Percy Jackson, The Son Of Chaos

A Dealing

Leo POV/

Staying back with Annabeth and Piper was the best thing that had happened to me since, well, before Percy and Annabeth fell in Tartarus. I finally got some time alone, to cry. I know, I'm supposed to be the funny one, the one who always jokes. But lately, I just felt like we were going to lose the war. Just by looking at Percy. How could you not feel afraid when you saw him? 

Hazel POV/

I have to find this cure for Percy. He's our only hope of surviving  the war, and I think everyone knows that as well. Even Jason.

It was very awkward seeing Percy in his nightmarish state. I wonder, will he ever wake up?

Frank POV/

I feel scared.

I'm sure everyone does too, after that saw Percy. I follow Nico through the green forest, hacking away leaves with my bow. Suddenly, Hazel gasps. I turn to see a skeleton warrior, erupting from the ground.

Nico pulls out his sword feebly, and Jason prepares to strike. I only came to offer you this.

The skeleton pulls out a small plant packed into soil. Jason puts his sword down, and asks," Well, can we have it?"

The warrior laughs. Of course you may. But only for a price.

"What's the price?" I asked confused.

The warrior turns to me. You of all people of would know, Frank Zhang.

Hazel yelps and drops a burning stick to the forest floor. My lifeline. And it is glowing red.

Jason grinds his teeth. "No, we will never give you that."

Well then you might as well let your leader fade.

I was sure that Percy meant more to the group than I did. Giving up my life for him would have been the most honorable thing I could do for all my life. I sighed. "Do you swear on the River Styx that you will give the plant to us if I give you my life?"

I swear on the River Styx. His voice echoes through the trees.

Hazel whimpered. "N-no..."

I kissed her cheek, and whispered softly in her ear, "Hey, you'll always get to see me in the underworld."

I gave Jason a bro hug, and warned Nico to keep Hazel safe. They both nodded smugly. I picked up the burning stick, and handed it to the skeleton.

"Frank, NO!" I heard Hazel scream.

But I could already see the stars.