a/n:

Piper pov:

So.... this was weird. I could not tell if this was legit or just a trap.

It had been a week and a half since Nico's kidnapping and now everything that went missing had been just left outside the big house with a note with it.

Will gently picked up the note and read aloud, "Hey so your little emo passed our test. He's at our sister location. Things were likeee called off so, come and get him, I guess?" He put down the note and just stood there, shocked.

I did have suspicions, BUT WHATEVER! I looked at Percy, we gave a nod to each other, and then we dived into the resources.

—-----Time skip brought to you by: me loving to confuse you guys <3--------

Later, Percy explained the sea meter thingy on how to get to the island and I turned to Leo,

"Is it finished?" I asked. He shook his head.

"No, we haven't finished the Argo III yet. Whoops."

Will gave him the stink eye at that last part and I had to resist laughing.

"So, who'll go?" Chiron asked.

"I will for sure." Will raised his hand. Percy stood up too.

"Can't believe I'm actually asking to go on a quest, but I will."

Y'know what? Yes. I stood up too. " I will too."

Jason, who had recently gotten his senses back after his tantrum, raised his hand,

"I could too?" YAY, he cares a bit about his friend! WOOO!

"Thank you, Grace. But I don't believe Poseidon will be happy if you're in his territory." Chiron replied. Oh yeaaaah, that territory thing'll definitely be a problem.

"Alright, you know the drill. Go pack, then to the cave and see Rachel," Percy said.

As I packed, I regretted not packing better clothes. BLAME THE PACKING LIST!

I put away the last pair of pants, picked up my backpack, and started walking to the cave.

Will waved at me from the entrance.

"HeYyY! When did you get here?" I asked, giving him a small hug.

"Just a few minutes ago. Kayla had to convince me to not bring the entire infirmary!" He laughed. I tried picturing little Will just carrying the entire infirmary on the trip and laughed.

We waited 'til the last minute and then I saw Percy running over, from his cabin, panting slightly.

"How timely," Will said sarcastically. Percy responded with a slow, 'Ha. Ha'.

"Let's just go inside. Ok?" I said.

I stepped inside and looked at all the paintings on canvas and walls, all with bright colors. Rachel had things like beanbags and anything that you might randomly want.

Rachel looked up from the painting she was working on, her curly red hair held back by a green bandanna. "Hey guys!"

Percy gave a wave. "Hey Rach, I'm gonna guess you know why we're here?"

"Ok gonna skip right to it then." Rachel snapped her fingers and two satyrs ran to her with a stool.

She sat there with her eyes closed then they shot open, glowing green, and mist flowed out of her mouth.

"Three souls of different abilities, to Hades' child draw near,

On an isle of paradise, where truth disappears.

A hidden force never heard of, with loyalty untried,

Will test their hearts, and their bond inside," she said in the raspy voice before coughing the rest of the green mist out.

"Ok.... So not as bad as a lot of other prophecies," Will said slowly. Percy gave a tired groan.

"The first parts made sense, but why does there always need to be some kind of weird mystery thing!?"

Now I would definitely not say this aloud but I was curious about what the "hidden force" was. Like, just that force can make us question our friendships and loyalty! But then Rachel's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Piiiiiiiper? Ya there?"

"Ya- ya. What is it?" I guess I'll find out what that thing is later.

"Just saying bye. I need to leave soon and I'll probably not be here when you get back. Need to go back to School!" She sighed.

"We should get moving soon before it gets late," Will suggested.

"Sure. Thanks, Rachel." I picked up my backpack and turned back to Percy who was at the exit waiting for me.

"Good luck Rachel!" Percy called, waving bye.

(guess what? I'm not done)

Will pov.

I finally got released from the tight hug my siblings pulled me into. Kayla threatened me a little to not get hurt, and Austin just teased me about getting my boyfriend back. Right at that moment I longed to see him again. For his cute little serious attitude, that lingering smell of pomegranates, and to hear his voice again. Gods, I miss you Neeks. Please be ok (aka I WILL have you eat only healthy stuff and have a good sleep schedule for a month if you don't comply to that!).

My younger sister Venesse lifted my bag, which was knocked to the ground in the hug tackle, handed it to me, and gave me another quick hug. "Please stay safe?"

(question: do you want to know what she looks like? Or does it not matter enough, or do you already have a picture of her and you're ok with that?)

Anyway, little skip back:

"Please stay safe?" She asked.

"I'll try my best!" I said cheerfully, she doesn't need to worry. Wait... A thought occurred to me.

"Am I not going to see you until next summer?"

"Actually, I'm going to stay year-round!" She smiled brightly, "I thought you could use some more help in the infirmary!" I smiled.

"How nice. That's great! See you when I get back!" I kissed her forehead then gave one last hug to my siblings and my friends.

I walked over to Piper and I saw her wave goodbye to Leo and a few others I recognized. Then Venesse ran over and hugged Piper too and had a few word exchanges before one of the girls called for her, Chloe I think?

"You ready?" I asked. She took a deep breath.

"Yep. Just waiting on Percy with his fan club. I laughed.

Once Percy finally made it out Annabeth came and hugged me quickly. "Good luck, Will," she said. Percy apologized for being late quickly and kissed Annabeth.

"I'll be ok," he assured. Annabeth let out a sigh and then gave a look at Piper and I could immediately tell a catfight might break out.

"Don't charm anyone accidentally!" Annabeth said with a sickly sweet voice. Piper returned with a soft smile but it looked more like a threat.

"Ok, I won't. Don't accidentally ditch someone?" She smiled.

Annabeth almost threw back a remark but I decided to cut in. I grabbed Piper's hand and took her a few steps back. "We're wasting time."

"You're right." Piper paused. "I'm ready. Percy?"

"Coming!" He said. Annabeth planted a quick kiss on his cheek.

"So. Let's go get Nico back," Percy said. Piper looked at us and gave a determined nod.

I looked past Thalia's tree into the hills with the sun still high and light wind whistling past my ears. The trip seems easy but we all know that's not how it'll go.

"Let's go do this," I said.