[ percy raises his eyebrows. ]

I wasn't captured. [ but he notices miles's scrutiny and adds, ] There was this chemical stuff they left out to keep us from getting to the hostages. Reacted badly with magic.

[ which actually. infuriates him. there's a flash of anger in his eyes, for all that he tries to keep his voice light. ]

But I wasn't about to let that stop me -- none of us were.

[ there were a lot of magic users in their group, and none of them had a good time. ]