The Next Generation

Chapter 7- Kas

The summer night was cool and crisp, a gentle vacation from the scorching heat of Apollo. The bonfire flickered merrily, a bright orange and dancing, according to our feelings, and it cast light shadows of the singing Apollo cabin and the satyrs playing their reed pipes. The rest of us sang, of course, but way less talented than the daughters and son of the music god. Usually at campfires I wouldn't have anyone to sing with, but this was different. And a little scary. As part of the "crew", as Zara called it, (yes, I am still a little mad at her for putting me on the spot). They insisted that we sat in the front row, smack dab in the middle of tan, sweaty bodies.

I was stiff at first, but after a few songs and cracking up at Sammy's terrible voice, along with the others, I began to relax, even if it was a little. I joked around and just hung out with them, feeling like a normal fourteen year old, for once. About five minutes in, while I was starting to feel closed in, Zara weaved around people, and took her own spot at Ethan's side. I smiled, glad that the boy had at least some company, even if it was the girl he'd liked for two years. Then Sammy wrapped a teasing arm around me, and for a second, I looked up into his chiseled features, glad that he'd stopped in the library today.

"Thanks," smiled, squeezing his hand, the hand of my first friend, technically. He looked a little surprised at the way this was turning, and he cocked his head.

"What for? Getting popsicles?" I smirked slightly.

"Yes, you found my weakness; the fact that I need a grape flavored popsicle each day or I die. No, really. Thanks for being my friend," He shook his head slightly, smiling that crooked smile. Turning back to me, he pinched my cheeks.

"Aww, but who couldn't love you!" I pulled back from his grip, rubbing my cheeks, which were now red. Either from the pinching or just blushing, because he didn't like me in that way. Duh.

"If you ever have kids, never pinch their cheeks. They'll die on the spot," He frowned, and said, his tone becoming more serious,

"Kas-" He was interrupted by Chiron, who called attention to the campers, who were silent after a minute.
"Campers!" He called, "This has bee-"

Suddenly, from the depths of the fire, which was about six or seven feet tall by now, something flickered. It stuttered, then gained full mirage, like a video call. I gripped Sammy's arm as the face of a man, with pale skin, slicked back black hair, and prominent cheekbones jutting from sallow flesh. Hades. He spoke in a baritone voice that was as dangerous and graceful as a panther.

"Half-bloods, greetings from the Underworld. I have recently," He sneered, his features twisting into the cruel smile, "Acquired nine demigod parents, one of which is my own son," Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw Zara stiffen, and I knew she had deduced the same thing as I.

"Nico," She breathed, her curls seeming on fire in the light of the pit in front of us. Beside me, Sammy clenched his fists. I knew why. His parents were trapped in the underworld, with possibly no way of escape. I could only squeeze his hand as Hades continued, because I knew that we all wanted to listen with care. "They were trying to steal the very thing I have just saved in my Underworld, where no one will find it. If you want them back, please, come to the Underworld and perhaps, we can bargain," Through wide eyes, I saw the king of the dead smile slickly. "What's the saying now? A soul for a soul? Yes, that would do perfectly," The parents, who had heard all of this, were now pale and sweaty.

"KIDS!!" Percy shouted, reaching his arm between a rib cage, which allowed him to see. "Stay where you are! We'll get out of this!!" Hades bellowed a cold, harsh laugh, which boomed across Long Island.

"Ah, but Mr. Jackson, I do not think you will. Well, demigods, this is goodbye for now. Ta ta!" The projection flickered off, and the campers were all silent. Chiron was wide eyed and pale faced, but managed a thin, fake smile.

"Children, It is way past your curfew. Go to sleep, and we can talk about this," He stopped, as if processing the words on his tongue. "Matter tomorrow. After all, we don't want the patrol harpies eating anyone, do we?"

Hi!

Ok, yes this was a short chappie, but things happened! Hooray! For the chapters that I have something more important in, I've found that they are usually abnormally long, or super short, like this one. Also, I had writer's block, so this chappie took me about three or four days to write. Yep. What ya gonna do?

Thx for reading (and possibly voting?)

Beth (Or Bamboo_Cat1130)