Take A Risk

Part 4

Percy’s POV

He watched as Nico once more melted into darkness. The next day, Nico was nowhere to be seen. Percy was worried. Was he alright? Where would a son of Hades be? Lost in thought, Percy wandered around camp until he bumped into their Oracle. Literally. Percy rubbed his forehead and gave Rachel a rueful smile. “Watch where you’re going, Percy! These are ancient, thousand year-old scrolls. You might want to be careful next time.” Said the Oracle of Delphi as she gave him an angry look. “Oh yeah, the Sibylline Books. I forgot you were transporting them to Camp Jupiter today.” They had somehow recovered the books of prophecy during the war with Gaea. Rachel huffed and continued to walk when Percy called out “Hey Rachel! Do you know where Nico might be?” she stopped in her tracks and her eyes narrowed suspiciously “Yeah. He’s in his cabin.” Percy mentally face-palmed himself for not thinking about it. Maybe he was stupid and clueless. “Why?” Rachel’s sharp voice snapped him out of his reverie. “Oh, nothing.” Percy blushed. Wait, why was he blushing? “Whatever, Percy. Just stay out of trouble, ‘kay?” Rachel called out, already resuming her pace. Sighing, Percy walked over to Cabin 13.

Nico’s POV

Sunlight streamed into his dark room, the door open wide. A silhouetted figure stood in the doorway. Nico grabbed his Stygian sword and growled “Who’s there?” “Get out of there, Zombie Dude, or you’ll end up dead yourself.” Replied a familiar voice. Nico groaned and went back under the covers, only to have them ripped out of his clutch. “PERCY!” he yelled furiously. Percy cheerfully held up a blanket, with Riptide pointed at Nico’s throat. The son of Hades was unable to move, much less grab his sword. “We’re going to do our activities today. Notice I said we. You’re coming with me. And you can’t refuse, unless you want a Celestial Bronze sword up your nose.” Said Percy. “I’m going to kill you, Percy” Nico threatened with an expression as dark as Tartarus. “You can do that later at sword training. I’m giving you 5 minutes to look decent.” He tossed Nico his blanket and walked out of the room. Nico groaned and flopped back on his bed. “5 minutes!” called Percy from outside.

Percy’s POV

*Le time skip for a few hours...*

“Okay, that’s canoeing covered. Up next is sword training” said a dripping wet Percy dragging along with him an equally-soaked, infuriated son of Hades. “Finally, something you’re decent at.” Joked Percy. They had been to the lava-spewing climbing wall, where Nico’s hair was partially disintegrated. He hated pegasi, and the feeling was mutual, so only Percy ended up riding them while Nico watched from below. Next was archery, which Nico was actually pretty good at. Percy stopped after Chiron pulled a stray arrow out of his tail. They had finally reached the circular arena where the sword fighting lessons were being held. They could hear the ringing of metal as the blades clashed against each other. They entered the arena, where Will Solace was teaching the newcomers. “Hey Percy, Nico!” he waved to them. “Wanna give these guys a demo?” he asked. “We’d love to.” Percy replied, dragging Nico along, who looked as if he’d rather be anywhere than there.