Author's Notes: SURPRISE MUTHAFUCKER mwahahahhah. This is truly the end. Okai bye.

Disclaimer: Characters aren't mine. But the fanfic is.

What The Nefarious Carnival Does To You

Chapter Eleven

A Magician's Secret

"We are gathered here today to honor and pay tribute to the life of Nico di Angelo, beloved carnie and friend to all, and to express our love and admiration for him." A dressed Anteros stood before a dark coffin. The carnies wore their darkest suits for this dark event. Jason was among those who seated and mourned silently. After the performance was cut, someone from the audience who addressed himself as a medic, offered to help after bringing the Necromancer down. Not more than five minutes have passed but the medic said his heart stopped completely. There were no signs of life.

Piper came up the stage and faced everyone who gathered. Jason thought they should have this funeral in private since it is personal matters. One suggested they allow anyone who feels the need to pay respects as well and make it public. They were hesitant at first but thought what could go wrong? During the funeral, it turned out quite an audience turned up. Even a small kid named Bob sat among the mourners, holding a cat close to his body. He introduced himself to Jason after hearing they made the funeral public.

Jason came up as well and looked at the coffin a little longer than normal. "A great friend, a best friend. We didn't wish this upon him, instead wish him back. I, and some others, may not be ready to accept and move past this, but we are willing to give one last farewell to our friend. He will always be with us, mind and soul."

Everyone didn't hesitate for a second before speaking their thoughts. Some shorter than others but all the same, as heartfelt as his. Percy was the last to stand up. He watched his back as he slowly made it up in front. Jason didn't know what he felt towards him. Anger? Sympathy? He shook his head and stared at his lap. He shouldn't put the blame on him.

"This may be my fault," Percy started loud. "Nico is… was someone I adored. So much." He looked down. Jason vanquished all feelings of hostility and felt sorry for him. He loved him. After all this time. Tears ran down his face uncontrollably but his voice was clear as day, as if he wanted everyone listening to what he has done.

"I never got the chance to say…" Percy hiccuped. The carnies leaned forward, some eager, some curious. Jason caught Annabeth's stare. Her frown deepened and she leaned back. She knew as well.

"I.."

"If I may."

Everyone turned in their seats to stare at who interrupted. The man was cloaked in darkness. Everything about him was veiled in black, so that no one could identify him. He stood among the black-clad audience that not even their dark suits compared to his. Jason had an urge to stand and tell him to respect the one talking before going his turn. He started walking. Gloves up his elbows and a fedora hanging so low, it covers almost all of his face. As he neared, Jason swore he spotted a nasty grin on his face.

"Condolences, I'd say. It must be miserable to experience such a loss, hm?"

Percy stood his ground, looking confused and alarmed. The stranger's voice almost sounded condescending and dark. So alike to his friend but deeper. Neither knew what to say. "Excuse me, sir. If you'd kindly respect one of our carnies. He hasn't finished his speech and you all and came up out of nowhere." Rachel scolded. Some nodded and whispered in agreement.

The man stared in silence. Then shrugged. "Go on." He said. Percy uneasily shifted in place as the man turned his head to the coffin.

"As I was saying," He breathed out. "I always... loved Nico di Angelo. It came as a sudden infatuation. I thought, maybe it's cause he's such a great friend and all. I spent time with him more and the more I fell for him." He was sniffling now.

"I've done something I regret, possibly the reason that drove him to do this. If I were given a chance to rewind time, I'd do everything differently. I would've confessed instead of hiding." His sobs woke the audience up. Cries of sympathy chorused in the air. "I loved him. I still will." The Siren bowed his head and let the tears come freely.

"I do too." The man in black whispered. Percy's head shot up. Slowly, the man took his gloves off. Then his hat.

...

The man clad in black was no man at all. It was a young boy. The same young boy Percy recognized from the second the hat was off. He turns to the audience and loud gasps erupted. The hushed but slowly buzzing whispers start. No, it couldn't be. He was dead! I saw them put him in the coffin! Saw his lifeless eyes! Percy staggered back.

"I told you it was gonna be a killer show." Nico grinned. Then it was chaos.

Jason and the carnies shot up from their seats and surrounded them. Percy held the boy's stare. Didn't dare break it as Nico came closer. "But we all thought you were dead." Percy said. Nico's hand touched his cheek. "It was a special trick that stopped any signs of life. I wasn't sure if I'll be able to keep it up. But I did. And it was all worth it." Nico flashed a triumphant grin.

"Nico, I am so sorry."

Then they kissed.

...

Nico received a sharp slap to the arm. "An advanced notice would be nice before killing yourself like that!" It was Hazel. Her eyes were red from crying now she was frowning. Nico said nothing and hugged her. Her sobs wracked her body and Nico tried to hush her. Everyone joined in the hug. Everyone scolded him. But everyone was glad he was back. Most of all, he was with Percy.