Y'all thought I was finished? Here's another one for ya B)


The sun began setting over Camp Half-Blood, casting a warm glow over the dining pavilion. Campers chatted and laughed as they gathered for their evening meal.

Recently, Camp Half-Blood took a step towards modernization by installing new TVs in the pavilion. The screens were meant to be used for emergencies and important updates, such as breaking news broadcasts. Tonight, as everyone sat down to enjoy their meals, the screens flickered to life, casting a dim blue light across the pavilion. One camper began to flip through channels, stopping on the local news station. The image shifted to show the flooded and partially destroyed aquarium in downtown New York, its tanks shattered and water pouring onto the floors.

A news reporter appeared on the screen, and soon enough, the reporter's voice filled the air, recounting the chaotic events that had taken place at the aquarium. The campers' murmurs quieted as they turned their attention to the news, captivated by the unfolding story.

The reporter's voice carried a sense of urgency. "We're here at the scene of the unprecedented chaos that erupted earlier today at the New York aquarium. The cause of this massive disturbance remains unclear, but eyewitnesses report that sharks within the tanks began acting erratically, sparking a chain reaction of chaos and destruction."

As the camera panned to the wreckage and the flooded corridors, the news reporter continued to narrate the scene. "Reports suggest that the commotion resulted in significant damage to the facility, with water damage and broken tanks affecting numerous exhibits. The situation was eventually brought under control by emergency responders, but the extent of the damage is still being assessed."

The screen split, showing footage of the fish riot and the splashing water, before transitioning to an interview clip. The news reporter faced the camera, microphone in hand, and gestured to the scene behind her. "We managed to speak with witnesses on the scene, including two individuals who seemed to be in the midst of the action. Let's hear what they had to say."

Percy's face appeared on the screen, his expression earnest, his sea-green eyes focused on the reporter, and the campers collectively gasped. Before the interview could continue, the pavilion erupted in chaos. Campers jumped up from their seats, their expressions a mixture of shock, disbelief, and anger. The mood in the pavilion shifted from camaraderie to frenzied accusations.

Annabeth's heart clenched at the sight of Percy on the screen. She quickly snatched the remote from the camper and turned up the volume on the TV, silencing the pavilion as the news reporter continued to narrate.

Percy's voice filled the pavilion as he explained the chaotic events, but the campers were interested in something other than his side of the story. Anger and distrust fueled their reactions. Murmurs turned to shouts, and the atmosphere grew charged with tension.

As chaos erupted within the dining pavilion, Theseus seized the opportunity to fan the flames of distrust. He stood up from his seat, his expression filled with self-righteous indignation. His voice carried above the din, cutting through the murmurs and angry mutterings.

"Listen up, everyone!" Theseus declared, his tone laced with venom. "We've all seen the footage, and it's more than obvious Percy was behind the chaos. He's a liability. He's become dangerous. We can't just sit by and let him wreak havoc wherever he goes."

Theseus' words found eager ears among the campers who were already inclined to mistrust Percy. Murmurs of agreement spread like wildfire, fueling the growing anger within the pavilion. Theseus continued his tirade, his insults aimed directly at Percy.

"He's completely lost it!" Theseus's voice rose, dripping with disdain. "At least we know where he is now. I say we set out to find him and drag his ass back here to pay for his crimes."

Annabeth's gray eyes flashed with a mix of anger and determination. She had a history with Percy, and despite their recent break-up, she couldn't stand by while he was attacked so ruthlessly. Rising from her seat, she slammed her hands on the table, her voice cutting through the chaotic noise.

"Enough!" Her tone was fierce, commanding attention from the campers. "You have no right to talk about Percy that way. You don't know what happened or what he's been through. He's saved this camp and the world countless times. He deserves better than this."

But as her words echoed in the pavilion, the campers' reactions varied wildly. Jason, who had been observing the scene, had a look of disgust on his face. He scoffed at the news report, and without a word, he stood up and walked out of the pavilion.

Piper, torn between standing by Annabeth and going after Jason, hesitated before making her decision. She exchanged a conflicted glance with Annabeth before giving her a slight nod and hurrying after Jason, her expression worried.

Meanwhile, Frank sat at the Ares table, his scowl deepening as he gripped his utensils tightly. With a sudden burst of frustration, he tossed his plate aside, unable to reconcile the Percy he once knew with the one portrayed in the news.

Hazel, holding her food tray, watched the unfolding chaos in shock. Her eyes widened as she saw her brother Nico on the screen alongside Percy. Her heart pounded in her chest, conflicted emotions dancing across her features. She masked her delight with a fake look of concern, uncertain how to navigate the situation.

Mr. D's expression darkened as he watched the news on the TV, his skepticism replaced by a dangerous belief in every word being reported. On the other hand, Chiron stepped forward, his voice firm as he tried to restore order.

"Campers, emotions are running high. It's natural to be concerned, but let's not get ahead of ourselves! Settle down, sit down!"

As tensions within the pavilion escalated, Chiron's patience wore thin. He stepped forward, his expression a mixture of frustration and concern. His voice, commanding yet weary, rang out over the din. "Enough of this! We will not allow division to tear us apart. The TVs are off."

With a decisive gesture, Chiron turned off the screens, plunging the pavilion into an uneasy silence. The campers quieted down, some still seething with anger, others overwhelmed with confusion. The rest of the dinner continued in an air of hushed whispers; the once joyous gathering transformed into a somber and tense affair.

Annabeth found herself pushing her food around her plate, her appetite completely gone. The news report had thrown her emotions into turmoil. She couldn't shake the sick feeling in her stomach at the thought of Percy out there, his actions and motives unclear. Her mind raced with questions. Had he really changed like everyone claimed? Did he still care about her? She couldn't help but feel a longing to know the answers.

Her thoughts took an unexpected turn as her mind wandered back to Theseus, the stranger who looked eerily like Percy. The memory of his flirtatious attempts brought forth a mixture of emotions she struggled to reconcile. The way he had looked at her, the subtle hints he had dropped—everything had left her both intrigued and slightly unsettled.

The image of Theseus's smirking face flickered in her mind, and her heart quickened. It was a sensation she had not anticipated, a tug at her emotions that was both unexpected and confusing. She chastised herself for even allowing her thoughts to wander in that direction. Theseus was not Percy, and she couldn't let herself be swayed by superficial similarities. Theseus might share a resemblance, but he was a stranger, an outsider whose intentions were shrouded in uncertainty.

With a defeated sigh, Annabeth reminded herself of the truth. Percy was the one who held her heart, the one who had stood by her through trials and triumphs. But therein lies the problem. Her heart ached as she acknowledged the reality of their situation. Their once unwavering bond had been disrupted by circumstances beyond their control. A bitter taste of loss crept into her thoughts, and her heart clenched with the painful truth. She and Percy were no longer together, their connection severed by the cruel hand of fate.

The internal struggle became overwhelming, and Annabeth's emotions threatened to spill over. She felt the sting of tears in her eyes, the weight of her emotions pressing down on her. Leaving behind the somber atmosphere of the pavilion, Annabeth's steps carried her across the familiar grounds of Camp Half-Blood. The moonlight cast shadows that danced around her, mirroring the tumultuous thoughts and emotions that swirled within her. Her mind was a battleground, memories of Percy intertwined with the unsettling news report, creating a whirlwind of conflicting feelings. She needed someone who could help her sort through the mess, someone who had always been a pillar of support.
Annabeth's journey led her to a quiet area of the beach, where a small fire crackled and cast a warm glow. There, she spotted Piper sitting on a log, lost in her thoughts. The flickering flames danced upon her features, illuminating her concern as she gazed into the fire.

As she neared, her voice trembled, "Piper, can we talk?" Her words hung in the air, laden with the weight of her emotions. She paused, her gaze fixed on her friend, awaiting a response.

Piper looked up from the flames, and her lips curved into a reassuring smile as she patted the log beside her, inviting Annabeth to sit down. As Annabeth settled beside her, Piper's gaze focused on her friend, silently encouraging her to open up. The crackling fire provided a backdrop of warmth and intimacy, where they could share their thoughts without judgment.

Taking a deep breath, Annabeth began to spill her thoughts, her words coming out in a rush. She confided in Piper that Theseus had been trying to get close to her since Percy's departure. Her frustration was evident as she recounted the attempts at flirtation, the uneasy mixture of annoyance and attraction that had unsettled her.

"I hate it," Annabeth admitted. "But there's this... this resemblance he bears to Percy. It's uncanny, and sometimes, I catch myself being drawn in, even though I know I shouldn't." Her words tumbled out, revealing the complexity of her emotions.

Piper listened attentively, her gaze unwavering as Annabeth bared her heart. As the story unfolded, Piper's expression shifted from empathy to anger. The firelight danced upon her features, highlighting the steely resolve that settled in her eyes.

"Are you kidding me?" Piper's voice carried a blend of disbelief and indignation. "He's been trying to make a move on you? That dick!" Her tone held a mix of incredulity and anger, a fierce protectiveness for her friend rising to the surface.

Annabeth nodded, her own anger beginning to simmer beneath the surface. "I know, Piper. It's... It's complicated. I hate myself for even feeling this way, for even entertaining the thought. But sometimes, it's just so hard to ignore the similarities."

Piper's hand reached out to clasp Annabeth's, a gesture of solidarity. "You don't have to justify your feelings, Annabeth. It's natural to miss Percy, to want a piece of what he meant to you. But that doesn't excuse what Theseus is doing. He knows what you're going through, and he's taking advantage of it."

Annabeth's gaze met Piper's, gratitude and frustration mingling in her eyes. At that moment, she felt a surge of relief wash over her. Tears welled up in Annabeth's eyes, a mixture of emotions spilling over. The ease of unburdening herself, the anger at Theseus's audacity, the longing for Percy—all of it combined to create an overwhelming torrent within her. Several tears escaped, tracing a glistening path down her cheeks.
As the fire crackled beside them, casting flickering shadows across their faces, the two friends sat in a moment of unspoken connection. Amidst this moment of camaraderie, a familiar voice joined the quiet night. "Is everything okay here?"

Annabeth and Piper turned to see Hazel standing there, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. Hazel had been making her way back to her cabin when she had caught sight of her friends by the fire. She had sensed the gravity of the conversation they were having and felt compelled to join them.

Piper's hand remained clasped with Annabeth's as she offered a reassuring nod to Hazel. "Yeah, Hazel. We're just... talking things out."

Annabeth took a deep breath, her gaze steady as she looked at Hazel. "It's about Theseus," she began, her voice tinged with frustration. "He's been trying to get close to me ever since Percy left."

Hazel's eyes widened in surprise, "Wait, what? Are you serious?"

Annabeth nodded, her expression heavy with the weight of her emotions. "Yeah, he's been flirting with me, and it's just... complicated. I hate even feeling like this, especially with Percy gone. But sometimes, I can't ignore the similarities between them."

Piper interjected, "He's a snake and an evil bastard."

Hazel's gaze hardened, anger flickering in her eyes. "Are you kidding me? That's incredibly messed up."

"I know! That's what I said!" Piper threw her hands up before angrily crossing them over her chest.

Annabeth couldn't help but laugh at the dramatics. She wiped the tears from her face and took a shaky breath, "I'm glad you guys are here. Thank you, I don't know what I'd do without you."

The days had melted into a blur since Nico and Percy had visited the aquarium and found themselves in Percy's living room once again in the dark. Percy was sprawled on the couch, his gaze fixed on a random TV show playing. Nico sat nearby next to a dimly lit lamp, engrossed in a book, though his thoughts were far from the pages.

After a while, Nico closed his book, tossing it aside. He looked over at Percy and let out a sigh. "I think I'm going to go check on camp. See what's going on and try to be one step ahead."

Percy's reaction was a well-practiced mask of indifference. His eyes never left the TV as he replied, "Sure, whatever. I'll be here." Percy's outward demeanor remained unaffected, but a storm of conflicting emotions raged within him. He desperately wanted to know how Annabeth was doing and how she was coping with everything that had transpired. The fear that she might have moved on, that she might no longer care, gnawed at him. He wanted to tell Nico to give her a message, to assure her that he still cared, that he still thought about her every day. But he hesitated, unsure if he had any right to intrude on her life after what he had done.

Nico observed the storm of emotions that played across Percy's face, his perceptive gaze recognizing the inner turmoil that Percy tried to conceal. He chose to say nothing, letting the silence linger for a beat. Then, he nodded to himself and turned to Percy. "I'll be back later tonight."

Percy met Nico's gaze, offering a nod of acknowledgment. "Yeah. Take your time."

As Nico disappeared in a swirl of shadows, Percy was left alone with his thoughts. He let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair. The TV show played on, but his attention was far from it, his mind racing with memories of Annabeth.

The night was draped in shadows as Nico's presence materialized inside the Hades cabin at Camp Half-Blood. The dim light cast an eerie glow across the room, revealing Hazel in the midst of getting ready for bed. She was in the process of brushing her hair when she heard a voice behind her.

"Hazel," Nico's voice spoke from the shadows, and for a split second, her heart leaped with surprise. She turned abruptly, eyes wide, almost dropping her hairbrush. "Nico!" she exclaimed, her initial shock quickly giving way to a flood of relief and joy. She ran toward her brother, arms outstretched.

Nico's figure emerged from the shadows, and Hazel threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly. As her embrace tightened, a faint wince crossed Nico's face, a subtle reaction to the lingering pain from his recent battle with Python. Hazel pulled back slightly, worry written all over her face. "Are you okay? You look tired."

Nico managed a weary smile, his sister's worry warming his heart. "Yeah, just a bit worn out from everything."

Hazel guided him to sit on the edge of her bed, her eyes never leaving him. "Tell me everything. What happened after you guys left?" Her voice was filled with genuine concern, her fingers absentmindedly playing with the necklace around her neck.

Nico let out a sigh. "It's a long story," he began, his voice soft but tinged with a hint of amusement. He recounted their journey from Texas to New Mexico, their encounter with Python, and the battle that had left him wounded. He omitted telling her about Python's prophecy, not wanting to burden Hazel with the weight of their dangerous destinies. He spoke of the events at the aquarium, painting a picture of the chaos that had ensued and the unexpected aquatic alliances they had formed.

Hazel's laughter bubbled as he spoke of the situation's absurdity at the aquarium. Finally, Nico's narrative ended, and he let out another sigh. He leaned back, looking at Hazel. "So, what's been going on here? Frank isn't giving you any trouble, is he?" He tried to keep his tone light, though concern lingered in his eyes.

Hazel giggled, shaking her head. "No, Frank's been great." Her smile faltered, however, her expression growing somber. "But there's something you need to know." She hesitated for a moment before her voice gained courage. "Theseus, the new guy... he's been causing some issues."

Nico's brow furrowed with concern. "What now?"

Hazel's gaze turned downcast, "He's been... wearing Percy's camp necklace," she began slowly, her words laced with unease. "And he's been hitting on Annabeth, flirting with her."

Nico's eyes widened in a mixture of disbelief and anger. "What? Are you serious?"

Hazel nodded, her expression pained. "He's been saying things about Percy, too, after that news report came on. It's like he's trying to take advantage of the situation."

Nico's fists clenched, his jaw tightening as he absorbed the information. His heart thudded with anger. He could feel his temper rising, the image of Theseus prancing around camp wearing Percy's necklace igniting a fierce fire within him.

Hazel's voice brought him back from his thoughts, her concern palpable. "Nico, what are we going to do about this? It's causing so much tension."

Nico's gaze turned resolute. "Don't worry, Hazel. We'll handle it. We won't let him get away with this."

Hazel firmly nodded, "You can tell Percy not to worry about Annabeth. Piper and I will handle it from this end. There's no way that creep is going to lay a hand on her." She narrowed her eyes, her grip on the handle of her hairbrush tightening.

A small, proud smile tugged at the corners of Nico's lips. "I know you and Piper can handle things here," he said. "But I don't think I should tell Percy about this. When I told him I was coming here, I could see the pain in his eyes."

Hazel's gaze softened before asking, "How is he holding up?"

Nico hesitated, his gaze momentarily drifting away from Hazel. "Honestly, not great," he confessed. "It's why I suggested taking him to these places – to get his mind off everything. Every time I try to bring up what happened, he just shuts down and gets all defensive."

Hazel took a moment to absorb his words, her expression thoughtful. "Give him some time, Nico. Percy has a way of finding his footing again. Just be there for him, even if it's from a distance. He'll come around when he's ready to talk."

Nico's nod was accompanied by a deep exhale, his decision solidifying in his mind. Slowly, he rose from the edge of the bed, "I should get going," he stated, a trace of weariness in his voice. "I'll be back sooner or later, so try to keep Theseus away from Annabeth until then."

Hazel responded with a playful salute, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "Yes, sir!"

Nico rolled his eyes, "Just don't go causing too much chaos. And if anything goes wrong, make sure to give me a call."

Hazel stood from her bed, her steps carrying her towards her brother. She wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug, her voice soft but filled with warmth. "I know. Goodnight, Nico. Take care out there, okay?"

A small, genuine smile curved Nico's lips as he returned the embrace. "I promise. Goodnight, Hazel." His hold tightened for a moment before he released her, his fingers grazing her arm as he pulled away. With a final glance and a nod, he let the shadows envelop him, his form fading into the night.

Nico's return to Percy's house was met with a quiet stillness that matched the late hour. The moonlight spilled through the windows, casting soft, silvery patterns across the room. As he entered, his gaze fell upon Percy, who was fast asleep on the couch. This time, however, he clutched a pillow to his chest as if seeking comfort even in his dreams. The bluish glow of the TV illuminated the room, playing an action movie that seemed far too loud for a slumbering household.

Nico couldn't help but roll his eyes at the scene. How Percy managed to fall asleep with the TV blaring at such a volume was beyond him. With a resigned shake of his head, he crossed the room and reached for the remote, silencing the movie. The sudden absence of noise enveloped the room in a calm stillness.

He stood there for a moment, his gaze fixed on Percy's peaceful form. The dim glow from the moon and the faint light spilling in from the street painted him in an almost ethereal hue. Nico's thoughts swirled as he contemplated what to say when Percy inevitably asked for an update.

He knew he should tell Percy about Annabeth and the situation at camp. But looking at Percy now, lost in dreams that seemed to offer respite from his reality, Nico couldn't shake the feeling that now wasn't the right time. Percy's state was fragile, his emotions raw and tumultuous. The news about Annabeth might only serve to exacerbate his pain.

A sigh escaped Nico's lips as he wrestled with his decision. Damn it, why does everything have to be so complicated? He thought to himself, frustration etching his features. But deep down, he knew that there was more at play than just simple complications. The tangle of emotions and relationships was a web that he wasn't sure how to navigate.

He sighed softly, his breath mingling with the silence of the room. "This is definitely going to come back to bite me in the ass later," he whispered to himself, the sound barely audible in the quiet space. With a final glance at Percy, unaware of the decisions being made on his behalf, Nico turned to leave the room. The house seemed to exhale with him, the night continuing its gentle journey towards dawn. Amidst shadows and dreams, Nico was left alone with his thoughts and the knowledge that, for now, some truths were better left unspoken.