When Worlds Collide - PJO/HP

Chapter 4: The Inside-Out

Camp Half-Blood - Thalia Grace

The silence that followed that statement was thick enough to cut with a knife. Even I was shocked by his outburst, and I thought nothing could surprise me at this point.

"You knew? You knew about these...wizards?" Percy murmured, disrupting the quiet.

Nico drew a breath, held it for a second, then exhaled. "I suppose I owe you all an explanation", he laughed humorlessly, fidgeting with his ring.

"You think?" I snapped, before I could stop myself. Will glared at me slightly, and I felt a little guilty. Only a little, though.

"You remember how I was the first demigod to know about both camps?"

We nodded.

"It wasn't just the camps I knew about. There were more pantheons. Are more. I-I didn't want the responsibility, I swear, but my dad made me swear on the River Styx not to say anything, and I was scared."

"I'm sorry", he continued. "I'm sorry", he whispered again, burying his face in Will's shoulder, who pulled him into a hug, and gave me another threatening glare.

Chiron grimaced. "Please do not blame Nico for withholding this information. I can confirm he had to promise not to say anything, and if needed, I will vouch for him further", he gave Nico a weak smile.

Annabeth stood up and walked over to Nico. I was worried she would say or do something and I would have to defend him (because as much as we bicker, he's still my cousin and I care for him. And...I was slightly intimidated by Will). Nico sat up, looking at her skeptically. But instead of yelling, she simply pulled him into a tight hug. He looked shocked.

"I think I speak for everyone here", she said, pulling away after a few seconds, "when I say that nobody is mad at you. I would've done the same thing. And, also", she looked down, "I-I think, no, I know we were too harsh on you on the Argo II, and I should've apologized long ago for that." She nodded, teary-eyed, and sat back down next to Percy.

"I-thank you", di Angelo responded. He also looked a little choked up. Will put his arm on Nico's shoulder in a comforting gesture, and resumed rubbing circles on his back. Solace also whispered something into Nico's ear, which made him smile. They were sickeningly cute - I was beyond disgusted.

"Well", I said, clapping my hands together. "Another happy ending. Isn't that just lovely? Now can we please get back to the supposed mass murderer we were talking about?!"

I was on the receiving end of four very mean demigod glares, but I didn't care. Was I really the only person who had their priorities straight?!

"I'm afraid Thalia has a point", Chiron said solemnly. "Lord Voldemort is one of the most compelling reasons I've agreed to send the four of you on this quest."

The room erupted in a mixing pot of anger, shouting, cussing (in at least 4 languages!) and overall confusion before Annabeth pointed something out, temporarily ceasing the argument.

"Hold on. You said the four of us? There are five people in this room." She looked around, as if to make sure her counting was correct.

"Initially, it was only Nico, Percy, and Thalia that Hades sent for", Chiron began.

"Wait a minute, my dad was involved with this?" Nico asked accusatorially.

"I don't want to go on another quest!" Percy shouted, only to be promptly ignored by everyone else.

"One of the reasons? What else is happening in this twisted dystopia world?" I asked angrily, slapping my hands on the table for dramatic effect.