The Chosen One (Earth 7)

LIII) "Pillowing Duties?"

He finally turned to dust and I left the house. I tossed some barbecue into the fire, offering it to the twins.

"Thanks guys." I whispered, "I owe you big time."

My attention immediately snapped back to my friends and I immediately helped Annabeth up.

"Are you hurt?" I asked, checking her face.

"I'm fine." She muttered, smiling at me, "Your saved us."

I untied her and she immediately hugged me, "Of course. I really thought I'd let him take you guys?"

Grover cleared his throat loudly, "Sorry to interrupt your moment but," he gestured to his hands, "We're still tied up."

I chuckled, getting up and untying them all. Even Nico, who glared at me the entire time allowed me to untie him.

"Now, what do we do about him?" Grover asked.

I walked over to him, "How long will he take?"

"He's not gonna be quick." Eurytion muttered, "Thank You."

I was so surprised that I stood there, my mouth slightly agape, "You're thanking me?"

He nodded, "He's my master. I was forced into this lifestyle." He sighed, "You've saved me at least a hundred years of trouble."

"Maybe it doesn't have to be this way."

Eurytion frowned, "What do you mean?"

"Get the animals on your side. Stop selling the for meat. Maybe when Geryon revives, he'll be working for you."

The others appeared at my side.

"Who paid him?" Annabeth asked.

"He was bluffing." Eurytion said.

"What about.." I looked over at Nico, who was glaring at me.

"The titans don't know about the boy. For a business man, Geryon really wasn't all that smart. He wanted to IM them after the barbecue."

"You can stay with him until we're done with the quest."

"Why?" He narrowed his eyes at me.

"It would be the safest."

"Like you'd care." He scoffed, "You promised me."

I jaw set, "I- I'm sorry."

"Yeah, sure." He looked away, blinking tears away.

"Nico, it wasn't Percy's-"

I held Annabeth's hand, "No," I whispered, "It's fine."

"But-"

"It was my fault. And I'm sorry."

Nico glared at me again but tears were making it difficult for him to look threatening, "Don't lie. This is pity. You don't care."

"Of course I do." I said, "Kronos wasn't lying."

"Yeah, he would capture you, force you to be on his side." Annabeth added.

"I'm not anyone's side!" He yelled, "Certainly not yours."

"Nico, you're sister wouldn't-"

"If you cared, you would try and bring her back with me!"

"A soul for a soul." I muttered.

"Yes!"

"She wouldn't want that."

"You didn't know her! She was all I had!"

The prophecy talked about the ghost kind. No doubt, it was Minos.