Death's Reason

Chapter 2

"Thank you for coming out of the gym," Dr. Thorn said. "I hate middle school dances."

Nico scowled. He was seventeen years old, had called Tartarus home, had broken a sword against Gaea's leg. And he was going to a middle school.

Percy slashed at Dr. Thorn, missing for the second time as the monster was further than it seemed. Another thorn shot from behind Dr. Thorn, heading toward Bianca instead of Percy. Nico couldn't stop himself from pulling a knife from his sleeve, deflecting the thorn before it could hit anyone.

"Drop the sword, drop the knife," Dr. Thorn commanded. "All three of you will come with me. Obediently. If you make a single noise, if you call out for help or try to fight, I will show you just how accurately I can throw."

Nico lowered his knife as Percy lowered his sword. They had to get outside, he knew he couldn't fight yet.

Percy's sea-green eyes were on him, wide open in shock at the sight of that knife. And more at the fact that Nico really knew how to use it.

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"This is what you think of as entertainment?" Nico looked up into Gaea's eyes, his fists tightening in their bonds. "Me going all Hunger Games with the mortals still alive? We're in Tartarus, Gaea. You really think they're going to last long for it to work?"

He was struck on the face by something, maybe it wasn't even anything. But the pain and pressure came, and new blood started to drip from his lips.

"One demigod against all mortals to decide the world's fate. I'll promise it on the Styx, son of Hades. If you win, my son will send you back for one last chance." Gaea's eyes were wide open. The blood of his friends already stained her skin. Her smile was made of all their bodies. "Give me a show, young hero. You were always my favorite."

Nico spit the blood at her, felt his heart start to beat faster. At least he'd be able to put the mortals out of their misery, but he wasn't sure if he'd ever get used to killing them. There were thousands still alive, thrown into Tartarus with the same set of instructions as Nico had. Kill, be the last alive. He wasn't sure what incentive she gave them.

But it was in their blood to fight what was happening, and they did, and the Hunger Games became a reality in the pits of Tartarus where monsters once roamed, those monsters now covering the earth's surface. But then the earth grew poisonous, the monsters died, and Nico was the most powerful monster there was left.

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"What are you doing, Jackson?" Dr. Thorn hissed. "Keep moving!"

Nico glanced over at Percy as they walked, his arm around Bianca but knowing she would be safe. For now. Percy had his eyes closed in concentration, his shuffling feet having come to a stop.

"I sprained my ankle," Percy lied, his eyes open again to take in the scene.

"That will not kill you. Walk!"

Nico took his jacket off and put it on Bianca as they walked, his eyes on every movement and every change. This was it. He'd fight again like he once did every day.

"Zip it up," he whispered. "It's too cold out here."

Bianca did as she was told, her eyes never leaving the monster in front of them. "Nico..."

"We'll be okay," he promised.

"There is a clearing ahead," Thorn said. "We will summon your ride."

"What ride?" Bianca asked. "Where are you taking us?"

"Silence, you insufferable girl!"

Nico ground his teeth together. "Don't talk to my sister that way."