Chapter 11: The Void

Let's get one thing straight. Will did not like the way this guy had called Nico his ''new toy.'' Or the fact that he had orders to take the son of Hades to only gods knew where. And he hated, absolutely hated, that this guy had some of the same powers that Nico did. That just made it harder. "Will, c'mon! We need to get you to Nico before-" But a scream cut through the darkness, interupting Leo. It was coming from somewhere in front of him, and he heard the pain in it, the fear. He also knew who had cried out. "Nico!" Gods, why did he make it so much harder than it needed to be? He didn't still believe he was stronger on his own, did he? Leo lit a flame in his hand, but the darkness swallowed it up. "This isn't bringing back good memories." But Will wasn't listening. He was too worried about his boyfriend, too scared for his friends, and almost too mad at the green haired guy. He grabbed Leo's hand, and took each step forward carefully, not even noticing he was glowing. After a few steps, he felt like he was so close to Nico, just within arms length. And maybe he was. "Nico?" Will asked, listening. "W-Will..." He thrust his hand out, met with a cold grip, and let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Nico was right there, in front of him, and all he had to do was pull him to his feet. But the ground shook, and a loud CRACK! was heard. The darkness dissolved, revealing Nico dangling over a huge hole in the ground, holding onto the ledge for life. Will knew where it would lead. And he wasn't letting his boyfriend go back to that awful, godforsaken place. "Leo, grab his other hand, now!" But the boy had disappeared, as had the others, and now, it was only Will, Nico, and the other guy, whi now stood behind him. "Let go, Will. Don't you want to be free of his problems?" What the Hades was wrong with this guy?! "No I don't! I-I don't even know what you're talking about!" But even as he said it, even as Nico's hand started slipping from his, he knew it was a lie. He knew the son of Hades had problems. Terrible, awful, deadly problems. But Will would take care of him, no matter what, because he was a healer and a boyfriend and that was his job. "Do yourself a favor and let him go. He doesn't love you. Why hold onto him after everything he put you through?" Nico kept slipping and slipping, faster and faster. Will needed to pull him up now. The guy behind him stepped forward with one foot, his other raised to smash Nico's fingers, and he gripped Wills wrist hard, pushing against the bone. If he held on, the guy would break his wrist, and Nico's hand, causing him to fall. If he let go, Nico would fall. He couldn't see any other way that would keep Nico safe. "I can't let you go. I just can't. Nico..." The boy looked up at him, tears threatening to fall, and smiled sadly. "Will, it's the only way. I'm so sorry." He let go of Will's hand, and the ledge, but not before sharing one last kiss. And Nico fell and fell and fell. Will watched, in tears, until he couldn't see his boyfriend anymore. Then he did the unthinkable.