Will's POV:

My throat burns from screaming for Nico. My arms are searing with pain where the whip made contact with my skin. My Nico, where and that monster took him? Michael had carried me -with the help of Annabeth- to the infirmary but I hadn't stopped calling for Nico. My head pounds as I drag myself off the bed to find Nico; Michael claims people are looking for him but until Nico is in my arms I won't be satisfied. On the door, I leave a note explaining that I need to find Nico, no matter what it takes.

For hours I searched camp for Nico however I had a feeling he wasn't in camp. Taking a deep breath I stepped out of the gates, putting myself in danger of monsters but I didn't care. There's no footprints in the soil making it difficult to track wherever he went to but I'm determined. As dusk begins to fall, I seek refuge in a small cave covered in moss and ivy -good for camouflage. Cold air rushes past me but I know that any shelter is ideal at this point. Without the protection of camp surrounding me, I am in danger at all times. Just inside the opening of the cave, there is a symbol on the wall that seems centuries old leaving me curious. I touch the cool surface of the symbol and a huge opening is cleared, revealing my Nico behind bars. I want to scream but nothing comes out. Loading my bow with an arrow, I step into the clearing towards him.

"Nico, as you ok?" I whisper frantically.
"Stay away from me," he warns.
"What are you talking about?" I asks, pain clear in my voice.
"I'M A MONSTER, WILL. STAY AWAY!" He screams.
"N-Nico? This is not y-you, I can help you," I cry.
"I'm dangerous. Something is wrong with me," he replies flatly.
"No yo-" I begin.
"Get out, Will. You think that we can be together but we can't. I don't love you," he interrupts.

His words echo in my mind.
I don't love you...

Nico's POV:

I fight for dominance of my own body. Something is taking over me and I don't know how to control it, therefore I'm forced to watch as Will breaks down before me. Caged inside my own body. When I first met Will, he was so happy and bright but now it's like looking at an entirely different person. Instead of his bright blue eyes they were red and puffy from his crying.

Stop, who are you and why are you controlling me?
Nico, ah Nico. I am Gaia and you are going to help me or you can watch your friend die a slow and painful death.

This isn't me. There is something inside of me. Hurting Will. Using me as a weapon.

Please, leave Will alone. Let me speak to him.
And why should I do that child of Hades?
Because then, I will help you. As long as Will is safe. Please
You forget, to love is to destroy
Well I'll take that chance
Very well, speak to your Will. Then come with me

I feel possession of my own body again and reach for Will through the bars. Bianca used to tell me I was too skinny and needed to eat more but now I'm thankful I didn't. Breathing in slightly, I squeeze through the bars to Will and wrap my arms around him but he still cries. Whoever Gaia was, she had made me do this, I tell myself. To be straight (which I certainly am not), I have nothing to say. So I say nothing. Instead, I sit and stroke Will's face as he cries and kiss his forehead.

How could he love someone like me?
He doesn't...