One Too Many Heartbreaks

XVII. Every Candle Burns Out (Leo's POV)

NOTE: TRANSLATIONS AT END OF CHAPTER
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Leo wanted to cry. He couldn't believe he had just done that to his only friend. But he had done it for a reason, and he couldn't let that reason get away.

Flames crept from Leo's hand onto his sledgehammer. He approached Nico, whom now stood, sword drawn.

"Don't do this, Leo," the boy said with wide eyes. "You don't have to-"

"Don't tell me what to do!" Leo yelled, hefting the hammer onto his shoulder. "I lost Calypso because of you."

"Leo, I'm sorr-" Nico was cut off as Leo swung the hammer. Nico quickly swung his sword and the two metals collided.

The result was a deafening ring, and both of the boys were blown back.

Leo stood shakily. He looked at his hammer, and it was- frozen? Ice started from a dent where Nico's sword had hit and crept outwards in every direction.

Leo felt his anger well up inside him until every inch of him went up in flames. The ice melted off the hammer.

Leo turned back to Nico. The other boy lay on the floor, his sword feet away from him. However he had done what he had just done, it seemed to drain all the energy out of him.

Leo approached him, sledgehammer on his shoulder once more.

Nico just stared up at him in shock, propped up on his elbows.

Leo raised the sledgehammer high as he could and brought it down.

Nico didn't avert his eyes from Leo as the sledgehammer crashed against the cave wall.

All Leo's fire went out and he reached a hand out to Nico. Nico took it and Leo helped him up.

Nico stared at Leo. Leo just walked back over to Festus.

"I hate you, Nico di Angelo," he said. "But I refuse to waste my energy on you anymore. Just go away and leave me alone."

Nico didn't respond but looked around for his sword. He found it and started to move towards it.

"Leave it!" Leo snapped. Nico looked frightened. "Leave it and go. I still don't trust you."

Nico seemed hesitant and upset, but Leo didn't care. The son of Hades eventually gave up and walked out of the cave.

Leo started up Festus again, just in time. The bronze dragon reared, snapping at Leo.

"I didn't hurt him!" Leo said, pointing to the shrinking figure. "He's over there. I won't be obsessing over him anymore."

Festus, still angry about being shut off, retreated further into the cave. Leo pulled out some random parts from his tool belt and fiddled with them.

(1)"Es sólo yo y mis máquinas."

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(1) It's just me and my machines.