Damn holidays, damn new years…damn new things I don't wanna do but have to…so yeah I'm not having a very good start to the new year, sorry guys for the wait got writers block in the middle of the chapter and had to take a break and try and figure some things out. Oh there's a coded message in here and if it's confusing I have a translation at the end of the chapter. Well I hope you enjoy the newest chapter and don't forget to review!
It had been about a month or so since the school festival had ended. Just as Tatsuya had promised, the training sessions for Nico and Percy had increased dramatically but instead of sparring Tatsuya had them concentrate on improving their manipulations of elements. Tatsuya had Nico work on using the earth to his advantage so he could get a height advantaged; use it as a shield or even projectiles. Percy meanwhile was working on something that he wanted to work on since he first saw Tatsuya do it, transform running water into ice. It was harder then it looked, Percy always ended up exhausted trying to transform the water.
"Come on Percy you can do this." Tatsuya said grinning as he stood on top of the ocean on a piece of ice, skating around on the surface he had froze making Percy glare at his dad.
"Show off…" Percy grumbled as he had so far just managed to freeze half of the water sphere floating in his hands, he was also standing in the water.
"It just takes practice, look at Nico, he's still working on his earth manipulations." Tatsuya replied pointing behind the younger teen.
The dark haired water user turned around and saw Nico concentrating on trying to control the sand from the beach into a solid enough state. He managed to get the wall built up but when he tried stabbing the wall he cursed as his sword went right through the wall.
"Alright you made your point dad." Percy sighed and went back to his sphere and coated the whole thing in ice making the younger boy grin happily, "I did it!"
"Great! Now try throwing it." Tatsuya said creating a water target.
Percy nodded and felt how different it was throwing an ice sphere to a sphere of water since ice made the water much more denser, with a grunt of effort Percy managed to launch the ice sphere at the target but it fell a bit short from the target.
"Try again Percy this time try to shorten the time of changing the water into ice." Tatsuya instructed making Percy groan but he nodded and summoned more then one water spheres and tried to change them into ice.
"Exactly how long are we going to do this?" Percy asked as he tried to change multiple spheres of water into ice.
"Until you can transform them as fast as you can manipulate water, once you're proficient in that we're work on making weapons out of ice, but before that we're going to play…tag." Tatsuya said grinning making Percy stare at him.
"Tag? But that's a kiddie game." Percy retorted.
"Not with the rules I have planned." The dragon god stated smirking as Percy suddenly felt a cold sense of dread.
"N-new rules?" Percy squeaked out.
"Oh yes, it'll be you and Nico against me trying to tag me. The rule is you can only use your elements, meaning you can only tag me with ice and Nico can only tag me with sand or earth." The dragon explained.
"Goody…that sounds like loads of fun." Percy said sarcastically.
"It'll be an excellent training session, now get back to forming your icicles." Tatsuya stated.
"Of course it'll be fun for you because you won't end up black and blue." The young son of Poseidon muttered before he was knocked over by a wave sent by Tatsuya making him cough and sputter, "D-dad!"
"Less complaining more ice making." Tatsuya said before he felt his cell phone go off while Percy groaned and went back trying to change water into ice. The dragon pulled the cell phone out of his pocket and answered it while he watched Percy, "this is Tatsuya."
::The bird of prey and harvestman maneuvers behind buildings out of sight of their king:: a coded message replied back on the other side of the phone which wiped the smile clear off of Tatsuya's face.
"What is it they seek?" Tatsuya asked.
::They seek the treasures protected by thou Kaiser to use for victory in combat .::
"Tonight luna discards its half, when shall the harvestman and bird of prey appear?"
::When sol rises before the noon after luna disappears to begin again::
"The Kaiser's treasure to be snared on the day after Luna disappears?"
::yes and the treasure's artisans.::
"I see, thank you my firebrand."
::All is for you my lord.::
Tatsuya ended the call and pocketed the phone to think to himself.
'Didn't think they would attempt this so soon. From what he said I have at least a week to get everything together, I'll have to move my plans forward faster. Amelia may not like this.' Tatsuya thought to himself as he looked over to Percy who fell down exhausted in the ocean.
"Daaaaad! Can we stop now please!" Percy whined loudly as Tatsuya walked over to him on the water.
"You really need to work on your endurance Percy, tomorrow we're going to be running on the beach, I'm increasing the workload, both you and Nico's." Tatsuya stated making Percy's mouth dropped Nico gawked as well.
"WHAT!" They exclaimed horrified.
"You're already working us until our limbs feel like lead!" Nico argued.
Tatsuya just shrugged back at them, "Something came up and I feel you need to move quicker so no complaining! We'll stop for now but don't think I'm going to go easy on you."
"Perfect…" the son of Hades groaned as he could already feel his poor body complaining about the new work out the dragon had in stored for them.
"Alright come on let's head to Amelia's bakeshop so we can go to lunch and then we continue training. I have some ideas to help you two with your harder manipulations." Tatsuya said as the boys just groaned.
"Great…" Nico groused out as he could feel his limbs aching at the movement.
"Suck it up you two." Tatsuya replied slapping their backs and laughing as the two glared at them, "if you hurry I think Amelia told me she was making a new version of Tiramisu today."
Nico and Percy's eyes widen before they seemed to pick up a second wind and dashed off towards the docks towards Amelia's shop.
"CAAKKEEE!" the two shouted in unison.
Nico had let Percy try some Tiramisu the last time he had some and Percy loved it as much as Nico did and it ended up being his favorite next to blueberry pie. Tatsuya shook his head amused as he watched the two run off of the beach and to the bakery, leaving him alone to plan. Tatsuya followed after the two half bloods but at a more sedate pace, taking out his phone and making a few more calls.
oOo
"So how are you boys doing in your training?" Amelia asked as she put two sandwiches in front of them. Since the boys started training at the beach, she made it a habit to make sure she could make them lunch here rather then have them go home.
"Tiring, it's hard to get the sand to solidify to the point my sword can't pierce through it." Nico groaned picking up his sandwich and bit into it, "I know sand is technically earth just crushed up but it's trickier to manipulate then normal earth."
"I'm sure you'll do just fine, it just takes practice, what about you Percy?" Amelia asked turning to her son.
"I'm not use to the weight difference between water and ice, I can cover the ground a bit with it as long as there's water around, but making an ice projectile is where my problem is." Percy sighed, "if its like a wall or spikes I can make those out of ice easily."
"Well nothing good ever came easy, Tatsuya is pushing you because he knows you'll be fine." Amelia replied laughing at the expressions the two boys had.
"He's a slave driver!" Nico grumbled under his breath.
"Don't' let dad hear you say that or he'll triple your work." Percy hissed making the already pale boy pale further.
"Besides you two have gotten much stronger then you were before you've noticed it right?" Amelia stated as she went back behind the counter as Isaac came out and handed her a fresh batch of cupcakes to put on display before heading back to the kitchen.
"That is true…before I couldn't manipulate the earth as well as I do now. I mostly relied on my sword, haven't done much with my other abilities." Nico said thoughtfully.
"See training with dad despite him being a 'slave driver' has its benefits!" Percy said laughing as Nico sent him a dry look.
"There are both pros and cons to this, but at this point the pros outweigh the cons. Since we're being trained like this we'll be prepared in case anything happens." The son of Hades stated, finishing off his sandwich.
"That's the spirit you two and I have a treat for all of us." Amelia said as she walked out with a slice of Tiramisu for the two of them, "remember that big order I had for that catering a week ago?"
"Yeah you were working overtime that whole week straight to make it in time." Percy replied nodding, "we had to suffer with Dad's cooking for that time."
Amelia laughed and nodded.
"Right, well it turns out it was for a theater group down in Broadway. They were extremely pleased with the cakes and baked goods I set up for them that when they paid me they gave me a bonus as well." Amelia said brining out an envelope out of her apron.
"What is it? Nico asked knowing that it couldn't be money since Amelia wouldn't have said anything if it was just a few extra bills from the overall catering.
"They gave us tickets to see a musical!" Amelia replied excitedly, "Tatsuya, You, me, Percy, Tobias, Danette, Issac and Melanie are going to see 'Wicked'"
"What's Wicked?" Percy and Nico asked simultaneously.
"Ever heard of 'The Wizard of Oz'?" Tobias piped up.
Nico made a face.
"We're watching something similar to that?" Nico asked but Tobias shook his head and laughed.
"A bit…but this is a good musical, it actually goes into the history of the Wicked Witch of the west, you learn all about her and how she became who she was." Tobias explained.
"Really now?" the dark haired boy asked interested.
"Yes, I think you'll enjoy it. It's supposed to be one of the best musicals to go to. Its tonight so I'm going to talk to Tatsuya about letting you off earlier as we're going to close to the shop early as well so we can get to the theater in time." Amelia said.
"Do we have to wear tuxedos?" Percy asked making a face.
"Hmm not really you just have to wear something nice looking." Amelia replied, "but I want the two of you to shower and clean up before we leave."
"Yes Amelia/mom." Percy and Nico replied before they dug into their Tiramisu.
Tatsuya walked in still on the phone.
"I'll expect a quick response…alright bye." He said ending the call and looked up.
"What was that about dear?" Amelia asked.
"Oh nothing just some last minute business, don't worry about it. Why do you look so happy?" Tatsuya asked.
"We got tickets to see Wicked tonight! So no over working the kids so they're too tired to watch." Amelia stated waving her finger at Tatsuya.
"Alright, alright, we'll just train a bit more then head home. What time is the musical?" Tatsuya asked smiling at his wife.
Amelia cheered and hugged Tatsuya happily.
" Seven pm! So we'll have to leave at around at least six because you know how crowded it can be." Amelia said.
"Makes sense, now onto more important matters how are you?" Tatsuya asked softly placing a hand on Amelia's stomach making the woman turn red a bit.
"I've been fine! Really Tatsuya." Amelia replied.
"Guys?" Tatsuya said turning to Amelia's co-workers making his wife pout.
"She was a bit sick earlier." Danette said giggling.
"Hasn't had any weird cravings…yet." Tobias added.
"or mood swings! She had to lie down for a few minutes." Melanie stated.
"Guys! You're supposed to be on my side!" Amelia whined while Tatsuya hugged Amelia tightly.
"Thanks for telling me, I'm glad to know that she's been fine." He added while Amelia grumbled under her breath.
The store laughed amused at how Amelia was acting.
"Its only going to get worse, are you prepared Tatsuya?" Tobias teased.
"Ready as I'll ever be," the dragon replied smirking before looking at Nico and Percy, "you two better finish up soon since we have the musical to go to we're not going to waste anytime we could be using to train."
The two groaned and drained their drinks as they carried their plates behind the counter and into the sink before they trudged out of the shop. Giving Amelia one last kiss on her head he followed after the two making sure they went back to beach to train and not try to ditch.
"Those two looks like they're going to have fun." Issac chuckled as he was mixing up some butter cream.
"I just hope they're not too bruised up to sit through the musical." Amelia sighed.
"Sooo have you prepared a room for the new family member?" Danette teased Amelia.
"W-we've just been going over basics! We don't know if it's going to be a boy or girl…" Amelia replied flustered at the attention, "and it's barely been a month!"
"You could go through neutral colors." Suggested Issac, "that's what myself and Mia did for our son Matthew. We went with yellow and it worked out fine for him. Its now his favorite color!"
"Well that's great for you two, but I'm really happy though." Amelia said smiling, "I don't care if it's a boy or girl I'm going to love them unconditionally."
"And you already have experience with kids! Just look how well Percy turned out and you're doing great with Nico as well!" Melanie added.
"True, I'm sure Percy is excited to have a little brother or sister." Amelia said, "but enough of that! We still have work to do here now get going you guys!"
The other co-workers laughed as they went back to work so they could close the bakery early for the theater tonight.
oOo
Just as they got to the beach Tatsuya told Percy to go ahead and start practicing his ice making skills while he talked to Nico by himself for a few minutes.
"Don't slack off Percy because I'll still be watching you!" the dragon called making Percy wince and laugh nervously.
"Did you need something Tatsuya?" the Hades child asked and saw a serious look on Tatsuya's face, "is there something wrong?"
"In a week there will be." The water dragon replied.
"The camp isn't coming back are they? Not after the warning you gave them last time!" Nico exclaimed but Tatsuya shook his head.
"Its not them, its another group that I've been keeping an ear out for a while now. They've been chasing after me from Japan all the way here it seems." Tatsuya explained.
"Why are they after you exactly, they can't exactly capture a god unless they had another one with them…I think right?" Nico replied unsure about that fact as he looked warily at Tatsuya, "they don't have a god helping them do they?"
"No, I don't know how but some how I think the leader may have given his minions powers and names similar to those of the constellations. The dragon replied, "but I'll explain that later, I need you to prepare a few things when we get back from the theater. Do you think you can get in contact with that Zacharias boy?"
"Uhm, I think so. He shouldn't be that hard to find but I'll have to be careful so I'm not spotted by the other campers." Nico replied making a face, last thing he wanted was to run into his sister and have a whole new argument between the two of them, "why?"
"Because tonight I want you to pack a traveling bag for you and Percy, I'm going to talk to Amelia later and have her go with you." Tatsuya replied softly.
"Wait what! Why!" Nico asked worried if Tatsuya was sending his wife to camp with him and Percy, "hold on, I don't think Amelia can even pass the barrier that protects the camp though."
"Oh trust me, I'm pretty sure she can." Tatsuya replied knowingly.
"Is she a half-blood?"
"Nope."
"If she's not a half-blood is she a goddess then?"
"She is to me, but technically no."
"Then how the Hades is she going to get through the barrier!"
"Nico, you trust me right?" Tatsuya interrupted.
"Of course I do! After you and Amelia taking me in after that fight and protecting me from the campers." Nico replied.
"Then just trust me about Amelia getting through the barrier alright?" Tatsuya stated.
"Alright, but what is going on Tatsuya? Why are you doing these precautions for?" Nico asked.
"I have a spy in their organization and they had just informed me that two of leader's minions are going behind his back to try and 'capture' me. Apparently the house and Amelia have been under surveillance." Tatsuya sighed.
"Which explains why you're doing this and since camp half blood is a good distance from here not to mention the barrier they won't be able to get to Percy or Amelia." Nico said understanding but then looked concerned, "are you sure Percy is ready to go to the camp though?"
"No I don't believe so but this has forced my hand. I wish I had a bit longer to train him myself but he'll have to learn on his own which is why I'm hating doing this." The dragon scowled, "I want you and that Zacharias boy to keep an eye on him and don't let anything happen to him at that camp. I'm sure the Greek Gods are going to try and get Percy to talk about me."
"Also drag me off to Olympus as well to find out why I refused to return to camp as well." Nico added dryly clearly not happy, "but I'll do what you asked Tatsuya."
The water dragon smiled at Nico and patted his head.
"Thanks a lot Nico. So I'm really going to be pushing you and Percy this whole week before the confrontation." Tatsuya said smirking.
"I can understand that much, but are me and Percy going to be fighting?" Nico asked.
"I rather you not, because the less they know about you the better." The dragon stated, "I'm not going to be fighting much I just need to create enough of a distraction so I can escape to my lair."
"Your lair?" Nico questioned as Tatsuya looked smug.
"You don't think that I'd be taking on the group after me by myself right?" Tatsuya replied amused.
"W-well no but do you have other gods involved? I thought generally they'd tried to stay out of involvement with mortals more or less…" Nico answered.
"Sometimes, but when there's an upset balance it makes all the gods angry…and they give 'suggestions' on what they hypothetically could do on that matter." Tatsuya replied grinning, "so I'll be fine its just you, Percy and Amelia that needs to be helped."
"If you're sure…." Nico sighed, "Should I tell Percy?"
"Yeah its best if he knows what's going on." Tatsuya said, "alright talk later right now we have to work fast and quickly to get you two prepared."
"Can't Percy and I fight a LITTLE? You know he'll feel bad if he just left you to fight by yourself!" Nico implored.
"I'm pretty sure I can take some sub-par humans with sparkly powers." Tatsuya snorted.
"You don't know that! Isn't there a saying that you should never be overconfident in your abilities because that could lead to disaster?" Nico argued.
"Nico we'll see, now go get to hardening the sand to stop your sword or I'll have you use the sand under the ocean." Tatsuya said glaring.
Nico groaned at thinking how much more difficult that kind of earth would be to move weighted down by water and got back to working on the normal beach to better his control over the earth.
Tatsuya watched over the two before he picked up his phone and started to make some calls to prepare for the incoming attack on his family.
'They may think they have the advantage but I am not going to just let them try and take Amelia and the kids away from me.' Tatsuya thought darkly at the morons that thought they could get the jump on him.
The night passed quickly for the small family as Amelia had enjoyed watching "Wicked" as did Percy and surprisingly Nico as well. He felt that he could almost relate to Elphaba being the unwanted child to the more favored child of the parent and having to deal to fitting in.
"Was the ending that happy in the books?" Nico asked Amelia as they walked into the house.
"No, in the books the ending wasn't like how it was portrayed in the musical which is why I love it. Elphaba really deserves to be happy with Fiero after all that." Amelia replied sighing happily.
"Nico take Percy to his room remember what we talked about." Tatsuya said as he shut the door behind him and getting a concerned look from Amelia and a confused one from Percy.
"Dad? Is something wrong?" Percy asked but Nico gently took the younger boy's wrist and pulled him to his room on the second floor.
"Come on Percy I'll explain everything up there leave your parents to talk alright?" Nico said.
The son of Poseidon nodded giving a final glance to the two adults before he let the child of Hades bring him upstairs.
"Tatsuya?"
"Amelia they're making their move and you're going to go into hiding." Tatsuya said bluntly surprising the woman.
"W-what!" Amelia gasped, "b-but what about my shop and my friends!"
"They're being taken care of, I've called in some people I know." Tatsuya replied, "we'll just put it as a temporary construction on your shop. Your friends and co-workers will be fine Amelia, I need to send you with Percy and Nico when this happens."
"But what about you! I know you're a almighty god of the ocean but still!" Amelia said worriedly, "and you take in all the possible variables that could happen."
"Amelia this is for us, I don't want you to get captured and used against me especially when they find out what you have of mine." Tatsuya said gently pulling the woman close to him and hugging her tightly.
Amelia sighed as she wrapped her arms around the dragon and buried her head into his chest.
"You better not do anything stupid you damn lizard." Amelia grumbled making Tatsuya laugh at his wife's attitude.
"I always did love that attitude of yours." Tatsuya said kissing his wife's forehead, "now go on and pack your bags and anything in case of emergencies, and your morning sickness!"
"Worry wart." Amelia said rolling her eyes but she understood and headed to their room to pull out a bag to pack the necessities, she stopped when she got to the hallway to look at Tatsuya, "dear, where are you sending me and the boys anyway?"
"You're going to their camp." Tatsuya replied easily as Amelia became slack-jawed for a moment before she grabbed a couch cushion and tossed it at the dragon's head, which he quickly caught.
"You're sending me and the boys to the camp where they basically ousted poor Nico!" Amelia shrieked, "What is wrong with you there is no way that boy wants to go back there!"
"There isn't much choice Amelia! It's far away from where our home is and it has a barrier to keep others out that shouldn't be in there!" Tatsuya argued.
"Is Nico okay with this! Did you even ask him!" Amelia growled as she grabbed another couch cushion to throw at the insensitive dragon.
"Yes Amelia, I made sure to inform Nico what was going on and where he was going to be staying! Look at the bright side, you'll be there this time around so you can stop anyone from picking on Nico!" Tatsuya replied as he quickly added the last part making Amelia stop and contemplate.
"That is a good point…and I can make sure that Percy is alright as well while I'm there." Amelia said folding her arms.
"So, no more hitting me with couch cushions? Ow…." Tatsuya said rubbing his head where Amelia tossed said cushion at him.
"Fine, you better be right about this Tatsuya." Amelia grumbled as she stomped to their room and slammed the door behind making Tatsuya wince.
"Oh boy…I better make it up to her before we separate." The dragon sighed running a hand through his hair.
Back upstairs with Percy and Nico…..
"Nico what's going on with dad?" Percy asked frowning.
"Your dad is sending us to that camp, Percy. You know the one I 'disappeared' from?" Nico explained.
"Eh! But why! Dad said he wasn't going to send us there until he thought we were trained enough!" Percy replied.
"That's what I thought too but something has come up that is making Tatsuya send us there early, so he wants us to pack a bag to take to the camp. We'll be leaving in a week." Nico said.
"Nico you haven't told me why he's sending us to the camp." Percy asked as he folding his arms.
'He's gotten more observant.' Nico said grimacing a bit, "because your dad is going to get attacking in about a week and he wants us out of here so they don't try and capture you or Amelia."
"What!" Percy said shouting rather loudly and waking up the two dogs that were sleeping in his room.
"That's what he told me, and we're not going to be helping him we are just to escape as soon as it starts." Nico added.
"But what is he thinking! Wouldn't it be better if he had back up?" Percy replied.
"Tatsuya only knows that there are going to be two main guys coming after him, how many men or fighters they'll have with them he doesn't have any idea. But he's not going to be fighting them for long, just long enough for us to escape and then he'll escape as well." Nico said trying to reassure the water child.
"I still don't like it, he's training us to fight and he's not letting us help him!" Percy grumbled.
"Sucks I know but its better not to question him since he seems to have everything planned out. You have a suitcase or something to pack things?" Nico asked.
"Yeah, do you think we can bring Saphir and Celeste?" Percy asked looking at the two dogs that were looked at them curiously; well Celeste was Saphir was just curled up next to the bigger dog whining happily.
"Probably I'll have to ask but for right now pack up, I have to go talk to Zacharias and tell him we're coming tomorrow morning." Nico said as he headed out the door to pack up himself.
"Hey Nico, do you think Josh and the others will be happy to see me?" Percy asked quietly as the Hades's child was about to step through.
"I'm sure they'll be thrilled to hear it, now pack what you need alright I don't know when its safe to come back here so make sure you have everything you'll need." Nico stated as Percy nodded.
The child of Poseidon got on his knees and pulled out a medium sized duffle bag from under his bed and started to fill it up as Nico left Percy's room and went downstairs to his own.
oOo
"He's coming here! Seriously!" Zacharias exclaimed in a hushed whisper the next morning.
Nico was good to his word and as soon as he woke up he disappeared into a shadow portal and to the camp just when it was waking up. He made his way towards the Aphrodite's cabin and waited for the French magician to appear quickly grabbing him as soon as he walked through door to talk to him.
"Yeah, something had come up and so Percy, myself and his mother are coming here to stay until I don't know." Nico replied shrugging.
"Wait, his mother? His adopted mother?" Zach asked wondering if he heard right, "can she get through the barrier you know it keeps out normal humans."
"That's what I questioned but Tatsuya was sure that she could get through so we'll just have to hope he's right." Nico answered, "so try to keep it to yourself, Tatsuya wanted me to keep you informed about what was going on."
"Sure no problem Nico but what about Joshy and the twins? Shouldn't they know?" Zach asked.
"They should, it would probably be better if they did that way they can help protect Percy when he arrives since the gods sent the whole freaking camp looking for him." Nico said dryly, making Zach chuckle.
"Ironic isn't it? We go get sent out into the city scouring high and low for the child of one of the big three and he comes to the camp willingly." Zach replied shaking his head at the situation.
"Pretty much except for the willingly part, the last group we encountered didn't leave a good impression on Percy." Nico pointing out that fact.
"Oh right. That's when good ol' Luke can back looking sour." Zach said tapping his chin, "so, tell Joshy and twins?"
"Yeah just keep them quiet about letting anything slip." Nico replied.
"Sure thing, when are you guys supposed to come here anyway?" Zach asked.
"Probably in the next six days depending on the situation and what Tatsuya tells me." Nico replied.
"Alright then see you in six days then Nico. Oh before I forget." Zach said snapping his fingers and a photo appeared in his hands, "remember what I said what I'd do to your dear sister when I saw you in the city?"
Nico raised an eyebrow as he looked at the magician, "something along the lines of dying her hair pink, covering her in red spots and putting her in a clown outfit?"
"It was blue spots but pretty much." Zach replied as his grin got wider before Nico's mouth dropped.
"You didn't!" Nico exclaimed as he snatched the photo from the magician's hands and laughed hysterically when he saw Bianca's horrified expression as she was in exactly what Zach threatened to do to her.
"Oh yeah…she never saw it coming." The magician smirked folding his arms, "keep it and show it to Percy, with how serious your situation is he could use a good laugh."
"I-is she still in it?" Nico gasped out trying to catch his breath from laughing so hard.
"No, Chiron made me turn her back to normal not even an hour after I did it." Zach grumbled.
"At least you managed to get a picture of her, thanks Zach." Nico said finally calming down as he summoned a shadow portal.
The magician just waved good-bye to Nico as he disappeared into the portal.
"Well Joshy should be happy," Zacharias said cheerfully as he walked out from behind the cabins and headed to the mess hall for breakfast before morning activities.
He looked around for his dear brunette wondering where he was. So it came to a surprise when he felt someone blow into his ear and making him cry out surprised and jump a bit. Slapping a hand to his ear he turned around to see who the culprit was and his mouth dropped when he saw Joshua smirking behind him.
"Morning idiot." Joshua said.
"You actually snuck up on me!" Zach gawked as he stared at Josh in a new light.
"I told you I was going to get the jump on you one of these days." Josh retorted smugly before Zach jumped him and hugged him tightly, "gah! Off you moron!"
"You're converting! Oh I'm so proud Joshy!" Zach said happily as Josh didn't protest as much since his face was turning red and just looked away.
"Shut up, I'm not converting to anything now get off me I'm starving." Josh grumped.
Zach removed his arms but still had a big smile on his face.
"Hey Joshy before we have camp activities meet me by the lake kay? I got really big news!" Zacharias said running off to his own table before Josh could ask what he was talking about.
"I see you and your magician are getting along much better." Lee said wriggling his eyebrows at Josh who gave him an irritated look.
"I've just learned to accept some of his stranger quirks." Josh retorted.
"Right and the fact that the guy was walking on cloud nine for a good week after you two walked out of the mess hall together on your birthday had nothing to do with it." Michael Yew added making kissing noises.
"You know nothing!" Josh shouted his face burning growling at his half-brother.
"Please tell me you at least admitted you like the poor guy!" Kayla asked resting her head in her hands as she watched Josh yelling at some of the boys that were teasing him about Josh.
The brunette froze and coughed, muttering something under his breath.
"Oh Zeus you didn't!" Kayla groaned as her head hit the table, "come on Josh its as plan as day that about your feeling for him!"
"I never said I didn't Kayla!" Josh hissed looking away not noticing half the Apollo table staring at him before loud groans were heard.
"Tartarus! Damn girls how do they know this!" Austin groaned dropping a few drachmas into Kayla's waiting hands.
"We're just that good." She replied whistling as she got more drachmas from her half-brothers.
"You guys put a bet on me with Zacharaias?" Joshy said darkly scowling at his siblings.
"Its just harmless fun! A few drachmas here and there." Kayla said giggling.
"Harmless fun, yeah right…" Will Solace grumble as he tossed his drachmas to his sister, "you knew this was going to happen, tartarus! Why did I even bet against you!"
"Because you believe Josh to be too far down in denial to admit what he feels for our dear resident magician." Kayla replied breezily.
"Hate you sis…" Will shot back as Kayla smirked smugly.
"Don't be such a sore loser, loser." She replied making Will scowl.
"Alright enough we learned something, don't bet against the girls when they know something is going to happen with couples." Lee said defusing the situation before it got heated.
Will sent Kayla one last glare before he turned to his plate where food was being passed around before he stood up with the others to offer some to his godly parent.
Josh went back to glare at his siblings for betting on him as he offered some of his food to Apollo before heading back to his seat and eating breakfast. As soon as he was done he walked out with a few others that had finished and waited for the magician by the lake.
"Wonder what it is this time." Josh murmured as he watched the water nymphs in the water. He was tempted to skip stones but the last time he tried that he accidentally hit a water nymph on the forehead that resulted him getting completely drenched and walking back to his cabin in squishy shoes.
"Joshy!" Zach called out running up the hill where the Apollo boy was sitting, the brunette didn't do anything but let the magician hug him and settle next to him.
"So what's this important news?" Josh asked looking at Zacharias.
"Guess who's coming to camp in six days~" Zacharias said grinning as Josh raised an eyebrow.
"How the Hades should I know? I don't know any half-bloods outside the camp." Josh retorted.
"Ah, but you're wrong. You know one half-blood outside of this camp…you know the one that we've been looking for a while." Zach replied still grinning.
Josh was silent for a bit and Zach let out a surprised yelp when he was flipped onto this back and Josh was towering over him pressing hard against his shoulders as he glared down at the magician.
"This better not be a prank Zacharias…" Josh growled darkly.
Zach just leaned up and brushed his lips against the other boys and shook his head, not at all disturbed that the guy he was crushing on was giving him such a heated glare.
"Its not I promise Joshy, I talked to Nico this morning and he said in six days Percy, himself and his mother are coming here for protection, I swear on the river Styx." Zach replied.
Josh eased his grip on the magician and got off him as Zach sat up.
"Six days huh…the camp is going to get more hectic with those two here isn't it?" Josh said softly but on his face he had a brilliant smile and he looked so happy that Zach couldn't help but hug the Apollo boy tightly.
"He really can't wait to see you and the twins again Joshy, and his dad is trusting you, me, Nico and the twins to protect Percy." Zach added.
"Then I guess we better get back to camp so we can train so we can protect Percy huh?" Josh said as he turned his head and kissed Zach's temple as the two stood up, "lets go moron I'm sure we're late to sword practice."
Zach just laughed and the two took their time heading to the arena for their swordsmanship practice.
A Few days later….
The sun had risen a little while ago from the horizon of the ocean, the waves softly hitting the sands of an empty beach by the pier. Suddenly the sand started shifting and rise upwards and a figure emerged from the sand as it fell back into the ground.
"Ah, the sweet smell of victory in the air…" a man sneered as he looked around.
"Calm yourself Scorpio, we have yet to encounter our targets." Another man said with hawk like eyes flying down next to the first that had appeared.
"Please Aquila, it's just a human and a woman at that. How much of a problem could she be?" the Scorpio scoffed folding his arms as minions started to appear behind them coming up from the sand as he had, "are your men already at the building?"
"Yes, they're already there waiting for the woman and her workers to appear so we can ambush and captures them." Aquila reported as Scorpio got an evil look on his face.
"Perfect that stupid lizard won't know what hit him and then we're finally capture him." He said.
"What of the woman and the others? Andromeda did report there is a child around the dragon." Aquila said.
"Give 'em to the master, he'll figure something out for them I'm sure." Scorpio replied shrugging carelessly.
"Now that would be a terrible thing to do, good thing I was prepared." Tatsuya's voice said shocking Aquila and Scorpio as they looked up and saw Tatsuya present along with Percy, Nico along with another young man with fox ears and tail. The fox figure had short reddish-brown hair a cream colored tail and was wearing a green kimono top with blue pants.
The fox figured smirked and threw down three leaves towards Aquila and Scorpio that floated down slowly before they popped and smoke appeared. When it cleared the two leaders stared when they saw the soldiers they had sent to kidnap the wife appear in front of them unconscious.
"I love transformation magic, makes transportation easy!" the fox laughed while the two shook in anger.
"How did you know about this?" Aquila growled darkly.
"Now that would be telling and I'm not feeling up to saying anything." Tatsuya replied smirking as his features sharpened and became more draconic, "what I do feel like saying is that you aren't going to capture me and you are not going to lay a hand on my wife!"
"We'll just see about that! Attack and capture the whole lot of them now!" Scorpio roared as the minions nodded and ran towards the group of four.
"Now remember you two, you're only here until your mother is ready and then go to her before heading to the camp." Tatsuya said.
"We understand, lets go Percy!" Nico said jumping down as a sand pillar rose up and caught the both of them, "stay in the water Percy that'll help you stick to your advantage."
"Gotcha Nico!" Percy nodded as Scorpio stared in shock at Nico's abilities as the Hades's child moved the sand as well as he did if not better heading to the ocean with another child.
Snapping out of his shock called his weapon a huge metallic axe and swung at the pillar slicing it but Nico and Percy had managed to get off of it in time, landing on the beach. Without needing any commands Percy dove straight for the water, making it before he started to fight the minions that Aquila and Scorpio had brought with them.
"Let's see who's better," Nico smirked turning to face Scorpio who scowled.
"I have had far more practice then you have brat, this won't even be a warm-up!" Scorpio shouted and was about to attack Nico when Tatsuya stepped in front of him.
"Nico, go deal with the minions with my friend I'll handle him you stay close to Percy. Remember we're not trying to win this fight just hold out," Tatsuya said.
The dark haired child grumbled before he started to manipulate the sand around some minions' feet tripping them up or burying them up to their necks in the sand easily.
"So the little lizard has come to play with me?" Scorpio mocked while Tatsuya flexed his elongated claws.
"Now why would I be afraid of a little bug with a stinger?" Tatsuya shot back smirking getting Scorpio riled up.
"I'm not a bug!" he raged and leapt forward sending spikes of sand at Tatsuya who used water from the ocean making the sand absorb the water dulling them and making it easy for him to dodge and hit Scorpio with a blast of water sending him skidding into the sand.
"What's wrong? Buggy's leg got crushed?" Tatsuya teased as he used more water as a shield absorbing the blows from a furious.
"Stand still you freaking lizard!"
Aquila observed the fighting his keen eyes spying how their minions were poorly trained so they were being thrown left and right by.
'Master really needs to get his army trained better if he wishes to get the power he desires.' Aquila said to himself frowning before found himself dodging green bursts of fire from the fox boy catching his attention.
"Now why are you walking so casually in this battle? I thought you were serious in getting Tatsuya-san." The fox boy smirked.
"You'll regret taking me on child." Aquila said as he removed two feathers from his belt and they changed into twin swords as the fox brought out a top.
Percy and Nico from having trained together everyday were in perfect sync with each other with the son of Hade's keeping up the frontal attacks while Percy attacked from behind with his water and bubble shields from the minions. Even if either one of them had gotten hurt, with Percy in the water he could heal himself quickly and extend the healing to Nico just by touching his arm and the water would flow over to him.
"Is this really what I was scared about? Some powered up humans with minions that aren't even trained? This is pathetic!" Tatsuya insulted as he kicked a minion hard in the chest sending him tumbling into others, "or is this your own personal army? If so then this is even worse. Big bad bug can't even train his soldiers to fight right."
"Shut up you stupid lizard! I will capture you one way or another!" Scorpio howled loudly as the sand exploded all around him making Tatsuya jump back away from the angered Scorpio as the minions around him were thrown up in the air and crashed some distance away.
Scorpio turned his angry red eyes to the dragon that had only half transformed.
"I'll get you and retrieve the crystals that you hold!" Scorpio added as a long scorpion tail burst out from Scorpio's backside and was raised threateningly in the air, poised right above Tatsuya, "even if it means beating you around a few hundred times."
"When are you going to realize buggy?" Tatusya said as he manipulated the ocean water to form chains that were launched at his opponent, "Lizards beats bugs!"
With that the chains wrapped around Scorpio's body holding him still as Tatsuya opened his mouth to take in a deep breath and out of his mouth a concentrated blast erupted sending the scorpion man sending him down the beach by several miles.
Aquila blocked another launch of multiple tops at him, trying to destroy them but his blades just went through the lot of them as the real ones were mixed in with illusions. Just as he managed to slice one of the real tops he heard the explosion and stared horrified as Scorpio was blasted away.
"Scorpio!" Aquila exclaimed before cursing as he was on the defensive again.
"And that's why lizards beat bugs." Tatsuya said smugly as he concentrated a bit before nodding to himself, "Percy! Nico its time for you to go!"
"Alright Tatsuya! You better be careful!" Nico shouted as he pushed back another minion that tried to get close to them.
"You too and don't let others pushed you around!" Tatsuya added as Nico created a portal to get to Amelia before going to the camp.
The dragon watched the two quickly slip into the portal and away from the battle.
"We're done here let's go!" Tatsuya shouted to the fox teen that leapt over Aquila's shoulders and stood by the dragon's side.
"I'm ready when you are Tetsuya-sama!" the fox saluted.
"I do hope you've had as much fun as I have Scorpio and Aquila, I must take my leave now since you have forced me to move much sooner then I had expected. Good luck~" Tatsuya snickered as Tatsuya transformed into his true form shocking the remnants of the army that had tried to ambush him and his family earlier.
The fox waved to them as well before he hopped on Tatsyua's back and the fully transformed dragon took to the air and disappeared into the sky to the unknown.
Unbeknownst to the group, especially Scorpio and Aquila one of their own had observed the fight with an immortal son of the sea.
"Why didn't you go help them?" Triton asked as he leaned on a rock that Aquarius was sitting on top of.
"Please? And get in as much trouble as those two morons are going to be in no thanks, besides from what I could tell it wasn't a serious battle at least on the dragon's side." Aquarius replied yawning, "the dragon was just trying to keep them busy probably so the kids and the wife could escape."
"He's sharp." Triton commented.
"No duh, he's a freaking dragon god 'course he's going to be sharp." Aquarius said as she stretched out her legs before she transformed her lower half into a fish tail and dove back into the sea, "now since the show is over and the kid is going to be outside of my range for a bit, mind giving me a tour of all the 'hot spots'?"
Triton blinked surprised at Aquarius's request.
"You're not returning back to you own base, with them gone you don't really have a purpose here." Triton stated.
"You're right about that but I'd take being in the ocean then some large empty mansion that's empty half the time with nothing but a pool for me to swim in." Aquarius replied folding her arms defiantly, "I like to keep myself busy, even if I'm not on assignment."
The immortal son of Poseidon accepted that answer as he dove into the ocean with Aquarius following after him.
oOo
"Mom are you ready?" Percy called as they entered the second story of the bakeshop since it was safer then the house as they knew the ambush would've been stopped before they made it there.
"Yes! I have Celeste, Saphir and our bags here." Amelia called out as Nico and Percy walked out of the portal. They grabbed their bags, made sure that Saphir and Celeste were on their leashes and checked that they had everything.
"Are you two are right?" Amelia asked looking at the two just as they were about to leave.
"Yes mom Nico made sure to stay close to me so he made sure I was well protected." Percy said as Amelia narrowed her eyes at him to be sure that he wasn't lying.
Nico shook his head amused before another black portal appeared and the five of them stepped through to appear in camp half blood. When they arrived Percy looked surprised as all he saw around him were woods.
"Nico are you sure you got it right?" Percy asked.
"Yea, this is weird usually I get us by the cabins not in the forest by a river that…looks awfully familiar, Amelia what day is it?" Nico questioned.
"Huh? Today's Friday why?" Amelia replied making Nico curse.
"Tartarus! This is really bad I accidentally sent us-" he started but then a flurry of arrows rained on top of them and Nico acted quickly but manipulating the earth to create a shield above all of them, "in the middle of the weekly capture the flag game."
"This is capture the flag! What ever happened to just tagging! They have weapons!" Percy exclaimed as he could hear the arrows hitting the solid tent they hid under.
"It's suppose to simulate an actual battle since we don't get that a lot." Nico explained, "we wear armor so none of us gets seriously hurt, unless you run into the Ares cabin."
"You know just when you think you made us feel better you go and ruin that." Percy said dryly as they could hear feet running close to them and there were various shouting from the people around.
"What the Hades is that? I've never seen that formation before."
"I thought I heard voices here and was the other team, did anyone see anything?"
"Noo…but one voice sounded familiar."
"Who cares! I know there's someone underneath that…that…whatever it is! And they interrupted the capture the flag game!"
"Hey! Whoever you are inside you better come out now with a good explanation!"
"Well we can't exactly stay here the whole time." Nico said as he stood up straight and turned the earth around them to dust revealing himself, Percy, Amelia and the dogs in the middle of the two sides of capture the flag standing around them.
There were loud gasps when people saw Nico in the group, many of them looked uneasy while others were just bewildered. There was a sort of awkward silence before some people were pushing through the crowds.
"Geez what's going on here?" a voice wondered as it got closer.
"dunno but it has to be something big if it even has the Ares's cabin completely still.." another voice replied following the first voice.
The owners of the voices managed to get to the front and Percy looked over and saw that the two were half the size of most of the campers. The young half-blood wanted to look at the other campers some more but wasn't able to as two helmets were discarded and two blurs crashed into him sending them into the river.
"H-hey! What the!"
"PERCY! YOU'RE BACK!"
Percy looked closer at the faces of the people who had tackled him and was ecstatic when he saw it really was the twins and laughed happily.
"Noah! Elijah!"
Nico smiled at the reunion and heard footsteps come closer to him and Amelia, he quickly looked up and saw both Josh and Zach standing in front of him.
"Nice entrance, I had to stop my siblings from launching anymore arrows at you." Josh laughed.
"Like they could hurt me," Nico smirked back.
"As much as I hate being the one to give the bad news but since you're here you're going to have see Chiron…" Zach said grimacing.
"And the Olympians…" Nico finished not looking forward to the meeting at all as he looked up at the sky.
Well there's the latest chapter! Oh and for anyone that was confused about the coded message:
The bird of prey and harvestman maneuvers behind buildings out of sight of their king::
(The hawk and scorpion goes behind their master's back)
::They seek the treasures protected by thou Kaiser to use for victory in combat .::
(they're looking for Tatsuya's treasures (family) in order to beat him in battle)
"Tonight Luna discards its half, when shall the harvestman and bird of prey appear?"
(Tonight the moon is half when will the scorpion and hawk appear?)
::When sol rises before the noon after Luna disappears to begin again::
(When the sun rises before the afternoon after the new moon)
"The Kaiser's treasure to be snared on the day after Luna disappears?"
(The king's/tatsuya's treasure is to be taken on the day after the new moon?)
I hope that cleared up any confusion, thanks for reading!