Percy vs Nico - Percy Jackson

Chapter 20

Nico's POV
She loosened her grip around my bicep, and positioned her chin to rest on my shoulder. I couldn't see her properly, but from the corner of my eye she looked to be frowning.

"You know, I always knew you had a bad memory." She stated. Always? I had only just met this girl, she's speaking to me like she's known me her whole life. I decide to play along for more answers.

"Haha," I let out a forced laugh, that was seemingly more noticeable that I had imagined based on her reaction. I cleared my throat. "What happened before we came in here?"

"Dad gave us some money for popcorn and then suggested we try complete the grass maze. It's a really big thing in our town, we do it together every year. Although this time we seemed to have gotten a bit lost." She let out another giggle and reached into her pocket. She pulled out a handful of caramelised popcorn and held it out infront me.

"I'm good thanks, you have it." I say, declining the offer. She shrugs her shoulders and nibbles on the popcorn. "Have you seen your brother since you've been in here?" I ask her. She wipes her hands on her dress.

"Come on," She said, avoiding the question. "Mum and Dad are probably waiting for us." She said as she hopped up. Mum and dad? Mum and dad. My chest tightened, I don't know whether it was from the fact that this little girl was no where near her mum or dad, or if it was from the mentioning of parents. A wave of, well something, washed over me and I suddenly felt protective over this stranger, over this girl. I remember how I felt when I left the Casino for the first time. My mum wasn't there to help us, it was just me and- suddenly I realised why I had wondered in this maze, why I had looked for this girl, why I suddenly felt protective over her. She reminded me of my sister. She reminded me of Bianca.

Percy's POV
I drag my feet as I walk out of Chirons office. I stood still and took a huge sigh, then went to find Grover. As I approached the woods, I was crossing my fingers and hoping he was there when I heard footsteps crunching leaves behind me. I jolted back and was greeted with nothing.

"Hello?" I said cautiously. "Grover, Chiron?" I suggested. There was no reply. Strange. I continued walking but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching me. I suddenly heard loud crunches running toward me. Before I could react I was greeted with darkness.