Warning: There will be multiple point of view changes in this chapter. Each will be marked accordingly. Enjoy!
Nico
He was surrounded by warmth and the smell of the sea. It was subtle, but strong enough to make him picture a white sandy beach and crystalline blue waves glittering in the sun. Nico imagined basking in the sun's warmth with his toes buried in the sand. As it was, he was snuggled in his bed back at Camp Half-blood, a warm body snuggled next to his. He smiled to himself, tracing his fingers lightly up the arm wrapped around his waist. The tanned and muscular arm tightened possessively, pulling him back against a firm chest. The heat rolling off of his bedmate made him shiver. Nico rolled over until he was facing his partner.
Sleepy and confused eyes stared at him. "What's wrong Nico?" he asked huskily. He unconsciously snuggled closer until they were nose to nose. "Was it a bad dream?"
Nico reached up and gently cupped his cheek. Percy leaned into his touch. "No, I'm fine. Go back to sleep."
Percy held his gaze before leaning in and gently pressing his lips against Nico's. His lips were warm and incredibly soft. Nico wanted to deepen the kiss, to taste them with such ferocity that neither of them could breathe, but he allowed Percy to pull away. A second later he was sound asleep, his breath tickling Nico's face. The older demigod looked so vulnerable in sleep, igniting an overwhelming need to protect him in Nico. He loved watching him like this.
Nico lightly brushed hair from the demigod's forehead before closing his eyes and snuggling closer. He wrapped his arms around the older teen's waist and allowed himself to be lulled into sleep by Percy's intoxicating aroma and the steady thrum of his heartbeat. He sighed as unconsciousness began to take him. He felt himself drifting as sleep gradually caused his brain to shut down. His heart slowed down and he couldn't seem to piece together a rational thought apart from "Sleep is good; sleep is life.
The bed shifted beside him, but Nico was too far gone to care. Percy was an antsy sleeper, always jerking or rolling or talking. He remembered when the other had literally had a conversation with himself for a good thirty minutes. Not only that, but the son of Poseidon had a habit of sleep walking occasionally. Having to track him down and explain to the highly amused (and probably turned on) Aphrodite campers that he wasn't in control of himself was not a pleasant experience. All that is to say, Nico cared and new the trouble the boy could get them in to but he was too tired to really do much until later.
Of course that flew out the window the minute he heard a loud bang and Percy's terrified scream. Nico sat up in a flash, immediately reaching for his weapon beside his bed. That was when he noticed that he was no longer in his cabin. He was in a cavern illuminated only by torches with blood red flames. The floor beneath his feet was ice cold, but steam was rising between cracks in the floor. Behind him he could hear a river rushing, but just below that he could hear the high pitched wails of children and moans of men and women. Skeletons littered the ground, some with Greek armor and some with Roman. There were shadows surrounding him, but these were different. They seemed to radiate the pure essence of evil. As he looked in to their depths he saw for the first time I his life true darkness.
Percy shouted again in pain and Nico hastened toward the sound of his voice. He wasn't sure what good he could do without his sword, but he had to get Percy away from whoever had attacked him. He quickened his pace when his screams turned to pleas. He had never once heard Percy beg or plead and yet their horrid sounds echoed off the walls. Nico growled in frustration and ran harder. The air was unbearable to breathe in, but he had no choice but to inhale greedily as he raced to Percy's aid. It stung his eyes and left his throat scorched. He could feel his skin heating unnaturally and smell his clothes burning. Barely daring a glance down, he noticed that he was smoking and his feet were blistering.
The ground sloped downward suddenly and Nico's momentum almost sent him tumbling down the jagged slope. He stopped to catch his breath, his lungs punishing him for overworking them. He sucked in air greedily while looking over the rough and darkened landscape. Below him was a narrow trail lined with gnarled roots, dead fauna, and even more skeletons. A few minor monsters that looked more like shadows darted and poked around, but they remained hidden for the most part. The air here was different as well, the pungent odor of blood, death, and overwhelming evil permeating the atmosphere. It was darker here as well but it glowed with an eerie light. The path then broke off into three separate directions, each leading to a cavern that beckoned and repelled him. Each radiated a crippling power that Nico had never felt before. He felt immensely weak in comparison, the hope gradually leaving his body. But that wasn't even the most infuriating part.
Nico had only laid eyes on Hecate once, but he hadn't been paying the goddess any attention then. But now she was standing at the crossroads looking up at him expectantly. He could admit that he wasn't fond of the woman, but he was curious and never one to judge based off of others' opinions. He could also admit that Hecate was probably one of the most beautiful goddesses with her unnatural and exotic looks. Her skin was flawless, and while pale, a faint glow made it appear bronze. Her eyes were soft and calculating at the same time, never settling on any particular color. They were framed by dark lashes and perfectly manicured eyebrows. Her blood red lips were pulled down at the corners, but it did not take away from her beauty. Her dark curly hair whipped around her face, no doubt her magic power aided that feat. Her aura was intoxicating and overwhelming. He wanted more and less at the same time.
Without considering what he was doing he made his way towards her. In the back of his mind he remembered that he was supposed to be finding Percy, but he couldn't bring himself to change course. The entire time Hecate's eyes tracked him until he was standing right in front of her. Then she did something that would haunt Nico until his dying day. She smiled. It wasn't sweet or coy. It was hungry and bloodthirsty, as if at any moment she would sink her teeth into his flesh. He took a hesitant step back.
"Nico DiAngelo: the brother of Bianca DiAngelo and Hazel Levesque; the only son of Hades; the Ghost King." Her lips curled as she hissed his nickname. "I have wanted to meet you for some time now, but your father has adamantly stepped in my path."
Nico swallowed, realization dawning on him that this may very well be a trap. What was worse, they were both inside his head; Hecate could trap him here if she so pleased. "What do you want?"
The goddess stepped into his personal bubble and grabbed his chin. Her grip was like steel on his jaw and he couldn't very well snatch it away. He shivered, feeling the power slowly drain from his limbs. "I have come to warn you and give you a choice." she whispered before releasing him and stepping away.
He sputtered, releasing a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding. "Like you did my sister?" he asked hotly. The goddess raised her eyebrows, predatory grin firmly in place. It only infuriated him more. "I'm not your damn toy. You can't manipulate me for your stupid agenda. You nearly got us killed so that you could get your revenge against Clytius! I don't want your stupid warnings."
In hindsight Nico could agree that perhaps angering one of the most powerful Olympians was not the smartest move. The smile dropped from Hecate's face and her eyes turned jet black. A snarl replaced her cocky smirk, twisting her face. Her aura burned black and the ground beneath her feet began to crack. Before Nico could react in any way she had him by the throat pinned against a pillar that hadn't been there before. Her grip was cutting off his air supply and he felt himself losing consciousness as he clawed at her hands.
She leaned in close until her breath fanned across his face. She loosened her hold just enough to let him draw in breath, but he was still dizzy. "Do not test me boy. I have no patience for demigods and therefore will not tolerate your rudeness or incompetence. Your time is running out. Forces greater than you could ever imagine are awakening and they aren't coming simply to destroy the world. They are coming to create chaos beyond your wildest dreams, to create as much strife as they possibly can. But they will not stop there. They are aiming to destroy the gods for good, but the power required to do so is great. They are tired, have been asleep too long, and their supply is running low."
She dropped her hand and watched pitilessly as Nico dropped gagging to the floor, clutching his chest. "They feed off of chaos and misery, the very source of it all. They need souls to regain their power."
Nico struggled into a kneeling position and met her steely eyes. "That's why there's a barrier around Hades. They're taking the souls from the Fields of Punishment aren't they?"
The goddess nodded. Nico wanted to retch. How could someone do something so terrible? Sure the people there obviously weren't saints by any means, but that did not warrant their capture. Nico wasn't naïve; he knew that there was little chance of returning the souls either. This was different from escaped souls in so many ways. This time their very being was converted to magic energy and that could never be reversed. This was beyond bad.
Hecate waited for him to collect himself before continuing. "It goes against my philosophy to directly aid a demigod, but these are desperate times. I'm afraid that even my magic will be useless against such enemies at the rate they are gaining power. You and Ms. Dare are the only demigods that will be able to overtake this enemy and have a chance of surviving."
Nico blanched at that. "We can't bring Rachel up against that kind of power. They'll kill her."
"Ms. Dare can do much more than simply see the future at the moment she is figuring out how to use her power to its full potential. With her connection to the very essence of mankind she can break and create bonds between individuals at will. She can control the outcome of her prophecies if she can only see the strings holding them together. Once she learns to manipulate those strings she can better guide you to the desired outcome."
Her words struck an odd thought. "That's what that line in the prophecy means. She can convert those stolen souls back into their original form can't she?"
Hecate nodded again. "But her purpose goes deeper than that. The foe that is taking them has not completely absorbed the souls, but rather is storing them in a human vessel. This vessel however cannot handle much more abuse. Anymore and it will die. They understand this and are looking for a stronger model, one that can without an endless supply of souls without suffering."
Nico's throat went dry. He swallowed the bile that had risen in his throat. "You mean me."
"I'm afraid that you are their target because the blood of Hades runs through your veins. Whether you realize the full capacity of your power or not, they do and they seek to exploit it. There will come a time when they will capture you and Ms. Dare will have to save your life. When that time comes you will have a difficult decision to make. Your choice alone will decide the outcome of this quest."
Nico dropped his gaze. His mind was spinning with information, piecing everything together. Things were certainly making sense now. The woman that attacked Percy had been hidden within the vessel, possibly possessing one of the campers. And it had all been a trap to draw him out into the open. He knew he'd defeated her too easily. The barrier around Hades had served a double purpose as well: to keep him out of Hades at all cost. He was in their court now and thus at a disadvantage. That was why the gods had banned their quest. They'd been protecting him. But there was something that didn't quite fit into anything at all. Hecate. She had started all of this before Percy's attack. If she knew that Nico was the target, then why give them the need to go to the underworld in the first place.
As if reading his mind Hecate sighed. "As I said, this foe has been collecting souls for some time. They were aware that time was rapidly running out. They sought to take you then, but I intervened. I held them off as did your father, but I knew we could not do this alone. That's why I went to Ms. Dare. She had a connection to all of you and could therefore get to you all quickly. That spirit brushing past her was an accident. When it saw that you were guarded by both the spirit of Delphi and the son of Zeus it went after the next best thing. I then warned Mr. Jackson to stay away from Tartarus. I lied and told him that it was the only way he could survive. In truth it was the only way to keep you safe. I have no doubt that you can take care of yourself in battle, but if he were to be in danger you would risk your life for him. I believe that should they threaten his life you would surrender yourself. I hoped to avoid this, but demigods are stubborn and reckless."
Well that made the last few scattered pieces fit snuggly together. Nico stood, his gut twisting, but determined to do what needed to be done. "If this comes down to Rachel and me, we've got o choice. Where do we need to go and what do we need to do?"
Hecate considered him for a moment and then she smiled for the second time. This time however, it was soft and reached her eyes which were a simple chestnut. "I will give you a guide." She waved her hand and a small crystal appeared in thin air. It was completely boring and ordinary. She handed it to Nico on a thin piece of leather. "You will descend into Tartarus and find Achlys. You and Ms. Dare are the only ones that can defeat her and end this. But beware: she is older than Chaos himself and feeds from the miseries of people around her. Mr. Jackson and this creature have history and she has a vendetta against him from his last journey through Tartarus. Her strength has grown considerably since then and he will be no match for her. When the time comes you must take the son of Poseidon down. It is the only way to save his life. He cannot fight this woman and win. Do you understand?"
Nico nodded and placed the crystal around his neck. Hecate then touched his cheek tenderly and he felt warmth spread through his body. "I do not care much for your father after what he did to Demeter. She was a dear friend and he stole her daughter away like the fiend we all knew him to be. But he has never loved a woman like he did your mother. I spoke to her shortly before your birth and warned her the consequences. And she looked at me and told me that she would never allow you to be harmed. I have never met a mortal stronger than that."
Nico blushed and swallowed down the tears budding in his throat. He didn't remember much about his mother, but he could clearly see her beautiful and smiling face. Hecate's eyes seemed to be sad, lost in nostalgia. "I certainly hope you are as strong as your mother. I hope you can survive this." And without another word Hecate stepped away. Before Nico could respond she waved his hand and blackness momentarily claimed him.
The next time Nico opened his eyes he smelled the ocean.
Rachel
Okay, so Rachel could admit that while tactical in most situations, under stress she made pretty stupid decisions. Case in point: Jason was in some kind of trance thanks to Hecate and about to blow himself up. What's the best thing to do? Obviously tackle said demigod. She hadn't thought it was a bad idea at the time. If she could simply draw his attention away from the desolate scene before him she could possibly snap him out of it. Yeah, that had been the initial plan. She hadn't considered the fact that he happened to be the son of Jupiter and while his body was perfectly equipped to handle lightening racing up and down his body, hers was not nearly as durable. So instead of trying to knock some sense into her comrade, she was lying on charred grass with the taste of blood in her mouth.
Groaning, Rachel sat up. Her midsection was on fire, and looking down she saw that her shirt was torn and she was bleeding. It wasn't necessarily a fatal wound or anything, but it hurt enough to make her wince every time she breathed. Her clothes were still smoking slightly and her hair was a frizzy mess around her head. Her hands were red and raw from touching Jason. Her vision was doubled and fuzzy around the edges. All in all she was alive, battered, but alive. Thank the gods I didn't try to grab his sword.
After a few agonizing minutes Rachel was able to stagger to her feet. A blanket of black clouds had covered the sky and gale force winds were making her teeth knock together. His powers are still out of control. We're not out of the woods yet. She looked around and spotted the blonde sanding several yards away. His skin was deathly pale and drenched in sweat. His blonde hair was standing on end. His body trembled and if she didn't know any better Rachel would have swore he saw tiny bolts of electricity racing up and down his forearms.
She gulped and met his eyes. Of all the people she'd met, Rachel had never met anyone whose eyes could send her thoughts scattering and her knees weak. That was until she'd met Jason. His eyes were too gorgeous and too blue and looking into them for any period of time left her tongue tied. But those were not the eyes hungrily stalking her at that moment. They were the same vibrant hue and shape, but they were void of the boy she'd come to know. Darkness seemed to be present in them that dulled the light. It was as if he was possessed.
"J-Jason?" Rachel swallowed and took a hesitant step backwards. The boy tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword and took a step towards her. "Jason you have to wake up. Come on you know me. Wake up."
The next few seconds happened so quickly, but slowly at the same time. The last syllable had barely left her lips and Jason was charging her head on. His eyes were locked firmly on her own, freezing her where she stood. Her instincts were screaming for her to run, to dodge, to fight back, to do anything at all, but her feet would not move. She was rooted to the spot, suspended in utter terror. She could hear her blood roaring in her ears and her heart had leapt into her throat. Her palms were sweaty and her throat was dry. Her stomach had all but vanished and her limbs felt like lead. And, despite her body shutting down, despite the boy she'd unwittingly become infatuated with bearing down on her, she felt utterly calm.
As Jason advanced on her, Rachel could not bring herself to actually fear her friend. She could only see him as such, not as an honest threat. She did not believe for an instant that he'd suddenly stop in his tracks like in some cheesy chick-flick nor did she believe that anyone would be able to save her this time. What she did believe was that she was the hero this time. She had to save him. A bond broken, another preserved. Rachel sighed, a sad smile on her lips and a single tear leaking down her cheek. She should have known it would come to this in the end. Hecate was a goddess that presented impossible choices in hopes that demigods and man would somehow pick the right one. It was cruel, but it sorted the weak from the strong. And here she stood at her own crossroads, but Rachel knew which path she'd take. All she wanted more than anything was for Jason to be safe.
His sword plunged deep into her abdomen until the hilt was pressed against her skin. Rachel heard herself cry out in pain, felt her knees hit the hard ground below, but her eyes never broke contact with Jason's. She watched as the darkness ebbed away and the boy she'd come to care for was before her again. He was staring at her as if he'd been sucker punched and then his face was ripped apart in agony. He dropped to his knees and pulled her into his lap, against his chest. He was entirely too hot or maybe she was just too cold. His chest was solid, yet she was floating. His heart was beating against her ear, yet she heard nothing. Rachel just focused on his face, the face of the only boy she'd been remotely attracted to since Percy.
"Rachel…Rachel please stay with me. I'm going to help you. You're going to be okay, alright? Please stay with me. I'm so sorry." He continued to ramble, his arms crushing her body to him. Hot tears were falling from his eyes onto her face. It felt nice. Rachel offered him a small, broken smile. She could not speak; it was all she could offer. Jason cupped her face and pressed his lips against her forehead, her nose, her cheeks, and finally he claimed her lips for his own. The kiss was tender and full of heartbreak and unspoken, repressed emotions. Rachel wished she could have responded with such passion, but she could only offer a soft sigh.
Above her she saw a chariot descending. Jason did not see it; he wasn't meant to. Apollo sat on the seat, his eyes wide and mouth agape. The god looked sorrowful and not his usual hyperactive, laid back self. The chariot landed and he raced to her side as the darkness claimed her.
Percy
Nico's eyes opened slowly. He blinked a couple of times before he realized the Percy hovered above him. A goofy grin stretched across his face, a blush creeping on his cheeks. Percy couldn't help but return his smile, although he felt sheepish for being caught watching the boy sleep. It hadn't been his fault exactly. Nico had been mumbling in his sleep and curiosity had him leaning closer. Well, curiosity and the overwhelming need to protect the fragile teen. Nico was formidable in battle, but in sleep he looked too innocent and vulnerable.
Still, Percy was embarrassed. He may not have heard everything the demigod said, but he did hear his name quite often. He couldn't quite describe the thrill that ran through him the first time he heard Nico sigh his name. It rolled off his tongue fluidly, like it belonged there. His voice had been soft and full of adoration, his lips tilting into a small smile every single time. He'd been amazed at first to hear his name spoken with such tenderness and that amazement slowly gave way to warmth he was unfamiliar with. Nico was dreaming of him. He was rocking his crush's dreams. Thinking about it made him feel that flutter all over again and he couldn't help but turn away from Nico all together.
"So I'm gathering that you can only stare at me while I'm sleeping? Doesn't that make you a creeper?" Nico quipped. Percy turned and glared at him and his shit eating grin. "It's okay if you want to look at all of this. I'm irresistible, I know." He gestured to himself waggling his eyebrows suggestively.
"Screw you DiAngelo." Percy deadpanned, trying to keep from laughing.
Nico's teeth flashed as his grin grew. "Not even in your dreams Jackson." He sat up, wincing slightly.
Percy turned until he was facing him completely. He leaned in until they were only a foot away from each other. "I'm sorry, what was that? As I recall I wasn't the one just calling your name in his sleep." Nico's eyes widened comically and his face flamed redder than Rachel's hair. "Care to explain what that was about Neeks?"
Nico squeaked and Percy's eyes unconsciously flickered down to his mouth. Nico's lips were perfect, not too small and not too big, and just the lightest shade of pink. At that moment they were parted slightly, and Percy could feel his breath warming his skin. All he had to do was close that twelve inch gap and claim them as his own, claim Nico as his own. It was too tempting with him so close, but Percy had to rein it in. He was supposed to protect the boy, not take advantage of him.
Percy unwillingly leaned away and decided to change the subject since Nico looked as if any minute he'd make a run for the door. He could tell without touching him that Nico's fever had gone done, but that didn't mean he was at full capacity. "How does your side feel? I fed you some ambrosia and nectar a little while ago."
Nico was looking at him strangely, almost bashfully. He seemed on the brink of saying something when he turned away instead to lift up his shirt. Percy was pleased to see that the swelling was all but gone and the bruising had lightened up some. But looking at the marred skin made Percy's blood boil. They almost took him from me. I can't allow that to happen again.
Before he could stop himself he reached out and lightly traced his fingers over the abused skin. Nico sucked in a breath and shivered at his touch. The sound sent heat straight to Percy's lower region, but he ignored that pointedly. The skin was obviously still very tender where he pressed, but the worst of the damage had been repaired. Still, the guilt sat like a weight on his chest. He should have been able to protect him. He had wasted his time grappling with one fury only for Nico to battle two simultaneously. If I can't protect the people I love, what's the point of even having these powers?
He was so lost in his own thoughts he didn't notice at first when Nico's cold hand nervously grabbed his. The boy squeezed gently and Percy stopped his ministrations long enough to meet his eyes, or rather, try to. Nico was staring down at his lap, his face and ears still burning crimson. "It isn't your fault Percy. I was careless. After I killed the first one I dropped my guard and tried to come help you. It was stupid. I'm sorry for worrying you."
And there went his self control. Percy stared at him dumbfounded for a moment before gripping his face in his hands and forcing Nico to look at him. He brought their faces so close together their noses touched. Nico's eyes were slightly confused and scared at the same time. At least I'm not the only one. "You always worry me you idiot. I can't help it when…when the person I love is in danger."
Nico gasped softly, but Percy didn't give him time to respond. He pressed his lips tenderly against Nico's. The boy immediately reached up and gripped Percy's shoulders and responded without hesitation. Percy took that as an open invitation and all thoughts of being gentle flew out the window. He pushed the younger demigod until he was lying flat on his back. His hands snaked down Nico's chest and settled on his waist. He nipped at Nico's bottom lip, causing the boy to shiver and melt underneath him. A part of Percy thought that this should feel wrong; he had only ever kissed Annabeth and Rachel after all. But when he gripped Nico's hips tightly and the boy gasped he dismissed those thoughts. With anyone else, it would have been the worst thing ever, but with Nico it was natural.
Percy traced his tongue over Nico's lips, asking for entrance. He smiled to himself when the boy opened his mouth. Now it was time to restrain himself. With Annabeth he'd known what she liked and didn't like, but Nico was different. Percy could tell that he was nervous and this was his first kiss. That ignited an unknown fire in Percy, knowing that he was Nico's first kiss.
He slowly explored Nico's mouth, reveling in the taste of him. His breath was minty and cool. He seemed nervous as their tongues dueled, as if unsure of himself. Percy squeezed him tighter to reassure him and continued his assault on the younger teen's mouth. After allowing him a few moments adjust to the new sensation, Percy began to let his hands wander. He moved from Nico's mouth and placed small kisses along his jaw.
"Percy!" Nico gasped when he nibbled on his earlobe. He dug his nails into Percy's shoulder as he moved on to the hollow just behind his ear. Percy could feel his pulse jumping and could barely contain his satisfaction. He was causing Nico to lose control, he was drawing out those sweet gasps from his lips. His lips found the juncture between Nico's shoulder and neck. Without hesitation he bit down and began to suck on the tender flesh. Nico's cry was unintelligible, but he didn't pull away.
Percy pulled away to admire his handiwork. Nico's eyes were blown wide, his pupils dilated. His skin was flushed a delicious shade of pink, his bite mark standing out against the skin. Those are the only marks he should have on his skin. His lips were slightly red and swollen. His hair was tousled and he was breathing heavily. Percy would have loved to keep going, to see just how far he could push the son of Hades, but he had to control himself. It was too early to take things too far despite what his body thought. And his body was thinking plenty.
After a few breathless moments Nico seemed to regain his voice. "Y-you kissed me." He sputtered, his cheeks flaming and the incredulity in them making Percy pause.
Wasn't that what he wanted? Had he acted prematurely? Now that he thought about it, he hadn't asked permission; he'd just dived right on in. Nico had looked frightened in the beginning…oh god did he just force himself on the son of Hades?! I'm dead. Hades is going to string me up and torture me for all eternity. It was a fun life while it lasted.
He felt hands on his cheeks and returned to the situation at hand. Nico was beaming. His face and eyes were alight with something Percy had never seen before. "I never thought you'd actually make the first move." He hesitantly touched his lips to Percy's again before smiling shyly. "What does this mean for us….you know it doesn't have to mean anything. It-it's whatever you want. I don't mind."
That was the worst lie ever. He honestly thinks I kissed him for nothing. Idiot. Percy pushed him back down and straddled his lap. He leaned down until they were nose to nose again. "You're mine…you're the one I will kill myself to protect. I want more than stolen kisses Nico. I want you completely." It may not be a label, but it was how he felt. In that moment it was what they both needed; everything else could wait until later.
Well, in anyone else's life that would be the case. No, apparently in the life of a demigod meant that even tender moments like this were doomed. Nico's bedroom door slammed open, revealing Hades and Jason. Percy leapt off of Nico so fast he got whiplash. Hades' eyes narrowed at him dangerously.
"I told you my son needed rest Jackson. That was under no circumstances permission to defile him-"
"Dad!" Nico cried indignantly, but the god continued as if uninterrupted.
"- and I'd appreciate it if you would not do so in my realm of all places." He fixed him with a petrifying look that made Percy want to piss himself. Without another word Hades turned and walked away.
Jason entered the room, though he wouldn't look either of them in the eye. Nico sat up and sheepishly tried to return his hair to order. Percy turned his attention to Jason and noticed for the first time that Rachel was not with him. "Jason where's Rachel?"
The son of Jupiter continued to stare at his feet. His hands were so tight the knuckles were whiter than his skin. Now that Percy thought about it, Jason looked sick to his stomach, like any moment he'd collapse. Worry niggled at the back of his mind. He looked him over and noticed that his shirt had faint splatters of blood on them. "Jason…is that blood?" he whispered.
Nico's head shot up and he stared at Jason as if willing the blood away. Percy felt his body trembling and reached out to grip his hand. He swallowed the bile in his throat, already knowing the answer as the words left his mouth. "Jason where is Rachel?"
Finally Jason looked up at him, and it was a look that Percy would never be able to erase from his memory. It was the face of a man broken beyond saving. It was the face of a man that was burning from the inside out and there was no hope of extinguishing the flames. It was the face of a tortured soul that had been through Hell several times over. It was the face of a man that had lost someone dear to his heart. "She's gone."
Author's Notes: Well I think I have thoroughly done my job! And yes we finally have some fluffy Percico moments (Sorry, I'm not comfortable enough to write explicit stuff. Oh the life of a virgin.) Anyway, I really hope you guys enjoy this chapter. From now on I'll be updating every Sunday night/ early Monday morning because these next few chapters need as much time as possible. Thanks for reading and I'm sorry for the Rachel fans out there…it just happened.
