The first chapter wasn't changed much but just to see the notes, I would advise you to go back to it!

I think the first chapter was ok. The changes are major from here on out. But like I said, I like them! Hope you do DX

Enjoy!

The golden titan, still only a ghostly form, but glowing brighter, stroked his beard in contemplation. An engaged marriage. Would this work against his plans? Not even he had the knowledge of such a rule, but then it seemed so absurd that the thought was behind him. It was all so preposterous. "Fools," he muttered.

On the opposite side of the projection, another power smirked, his form mortal but possessing a strange essence. If one were to look at him, they would only think of the man as a delinquent. His black hair was in spikes all around his head, the black hoodie and chains giving him a punk look. The face was an image that could have been sculpted by angels if not for the piercings. The icy eyes observed the image with distaste, not impressed at all by this girl that was supposed to be essential to the master's plans.

He glanced at the Lord of Time. "Does she know?"

He stood silent for some time and then answered, "No. But that is no matter. It is more advantageous in the end. We will mold her powers more to our liking."

"Tch." The servant watched the demigod closely. How pathetic. He could only imagine how her heart would taste. Too sweet as she was warm and caring. It completely appalled him. The dark eyes narrowed. But perhaps the eyes. They were blue, the color was gentle. However something lurked in them. He smirked. "Well then this should be quite an amusing task."

Rosa's POV

"There you go, little guy!"

The small flower, previously trampled to death, sprouted to life from underneath my fingers. The purple petals extended like a newborn baby opening its arms, small but precious. I ignored the amethyst gem that had been in the violet before it was destroyed, as I never found it to make them any prettier than they already were. I adored plants, especially flowers. Some were great and some small, but either way, they were fascinating. The power of nature was amazing.

"Aw, saving another life, Mother Nature?"

I glared, looking sharply up at the boy standing above me. "Maybe you should learn to respect their lives. As a son of the god of death, one would think you would understand that any life is sacred."

He snickered. "Oh right, because plant life is just as important as humans."

I scoffed. "They are! Without them, we wouldn't have the oxygen we need to survive."

Nico rolled his eyes. Not that he would know that anyway. He's the biggest idiot on the face of the planet. "Ok, nerd."

My fists clenched. I wish I had a rock to throw at the back of his perfect hair. I hate him! Marriage is going to be the death of me. I stood and stalked off in the opposite direction. I had almost wanted to skip at the prospect of going to my mother's garden. Almost. I mean, yeah, it has been seventeen years to enjoy it, but it's probably one of the only things I like about this place. Everything from the sweet aromas of the fruits and flowers to the enchanting colors is simply magnificent. In the center of it sat the pomegranate trees, the same ones that were there when my mother had been taken here. Greek and Roman statutes lined the walkways, many in states of fear. Long rows of flowers sat on each side, glowing faintly with their own mystical light. Each reflected off a huge gemstone: diamonds in white orchids, topaz in marigolds, and rubies in red roses, varying in size from as small as a ping-pong ball to the size of a football. This garden was stunning; even if it was of the Underworld.

But, of course, there are people, or Nico, who can't seem to understand such beauty. Rotten son of Hades. If his father didn't want him around, I would have that guy hanging by his toes over the pits of Tartarus, laughing at him as he begged for mercy. I chuckled to myself. That would be a sight to see.

Creak!

I turned my head and watched as the palace gates, my only way out of this dreadful place, opened. I've thought of it, of course, but my desire to do so has never been strong. You see, parents are always trying to protect their children from everything especially when one is without their supervision. They set ground rules. Well my mother had set a really big rule for me when I was out in the gardens unaccompanied: Never leave the palace grounds. And of course, being a good girl that I am, I obey.

To my spite, Nico di Angelo was exiting out with the god Thanatos next to him, both of them deep in conversation. Probably about collecting souls. It was their job after all. The two were similar yet so different. Thanatos was like the son of Hades: lean but muscular. Both were Hades's servants, even despite Nico shares the god's own blood. I don't know if Hades ever really had a soft side for his son. I definitely know Bianca his late daughter had been of more importance. However I still don't know if I could see him actually caring about either child. Anyway unlike Nico, Thantos was polite and gentleman-like. Not to mention quite handsome. Though I couldn't see his face presently, I knew it was beautiful and regal with honey gold eyes. He had black hair that flowed down to his shoulders and skin the color of teakwood. Sometimes he had black feathered wings, like some fallen angel, but today it was a leather jacket.

I crossed my arms over my chest. "Humph." How lucky they are. And they don't even know it. It's probably the only reason why I could ever truly loathe di Angelo. He can do whatever he wants. Go wherever he wants. Unlimited freedom. And he's the reckless one. Life is so unfair.

With a sigh, I turned away. No point in thinking about. I wouldn't get very far even if I tried to escape. You should have seen me attempt to skip breakfast this morning...

Never trying again.

Nico's POV

I sat myself down by the Styx, eyeing the acidic water as lost memories surfaced through its waves. Thantos and I were finally finished tracking down some rogue spirit who went haunting a toilet in a high school to scare the crap out of some teenagers. Nothing some memory wiping won't fix.

I heard gravel crunching behind feet and looked up at the minor god of death. "How are things in San Fran? Any sign of new Titan activity?"

The god of death was a respectable guy. Probably the closet person I had to a friend in the Underworld. Ever since I came of age, my father granted me the responsibility to control the spirits and aid Thanatos in gathering the dead. It seemed like it would be somewhat exciting at first, but having to do this to people is just depressing.

He shook his head. "Not that I saw. However, I feel like more forces are being raised. The aura coming from Othrys is powerful."

I narrowed my eyes and threw a rock into the river, watching as it evaporated to dust. I have to find a way in that place. I want them all destroyed before they get too strong to cause real damage. I don't want any more wars.

"But enough about the depressing stuff. How about you and Rosa?"

I turned to him with a brow raised. "What about us?"

He shrugged his large shoulders. "Well the rumor has it that you two are engaged. It's all over the Underworld and has recently reached Olympus." I groaned, putting my head in my hands and pulling at my hair. Hades, can't it just go away? I heard a deep chuckle. "Not happy about it?"

I glared up at him. "What do you think?"

"I think you're in denial."

I gave him a gap. "Denial about what? My life is screwed."

"How is that so? You're to be married to one of the sweetest, most beautiful girls in the world."

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "Sweet, sure. And there are plenty of nice-looking women to go around."

He smirked. "Oh and I'm sure they all have sea blue eyes that make you swoon."

"I didn't swoon!" He laughed and I felt my cheeks go red. I feel like the thirteen year old boy he used to pick on. If I didn't want to burn to death, I would have jumped into Styx at that moment. I shook my head. "What does it matter? She doesn't feel anything for me anyway."

He smiled with an 'Ah' look. "But you feel something for her."

I almost jumped out of my skin. I tried to brush it off, "As if." I didn't like her. Maybe before I did, but now I'm older. I know better than to fall in love. It's weak and it only hurts in the end. I don't need to lose someone else.

"What, you have only gone a year without mentioning her? As I recall, after the first day you met, you couldn't stop talking about her, and I quote, 'beautiful blue eyes and dark curls...'"

"That was years ago!" He smiled with a wink. I scowled, my gaze moving away. All of this was insanity. Marriage was not an option, nor even real love. The only person I ever needed is gone now. I didn't want to become close and will never desire a relationship. I had my plan. Go through the motions, the ceremony and such, and then I shall be on my merry way.

I felt eyes on me and my glance shifted. A firm look held me still. As if reading my thoughts, "You know, you can't just marry Rosa and then not have a life with her."

I glared. "Is that so?" I challenged.

His gold eyes narrowed. I probably shouldn't cause trouble with him, as Thantos would have no issue with kicking my ass. My glare faded and turned back to the water. I heard him sigh and suddenly he was sitting next to me, a strong hand on my shoulder. Our eyes met and he asked, "Do you really want to hurt someone like that? Think about it. It isn't right. Marriage is about love and trust. Can you imagine how much it still pains Hera or Persephone or Amphitrite when their husbands remain unfaithful even after they have devoted much loyalty? I don't believe it is justified to hurt the person you're supposedly committed to." He crossed his arms over his big chest and I sighed. Of course, he gives me a pep talk. He has always wanted to try to help me shape up; be a better man. The father I never had.

With a heavy sigh, I dropped our gaze. He could try to help me, but sadly I will always be Hades's son.

Well on that serious note...

Review?

Q: Where are you going this summer?