Chapter XXV Ah, Old Friends! Good to See You, Good to See You...Now, About That Whole..Thing...

Percy reappeared on the dock of the ocean, breath heavy, panicking. He hadn't meant to killer, he hadn't wanted to! Nightshade had lashed out on her own. Percy dropped to his knees, legs having been shaking. He felt...weak. Like Nightshade had seeped energy from him to do what she wanted.

Percy took a rattling breath. In his mind, he could hear her, whispering to him, encouraging him to get up, to be strong, that he could do this. He didn't even know why he was freaking out so much. He had killed so many already. So many that were so much closer to him; he hadn't even known that girls name.

But she was so young...Percy despaired, only for his thoughts to be countered by a soothing voice. He sighed, and looked at the vial in his hand. Now he had a vial of greek fire, apparently the most explosive and dangerous weapon available...how was he supposed to use it? Mindlessly destroy a cabin for no reason? There was absolutely no reason to do that; he would just be cutting down his numbers if he were to do that. And he had to do something soon, so he could use the vial itself...Percy growled furiously.

Reckless abandon taking over, Percy jumped into the water. He was so frustrated. The vial of fire was in the pocket of his sweatpants, bumping gently against his leg. Percy wasn't worried. The cap was completely sealed, now that he had looked at it for a moment. He sunk through the water, letting his clothes get soaked as he floated to the bottom, hitting it with a slight movement. He looked up above him, not able to discern the surface of the water; it was too dark. Rolling his eyes, he rolled over, letting his hands wander around the sand, half-heartedly digging through the sand. He was so tired suddenly. Objects scraped against his hands; he didn't bother to identify them. Rocks, metal, glass, coral, whatever.

Suddenly, something slapped the back of his head. He whipped around, glaring daggers at the nymph that had dared to hit him. He grabbed the first thing his hand touched, and flung it at her. With his powers, it traveled much faster through the water than it should have, hitting the nymph squarely in the forehead. She fumbled, flipped him off and swam away. Percy glared daggers at her, contemplating killing her. But then he noticed the object that was floating down softly.

It looked like a metal flask, the type people would carry booze in. Percy grabbed it gently. It had a dent on it's side now, but it looked as though it still opened and closed easily, and sealed shut tightly.

Whooping, Percy shot out of the water, instantly regretting not caring if his clothes got wet. He dumped out the flask, and vanished into his cabin. He set the vial and flask down, hurriedly changing and getting into bed as quietly as he possibly could, so as to not awaken Jason. The flask wasn't quite dry yet, but he fixed that with a quick snap of his fingers, causing teh water to evaporate. He grabbed the flask, and the vial of purple dust that was stored under his pillow. He smiled at his fabulous hiding place, and the smile remained on his face as he poured a little more than half of the vial contents into the flask. That would be for Thalia. He would keep the remainder; he was sure there would be a use for it eventually.

~~~

It was during breakfast that the Hunters arrived. By then, the body of Nyssa had been discovered, spooking many of the campers with her sudden death that no one could seem to find the cause of. It cast a somber mood across the camp, only strengthening with her mourning burial and pyre. Percy stood, alongside Jason and Leo, the flask and vial of Greek fire rattling quietly in his jean pockets. Jason ran to his sister, hugging her tightly, as she held him just as close. They smiled at each other, just happy to know the other was safe. Percy didn't catch much of their murmured conversation, only saw a few grim faces as he walked up.

"Hey Thals." Percy waved. Thalia smiled softly, if not a bit tightly at him. No matter what she may believes about my 'possession' we went through a lot; she trusts me. Percy realized, giving her his own smile. Percy hadn't expected the hug she pulled him into, casting a confused look at an amused Jason. His eyes flickered over to the rest of the hunters, who were glaring, but unable to do anything. Percy hugged Thalia back finally.

Satisfied, Thalia pulled away, fixing her headpiece-crown-thing that showered her as the lieutenant of the Hunters, second to only Artemis herself. It had become slightly askew.

"Hey Leo, did you finally grow some?" Thalia teased, smiling. Leo snorted. They hadn't known each other for long, only meeting a few times when Jason had been memoryless.

"Still scared of heights?"

"Shut it, midget."

The two laughed, and Percy reluctantly found a smile tugging his lips. "It's good to see you guys again. I wish it could have been under better circumstances. Oh, hey Percy, can I talk to you for a minute? I..wanted to ask about Annabeth." Gulping, Thalia hardly got the last part out, struggling through clenched teeth. Percy gave her pity, and nodded. She pulled him away, and Percy mentally noted that this is exactly what he needed to have happened! Of course, rely on Thalia to give him the perfect chance to manipulate her. Obviously she would want to ask about Annabeth, she had become a tree for the girl, after all.

The two walked away from where the rest of the camp was, climbing a hill not too far away, but out of sight. Perfect. Thank you Thals. You've made this so much easier for me.

After a moment of silence, Thalia took a deep breath. "How did she die?"

"Fighting."

Thalia gave out a shaky laugh. "Of course she did. She would have made a brilliant hunter." Thalia whispered, closing her eyes and cupping her face in her hands. This is my chance! Hurriedly, Percy grabbed the flask from his pocket. Thalia looked up at the sound of him unscrewing it. She snorted. "Alcohol, Percy? How did you even get that in here? More importantly, give me some." Thalia murmured. Percy cracked a smile.

Then, he made a jerky motion. The dust floated out, onto to Thalia, who flinched, and coughed violently as she ingested it. Percy watched with trepidation, ready to kill her the moment he decided to needed to. He really, really hoped the dust would work. Now that he thought about it, what was he going to do if it didn't? Ansty, Percy bit his lip.

Thalia straightened. Her eyes were blank, glossy. Percy let out a tiny whoop, jumping up and down slightly. "Uh, Thalia?" He tested. She nodded at him. Smiling, Percy giggled. Then he coughed. He needed to get a hold of himself. He would give himself away one of these days, he knew it. Percy coughed once more to steady his voice.