Chapter 5: Nico Di Angelo's POV

I felt death as soon as I reached camp. I never something was up, the day had been gloomy and rainy.

Once I reached the summit of Camp Half-Blood hill, I noticed everyone gathering at the campfire. I hurried down and reached the stage where Annabeth and Chiron were standing, with a burial shroud. I reached Annabeth and Chiron and realized it was Percy's burial shroud.

He had died, he was the one that I felt dead. I couldn't believe Percy had died. No one seemed to be chatty, and it was awfully quiet, like before a storm.

The fire was low and pitch black. Everyone was quiet and Annabeth's eyes were red. Her expression was dark and sad, and her hair was a mess.

I stood next to Annabeth, "Want me to do the honors?" I asked gently.

"No, I-I want to, Nico, but thanks for the offer," She stammered.

She lifted the shroud above the fire, and a tear ran down her face when she burned the shroud. It must've taken a lot of courage not to break down in front of the camp. I could tell she wanted to, she must've been crying before, though.

Chiron did a speech and shortly after everyone filed out. The area was more gloomy since I got there, which seemed like a surprise to me. I went to find Will, but it seems he must be busy. He wasn't with his siblings and I wanted to talk to him, but instead, I went to Chiron.

"Chiron, how did Percy die?" I asked.

It seemed like a touchy subject to him too, because it took him about five minutes to answer.

"He was attacked by the Furies. He had killed one, but the others killed him," Chiron managed.

Of course, why didn't he think of that? He should've known, new demi-gods, sometimes equals monsters at that location.

"Do you guys need any help with the burial and funeral?" I asked.

"Actually, yes. I'm not sure Annabeth can handle any more of this. She already volunteered to burn the shroud and telling Sally and Paul about Percy's death, so yeah I would like you to do the burial and the funeral for him," Chiron pleaded.

"I'd be honored," I said. "When do you want to do this?"

"Later, after dinner," Chiron said.

"Okay, I'll get things ready then," I rushed off towards where we buried the campers from the Titan war.

I found the best spot for Percy and marked it. I felt nice and alone here. It's like my quiet place. Until I heard a rustle in the bushes.

"Who's there?" I asked and drew my sword.

A young guy came out and I realized it was Will and my face turned warm.

"Hold it, sunshine! No need to skewer me!" Will held his hands up in surrender.

"Don't call me, 'sunshine'," I said, my face getting warmer.

"Awe, Nico is blushing!" Will teased.

"You're lucky," I hesitated," That I don't want to murder anyone."

"Awe, were you about to say 'That I love you'?" Will teased.

I have never told Will that I loved him, I could never bring myself to. After Bianca's death, I couldn't say that anymore. I was afraid that I'd lose that person I loved.

"No! I wasn't going to say that!" I protested.

"Uh-huh," Will said, "So what are you doing here, besides sulking?"

"I am not sulking, I'm just planning on where Percy is going," I explained.

"Oh," Will's expression darkens. "So you found a spot?"

"Not my final decision, but yeah," I said.

"Are you going to keep pondering where Percy is going to be buried or do you want to come and hang out with me?" Will asked.

"Fine," I sighed, "but if I get into trouble, it's your fault!"

We walk away from the graveyard. Will laced his fingers into mine and I knew I was blushing. I hated it when he made me blush. We continued to walk until Jason Grace found us.

"Nico, is it true?" Jason asked.

"Sadly, yes, Grace," I replied. I hated to tell that to people, but people need to know the truth, unlike me. I was gone for 70 years in a casino, and my father didn't tell me the truth for years after that.

Jason sighed, "Oh...okay, well I got someone for you two," Jason pulled out a bag that was orange.

"You had to go with the camp color?" I asked.

"That was all they got at the gift shop" Jason admitted.

I took the bag and pulled out the tissue paper, and found a 20oz bottle of sunscreen.

"What is this?" I held up the bottle.

"Sunscreen, I noticed you two hanging out in your cabins together a lot lately, and you guys need protection," Jason said with a smile.

Will snatched the bottle from my hands, "Thanks, Grace."

Jason walked away laughing, as he met up with Piper who was also trying not to laugh. Besides the death of Percy Jackson, they're in a good mood.

Will stormed off, and I followed.

"I'll strangle Jason the next time I see him," Will muttered.

"Can we not have any more deaths?" I asked. "I don't think our camp can handle any more of those."

"I thought you loved death," Will grumbled.

"Who said that?" I demanded. "I have never said that."

"You have that vibe, Angelo," Will said.

"I like to talk to the dead, and that's what I get? Rumors?" I scowled.

"Calm down, sunshine," Will said.

We continued to walk around. We watched a game of volleyball, ate some strawberries, and headed back to the graveyard.

"Thanks for hanging out with me," Will thanked.

"Yeah, no problem. It helped me clear my mind a little," I said.

"Oh, good, well you have fun," Will said and wandered off.

Once Will walked further away, I sat down and played with some fresh dirt. Until something appeared behind me. I turned around and found Percy's ghost.