Heir of a Titan - Book 2 PJO

Chapter 5: Good bye Sunshine. Hello Death.

Nico turned and gave me a wicked grin. He had his long hair pulled back into a pony, he had grown a bit more. He added a black and metal spikes bracelet to his emo punk look. His black ripped jeans, his black t shirt with a skull, his black Stygian iron sword at his side. But he seemed a little more relaxed since I saw him a few weeks ago.

I held my arms wide open as I walked closer. I actually let out a relieved laugh. The angry tears were forgotten momentarily.

Nico left the dog and came over and gave me a quick squeeze but pulled away with a deep frown.

"What's wrong? Who am I cursing?"

"Annabeth is just... I don't want to talk about it. I've dealt with bullies all my life and that's all she is right now."

"I don't mind cursing her. I'll summon some dead and I can take care of it for you!"

"Thanks Nico. But I'll be fine." 

I gave him a tight smile and wiped the glowing gold tears from my cheeks. His narrowed eyes and clamped jaw made him look a lot older than he was. He looked angry and absolutely capable of doing something unspeakable if I asked him to, but I felt my heart swell. After everything Percy had told me last year about this kid, and everything we had been through and he had told me...I felt honored he felt so protective.

"So why are you here?"

"Can't I just come see my one friend and pet a dog?"

"You can, that would be nice. But you only show up here when you need me...so. What do you need?"

"You make me sound...so heartless."

"Is Nico Di Angelo saying he actually has a heart?!"

"Eww no. Gross. Don't start that rumor."

I smirked at him. I walked over to Miss O'Leary who had started whining because she wanted belly rubs again.

"You're right, cold and black and dead inside."

"Thank you."

He walked back over to me and the dog.

"Fine. There is something. And I need you for it."

"I knew it. When do we leave?"

"Now if possible."

"Do I have time to pack a bag?"

Nico looked down at his wrist and dramatically rolled his eyes. "I guess."

"Oh chill. I'll be 10 minutes."

I took off towards my cabin. With everyone in the council meeting or chores the cabin was empty. I grabbed my bag, throwing my water bottle, a few Nectar Aid juice boxes, a few prepackaged Ambrosia cookies, my travel UV light, batteries, wallet of mortal and Drachmas, first aid kit and an extra t shirt. I strapped my knives around my hips and wrote a quick note to Will and Kayla saying I'd be back in a bit and left the cabin.

My bow and quiver of magic arrows are always in pendant form on my bracelet of charms. I had taken the pearl and she'll from Aphrodite off and tossed them, I wasn't going to keep those. But I had my bead from last summer, the bow pendant, the Phoenix feather, and Raph had got me a sun and music note and sunflower pendant- I'm positive Beckendorf had made them. But it was sweet and I loved them.

I shrugged my backpack on and met Nico in the training field. Miss O'Leary was wrestling a training dumby. But came bounding over to me when I walked into the area.