Death and Madness 2

The idiot had the common sense to apologise

Nico walked back to us. "Good job, Percy. Judging from the trail of goat pellets, Id say you shook him up pretty well. "

Percy looked like he knew what Nico had come for but tried for a smile anyways. "Welcome back. Did you come by just to see Juniper?"

I frowned, why would Percy insinuate that? Nico blushed. "Um, no. That was an accident. I kind of . . . dropped into the middle of their conversation. "

"He scared us to death!" Juniper said. "Right out of the shadows. But, Nico, you are the son of Hades and all. Are you sure you haven't heard anything about Grover?"

Nico shifted his weight. "Juniper, like I tried to tell you . . . even if Grover died, he would reincarnate into something else in nature. I cant sense things like that, only mortal souls. "

"But if you do hear anything?" she pleaded, putting her hand on his arm. "Anything at all?"

Nico's cheeks got even brighter red, but it was more of a being embarrassed thing, not blushing. I had spent enough time with him to know that much. But still I couldn't stop the feeling of jealousy spreading through me. "Uh, you bet. Ill keep my ears open. "

"Well find him, Juniper," Percy promised. "Grover's alive, I'm sure. There must be a simple reason why he hasn't contacted us. "

She nodded glumly. "I hate not being able to leave the forest. He could be anywhere, and I'm stuck here waiting. Oh, if that silly goat has gotten himself hurt—"

Mrs. O'Leary bounded back over and took an interest in Junipers dress.

Juniper yelped. "Oh, no you don't! I know about dogs and trees. I'm gone!"

She went poof into green mist. Mrs. O'Leary looked disappointed, but she lumbered off to find another target, leaving us alone.

Nico tapped his sword on the ground. A tiny mound of animal bones erupted from the dirt. They knit themselves together into a skeletal field mouse and scampered off. "I was sorry to hear about Beckendorf. "

Percy gulped, his eyes widened "How did you—"

"I talked to his ghost. "

This was quickly becoming a conversation between just them and I hated feeling left out. But if I showed my discomfort, it would be even more awkward so I just decided to do absolutely nothing. 

"Oh . . . right. " Percy looked a little put off, "Did he say anything?"

"He doesn't blame you. He figured you'd be beating yourself up, and he said you shouldn't. "

"Is he going to try for rebirth?"

Nico shook his head. "Hes staying in Elysium. Said hes waiting for someone. Not sure what he meant, but he seems okay with death. "

It wasn't much comfort, but it was something.

I zoned out of the conversation after that, mostly throwing huge sticks for Mrs O'Leary who was absolutely delighted at someone playing with her. 

"You've got Typhon coming in, what . . . a week? Most of the other Titans are unleashed now and on Kronos' side. Maybe its time to think extreme. "

That's what caught my attention. Obviously the other demigods knew about Typhon, but I got this weird feeling that Percy was sceptical about the huge monster. I knew I was. We both knew Luke, and somehow this felt a bit too straightforward for him. 

If Annabeth could think clearly I'm sure she'd agree, but every time Luke was mentioned, she'd get weirdly defensive which frustrated both Percy and me.