Well...bottom line is I tried winging it this chapter without a pre-write...yeah didn't work too well so not going to do that again but surprisingly this came out longer then I thought so guess it all works all out. Okay a few notes about this chapter, I used actual lines from the "Swan Princess" Movie and I put the link of the music I wanted Nico and Percy to be playing when its there turn, so check out the link there and listen to it, well the actual duet starts after 15 seconds into the song but I thought it suited Nico well. So I hope you enjoy and sorry for the wait!
Two familiar twins had snuck out of their cabin in the early morning as some campers were just waking up themselves. They stopped at a cabin that was glowing as soon as the sun hit it and knocked on the side of the doorway to get attention of one of the campers. Lee fletcher peeked out and saw the twins grinning in front of the doorway.
"Can we come in? We wanna greet Josh!" Elijah said.
"Is it that time of year again?" Lee asked grinning as the twins nodded.
"Yep! So can we go in now please?" Noah asked.
"Go right ahead, try not to make too much of a mess." Lee replied chuckling as he moved aside letting the twins in.
They saw a few of the other Apollo kids waking up, some of them even had amused glances as they waved to the twins.
"Where's Joshua's little magician?" an Apollo girl asked the twins as they passed by.
"Dunno we stopped by Aphrodite's cabin-" Noah started.
"but apparently Zacharaia left early because he wasn't inside." Eli finished.
"Strange he usually is the first one to greet Joshua." The girl said confused.
The twins just shrugged and found the person they were looking for still snoozing in his bed. The two shared a look before they leapt and tackled Josh on the bed.
"Happy Birthday Joshy!" the two shouted loudly.
"GAHH!" the dark haired teen cried out at the sudden weights on him and the loud shouting before he leveled the two with a glare, "couldn't have you two waited until I got up myself?"
"But you usually sleep in!" Noah pouted.
"Or try hiding from Zacharia." Eli added.
"Within very good reason," Josh muttered as he lifted the twins by their camp-half-blood shirts and put them down on the side of his bed as he got up, "he tends to make my birthday a spectacal for the whole camp."
"And every year we look forward to it!" laughed Michael Yes as Josh threw his pillow at his face.
"Shut it!" Josh scowled at his half-brother.
"Aww come on Josh you know he just does those things to show that he really likes you." Noah said as he and Eli sat on Josh's bed while he got changed.
"He does that a lot already, I don't see why he has to go all out on my birthday." Josh grumbled as he kept looking over his shoulder as if he was expecting Zacharia to come popping out of nowhere.
"Why don't you return his feelings?" Kayla an Apollo girl asked, "he seems sincere about them."
"But he's an Aphrodite kid, those campers alone have broken more hearts then any other cabin combined." Austin stated frowning.
"Not Silena, remember she and Charles Beckendorf have been going out for a while." Lee replied.
"Details details, that's one exception." Austin replied rolling his eyes.
"Look I'll deal with Zacharia like I do every year." Josh stated as he finished getting dressed.
"By being paranoid all day trying to avoid or hide from him?" Michael replied snickering.
"I don't hide from him!" Josh shouted.
"Okay fine avoid." Michael replied, "but in all seriousness, I think you should honestly do something about Zacharia, he's not that bad of a guy coming from Aphrodite cabin."
"I'll consider it." Josh sighed as he headed out with the twins at his heels as he left the cabin.
"So you two haven't seen Zach yet?" Josh asked as he headed to the mess hall for breakfast."
"Nope, he could be putting your gift together." Elijah replied tapping his chin thoughtfully.
"Greaat…" Josh said grimacing.
"Oh come on you can't say that you don't like the gifts!" Noah said pointing a finger dramatically at Josh's face, "I've seen the spare bag under your bed with the gifts from Zacharia!"
"Wh-what the Hades were you doing in my room and looking under my bed!" Josh sputtered out as his face started to burn.
"I left my Harry Potter book there and I wanted to get it because Eli wanted to read it together again." Noah replied simply and innocently.
"Y-You!" Josh stuttered at Noah's expression.
"Yeeeeesss?" the twins replied in unison making Josh glower at them.
"Nevermind you two brats, come on lets go and get breakfast already." Josh muttered.
"Oh look there's Zacharia!" Noah suddenly called out pointing a head of them.
"What!" Josh nearly shouted looking where Noah was pointing and indeed it actually was Zacharia, but there was something off. Instead of the magician running towards him looking like an eager puppy the Aphrodite child seemed to be busy as he was running towards some of the empty cabins.
"Well that's strange," Eli said scratching his head, "usually he'd show up in a big burst of confetti and hug Josh."
"Yeah do you think he's still getting Joshy's present? He usually has it by now." Noah replied, "what do you think Josh?"
"I don't know…I'm going to follow him really quickly." The Apollo child said as he took off after the magician.
"You know we should really make a betting pool when those two are finally going to confess." Noah said.
"What do you mean? Technically Zacharia already confessed, its Josh that hasn't admitted anything yet." Eli pointed out to his twin.
"True, oh well can't think on an empty stomach let's go. Maybe we can get the Nymphs to give us extra waffles." Noah said grinning as Eli laughed.
Josh made his way to the cabins where he saw Zacharia heading towards and got even more suspicious.
'Why would he head to these cabins?They're technically empty except for Zeus's since that's where Thalia sleeps.' Josh thought as he walked behind said cabin and was listening carefully for any noises.
As he moved forward he heard some low muffled talking, quickening his pace he got behind the Poseidon's cabin just in time to see Zacharia disappear into a familiar portal before it disappeared.
"Was that Nico?" Josh said out loud as he moved to the spot where he had seen the magician disappear, "Bianca is probably still asleep so it had to be Nico, but what are those two planning?"
As much as Josh wanted to try and figure this all out, he couldn't since Nico never leaves any traces behind when he uses the shadows to move and only Bianca could follow him if she tried or wanted. Sighing to himself he walked out from behind the cabins and to the mess hall for breakfast and just deal with Zacharia whenever he came back to celebrate his birthday.
oOo
"Sorry for being late! I had to get up earlier then my siblings." Zacharia said smiling as he walked into Percy's living room.
"Oh don't worry about it Zach, we were just sitting down for breakfast ourselves." Amelia said as she put a plate of pancakes on the table before going back to the pan.
"Hey Saphir how are you doing?" Zach asked as he patted the puppy's head that was lying in a basket in the living room.
Saphir barked happy to see Zach again as his tail was wagging in joy before the fluffy husky got up and pawed at the magician's legs.
"He's been a good boy, and Celeste has been helping him get use to the home." Percy said as he patted his own dog. The Labrador retriever looked proud at her accomplishment in getting the puppy to become more open.
"That's great thanks Percy, alright Saphir time for you to eat with us then." Zach said chuckling as he headed to the table as well. Both dogs waited for the bowl to be filled with food before they started eating. Zach noticed something interesting about his dog as he was eating.
"He doesn't eat dog food like Celeste?" he asked.
"Well we tried but he just refused to eat it so Percy fed him some of his beef last night and well…" Amelia replied as she indicated to the bacon and eggs in Saphir's bowl, "we tried telling him he'd get fat by eating our food but we couldn't let him starve."
"Guess a few runs on the beach will do him some good." Zach said scratching Saphir behind his ears before looking at Percy," so when is this play of yours?"
"Later in the evening," Percy replied, "we have a talent show first, then the orchestra concert, my duet with Nico and then the last even is the play."
"Too bad, I was hoping to see you running around the school festival in your prince outfit." Nico snickered as Percy gave the dark haired teen the evil eye.
"There is no way I am going to be running around in THAT costume, I'll wear it only when I have to." Percy grumbled.
"What's so bad about the costume?" Zach asked while Nico was trying hard to suppress his laughter and failing.
"He has to wear tights, with no pants." Nico snickered as he dodged a piece of bacon thrown at his head.
"Nico! Shut it!" Percy shouted his face red before he turned to Zach, "please tell me you're reconsidering not recording the play!"
"Nope! Sorry Percy but this is too good of an opportunity." Zach laughed as Percy scowled.
"Dammit…" the son of Poseidon cursed as he poked his eggs.
"Now Percy I'm sure you'll be fine, besides it's only for a few scenes." Amelia said.
"Mom, I'm going to be singing!" Percy wailed as he hit his head against the table making the woman blink.
"Oh yes that's right, you do have that one song." Amelia said while Nico and Zach were laughing.
"Look at the bright side Percy, you're only singing a few lines." Nico pointed out, "its not like you're doing the whole song."
"It still sucks." Percy muttered as he shoved some bacon into his mouth.
"Well I'm sure you'll do fine kid." Zach replied patting Percy's back.
"I am not looking forward to that." Percy sighed.
"Come on, finish up then let's head to the school I'm sure you have some last minute setting up to do." Tatsuya said.
"You still got the tape from what we started recording yesterday Zach?" Percy asked looking at the magician.
"Yep! I paused it where we stopped so its ready to continue whenever." Zach replied smiling.
"Would it be okay if I took it with me for awhile?" Percy asked.
"Sure, this is something from both of us to Josh, just don't drop it." Zach said as he handed over the camcorder to Percy who nodded.
"Don't worry I'll be careful, I'll be sure to cover it when I'm in my spot for the festival." Percy replied.
"And I'll be sure to get your concert with Nico and the play as well." Zach nodded, "speaking of the festival, besides the concert what are you going to be doing Nico?"
"I'll be helping some of the guys with their stand." Nico replied shrugging, "I helped build it so I might as well help run it."
"Tatsuya will you help me load up the cakes in the ice chests for the festival?" Amelia asked standing up, "Percy make sure you have everything alright? Its going to be crowded and I don't want Tatsuya to have to find another parking space if you forgot something."
"I'll make sure now mom." Percy replied finishing up his food and putting his plate in the dishwasher as he went to check the bags in the living room.
"So how's the camp?" Nico asked as he continued eating with Zach.
"Nothing much so far, Luke and his group came back looking like something bad happened." Zach replied and he stared when Nico smirked, "which I get the feeling it was something you caused. Spill it."
"Nothing much to say just that they ran into both Percy and myself." Nico replied putting some grape jelly on his toast.
"Now I can see why they were upset but there was something more to it I think, Chiron looked nervous as he summoned Grover to him and the two of them left the camp." Zach replied chewing on some toast.
"Why would he call Grover?" Nico asked frowning.
"No one's sure, the group including Chiron and Grover aren't allowed to say anything. My guess is they saw the gods about what had happened." Zach replied making Nico grimace.
"Oh great, now they know where I am." Nico grumbled.
"Not entirely, they know you're staying with Percy and Tatsuya." Zach pointed out, "they have no idea where the house is, what Percy's schedule is or anything so I think you're pretty safe."
"Maybe not, I get the feeling something else might be going on." Nico replied shaking his head as Saphir finished up his food and started to paw at Zach wanted to be lifted up. Zach laughed as he picked up the fluffy puppy and put him in his lap before feeding him some toast.
"What makes you say that?" Zach questioned as he scratched behind Saphir's ears.
"When Percy was unconscious and I was being held down a cage of water formed around Percy." Nico replied, "and I know that he can't control water unconsciously."
"So you think that someone else is after Percy? But no one but the gods know of his true heritage or abilities." Zach said frowning.
"We don't know that we're just assuming. You can't take these things easily especially since the cage was trying to pull Percy into the ocean." Nico replied, "thankfully Tatsuya got to the beach in time and got him free."
"You kids about ready?" Amelia asked as she poked her head in the kitchen just as the two were finishing up.
"Yes Amelia!" the two called as they put away their plates in the sink, making sure to wash them before putting them in the dishwasher.
"Good come on Percy already has everything he needs and is just waiting on you two." Amelia laughed.
The two chuckled as they walked out of the house and got into the backseat of the car with Percy as Amelia took the front seat next to Tatsuya.
"Hey Zach, do you think I could borrow the camcorder for a bit?" Percy asked looking at the French boy.
"I don't see why not, this is a present from you as well for Josh." Zach replied before he leaned down and whispered to Percy's ear, "and can you tell him to maybe be a bit nicer to me when I'm pursuing him?"
Percy just started laughing much to Zach's amusement.
oOo
"Ooo so close! You got one more toss better make it count!"
"Are the contestants ready? Annnnddd go!"
"Get your snacks here! Cotton candy! Popcorn! Pretzels!"
The festival was in full swing by the time the family got there. Percy and Nico quickly left to go to their designated stations, Zach making sure to hand off the camcorder to Percy before he left. Amelia and Tatsuya went off to deliver the bakery goods to some of the classes leaving Zach to wander around a bit, trying to find a bit of entertainment before the talent show later in the evening.
Somehow he had found his way to the indoor maze being held in one of the bigger rooms inside the school.
"Want to try your luck?" a 7th grader asked grinning, "if you can make it through the maze without getting hit by one of the traps three times then you win a prize, though I warn you its tricky."
Zach grinned, "I'm tricky as well let's see who's better."
"Alright then step right up good sir." The student said bowing amused at Zach as he stepped into the dark room that was only lighten by the sun coming through the upper windows. Even then it was still plenty dark inside the building. As he walked to the entrance of the maze he could hear the shouts of frustration and started yelps coming from inside the maze at the takers who hadn't had much luck avoiding the traps inside.
Zach smirked at the challenge as he started to make his way through the maze. There were a few close calls as he got hit with a few water balloons a few times and tripped over a wire but nothing had come close to actually hitting him. He jumped back just in time for some gloop to try hitting him and Zach laughed out-loud when he heard the person behind the 'wall' of the maze cursing that they had missed.
"Sorry fellows you're going to have to try harder!" Zach laughed moving on.
It wasn't long before he got to the end and he stopped when he looked around. The entrance was a few feet away from him but he had yet to run into another trap since he had avoided most of them thus far. Suddenly he ducked as water balloons were shot all around him completely missing him but he knew that wasn't it and he was right. More water balloons came but they were much larger in size making Zach dance out of the way.
"Almost home free…" Zach said to himself as he sprinted towards the end, but just as he was about to cross it he didn't notice something discreetly being poured out in front of him making him slip and fall, along with several water balloons hitting him just as he passed through, or more likely slid through the exit.
"Darn you got hit twice." Percy pouted as he stuck his head out to look at the magician as a student laughed walking by handing Zach a towel to dry off.
"Well you got me on my toes I never noticed anything on the floor." Zach replied chuckling, "nice job by the way."
"I got it all on tape too." Percy grinned holding out the camcorder.
"Oh come on Percy please don't tell me Josh is going to see you managing to get me!" Zach whined.
"I think it'll be a nice treat." Percy chuckled as he walked out, "so what are you going to do now? Just walk around some more?"
"Yeah its still too early for the talent show…although setting up all these traps seems like fun." Zach said grinning.
"It is fun surprising the people that come through here." Percy said laughing, "you wanna help?"
"Is it alright for me to do so?" Zach asked as Percy pulled him behind the curtain that acted as a 'wall' for the maze."
"Sure! Besides its not like anyone is really going to complain." Percy replied.
"Well then what are we waiting for?" Zach said grinning as he quickly helped Percy plan some new traps with the help of his classmates. To say the least that the maze became much more entertaining was an understatement, and a lot more people became entertained despite being hit by the various traps.
oOo
"And we have a winner!" the senior said handing a stuffed dragon plushie to Tatsuya who just gave an unimpressive snort at the thing and quickly handed to Amelia who laughed as she took the toy.
"That is an insult to dragons." Tatsuya said dryly as Amelia was enjoying herself as they walked away from the booth.
"But its adorable don't you think?" the woman replied.
"No…I don't." Tatsuya retorted, "is it time for the concert yet?"
Amelia checked her watch and shook her head, "no its still too early for it. Come on why don't we check out some of the food they have selling here?"
"Fine…" Tatsuya replied grumbling.
They walked in silence for a bit until Amelia spoke up again.
"Tatsuya are you not telling me something? You've been tense." Amelia said quietly.
"Its nothing." He replied as the stopped to pick up some sandwiches.
"When you say its nothing it usually means something." Amelia replied sternly, "I'm your wife, I'm suppose to help and support you. Now tell me I don't want to be left in the dark, does it have anything to do with that group you mentioned?"
"Maybe." Tatsuya replied looking away for a few seconds but Amelia huffed and turned his head back towards him.
"Tatsuya…" Amelia said warningly making Tatsuya sigh and grab her hand leading her away from the crowd to a secluded bench to sit down and talk.
"Yes it concerns the group but it also involves another." Tatsuya replied.
"Another group?" Amelia questioned her eyes wide.
"Only unlike the first group this one involves a bunch of well teens." Tatsuya stated making Amelia's mouth drop.
"T-teens?" Amelia sputtered out.
"About Percy's age and older, there was a group that came by the other day and tried to take Percy back to their camp…apparently there are more like them." Tatsuya explained.
"But…why would they want Percy? They're not associated with the first group are they?" Amelia asked.
"I don't think so but I know now there are more then one group after both me, Percy and probably Nico." Tatsuya sighed, "I'm going to have to increase the wards around the house."
"Are you positive they mean to harm Percy and Nico?" Amelia asked.
"I'm not going to take that risk. I'm going to do that after we come back from the festival." Tatsuya said determined, "I don't know what this second group is after but by now the first group has their suspicions of Percy and Nico and we don't need them in danger."
"if you're sure, but I think you're just being a bit paranoid." Amelia replied.
"Better be paranoid then be surprised." Tatsuya replied flatly, "at least we have Celeste and Saphir at home to watch the house."
"Tatsuya, are you worried that something's going to happen?" Amelia asked as they went back walking around the festival.
Tatsuya didn't answer her, which made Amelia more worried; when Tatsuya didn't say anything she knew that something serious was approaching them. He just didn't know when. She tightens her grip on Tatsuya's arm as they quietly walked around the school killing time until later in the evening.
As much as Tatsuya wished to relax and enjoy the festival for his family, he couldn't help but get a nagging feeling in the back of his head about something happening that he knew he wasn't going to like it one bit. But looking over at Amelia and how tight his wife was holding onto his arm he pushed the nagging feeling away and tried to enjoy the festival to calm Amelia down.
"Come on I'm sure there are a few more games we can play before the kid's concert and play." Tatsuya said as Amelia looked up at him and smiled back before dragging him off to the dunking booth.
oOo
"Hey Percy shouldn't you get going? Its almost time for the play and talent show to begin!" a kid said sticking his head through the sheets. He blinked when he saw Percy and some older kid launching pellets at something hanging on the ceiling. He watched as the pellets popped the balloons sending the water on top of the unsuspecting people's heads.
"Eh already?" Percy said looking at his watch and saw that it was time.
"Come on we better get going." Zach said as he picked up the camera, making sure it was paused as Percy nodded.
"Okay thanks for reminded me Alex." Percy said.
"No problem, I'll take over here for you. Have fun singing." Alex replied laughing as Percy groaned.
"Don't remind me." He grimaced as he followed Zach out of the maze through the back.
"So what comes first? The play or talent show?" Zach asked as they headed to the amphitheater.
"The talent show first and then we set up for the play." Percy replied, "everything is made its just going to take a while to change into the costumes and set up the props for each scene."
"That should be fun so are just playing one part?" Zach asked.
"Er…well I am playing a younger version of the main character for one scene, then I'm with the orchestra." Percy replied scratching his cheek.
"That's good so the music is going to be played instead of pre-recorded?" Zach questioned.
"Some parts are pre-recorded since some of the band members are in the actual play." Percy explained before making a face, "there's a part that involves actual musicians and I got slotted to be in that part as well."
"What about Nico does he have a part in the play as well?" Zach was curious about this since he had forgotten to ask Nico earlier, then again there was a high probability that Nico wouldn't give him a straight answer or an answer at all.
"Well he's helping out backstage with the props and lighting." Percy started, "and then he's with me in the orchestra for the play as well…heh which he isn't too happy about."
"Because he has to sing?" Zach replied and laughed as Percy nodded.
"He tried to get out of it but the person who was originally going to play it ended up taking on too much at once and had to give up one of the parts." Percy explained.
"Oh I can't wait to get this all on tape! Josh is going to love this!" Zach laughed.
"Hey Zach, do you think…I don't know if he's allowed to leave the camp and all but d-do you think that I could see Josh sometime?" Percy asked looking almost shy.
Zach smiled softly when he saw the longing look in Percy's eyes wanting to see his surrogate older brother and patted the younger boy's head.
"Sure, I'll talk to him about it and we can plan this out, remember we can't have you caught or else you'll end up staying in the camp with everyone watching your every move." Zach said.
"Why would they watch my every move if I was staying there?" Percy asked frowning as they neared the amphitheater; which looked ready for the talent show and play.
"Because since the whole camp worked so hard to 'find' you, they don't want to end up losing you again." Zach explained to Percy as the son of Poseidon made a face.
"Great that's not creepy at all." Percy said sarcastically, "Well here's where I gotta meet Nico. We're the last act before the play and I still have to change into my costume for my part."
"Alright I'll go look for your parents and be with them, good luck Percy!" Zach said waving as he headed to the seats to look for Tatsuya and Amelia while Percy entered the backstage.
Everyone was either doing some last minute practicing for the talent show or practicing their lines for the play. When Percy entered the stage manager came running up to him.
"Oh good that means everyone's here! Okay this is how its going to go Percy, once your duet with Nico ends immediately go to wardrobe and get dressed because your part begins almost 5-8 minutes into the beginning of the play more or less." The manager said, "So don't waste any time alright?"
Percy eyes widen and nodded.
"I understand. Have you seen Nico?" Percy asked.
"He's over by the piano doing some scales." The manager replied pointing towards the back before he noticed something, "HEY! Those props are supposed to go to the west wing not the east! Get it right!"
Percy ran to the spare dressing room and changed into his nicer clothes and grabbed his violin that was there as well before heading to Nico who was sitting at a baby grand piano with a look of concentration on his face.
"Nico!" Percy said excited making the other boy turn around and smile at him.
"You ready for our duet?" Nico asked.
"Uh huh! You picked a really good song." Percy replied as he took out his violin and made sure it was tuned as he played a few notes on it.
"Thanks I think it suits me," Nico replied shrugging but inwardly he was smirking, 'I bet the other campers would have their jaws dropped if they knew I could play the piano especially those Apollo kids.'
Percy stared at Nico who was snickering a bit to himself.
"Nico are you okay?" Percy asked hesitantly snapping Nico out of his thoughts.
"Yeah don't worry about me, come on lets practice a bit. We need to leave a good impression since we're the last act." Nico said.
"Right!" Percy replied as he shouldered the violin and the two were practicing a bit.
oOo
It didn't take long for Zach to find the seats where Amelia and Tatsuya were, the two managed to find perfect seats in the center and close to the stage where Zach could record perfectly. He sat down on the other side of Amelia as Tatsuya greeted him.
"So what did you do all day?" Amelia asked.
"I helped Percy with his class's attraction. It was so much fun setting up all those traps." Zach chuckled as he took out the camera and held it up to the stage to adjust it.
"I bet it became a bit more interested with you there huh?" Tatsuya asked amused while Zach nodded proudly.
"Did you know Nico was going to be in the play?" Zach asked as he finished adjusting the camera. By the surprised looks on both adults faces he took that as a no.
"He never said anything about being in the play as well, but I had a feeling he was helping out backstage." Amelia replied, "do you know what he's doing?"
"You'll just have to wait and see." Zach said grinning while Amelia pouted.
"Oh come on can't you give me a hint?" She asked.
"Well he has to sing I'll tell you that much." Zach replied as Tatsuya laughed.
"That should be hilarious, we're going to need to make a copy of that tape." The dragon in disguise stated.
Suddenly the lights dimmed as the principal walked on stage with a microphone.
"Hello everyone thank you for coming to our annual end of the school year festival!" she said loudly while the audience cheered. "Now! For tonight's entertainment we're going to have our talent show followed by the play, and this year the play for this year is "The Swan Princess"! A classic fairytale but hardly done! Now just sit back and enjoy as I leave the introduction of the talent show participants by our school's president Miss. Serena Tyson!"
A long-haired brunette walked onto the stage and took the microphone from the principal and smiled at the audience.
"Well let's begin our talent show! For our first act we have…." Serena introduced.
A little while later….
"Thank you! And now our final talent show's act before our wonderful play, it's a duet by a student here and a new student that'll be officially joining our school in September! Give a round of applause for Percy Jackson and Nico Di Angelo!" Serena said as the red velvet curtain was pulled out, revealing the baby grand piano as Nico and Percy walked out from the side wings of the stage.
"Ooo yay its time for Percy and Nico's duet!" Amelia squealed happily as she looked up eagerly.
"I really can't wait to hear how they sound, this is really going to be something different." Zach agreed as he held the camera up to record the whole duet, not wanting to miss a thing.
Percy gave a nervous smile as he held onto his violin and waved to the crowd as Nico walked confidently on the stage. When the two reached the center they gave a low bow to the audience before Nico took his seat at the piano and Percy adjusted his violin on to his shoulder.
"You ready Percy?" Nico said as he nodded to Serena as she gave the signal to dim the lights so that he and Percy were under the spotlight.
"I'm a bit nervous but I'll be fine." Percy replied nodding.
Nico smiled as he turned back to the piano and started to play the introduction to the song while Percy waited a few seconds before he joined in with Nico.
(AN: To hear the music of Nico and Percy playing here's the youtube link to it: http : /www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=L_Z1SzxVPWg&feature=related)
It music that flowed from the instruments that were playing was dramatic and melodious, neither one over-shadowed the other as they played in harmony but you could practically feel the emotions from the music itself as Nico and Percy played. The complete look of concentration on both of their faces as they focused sorely on the music had captured the whole audience, students inside and outside the amphitheater's attention since the music was being played so the whole campus could hear even if they weren't at the amphitheater in person.
It seemed all too soon for the song to end but once everyone realized that it was over Nico and Percy were given a standing ovation as everyone was clapping furiously for the two, many people were cheering loudly as they clapped. Amelia, Tatsuya and Zach were some of the people clapping and cheering loudly for the two.
"They really liked it!" Percy said happily as he and Nico bowed to the audience before running off stage as the red curtain fell so that the others could set up for the play.
"Of course! We played it extremely well so why shouldn't they like it." Nico replied smirking smugly.
"That was amazing you two! I knew you guys could play but I didn't expect something at that level!" the stage manager said patting both of their backs, "no hurry up and change both of you, Nico get in costume and then help out for the setup. Percy you wait until its your scene understand?"
Both of them nodded as they ran to the dressing rooms. A few minutes later Serena walked back out on stage.
"Thank you Nico and Percy for that wonderful duet! And now the highlight of the night, our rendition of "The Swan Princess", Serena announced as the audience clapped, "I'll be doing the narration and we have our talented school orchestra doing the actual music!"
The curtain slowly started to rise and the lights dimmed so that it was more focused on what was going on stage as Serena did the narration to the side.
"Once upon a time, there was a king named William who ruled a large and mighty kingdom, and yet he was sad for he was growing old. And had no child to inherit the throne, then happily, a daughter was born; a princess. And she was given the name Odette."
"Kings and Queens came from all around to offer their gifts to the child, among them the widowed Uberta and her young son Prince Derek."
The scene curtains open to see a young boy, probably a fourth grader walking up to a baby's crib and dangling something in it as seniors acting as the adults in the background smiles.
"It was then, that Uberta and King William upon the same idea: Derek and Odette would be brought together each summer in hopes that they would fall in love, and join their kingdoms together."
Two specific seniors dressed as an older looking King and Queen looked at each other happily as the queen clapped her hands excited at the very thought.
"But unknown to all was another plan, that of the evil enchanter, Rothbart."
The lights narrowed down to a specific individual in the background wearing a long red mustache with a black cloak as he narrowed his eyes and glared at the baby's bed.
"Odette's birth was of little concern to him. For he was preparing to take, William's kingdom by means of the forbidden arts…"
The scene changes quickly to a laboratory, to the person playing Rothbart as he's standing over cauldrons with smoke coming out of it.
"On the eve of his assault, William attack!"
Guards enter from the wings and start knocking down and destroying the 'lab'.
"and Rothbart's powers were plunged into darkness. Despite calls for his death, the enchanter was only banished."
"I'm not finished with you yet Willy…" the senior growled who played Rothbart, "someday I'll get my power back! And when I do, Everything you own, everything you love will…be…mine…"
'Rothbart' and his assistance walked off into the wings as Serena continued the narration.
"Many feared King William too kind, but in time the threat was forgotten and all hope turned to that not so distance summer when Derek and Odette would meet…"
That ends the first part as the curtain falls for the change of scene and props. A few minutes later the Senior playing King William and the younger girl playing Odette enter.
"Dear Uberta, as lovely as ever," 'King William' said before he turned and looked at the young boy next to 'Queen Uberta'. "and who might this strapping young man be?Young Prince Derek I presume?"
'King William' winked knowingly at 'Queen Uberta' making the audience chuckle as 'Uberta' curtsied.
"Dear King William, welcome to our fair kingdom." 'Uberta replied.' "and to you young Princess…"
'Prince Derek standing next to his 'mother' looked annoyed as he rolled his eyes as 'Odette was gently pushed forward by her 'father.'
"Go on Derek, come on dear…go on…" Uberta said trying to urge her 'son' forward.
"Mother!" 'Derek hissed.
"Derek!"
'Derek grumbled as he stomped forward to meet Odette as many of the adults were smiling as they could see how stubborn the boy was meeting the princess.
"Hello Princess Odette, I'm very please to meet you." 'Derek grumbled never making eye contact with the princess.
"Pleased to meet you Prince Derek." 'Odette' replied curtsying back as Derek stomped off surprising Odette.
Uberta shook her finger at 'Derek' as he walked back to his mother before she made him go back making him roll his eyes again and grasped Odette's hand making a face. Odette was making a face as well as he puckered up his lips and kissed her hand before making a 'blah' sound.
At that part plenty of the audience were laughing as it looked really gross for the poor kids stuck playing those parts like in the movie. The music picked up and the singing was about to start.
"Bet the kiddies didn't like that?" Zach whispered quietly as he was recording the whole thing while trying not to be too loud.
"I think any boy wouldn't like kissing a girl's hand if they were forced to." Amelia added giggling.
"I can't believe I'm stuck with her all summer! I bet she doesn't wrestle, hunt or box!"
"He looks conceited…"
"What a total bummer!"
"If I get lucky I'll get chicken pox!"
"So happy you could come."
"So happy to be here…"
"How I'd like to run…"
"This is not my idea-"
"This isn't my idea-"
"Of fun!"
Scene changes to inside the castle where the two kids are play fighting behind their parents back while they talk.
"The children seem to get along quite nicely!"
"We'll join our lands together if this arrangement fits!"
"My dear king William that's the point precisely,"
"Its such good parenting-"
"And politics!"
"So Happy we agree,"
"I think we got a deal,"
"Derek's quite a catch!"
"This is my idea-"
"this is my idea,"
"of a match!"
"and such fun!"
The kids run by them playing with wooden swords and the parents grab them trying to keep them separate. The music continues as the curtain falls for a bit before it reopens and the stage is split, one half has the princess while the other half has Derek.
"Ooo! Look there's percy!" Amelia said pointing to Prince Derek's side as they see Percy in the clothes of Derek trying to shoot arrows at a crude drawing of Odette.
"Now we get to hear Percy sing." Zach snickered.
"Good heaven's child! Don't dawdle, we can't keep Derek waiting!"
"I haven't packed or washed my hair and father I get seasick!"
'Uberta opens the door to Derek's room and enters.
"They soon will be arriving, is that respect you're showing?"
"You make me kiss her hand again I swear I'm going to be sick!"
"One day Prince Derek will be her intended."
"Splendid!"
At this Percy took a slingshot and used a tomato as ammunition and hit the girl's face making it splatter all over her while he and the boy next to him laughed.
"Was that part of the movie?" Tatsuya whispered frowning.
"Yes dear, you know Percy's too sweet to do a mean thing like that." Amelia replied patting Tatsuya's arm, "Oooo Percy's gunna sing again!"
Scene changes to a tree house….
"We tried all summer but we just can' lose her!"
"Hey fellows wait up!"
"When picking teams-"
"or friends!"
"I never choose her!"
"You think she'd take a hint and learn to read."
"This really isn't fair!"
"We really couldn't care."
"Boys its all or none!"
At this 'Odette' Kicks one of the wooden poles making the tree house collapse and 'fall', along with Percy and the other boy on top of the girl.
"Oooo I hope they're alright." Zach grimaced.
"I'm sure they made sure they were safe." Amelia replied but she was still frowning, concerned as well. When the scene changed again the three kids were all dressed up with casts, slings and bandages on them.
"This is not my idea-"
"This isn't my idea-"
"of fun."
The rest of the play was just as enjoyable with the songs and the actors. Amelia giggled when Percy and Nico appeared again on stage only they were part of the 'musicians' that had to dress up as animals.
"Percy looks adorable as a little bunny." Amelia laughed.
"I don't think Nico's too happy being a fox." Tatsuya snickered at the get up and laughed when the two along with the other musicians had to run around the stage to avoid getting 'marked' by the arrows as they sang.
They play otherwise was a hit, with the musical numbers and the uniqueness of the story everyone had enjoyed it a lot as the whole audience was standing as they clapped when all the actors came on stage and took their bow.
Once the final curtain fell everyone got up to leave as Amelia, Zach and Tatsuya headed backstage to get Percy and Nico. They walked in and asked one of the stage hands where the two were.
"Oh they should be in dressing room three, did you enjoy the play?" he asked.
"Yes very much! It was very well produced." Amelia said as they headed to the dressing room and made sure to knock before opening the door.
"Hey guys its us, do you mind if we come in?" Zach called.
"Sure! We're changed anyway!" Nico called from inside.
The three entered the room and Amelia quickly walked up to the two and hugged them tightly.
"You two were wonderful! Nico you play so well! Would you want to take actual lessons?" Amelia asked as Nico turned a bit red at the praise.
"Y-you don't have to do that!" Nico said embarrassed and not use to being praised.
"Nonsense! Percy's getting violin lessons and if you play that well with just a few lessons from your mother just imagine how well you'll be playing with an actual teacher. Please I insist!" Amelia replied.
"I can't talk you out of this can I?" Nico sighed giving Amelia a small smile as the woman laughed and hugged Nico again.
"You did outstanding Percy, I'm glad you're having fun." Tatsuya said patting Percy's head as the boy grinned back up at Tatsuya.
"Thanks dad, I was nervous but with Nico there it wasn't that scary." Percy chirped back before Zach came up grinning.
"You really surprised me Percy! You can sing and play the violin well!" Zach said laughing as Percy blushed.
"I thought I sounded horrible…" Percy replied.
"No you had a nice voice sweetie." Amelia affirmed, "but about that tomato and slingshot…"
"Don't worry mom, she knew it was part of the play and accepted that she'd have to deal with it." Percy quickly amended making Amelia nod.
"Good, I don't want you picking up any bad habits." Amelia stated firmly as Percy nodded sheepishly.
"Hey Nico do you think you could send me back to camp? Its about dinner time and I want to give this to Josh before we have to be in our cabins." Zach said.
"Aw I was hoping you'd come with us to eat." Amelia said.
"Sorry Miss. Amelia but it would be best I could give this to Josh asap since some campers are rather noisy…including some of the nymphs in the forest…" Zach replied muttering the last part to himself.
"Well at least wait until we get home? Since you mentioned it was your friend's birthday I made something for your friend." Amelia sighed.
"You didn't have to." Zach said.
"I wanted to and he seems important to you so I wanted to help make this special for the both of you." Amelia replied shaking her head.
Zach couldn't say no to that and just nodded. Percy and Nico made sure they didn't leave anything behind and left the room, making sure to say goodbye to the other students wishing them a good summer as the others said the same thing back to him and to Nico they said they couldn't wait to see him at the start of the new school year.
It didn't take long for them to get to the car and drive home, by then Percy was yawning, the adrenaline from the festival was wearing off. By the time they pulled up into the drive way Percy was nodding off but woke up every few seconds. The four of them walked inside as Celeste and Saphir were happy to see the group as the dogs pounced on their owners giving them licks on their faces.
"Hahaha I missed you too Celeste were you good?" Percy asked as he patted his dog on the head as Saphir barked at Zach as the magician scratched him behind his ears.
"Hey Percy, Nico wanna give Josh one last message?" Zach asked holding out the camera.
"Okay." Percy said as Zach turned the camera on as Percy had his arms wrapped around Celeste, "hey Josh, I hope you have a happy birthday and know that I'm fine with my family. Thank you for taking care of me when we were growing up together with Noah and Elijah I'm really happy about that. Oh and be nicer to Zach he's really nice once you get to know him."
Zach laughed at the last part before he turned to Nico with the camera.
"Hey don't worry about me Josh, I'm fine as well I'm still not coming back unless I have to but I'm taking care of Percy and both of us are going to be fine, take care of yourself. And I agree with Percy, fess up already you only tolerate Zacharias because you do like him dummy." Nico said smirking as he folded his arms as he talked to the camera.
The French boy coughed a bit as he felt his face blush a bit before he turned off the camera and ejected the recording handing it to Tatsuya.
"I'll go make a copy of this really quick on my computer." Tatsuya said taking the disc and walking to his office as the two sat on the couch. Amelia had disappeared into the kitchen and reappeared a few minutes later holding out a small cake with Happy Birthday Joshua on it.
"I didn't know what he likes but chocolate is always good right? It's a chocolate marble cake." Amelia said handing the cased cake to Zach, "its big enough for about four people to have even slices."
"Thanks Amelia, it's been a while since he's had a real birthday cake so this'll be great along with the video." Zach replied smiling at the cake.
It wasn't long before Tatsuya came back with the disc as Zach put it back in the camera.
"Well thanks again guys for helping me with this present for Josh, I'm sure he'll love it." Zach said.
"He better we all worked hard on it." Percy said, "and I really hopes he does accept you I think you'd be good for Josh."
"Thanks Percy, think you have enough energy to travel back to camp?" Zach asked looking at Nico.
"Course, be back in a few minutes." Nico said as he opened a portal and grabbed Zach's arm pulling him through as it closed behind him.
"Okay Percy I think its time for you to change and get to bed." Tatsuya said as Percy whined.
"But I'm not tired!" Percy pouted before he yawned.
"Not tired huh? Come on up the stairs we go, chop chop! Let's go little bunny boy" Amelia said ushering the grumbling teen upstairs to his room.
"Mooooommm!" Percy whined.
Saphir sat on his haunches and whined when he saw Zach leaving.
"He'll come back pup." Tatusya said patting Saphir's head, "he just can't take you to camp."
Saphir laid down on the carpet still pouting. Celeste trotted over to the puppy and curled up next to him, nudging him with her nose comforting him making Tatsuya smile as he headed to his own room.
oOo
"I hope you have a plan for that cake, I'm sure there are others that'll love a piece of that." Nico said dryly as he eyed the cake.
"Please who do you think you're talking to?" Zach replied as he took out a handkerchief and covered the cake before pulling it off making the cake disappear.
"Right, forgot I was talking to a magician." Nico replied chuckling, "well night Zach."
"Nite Nico see ya!" Zach chuckled as Nico summoned another portal as Zach walked out from behind one of the cabins.
"Zacharias where were you?" a voice said as he came into the clear.
The magician turned around and saw Silena coming up to him.
"I looked for you everywhere and I couldn't find you!" she said.
"Sorry sis, I had to take care of a few things. Did I miss dinner?" Zach asked.
"No you're just in time luckily." Silena replied sighing, "really I wished you at least tell me where you disappeared off to. Did you at least figure out what you were going to get for Josh?"
"Yup, don't worry about it, I'm going to be showing him after dinner." Zach said grinning as he couldn't wait to see Josh's reaction.
"I'm glad, its not like you to be depressed." Silena said as they walked inside the mess hall where everyone was sitting down.
Zach looked around and saw Josh a few feet in front of him and quickly ran up to him grabbing his arm. The dark haired brunette boy turned around to see who had grabbed him and stared when he saw it was just Zach.
"I didn't see you all day…" Josh said flatly.
"Did you miss me?" Zach asked cheekily as Josh's face went pink.
"D-don't be stupid!" he sputtered back making Zach laugh.
"Anyway~ I got your gift! Can you meet me on top of the hill that over looks the lake?" Zach asked making Josh suspicious.
"Usually you try to put on a show with your gifts, what makes this so different?" Josh asked.
"It's a surprise, oh and you can bring the twins as well I'm sure they'll love it as much as you do." Zach added before practically skipping off leaving a gaping Josh.
"Soooo what'd you lover boy want?" Lee Fletcher teased as Josh glowered at him.
"Apparently he wants to save my present for after dinner." Josh replied sitting down next to Michael Yew.
"Oooo he really wants to make it special," another Apollo child said wiggling his eyebrows and laughing.
"Shut it! Nothing like that is going to happen you moron!" Josh hissed.
"Right…and meeting you alone, after dinner under the moon isn't romantic." Chuckled Kayla as Josh sent her a smothering glare.
"Oh calm down you lot, at least Zacharias is being quiet about his present this year." Michael replied trying to get the others to stop teasing Josh.
"Ya know I don't see why you don't just accept, you got to admit with how much interest he's put in you I'd accepted him instantly. He's really easy on the eyes." Another Apollo child said grinning knowingly.
"Yeah and he's really affectionate too." Another girl added sighing dreamingly, "he doesn't care who's around when he kisses you…"
"And did you see that look on his face when Drew insulted Josh? Oooooo! Just gave me shivers looking at him!"
"Why can't Zacharias be into girls? I would've so agreed to go out with him if he asked me!"
"Not to mention he speaks French, the language of love~"
"you do realize that all Aphrodite children speak French right?"
"But the way he says its is different! I wished he'd say something to me like that!"
"Okay knock it off you guys!" Josh growled as he slammed his hands on the table glaring at his half-siblings, "the next one to say something about Zach is going to end up being hung upside down above a pile of pegasi manure…"
The Apollo tabled couldn't help but feel nervous at the waves of anger coming off of Josh as he glared at his siblings.
"Damn, sometimes I think you were meant to be an Ares kid with how aggressive and angry you get…" Will said staring at Josh.
"Nah he couldn't possibly fit being." Michael replied waving the comment off.
"Why not?" Lee asked.
"Because Joshua is too 'pretty' to be in Ares Cabin."
"HEY!"
The rest of the table laughed at that comment and once the food appeared in front of them, they made their offering to their parent before settling down and eating. Josh ate slowly, as he glanced over to the Aphrodite table where Zach was talking to Silena about something as he tried to figure out what in the world Josh could've gotten him that made him disappear from the camp practically all day. Josh wasn't stupid, he knew that he could usually see Zach within his eye sight even if the magician wasn't in front of him, so not being able to find him at all around camp had him wondering just what he was up.
'Well I'll get my answer when I meet him later after dinner.' Josh thought to himself as he ate his dinner.
It didn't take long for him to finish as he quickly excused himself and walked out of the mess hall with some of the other campers that had finished as well. Before he left he made sure to grab the twins and take them with him outside to meet Zach.
"Hey Josh what's the big idea?" Elijah asked.
"Yeah we weren't even done yet!" Noah pouted.
"Zecharias wanted me to bring you two along when he showed me his gift." Josh explained as they walked up the hill.
"Really? Well he does tend to-"
"make a performance out of it but this is a first."
"Must you two finish each others sentence?" Josh asked as they made it to the top.
"Why not?" Noah asked grinning, "its actually quite fun-"
"-talking like this, really gets to people." Elijah finished snickering.
Josh just rolled his eyes as he sat down on the grass and sighed, "I just hope Zach didn't do anything stupid and illegal."
"Now that's some trust you have in me Joshy." Zach pouted as showed up on the hill and sat across from Josh, "I left money for the soccer ball I brought back ya know."
"Yeah yeah, so what's this big surprise?" Josh asked and blinked when Zach looked excited.
"Okay watch this," Zach said as he held out his hand and covered it with a sheet for a few seconds before he pulled it off revealing the chocolate marble cake with four forks.
"CAKE!" Noah and Elijah squealed as they were drooling at the sugary substance.
"When was the last time we had cake!"
"I can't remember, I know the matron use to make cakes for special occasions but that was awhile ago." Noah replied and looked at Josh pleadingly making the brunette give in.
"Fine since it seems Zach wants to share it with us…you each get ONE." Josh said as the twins each took a plate that had appeared on the side and put a slice of cake on it as they dug into it eagerly.
"This is sooo yummy!"
"It's the best!"
"So…care to explain how you got the cake?" Josh asked amused by the twins who were savoring each bite.
"It was a gift from a friend I made in town, she owns a bakery and since I talked about you and it being your birthday she gave it to me." Zach replied, "but that's only part of the surprise, thisis the main event."
With that Josh stared at the camera that Zach presented in front of him.
"This isn't some home made video with you in it?" Josh asked cautiously as he took the camera.
"Just watch it, you'll be surprised." Zach replied seriously.
Josh sighed as he opened the camcorder so the screen showed and pressed play. He was significantly surprised when he saw a familiar face pop out.
::Hey Joshua, Elijah and Noah! Remember me?:: Percy said laughing as he waved, ::well I ran into Zach when I was out shopping with Nico and my mom, she's really nice by the way, and he asked if I could help him with your birthday gift so…Happy Birthday!::
Josh was speechless as were the twins who stopped eating as soon as they heard Percy's voice. Zach smiled knowingly as he watched the trio continue gazing at the video as it played.
::Anyway, try not to laugh alright? But I'm in a play with Nico and well…you'll see for yourself what happens and wait until you see what Nico can do as well! Oh I wanna show you my 'parents', this is my mom Amelia Kazuki!::
The camera then turned towards Amelia who waved at the camera as well.
::Its really nice to meet you friends of Percy, he's a wonderful boy and we love him a lot.::
::And this is my dad Tatsuya Kazuki!::
Then the dark haired Tatsuya who was playing with Celeste looked up and didn't say anything but waved to the camera but there was a slight smile to his face.
::Come on I'll show you my room!::
From there the three of them watched as Percy showed them his room, what he had inside the room and the view of the ocean. Then the screen showed a bakery that was owned by Amelia as the workers smiled and waved to the camera and they saw all the different cakes and other baked goods being made. After that it skipped to the next day where they saw a school festival for the first time and got to watch Percy work on his class's part. What really had them slacked jaw was the part where they listened to the beautiful music being played by both Nico and Percy. They could feel the emotions it self coming off the music even if it's from just a recording of the actual event. When the play came up the three of them were laughing and smiling along throughout the whole thing, the twins were exceptionally vocal when it came to the parts where Percy was singing, but soon enough the ending came where a tired Percy gave one last message along with Nico.
:: hey Josh, I hope you have a happy birthday and know that I'm fine with my family. Thank you for taking care of me when we were growing up together with Noah and Elijah I'm really happy about that. Oh and be nicer to Zach he's really nice once you get to know him.::
:: Hey don't worry about me Josh, I'm fine as well I'm still not coming back unless I have to but I'm taking care of Percy and both of us are going to be fine, take care of yourself. And I agree with Percy, fess up already you only tolerate Zacharias because you do like him dummy.::
The twins looked at each other before they fell down laughing hysterically as Josh's face was burning. The camera was turned off and was put aside as the twins waited with baited breath as they watched Josh stand up and move over to Zach who was wondering what Josh thought. He knew that Josh would love to see Percy but was he angry he didn't take him with him. Josh helped Zach stand up as the confused magician just watched him but then Zach's eyes widen when he felt the other boy pull him close and suddenly kiss him!
Elijah and Noah's mouths dropped as they stared at the brunette kissing Zacharias on his own for the first time. The kiss lasted a long few seconds before he pulled away and hugged the dazed French boy in his arms.
"Thank you….thank you so much Zacharias…you don't know how much it means to me to see Percy happy and safe." Josh whispered breathlessly as he smiled at Zach, "this is…officially the absolutely best present you could've given me."
"I…I really wanted to make it special for you since I know how much Percy is so uh…yeah." Zach replied still in shock that he was actually kissed by his crush.
"Well it worked, do you mind if I…keep the camera?" Josh asked glancing back to the camera on the ground.
"No of course you can keep the camera, I mean that way you can always watch the video with Percy and Nico, just try not to show anyone else." Zach said as he quickly hugged Josh back, not wanting to let go of Josh quite yet.
"Thanks Zach, I swear I'll pay you back for this one day. This is just…amazing." Josh said smiling.
"This is a gift Joshua, you don't have to pay me back." Zach replied smiling.
"Are you two going to take a romantic walk?" Noah asked teasingly.
"Ya know we still have some time before we're suppose to get in our cabins and I don't feel like singing around the campfire tonight." Josh said making the twins gawk at him.
"I don't mind, think the twins will be alright with all that sugar?" Zach laughed smiling brilliantly.
"You two get going back to your cabins, and take the camera too just don't let anyone see you." Josh said seriously.
"Er…r-right Josh." Noah said pinching himself and wondering if he was really seeing the two actually getting along.
"No problemo!" Eli replied grinning as he watched the two walk off, "Well that was interesting huh?"
"Yeah…never though I'd see the day they got along. Think this is Josh's way of confessing?" Noah asked.
"Possibly, but you have to admit Zach really went out of his way for this gift, I mean he brought back a video about Percy and Nico." Elijah said as he ate more of the cake, "I'm happy they're finally getting along and Josh isn't yelling."
"Miracles tend to happen." Noah replied laughing.
As happy as the reunion was and that Joshua and Zacharias were getting along, they didn't know that they would be soon seeing the two sooner then they thought….