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Chapter #23 : Save A Little Warmth

~Got a little soul

The world is a cold, cold place to be

Want a little warmth

But who's gonna save a little warmth for me?

We know the fire awaits unbelievers

All of the sinners the same

Boy, you and I will die unbelievers

Bound to the tracks of the train

If I'm born again I know that the world will disagree

Want a little grace but who's gonna say a little grace for me?

I'm not excited, but should I be?

Is this the fate that half of the world has planned for me?

I know I love you

And you love the sea

But what holy water contains a little drop, little drop for me?

See the sun go down

It's going on down, and the night is deep

Want a little light

But who's gonna save a little light for me?

I know I love you

And you love the sea~

NICO POV

The other cabin representatives and I followed behind the daughter of Athena towards the Big House cautiously. I knew something was wrong. I mean, why else would Chiron call us all down to the Big House for a meeting? Whatever the centaur was going to talk to us about, I won't like it, that's for sure.

We entered the baby blue barn-like building and took a seat in the meeting room. Of course, me wanting no part in this, I stood leaning against the wall in the right corner of the room with my arms crossed. I still had a perfect view of everyone gathered in the room. Percy sat just a few feet away from me, his side to me, so I could easily see the small frown and curious expression on his face. His nose was all scrunched up and his eyes were flickering around the room. All in all, he was adorable and all I could do was stealthily admire him from afar.

"Demigods," Chrion's authoritative voice boomed as he trotted to the middle of the room, his hands clasped tightly together. "I have taken to accordance that most of you, if not all of you, know about the disastrous hydra invasion in Australia. Which means most of you know that three demigods were sent to control this situation just a couple moons back. It was a tough task to ask of these demigods, I knew that at the time. Yet what I did not know was that it would spin out of control and be far worse than I thought."

The old centaur sighed, taking his small wiry glasses off and folding them, rubbing his eyes. "I'm sorry to say that, unfortunately, it was too much for the three beloved demigods. They will not be returning to Camp Half-Blood. Jenny, from the Hermes cabin, Rick, from the Ares cabin, and Gwyneth, from the Athena cabin, have been said to have died in battle."

Sad whispers and murmurs were heard around the room. I could hear a few sobs from the dead's siblings and close friends. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to calm myself. Yes, I do have a heart. I could almost feel the three deceased demigods in the room with us, but I wasn't about to point that out. Although one thing bothered me: The way they died. I can feel it if I concentrate hard enough on their names. I frowned. Something was definitely wrong.

"This situation is still raging out of control. I was afraid this would happen..." Chiron stood up straighter. "Reyna had already asked a fellow demigod hero to be on standby if the quest ever failed, in which it did. And now I ask our designated hero to stand."

I frowned. Reyna asked someone to be on standby, why did that sound so familiar? A feeling of dread washer over me. Wait a minute...

Percy slowly stood from his seat and held his chin up high. His face looked determined, but I knew there was hesitance in his eyes, something that was rare. I understood why he felt that way. Chiron was asking him to take on a perilous quest singlehandedly, a quest in which a small group of demigods had already been killed, a quest against an unpredictable amount of dangerous serpent monsters. I think I might felt just as nervous as Percy did at the moment. I was nervous for him.

"Percy, you're my highest hope in controlling this problem. I trust you, and I know you're one of the strongest we have. I am asking you to go on this quest." A few gasps and murmurs were heard around the room yet Chiron continued as if he hadn't heard a thing, "Do you accept?"

Percy took a deep breath and slowly blew it out. "I accept-"

"Questo è pazzo!" I exclaimed in exasperation. "This quest is ridiculous! I can't believe you're willing to..." I trailed off as I realised everyone's shocked eyes were on me.

(Translation: This is crazy!)

I gulped, crossed my arms, and sunk back into my dark corner. I guess people aren't allowed to expression their opinions without being judge here. Pft. Peasants. I looked up from my frustrated pout and caught Percy's gaze. He was staring at me in wonder, almost as if he were trying to figure me out. News flash: No one will ever figure me out, and I plan on it staying that way. I blushed under his unwavering intense green gaze and glared at my sneakers.

"We have to go through with the quest anyway, di Angelo." A stern female voice stated. "Whether you approve of it, or not."

I scoffed to myself and rolled my eyes. "Yeah, whatever, Chase."

Annabeth turned back around as the other demigod representatives signalled Chiron to give them details about the quest and to inform them of whatever clues or ideas that might have come up. I spaced out after Clarisse LaRue from the Ares cabin, my favourite camper, demanded she went on the quest with Percy to 'Kick some reptilian behind!'.

"Hey, Nico."

I lifted my head and blinked, the son of Poseidon standing in front of me. I couldn't help but notice he looked tired. Not that he had purple bags under his eyes or dropping eyelids or a saggy face. Not at all. He just seemed a bit worn out in general. This caused me to frown.

"Are you alright, Neeks?" He asked softly, his eyebrows pulling together as if copying mine.

I groaned, running my fingers through my dark tousled hair. "Non si può andare..."

(Translation: You can't go...)

"Nico, you know I don't speak Italian. Please, tell me what's wrong." Percy asked with a small sigh.

I took a brave step forward, out of the shadows, and stood closer to Percy. I could practically smell the salty sea coming from his body. He smelt like the sea mixed with water-lilies. I didn't let myself get too lost in the scent, though. I gazed back up at the raven haired boy and stared into his eyes with as much confidence I had.

"That quest... It's dangerous, Percy." I mumbled. "I don't think you should go."

He tapped his foot then grunted. "I have to, Nico. I already accepted it. I need to stop the invasion before anyone else's lives are at risk."

"But your life is at risk. Don't you understand?"

"I do, Neeks... I do."

I sucked in a deep breath, trying to steady my rapid breathing. When I looked back up, Percy seemed to be lost deep in his thoughts. I took the moment to admire his raw masculine beauty. Some people might describe him as plain, but to me he was the definition of male beauty. His perfect dark eyebrows, his sparkling sea green eyes, his dark little eyelashes, his perfect straight nose, his chiseled cheekbones and sharp jawline, his straight black hair swooping down over his forehead just above his eyes...

My moment of admiration was cut off as I pulled myself back into the world of reality. Percy was still stating off into space, so I hesitantly reached forward and touched his arm. I blushed as I felt the muscles tense up underneath my cold fingertips. That same warmth I always felt around Percy shot up my hand. I seemed to have caught his attention because he glanced down at me and smiled his million watt smile. I can't lose him.

"When do you leave?" I asked in a flat tone.

His smile dropped and he sighed heavily. "Neeks... I leave at sunrise."

"What?!" My eyes widened. "Sunrise? Gods, Percy... I can't let you go alone. I can't! Troppo pericoloso; too dangerous."

To my surprise, the son of the sea god's arms shot out and he gripped my shoulders in his hands, staring me dead in the eyes. I gasped and tensed up instantly.

"I know this is dangerous. What isn't dangerous? Look, we've all been in the worst situations anyone could ever be in. I understand the risks of going alone, but it's for the best. If a whole group of demigods came with me, our scent would only draw in the heard of hydras and kill us all. I can't let that happen." Percy said seriously. "I'll travel to Australia, check out whatever is going, and if I know I won't be able to handle it, I'll come right back with my observations. If I know I can take care of it, then I will stay there until I finish the job. Otherwise I'm coming right back."

"Is that... A promise?" I asked wearily.

Percy smiled gently. "If you want it to be, it is. I promise I'll come right back here to you if I know that I can't handle the quest."

I bit my lip, feeling like little eleven year Nico that trusted Percy with a promise of protecting his older sister. Being in this situation again... It really played with my emotions. I could feel a lump forming in the back of my throat and my eyes beginning to burn. I can't cry. Not in front of Percy. Not in front of anyone. Not ever. I sniffed and gazed at the ground as I felt Percy's grip on my shoulders tighten. Then I was enveloped in a warm hug. I couldn't help but immediately welcome the warm and hug back, searching for a comfort that I found instantly.

"It's going to be okay, Ghost King." The son of Poseidon gently whispered in my ear.

I shut my eyes as tight as they'd let me. "Non lasciarmi..."

(Translation: Don't leave me...)

Percy rubbed circles into my back, sending shivers up my spine. "I'll come back. I'll see you again."

PERCY POV

As I made my way to my cabin in the cool night after the late meeting at the Big House, I couldn't help but think of the way Nico acted when Chiron told him I was to be sent on the hydra invasion quest. It was as if he were looking out for me. When he shouted that first time, I could see everyone's suspicious gazes as they stared at him in shock. I mean, I was one of them. But he just shrunk back into the shadows and glared down at his shoes.

Even though he might act like he doesn't give a flying hippocampus about me, I knew that deep down he did care. Maybe he's finally warming up to being my friend. It made me feel wonderstruck every time he tried to convince me not to go because it was too dangerous, or whenever he called someone crazy for making me go on the quest alone against a heard of rampaging hydras. He truly surprised me with how much he actually cares about my life. Its relieving to know he doesn't want me dead, y'know?

I sighed as I opened my cabin door and dragged my feet over to my closet. Supplies, supplies, supplies... All the boring survival stuff. Once I packed everything I needed until Chiron gave me the rest in the morning before I left, I lugged my full bag off of my bed and placed it beside my dresser. I instantly felt the weight of the day fall on my shoulders and my eyes drooped. Stripping from my clothes, I flopped on top of my navy blue blankets, not even minding pulling them back, and passed out into a sleep full dreams.

My last thoughts before falling into a my deep slumber was of Nico and the quest.

NICO POV

I woke up bright and early. Sunrise, to be exact. I watched from my place leaning up against a tree as many demigods surrounded a boy with black hair wearing a camouflage green backpack and plain jeans and a t-shirt. Many people were clapping him on the back or chatting with him for a few moments, probably saying their farewells. A centaur then trotted up to him, its tail flicking, and said something to boy in which made him frown.

I frowned right after, not wanting to see Percy upset. I'm guessing he had to leave shortly. I glanced down at my worn out Chucks, biting my bottom lip. I didn't want him to leave. Not only because the quest would be dangerous. But because I would... Miss him. I picked up a crumpled leaf off the ground and began playing with it absentmindedly. I would truly miss him. He's the only reason I stay at this camp. Him and Hazel. I can't bear the thought of him getting hurt or not even coming back at all.

I shook the thought away and dropped the leaf in my hands, noticing I had crushed it. Hopefully I won't have an angry run-in with some tree nymphs. I gazed back up at the gorgeous eighteen year old and noticed that he was staring back at me. I didn't feel happy this time, though. I just felt sorrow. I took and deep breath and pushed off my tree, heading towards him to say my own personal farewell.

Once he stood in front of me, he mustered a charming grin. "Hey, Neeks. Are you here to see off your knight in shining armour?"

I raised in eyebrow. "And who may he be?"

"Well, now. That hurt my feelings, Princess Neeks." He chuckled with a teasing smirk.

I glared at him and pushed his shoulder lightly. Even though he was joking around and laughing, I could see the usual twinkle in his eyes have dimmed. Maybe I shouldn't have come to say goodbye after all. But... It was a chance to see Percy, which I would gladly take no matter the pain. I scuffed my shoes against the dirt and sniffed.

Percy scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "So, um-"

"I came to say good luck." I stated, cutting him off.

"Oh, um, okay. Thanks."

I bit lip, offering a small smile in return for his. "Goodbye... Perce."

His eyes twinkled and his face brightened with the nickname. I smiled up at him with a light blush covering my cheeks. He was beautiful. He was kind. He was perfect. I'd do anything to make him beam like that again.

I reached up on my tiptoes and caught him in a surprise hug. I wrapped my arms around his neck, nuzzling my face in his chest, as his arms instantly wound around my waist. I could feel his cheek pressed against my hair, and I couldn't be any happier with our contact. But I spoke too soon as he pulled me even closer. My eyes prickled with fresh tears. Why was I getting choked up? Because this contact with him made me feel.

I felt loved in his arms.

I pulled away quickly, not wanting to reveal my vulnerability. Percy smiled a gentle smile and I sighed.

"Bye, Percy-"

In a flash, the son of Poseidon leaned forward, pressed his warm pink lips to my left cheek, and pulled away. I stood in shock at the surprising gesture. My whole face burned red and I could feel hot electricity coursing through my veins. My heart pounded in my chest like a wild animal trying to escape its cage.

"I'll come back, my little Ghost King." Percy whispered softly.

And with that, he took off running. The last thing I saw was his small figure in the distance mounting a giant black hellhound and disappearing in a whirl of shadows.

~~~

End of Chapter

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I stayed up forever working on this chapter and the last to make it a perfect double update for you guys, so I hope you enjoyed it!

It's probably the last double update, too, haha.

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