He wasn't stupid. Jason knew that. But, even though his whole life he'd been taught to never show weakness, today he was really put to the test on it. He couldn't help but get a little angry when Dylan talked to Piper like that. Not only was Dylan exploiting Piper's weakness, but Jason's also.

As soon as he got the opportunity, Dylan was going to pay. Nobody deserves what Piper had been put through, but since it was his Piper, maybe the punishment would be just a tad more torturous.

When Percy finally untied his bonds, Jason knew exactly what to do. Get to Piper. Simple. Other than the fact that a) she hates him and b) there was a whole army of warriors ready to kill them. Either way, Jason would not let anything happen to Piper. Not again, not ever.

He leaped forward, racing through the fighting going on. Jason also knew that Dylan had to be planning something bigger with the army. He wouldn't just stand by and watch them have all of the fun, no. And by the way he looked at Piper, talked about her, it definitely involves her. So, he raced. But considering he was at the end of the room, it might take longer.

Along the way, Jason would slash at a soldier, knock one down, knock one out. Who said he couldn't help everywhere? After what felt like centuries, he made it close enough to Piper. She was fighting Dylan and doing a pretty good job of it. She clearly didn't need help, but the least he could do was keep away the warriors trying to get to her. Jason scanned his surroundings, looking for anything threatening, and found Annabeth. She was trying to stand up, but something was wrong. Her right foot was hidden behind her left, which seemed to make things harder. She finally managed a safe balance, but then fell. Percy was there to catch her, ironically. He seemed so different these last few days. He seemed healthier, more focused and determined. Which was all good, but how did it happen so suddenly?

Someone jumped onto Jason's back while he was distracted, throwing him off balance. Whoever they were, he threw them to the ground with enough force to knock them out for a long time. As more and more fighters came, Jason kept looking back at Piper. She could manage herself, obviously, but it was her condition that worried him. Sure she had been tortured and whatnot, but she seemed emotionally okay. At least, something that could be repaired. She never looked off somewhere for too long, stopped because something reminded her of a terrible memory, nothing. That was a good sign, right?

And so the battle went on. Warriors fell, every now and then they would get a stab at one of his friends. For the most part, Jason and them had the upper hand. Then he heard it. The worst sound, a sound he had nightmares about and dreaded would ever happen. Piper and her scream. It was faint, but enough to be heard. Dylan had cut her across her face, temple to her nose, and held her around her neck with her own dagger. She fought, but she clearly didn't have the energy to continue. She and Jason made eye contact briefly, and he saw it. No matter how much she didn't want it, she needed him. Now more than ever.

"Well, isn't this just perfect!" Dylan beamed. "Just how I wanted this to turn out. Let Piper and I go in peace, and you can too. It's quite simple, really. But, I'm sure you demigods are wondering some things. Let me quickly explain. Dearest Piper, I wanted the police to come and find you. That nurse? She gave you a high dosage of a chemical from Hypnos himself; used for keeping victims asleep for a long time. I couldn't have you telling your friends about me, now could I?" Dylan playfully poked Piper's nose. "Plus, your mom is very easy to bribe. She'll meddle with anyone's love life, even her own daughters."

"Nico, Rachel, and Thalia, easy. I sent out people to make it seem like you did something bad. Adds suspicion and makes you think it was your fault for this. Leo, Calypso... I may have dwelled in chemistry and created a deadly disease. Not contagious, but certainly painful. Added it to her food." Piper tried to say something, but Dylan dug the dagger deeper into her throat.

"Percy... Oh, Percy. I really can't believe you fell for this one, of all people! Not only Shelli, but the drugs." As he said that, a girl appeared out of nowhere. And she looked exactly like one person... Shelli. Percy didn't gasp, didn't react. He grabbed a necklace hidden underneath his shirt and ripped it off of his neck, glaring at Dylan.

"You see, she is the reason why poor little Annabeth will never be able to walk properly again." Jason glanced at Annabeth and noticed something he hadn't before. Her foot, her right foot... Gone. She had wrapped it with part of a cloth or shirt, but it was still dripping blood. She looked like she was trying to hide so much pain, but Jason knew her. She couldn't fool anyone.

"And Frank, did you really think that the military would just spontaneously offer you a position? I just wanted you out of the picture. Clearly, that didn't work." Dylan spit out.

"I think I've covered it all? Well, all that needs to be addressed. Now if you'll excuse me-" Dylan was cut off.

"No." Someone had demanded. A flaming hammer flew right at Dylan's head and managed to hit him, and only him. He crumpled to the floor, releasing Piper. She immediately got out of the way, not wanting to be anywhere near him. Dylan laid on the ground but wasn't dead. No, but some permanent brain damage for sure. All of the warriors dissolved into a silvery powder, leaving the demigods alone. As soon as Jason looked back, Dylan had dissolved as well. Everybody was breathing hard, but nobody dared move or speak. Not even Leo could crack a joke, not now.

Jason was beginning to think everybody was too traumatized to function when Frank ran to Hazel. He engulfed her in a hug, but not too tight as to hurt her anymore. Annabeth couldn't even look at Percy but accepted his shoulder to lean on. Nico and Rachel just looked at each other; all they needed to do to show how relieved they both were. Reyna stood there, trying to gather her thoughts. Leo went up to her and stood as well, just stood. Nothing else could be done.

Thalia rushed to Jason, hugging him. He was so surprised, he almost didn't hug back. For being held captive for multiple days, she had quite a stronghold. Thalia pulled back, noticing Jason's distraction. He was staring at Piper, longing for any sign that he might be able to apologize. To do anything, to just be in her company for even the slightest amount of time, to hear her voice in the upbeat tone she always tried to maintain. Her smell, that honeysuckle fragrance. It made Jason feel weak just thinking about honeysuckle. His new favorite fruit. Her touch; her soft, delicate skin. Gentle, reassuring. Always something he could go to in times of doubt. And her eyes, oh her eyes. He could get lost in them for hours and never want to find his way out. Who knew that one person doing one simple thing could make or break Jason?

"She hates me. Nobody can justify that, nobody." It hurt so much more to say.

"Thalia, what did I do? What could I have done to make her so angry with me? Hate me?" Thalia looked at him, dead in the eye. She put her hands on his shoulders, like a coach prepping his star player for the championship game.

"Little brother, I really don't think I'm someone you want to go to for dating advice." That managed to get a stiff laugh from him, lightening his mood slightly.

"Hey, she won't stay mad. I know her, we know her. She doesn't have the heart to hold a grudge against anyone. Especially you. Just... Don't lose hope. That's one thing I've learned from experience." She gave him a pat on the back and walked away. Jason couldn't help but stare as she walked away. Not once did it ever occur to him the torture it must've been knowing because of you, your only other family is gone. And you could've done something, anything, to stop it. To save him. For years, she thought that Jason was dead, all because of her momentary negligence.

"Thal-" He was about to reach out to her, like he should've done sooner, when something stopped him. Someone. Hugging him. Not just like a glad-you're-alive hug, but a true, sincere, hug. A hug like you were holding on for dear life, but you were already safe. A hug like you hadn't seen someone in ages and were just overjoyed that they were okay and in your arms. A hug that really meant something. Jason looked down to see naturally tan skin, choppy brown hair, and a pair of infinitely colored eyes. Although he was definitely shocked, he didn't hesitate to hug back, embracing her as though it was the last time they'd ever speak again. Which might be true.

"Jason, I'm so sorry. I don't know- I-I just... I didn't know..." Jason hugged her tighter, stroked her hair. Piper breathed into his chest, giving him chills all over. They hugged, no words necessary. Piper forgave him. Jason wasn't sure how or why, but he didn't care. His Piper was finally back to him, finally his. He pulled back, wanting to savor this moment, the look on her face. She was at peace and seemed to be somewhat okay. At least, maybe now she would let him in, let him comfort her as much as he could.

He hesitated, not sure if it was the right time. Piper caught on and giggled her adorable giggle and kissed him, something he had craved a lot lately. He leaned in, maybe a little too much, which made Piper laugh. She countered it and leaned even more in, balancing the two. She ran her hands through his hair, knotting it up as she went. They knew they weren't alone, but they didn't care. Jason needed this now more than ever. Piper pulled back, realizing that everyone else was staring and blushed, but Jason just pulled her back in. She breathed out a slight giggle but didn't stop him. And this went on for a while, Jason wasn't sure how long. He was glad that he had his old Piper back. And back to him.

Okay. This made me too happy. Ahh, Jasper!! Hope y'all had an amazing Christmas! What did you get ( if you celebrate it )? I got an iPhone!! Comment what you got and your thoughts!! Also, if you didn't already know, I'm thinking about writing another book! The first chapter is up on my previous chapter ( titled Sneak Peek!! ) have a good day, comment and vote, please!  Much love y'all :))