Chapter 14: Kenzie

I watched Nico walk forward. With his head held high. No trace of indecision in his eyes. Whatever was coming for him, he would take. And maybe more. I stopped in front of Hestia. He did not bow. He simply looked up into her face, waiting. My heart beat a frantic rhythm in my chest. I was still numb from the verdict. Still numb from the fact that I had chosen it. But I held onto the hope that they would let him live. Nico didn't deserve to die. Not yet. Not like this. So when Hestia smiled kindly upon him, I braced myself for a positive outcome.

But when Hestia opened her mouth to speak, Nico raised a hand to stop her. "Lady Hestia," he said, "I wish to ask you a... favor."

She drew her eyebrows together in puzzlement, but commanded, "Speak."

"I wish," he paused as if steeling himself to say something he knew he must do but was reluctant to do so. My blood ran cold. He wouldn't. Surely not. "I wish to be punished the same as Kenzie," he said firmly.

Her eyes widened in shock. And I closed my eyes tightly. Oh Nico. I love you. More than you can ever know. But don't do this. If only for me, you deserve to live. "You know what it is that you say," she said.

"I know exactly what it is," Nico growled. "Lady, I love her, and she me. I won't go alone out of this place. And since a happier ending is closed to us, this is what I ask." He spoke with such passion that had I been in Hestia's place, I would have given in.

"I for one will not allow it." Hades was on his feet. His gaunt face was paler than mine. His eyes bored into his son's, but Nico didn't back down.

Nico crossed his arms. While I couldn't have been prouder of him for his steadfastness, I also wanted him to stop quarreling and accept life, for I was sure that death was not what waited for him. Hades would never give in. Nico's resolve might never waver, but his father was stronger than his son, no matter how much Nico protested. "Father, I will not allow her to die in such a way without me."

"See sense son," Hades snapped, striding forward until he and Nico stood little more than a foot apart. "You're young yet. There'll be other women in your life. Just let go."

Nico's eyes flashed. "Who do you take me for?" he demanded. "True love comes once and only once. No matter how long I live, never shall I find it again once it is lost to me. You see reason. Have compassion Father."

Hades' eyes glittered dangerously. "My son, don't do this."

"I have made my decision, you won't change me."

"Hades is right Nico," Hestia said softly.

"What? How can he be right?"

"It isn't your time Nico," she said simply. "Your life awaits you. All you have to do is let go."

"We are speaking of love, Lady," Nico said stiffly. "And where my love is, there my heart shall be."

I came up and took his hand. "Nico," I whispered, "don't be mad."

"Why should I be?" he asked, bewildered, turning to face me.

I stared up into his eyes. "Because they're right," I whispered. "You don't deserve to die."

"Kenzie," he started brokenly.

Cutting him off, I laid a finger on his lips. "If not for your own future, do it for me."

"Why?" He took both my hands in his own, tightly, as if he would never let go.

I reached up and kissed him gently, not caring that the other gods were watching. For the moment, it was only us. "Because no matter how much it hurts now, it will get better. The world needs a hero."

"Oh Kenzie," he pulled me close and held me to him. "Don't do this to me."

Tears leaked out of my eyes as I struggled to hold them back. "It hurts me just the same, believe me it does. But I'll be waiting for you. Forever and always. I promise."

"If I went with you, you wouldn't have to wait," he said softly.

"I know. But it'd be selfish to die now. You have your own prophecy."

He drew back and looked at me, stunned. I took the opportunity to kiss him again. "Now you have to go discover it hero. Good luck."

Trying again, he opened his mouth to speak. Then he seemed to change his mind. "You sure about this?" he asked with concern.

"Yes, I am." I tried to keep the fear out of my voice, but he must have heard it anyway.

He kissed me gently and at last we broke apart. The other gods looked slightly relieved although Aphrodite was looking rather disappointed.

"Nico di Angelo, you shall take up your new residence at Camp Half Blood and train heroes until you receive your sign. Do you understand?" Hestia sounded very final.

He bowed his head. "I do."

"Kenzie?"

I took one last long look at Nico. "I love you."

The moment seemed to last forever. "I love you too."

"Kenzie, we honor your life and will remember your death with heavy hearts."

Mother embraced me. "Be strong my child."

I nodded. "Just get it over with already. Every minute you put it off makes it harder."

Nimn stepped back and Nico held me from behind. I felt him whisper, I love you. Hades raised a hand and darkness consumed my vision. My knees buckled and my last sensation was that of Nico's strong arms around me.