Chapter Twenty Three

Nico and Percy ran to the Athena Parthenos, and called all the campers to them. No one heard him over the clanging and inhuman screaming emanating from the creatures. There were suddenly ten of the things surrounding Percy with ropes. They had all of the strength Percy had, and all of the skill. He was no match for them; they tied him up underneath the Parthenos, then half-circled it and put their hands up in its direction, pointing towards Percy. They weren't touching it, but somehow it was moving. Nico watched in horror as the statue reached a tipping point, falling forward, gaining speed as it went. Percy was struggling to untie himself. Nico stood frozen as Will ran over and tied him up, then ran to Percy. The statue was twenty feet from the ground, and falling fast. When it hit the ground, it would take away the two things Nico wanted most in his life. Wills hands worked furiously, cutting and untying the ropes around Percy. Once his hands were free, Percy helped. The statue was slowing somehow. Nico looked up, and saw Jason pushing against it. Will shouted something at him. Jason shook his head, then relented and began lowering the statue. Will pushed it up when it brushed his head. Jason looked at him once more, trying to convince him, pleading. Will said something, and Jason flew away. Percy got to his feet, and tried to help will with the statue. Will shook his head vehemently, and they started arguing. Nico could hear bits and pieces of their conversation.

"Only thing Nico has left!"

"-Break his heart..."

"That'll happen if either of us-"

"It'll hurt more if you..."

"You're dating him!"

"He never stopped caring. He loves you more-"

"No. He'll always love you. I want the least amount of people to be hurt from this."

"But..."

"I know. You want to be the hero. But maybe, this one time, being the hero means saving yourself. Now go!"

Will pushed Percy out from beneath the Parthenos. Without the extra help, Will couldn't hold the statue up anymore. He fell, the statue crashing on top of him.

Nico found his voice. "No! He screamed. Cutting the ropes that Will had restrained him with, he collapsed, sobbing. Piper helped him up. She had seen everything.

"Nico.." She murmured, full of worry. He pushed past her, sprinting towards the Parthenos. He had to get to Will. He knelt by the huge statue, but could feel wills bright, sunny spirit slip away.

"No..." He whispered brokenly. People crowded around him and the statue. The battle was over. The things had disappeared as soon as Will had been crushed. Nico didn't care. Will was gone. He got up, ignoring the outstretched hands and soft murmurs. He pushed through the crowd and started running. Away from Will, and the camp. Towards the woods. Percy ran after him. For an hour at least, Nico ran. Finally, he slowed to a stop in a small clearing. It was all too much. He curled up in the middle, too tired to fight and in too much pain to stay conscious. Percy arrived five minutes later, and thanked the dryad who had shown him the way.

"Thanks Juniper. I owe you."

"No problem, Percy. Be careful."

"I will."

She was gone is a rustling of leaves. Percy turned his attention back to Nico. he knelt next to him, rubbing his back in a comforting, rhythmic movement. Nico sat up slowly, and looked at Percy, tears glistening like stars in his dark eyes. He held his arms out like a small child waiting to be picked up. Percy wrapped his arms around him. Nico curled into Percy, not caring how he took it. They stayed that way for hours. Night fell, and Percy shook Nico gently, then rose and helped him to his feet. They began the long trek back to camp. It was late when they got back, but it seemed every camper was crowded at the edge of the woods, along with a couple people from camp Jupiter. A cry went up when Percy and Nico were spotted, staggering out of the woods. Jason, Piper, and Hazel rushed over to check on them. No words were said by any of the. Percy still had his arm wrapped around Nico. As more campers crowded around, Percy drew Nico close. Percy looked down at him just as Nico looked up. Nico went up on the tips of his toes and kissed Percy. Further out of the crowd, on the edge of the circle between the two boys, Annabeth turned away, not wanting anyone to see her cry. She came face to face with Reyna. Reyna took her hand, and without another word, led her into the deep green woods of Camp Half Blood.