"You know, you should probably eventually leave the cabin."

I grunted as Nico set the plate of food in front of me. "Will tell you to say that?"

"What can I say? He's the boss," Nico quipped dryly. I snorted.

"Right."

"Just eat the soup." Nico rolled his eyes and turned to leave.

I sighed and sat up. "Has Camp broken down yet?"

"The Aphrodite cabin is practically in shambles." He shrugged.

"Of course they are." I grabbed the bowl of soup. "Anything else that's interesting?"

"Other than the people we've been turning away at the door, not much actually. The other two have at least had the decency to keep to themselves, I hardly see Annabeth anymore. Luke wanders."

"Good for him," I muttered. "I want to go for a swim...."

"So go. I honestly really doubt that anyone will bother you." Nico shrugged. "I could always get you to the beach."

"And then Will would be angry at both of us." I pointed out, taking a spoonful of the soup. "This is decent...."

"Piper made it." Nico nodded. "She let us try some too, it's pretty good."

"Vegetarian, then?" I looked again.

"Yep. Not sure what all went into it."

"Eh, I don't care. It's good." I took another spoonful.

Nico nodded. "Anyway, if you want me to get you down to the beach, just let me know."

"Thanks, Neeks."

"No problem. I'll go sit outside." He walked out of the cabin.

I sighed and went back to the soup. For a while everything was quiet, which was nice.

"Percy."

I looked up. "Yeah?"

Nico peeked in the door. "Chiron wants to talk to you."

I sighed and got up. "Alright, let him in."

The centaur was in his wheelchair. I offered a smile that probably looked tight and upset.

"Hello, Percy," he said softly.

"Chiron."

"How are you feeling?"

I gritted my teeth. "Honestly? Pretty upset."

He nodded slowly. "That is understandable... I have something for you."

I sat down on the edge of my bed. Chiron wheeled over and handed me a fancy looking envelope.

"It's from Camp Jupiter." I raised my eyebrows.

He nodded. "Read it in your own time. When you have made a decision about its contents, let me know. I'll pass it on."

I frowned at him. "What do you mean? What is it?"

"Just read, son." Chiron smiled and wheeled out.

I looked at the letter and chewed my lip.

"Hey Nico?"

He peeked in.

"I need a swim." I stood up.

"No problem." He held his hand out.

I walked over and took it. We disappeared into the shadows and appeared in the trees along the edge of the beach.

"I figured you'd want salt water." Nico shrugged when I gave him a questioning look.

"Thanks." I pulled my shirt off and dropped it at the bottom of the tree. "I'll probably walk back to the cabin."

He nodded and disappeared again. I chuckled to myself. "Oh, Will's gonna have a field day when he finds out...."

Without giving it much more thought, I ran for the water.

Out over the waves, past the rocks and the buoys that marked the end of Camp Half-Blood's territory. Farther and farther and farther until-

"Where you goin' kiddo?"

I stopped and looked over at Poseidon.

"I dunno anymore."

He frowned. "Percy, what's happening?"

"You don't know?"

"I'm afraid I've been completely stuck in my palace for the past week." He stepped forward, looking sympathetic. "What's going on?"

I almost laughed.

"I was going to propose to Annabeth and then I found out she has been cheating on me. So that's been absolutely destroying my self esteem lately. And you've been super helpful, as always. What was it this time? Triton getting married? Again? That's been your excuse three times, I think. I'm not stupid, Dad. It's really convenient that you're only ever around to clean up."

"Percy-"

"No. I don't want to talk to you anymore." I turned away. "Find me when you're actually interested in my life, rather than using me as your bargaining chip for the past nine or so years."

He didn't follow me when I ran back towards camp.

I grabbed my shirt on the beach. "So much for going for a swim.

The letter was still sitting on my bed when I got back. I picked it up and looked at it, then flipped it over and broke the formal seal that had been put on it.

Percy Jackson:

You're getting to the age where it's rather surprising at Camp Half-Blood that you're still alive. We think that's a shame.

If you are willing, we would like to offer you a student and teaching position in New Rome. You would be teaching swords lessons, and learning whatever you like. The camp will pay for it.

Tell Chiron your answer as soon as possible.

Our regards,

Praetors Reyna and Frank