Chapter 3: Nikias
This time I was ready for the screams. I was ready for the people slowly backing away and for the ones running. I was ready for all the stares. The only one besides Cassia and Priam not to scream or run was the strange boy who had sat in front of me.
"Just great," I heard the Ares girl remark, "Another Death kid,"
The boy snarled, "You can only hope that the fields of Asphodel are the worst fate you receive. Making the Son of Hades mad is not smart."
It sounded like everyone thought badly about the Hades boy.
Cassia was next to speak up, "No matter her parentage her father clearly cares more than most of your parents." About half the kids looked really embarrassed and left. The other half snarled and rolled their eyes before going back to their cabins.
Chiron trotted up to me, "You may stay in the big house tonight."
I nodded and turned to the kid, "What's your name?"
He looked me in the eyes, "I am Nikias."
I smiled at him, "Well thank you Nik."
Before he could say anything Priam cleared his throat, "Nik you didn't tell me you were coming for a visit."
Nik smiled, "I picked the right night, huh?"
Priam and Cassia laughed.
Priam's face suddenly turned serious again, "Can I talk to you, Ari?"
The look on his face told me it wasn't a question.
I nodded and waited until we were out of earshot to say, "You're going to tell me to get out of here and not hurt your friends, or you're going to tell me I'm a monster. I've heard both."
His face saddened, but it wasn't because he was insulted it looked more like he felt sorry for me.
"Actually no. I just wanted to tell you Nik has had a hard life and to not ask him too many questions."
My mouth dropped, "So you're not scared of me." He shook his head, "I'm the best sword fighter of the century. I've met the Olympian council. I've been to the Underworld and back. There isn't much I'm afraid of."
I nodded and smiled, "Friends?"
He smiled back, "Friends."
We laughed and I said, "Well I would shake your hand but you know."
He cracked a huge smile, "I think I'm going to like you Ariadne."
We walked back to Cassia and Priam with huge smiles plastered on our faces just in time to hear Cassia say, "Just don't ask her to many questions. She's had a hard life."
Nik nodded then seemed to notice we were there.
"Hey," he said with an awkward smile plastered on his face. "I'll show you to the big house." Nik said, "I'm staying there tonight too."
I nodded not sure what to say as we walked side by side to the four story building on the other side of camp.
Ignoring Priam's advice I asked, "So Priam mentioned that you'd had a hard life. If you don't mind could you tell me what he meant?"
He sighed but didn't seem angry, "My sister died when I was ten and I've lived in the Underworld since then."
I was shocked and stupidly mumbled, "At least you're not a murderer."
He raised an eyebrow but didn't look scared, "That I don't believe."
I got angry, "Well you should! I killed an innocent little boy that had nothing to do with any of this!"
We were at the big house by then and he didn't say anything as he showed me to an empty room. I lied down on my bed and mumbled a nursery rhyme my dad had taught me.
Hush hush you never know
Just when the worst of you will show
Just bring the best out they will see
The person that you call me
There was more to it, but that's the part I remembered.
Suddenly I heard a voice say, "You have a beautiful singing voice."
I sat straight up and there was the Son of Hades,
"How did you get in?" I asked amazed.
He smiled, "Shadow travel, It's a Hades thing."
I smiled back, "Nik I'm sorry I snapped at you earlier I should've…" I trailed off.
He gave me a reassuring look that I would've never thought could come from a Son of Hades, "Hey it's okay you're safe now, and these guys can get used to anything. They will learn to live with you."
I wanted to get mad, but I couldn't, "Nik I want to be able to touch someone. I want to be normal not just dealt with. I don't want to be a Daughter of Death."
He smiled, "Goodnight Ariadne I will see you tomorrow," and then he disappeared. I fell asleep, but I sure didn't get any rest.
(A/N so what do you guys think. Tell me truthfully I want to know. (::)(::)(::) blue cookies for all!)
