The Disposable, Hated, Forgotten

Will

Will wasn't totally sure what to think of that exchange between Annabeth and Raphael. Frankly the more he thought of it while walking to breakfast, the more uneasy he became. He was proud of Annabeth for holding her ground, obviously, but for a moment Will was genuinely afraid for Annabeth, Nico, and himself. It was stupid. Raph is in no shape to do anything but trash mouth them and even then Will could quickly quiet him with a sedative. But the scowl on his face when she walked in, the smirk and taunting voice he used. For a second Will thought that he was facing a Greek monster who would like nothing more than to kill them. But he's not one of those monsters, Will reminded himself, Raph would never hurt them. None of the turtles would. Right?

"You're wondering if we can trust them too," Nico mumbled. "I personally wish we could just dump them outside of the camp borders and let them fend for themselves."

Will looked and blinked at Nico for a moment, not fully comprehending what he just heard. Sure Nico doesn't like people most of the time, especially strangers, but he doesn't wish them ill will without reason. Will struggled to put on a believable smile.

"Come on Death Boy," he joked, "you don't mean that. I think you're just mad cause Raph might still be in a relationship with a girl."

"I am very serious, Will," Nico said sternly. "I know Percy says they're ok, but we know nothing about them and I don't like that Raph keeps dodging questions...No matter how cute he is."

"Everything is going to work out in the end, Neeks. It always does," Will said confidently.

Nico sighed, "I know you're probably right, Sunshine. I just worry."

"Well, we have plenty of time to learn more about them at breakfast," Will said, pulling Nico beneath his arms. "Maybe then you'll feel a little better."

"Yeah." Nico sank into Will as they walked.

Will arrived at the pavilion to find the whole band of newcomers sitting with Percy at the Poseidon table. To his dismay, it was obvious all of camp was noticing them too. Everyone at all the tables were hunched over and whispering to each other and while Carter and his friends seemed to ignore it, Mikey and Leo seemed very uneasy.

Normally both Will and Nico sat at the Apollo table together. Usually this wouldn't be allowed, but Will could bend the rules sometimes as camp healer. But this morning rules were out the window. Both Will and Nico sat at the Poseidon table and the rest of Apollo cabin gawked at Will. But it was just in a day's work for the camp doctor. Consulting the families of the patients he was taking care of counts as official camp healer business.

Two new faces showed up with the crew for breakfast, Carter introduced his sister Sadie and his friend Walt. Will was just happy that they were human. Carter was talking to Percy about their "Nome", whatever that was, and Percy was telling Carter about Apollo's recent quest. Mikey was more than happy to talk with everyone and somehow managed to keep up three conversations at once. Walt talked some, but hardly to either of the turtles. Leo politely answered questions and gave his opinion every once in awhile, but other than that he observed the pavilion and the people around him with an unreadable expression.

"So...Will?" Mikey asked. "Um, what exactly is going to happen?"

"What do you mean?" Will's eyebrows furrowed.

"I mean how is breakfast served and stuff..." Mikey looked around a little nervous. "I've never been around a crowd of people before and they don't seem to like us very much."

"Never been in a crowd of people?" Will said surprised. "At all?"

"Dude, I'm a giant mutant ninja turtle that lives in the sewers. I've never been around more than ten people at once," Mikey said indignantly, "and they were all close friends and family." His voice softened, "I don't know what to do. This is really new to me and it is making me a lot more nervous than I thought it would."

"Sorry," Will said quietly. "I just can't wrap my head around it. It's just such a weird idea, never being around anyone new."

"Well, I've met new people before, lots of people who would like to kill me. I've just never been around so many people at the same time, it's really overwhelming." Mikey slumped down.

"It's going to be fine," Will said encouragingly. "All of the people here are really nice. Well, there are some people here who are a little hostile, but most people are pretty cool."

"You might want to tell Leo that too," Mikey whispered. "He's freaking out a bit."

Will leaned over to look at Leo. He was talking to Sadie and had a pleasant smile and in no way seemed uncomfortable. He just radiated calm and assertiveness, quietly taking in the new surroundings. It drawed Will into a comfortable place and it felt like everything was going to be ok.

"Uh, he doesn't seem very worried to me," Will remarked.

"That's cause he's got his leader face on," Mikey said. "He seems calm and confident, right? But look at how he's looking around this place. He's locating exists and coming up with a quick escape plan if this gets bad. Trust me, I know my brother."

"Is he always this intense?" Will looked at Mikey with a mix of worry and surprise.

"Away from the lair, usually," Mikey replied. "Especially now with Raph hurt and the team separated."

Did he say lair? There was no time for Will to ask because Chiron stood up. Conversations quickly simmered down to silence and all eyes were paying attention.

"Good morning everyone," Chiron began. "As you have probably noticed we have some guests with us today. I want you to know that they are friends of Percy's and acquaintances of mine and I have full faith in them. I expect you all to treat them with the respect they deserve."

Mikey smiled big, but Leo looked dubious.

"I would also like to put any rumors to rest about what happened this morning. Yes someone attacked the harpies but it was a complete misunderstanding. The harpy is recovering and there is no need for further concern."

Not even Chiron's reassurance and calm attitude for the situation prevented one of the Ares cabin members to stand and shout out what everyone was wondering.

"It was one of those turtle things that attacked the harpy wasn't it?" The boy accused. "You're just gonna let these monsters roam around the camp?!"

Murmurs traveled across the room. Nervous glances traveled from the Ares member to the turtles. Will saw Leo's back straighten. Mikey started to fidget and his left hand started to hover over the nunchuck on his waist. Percy was already halfway out of his seat.

"I bet you these things charmspeaked their way here through Percy," the boy continued. "Really, Percy Jackson trusting a monster. Ha! That's the greatest joke I've ever heard."

"They aren't monsters," Percy snapped back. "They are friends of mine. They didn't mean to hurt the harpy."

"Are you even listening to yourself?" The boy laughed. "You, chosen to be the one to cause the downfall of Kronos, one of the Seven that defeated Gea. You've slayed thousands of monsters, and suddenly you're their best friend?"

Leo and Mikey went pale and looked at Percy. Will felt his chest tighten in fear. He also felt a pang in his heart. How many monsters had he killed as well?

"Those were Greek monsters from Tartarus, you know that," Percy said slowly. "Leonardo and Michelangelo are not those monsters. They are friends of mine who needed my help. They aren't here to hurt anyone."

"Wow," said the boy unimpressed. "Looks like they have you more entranced than I thought. Looks like we're going to have to kill them to break their hold on you."

The boy pulled out a gladiator sword and started to run towards the Poseidon table. Leo snapped and he drew both his swords. Will looked in his eyes and found nothing there, Leo's mind had completely focused on the sword in his opponent's hand. All of Hades let loose.