The door closed with a click. The vehicle lurched forward suddenly before Percy hit the brakes and stopped it again.

“Sorry man, the gas is a little touchy.” Alex tightened his grip on the arm rests. Percy gave him a questioning look. “You seem a little stressed.”

Alex forced himself to relax. He was a mess. Hadn’t been able to sleep for days, not with the constant chatter in his brain. Figures, he thought. Immortal deities don’t sleep. Probably just to torture the poor mortals who end up sharing a brain with them.

“I’m fine, Percy. Just drive.”

Percy laughed. “I don’t need convincing. This… is normal for you at this point. I can’t make you calm and sane, but I’ll help out when you need it. So.” He pulled out his phone. “Where to?”

Alex gave him the address. As the car pulled on to the road, he looked out the window and grimaced. He clutched a hand to his chest and tried to keep his breathing steady. He couldn’t let Percy see how much pain he was in.

*You should really do something about that wound, Alex.*

Ha ha, he thought. It has a sense of humor.

*On a serious note though, do you really think you can do this?*

I have to, he replied. Only way to get you out of my head, right?

“Next stop…” Alex was jarred out of his thoughts. “Wh- Alex, what is this?”

The car was stopped in front of a condemned building. The street in front was covered in trash and the structure was crumbling. Alex quickly opened the door and stepped out.

“Alex. What’s happened to you?” Percy’s voice broke the silence.

Alex turned away. “Perce… it’s a long story. For another time. As soon as I take care of this, I’ll tell you everything. Okay?”

Percy sighed. “Fine. That works. Just…” He looked out the window. “Be careful. I’m not sure what this world would do without you.”

As the car door closed, Alex murmured, “This is getting too dangerous for both of us.” The car rolled away, leaving Alex alone to face the silence.

He looked up at the building. “Alright. Here goes.”