Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Nico was pretty freaking thrilled with the situation.

Throughout his childhood, he remembered making wishes. He would squeeze his eyes at the shooting stars, four-leaf clovers, and birthday candles, all with desperate pleas for the same thing.

Please, please, please let his life have the thrill and excitement of the fictional worlds around him. He wanted grand gestures, epic sword fights, and dramatic confessions of love. He wanted wild adventures with brave friends and magical creatures with world-defying stakes.

He wanted it so badly he could scream.

And then, seemingly out of nowhere, he got it.

Most of it happened quickly. A school dance, a terrifying fight, a goat appearing out of nowhere, and a boy with green eyes and wild black hair.

And now his sister was a goddess, and Nico was attending a camp for magical people.

Life was going well.

Now, was he thrilled Bianca was leaving him? Not quite. Nor was he clear about this Hunt thing. His sister wasn't a deity of unlimited power technically (at least according to Artemis), but Nico felt 'goddess' suited her all the same.

And, really, as much as he didn't want Bianca to go off and have her adventures, he could imagine her beaming pride when she returned and found him the greatest hero of all. He wouldn't want his big sister stepping on his glory, right? He wanted to grow strong and protect her - like she had done for him all those years. She could have the Hunt if she must. He would wise up and explore all this new world had to offer.

And he told this to the gods in all of his prayers.

It became a nightly ritual as he sat out in the Hermes cabin - all his Mythomagic cards sprawled out. He would pick a god and pray.

So far, he'd prayed to Apollo to ride his chariot again, Dionysus to show him his cool insanity attacks, and Aphrodite because….well, he didn't want Aphrodite to be mad at Bianca for the no-falling-in-love thing. He also prayed to Eros for good measure, but he seemed less important since he had only like. Twenty attack points. What harm could he do?

And, of course, Poseidon. In case you didn't know, Poseidon was Percy Jackson's dad.

Nico had told all the gods about Percy. He figured they would be grateful to know such a top-notch hero was on their side. Still, the first prayer to Percy's dad was…nerve-racking.

In a way, Poseidon felt more intimidating than Zeus. Nico had seen Zeus' daughter, Thalia. She was loud with scary lightning and similar to Nico in a way he couldn't pinpoint.

Then there was Percy.

Everyone knew about Percy - which is why Nico's prayer to Poseidon had to be the best. Percy Jackson was a real hero. The kind in storybooks and in comics. He slayed Medusa, retrieved stolen lightning bolts, and sailed across dangerous seas to kill Hydras and save his friends.

"-and Katie Gardner said he beat Circe in a fight. Do you know about that? If not, someone should tell you," Nico said, hanging upside down in a bunk with his hands clutched together.

In the end, he decided to also talk to Poseidon about Percy. After all, who wouldn't want to talk about Percy? It must be so cool to have the best hero be your kid.

"I hope I have a godly parent as cool as you. Do you think Percy would be impressed if I was Athena's son? I mean, he liked that other girl, and she was Athena's daughter. But also, I heard someone say you don't like Athena. So maybe he would like me more if Bianca and I were someone else's kids. Who do you think is the best? Who do you think Percy likes best?"

Nico liked praying to Poseidon.

"Who, in the name of our mother, is Nico di Angelo?"

There was a long pause as the gods all paused to turn to where Poseidon was burying his face in his hands, absolutely exhausted. Him. A god. Exhausted. A feat that shouldn't be possible.

"Who?" Hades asked. His brother had been about to exit the Winter Solstice early, clearly wishing to avoid the onslaught of demigods who were on their way to greet them. Poseidon was already stressed about the axe that would definitely be hanging over his son's head without…this.

"di Angelo," Zeus muttered, brows furrowing. "It sounds familiar."

"I believe that's the demigod I helped escort to camp previously," Apollo said before anyone could start accusing Zeus of breaking another sacred oath. "Small boy? Dark hair? Speaks like someone might steal his tongue?"

Poseidon gestured helplessly toward him in confirmation. "He prays to me."

"Oh, he's prayed to me too," Demeter said, voice somewhere between amused and exasperated. "About your son of all things, Poseidon."

At once, the room erupted into identical realization.

"By Rhea, you too?"

"I thought he was praying to the wrong god-"

"-almost blasted the twerp!"

"I think it's cute," Aphrodite mused, eyes thoughtful. "He does think very highly of your son."

"A shame we might have to kill said son," Dionysus muttered and, at Poseidon's glare, sighed. "Why do you ask us about some random demigod, uncle?"

Poseidon ran a hand over his face, trying to find the right words without blatantly offending whoever this child belonged to.

"I…greatly appreciate his admiration for my child," he said slowly. Hades raised an eyebrow. "But the prayers have become… a bit much for me."

For the record, Poseidon also thought Perseus was a fine hero. A good friend. A caring person. Despite everything, his son was brave and fought well with good instincts.

But honestly. He didn't need the di Angelo boy to tell him.

…and then he beat Luke Castellan, except Percy was twelve and Luke was nineteen. Honest. That's what Lou Ellen said, and Lou Ellen isn't a liar. She's unclaimed in the Hermes cabin, too, and knew about the whole thing!

"Surely the boy hasn't prayed that much," Hades said, mystified.

Poseidon fixed him with a look. "Has he not spoken to you?" Hades' lips pursed as he gave a terse shake of his head. "Bide your time. You'll hear from him soon enough." There was a murmuring at that. "My reason for bringing this to our attention is that the boy is unclaimed. If anyone here would do me the kindness of taking ownership of this child and perhaps encouraging his prayers to be more…."

An awkward silence filled the room.

Hades rolled his eyes. "You act as if you must receive every prayer you hear, Poseidon."

"If my son is mentioned, I'd like to hear it."

"So what is the problem?"

"I would like my son to be mentioned only when needed."

"I highly doubt the child is that infatuated with your sea whelp," Hades said dryly. "In time, it will die down."

"I don't know, uncle," Athena said, surprising Poseidon with a nod in his direction. "I have blocked all of the boy's prayers to escape it. Does nobody claim the boy?" she asked, looking around hopefully.

Poseidon offered a wry smile. He really didn't want to offend anyone - something that couldn't often be said of him. For his son's sake, he tempered down any potential annoyance and waited. Nico di Angelo's prayers were stronger than most - louder. He couldn't be a child of a minor god with prayers like that.

But nobody came forward. Everyone looked at Zeus again, but truthfully? The world would collapse in itself like a dying star before a child of Zeus spoke that sweetly about another hero.

Maybe the boy was just… loud.

-just saying. If Percy was in Mythomagic, he'd probably have, like, five thousand attack points. Maybe even six thousand. If he beats a manticore and a manticore has three thousand attack points, then he has to-

Maybe - just this once - he might follow Athena's example and block out the boy's prayers too.

Nico once loved water.

Despite the fact his memories were warped into confusion and washed somewhere in the River Lethe, he had vague recollections of his home in Venice. The canals never held ire for him despite Nico always falling in with Bianca complaining that he would be struck by a gondola.

"I used to tell my sister I would swim out to the sea," he murmured. It had been a maze of its own - those canals stuck between buildings with kids flocking to dip their feet in. Nico had a habit of threatening to run away when he was upset. He'd tell Bianca he'd leave Venice and sail out on the ocean to America. Preferably, New York, because that was where Mythomagic headquarters were.

Once, after a particularly long argument, Bianca told him to go ahead if he wanted to leave so bad. Nico stomped about three feet toward the water before breaking down in tears. He rarely went anywhere without his sister, and the idea of floating out to America was daunting.

"Funny how things work out," Nico mused, pulling his knees up to his chest. His hands remained folded, holding him together in a small ball as he looked at the water lapping by his feet. "I thought the ocean was safe and your son a hero. I guess I never knew much of anything when Bianca was around."

The labyrinth reminded him of Venice. Of the twists and turns. It felt like a jab that his meandering had led him to a beach. He sat at the mouth of a cave, watching the tide slosh up into where the maze stood behind him.

It was stupid to pray to Poseidon. Foolish to anger a god. To insult his only demigod child when Nico knew the myths when it came to the sea god's children.

Somehow, for some reason, Nico couldn't help but feel as though Poseidon was the only person worth hearing his words at this moment. Hades had appeared in a dream to warn him about praying - reminding him that prayers could lead the gods to him.

Nico wasn't sure he cared.

"You can find me," he said to the waves. "Blast me. Drown me. But tell your son to stop following me. I don't want anything to do with him."

No answer.

"Did you hear me?" Nico repeated louder. He squeezed his hands together tighter. "I want nothing to do with him. Nothing. He got my sister killed. I want him gone. I might even want him dead." He waited. Nothing. "Poseidon? I said I want your son dead!"

Anger bubbled in his chest. He couldn't stand it. He couldn't stand whatever this was - whatever feeling flooded him. The hatred and confusion whenever he thought of Percy. The fact he couldn't seem to hate him quite right - and gods, he needed to hate him. He had to. What did it say about him if Nico couldn't hate the person who let his sister die?

And why… why couldn't Nico hate him the way he was supposed to? What was keeping him from hating him?

Unclasping his hands, he threw a rock at the waves and walked back into the labyrinth.

He swore that would be the last time he prayed to Poseidon.

So… I am very sorry that I said I wanted your son dead. That is untrue, and I overreacted. I apologize for being disrespectful. I have given several McDonald's meals as offerings to show my reverence. This is Nico di Angelo, by the way. Hi.

Well, well, well. Look who came crawling back.

Poseidon couldn't say he was surprised by the apology. Nico di Angelo seemed to be nothing but an influx of emotions at any given moment. He had considered killing the boy after the sleight against his son. It was only his son's determination to find the child that held Poseidon off. If Perseus wanted the gremlin to be brought to safety, so be it.

Besides, it was a little funny that this was Hades' boy. It made prayers like these so much more amusing.

Because, look, are his eyes green? Yes. Does this have anything to do with my favorite color being green? No. I don't know why anyone would think that. I'm not sure why it bothers me. Your eyes must be green. We've never met, but Percy's eyes are very godly, so I'm assuming he gets them from you. I've liked green all my life, quite frankly. It reminds me of home. Not Percy. The green. Are you following me?

Poseidon wasn't, but he rarely tried to with demigods. The boy rambled the same as all half-bloods, though, admittedly, he tended to hyperfixate more than Perseus. If anything, his prayers seemed more aligned with that Athena girl who kept agitating him. While she might go on about architecture or insist on history lessons he was present for, this child could focus on the most inane things for hours.

Thank you, Lord Poseidon. I appreciate this.

The other strange thing about this one was that he tended to remember he was praying. Poseidon could only guess that Hades' boy didn't think prayers worked or was just that flustered.

I don't talk much anymore. I like mainly speaking to the dead, but they wouldn't understand this. All they want me to do is be more…lord-like. Focus on my powers. Be strong. Percy seems to like you well enough. Perhaps you're an easier father than Hades.

Poseidon wasn't entirely sure about that. Percy could occasionally be callous in his thoughts. Sally too. Still, he supposed Hades had never been a model father either - whatever that sort of label entailed.

The only other god I speak to these days is my mother's. I once asked Hades if he was real. I never got an answer, so I'm left to wonder. Is it horrible that I hope not? My mother would be heartbroken to hear that. I don't remember much of anything about her, so it feels like I should respect the beliefs I know she held. But… God. That God. He scares me. I know the rest of the gods should scare me, too, but…

A long pause followed.

Nevermind. I need to sleep. Thank you, my lord. Goodnight.

Poseidon pursed his lips and looked out over the shipwreck in front of him. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been thanked so earnestly - while giving absolutely nothing. Even in the days of ancient Greece, his worshippers usually asked for something. Safe waters. Protection. Good tides. A stormless sky.

They feared his power and reveled in his beauty. In truth, not many prayed to simply… speak. Not like this.

Moving through the ship's wreckage, Poseidon looked at the busted metal and shattered glass on the ocean floor. Had this been his storm or Kymopoleia's? He wasn't sure. It was a recent wreck, that much he knew.

Reaching down, he picked up a floating card among some of the broken luggage and ruined tablets.

…well. Athena had favored that horrible Odysseus. The boy was under Percy's protection. And, who knew, maybe his son would escape the prophecy and leave it to this unfortunate soul.

Either way, Poseidon rewarded faithful worshippers.

"And he barely even looks at me! I know gods are busy, and he's literally the king of the Underworld, but…" Nico trailed off.

He had been complaining about Hades for a good twenty minutes now, which was probably a horrible sin of some sort, but he couldn't help it. After all, he once had an older sibling. Nico knew if anyone could empathize with his frustration over his father, it would be a younger sibling.

"You know," Nico said, looking around to ensure the ghosts weren't watching him. "He sometimes talks to you. Not like I do, but he mutters to you, and Zeus like you're both there and arguing with him."

Perhaps it was a low blow to his poor father, but whatever. He hadn't been the nicest as of late. Nico was allowed a few vindictive moments as long as he avoided getting blown up over it. Besides, he liked talking to Poseidon. It made him feel like he did before Bianca died, if such a thing was possible.

"The myths always act like the only thing Hades did wrong was kidnapping Persephone, but I know you probably have dirt on him-"

"My lord?"

Nico froze at the suddenness of the words. A wary voice had appeared, forming a bare wisp of a ghost. Nico lowered his hands, offering a polite nod in greeting.

"Hello," he said.

The ghost looked around. "Your father requested I come to check on you, my lord. You have been absent for a good while." Nico tried not to sigh at that. How was it that Hades was deadset on ignoring him while somehow being overbearing? "Who are you talking to?" the ghost asked.

Nico blinked. He very well couldn't admit Poseidon.

"Just myself," he said, dropping his hands altogether.

The ghost didn't seem surprised. "Like father, like son," it muttered, gesturing for Nico to follow.

Nico hummed. We'll talk later, he promised as he unfolded his hands and turned away.

"Why are mortals so kind to Hades?"

One thing that Poseidon knew about his brothers was that to get along with one, you had to moan about the other. It was simply the way of things.

Sure enough, Zeus paused in examining some storm clouds to fix him with a curious look.

"Are they? Have you seen the drawn movie of him with blue hair?" Zeus asked, looking eager to show the aforementioned movie if Poseidon said no.

Snorting, he collapsed into a chair he had summoned moments earlier. "I feel most humans have painted him in a kinder light than the rest of us. Ovid didn't flinch to speak of our debauchery. Why not his?"

“I had no hand in debauchery.” Poseidon looked at Zeus. For the first time in perhaps a hundred years, the other god almost seemed bashful at the gaze. "My hand in debauchery was light," Zeus decided firmly.

"As a subject in your kingdom, I cannot argue. As your brother, I laugh in your face," Poseidon told him.

Zeus scowled, looking undecided if he was offended or not. Poseidon decided to keep going before he decided he was.

"I merely think it is unfair that Hades is regarded as so….mature is all."

Zeus made a face at that, summoning his own chair to sit. "What has you thinking on these matters, Poseidon? Has a mortal offended us? Have they dared to suggest he has greater power?"

Of course, he would think that. Paranoid through and through.

"No offense was given. I merely receive his son's prayers occasionally," Poseidon said. Zeus blinked. Annoyance touched his face at being reminded that Hades' had a child, but it quickly morphed into curiosity. "He complains about Hades often."

A curl of satisfaction moved over Zeus' face. "Poor boy. Not everyone can be blessed with a proper godly parent."

"You do remember you tried to kill this one, right? And murdered his mother?"

"Hardly my fault he was an abomination against the law."

"A law you had made weeks prior to the murder."

"Have you come with me to argue, Poseidon?" Zeus asked, crackling with energy. Poseidon merely shrugged. Sometimes, that was a benefit of speaking with Zeus. "So the boy doesn't like his father. Hardly worth noting. Why does he pray to you anyway?"

"I'm not sure," Poseidon admitted. "He is rather diligent about it - and his offerings."

"You receive offerings from this boy?"

"Regularly."

"What does he ask for?"

"Nothing," Poseidon told him, shaking his head. "He merely talks."

Zeus blinked. "About…what?"

Poseidon considered. The child never seemed to have an itinerary on these matters. He spoke of his life, his past, his sister, the card game he pretended he no longer enjoyed, and-

"My son," he decided. "He always mentions my son." There was a long pause as Zeus seemed to mull that over. Poseidon had received a few wayward prayers from Thalia Grace before. He wondered if Perseus ever prayed to his brothers.

Probably not. Neither would have the patience for Perseus' prayers.

"I thought your whelp was taken with the Athena girl?" Zeus finally asked and then made a face as if he hated that he knew that. Poseidon frowned. "Oh, don't play coy, brother. You know enchantment as well as I."

What did he-? Oh. Oh... Poseidon hated that.

"No."

"No?" Zeus asked, amused. "You don't believe this to be Aphrodite's doing?"

By Kronos and Rhea, too. Why? Poseidon took a long breath, replicating the actions he'd seen mortals do to calm himself.

"This cannot be," he said firmly. "I- Zeus," he moaned. "You do not hear the prayers I've received. The Athena girl vexes me. Now, there is some mortal who is involved. I cannot add another person to this list - as if Perseus is aware of any of them!"

"Ah," Zeus said with false sympathy. "How unfortunate." He paused. "My daughter is with Artemis."

"I know, Zeus."

"I receive no vexing prayers on her many suitors."

"I am aware."

"It is a peaceful life."

"I don't know why I speak to you," Poseidon muttered. "I do find it ironic that any child of yours would choose a life free of romantic fancy."

Zeus leaned back in his chair smugly. "I do enjoy our talks, brother."

Poseidon was very tempted to tell him that Hades outpowered them both in that mortal card game Nico so enjoyed - but it didn't seem worth watching his brother throw a temper tantrum when the boy was already fixing the problem at hand.

Poseidon had discovered, much to his delight, that Nico had secretly decided to amend the Mythomagic card game depending on how he personally felt about each being.

Hellhounds? Increased attack points and HP whenever he got to pet them.

Hades? Well, he lost attack points whenever he upset Nico (which was often).

Artemis was removed from the game altogether.

And Poseidon? Well, Poseidon was rapidly becoming the strongest card.

I'm speaking logically, of course, Nico's voice explained. Water is pretty powerful and eternal in a way that death and the sky aren't. I know they are technically also a forever thing, but water is different. Your ocean is the same ocean dinosaurs lived in.

Poseidon ran a hand over his face. There was no way a Hades child could be infatuated with Percy, could there? Was that the truth behind his endless prayers?

Part of Poseidon was inanely disappointed. A foolish thought. An immature one. An undignified and ungodly one. He was something to be worshiped and feared. Whether one mortal liked him was inconsequential.

At the end of it all, he supposed loyalty to the sea was still loyalty to the sea. Whether that was him or Perseus held no real difference.

But by the bones of Theseus. Someone needed to tell Aphrodite to leave his son alone.

Nico left the Underworld.

He shouldn't have. His father told him not to. It was dumb with the war brewing and no friends by his side.

But Nico left the Underworld.

I'm so sorry, he thought, absently clasping his hands together. I didn't want to betray him. I didn't mean to. My father-

He stopped himself. At this point, it seemed foolish to defend himself. To justify his actions to Poseidon of all people. If anyone would be angry and betraying Percy like this…

At least Percy had gotten the Curse of Achilles. He hated Nico, but he would figure out how to cope with that later.

For now, he was satisfied to sit on the beach he had shadow traveled to and wait for a tsunami to take him down.

"Rough day?"

"Yes, sir," Nico said without looking away from the waves. Someone sat next to him in the sand. The sun was rising, dousing the sky with orange and hints of pink. He waited for the stranger to ask what was wrong, but no response came.

Nico tried to sense if this was a monster - or perhaps a ghost? It was harder to tell when his emotions felt so muddled. It messed with his powers.

"He overreacted."

Nico snorted. Please. He had tricked the future hero of Olympus into almost being confined to the Underworld for gods' knew how long - perhaps forever. Percy was right to be-

Wait.

Nico turned, unsure of who to expect, but somehow, he was not surprised when he met Percy's eyes.

Except this wasn't Percy.

If Bianca hadn't raised him so well, he would have sworn to Tartarus and back.

"Lord Poseidon," he choked out, scrambling to bow. Gods. The time had finally come. He was dying today. Dead. Horribly dead. Awfully dead. Excruciating- "Who overreacted?" he asked, brain catching up on that comment.

Poseidon raised an eyebrow. "Your neck is bruised," he noted. Nico grimaced, touching where Percy had choked him against the wall. Poseidon wordlessly offered a piece of ambrosia. "My son is… under a lot of stress. You know better than anyone he was not himself. It also doesn't help that the Curse of Achilles has made him less aware of his strength."

What was happening right now?

"Oh," Nico said awkwardly. Poseidon was still sitting, and Nico standing over him, utterly bewildered. "That's… I understand."

Percy's motivations for losing his shit was the one thing Nico did understand. The only thing he understood about this situation if he was honest.

"It is no excuse. I suspect he will be beside himself with guilt later on."

Nico didn't know what to say, so he took a bite of the ambrosia, grateful when it eased more pain from his wounded throat.

Silence overtook them. Nico studied Poseidon over. He was a mix of the older man with a long beard that old paintings displayed him as with a godly aura and a smile like they had known each other for years. Which, technically, they had? Nico had been… generous with his prayers.

"Food?" Poseidon offered, waving his hand. A Happy Meal appeared. Nico blinked a few more times. "It is a consistent component of your offerings, so I assume you enjoy it."

Huh.

"Thank you. Are you going to kill me?" Nico asked, hesitantly sitting back down to open the red box.

Poseidon rolled his eyes. "I'm not Zeus - or Hades, for that matter. I rarely concern myself with murdering children unless given a reason."

Nico decided not to cite some myths he knew of that could suggest otherwise.

"Thank you," Nico repeated, opening the Happy Meal. He grabbed some fries before pausing. "Do you like these?" he asked. Poseidon tilted his head. "I mean, I don't know if gods have favorites when it comes to food, but…" He gave a shrug, feeling stupid for asking. "I don't know. Do you prefer some over others?"

Poseidon stared at him intently, looking very much like someone who was utterly thrown by a question that essentially boiled down to: what's your favorite food?

"I do enjoy your offerings more than most," he finally said. "Perseus is generous as well… though sometimes he offers the food he prefers not eating," he added with a subtle roll of his eyes. Nico smiled a little. "And hoards his favorites for himself."

"Well, if it makes you feel better, I tend to give my father my least favorites, too. It might be a bratty son thing," he mused.

Poseidon fixed him with a bemused smile.

"Perhaps," he said, leaning back into the sand. "Speaking of godly parents, might I ask why you have left your father to join me here instead?"

Nico thought about saying he didn't intend to meet Poseidon in person but figured that wasn't the best approach. He hesitated - unsure how he felt about unloading everything onto a god. Speaking to Poseidon in prayers had always been easy. He wasn't sure how it would work now that they were side-by-side.

Nico flopped back onto the sand to peer at the sky above instead.

"I'm angry at my father. He promised that if I tricked Percy, he'd tell me about my mother. He never said he would try to trap him - only that he wanted to talk. He lied to me, and I feel like a fool for falling for it. We're at war, and now… now my father wants me to be the child of the prophecy? He doesn't even like me! He wishes Bianca had lived instead. I mean, I do too, but…"

He took a long breath. Gods, he was such a dolt.

"And Percy's mad at me," he continued, annoyed that his voice caught a little at that. "It's such a mess."

Poseidon hummed. "Well, if it is any consolation, child… Perseus often is angry with me as well."

"Is he?"

"Constantly," Poseidon said. "In fairness, I did once tell him that his birth was a mistake. It might have been a bit callous for our first meeting." Yeah, that was rough. Nico hadn't pegged Poseidon as someone so blunt. "He has a forgiving heart, luckily. Though, the boy does not forget a sleight. Despite my godhood, he doesn't believe I should be absent. I know he holds me responsible for some… fixtures in his childhood," he added darkly. "I find you odd, comparatively."

Oh, boy. Nico glanced over to see the silhouette of Poseidon shift. "How so?"

"Well…" Poseidon considered this. "You are very empathetic to gods. Perseus wishes to hold us accountable as we're human. You appear to feel for us as if we are."

Nico shrugged. Well, how else was he supposed to think of them? Nico thought it was best to assume everything had feelings. It was better to be safe than sorry. Besides, the more his powers grew, the more he understood the loneliness gods must feel amongst mortals.

"Sit up," Poseidon told him. Nico felt a swell of concern as he forced himself off the sand to where the sea god was patiently waiting as he held something out. It was a black card with familiar golden lettering and-

"Oh," Nico said and awkwardly took the Mythomagic card. It was one of Poseidon, no less. "Thank you, my lord. That was very kind of you." Poseidon narrowed his eyes. Nico wasn't entirely sure what to say. He told everyone he no longer played. He even burned some of his old cards and figurines. He supposed he had told Poseidon about the game enough times that he wouldn't buy that. "I- did you know you have two thousand attack points?"

"You've mentioned this," Poseidon agreed and tapped the card. "This card has ten thousand," he said.

Nico's brows shot up. No card had ten thousand attack points - not even in his made-up version. Just as he was readying himself to reign in the need to correct a literal god on a card game, he noticed what exactly Poseidon was tapping.

"Did you sign this?" he asked, noting the scrawl on the front of the card.

"I did. Now, it has more attack points. More than either of my brothers' cards," he said simply. Nico bit back a smile. Ah. He saw what this was. "Does this reward for aiding my son in receiving the Curse of Achilles satisfy you?"

His father's reward for his diligent work in the Underworld had been his Stygian sword. It was an honor - a huge compliment to be given such a weapon.

Nico liked Poseidon's reward better.

"Thank you, my lord," he said, trying and failing to hide a hint of fondness in the tone.

Poseidon nodded - standing to give him one more look.

"I've been away from Oceanus' battle long enough," he mused, shaking his head. "Let us hope - once this is over - we may see each other again."

And with that, he was gone, leaving only the smell of sea mist and Nico's new playing card.

The war was won.

Perseus was alive. The Athena gremlin was alive. Sally was unharmed. And Nico di Angelo was…

In my defense, I'm struggling a little emotionally, so let's put that on the table before we go any further.

…realizing some things about himself.

Poseidon almost laughed. This poor, poor child. He had seen the moment it clicked. There they all were, relishing the victory against the titans when Aphrodite entered the room. Nico had done a double-take, frowning as he sat up suddenly.

"Is that-?" he began and then shook his head, brows furrowing. He looked up at Hades for a silent explanation.

"The goddess of love and beauty," his father explained. "She'll appear in whatever form you think is most beautiful."

"Oh," Nico responded. "I thought… I mean, she looks like Bianca," Nico said warily.

Hades nodded. "Many see loved ones. She is the embodiment of all beauty."

"Right," Nico said, settling back down. He stared at Aphrodite for a moment. "Her eyes look like-"

And there it was. Poseidon waited. He had long assumed Nico knew nothing of this crush on his son. He was much too young to properly identify it. Poseidon was amazed to see it had gone on as long as it had.

The confusion turned into more confusion as Nico blinked a few times, brows furrowing together. Suspicion arose in his expression before a slight shake of his head and then something else. Poseidon tilted his head. He expected embarrassment to be the next emotion - horrified he hadn't realized earlier. Instead, a hard line of denial flickered over his eyes.

…hm. That wasn't good.

It only got worse when Nico caught Poseidon watching him, thus leading to this prayer across the room.

I said nothing, Poseidon answered back.

Nico's expression grew panicked as he looked around. If Poseidon's response surprised him at all, he didn't show it.

I just fought in a war and am exhausted. Percy is a great hero who saved us all. My father just said it was normal to see any sort of beauty in Aphrodite. I saw my own sister.

Poseidon had no idea how to respond to this. He just looked at him, unsure why this small child looked like he might throw up. This suddenly wasn't as amusing as he thought the realization might be.

Child, he began carefully, but Nico had unclasped his hands with a very respectful nod on his head. Hades caught the movement, pulling his attention from where he was staring at Zeus smugly to notice the interaction. He paused - giving Poseidon a suspicious stare.

…this was somehow going to be Poseidon's problem, wasn't it?

He met Hades' stare and nodded, turning away to enjoy the celebrations instead.

Nico needed ten chicken nuggets with extra barbecue sauce stat.

He had not prayed for months. He had stayed far from the sea. All he had done was hide in the Underworld and give Poseidon offerings for his silence on what was very much an issue Nico was trying to resolve.

Unfortunately, food was a constant problem for Nico in the Underworld. Typically, he'd go to camp to stock up on food for himself, but occasionally, he allowed himself a fast food spree - and knowing Poseidon liked it meant he was getting some, too.

"Well, hello there."

Damnit.

Nico dropped his Coke, hand going to his Stygian sword to note, with rising horror, who was behind him.

"Lord Poseidon!" he choked out. "You… you're far… from the beach. Hi. You also look much younger. Hi. Um, I- I have- do you want a milkshake?" he asked, abandoning the spilled Coke to hold out a chocolate conglomeration of ice cream.

Poseidon blinked. Now that he was no longer at war, his form had grown younger. Nico was forced to see how much he looked like Percy. The same black hair, same jawline, same eyes. Gods, this sucked.

Poseidon snapped his finger, and the spilled Coke disappeared.

"Sit," he said, gesturing to the McDonald's booth he sat in. Nico found it a little crazy that the god of the sea was currently situated near a Ronald McDonald playhouse, but sure. "This is new," Poseidon mused, curiously taking the milkshake from Nico. "Have you offered this to me before?"

"Uh, no. It's frozen milk. A little hard to burn it properly."

Poseidon sipped it through the straw. "...a shame," he said solemnly. "This is divine."

In spite of himself, Nico smiled. He wondered if his father would have such a reaction to mortal food. He tried to imagine him on his throne, that air of power and righteousness around him, drinking a milkshake.

Maybe Nico would bring one back. Just to see if it could even be done.

"You've been avoiding me," Poseidon said, and Nico's smile dropped. "I was a little worried your offerings might stop soon."

"Is Percy still giving you Brussels sprouts?" Nico asked wryly.

Poseidon scowled. "I got blue pancakes the other day…" he muttered, almost a little petulantly. "That is not my concern, however. I've stopped receiving your prayers."

Yikes. This was awkward. And terrifying. Nico played a little with his nuggets as he mulled over potential answers.

"I thought you might be bored hearing me whine about my father."

"This is untrue. I enjoy any surly retorts against my brothers. I hope the Grace child tells me about how much she detests Zeus. I think it would be fun."

Nico tried to smile - he did. But something in him felt numb the more this conversation went on. He waited for the confrontation to arrive. For Poseidon to say he knew Nico's secret and how wrong the whole thing was. Nico knew he knew. There was no way he couldn't with how pathetic Nico had been through all of his prayers.

"In that case," Nico said, not meeting his eyes. "I will continue to complain to you about my father."

"And my son?" Poseidon nudged gently. Nico stiffened. "I have noticed a cabin was built for you at camp. Perseus mentioned in one of his prayers you still don't regularly attend."

"It was built for my father, not for me," Nico said, voice clipped. "And just because we bullied him into getting a place of respect on Olympus and in camp doesn't mean that I am welcomed." Nico dropped his food, suddenly not hungry anymore. "And why does Percy care where I am anyway? I'm not his responsibility any longer. The war is done. He doesn't have to worry about me being the prophecy kid."

Poseidon's expression shifted - going eerily blank. "I don't believe his concern came from that," he said cautiously. Cautious. The ocean? Ha. Nico had never known waves to be so idle. It annoyed him that Poseidon decided he was suddenly glass. "Child, if I may speak plainly-" Poseidon began, only for the lights to flicker.

Nico looked up, half expecting his father to rise from the ground and demand to know what this alliance was, only to see Poseidon's form faltering. Where a man with black hair and green eyes once sat instead held a much sterner man. His hair was a deep red, eyes burning with a green that felt slightly off, and beard falling past his chest.

"Lord Poseidon?" Nico asked with a frown.

The god's eyes snapped to him - sharp and unforgiving. "Poseidon?" he asked, voice a low rumble. "You dare use that Greek name before me, child?"

Oh. Well. This was an issue. Nico leaned away. Wind blew hard against the glass walls, making a few customers jump as they looked outside to see trees bending to the side. The ground shook faintly.

"I apologize," Nico said evenly. "What name do you prefer, my lord?"

A trident materialized in the god's hand. Alright, that was Nico's cue to go. Jerking into the shadow beside him, he yanked at his power as hard as he could, feeling a burn scrape against him as the trident burst into light. Nico felt himself stumble through the shadows - fear gripping him until he landed on the floor.

"What the fuck?" he whispered, letting the curse slip by. He took a few more breaths, trying to calm himself as he registered a few ghostly presences around him and the familiar tile of his father's throne room.

"Nico," Hades greeted. He looked uncertain what to make of the entrance, studying him with sharp eyes. "Welcome."

Had Nico's feelings towards Percy offended Poseidon so severely that he unlocked a new personality for the god? He shook his head as he tried to process it, sitting up to see ghosts watching him while Hades waited for him to do something.

"Father," he said, replaying the entire scenario in his head again. "Do you ever get angry about your name?" he asked. Hades raised an eyebrow. "Your Greek name specifically?"

Hades' expression went taut.

"What did you just ask me?" Dear gods. Was it happening again? His father's form did not change, though. Instead, he glanced around the room before pointing at the doors. "Out. Everyone. Now." Nico stood up. "Not you, child. Come here."

Nico had honestly just wanted McDonald's.

Walking to the front of his father's throne, he knelt. Hades wasn't in the mood for formalities, though. He had already shrunk in size, pulling Nico up by his arm.

"Tell me everything."

Nico did not, in fact, tell him everything. Mainly because he couldn't give any context for his relationship with Poseidon without, well, you know. Either way, Hades had allowed him to gloss over that to instead pace, muttering to himself before finally letting a breath hiss between his teeth.

"Very well," he whispered to himself and turned to Nico. "My son, have you ever been to Oakland Hills, California?"

I have good news and bad news.

Poseidon paused in listening to the ramble of the council. He was sure it was important, or at least Zeus believed it was, but this was also the first prayer he had received from Nico di Angelo in many months.

Bad news. Cupid decided it would be nice to humiliate me and force me to admit my not-so-platonic feelings about your son. Not ideal. But people know now, so I thought you should maybe be aware. Please don't blast me from the sky. You're still one of my favorite gods, and when I showed Frank your signed card, he cried.

Fascinating. Maybe he should give Frank a card, too. As his however-many-great grandfather, it might be a good gift at some point.

Good news, I think I'm pretty much over Percy! So you won't have to listen to me talk about him so much. That's all- shit. No. He's coming. He's here.

Poseidon blinked. Nico didn't usually get sidetracked in the way Perseus did, but Poseidon felt his attention shift away from the prayer. It might have been the first time Nico forgot he was praying. Poseidon frowned, falling back into his chair as Artemis said something.

It's fine. He doesn't hate you. You don't even like him. You just got over Percy. No new crushes. Not that this is a crush. It isn't. And he said he doesn't hate you. Just be normal. Say hi. Or hey. Do people say hi or hey? Is hello too formal? Obviously. Gods. Hello is way too formal. Okay, so hey is best. It's casual. Maybe he's just walking by, and I shouldn't say anything. Gods, why did I come to this stupid camp? I-

The connection broke. Well then. Poseidon scowled at the wall.

"Brother?" Zeus asked. He didn't sound surprised to find him not paying attention, though his tone was curt. "Would you like to contribute to the discussion?" And when Poseidon merely fixed him with an uninterested stare, sighed. "May I inquire as to what is on your mind?"

"Well, my brother, I have lost a devout follower of mine," Poseidon said, trying not to sound too disheartened. "It is a dire loss. As I'm sure many of you know, we no longer live in the times of ancient Greece or the Roman Empire. A true, staunch worshiper is rare and truly valued. We do not have the endless supply of devotion we once had. I simply ask you to allow me peace while I mourn this loss, family of mine."

From the other end of the room, Apollo brightened. "Have any of you ever received McDonald's as an offering before? I must say, it is fantastic-"

"You," Poseidon spat before he could think better of it. Apollo tilted his head. "You stole him from me!"

The room paused as Apollo opened his mouth, only for realization to come crashing down.

"The Hades boy was your worshiper?" he asked, delighted. He inhaled deeply. "You've been getting Egg McMuffins? No wonder you've been in such a good mood these past few years-"

"What child of yours has swayed him? It won't last forever-"

"Excuse me," Apollo said, raising a finger. "My child is very charming and actually interested according to my prayers. You can't hog a kid that your kid isn't even dating. You have Athena's girl!"

"All she does is pray about architecture," Poseidon sighed, throwing up a hand. "And her offerings are always olives." They had grown on him, sure, but at what cost?

Athena cleared her throat, giving him a warning look.

"I'm sorry," Hades interrupted. "Why is my child giving you- did you say McDonald's?" he asked. "As in… the mortal restaurant my son uses to summon the dead?" Apollo and Poseidon shrugged. "It's good?" he asked. More nods. "Why have I not received any?"

"He thinks that you would be offended by anything off the dollar menu," Poseidon said.

Apollo clicked his tongue in agreement. "Yeah, he thinks you're picky. If it makes you feel better, he says he really likes how hard you're trying at the parenting thing these days. Like after that argument with Persephone-"

"You got to hear the end of the argument?" Poseidon asked, a little put out. "Why wouldn't he tell me how it ended? Did Hades get to keep the ugly painting in the throne room or not?"

"What-"

"Nah," Apollo interrupted Hades. "Persephone made him move it to one of the backrooms. Hades only agreed because it was the room Demeter stays in when she visits."

"I knew it!" Demeter yelled. "I knew you put that horrible thing in there to upset me-"

"Why has my son relayed this information about my personal life to you?" Hades interrupted loudly. "How long has this been happening?" he demanded. Poseidon looked away. "Brother," Hades snapped. "Poseidon, answer me."

Poseidon shrugged, focused instead on his trident. “We… may have spoken… over the years…”

"My son has prayed to you for years?!"

"Hades, please," Athena sighed, rubbing her temple. "It is no matter. Demigods pray to many gods. Perseus prays to me often enough," she said, and Poseidon gave her an appreciative nod.

"See? Even - wait, what?" Poseidon asked, concern suddenly growing at the idea that Percy's rambling thoughts had been put in front of Athena. He supposed that was something to be addressed for another time. By Rhea, please do not let him ask the bellybutton question directly to her.

"None of this relates to the council," Zeus firmly told them. "Poseidon, the Hades boy cannot be that splendid of a follower-"

"With all due respect, you have not received a spicy chicken sandwich with extra mayo and pickles, brother," Poseidon said firmly. "And besides, he cannot show preference to a god depending on what demigod he may like!"

"He most certainly can," Hades said, though he looked annoyed as he said it. "Though, I wish it didn't have to be Apollo," he added under his breath.

Ares hummed. "I have a punk around the kid's age-"

"No," Hades, Poseidon, and Apollo all said simultaneously. Ares rolled his eyes, glancing at where Aphrodite was practically shaking with excitement.

"Poseidon, darling, if you would like Perseus to have more options-"

"No," Poseidon said quickly. Aphrodite frowned. "Um, no. Didn't say that. No more options, please."

"Then leave my child alone," Hades said, pointing a pale finger toward Poseidon. "Stop using him for your fried food and gossiping needs."

Bah. Poseidon waved him away. He didn't understand.

"I have gotten attached," Poseidon said firmly, punching a fist into his hand while his trident remained floating. "He has prayed far too much to abandon me now. You can only hear how wonderful your son is so many times before you automatically consider the person praying to be your son-in-law."

"But he's not."

“Irrelevant,” Poseidon said. "He may not like Perseus. Fine. He may prefer this Apollo child. Fine. I don't see what that has to do with- oh." He paused. The room turned to him. Poseidon sat back in his seat. "...I have received an offering."

Apollo nodded sagely. "Apple pie?"

"Apple pie," he agreed and then narrowed his eyes. "...have you written Perseus' recommendation letter yet?" he asked.

"Oh, of course!" Apollo brightened at the reminder. "I'll get on that. Right after this meeting, I promise," he said, ignoring Zeus giving Apollo a dark and contemplative look.

Hades looked between them.

"...I don't suppose I am getting any apple pie, am I?"

It wasn't the first time Nico had stood in front of the Lotus Casino. Sometimes, he found the entrance comforting. A reminder of the brief lapse of time that hadn't been so brief when he stayed there.

There was occasionally a temptation to just… return. Why not waste eternity playing endless video games and letting his brain rot? He certainly would have less to worry over there. No prophecies. No quests. No dealing with emotions.

"Your father would be beside himself to learn you were here."

Nico shrugged. "I think he would let me if it's what I wanted," he said, glancing to the side to see Poseidon studying the hotel with a tilt of his head.

"You're still praying to Apollo," he noted. Nico tried not to scoff at the note of accusation there. "For the record, just because you no longer like Perseus doesn't mean you can't speak to me."

"You like my prayers?"

"They are the only ones that make sense, if I'm honest."

"I've given you plenty of offerings these past months, uncle."

"Apollo has received more since returning to godhood," Poseidon muttered, leaving Nico to wonder if all gods kept track of such things or if high-quality offerings were really so sought after. What would happen if he let them try something from a steakhouse? Had Nico introduced Poseidon to In-N-Out?

"Apollo has grown on me," Nico admitted, crossing his arms over his chest. He looked Poseidon up and down. It had been a while since they had spoken. Nico avoided too many prayers after their last face-to-face interaction.

Poseidon might have sensed what was on Nico's mind because he sighed, turning to face him fully.

"I understand my Roman form… gave you some trouble," he said. Nico gave a wry smile. "It was not intentional. I also find it regrettable it happened during a conversation where I feel you may have been… struggling," he said, voice wary. Right. Nico grimaced, eyes flicking back to the Lotus Casino longingly. "I heard Eros put you in a distasteful position."

"Distasteful?" Nico repeated warily.

"I never liked the god," Poseidon said, shaking his head. "And while I don't quite understand your discomfort with certain concepts, I don't think he should have forced your hand in such a way."

Huh. Maybe some gods had a glimmer of awareness outside themselves. Nico was almost impressed.

"That's very kind of you," he said. Poseidon looked pleased at the compliment. "I'm actually surprised that of all the gods to check in on me, it's you."

"Did you picture Zeus coming down to have this discussion? Besides, I am a very caring, empathetic creature," Poseidon informed him. Nico gave a very stoic nod in return, hoping it hid the internal roll of his eyes. "If it's any consolation," he added, placing a hand on Nico's shoulder. "If you were a tad older, then I would have rooted for you over the Athena girl."

Nico raised an eyebrow. "I mean no disrespect, my lord, but are you saying this as a thousand-year-old deity that slept with a mortal Sally Jackson when she was nineteen?"

Poseidon paused. "On second thought, Athena's girl is growing on me."

Nico hummed a flat, "okay," under his breath. Poseidon looked at him expectantly. "I do appreciate your reassurance," Nico told him. "I've read up on some Greek myths. I know…" he trailed off, trying to find the right words that didn't turn to sand in his mouth. "I know gods share some of the same inclinations I do," he said, sounding like the 80-year-old man he secretly was. But the truth was the actual word was still hard to say out loud. "But it's different. I spent time in the 1940s when that was definitely not a thing, and even now, it isn't always a pleasant concept to some people. Besides, I don't spend time around gods. I spend time around demigods and mortals. Their opinions matter a bit more."

It was a bit insane to sit here and talk to the literal god of the seas about his sexuality, but honestly? It felt oddly comfortable. Poseidon perhaps understood him in a way others didn't. He had been privy to Nico's mindless prayers before he started regulating them. As strange as it was, he had become something of a trusted confidant over the years.

"I see," Poseidon said. He didn't argue. If it were Hazel or even Will, they would try to tell him that nobody's opinion mattered, which might be true in theory, but Nico had a hard time making it work in practice. "If I can offer some biased insight?" he asked. Nico gestured for him to continue. "If you decide to base any self-worth in romantic interests, perhaps think of it in terms of who it is rather than what they are."

Nico frowned, putting his hands in his pocket. "What do you mean?"

From inside the hotel, someone laughed. Nico felt something familiar ache in him.

Poseidon cleared his throat to regain his attention. "I like to think my son is kind, brave, and a number of other admirable qualities you may have noticed," he said, giving Nico a look that could have been teasing. Nico stared back indignantly. "From what Apollo repeatedly tells me, his son also has similar traits."

Nico felt his face flush slightly, a little disbelieving this was even happening. Before he could decide to pull the plug and abandon this conversation altogether, Poseidon continued.

"Perhaps the fact that those qualities catch your eye is more indicative of who you are than anything else. If that is something you still struggle with. You are interested in good, kind people. It is most likely because you are good and kind."

Oh.

Nico blinked. That was… kind of nice.

Poseidon waited.

"...fine, I'll keep praying to you," he relented. "Only because I know you want to hear more about my dad's arguments with Persephone, which," Nico added, turning to scowl at him. "I hear you ratted me out on."

Poseidon at least had the decency to look ashamed. "It was Apollo more than me," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "But I admit that I probably shouldn't have gone along with it. Was Hades displeased?"

"I'm getting him McDonald's now, too, apparently," Nico snorted. "I didn't realize all of you were starving up there." Poseidon smiled, turning to go. "You aren't about to ask about Tartarus?" Nico called as he stepped out towards a line of taxis.

Poseidon stopped. "Should I?"

Nico awkwardly shuffled, looking over his shoulder at the Lotus Casino and then back at the god who had, for whatever reason, decided to come out to the middle of the desert for a child that wasn't his to apologize for an outburst he hadn't fully been able to control.

"No," Nico said quietly. Because he didn't want to talk about Tartarus. Not with him. Maybe not with anyone except for Dionysus on the days his sanity felt like it was crumbling into an abyss somewhere. Poseidon nodded. "I just- I wasn't sure if me being gay was somehow a bigger deal than surviving hell."

Ha. He had said the word again. It was easier this time. Maybe, one day, it wouldn't be hard to say at all.

Poseidon considered this. "Heroes suffer. That is hardly surprising. I cannot ease it. Perhaps I can aid Perseus in that recovery, but I doubt I can offer you much in that regard." Right. Nico looked down at his feet. "But, as I believe your father once pointed out, heroes don't often get happy endings. If there's a path for you to get there… I don't see why I can't point in the direction you might not see."

"There's a path?" Nico asked skeptically.

"I've lived for over a thousand years," Poseidon said, trident flickering in his hand. "There is always a path." He looked up at the flashing lights of the hotel in front of them. "I can promise you it is not in there."

He was gone before Nico could respond. After a few minutes of silence, Nico glanced at the Lotus Casino one last time before turning to head home.

"Dad?"

Well, this was awkward. Poseidon looked over to see his son at the picnic table in front of him, speaking with the Athena girl. He smiled, hoping that was enough to occupy him while he handled the situation at hand.

"How did it go?" he greeted Nico, who was looking over his Mythomagic cards with utter concentration. He was seated directly across from Percy, who also had a deck in front of him. They must be playing one another.

Nico brought out another Mythomagic card and placed it at the center of the table. "My father told me to tell you that using me as messenger is childish and disrespectful."

"Well, he hardly listens when I send messages through Hermes, does he?"

"Um," Percy said, waving a card in the air. "Hello? Do you two know each other?" he asked, bewildered. Poseidon gave him a thumbs up, leaving Percy to blink in bafflement as he turned to Annabeth for an explanation.

"So here's the deal," Nico said, placing one of his cards down. "He is willing to admit that he might have had something to do with the rumor Athena is your daughter if you admit you were the one who told Rhea that he kidnapped Persephone."

The wind blew with Poseidon's annoyance, causing the demigods to quickly grab their cards to keep them from flying off the table.

"Everyone already knew that he kidnapped her!" Poseidon said indignantly. "Demeter was starting wars over it. What's it matter if I told her?"

"I don't know. That's just what he said, uncle." Nico placed down Poseidon's card. "I win."

Percy paused in his perplexed glances at Poseidon to look down at the table. After a few moments of consulting Annabeth, he shook his head, frowning.

"You don't have enough attack points," he said, counting something on his fingers. "Right?" he asked Annabeth one more time.

Nico leaned back, dark eyes glittering. "That card is worth ten thousand."

"What?" Percy asked. "I- no! It's- I literally studied for this. How am I getting these wrong?" he muttered.

Nico reached into his pocket and handed Poseidon a candy bar. He considered reminding Nico that eating mortal food was not the same as burnt offerings but decided to instead just accept it to see how the game played out.

"It's a signed card," Nico explained. "And the signer said it was worth ten thousand attack points. You can't argue with a god."

Percy's mouth dropped as he registered all of this. He turned to Poseidon with betrayed eyes.

"I have, I can, and I will again," he said indignantly. "You did this?" Poseidon shrugged. "Why? How do you know each other?!"

"He prays to me," Poseidon said simply and took a bite of his candy bar. "And I receive his offerings."

"I pray to you! Can I have a signed card?"

Uh. Poseidon hesitated. Percy's brows raised at the pause.

"…well, you have received many gifts from me-"

"Wow," Percy said, aghast. Nico smiled into his deck. "Don't laugh! This is totally cheating," he added to him.

"Is not! Don't be a sore loser. You asked me to play this, remember? A peace offering, you called it. Learn to lose peacefully, Jackson."

"That was before I realized you would cheat."

"If it's cheating, why did you ask for a signed card?" Will Solace asked, looking Percy up and down pointedly. Poseidon hadn't even noticed him there. He looked at him curiously. Apollo raved about his son these days. Almost as much as Nico did in his more recent prayers.

"That proves nothing. Asking for a signed card shows no intention to introduce it into the game," the Athena girl jumped in.

"What are you? Some kind of lawyer?"

"No," Percy said, pointing a finger at Solace. "She's just smarter than everyone."

Will rolled his eyes. "Given the context clues, I think it's safe to say he planned to introduce it to the game."

"Circumstantial evidence would not hold up in court, nor will it at this picnic table, Solace."

"I'll remember this the next time you're bleeding out, Chase."

"I'll remember this the next time you want me on your team for Capture the Flag," Percy jumped in, pointing a card at him. Solace made a face. Poseidon was ready to leave. This must be why Zeus banned gods from regularly attending camp.

Speaking of which, his welcome on this beach was far too casual for his liking. He turned, noting that everyone nearby knelt with murmured prayers and eyes wide with shock.

Alright, it could be just this particular table that was blasphemous. Typical.

"It's fine," Percy decided, putting his hands together. "I have a plan."

Poseidon waited, half-expecting his son to be praying to him despite them being three feet away. After a few minutes of silence, Annabeth nudged him.

"Oh, right. Got distracted. Sorry," Percy said. "Uh, thanks. Bye."

He lowered his hands, peaking curiously at his cards. A second later, he smiled.

"What?" Nico asked suspiciously. Percy brandished a new card, placing it in the center of the table so everyone could lean forward and read it.

"Hades. Eleven thousand attack points. Signed."

"You're a liar," Nico choked, leaning forward. "He doesn't even like you!"

"He does not," Percy said, oddly proud of that fact. "But it seems he will side with me to spite both of you, which is how most of my godly alliances are formed."

Will looked at Percy for a moment before folding his hands together. "Hey, Dad. Nico needs-"

Nico placed down a newly signed card. Poseidon almost laughed. Five thousand attack points. More than Apollo originally had, certainly, but not enough to piss Zeus off if he ever found out about this.

"You're fast," Will mused. "Alright, Nico's cards together outrank-"

"There's got to be someone who likes us," Percy said as Annabeth looked through their cards. "Artemis? She likes you-"

"Artemis isn't in the game," Nico informed him wisely.

Percy opened his mouth - looking like he might argue that - but reconsidered at Nico's face. He turned back to Annabeth. "You're sure your mom won't-? Okay, well, who haven't we pissed off?" Percy whispered as Annabeth flicked through their deck. "Yeah. Yeah, maybe ask Leo? I mean, if Piper can put in a good word-"

"I think it's safe to say I win," Nico said, gathering his cards and ignoring Annabeth and Percy's vehement objections. He turned to Will. "Do you think Mr. D would sign his?"

"I'm surprised he hasn't already-"

"There's a Cyclops card," Percy said, now sorting the deck into piles. "Tyson would totally sign it. You know, as the only member of my godly family who loves me," he added with a dramatic look at Poseidon.

"It may be time for me to take my leave," Poseidon said wisely. He turned, placing a hand on Nico's shoulder. "Tell your father I will not admit to a crime in which only circumstantial evidence is presented," he added, nodding toward where Annabeth gave him an exasperated bow. "I would also like to renegotiate a few old oaths he and I have made over the years. I don't see my merpeople can't be let into the Underworld-"

"Please, do not make me say that to him. If you ask him to add more souls to his domain, he will lose it."

"I may be able to get Demeter to sign a card."

Nico fixed him with a look. "I don't even play that often," he said, crossing his arms over his chest. "I only did it today because Olympus' favorite hero insisted." He gestured to where Percy rolled his eyes, giving Annabeth a knowing look. The Apollo boy threw a spoonful of his yogurt at him.

It really was quite audacious to disrespect Poseidon's son right in front of him, but Solace seemed unrepentant as Percy licked the yogurt off, grabbing a few nearby items to start what would inevitably be a food fight. Poseidon cleared his throat, and they all froze.

"Very well," he told Nico. "I will be on my way. Perseus," he added. "I look forward to hearing more about presidential pets later."

Percy lowered the jello he had been aiming at Will's head. "I genuinely don't remember half of what I say to you."

"John Adams had a dog called Satan," Poseidon prompted.

Percy dropped the jello completely. "Oh, yeah. What was that about?" he asked, turning to Annabeth, who looked intrigued by the topic at hand. "And his other dog was Juno. Weird that he gave two dogs the same name," he added under his breath. Thunder clapped warningly above. Annabeth hit his arm.

Shaking his head, Poseidon stepped into the rising tide to return back to Atlantis.

Just so you know, he totally wants that Demeter card, a voice echoed in his head. Poseidon paused outside the palace to try to place the prayer. It wasn't Perseus. It wasn't Sally. Not even the Athena girl. Hi, by the way. Um, I don't know if you noticed, but I put some fries in the altar for you this morning. They are absolutely terrible for you, but Nico says you like them. I guess your health isn't a big deal since you're a god, but anyway. I'm Will. Apollo's son. I won't bother you too much. I'm sure you're busy, but, uh, Nico sometimes talks about you. Not a lot, but… I got the feeling you've been better to him than other gods have.

There was a long pause. For a second, Poseidon thought he had left. It wouldn't be the first time a demigod had gotten distracted during a prayer.

Thank you, Will finished.

Poseidon smiled and closed the connection.