "Our first holiday as a couple anyway. I'm glad I get to spend Valentine's Day with you, Prince." He sounded so sad for reasons I couldn't explain, but I didn't question him about him now. If I was really curious, I would ask him later. Right now, I didn't want to interrupt the party by making a scene. Instead, I gently wrapped my arms around his waist, pulled him close, and kissed him. He kissed me back, wrapping his arms around my neck. I kissed the top of his head and smiled into his hair, breathing deeply.

"I love you my precious Prince of Shadows," I whispered. "And you smell like lilacs." I felt a laugh bubbling in his chest. He pressed his lips to my ear. They tickled.

"I love you too my darling Prince of the Sea," he whispered back. "And yes, I do smell like lilacs. I ran out of shampoo and had to borrow Hazel's. She didn't mind. Although coming out and drying my hair with her towel was probably overdoing it a bit." He chuckled lowly.

"Are you talking about me again?" Hazel asked, and Nico promptly jumped out of my arms. Hazel began to chase Nico around my cabin. I leaned against the wall and watched, amused. Frank came over and stood beside me, also looking amused. "I got you!" Hazel cried gleefully as she wrapped her arms around Nico's waist. Nico laughed and twisted, trying to break free.

"Those two are cute siblings," Frank said to me quietly. I nodded my asset. Nico finally had someone to be childish with, someone else whose childhood was stolen from them. Nico might be growing up, but it was good to see him getting some of his youthful energy back. "I'm glad she has Nico," Frank continued.

"I'm glad he's got Hazel," I replied. "He's got somebody in that big cabin with him now, so it's not as lonesome. He's also got somebody since, you know, Bianca." Frank nodded and wandered over, capturing Hazel around her waist and hoisting her up. She grinned at him and kissed his forehead.

"I know it's Valentine's Day everyone but can we save all the kisses till after the after party?" Jason said. "There is food to be eaten, dancing to do, and friends to see before we crash in sugar comas!" Everyone laughed, and someone flipped on the boom box in the corner. Camp Half-Blood's first ever after party had officially begun.

…

"Prince?" Nico whispered. "Are you up?" It was two in the morning, and most of the partying had gotten done an hour ago. Piper and Annabeth were still up talking, and Frank had Hazel in the middle of the cabin dancing, but for the most part, it was calm. I glanced down at Nico, and he was busy fingering his necklace, twirling it around his fingers and letting it go, only to do it again.

"Is something bothering you sweetie?" I asked, the first threads of dread begin to snake in. "You can tell me," I prompted.

"Percy," he said, looking up at me, and I saw tears in his eyes. "Dad called me down to the Underworld a few days ago, remember?" I nodded. How could I forget? "So, he wants me to go on a mission for him. It's top secret, and I'm sworn to secrecy. Percy… This mission is going to keep me away from camp a couple of years." I balked.

"What baby?" I asked numbly. I don't think I heard him right. "A couple of years? That can't be right!" I lowered my voice at the last minute so I didn't wake anyone up. All motion in the cabin stopped. "Nico… a couple of years?" This wasn't real. This couldn't be real. "You're going away for a couple of years? When will you leave?" He bit his lower lip and looked down.

"The end of the week," he replied, his voice quavering. "My dad told me to come back at the end of the week to get ready to leave. I have six days with you." He reached up and rested his hand against my cheek. I captured his fingers and kissed them, the realization dawning on me. My Prince of Shadows was leaving camp for a couple of years, and I had no way of knowing if he was even going to come back alive. "Prince…" he began.

"Don't speak baby," I whispered, holding him close and tight. "Don't speak please. Just let me hold you." He quieted down immediately and settled against me, fisting my shirt. I looked down and nearly sobbed. For the first time ever, Nico was wearing a Camp Half-Blood shirt.

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Jason's POV

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"Did I hear right?" Leo asked me as we lounged in the bunk in Percy's cabin. It was about five in the morning, and I don't think I could sleep again. Leo was also up, which was surprising because he could sleep like a rock if you let him. "Is Nico really going away?" he asked again, and I realized just how broken he was really getting about this. Nico was one of his best friends. If Nico went away, I don't know what we'd do.

"I guess so," I replied. "It's weird. I felt like Nico was finally getting accepted into our group. Now he's leaving." In the next bunk over, Percy cried out in his sleep and threw the blanket off himself. To say I was concerned was putting it mildly. Nico was like an extension of Percy. If the little shadow child went away I had no idea what would happen. "He's taking it surprisingly well right now."

"That'll change," Leo said matter-of-factly. "Once Nico is gone, Percy will be beside himself with worry. We all will. Nico's not just our friend. He's family." I nodded. Leo was smarter than I'd ever give, him credit for.

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Nico's POV

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I tossed and turned for most of the night. Telling Percy, that had to easily have been the hardest thing I'd ever done. I couldn't believe my dad wanted me for a mission. At first, I'd been thrilled. Secret Underworld mission? Fuck yeah. But then dad elaborated on it and told me I'd be gone for a couple of years, at least. My heart slowly sank down to my stomach and settled like a rock. I had to leave Percy behind.

"I love you Prince," I said, and he mumbled in his sleep. "I love you so much. If I'd known how long this mission was going to take, I would've turned it down. I can't leave you Prince. I can't leave my friends. I can't leave my camp." I reached down and ran my hands over my shirt. I'd finally felt like I belonged, so I'd put it on. But the whole mission thing kind of took over my thinking. "How can I go on a mission to please my dad when the only one I want to please is right here, where I want to be?"

"Don't worry so much Nico," he whispered, startling me. "You're too young for worry lines. You know why your dad wants you?" I mutely shook my head. "Because he sees how mature you've gotten, and knows you can handle the mission now. I'm only an Iris-message away if you ever need me." His arms snaked around my waist and pulled me close.

"I know Prince," I said. "I'm sorry this had to happen at your after party." I kissed me and got me to shut up.

"Don't be that sorry Nico," he replied. "It's just a stupid party. I don't care about that. What I care about is you, and I'm going to enjoy you while I have you. Let's say we go on one last shopping trip tomorrow before you have to leave." I felt a lump in my throat, but I nodded all the same. "Now Nico, why don't you get some sleep? I know you've been up most of the night." At the mention of sleep, I yawned. "Sleep tight Nico. I love you."

"I love you too Prince," I responded as my eyes closed. "I'll spend my last few days here with you. Pinky promise."

…

I know this one is kind of short, but I didn't want it to drag on. After this one, it's two more, than the story is done. And it'll be my longest completed multi-chapter story. I feel simultaneously proud and disheartened at the same time. That means it's officially over.