Chapter 29: March on, and fear not the thorns, or the sharp stones on life's path.

Thanks to ViscountessAberowen for getting this into shape.

This chapter was supposed to be longer, but this week has not been easy and I had to take some time for myself. See you all next week. -BPT

Leo and Nico sat on the bed, the son of Hades' arm still held by the other demigod. Neither said a word. The purple energy crackled and sparked against Nico's skin, fading into one spot only to appear in another over a surface area of a handspan on his forearm.

Leo licked his lips and asked softly, "Does it hurt?"

"No," Nico said. "If we hadn't looked, I wouldn't even know it's there."

Leo turned his head to examine it from a slightly different angle. "What do you think it means?"

Nico shrugged in response and said nothing, biting his lip and looking away.

Leo didn't push but reached out with his other hand, a single finger poised to trace the energy pattern. Nico jerked his arm out of reach, dislodging Leo's hold.

"Don't," he hissed. He glared down at his arm and then up to Leo's startled eyes. "What if it spreads? To you?"

Leo frowned and opened his mouth to respond but was cut off by a knock on the door. Nico's eyes flitted to the door in a panic and he tugged his sleeve down over his arm.

"Leo? Are you in there?" Cal's voice sounded from the other side of the door, muffled by the wood. "Emmie sent me up to check on you and Nico before you leave tomorrow."

"Just a minute!" Leo turned to Nico. "So, secret for now?"

Nico nodded vigorously.

"Okay." Leo turned his attention back to the door and called out, "Come in."

The handle turned, allowing the door to swing open. Cal's eyes flitted between the son of Hephaestus and Nico before she smiled. "Well, I guess since both of you are here, then I won't have to find Nico later. Do you mind if I look you both over, or would you prefer I do it separately?"

Nico shrugged a shoulder and avoided Cal's gaze, but Leo gave her a grin and nodded. "We can all just stay in here. Not a big deal."

Cal smiled and crossed closer to the two boys. Snagging the chair Leo had previously been using, she righted it and settled herself down. Then, she fixed her gaze on the two demigods and asked, "Emmie says you guys used shadow travel?"

At the two boys' nods, Cal continued, "How far did you jump this time?"

Nico looked to Leo to answer. "Only from Dayspring."

"Well, that coupled with the jump from Camp Jupiter..." Her gaze turned back to the son of Hades. "Nico, can I check you?"

Nico held out his left arm hesitantly. Calypso took his hand in hers and closed her eyes again but opened them in surprise after only a moment. "You did shadow travel, right? You guys aren't just pulling my leg?"

A tight smile graced Nico's lips. "No. We definitely went through shadow."

"Well," Cal said, gently letting Nico's hand return to his lap. "You're shadow-free. How in Hades did you manage that?"

Nico's eyes slid to Leo as he answered, "Well, besides being able to turn my mind to more pleasant...thoughts, Zag taught me a few tricks. Apparently, the type of shadow I use matters." He shrugged and returned to looking at Cal. "Who'd of thought?"

"Hm." Cal eyed him with slight curiosity before shifting her attention to Leo.

"How are you feeling? Breathing good?" She leaned forward, but the cut under Leo's lip caught her attention before she could take Leo's hand in hers. "What happened?"

"Nico accidentally head-butted me."

She reached forward with two fingers and placed them directly over the cut, muttering under her breath. The wound shrank, leaving a faint pink scar in its wake. "There." She moved her hand from Leo's face and down to his hand, picking it up in hers. "Any coughing fits?"

"Nope. I think–"

"You did so. When we were at Dayspring." Nico scowled at the son of Hephaestus, his eyes accusing. "Remember?"

Leo shook his head, a slight frown pulling at his lips. Pulling his hand from Cal's, Leo turned to Nico with a question on his face. "No, I didn't. What are you talking about?"

Nico's widened his eyes slightly. "We were–" His eyes flicked to Cal and quickly back to Leo. "Mrs. Gugaitis came to check on you. Remember?"

"No, I–" Leo's voice cut off abruptly and his cheeks grew warm as the memories of the coughing fit– as well as what he had been doing immediately before the coughing fit– came back to him. "Oh. Yeah. Now I remember."

Leo turned his attention back to Cal, his cheeks red-tinged. "Yes. I had one coughing fit." His eyes found Nico again and he glared though it held no heat. "And it's just because I was previously occupied with something and Mrs. Gugaitis startled me."

Calypso frowned at Leo. "What were you doing? Was it physical?"

Nico shook his head as Leo nodded.

Leo looked at the son of Hades incredulously. "Why're you answering for me? It was physical!"

"She means physically exerting, Valdez." Nico's own cheeks took on a delicate hue of pink. "I don't think you were doing anything too physically demanding."

Leo gaped at Nico for a moment, his mouth opening and closing several times before he replied, "Yeah. I guess you're right. It wasn't an impressive example of physical exertion."

Leo smirked as the son of Hades scowled. Turning back to Cal, whose face was a mask of confusion, Leo smugly stated, "I had one coughing episode because Mrs. Gugaitis surprised me. Not because of anything else."

"Okay?" Cal shook her head. "So the coughing fits aren't prevalent anymore?"

Grinning, Leo answered, "Eh, you know. Nothing really keeps me down. I'm doing fine."

Cal raised an eyebrow. "I'll be the judge of that."

Leo offered her a hand. She took it in her own and closed her eyes. "Breathe in, Leo."

The demigod did as he was asked, taking a deep breath before letting it out slowly. Cal nodded and opened her eyes, smiling at the son of Hephaestus. "Looks better than when you came back from the museum. Much better. Though, your energy does seem a bit low. How are you feeling? Peaky?"

Nico interjected, "It's probably from the shadow travel. There's a tax paid by anyone traveling that way."

"I'm all good. I'm sure getting some sleep will help." Leo offered his best smile to the ex-goddess. "I'll be fine. Besides, we have a few days to get to camp before Mr. D turns Mr. Frowny Face over here–" Leo jerked a thumb in the direction of the other demigod who was, indeed, scowling ferociously. "–into a dolphin or tiger or something. Maybe a crab. I dunno. The possibilities are endless."

"So," Leo continued. "We can probably make smaller jumps if it would make it easier for us both. Right, Ghost Boy?"

It seemed like Nico would ignore the son of Hephaestus but, after a moment, he nodded tersely. Leo turned back to Cal and grinned. "See? All good."

"Alright." Cal relinquished her hold on Leo. "Well, I'll let Emmie and Jo know that you guys are good to go. Unless there's anything else?"

Leo glanced at Nico, who shook his head and glowered.

Cal's eyes narrowed. "What is going on with you guys? You're acting strange."

Bringing a hand up to scratch the back of his head, Leo said, "Oh no! Everything's excellent. We're just super excited to get to camp and see everyone again. I've been dying to climb the rock wall, and Nico here really wants to talk to Mr. D about grapes so–"

"Leonidas Valdez. I have no idea how no one saw through your plans on dying during the war. You're a terrible liar." Cal turned her attention to Nico. "Spill."

Nico sighed and grumbled, "Smooth going, Leo."

Leo shrugged sheepishly. "I get nervous. Not my fault."

Nico pinched the bridge of his nose and breathed out slowly before addressing Cal. "You know the creatures we've been fighting lately? The ones with the energy all over them?"

Cal nodded and Nico continued, "Have you seen anything like it at all before? Ever?"

Cal frowned. "It's seemed familiar. Almost like something I dreamed of on my island, but...no, I don't know what it is. I haven't seen it before. So what does that have to do with why you both are acting strange?"

Nico's fingers played over the frayed edge of his sleeve before he pulled it up, exposing his right arm. Cal's breath was sharp as she quickly breathed in. She reached for the son of Hades' arm but he withdrew slightly. "I don't know if it's contagious."

The girl ignored him and gingerly touched the pad of her forefinger to his skin. The purple energy danced underneath her fingertip, paying her no heed. It still took up only a handspan across the demigod's skin.

"It doesn't feel like a disease– not one I've ever encountered. It doesn't even feel like sickness." She withdrew her finger and made to cup Nico's arm in her arm, pausing to look up into Nico's eyes and ask, "May I?"

Nico nodded, his face expressionless.

Her cool fingers dipped around Nico's forearm and leaned in to get a better look. She covered Nico's skin with her other palm and closed her eyes, breathing in deeply. Then, without opening her eyes, she said, "It feels...old. And not like Nico. It's separate. Like a parasite. But it's not doing any damage I can sense."

Calypso shuddered and opened her eyes, releasing her grip on Nico's arm. "What happened?"

"A dream." Leo glanced sharply at Nico as the son of Hades spoke, but the boy just shrugged and continued, "It was just a dream. And I woke up with this."

"Hm." Cal frowned but didn't push the issue. "Does anyone else know? Besides Leo?"

Nico shook his head. "I'd like to keep this between us if you don't mind."

Cal hesitated before nodding. "Unless it gets worse. Or you change." She directed her gaze to Leo. "I'm trusting you both to come to me. If either of you– or the rest of us– are in danger, I won't have any choice but to let others know. Do you understand?"

Both demigods nodded. Cal gave them a tight smile before standing and returning Leo's chair to its rightful place at his desk. "You guys should get some sleep if you're heading out tomorrow."

Both boys thanked her and Cal left, the door shutting softly after her.

Nico sighed heavily and stood from the bed. "She's right. We really should get some rest."

Leo pouted from the bed. "I hate going to bed early." He swung his legs over the side of the bunk and joined Nico. "Emmie and Jo said they'd get together a couple of packs for us, so we shouldn't really need to grab too much."

Nico nodded but didn't say anything.

"I'm sorry I gave it away about your arm. I just...get nervous. You upset with me, Ghost Boy?" Leo glanced nervously at the other boy.

Nico shook his head. "No. Just thinking."

Raising an eyebrow, Leo said, "Well, don't think too much. I hear it's bad for your health." He winked as Nico stared at him as if deciding whether or not to dignify Leo's words with a response. Nico gave the son of Hephaestus a lopsided smile and started toward the door.

"I think I'll just read for a bit. See if I can take my mind off things." As he opened the door, Nico glanced back at Leo as if wanting to say something.

"You wanna talk? About what you're thinking about?"

"Not right now." At the beginning of worry in Leo's expression, Nico hastened to add, "It's nothing bad. Promise."

Leo nodded. "Well, if you change your mind, I'll be up for a while yet. I have to finish up the plans for Jo."

The son of Hades offered Leo a smile and nodded before disappearing through the doorway.

Leo surveyed his room and ran a hand through his curls before sitting at his desk. True to his word, Leo pulled a notebook toward him and flipped it open to the plans he had started on. He worked diligently for just under a half-hour before finishing the class outlines for Dayspring. Reaching his arms upward and over his head, Leo stretched with a groan. He shifted slightly as he lowered his arms, knocking his pen to the floor with his elbow.

Sighing gustily, Leo pushed his chair out. He knelt on the ground, leaning underneath his desk to grab the writing utensil.

"We really need to work on your observation skills, Valdez."

Leo jerked upwards at the unexpected voice, slamming the back of his head into the underside of his desk.

"Fuck! What the–!?" Leo extricated himself from the floor, a hand clamped over the back of his head. He placed a hand on the edge of his chair and pushed himself upwards, glaring at the intruder in the doorway.

Nico smirked in bemusement. "I've been standing here for a while. I would say I'm sorry, but...someone left a mess in my room and I'm not sure why."

"What?" Leo glowered at the son of Hades. "What are you talking about?"

Without waiting for an invitation, Nico crossed into the room, closing the door behind him. Gone were the clothes he had worn to Dayspring, the long-sleeve and jeans replaced with a white long-sleeve t-shirt emblazoned with "Talking Heads" and black sweats. Nico had taken out the tie, keeping his hair back and causing the dark strands to fall in a cloud above his shoulders. He crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow at the son of Hephaestus. "The pipes and tools littering the floor of my room? And a couple sets of blueprints on my table?"

Leo's hand paused in rubbing the back of his head as he remembered his unfinished project. "Oh. Yeah. I totally forgot about that."

A curious expression settled across Nico's face. "Is there a reason you decided to make a second workshop in my room?"

"Uh...well, there were some issues with the pipes and you were already gone, so I thought I would just go ahead and take care of the problem before you got back but then I got busy, and I'm still kind of working my way through teaching myself plumbing stuff and water works and then, well, I didn't realize when exactly you'd be back. I figured it would have been longer. But then all the stuff at the museum happened and, to be honest, I completely forgot I hadn't finished the project yet, and it's really just a small project for the Waystation–I'm trying to update the piping everywhere and–"

"Leo."

Leo stopped talking and looked to Nico like a deer caught in headlights. "Yeah?"

Nico cocked his head to one side, arms still crossed. "Calypso's right. You really are a bad liar."

Leo groaned and looked up to the ceiling feeling his cheeks warming. "Can we just say it's a surprise? I didn't expect to run into so many obstacles with it. And I really did think I'd be finished before you got back. So," Leo looked back to Nico. "It'll just have to be a Christmas present instead of a Welcome Back present."

The son of Hades' arms dropped to his sides, a look of surprise falling over his face. "Oh. Alright. You don't– you didn't...okay."

Leo grinned, feeling the heat in his face begin to fade. "I can clean up my stuff in your room if you'll just give me a few minutes. Or," Leo gave a half-hearted shrug and gestured to his bunk. "You're more than welcome to crash in here."

Nico bit his lip before nodding. "Sure."

When Nico made no move toward the top bunk or the door, Leo asked, "Was there something else?"

The other demigod frowned slightly but said nothing. Realization hit Leo suddenly. "Oh! Did you decide you wanted to talk after all? About what's on your mind? I'm all done with the stuff I had to get ready for Jo, so I'm all ears."

When Nico still said nothing, Leo stepped close to the son of Hades and looked up at the taller boy. "Is everything okay? Are you upset about the stuff in your room? Because I really can move it."

Nico shook his head, and Leo frowned. "Why aren't you saying anything then? Did you–"

Nico brought a gentle hand under Leo's jaw, effectively silencing the boy as he leaned forward and kissed Leo.

Leo's eyes widened as Nico's thumb brushed lightly against the corner of his mouth and his lips parted in surprise. Leo felt Nico's hot breath against his mouth as the boy pulled back slightly but Leo followed, unwilling to break the kiss. The son of Hephaestus felt Nico's tongue slip gently between his parted lips, lightly touching upon his teeth before stealing away. Nico placed one last chaste kiss on Leo's lips and let his hand drop. The shorter demigod stood still, head still tilted upward towards Nico.

The son of Hades' husky voice broke the silence. "Was that impressive enough for you?"

Leo laughed incredulously, breaking the tension in the room. "That's what you were upset about? You're the one who said earlier wasn't physically exerting."

Raising an eyebrow, Nico smiled slightly, one corner of his mouth rising upward. "Before wasn't demanding. It was...simple. Nice. Quiet."

Laughing still, Leo shook his head, feeling the warmth in his cheeks as his heart beat a giddy pattern against his ribs.

Nico cleared his throat. "We really should rest. If we want to leave early."

Leo waved a hand through the air, dismissing Nico's observation. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just–" Leo crossed to his dresser and rummaged through it until he came up with a clean pair of shorts and a t-shirt marred by wood stain and paint. He held them up in one hand and grinned. "Gotta change. Be back in a sec."

Leo quickly left the room and crossed to the bathroom, changing in record speed and brushing his teeth with a surprising impatience. He kicked his dirty clothes into the corner behind the bathroom door and returned to his room. Nico was already up in the top bunk but glanced over to the door when Leo entered. The son of Hades bit his lip and looked up to the ceiling, his cheeks stained a light red. "What time do you want to leave in the morning?"

Leo stepped onto the frame of the lower bunk and used his arms to balance against the upper edge as he looked over to Nico. "Whenever you want to. I'm game."

"Dawn?"

Pulling a face, Leo answered, "Okay...maybe I'm not down for whenever. Can the sun have already woken up? Please?"

Smirking, Nico shrugged. "Only since you said please. We can leave around seven then."

Leo scowled. "The sun doesn't come up until 7:45, dude."

"Oh. Well, 8:00 then."

"Up for fifteen minutes. You're so generous." Leo heaved a long and drawn-out sigh and grumbled, "Fine, fine. Guess that's my cue to get to sleep."

"Haven't I been saying we need to get some rest for the last while? I'm pretty sure I said it before I even left the first time and found the disaster in my room."

Leo protested, "I already said sorry, bro. You still mad?"

Nico rolled his eyes and flicked Leo gently on the nose. "I wasn't mad to begin with, Valdez."

Leo rubbed his nose and stuck his tongue out at the other demigod before letting go of his perch and swinging onto his bunk on the bottom. He shoved his covers aside and thrust his feet beneath the sheets.

Nico's voice was filled with mirth as he called out softly, "Good night, Leo. Sweet dreams."

Leo touched a hand to his lips and smiled. "Right back 'atcha, Ghost Boy."

Nico felt as though he had just closed his eyes when it was already time to open them again, Leo's hand on his shoulder shaking him awake. He groaned and pulled the covers up over his head, half-heartedly batting at the hand on him. "Stop. Just five more minutes."

He heard Leo chuckle before a hand tugged on his covers again, yanking them back. Nico shuddered at the sudden loss of heat and reached downward, his hand searching for a blanket that was no longer there. He opened his eyes and blearily glared at Leo. "How. And why?"

"Aw man, Ghost Boy. Never realized you were such a bear in the mornings. Monosyllabic even." Leo's hand shook Nico's shoulder gently again. "Come on, Spooks. You're the one who wanted to wake up this early."

Nico closed his eyes again and rolled over, turning his back on the son of Hephaestus. "No." He curled in on himself, trying to stay warm without a blanket. Leo laughed outright and Nico heard his footsteps cross the room before the door opened. The son of Hades didn't realize he had fallen asleep again until he jerked awake at the sound of the door opening again.

The smell of coffee wafted to where Nico lay on the bed and he gave a soft groan but managed to roll back over. He cracked one eye and sniffed. "What's that?"

"What's what?" Leo asked innocently.

Nico freed a hand from where it curled around his body and pointed at the cup.

"Oh," Leo held up the cup. "This? Just coffee. Exactly how you like it." Leo sipped from the cup and pulled a face almost immediately, choking out, "Dark and bitter like your soul, dude. Ugh. How can you drink it like this?"

Nico scowled at the boy. "If you don't like it, hand it over."

"He speaks!" Leo shook his head as Nico reached a hand out for the cup. "No. Nope. Nuh-uh. You gotta come down, Ghost Boy. You're the one who said you wanted to leave at 8. So we got five minutes until we're late heading out. I didn't mind sleeping in, but you wanted to get an early start."

Leo crossed the room and set the cup of coffee on his desk. He took a seat and gazed up expectantly at Nico, a grin spreading across his face. "Well? You coming?"

Nico glowered and let out a heavy sigh before crawling to the edge of the bed. He swung his legs over the side, focusing on putting his feet and hands on the appropriate rungs to get himself down safely. Once he made it to the ground, Nico crossed to the desk and crumpled into a sitting position on the floor, holding his hand up to Leo. "Coffee now?"

Smiling, Leo grabbed the cup and set it into Nico's waiting hand. Nico brushed the hair away from his face and took a deep drink before lowering the cup with a sigh of contentment. He opened his eyes fully and looked up at Leo. "Thanks."

"Ain't no thang, Ghost Boy." Nico took another drink from the cup, pushing his hair out of his face again. When he looked up at Leo, the boy was staring at him.

Self-consciously, Nico tried to tuck a strand of hair behind his ear. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Leo shook his head and stood up, grabbing his chair and crossing behind Nico to set it down. He reclaimed his seat and waved his hand when Nico tried to turn to look at him. "Nah, nah, nah. Just keep looking forward and enjoy your coffee."

Nico did as he was told and was pleasantly surprised when he felt Leo's fingers trail through his hair, gathering the wispy strands and combing them until they lay flat. Leo held the hair in one hand while his other fished around inside his toolbelt before pulling out a hair tie. He looped it around Nico's hair several times until it stayed in place. Leo's voice was filled with satisfaction as he said, "There. One step closer to get out the door."

Nico drained the last dregs of coffee from his cup and stared down into the suddenly empty space glumly. Leo laughed and clapped a hand on the boy's shoulder before standing up. "Come on, Spooks. Get dressed– there's more coffee downstairs." Leo winked and added, "I'll see you down there."

Nico didn't remember getting dressed or heading down into the Grand Hall, but, somehow, he made it to the kitchen where Leo waited with another cup of hot coffee. Emmie stood in front of the sink rinsing off a plate, and Jo perched atop one of the stools lined against the kitchen island counter. She grinned as Nico came into view. "Morning, Nico! You guys ready to get going?"

Nico nodded wordlessly and took the cup that Leo held out to him. Leo looked over to Jo.

"Thanks again for agreeing to cover the classes at Dayspring until I'm back. I think you'll really enjoy working with the kids."

"It's nothing. I miss working with kids." Jo rested her elbows on the countertop and leaned forward. "Keeps me feeling young."

Leo nodded and pushed a notebook across to her. "Here are a few plans. I put together more than a couple, just in case."

Jo took the proffered notebook and flipped it open, skimming through several pages of notes and suggestions. She raised an eyebrow and glanced up at Leo. "You want me to show them how to change the oil on cars and replace the air filters? Are any of them old enough to drive?"

Leo shrugged. "No. But there are a few cars belonging to the workers and volunteers that they can practice on. It's never too early to start learning practical skills. Mrs. Gugaitis should have all of the supplies– I dropped them off last week before the field trip."

Jo smiled and nodded. "Sounds like a plan then!"

The thundering of feet slamming against the floor in one of the hallways up top sounded, echoing through the Grand Hall. Cal's voice called out, "Wait! I'm coming to say goodbye! Don't leave yet!"

The group looked to the stairs as Cal came flying down them, wisps of hair streaming from her braid. Her eyes shone with wild energy. "Wait!"

Nico glanced down at where he and Leo both sat, confused. The son of Hephaestus met Nico's eyes and then looked up at the girl and said, "We're still seated, Cal. We're not going anywhere right this second."

"Oh, well. Good." Cal stood still for a moment, her hands resting on her waist as she caught her breath. Then, she held a hand out to Nico. "This is for you and Leo."

Nico held out his hand and she dropped a small drawstring bag into it. He gently pulled open the top and peered inside before shaking the contents into his palm. Moonlace petals fell into his waiting hand. He breathed out quietly and looked up at the girl, "Calypso..."

"It's just a few," she reassured him. "I started setting them aside after last..." Cal looked around at the others in the room and reconsidered her words. "Anyway, once they dry out they'll work a bit better, but they've been associated with cleansings before, so...if anything happens..."

Nico hastily said, "Thank you," and returned the petals to their pouch. Cal was almost as indiscreet as Leo. He turned to Emmie and Jo. "Leo said you guys had packs for us?"

Emmie dried her hands on a kitchen towel before pointing at two packs by the door. "Right over there. There's going to be enough food in there for the trip. And there's a pot for boiling water should you guys decide to truly rough it."

Leo's eyes lit up. "Are those the same type of packs you guys had when you were Hunters? Setting up camp looked so easy."

Both ex-Hunters smiled. "These aren't quite as sophisticated as what the Hunters have now," Jo informed him. "Hunter Kowalski was a bit disappointed with the old models. They don't set themselves up–"

"I could change that for you! If I could just get a look at the old model tent, then I could update any specs and then–"

"Leo," Emmie interrupted. "It's literally just a tent. The models Artemis has now weren't introduced until the mid-nineties. We left almost ten years before the Hunters got their hands on the new tech."

"Oh." Leo blinked. "So, we're going to have to actually...set up camp? Where's the fun in that?"

Nico ignored Leo's remarks and turned toward the two women. "Thanks. Really."

Leo hastened to show his own gratitude. "Oh, yeah– thanks! I'm not– I wasn't trying to be rude. I appreciate the packs. Really!"

Nico glanced at Cal and then Emmie and Jo. "I promise we'll send updates. I can leave you guys notes. If you leave one of the lights on in the kitchen, I'll just drop it right there." He pointed to a shadow cast from a bowl of fruit resting on the kitchen island. "That'll probably be easiest if it works for you guys?"

Jo nodded and Emmie smiled, casting a dubious look toward Leo. "You better be writing us too. And actually eat the food we packed. Don't just save it for last and eat the noodle stuff I know you added to the bags."

Leo gave the ex-hunter a cheesy grin. "It's like you sniff out secrets, Em. But, don't worry," he added. "I'll eat all your healthy food."

Emmie smiled and then wrapped her arms around Leo, hugging him tightly. Jo added her arms to the pair and squeezed. Leo laughed and pulled himself away. "Alright, alright, alright. You guys are crushing me!"

While the other three said their goodbyes, Cal walked over to Nico and gave him a concerned smile, lowering her voice to ask, "You know what the Moonlace is for, right?"

Nico looked at her innocently, "Cleansing. Right?"

Her eyes flicked down to his sleeve, which effectively hid the purple energy that had clung to him. "Nico..."

"Yes," Nico reassured her. "I'll try it and see if it does anything. It can't hurt, right?" He gave the girl a small but genuine smile and softly said, "Thank you. Truly."

Cal touched his shoulder lightly and then moved toward Leo, trading places with the two older women. Emmie studied Nico.

"You be safe, understand? We expect you to come back in one piece."

"Or, at least, as much as any demigod comes back in one piece," Jo added with a cheeky smile.

Emmie shot Jo a stern look and said, "Take all necessary precautions and don't do anything too risky, alright? We've gotten used to having you here. Even with all your traveling."

Nico smiled at them in understanding. "Thank you. I'll try."

Emmie cupped her elbows close to her body and seemed to hesitate before asking, "Would a goodbye hug be acceptable?"

Eyes widening slightly, Nico nodded and shyly said, "Yes."

Emmie stepped forward and gently wrapped her arms around the son of Hades. Slowly, he brought his arms up to return the hug. Jo reached out a hand and clapped Nico on the shoulder as Emmie let go. "Take care, Nico. We'll see you soon."

The two demigods shouldered their packs, Nico safely stashing the drawstring bag from Calypso in one of the front pockets.

"Well, better get going." Leo smiled over at Nico, who looked back at the Grand Hall.

Nico took a deep breath and asked Leo, "Ready?"

Nodding, Leo moved to stand next to the other demigod. "Whenever you are, Ghost Boy."

Nico closed his eyes and reached for the shadows, relishing in the quiet calm that settled about him as cool darkness slid over to engulf the two boys. He felt a pull and, moments later, he opened his eyes. They stood in the middle of an outdoor exhibit, black tile beneath their feet. People bustled about in the blustery December air paying them no heed.

Leo blinked in surprise and looked around, noting a giant art installation behind him: an enormous silver gavel resting on a round matching silver block. "Where are we, and what is that?"

Nico turned red, his voice slightly thinner with embarrassment. "Ohio. Columbus, Ohio."

"Is there a reason we're next to the," Leo squinted and moved toward a plaque, reading out loud, "The World's Largest Gavel?"

Nico scowled and looked away, mumbling, "I was just thinking about it last night– figuring out where to jump in short spurts to Camp."

"And the World's Largest Gavel came to mind? As your first option?"

"I had to practice traveling somehow. I was twelve, alright?" The red in Nico's cheeks intensified.

"Yeah, but," Leo looked to the gavel and back to Nico. "How does a twelve-year-old decide to travel to an art installation? In Ohio?"

Nico shoved his hands into his pockets and looked down, scuffing his shoe across the tile. "It was after I ran away from camp. Before I found Minos, though. I ducked into a gas station to get out of the rain and they had all these brochures. It just seemed like fun– something Bianca would have thought was stupid– seeing the 'World's Largest Gavel.' I just felt like I had to go one day. And so, once I figured out how to jump, I did it. It was better than the time I wound up in China."

Leo nodded slowly and asked, "Out of curiosity, where else did you plan on jumping us?"

Nico considered the question for a moment before shaking his head, "You'll just have to wait and see."

"Well," Leo said. "For the record, I don't think it's stupid. A bit weird maybe, but hey man– that's me through and through! Besides, I feel like I could definitely make a bigger gavel. You're telling me that no one's ever tried to beat that?"

Nico's face broke into a grin, and he looked over his shoulder at the installation. "Yeah. I think I remember wondering why it wasn't bigger."

"Hey! You kids! You're not supposed to be past the barrier! Don't you know how to read?" A burly security guard glared at them from beyond the concrete rectangle surrounding the piece.

"Sorry, sorry, sorry!" Leo grabbed Nico's hand and pulled him to the barrier, stepping over it and waving at the guard. "We just really wanted to see how big it really was!"

"Yeah, well," the guard eyed the two demigods warily. "You can look from over there."

Leo saluted the guard. "Of course, my man! We're doing just that. Got a little excited. I mean, it's the largest gavel in the world! Who wouldn't get excited!?"

The man just shook his head, a glower settling about his face but turned and began to walk away.

Nico looked up and down the street. "If I remember right, there should be a coffee shop just down the way."

Following Nico, Leo asked, "Didn't you get enough coffee this morning? Shouldn't you, like, rest now or something?"

Nico fixed Leo with a somewhat confused stare. "There's always time for coffee, Valdez."

Jump Number One

The pair of demigods sat in the lobby of the coffee shop, Nico's head pillowed on his arms. His empty cup sat in front of him as he gazed at Leo. The area was nearly empty. An old couple sat at the table closest to the heavy glass doors while a teenager dressed all in black sulked in the corner, eyes glued to a laptop as she rapidly typed away. The sound of her fingers hitting the keys disappeared under the 'phsssssssh' of the steams wands and the chatter of the baristas as music pumped through speakers strategically placed to eventually drive customers out.

Nico reached a finger out and traced the rim of his ceramic cup. "How are you feeling?"

Leo glanced over at Nico, pulling his attention away from wondering how it was possible for the old man by the door to have so much hair coming out of his nose. "What? Oh, I'm alright. Little tired but nothing awful. How far did we jump?"

Yawning, Nico pulled his hand back. He eyed the teenager in the corner and said, "A bit under two hundred miles. Next jump is going to be bigger. Think you need to rest before then?"

Leo shook his head and directed the question back to Nico. "What about you? You're lookin' pretty haggard there, Spooks. Maybe we should see if they offer IV Caffeine? Just get it flowing right in your bloodstream. Cut out the middle man of ingesting it."

Nico sat up and rolled his shoulders before cracking his neck from one side to the other. "Another cup of coffee does sound good."

"I was joking, Ghost Boy." He blew a stream of air between his lips before asking, "How do you not have ulcers?"

Nico tore his gaze away from the teenager. "What?"

Leo shook his head again. "Ulcers, Nico. We're talking ulcers here."

Nico shrugged. "Maybe being dark and bitter doesn't react to dark and bitter."

"Ah," Leo grinned sheepishly and tapped his fingers against the tabletop. "You remember that from this morning?"

"I was tired, Leo. Not dead." Nico smiled as Leo spluttered. He heaved a sigh and stood. "You want anything else? I'm going to get some to go."

Leo shook his head and watched as Nico approached the counter. Nico's voice was polite as he pointed to a to-go cup and slid the ceramic mug across the counter. The barista behind the counter smiled and nodded, poking at the screen several times before holding her hand out for money. Nico placed several bills in her hand. The son of Hades trailed over to the side of the counter marked 'Pick-Up' and waited patiently.

Leo turned his gaze away from the boy and found himself locking eyes with the girl in the corner. She leaned back in her chair and Leo could just make out the words: "I Believe, Do You?" written on her black shirt in bright green letters. Her dark eyes were narrowed and flitted between the two demigods before she smirked at him and turned her attention back to her computer. Leo shifted uneasily and stood, grabbing each of their packs with one hand. Nico walked back over.

"You look like you're ready to go. Sick of the shop already?" Nico raised his cup to his lips, blowing on the liquid before taking a cautious sip.

Leo felt his usual smile tug at the corners of his mouth. "All good, Ghost Boy. Just feel like hitting the road."

Nico held a hand out for his pack, sliding it onto his shoulder as soon as Leo let go of it. "No time like the present, I guess. Let's go."

The two boys exited the shop and strode down the sidewalk.

"So," Leo asked. "What's the next stop? The world's biggest ball of twine?"

Nico shook his head. "No. That's in Kansas."

Leo chuckled. "Do I even want to know how you know that?"

Nico didn't respond but took another sip of coffee.

"I honestly never would have guessed that you had a soft spot for roadside gimmicks. Although," Leo grinned. "It should make getting to Texas a fun experience. There are tons of attractions on the way to Houston."

Nico shifted the bag on his shoulder and glanced over to Leo, eyebrows drawn down. "I thought we hadn't decided on that yet?"

Leo stared resolutely ahead. "You hadn't decided on it yet. However, I am fully capable of helping and making my own decisions, Ghost Boy." The son of Hephaestus shoved a hand in his pocket and kicked at the pavement as he walked. The two demigods didn't speak for the rest of the length of the block. Finally, Nico tapped the back of his hand on Leo's arm to gain his attention and pointed down an alley.

"That should work for getting out of here."

Leo just nodded and the pair turned into the alley, weaving around wooden pallets and empty crates. Once they reached the shadowy middle, Nico came to a halt.

He faced Leo. "You ready?"

"Yep."

Nico reached out to take his hand. The son of Hephaestus watched as a shadow peeled away from its spot on the wall, seemingly dripping down until it joined the pavement and began to move toward the two boys. Nico gave Leo's hand a slight shake and said, "I think you coming to Houston will be great."

The pair melted into the shadows.

"March on, and fear not the thorns, or the sharp stones on life's path."~ Kahlil Gibran