Chapter 20

Disclaimer: Me no own Percy Jackson. Me own my characters and plot.

Hello everybody. It's been a while, huh? Anyway, better late than never. So, song...so many to choose from...how about an oldie. My song suggestion is Dream On by Aerosmith. So, just a quick question, do you guys think I should end this pretty soon? Originally I wanted one of those "60 chapter" stories, but those are hard to read all of unless you're on the alert list, you know? So, I need to know, I'll probably put a poll on my account, but just in case I don't, comment telling me what you think.

Previously on DP

"You will pay for your foolish comment, mortal" What happened next was like slow motion. I saw Nyx raise her hand so that her palm was facing Amber. I did the first thing that came to mind. I jumped in front Amber.

JOE'S POV

When should I tell her? How would I tell her? It's not something that comes up easy in a conversation. I mean, when I accepted the offer, it seemed great, but when Cas arrived here, her presence felt strange. I mean, there's no one I really care about besides Cassidy and my parents, but with the way she's been acting, I don't think she'll ever accept their offer. But who wouldn't? There isn't a single demigod who's ever declined immortality, right?

NICO'S POV

I heard a familiar voice coming from around the corner. Suddenly, Cassidy was there, giving Amber a hug, but I felt like something was missing. Yes, I practically hated Cassidy, but that wasn't the only emotion I felt. Something was stirring in my gut, but I couldn't figure it out, so I decided to ignore it. Amber was introducing Cas to Ava, when two figures rounded the corner. "I'm sorry I didn't know we were haven't guest." The man said in an annoyed voice.

"Cassidy, dear, who is this?" He asked, then cleared his throat. I recognized him. Hermes.

"This is Amber, Ava, and...Nico" She introduced us, though, it seemed like she had trouble saying my name. Weird, I thought she would say my name with hate, not...sadness.

"What are you demigods doing here?" The woman asked.

Amber cleared her throat. "We are here to retrieve Cassidy. And seeing as we found her, I think we should go."

I don't think that was the best answer she could've given this...goddess? She radiated a different kind of power...more ancient that an average god.

"And just who..." she started menacingly, "...do you think you are to come in here and take her away from us?"

"Well, um, we just told you that we are Amber, Nico, and Ava, so..." Amber said quietly. Oh no.

"You will pay for your foolish comment, mortal"

I couldn't believe what happened next. The woman, she held her hand up and aimed it at Amber, and Cassidy. Oh Cassidy. She jumped in front of the woman. A beam of lime green shot out from the woman's hand, and hit Cassidy right in the chest. Cas let out a heart wrenching scream, and crumpled to the floor.

The woman was in shock. Her jaw went slack, and she fell to her knees and started sobbing. Hermes bent down to comfort the woman, but it was like he couldn't quite grasp what had just happened. Amber, Ava, and I just stood, there, frozen.

Finally, Amber asked "Whats wrong with her?"

"Will she be okay?" Ava asked.

I felt it though. I could sense that their was no life left in her body. Her soul had already slipped into the underworld, to my father. My heart hurt. Physically, it felt like. I figured it out. That stirring in my stomach earlier, that was because...I loved her. And that's what broke me.

"WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?!" I screamed at the woman. I launched myself at her, but Hermes shoved me backward.

"DON'T TOUCH MY WIFE, MORTAL"

What? I didn't matter though, I was to upset and angry to care. Amber and Ava, grabbed my arms and pulled me back.

"It...it's going to be alright Nico. We'll heal her." Ava said, though it sounded like she wasn't really sure.

"NO! WE WON'T! I CAN...I can feel it. She's gone." I whispered the last part.

"What's going on?" and then Joe came around the corner. He looked as confused as I felt. Wasn't he supposed to be dead? His eyes found Cassidy's body, and realization set in.

"W...what happened?"

The woman started speaking, good. At least she was going to confess to her crime.

"Those...those demigods," she started between sniffs, "They...they killed her."

WHAT?!

DO NOT WORRY! The story isn't over, although it may be close. I haven't decided yet. I know it's short, but let me know what you guys think.