A/N: Thanks ViscountessAberowen for your continued help! Sorry for the delay in updating- life gets in the way it seems.

Nico blearily opened his eyes, blinking several times to clear them of sleep. He groaned at the bright light of the room and threw an arm over his eyes, wishing more than anything to go back to sleep. He glanced over to see Leo still sleeping in the bed next to his.

"Nice of you to finally wake up. Do you realize how many drachmas I've had to spend to keep the window open to you?" A snide and somewhat derisive voice sounded through the room and Nico groaned again, hoping he was in a dream. "I will be submitting a separate invoice to your father, I'll have you know. Did nothing I say about wanting to take part in your therapy get through to you?"

Nico gave up and uncovered his eyes, pushing himself into a sitting position on the bed. He bowed his head slightly and said, "Dionysus. I apologize for any undue trouble I've caused you."

Mr. D snorted but said nothing. Nico looked up through the curtain his hair created and saw a light smile dancing on the god's lips.

"I do listen to what you have to say, though, Mr. D. I wasn't trying to skip therapy. I just...I had to attend to other matters."

Dionysus raised an eyebrow as Nico fully looked up. "Is that so?"

Nico nodded but gave no further explanation.

Mr. D pursed his lips before speaking. "In light of recent events and missed appointments, I do have to inform you that, should you wish to continue your therapy, you must come by Camp Half-Blood for a visit."

Nico's eyes widened and his heart skipped a beat. "But, but I'm not supposed to be there. I thought-"

Dionysus waved a hand and dismissed Nico's words. "Pish posh. You will not be required to stay longer than necessary, and you don't have to see anyone else should you wish not to. But, you must come to see me." The god held Nico's gaze, his purple eyes hard. "If I have not seen you within the week, then I will turn you into a dolphin- permanently. Or, maybe a tiger. Seymore has been getting lonely. A friend might do him well."

Nico stammered, unable to find the words to express himself.

Mr. D's eyes softened minutely. "It is nearing a holiday, Mr. di Angelo. Most campers have left to be with family. Just in case you were wondering."

The breath seemed to leave Nico's body as relief washed over him. He nodded weakly, still unable to speak.

"Besides," Dionysus continued, "You may find the visit helpful in other ways. One never knows."

The god pulled a can of Diet Coke into sight of the mist and popped the tab, taking a deep drink before speaking a last time. "One week. Not one minute later. Otherwise, dolphin or tiger. Got it?"

Nico nodded again and the vision dissipated.

He kept staring straight ahead.

What does any of that even mean? 'Find the visit helpful in other ways?' Why can't gods ever speak plainly?

"You have to leave again? So soon?"

Leo's voice broke over the empty silence of the room. Nico jumped at the unexpected sound and looked over to Leo, who lay in his bed, eyes tired and resigned.

"Ah, you're awake." Nico ignored Leo's question and asked somewhat apprehensively, "How did you sleep?"

Shrugging, Leo pushed himself into a sitting position. Even after sleep, his brown curls defied gravity. He took a couple of deep but cautious breaths. "Bad dreams, but..." His eyes darted up to Nico and back away. Leo reached up to rub at his eyes. "For once, they weren't as bad as they usually are. It was nice."

Nico felt his cheeks grow warm and he asked, "Do you...do you want to share? Your bad dream, I mean."

I should just tell him. Be honest about it and tell him I'm sorry for intruding.

Before Nico could speak, though, Leo shook his head and said, "I'd rather not get into it just now. Thanks, though." His smile was brief as Leo remembered his original question. "Do you have to go? To Camp Half-Blood, I mean. You don't think Mr. D was being serious about turning you into something, do you?"

Scowling, Nico said, "I wouldn't put it past him." He glanced down at his own blankets and picked a loose thread at the edge of the cover. "But...yeah. I think I have to go."

Leo sighed and rolled onto his back, crossing his arms behind his head and staring at the ceiling. Finally, he muttered a soft, "Yeah," that was full of weariness and disappointment.

Nico hesitated only briefly before pulling the covers back and crossing to Leo's bed. He sat and looked down at the other demigod. "I don't want to go, Leo."

The son of Hephaestus frowned, his eyes flickering to Nico's briefly before finding a spot on the ceiling again. "Like you said, you have to. If you stay here and turn into a dolphin...well, I don't think New Rome has a dolphin exchange program like they do for elephants."

Nico shifted on the bed, bumping his leg against Leo's. "Why...why don't you come with me?"

Leo's eyes flitted from the ceiling to the demigod, brown irises full of surprise. "What?"

"I mean," Nico's voice wavered slightly with uncertainty. "Only if you want to. Although, you're still healing up. Maybe it's not a good idea." Nico frowned.

Leo sat up quickly, the action sending him into a coughing fit, but he put a hand out to stop Nico from leaving the bedside to get water. "It's-I'm fine," Leo wheezed. "Just shouldn't have sat up so fast."

Once the son of Hephaestus caught his breath, he looked at Nico and asked, eyes hopeful, "You mean it? You want me to come with you?"

Nico nodded. "If you want to. I'd...I want you there."

Leo took a deep breath as if to speak but coughed again, wincing as his abused lungs protested against the sudden excitement.

"But only if you're feeling better, okay?" Nico got up from the bed and crossed to the door. "I'll let Emmie and Jo know that I have to leave again and that you might be coming with me. "

"Definitely coming with you, Ghost Boy."

"If you're feeling better."

"McShizzle and Spooks take on Camp Half-Blood!"

Nico scowled. "If you're feeling better."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Leo threw the covers to the side and swung his feet over the edge of the bed. He pushed himself to his feet, swaying slightly before taking a step forward.

Nico frowned and asked, "What are you doing?"

Leo crouched and waved his arm underneath the bed, fishing around for his shoes. Once he found them, he sat on the ground and pulled them on before reaching for the laces. "Getting ready. If I'm going with you, I need to talk to Jo about taking over a few classes while we're gone. Speaking of, how long are we going to be gone?"

Nico stared as Leo finished lacing his shoes and pushed himself to his feet, panting with the effort. "Didn't we just talk about you being well enough?"

Leo shrugged, grinning at the son of Hades. "Well, yeah. But I'm plenty rested now. I'm up for a bit of work. I'm gonna have to plan the workshops for the kiddos. Don't wanna leave Jo with all the work." His grin slightly faded as Leo took in Nico's clouded expression. "What's up, Ghost Boy? Having second thoughts?"

Nico shook his head quickly and gave the other demigod a half-smile. "About you coming? No. Just...I didn't think about the kids." Nico looked ashamed. "I didn't even think about not being able to see them."

"I think they'll be okay, but..." Leo thought for a moment before continuing. "How about we stop by Dayspring? Do you think we could go today? I need to check with Mrs. Gugaitis and make sure it's okay if Jo subs for me." Seeing the exasperated look on Nico's face, Leo quickly added, "If I'm still feeling up to it. I promise I won't overdo it, okay? I'll let you know. Besides, if we're riding Festus, then it shouldn't be an issue really, right?"

Nico bit his lip before saying, "About that...

"Is something wrong with Festus?" Leo's eyes widened and his tone became worried.

"Nothing!" Nico held his hands up to ward off Leo's sudden panic. "Festus is fine. I was just hoping to practice traveling myself."

"Huh?" Leo scratched the back of his head, confused.

"Shadow travel. I need the practice, and it would mean we could have some downtime in between traveling if we need it." At Leo's hesitant look, Nico continued, "Maybe we could fly to Dayspring, and I could travel us back? That way, if there are any complications, we're already here at the Waystation where there's help. We could see how we both handle it? I mean, you have to be well enough to handle it. And so do I. I just- I'm sorry. I'm making a mess of this, aren't I?"

Leo crossed his arms and rolled his eyes. "Things are always messy. Doesn't mean you're making them that way, Ghost Boy." He smiled lightly at the son of Hades. "I'm game."

Nico's eyes filled with relief and his shoulders relaxed. "You sure? And you'll tell me if you don't feel well after we get back?"

"Yeah, yeah, lo prometo. I'll tell you. Cross my heart and hope to die. I mean," Leo smiled sheepishly. "Not that I really hope to die." A nervous laugh forced its way from Leo's lips. "You don't think I will, right? Like, there's not a chance of that?"

"No. From what Zag said, I think I'd be the one to die if you didn't have enough energy? But," Nico bit his lip again, beginning to second guess himself. "Maybe I should check. Just in case?"

"Yeah, I kinda don't want you to die either," Leo jibed. "I trust you, though. Just another adventure, right? I'll tell you if I'm not feeling well after."

"You better," Nico said, but his tone held no heat and his dark eyes shone. "Well, you coming then? No reason why we can't talk to Emmie and Jo together."

"Dionysus needs you to come to Camp Half-Blood?" Emmie frowned at the two boys before focusing on Nico again. "Do you want me to speak with him?"

The group of four- Emmie, Jo, Nico, and Leo- stood around Jo's worktable. Besides their group, the Grand Hall remained empty. Cal had gone back go school for the last two weeks before winter break. Olujime and Sssssarah tended to the rooftop garden while Georgie helped Stan and Deacon clean Abelard's loft. Lityerses had taken his leave when the pair of demigods had asked to speak with Emmie and Jo.

Nico smiled warmly and said, "I don't think that will be necessary. I...need to attend to other business anyway. But, thank you."

Leo glanced at the son of Hades quickly before looking back to his foster moms. Emmie switched her attention to Leo, and Jo asked, "And...do you feel up to it, Leo?"

Grinning, Leo nodded quickly. "Feelin' like a million bucks! If I planned out the lessons, would you be willing to take over a few classes at Dayspring? I don't want to leave the kids hanging." His face lost a bit of his excitement as he added, "I don't want you to feel like you have to say yes. It's my responsibility, so I can stay if needed. Really."

Jo and Emmie looked at each other before Jo asked, "How many days are you guys going to be gone?"

"I don't think it should be more than a week," Nico answered honestly. "It depends on if I can shadow travel there and back. But," Nico added. "We'll get word to you if it's going to be longer."

The daughter of Hecate smiled. "In that case, I don't mind taking over your classes for at least a week, Leo. Just give me the lesson plans and we'll go from there."

Leo grinned. "Sure thing."

Emmie addressed Nico, saying, "Please make sure you both take care of yourselves. When do you plan on leaving? Can we pack some food for you?"

Nico nodded shyly, enjoying the warmth that crept into his body.

Is this what it feels like to belong?

"That would be lovely. Thank you, Emmie."

The ex-hunter smiled, her eyes crinkling with kindness.

"I think," Nico said, answering the question. "If Leo feels up to it and we can get everything together, we can leave tomorrow morning?"

Jo clapped her hands together. "Alright then! You two should get a move on."

Nico's stomach ached with impatience. The familiarity of Festus beneath him and the warmth of Leo in front of him did little to alleviate the feeling. The air whipped the tendrils of hair that had come free from its binding about his face. Being so high up and anticipating seeing the kids again, Nico could almost put the prophecy and its looming promise from his mind. The son of Hades adjusted his grip on Leo as if to assure himself that he was here- that he wasn't dreaming. That none of it would fade to ash and disappear.

Leo shifted slightly and looked back at Nico, raising his voice to be heard over the wind. "You okay, Ghost Boy?"

"Yeah," Nico said, tightening his hold on the son of Hephaestus. "Just glad to be back."

He caught a grin cross over Leo's face. Before he knew it, the bronze dragon was descending toward Dayspring. Festus touched down upon the pavement and, as was becoming the norm, Leo slid to the ground before reaching back up to help Nico from the dragon's back.

Leo smiled warmly and held Nico's hand in his own a moment longer than necessary, giving it a reassuring squeeze before letting go. "I'm glad you're back too."

Together, the two boys walked toward the center and let themselves in. Upon entering, they reached a somewhat bland reception area where an old man sat behind the desk. Spindly fingers slowed in their tapping against the surface of the desk, and rheumy eyes squinted at the pair when they entered. His skin crinkled around his lips and eyes, liver spots randomly spotting over his face. Thick black hair covered his head and sprouted from his ears to Nico's dismay. The man looked ancient.

"Victor!" Leo approached the man with confidence and an easy smile. "¡Tanto tiempo sin verte! ¿Cómo estás?"

The dour man sniffed once and resumed tapping his fingers against the desk. "Eh. Bien, bien." Victor's eyes flitted over to Nico and he sniffed again. "¿Y quién es él?"

"Este es mi amigo, Nico." Leo looked over to the son of Hades who, at the sound of his name, raised his hand in an unsure wave. The other demigod smiled and returned his attention to the old man. "¿Dónde está la señora Gugaitis?"

Victor said nothing but jerked his head in the direction behind him.

Leo smiled. "Gracias, Victor. ¡Hasta luego!" The son of Hephaestus motioned for Nico to follow him. "She's probably helping out with dinner if she's back this way."

"What'd you say to him?"

Leo shrugged. "Not much. Just shooting the breeze. He wanted to know who you were. That's all."

"I thought Victor was supposed to be younger?" Nico glanced back the way they had come to see the old man watching them. The son of Hades jerked his head around quickly.

"He's only 63. He was a stunt man back in the day. In Mexico." Leo waggled his eyebrows and continued to walk forward. "He pulled stunts for a lot of popular movies. Broke his back once."

Nico followed Leo through a hallway to the back of the front room. Eventually, they entered a large room furnished with tables, chairs, and several trashcans. A countertop lined one side of the room and sounds from a kitchen drifted from beyond that. Nico's eyes fell to the occupied tables holding several familiar faces as soon as they entered.

The first one to look up from the table was Grace. She raised her eyes and looked straight at him and Leo as if she had been expecting them. She gave them a slight wave before returning her attention to a disheveled and confused-looking man who sat opposite her. She said something and raised a fork to the man's lips. He looked at the fork and frowned before shaking his head.

Nico's eyes drifted from Grace's table to another right beside hers but, before he could even take in the faces of the children and adults who sat there, he heard a shrill cry. A small figure darted from one of the tables and ran full pelt toward the pair, and it wasn't until her arms wrapped themselves around Nico's waist that he realized who it was.

He smiled and knelt down, forcing the girl to let go of him so he could properly hug her. She threw her arms around his neck and squeezed. "I missed you, Nico! Where were you?"

"I missed you too, Celia. Did you behave while I was gone?"

The little girl pulled back and nodded vigorously, her pigtails bouncing up and down as she did. "I did, I did! You can even ask Brittany. I helped her and Mrs. Gugaitis! And Grace helped braid my hair today!"

Nico looked over at the other girl feeling the surprise on his face. He was startled to find her glaring back at him, jerking her head around when his eyes met hers. She ignored him. Nico frowned but turned back to Celia. "I'm glad to hear that, Celia. The braids look very nice." He hoped that his voice carried across the short distance to Grace's table.

"Hey, Celita. Is Mrs. Gugaitis around? I wanted to talk to her."

The little girl pointed to the kitchen and then grabbed Nico's hand, pulling him toward her table. "I want you to meet my mommy!"

Nico threw a look over his shoulder as he let Celia tug him forward. Leo grinned unabashedly at him. "I'll come find you later, Ghost Boy."

As they approached Celia's table, his eyes focused on the others sitting around the circle. Miles waved at the son of Hades while Sonny crossed his eyes and puffed his cheeks out. Nico rolled his eyes before looking at the other occupant: a woman in her mid-thirties, bags under her green eyes. Silver marked the hair near her temples, and her posture sloped toward the table as if she were too tired to sit up straight. But, as Celia and Nico approached her, she looked up at Nico and smiled, resigned and melancholy and genuine all at once. Her voice was soft and warm when she spoke- the last embers glowing in the fireplace.

"You must be Nico. I've heard a lot about you."

Nico offered his hand. She took it, her palm dry against his. "I am. You're Celia and Miles' mother?"

She nodded, her smile waning. "I am."

Her lithe fingers picked up a roll from her plate and began to shred it, dropping each small piece back down. Her eyes never left Nico's. "Thank you for helping teach them. They've enjoyed Leo's classes immensely. But, I must say," she paused, and her eyes flicked to the direction Leo had left and then back to Nico. "You both seem a bit young."

Nico felt a crooked smile cross his face. "I don't believe I caught your name?"

"Oh, my apologies." Her lilting voice did little to convey her sincerity but she smiled nonetheless. "Where are my manners? Gwenifer. Professor Gwenifer Blackburn."

"Well, Professor Blackburn-"

"Gwen," she interrupted, her eyes sparkling. "Please, call me Gwen. I feel as if I already know you."

Nico hesitated before saying, "Alright. Gwen. I know we're a bit...young. But age is only a number, right?"

She gazed at him thoughtfully. "Hm." Gwen dropped the last morsel of bread and leaned her elbows on the table, clasping her hands in front of her. "Do you know what I study, Nico?"

When he shook his head, she continued. "I have a Ph.D. in Psychology, and I head the department of Parapsychology. We have a few projects going here and there, but grants are pretty sparse."

She held the son of Hades' gaze and asked him, "Do you believe in ghosts, Nico? Or the afterlife?"

Miles groaned in distress and his face turned red. "Mom, please."

The woman ignored her son and, staring at Nico with eyes that were now wild and feverish, said, "A white horse, a red horse, a pale horse, a black horse."

Gwen picked up her fork and held it at a diagonal, one tine resting on the table as she spun it backward and forward. "Eventually we'll all fall to ash. So," she cocked her head to the side. "To answer your query, age is only a number. And we are all finite with a beginning and an end."

Nico's breath caught in his chest and he felt the blood drain from his face. Gwen smiled up at him, but the smile did little to warm her eyes. She stood and, picking up her tray, said, "It was nice to meet you, Nico. Thank you for looking out for my children."

She turned and left, leaving Nico with a sinking feeling in his heart.

"Sure everything is ending, but not yet."~ Jennifer Egan