Chapter 15: The Note

Will awoke in the Infirmary, which was empty except for his bed, closest to the door. "And he's up. How you feeling, Will?" He nearly jumped. His sister and brother, Austin and Kayla, were sitting on either side of him, looking worried. "Good. A little tired, like I haven't slept for a full night, but good nonetheless." He swung his legs over the bed, a little surprised he could stand, and headed to the back, getting himself a glass of water. "Do you remember what happened?" Kayla asked, raising an eyebrow. Will thought back for a minute, but all he could remember was that Nico had fallen into Tartarus, for the hundredth time. Oh... "Its OK, man, the others told us everything after they brought you in." Austin cut in, leaning on the doorway. "I only remember that Nico fell into Tartarus thanks to this guy-" "The Dark Prince." Kayla finished for him. "And you remember nothing else?" "No, I don't. Why?" And they told him what had happened, how he had defeated the enemy, and the number of days he'd been out. "Two...weeks?" He asked, looking at the floor. Then didn't that mean.... "I've been out for two weeks....? That means..." He looked out the window, and said, "Oh, Nico,... I'm sorry." He couldn't imagine what Nico was going through right now. But his boyfriend was a freaking survivor of a demigod. If Will had gone through all his pain and grief and filled his shoes, he probably wouldn't be here right now. "Anyway, the Camp would be so happy to see you back on your feet, Will. Plus, I bet your hungry." Will set his empty glass down. He wasn't hungry. But he didn't want to worry anyone, so the three of them went to the dining pivalion, not knowing what to talk about.

Once they entered, the entire camp, except for the Ares table, went nuts. They clapped and cheered, mixing in the occasional chant of his name, and there was even a line waiting for him. For what, he didn't know, but he hoped it didn't involve punching, like Leo's line had when he came back after the war with Gaea. "Don't worry it's not a punching line." Kayla told him, noticing where he was looking, and walking toward them. Austin laid a hand on his shoulder. "Its a kicking line. Have fun with that." And he walked off to the Apollo table. Will smiled nervously. "Yeah. Fun."

Once the last of the line came, which was Annabeth and Percy, the son of the sea god, thankfully, went easy on him. "That has to be the most pathetic kick to the shin ever, Jackson." Will stated, smirking. "Oh, shut it, Solace." Percy replied, smirking back. "Your turn, Wise Girl." Annabeth walked up to him, and placed a hand on his shoulder, then kicked. But it wasn't a light one. And it wasn't anywhere near the shin. She'd hit his crotch. Hard. Will doubled over, smiling through the pain, and ignoring the smirks, chuckles, laughs, snickers, and giggles of the Camp, stood up. "Don't ever scare us like that again. You got me, William Andrew Solace?" The Camp Oohhhh'd. Will managed a small nod. Then, the three of them went to their tables, and Will made his offering of half his salad to Apollo. He was about to turn away, but something shot out of the fire, with his name written on it. He reached out, and caught it, noticing the handwriting was done in black ink. It was Nico's handwriting. He dropped his plate, causing the whole Camp to look at him, and he told them, "Its a note from Nico!" At this, Chiron rose, and clopped for silence. Once it was quiet, he told Will to unfold it, and read it. First, he read it to himself. "Luke has been reborn and is trying to escape with Kronos as I write this. But it's not Luke's fault. He doesn't remember his past life. But....that might change. Kronos could have the power to restore his memories." Oh, gods, his suspicions were correct! About Kronos anyway. A lump formed in his throat. He couldn't speak anymore. So, he gave it to Chiron, and let him read it to the camp.