Leo was depressed. After all, wasn't he the reason why Percy and Annabeth were in Tartarus? Gods, his life sucked. At the onset of this quest, Leo had been a little apprehensive. Seven demigods against Dirt Face? What were the odds? However, somehow as time passed, Leo had become quite close to the rest of the seven. Annabeth was the only person who had understood how to operate the Argo II and now she was gone, he felt more isolated than ever. She had helped him in the engineering and had been his right hand man... or girl (whichever sounded more appropriate). As for Percy, the guy had saved Leo's life more times than he could count although Percy had been slightly cold towards him in the beginning. Yeah, just another two deaths on Leo's conscience after his mother's. Man, his life sucked.

''Leo, stop it'' sighed Piper for the hundredth time. ''Please eat something.'' This had been going on since the past two days. Leo had been stubborn; refusing to eat or drink- wanting to be left alone to grieve. However Jason and Beauty Queen had some other ideas.

''Yeah man, you are wasting away.'' Said Jason, his brow furrowed up with worry. It was agonising seeing his best friend so morose. It was just not Leo.

They were in the mess hall trying to force Leo to eat and failing spectacularly.

''We all wish there was something we could do.'' Said Nico with Hazel trailing behind him. ''Don't beat yourself up Leo. I feel the same way. I feel as if I have signed the death sentence of my own brother by being stupid enough to get captured.'' He concluded with a twisted smile full of pain.

He said this with so much of grief and regret that Piper felt terrible. It was not Nico's fault that he had been captured. It had been all Gaea's ploy to break the spirits of the demigods by capturing their two strongest heroes and pretty much signing their death certificates and Piper reluctantly felt in her bones that Gaea was succeeding. There was a general tension on the ship that had been absent earlier. Although they were all on a quest with hardly a day going by without being attacked, there was a general optimism in the atmosphere as though they were going to succeed no matter what came their way. Now, it had vanished.

''I just wish there was something we could do'' sighed Jason. ''I feel so helpless.''

''All for the sake of this damn statue'' said Frank resentfully coming out of his cabin. He eyed the Athena Parthenos as though it had done him some personal harm. Not the wisest idea to blatantly insult Athena, but Jason could not help agreeing with him. If it had not been for the quest issued by Minerva, Percy and Annabeth might have still been with them. However, it was useless complaining and what was done, was done.

''We are sailing to Greece'' said Piper but she could hear the doubt in her own voice. Even if they managed to reach there alive (which in itself was very doubtful) none of them-not even Nico had any idea how to close the Doors of Death or to fight any giants that might be there. Neither were they mentally prepared to do so. It seemed as if all their adrenaline had been sapped leaving them as empty shells of themselves.

Then Nico did something totally unexpected and highly dangerous even by demigod standards. He glared at the sky and yelled ''At least help us now! Percy and Annabeth have saved your sorry asses so many times. I think it is about time you all did something now. We are risking our lives for you here. At least give us a sign or show us that they will be okay and will survive this! If anyone of us deserves a happy ending it is Percy and Annabeth and you all know that. ''

He turned away, breathing heavily as the sky thundered. All the demigods stared at him in amazement.

''Are you insane?'' asked Frank.

Nico shrugged. ''Probably. It felt good though. The gods deserve to know how we feel. Don't tell me you have not been feeling the same way.''

Just then there was a flash of light and Apollo and Hermes appeared.

''Nice to hear your thoughts cousin,'' smirked Apollo. ''Very eloquent, aren't you?''

''Now what? Are you planning on incinerating me?'' asked Nico , clearly irritated.

''Show some respect son of Hades,'' said Hermes, the twinkle from his eyes gone. ''You are the one who called us here in the first place."

''He did not!'' exclaimed Piper. ''He just vented out his emotions. Anyway, how are you here? Olympus is closed.''

''Maybe, but we heard you and are here to help. You want information about Percy and Annabeth and we will give it to you'' said Apollo, a slight smile on his face.

''Is it only me, or are you guys as confused as I am.'' Said Leo. '' Firstly why are you willing to help us? You have been out of contact for more than a year and secondly, what do you want in return for your help? It is unlikely you will help us without some price."

Not your typical Leo answer, but after his encounter with Nemesis had ended badly, Leo was not taking any chances. Not taking help from friendly immortal beings who might kill you at any time was at the top of his to do list.

Hermes looked sympathetic. ''Leo Valdez, not all of us are heartless. Posiden and Athena are grief stricken. They wanted to go after you all himself but Zeus forbade it. That is why they have sent us to help you. Percy and Annabeth played an integral part in the Titan War and I for one will never forget it. They cleared my son Luke's name.''

Leo did not know who this Luke guy was but Nico seemed convinced and since he was the only one who knew about the Titan War, Leo decided to trust Hermes.

''Now,'' said Apollo, ''back to business. Zeus does not know we are here so we have to hurry. Get ready now as we are going to send you thirty two years into the future''

''WHAT!" yelled everyone.

''Enjoy guys. Remember, when you want to come back, contact our future selves and they will help you...I hope. That is assuming that you survive.'' Said Hermes with a wink.

Nico snorted. ''That's reassuring.''

''He's kidding.'' Said Apollo. ''However, there will be quite a few surprises for sure. Especially for you Nico. Hope you like them.''

And with that, Apollo and Hermes vanished.

''What the Hades!'' said Piper. I think it is safe to say everyone agreed.

However, before anyone could reply, all six demigods were sucked into a black vortex.

Leo POV

Leo landed on Hazel.

''Sorry'' he muttered, blushing. ''I didn't mean to- ouch!''

Frank had landed on top of him effectively cutting off his circulation. Leo was now facedown staring at a wooden floor when he heard a girl say ''you all better have a good explanation as to why you are here if you want to stay alive. Who are you all and WHAT are you doing in my house?''

Leo forced himself to look up and found himself staring at a very pregnant blonde who looked just like Annabeth. She was carrying a sword made of celestial bronze and it was pointed right at them. The only thing that made the girl different from Annabeth was that she had green eyes.