15

'You're one of the Jonas Brothers?' I asked.

'I wouldn't say Jonas Brothers.' Neeks said. 'The Mafia?'

'You got boss friends, man.' I said.

'Ha.' Pothos said. 'Now you can see why I can help you.'

'To hell with your help.' Neeks said. 'And why would you help us if you work for the enemy?'

'I was sent to you.' Pothos returned his focus to both of us. 'My master wants you to be quick and rush to your doom.'

'What can a two year old in a nappy do to us?' I asked.

'I am aware Artemis tried to send you a dream last night.' Pothos said. 'Physical pain is the least he can cause you.'

'You can go.' Neeks said. 'Help from Cupid is the last thing we need now.'

Pothos backed us. 'Okay. If that is what you want. A shame I had to go to Apollo himself to get your prophecy.'

'Did you just say prophecy?' I asked.

I didn't need to see his face to know he was smiling. 'Yes, prophecy. I know your hearing's a bit, ah, whack. But indeed; I said prophecy.'

'Neeks; are you hearing this?' I asked.

'It's a trap, Tymborchos.' Neeks said. 'The last time Cupid helped me—'

Neeks froze. 'It doesn't matter. The point is; we can't trust his help.'

'I have other business to attend to, Nicolai.' Pothos said. 'Are you in or out?'

'Give us a minute.' I dragged Neeks aside.

'Dude, this is huge. You messed up; you should agree to this.' I said.

'This is risky.' Neeks said. 'And he said he wouldn't help without a price. What if he says he wants one of our items; or us?'

'Why us?' I asked.

'We're very powerful.' Nico said. 'And if he has one of us, he can command that person not to go. And I feel we're both important for this quest.'

'Now I kind of regret giving out that diamond.' I said 'Not. I'm okay with sacrificing my iPod; or myself. Just go with it.'

'Nica—'

'Reason with me.' I said.

Creesome started playing Reason With Me.

'Sorry, baby.' I muttered. 'And you? That ring could—'

'No. I'd rather trade my sword.' Neeks said.

I sighed. 'Let's remix this business.'

'That was a bit longer than a minute.' Pothos said.

'It was an expression.' I said. 'And we're ready to accept your… help.'

'I did say my help had a price; right?' He asked.

'We talked about that too.' Neeks said. 'We're ready to pay whatever price—'

'Except the ring.' I added. 'It's non-negotiable.'

'Then—'

'First swear on the River Styx that you'll help us once we do as you wish.' Neeks said.

Pothos smirked. 'Smart boy.

'I swear on the river Styx to help you with your quest the best I can you have fulfilled my conditions.' Pothos said. Followed by a clap of thunder.

'Now what do you want?' I asked.

'Nicholas—'

'Nico.' Neeks corrected.

'Before we begin; how much do you care for your sister?'

'Should I answer truthfully?' Nico asked.

'Yes.' Pothos said.

He looked closely at me; as if picturing how good I'd look in a funeral outfit. 'I don't know.'

'You are unsure what to think of her.' Pothos said. 'She annoys you, asks too many questions, and has a sailor mouth worse than Percy's; yes?'

'Mhmm.' Neeks said.

'You tolerate her because she might take some time; like Hazel Levesque.'

'That's right. What does that have to do with anything?'

Pothos focused solely on me. 'A lot, actually. I just want to know how much you would miss her if she were gone.'

On that happy note, I literally turned to wind.