Solangelo 2

ANNABETH

As the pill starts to ware off, I can see Percy returning to how he used to be. And it's awful to see. I can see him lose his energy, his eyes blank. He looks lost again. It was so refreshing to see him looking lively again, like he used to be. Still who he is, but even more so.
'We've only got two more, we need to keep one to study and replicate. We could remake one from scratch but it'd take way longer.' I say, and he answers before I've even said anything more.
'Give the second to Nico. I can wait.' He says, 'I'm fine.'
'Are you sure?' I ask. I know he only took the pill to begin with because he couldn't face another second of how he was feeling. I hate to leave him in that state.
'I'm sure. I know that there's a better to get to now. Just promise me you'll make these in bulk after this is all done.'
'I promise.' I say, kissing him lightly, 'you want to come with me? Nico should be waking up soon?'
'Nah, I should probably check in with Hazel. I'll catch up with you though, okay?'
'Okay.' I say. He kisses me again and then leaves out the main door. I sit for a while, thinking everything over. But then I go find Will and Nico.
'All good with Percy?' Will asks.
'He's fine. Completely himself the whole way through. The pill works.' I say.
'Good, cause he's waking up.' Will takes the pill from me and sits Nico up, still groggy and not fully with it. 'Nico, can you hear me?'
'Will?' He mumbles.
'Yeah, it's me. I need you to swallow this pill.' He says, 'can you do that?'
'Are you Will?' He asks again, and he seems to grow more confused. Distrusting.
'Nico, I need you to trust me.' Will says. Nico stays still, his eyes now open and looking at Will. Nico nods slightly and Will passes a glass of water to Nico, and the pill in the other hand.
Nico pauses a moment, looks from me back to Will, then swallows the pill. His eyes glaze over for a moment, then he blinks and looks around. He raises his hands and moves as if he hasn't been able to for years.
'Nico, how're you feeling?' Will asks, taking hold of his hand.
'Hey. Hi.' Nico says, as if just realising we were here, 'I...good. Really good.'
'Yeah?' Will asks, laughing slightly. He seems unwilling to believe that it has worked.
'What happened?' He asks.
'We made a pill to block out your subconscious. You should be fine for now. It should be safe.' Will explains.
'I'm okay? I won't hurt anyone?' He asks, quiet.
'You're okay.' Will clarifies.