# Chapter 1: The Mighty and the Meek Nico Di Angelo stepped off the camp van, clutching his small backpack tightly against his chest. He scanned the unfamiliar surroundings with wide brown eyes, taking in the sprawling grounds of Camp Half-Blood. Tall pine trees surrounded the perimeter, and various cabins dotted the landscape ahead of him. "Come on, new campers! Follow me to the Big House," a tall girl with blonde hair called out, waving her hand. "Chiron will want to meet all of you." Nico shuffled behind the group, keeping his head down. He walked slowly, careful not to draw attention to himself. The other new arrivals chatted excitedly among themselves, but Nico remained quiet, observing everything with cautious eyes. A loud cheer erupted from somewhere to his right. Nico looked up, curiosity momentarily overcoming his shyness. A small crowd had gathered around what appeared to be a training arena. "What's happening over there?" one of the new campers asked, pointing toward the commotion. The blonde girl leading them smiled. "That's the combat arena. Looks like there's a demonstration going on. Probably Percy showing off again." She rolled her eyes, but Nico detected a hint of fondness in her voice. "Percy?" Nico asked before he could stop himself. "Percy Jackson," the girl explained. "Son of Poseidon. Our resident hero." She shook her head with a small smile. "We should keep moving, but if you want to check it out later, feel free. Percy's demonstrations are always worth watching." Nico hesitated, looking between the distant crowd and the retreating group of newcomers. After a moment's deliberation, he slipped away from the group, curiosity pulling him toward the arena. He approached cautiously, staying at the edge of the gathered crowd. Being small had its advantages, and Nico easily slipped between the other campers until he found a spot where he could see the center of the arena. What he saw made his breath catch in his throat. A young man stood in the middle of the training arena, holding a gleaming bronze sword. Sunlight reflected off his golden curls as he moved with impossible grace, facing three opponents at once. His blue eyes sparkled with concentration as he parried a strike from one attacker, spun to avoid another, and then swept the legs out from under the third. Nico watched, transfixed, as Percy moved like water itself - fluid, powerful, unstoppable. Sweat glistened on his tanned skin, making his muscular arms shine in the afternoon sun. His Camp Half-Blood t-shirt clung to his chest, outlining every perfectly defined muscle. "That's Percy Jackson," a nearby camper whispered to their friend. "He's the best swordsman in the last three hundred years." "He saved Olympus last summer," another added. "He's practically a legend." Nico couldn't tear his eyes away. He watched as Percy disarmed all three opponents within minutes, moving with such speed that Nico could barely follow the action. When the last opponent yielded, Percy lowered his sword and flashed a brilliant smile at the crowd. His teeth were perfectly white against his tanned skin, and dimples formed in his cheeks. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause. Percy waved, his smile widening as he acknowledged his fans. Nico felt something stir inside him - something unfamiliar and intense. He stared at Percy's perfect face, at his strong hands gripping the sword, at the way his shirt lifted slightly when he raised his arm, revealing a glimpse of toned abdomen. Nico swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest. He'd never seen anyone so... perfect. "He's amazing, isn't he?" a voice said beside him. Nico jumped, startled out of his trance. A girl with curly blonde hair stood next to him, watching Percy with a proud expression. "Y-yeah," Nico managed to stammer. "Is he really a son of Poseidon?" The girl nodded. "He is. I'm Annabeth, by the way. Daughter of Athena." "I'm Nico," he replied, then turned his attention back to Percy, who was now demonstrating a particular sword technique to some younger campers. "New arrival?" Annabeth asked. Nico nodded, not taking his eyes off Percy. "Just got here." "Well, welcome to Camp Half-Blood," Annabeth said. "You should probably catch up with the orientation group. I can show you where the Big House is if you—" "Is he dating anyone?" Nico blurted out before he could stop himself. He immediately felt heat rush to his face. Annabeth raised an eyebrow. "Percy? He's... complicated. But no, not officially dating anyone right now." She studied Nico with curious eyes. "Why do you ask?" "No reason," Nico mumbled, looking down at his feet. "Just curious." Annabeth looked like she wanted to say more, but she was interrupted by a call from the arena. "Annabeth! Come show these newbies how to properly disarm an opponent!" Percy shouted, waving her over. Annabeth smiled. "Duty calls. The Big House is that large blue building over there. You should head over for orientation." She pointed toward a farmhouse in the distance, then jogged over to join Percy in the arena. Nico watched her go, a strange feeling of jealousy twisting in his stomach as he saw Percy greet her with a warm hug. The way Percy's strong arms wrapped around her, the way he leaned down to say something in her ear that made her laugh... Nico wished he was in her place. For the next hour, Nico stayed at the edge of the arena, watching Percy demonstrate various combat techniques. He observed how the other campers looked at Percy with admiration and respect. How they hung on his every word, laughed at his jokes, and tried to impress him with their own skills. Percy moved with the confidence of someone who knew exactly who he was and what he was capable of. His muscular body seemed designed for battle, for heroism. When he demonstrated a particularly difficult move, muscles rippled under his shirt, and Nico felt his mouth go dry. Eventually, the demonstration ended, and the crowd began to disperse. Nico realized he'd completely missed orientation, but he couldn't bring himself to care. He stood frozen in place, watching as Percy chatted with friends, laughing and clapping people on the back. This was his chance. Percy was finally alone—well, relatively alone, with just a few people around him. Nico took a deep breath, gathering every ounce of courage he possessed, and walked toward the son of Poseidon on shaky legs. As he approached, he became painfully aware of how small and scrawny he was compared to Percy. His own arms were thin, lacking any definition. His legs were like matchsticks in his too-big jeans. His hair was shaggy and unkempt, falling into his eyes. He'd never felt so inadequate in his entire life. But he kept walking. Percy noticed him approach and turned, those sea-blue eyes focusing on Nico. Up close, Percy was even more beautiful. His skin was sun-kissed and clear, his jawline strong and defined. A small scar above his eyebrow only added to his rugged appeal. "Hey there," Percy greeted him with a casual smile. "You new?" Nico felt his throat close up. He managed a nod. "Cool. Welcome to camp," Percy said. He extended his hand. "I'm Percy Jackson." Nico stared at the offered hand. It was strong, with calluses from sword fighting. Veins traced along his forearm, disappearing under the sleeve of his t-shirt. Nico reached out with his own smaller, paler hand and took Percy's. The contact sent an electric shock up his arm. "I-I'm Nico," he finally managed. "Nico Di Angelo." "Nice to meet you, Nico," Percy said, giving his hand a firm shake before releasing it. "Did you catch the demonstration?" Nico nodded eagerly. "You were amazing. I've never seen anyone fight like that." Percy's smile widened, those dimples appearing again. "Thanks, man. Been practicing for years. You assigned to a cabin yet?" "No, I—I just arrived. I kind of missed orientation," Nico admitted, feeling his cheeks heat up again. "Ah, don't worry about it. Happens all the time," Percy said with a dismissive wave. "Do you know who your godly parent is?" Nico shook his head. "Not yet." "That's cool. You'll probably get claimed soon. Until then, you'll stay in the Hermes cabin. They take in all the unclaimed campers." Percy pointed to a worn-looking cabin in the distance. "That's it over there." "Thanks," Nico said, trying to think of something interesting to say, something that would make Percy want to keep talking to him. But his mind went blank under the intensity of those blue eyes. "Percy!" someone called from across the arena. "War council meeting in five minutes!" Percy looked over his shoulder and waved in acknowledgment. "Be right there!" He turned back to Nico with an apologetic smile. "Duty calls. But hey, if you need anything, just ask around for me. Someone will point you in the right direction." "Okay," Nico said, trying not to let his disappointment show. "Thanks." "No problem. See you around, Nico!" Percy clapped him on the shoulder, his hand strong and warm, then jogged off to join a group of older campers who were waiting for him. Nico stood there for a moment, his shoulder still tingling from Percy's touch. He watched as Percy reached the group, immediately becoming the center of attention. A tall, muscular girl punched his arm playfully. A boy with curly hair said something that made everyone laugh. Percy threw his head back, his laughter ringing out across the arena. He fit in so perfectly with them. He belonged. Nico looked down at himself—his too-big aviator jacket, his scuffed shoes, his thin frame. He didn't belong here, among these heroes and warriors. He especially didn't belong anywhere near someone like Percy Jackson. With a heavy heart, Nico turned away and headed toward the Hermes cabin. He walked slowly, replaying his brief interaction with Percy in his mind. It had been nothing special—just a standard greeting for a new camper. Percy probably wouldn't even remember his name tomorrow. The thought made Nico's chest ache. He'd never felt such an immediate and powerful attraction to anyone before. It wasn't just Percy's looks, though those were certainly part of it. It was the way he moved, the confident set of his shoulders, the kindness in his eyes when he welcomed Nico to camp. He was everything Nico wasn't—strong, confident, respected, powerful. And straight, most likely. The way the girls at camp looked at him, the way he seemed comfortable with their attention... Nico sighed. Even if by some miracle Percy wasn't straight, why would he ever look twice at someone like Nico? Instead of going straight to the Hermes cabin, Nico veered off toward the woods. He needed some time alone to process everything he was feeling. The trees provided welcome shade and solitude as he walked deeper into the forest, away from the bustle of camp activities. Nico found a fallen log and sat down, dropping his backpack beside him. He pulled his knees up to his chest and wrapped his arms around them, making himself as small as possible. "What are you doing, Nico?" he muttered to himself. "He's way out of your league. He probably has a dozen admirers already. Get a grip." But even as he tried to talk himself out of his feelings, all he could see was Percy's smile, the way his blue eyes crinkled at the corners when he laughed, the fluid grace of his movements during the fight. Nico groaned and buried his face in his knees. He'd been at camp for less than two hours, and he'd already fallen hopelessly for someone he could never have. "You seem troubled, young one," a smooth voice said from nearby. Nico's head snapped up. He looked around wildly, searching for the source of the voice. At first, he saw nothing but trees and shadows. Then, as if materializing from the darkness itself, a figure stepped forward. It was a man—or at least, he looked like a man. He was tall and lean, with skin so pale it almost seemed to glow in the dim forest light. His hair was black as midnight, flowing down to his shoulders in gentle waves. He wore a long coat that shimmered between black and deep purple, like the night sky just after sunset. But it was his eyes that caught and held Nico's attention. They were the color of twilight, with an otherworldly quality that made it clear this was no ordinary man. Nico scrambled to his feet, automatically reaching for a weapon he didn't have. "Who are you? What do you want?" The man raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Peace, child. I mean you no harm." His voice was like velvet, soft and rich. "I am Morpheus, god of dreams." Nico blinked in surprise. "Morpheus? What... what are you doing here?" Morpheus smiled, a mysterious curve of his lips that revealed nothing. "I felt your distress. Your longing. Your dreams." He took a step closer, and Nico noticed that his feet didn't seem to disturb the forest floor at all. "I am drawn to powerful emotions, especially those that remain unspoken." Nico swallowed hard, his heart racing. "I don't know what you're talking about." "Don't you?" Morpheus tilted his head, studying Nico with those twilight eyes. "I saw how you looked at the son of Poseidon. I felt the desire that bloomed in your heart the moment you laid eyes on him." Heat rushed to Nico's face. "That's—that's none of your business." "Perhaps not," Morpheus conceded. "But I might be able to help you, Nico Di Angelo." Despite his fear, Nico couldn't help but feel a flicker of interest. "Help me? How?" Morpheus moved closer, seeming to glide rather than walk. He circled around Nico, his coat trailing behind him like a piece of the night sky. "What if I told you there was a way to make Percy Jackson notice you? To make him see you as more than just another new camper?" Nico's breath caught in his throat. "I'd say you were lying." "Gods don't lie, Nico," Morpheus said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "We may bend the truth, we may omit certain details, but we do not lie." "Even if you could help me, why would you?" Nico asked, suspicion creeping into his voice. "What's in it for you?" Morpheus smiled again, wider this time. "Let's just say I have my reasons. The politics of gods are complex, and I have my own... interests to protect." Nico crossed his arms, trying to appear more confident than he felt. "What exactly are you offering?" "Power," Morpheus said simply. "The power to influence dreams, to plant suggestions in the minds of others. The power of hypnosis." "Hypnosis?" Nico repeated skeptically. "Like making people cluck like chickens?" Morpheus chuckled, the sound like distant wind chimes. "Much more subtle than that, young one. True hypnosis is an art. It's about gently guiding someone's thoughts, their desires. Making them want what you want them to want. And controling them in their sleep." Nico's mind raced with possibilities. Could he really make Percy notice him? Make Percy want him? The idea was both thrilling and terrifying. "It wouldn't work on Percy," Nico said, voicing his doubts. "He's too powerful. He's a son of one of the Big Three." "Ah, yes. The mighty Percy Jackson." Morpheus nodded slowly. "You're right that he would be... resistant. His mind is strong, his will even stronger. But even the mightiest walls can be eroded with time and persistence." He extended his hand, and a small vial appeared in his palm. Inside, a silvery liquid swirled, seeming to contain tiny stars. "This gift would allow you to plant small suggestions at first. Nothing major—perhaps just small things like a hug or to attach you the water. Over time, as his resistance weakens, you will be able to control him in his sleep." Nico stared at the vial, mesmerized by its contents. "And what's the catch? There's always a catch with gods." Morpheus's smile never faltered. "Smart boy. The catch is simple: if I give you the power to finally touch Percy, you are going to let me touch you...a little..." He held out the vial. "So, Nico Di Angelo, what do you say? Do you want to get what you truly desire?" Nico stared at the swirling silver liquid, hypnotized by its movement. He swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. "What exactly do you mean by 'touch me'?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Morpheus smiled, the expression not quite reaching his eyes. "Nothing invasive, young one. Just a small taste of your dreams. Your fears. Your desires." He moved closer, his coat shimmering like the night sky. "I feed on such things, you see. In exchange for my gift, I merely wish to... sample what makes you unique." Nico took a step back, bumping against the fallen log behind him. "And that's it? No other catches?" "That is all," Morpheus confirmed. "Though I should warn you—the power of hypnosis on a demigod as powerful as Percy Jackson will be limited. You must start small, with simple suggestions. Build trust. Only then can you begin to implant deeper commands." Nico hesitated, his moral compass spinning wildly. Was he really considering this? Manipulating someone's mind felt wrong, especially someone like Percy who had been nothing but kind to him. Yet the image of Percy's perfect smile, his strong hands, his beautiful eyes flashed through Nico's mind. The way the other campers looked at him with adoration. The easy confidence in his movements. "Tick tock, young demigod," Morpheus said softly. "I have other places to be, other dreams to visit." Nico made his decision. He reached out and took the vial from Morpheus's hand. "Show me how to use it." Morpheus's smile widened, revealing teeth that seemed just a bit too sharp. "Drink it now." He watched as Nico uncorked the vial. "Once you've consumed it, I will take my payment." Nico brought the vial to his lips, hesitating for just a moment before tipping it back. He swallowed the liquid, which tasted strangely like honey mixed with something metallic. A tingling sensation spread from his throat to his fingertips, making him shiver. "Good," Morpheus whispered, stepping closer. "Now, close your eyes." Nico obeyed, his heart pounding in his chest. He felt Morpheus's cool fingertips touch his temples, and suddenly his mind exploded with images—Percy laughing, Percy fighting, Percy embracing him, Percy's lips on his, Percy beneath him, vulnerable and wanting— Nico gasped as the contact broke. He opened his eyes to find Morpheus standing several feet away, a satisfied expression on his face. "Delicious," the god murmured. "Such raw emotion. Such desire." He straightened his coat with a flourish. "The power is now yours, Nico Di Angelo. To use it, simply focus your will and speak your suggestion while maintaining eye contact. Start small. A suggestion to hand you something. A request to meet somewhere. Build slowly." Nico tucked the half-empty vial into his jacket pocket. "And it will work on Percy?" "Eventually," Morpheus said. "His mind is strong, but persistent rain can erode even the hardest stone." He began to fade, becoming translucent. "I'll be watching your progress with great interest, son of Hades." Before Nico could respond to the revelation that Morpheus knew his godly parentage, the god had vanished completely, leaving Nico alone in the darkening forest. He stood there for a long moment, processing what had just happened. The power of hypnosis coursed through him, a subtle warmth in his veins. He looked down at his hands, which appeared unchanged yet somehow felt different—more potent. "Son of Hades," he whispered to himself, testing the words. It made sense, in a way. He'd always felt more comfortable in shadows, always sensed a connection to the dead. Shaking his head, Nico picked up his backpack and started back toward the camp. Night was falling, and he needed to find the Hermes cabin before curfew. As he walked, he couldn't help but wonder: Had he made a terrible mistake? Or had he just taken the first step toward everything he'd ever wanted? --- The next morning, Nico sat at the edge of the Hermes table in the dining pavilion, picking at his breakfast. He'd spent an uncomfortable night on the floor of the overcrowded cabin, surrounded by strangers who talked and laughed late into the night. Now he felt tired and on edge, the weight of his new power heavy on his mind. Across the pavilion, Percy sat alone at the Poseidon table, shoveling blue pancakes into his mouth with enthusiasm. Nico watched him from under his eyelashes, admiring the way the morning sunlight played across his golden curls. A girl slid onto the bench beside him, startling Nico from his thoughts. "You're the new kid, right? Nico?" He turned to find a petite girl with short brown hair smiling at him. "Yeah, that's me." "I'm Katie Gardner, daughter of Demeter," she introduced herself. "You looked kind of lost over here by yourself." Nico shrugged. "Just tired. Didn't sleep well." "The Hermes cabin can be pretty chaotic," Katie said sympathetically. "Hopefully you'll get claimed soon and move to your own cabin." Nico nodded, his eyes drifting back to Percy. The son of Poseidon was now laughing at something Annabeth had said as she passed by his table. "You'll get used to camp soon enough," Katie continued, following his gaze. "Though I see you've already noticed our resident celebrity." Nico felt his cheeks warm. "Who, Percy? I just... he seems interesting." Katie grinned. "That's one word for him. He's saved the world a couple of times, so he's kind of a big deal around here." She took a bite of her toast. "Though between you and me, he's actually pretty down to earth for someone so powerful." Nico felt a twinge of guilt. Here he was, planning to manipulate Percy's mind, while everyone described him as this genuinely good person. Then again, what harm would there be in just making Percy notice him more? Be friendlier to him? It wasn't like he was planning to make Percy do anything... wrong. At least, not yet. "Do you know where I could practice some basic combat skills?" Nico asked, changing the subject. "I'm pretty useless with a weapon right now." "The training arena is open all day," Katie said. "There's usually someone there who can help beginners." She stood up, gathering her empty plate. "I've got gardening duty now, but good luck! See you around." Nico nodded his thanks and watched her go. Then he looked back at his half-eaten breakfast, suddenly struck by an idea. If he needed to practice his new power, he should start with someone simple. Someone who wouldn't suspect anything unusual. Someone like Katie. He grabbed his plate and hurried after her, catching up just outside the pavilion. "Hey, Katie! Wait up." She turned, smiling. "What's up?" Nico concentrated, focusing on the warm power he felt in his veins. He looked directly into Katie's eyes. "Could you show me where the training arena is? I keep forgetting." He felt a slight pulse of energy flow from him to her. Katie blinked rapidly, her expression momentarily vacant before she nodded. "Sure thing! It's right over there." She pointed toward a circular structure in the distance. "I can walk you there if you want." Nico's heart raced. It had worked! He'd made her offer something she hadn't initially planned to do. It was a small suggestion, barely noticeable, but it had worked. "Thanks, but I can find it," he said, trying to keep his voice casual. "I appreciate the offer, though." Katie shrugged. "No problem. See you later!" She walked off toward the strawberry fields, seemingly unaware that anything unusual had happened. Nico watched her go, a mixture of excitement and apprehension swirling in his stomach. The power worked. Now he needed to practice more, build up his skills, before attempting anything with Percy. --- Over the next few hours, Nico tested his new ability on various campers. With each successful suggestion, he grew more confident in his power. He made a son of Ares hand him a practice sword without question. He convinced a daughter of Apollo to teach him archery instead of going to her scheduled music lesson. He suggested to a Hermes camper that he should leave his candy stash unguarded, and the boy walked away without a second thought. Each time, Nico kept the suggestions small and innocuous. Nothing that would harm anyone or drastically change their behavior. Just small nudges to test the limits of his power. By midafternoon, he felt confident enough to try something slightly more challenging. He spotted Grover, the satyr, sitting on a rock near the forest, playing a melancholy tune on his reed pipes. Nico approached casually, sitting down nearby. "That sounds nice." Grover looked up, startled. "Oh, thanks. Just practicing." He narrowed his eyes slightly. "You're the new kid, right? Nico?" "That's me." Nico fidgeted with the hem of his shirt. "I was wondering if you could tell me something about Percy Jackson." Grover raised an eyebrow. "Percy? What about him?" Nico maintained eye contact, channeling his power. "What's his daily routine like? When does he usually train alone?" Grover's expression went blank for a moment, then he started talking in a slightly monotone voice. "Percy usually gets up early to train before breakfast. Then he teaches combat classes until lunch. Afternoons are for his own training, usually at the canoe lake where he practices with his water powers. After dinner, he sometimes goes back to the lake to relax or walks along the beach. He likes being near water." Nico absorbed this information eagerly. "And when is he most tired? Most vulnerable?" As soon as the words left his mouth, Nico realized he'd pushed too far. Grover's eyes cleared suddenly, and he frowned. "Why would you want to know that?" the satyr asked suspiciously. "And why do I feel weird, like I just zoned out?" Nico backpedaled quickly. "Sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I just meant, when would be a good time to ask him for some training tips? When he's not too busy." Grover didn't look entirely convinced, but he relaxed slightly. "Oh. Well, probably in the evenings at the lake. He's usually pretty chill then." He stood up, tucking his reed pipes into his belt. "I should get going. Nature calls—literally. The dryads need help with a beetle infestation." Nico nodded, trying to look innocent. "Thanks for the info." As Grover trotted off, Nico let out a relieved breath. That had been close. He needed to be more careful with his questions, especially around Percy's friends. But he had what he needed now—knowledge of Percy's routine. The perfect opportunity would be in the evening, at the canoe lake. Percy would be alone, relaxed, possibly tired from a day of training. Perfect conditions for Nico's first attempt. --- As the sun began to set, casting golden light across Camp Half-Blood, Nico made his way toward the canoe lake. He walked slowly, rehearsing what he would say, how he would act. He reached the edge of the lake and scanned the shoreline. At first, he saw no one, and his heart sank. Maybe Percy had decided to skip his evening routine today. Then he spotted him—a solitary figure sitting on the dock, legs dangling over the edge, the dying sunlight turning his golden curls to fire. Percy stared out at the water, seemingly lost in thought. Nico took a deep breath, steeling his nerves, and walked down the path to the dock. His footsteps on the wooden planks alerted Percy to his presence. The son of Poseidon turned, a smile spreading across his face when he saw who it was. "Hey, Nico, right? The new kid?" Nico nodded, pleased that Percy remembered his name. "Mind if I join you?" Percy patted the dock beside him. "Be my guest." Nico sat down, careful to leave a respectable distance between them. Up close, Percy smelled like sea salt and something clean and fresh, like a summer breeze. His Camp Half-Blood t-shirt hugged his muscular frame, and Nico forced himself to look away, focusing instead on the calm water of the lake. "How's your first day at camp been?" Percy asked, leaning back on his hands. "Interesting," Nico replied truthfully. "Still trying to figure everything out." Percy nodded. "It can be overwhelming at first. I remember my first day—I killed a Minotaur and passed out for three days." He laughed. "Hopefully your start has been less dramatic." Nico smiled despite his nervousness. "Just a little. No monsters so far, at least." He glanced at Percy from the corner of his eye. "So, uh, what do you do out here every evening?" Percy looked surprised. "How did you know I come here every evening?" Nico cursed inwardly at his slip. "Oh, someone mentioned it. I don't remember who." Percy seemed to accept this. "I come here to clear my head. Being near water helps me think." He demonstrated by lazily lifting a small stream of water from the lake and making it dance around his fingers. "Plus, it's peaceful. Not many people around." Nico watched the water move at Percy's command, mesmerized. "That's amazing." Percy grinned, the water forming a small trident before he let it splash back into the lake. "Just a son of Poseidon thing. What about you? Any idea who your godly parent might be?" Nico hesitated. Morpheus had called him "son of Hades," but he wasn't sure if he should share that information yet. "No clue," he lied. They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, watching as the first stars appeared in the darkening sky. Nico gathered his courage, preparing to make his first attempt. "Hey, Percy," he began, turning to face the older demigod. "I was wondering if you could help me with something tomorrow." Percy met his gaze, those sea-blue eyes curious. "What's up?" Nico focused intently, channeling his power while maintaining eye contact. "I found this old text in Ancient Greek, but I'm having trouble translating it. I heard you're pretty good with the language. Could you meet me at the Hermes cabin tomorrow after lunch to help me figure it out?" He felt the now-familiar pulse of energy flow from him to Percy, saw the momentary glazing of those blue eyes before they cleared again. For a heart-stopping moment, Nico thought it hadn't worked—that Percy's mind was too strong, just as Morpheus had warned. But then Percy nodded. "Sure, I can help with that. My Ancient Greek is pretty decent. I'll stop by after lunch." Nico's pulse quickened. It had worked! He'd successfully planted a suggestion in Percy Jackson's mind. It was small, innocuous—exactly the kind of favor Percy might agree to anyway—but it was a start. "Great," Nico said, trying to keep the excitement from his voice. "Thanks." Percy stretched his arms above his head, muscles rippling under his shirt. "No problem. It's getting dark, though. We should head back before the harpies start patrol." They stood up, and Percy casually slung an arm around Nico's shoulders as they walked back toward the cabins. The casual touch sent electricity through Nico's body, and he had to concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other. "So, what's this text about?" Percy asked as they walked. Nico's mind raced. He hadn't actually thought that far ahead. "Uh, it's about... underworld myths. I found it in my backpack. No idea where it came from." Percy nodded, seemingly accepting this explanation. "Cool. I'm not an expert on the underworld, but I'll do what I can." As they reached the central area of camp, Percy removed his arm from Nico's shoulders. "I'm heading this way," he said, pointing toward the low building that was the Poseidon cabin. "Get some sleep, Nico. And don't worry too much about fitting in—you'll find your place here." "Thanks, Percy," Nico said, genuinely touched by the encouragement. "Good night." "Night!" Percy called, already jogging toward his cabin. "See you tomorrow for that translation thing!" Nico watched him go, a sense of dark excitement building in his chest. Percy had no reason to remember their arrangement—it was a small, insignificant promise to help with a translation. Yet he'd specifically mentioned it, proving that Nico's suggestion had stuck in his mind. The mighty Percy Jackson, hero of Olympus, son of Poseidon, was not immune to Nico's power. This was just the beginning. A small suggestion today, another tomorrow. Slowly building trust, breaking down those mental barriers bit by bit. And eventually... Nico smiled to himself as he turned toward the Hermes cabin. Eventually, Percy Jackson would be his.