Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Nico did it. The camps did it. Gaea is asleep again. The world's been saved. He slices through the last of the centaur beasts, panting as he cuts the last ones head off. He leaned forward, his sword in the ground, slowly looking around to survey the damage done.

Death. It's the overwhelming feeling of death. Nico can feel it's coldness and sadness sleeping into his very core. Monsters and demigods alike died today at overwhelming rates and it's hard for him to handle emotionally. So much death.

His hand clutches at his chest as he pants some, slowly straightening up again. He suddenly drops his sword and clutches at his head, letting out a scream of pain as something loud echos in his head.

If I'm going to sleep I'm going to take one of you with me. Come join me son of Hades. My husband wishes to see you again.

Sinister laughter fills his head as Nico just screams in pain. Memories of Tartarus flash through his head. The world starts spinning as he looks around desperately for help, his hands falling from his head. Blood drips from his nose, but he doesn't notice. He takes a step forward and falls, his leg feeling as if it didn't exist anymore. Words call out to him, but he can't understand what they're saying. Blurry forms move towards him, but he knows it's too late.
"I'm sorry."

Blackness.

Chapter Text

Will was struggling still after the battle ended. So many wounded. So many dead. So many dying. There were only so many Apollo children and even then their ranks had been damaged by the fight.

Saytrs and nymphs ran around trying to help heal the wounded. Soldiers ran around trying to stop bleeding or comfort those who would not survive.

Will was an exceptional healer. He had the sense to spot whom was in the worst condition and needed attention first. He heard a pained scream over everything, all the chaos, and turned his head towards a black-haired boy, standing in the middle of a monster dust massacre pile. Nico. Son of Hades.

Will watched as the son of Hades fell, his sword melting through his hands. Watching as the boys leg started disappearing into darkness and as he collapsed forward. His legs moved without him even thinking about running, screaming out the fallen boys name. Light erupted from his hands as he knelt beside the fallen boy, shouting his name as he watched more and more of the son of Hades continue fading. It felt like hours, but was probably only minutes, before Will felt the drain. The fading had slowly stopped and the light faded again from his hands before his own world went black. But at least he had saved a truly innocent soul.

Chapter Text

"The air smells like lemons and freshly made cookies. It's warm here. Safe."

"-ill? Will? Will it's time to wake up honey."

"M-mom? Mom wait! Mom I've missed you. Please don't leave me here again."

The woman, Naomi, smiled at her son as she ran her fingers through his blonde tangled hair.
"Will you know you can always visit the real me. Now it's time to wake up. Your friend needs help. He needs you Will. You're his only hope. I love you my son."

Lips brushed against his forehead before white was everywhere.

Will gasped as his eyes flew open, leaning over the bed as he vomited out whatever was in his stomach. He was vaguely aware of a hand patting his back as he kept heaving. Once everything seemed to be out, he fell back against his bed, sighing as he looked over tiredly at the person beside him.
"Hey Kayla...what did I miss?"

His sister wrinkled her nose at him some and handed him a cup of water, crossing her arms over her chest.
"It's been 2 days since you collapsed after healing that boy. You overused your powers this time Will. What were you thinking?!"

Will sipped the water gratefully and cringed at his sisters outburst, looking forward out the window. The land was still okay this far in camp where the battle hadn't reached it. Right now he could see people splashing around in the lake as if nothing had ever happened.
"I didn't mean to Kay. Really. It just happened, I didn't even remember activating it. How is he? Nico."

Kayla opened her mouth to answer, but before she could speak a boy burst in, the door slamming into the wall. It was one of their brothers, Tyler.
"Kayla! He's fading again and we're out of that Unicorn draught the romans brought! Hey Will. Kayla what do we-WILL?! Will we need you. It's Nico."

Will waved sheepishly at his brother before his eyes widened, the cup of water falling from his hands. He was up in an instant, ignoring his wobbliness and Kayla's insistence to lay down again, he made his way to Tyler's side.
"Bring me to him. Now."

Chapter Text

With Tyler's help to keep him upright, Will was soon standing in Nicos room, watching as the boy laid there doing nothing. His face was paler than ever and his chest barely showed any breaths being taken. His hands were completely see through and only an outline was detectable. His arms were almost completely see through. His feet and legs were in the same condition.

Dying. Nico was dying in a way no one had ever seen. Who knew what happened to the soul if you died like this. Would Nico be able to even reach the Underworld if he just faded? Would memories of him fade away with him?

Will shook his head some, pushing away all his questions and had thoughts before placing his hands on Nicos still solid chest. Light slowly came out from his hands as Will pushed his healing through the fading body.

Fight it Nico. Come on Nico you can't leave everyone like this. Fight fight. I know you're strong. You'd never let this defeat you. Fight back Nico. You deserve a happy ending like everyone else.

Black tendrils suddenly lashed out and mixed with the light coming from Will, both of them tangling together in harmony. The fading stopped and reversed its effects, the solidity of Nico slowly being seen.

Will let out a happy cry as he collapsed forward onto Nicos sleeping body, panting tiredly.
"You did it Death boy. You fought back. You're gonna live."

Tyler and Kayla helped Will into a chair besides Nicos bed, giving him an IV line of fluids and some ambrosia to try and bring up his energy levels.

Kayla smiled and made sure he was settled before going to check on her own patients, knowing their highly critical patient was in the best hands possible.

Tyler checked Nicos vitals before turning to Will nervously, fiddling with his belt loops like he always did when nervous.
"Hey Will. We found out some other things to do with Nico while he was here with us. You're not gonna like it..."

Will sipped his ambrosia as he watched his brother, slowly resting his hands with the cup on his stomach.
"Tell me everything."

Chapter Text

Darkness. Darkness is everywhere. Pimple like blisters pop around him and monsters spawn from everywhere. He gets no sleep, constantly fighting monsters just to be able to move a little further towards the doors. The night herself is trying to kill him. He cannot rest safely anywhere. The water that burns going down is the only thing helping him live. Rotten corpses provide minimal nutrition to help him be able to keep moving. Anxiety is his only friend. Loneliness is everywhere. Depression is at an all time high. Death is eminent.

It's a fight and he can finally see the doors. Such cruel irony that they reflect the doors of Olympus. It's almost enough to make Nico smile. Almost. He naturally blends in with the shadow, but down here the darkness works against him. He avoids the heavy shadows, knowing the demoness that lurks just beyond them. Who craves his blood spilled on the disgusting ground.

He's just glad that the sorrow demon goddess is gone. Her words hurt him the most. Dug down to his soul and made all those happy feelings disappear. Forever maybe.

Nico is just feet away from the doors, watching as two titans usher a group of telkys and cyclops inside. One presses down on the button and Nico just watches, internally keeping the time. 12 minutes. It takes 12 minutes for the doors to open again and the next round of monsters to slink inside, yelling about the bloodshed they'll cause once reborn. Nico watches 4 groups total go in before he decides to make his move.

Nico slowly creeps forward as the doors close again and the button is pressed and held. He lets out a war cry as he leaps off a rock, slashing at the owner of the finger on the button.

The titan lets out a cry of pain and anger as its finger slips off the button. Screams of monsters are heard as the doors open again with all its occupants missing. Lost forever in nothingness.

Nico fights through swarms of monsters and keeps the titans at bay. He just keeps fighting and fighting even though all he wants to do is fall over and sleep. His body moves despite everything it's been through. A pain erupts on his back and he collapsed to the ground with a gasp.

Two giants smirk as they stare down at him.
"Mother will be pleased with this one. Let's take him up Ephialtes. We can find a way to store him until mother has a plan laid out for his life."

The other giant just smiled and nodded, picking up the injured boy and ignoring his cries of pain.
"Grab his sword Otis. Can't leave that nasty thing hanging around. We have a show to prepare for."

The jar.

Nico had never been claustrophobic, but if he ever got out of this he definitely would be.

First off, who just happens to have a huge ass jar laying around. Apparently Mother Earth that's who.

The two giants had brought him up through the doors back to the real world, but unfortunately for Nico he had fainted mid-trip. He had woken up after who knows how long trapped in a huge jar. He tried everything to get out. Summon the dead. Shadowtravel. Kick and punch everywhere. Scream for help. Smash at the sides with the rocks underneath him. His sword was missing unfortunately and his guts told him those giant idiots had it with them.

He was trapped. Air was limited and Nico did his best to stay calm and barely breathe. His mind ran through ideas to get out before going blank. There was no way out. Nico Di Angelo was trapped in a giant jar and was going to die. But at least he could prolong his death.

Nico slowly reached into the inside of his jeans in a secret pocket he had sewn in. He pulled out all his pomegranate seeds and counted them nervously. He wouldn't last forever, but hopefully long enough for someone to find him.

Please. Someone save me. I don't want to die like this...

Nico slowly chewed on one seed before grabbing a rock beneath him and scraping a line into the side of the jar. His world slowly fuzzied and faded as he went into his death trance.

All he could see were his deepest darkest thoughts. He could keep hearing his name and how he wouldn't be saved.

How worthless he was.
How disgusting he was.
How useless he was.
How dead he was.
How unlovable he was.
How forgotten he was.
How lost he was.
How faded his entire existence was.

Chapter Text

Nicos body hurt. Not just one place, but the entirety of him. Everything hurt.

A groan escaped his lips as his eyes fluttered open, cringing at the whiteness that surrounded him. So he definitely wasn't dead because hell was the opposite of white everywhere. He slowly tilted his head from side to side to determine where he was and sighed as he noticed the sleeping form of one son of Apollo beside his bed. Will Solace of course.

Nico sighed and winced as he slowly sat up, looking down at his body. He studied the bandages on his arms and groaned, rubbing his face with his hand.
Great Nico now they know how fucked up you are. It's a good thing you were already planning to leave both camps for good. Maybe father will let us stay in Hell forever. I'll even eat one of Persephones fruits or whatever so I can't leave. Dude. That's not a bad plan actually.

Nico smiled as his plan came together, looking around the room. His sword was propped up near the door and his usual clothes were missing. He gasped and went to his hand instantly, slowly relaxing as he felt his skull ring on his finger still. At least they weren't the monsters in camp.

Nico slowly started to stand, making sure to be as quiet as possible to not wake Will. He crept past him to the door, picking up his sword. He opened the door just a crack at first, studying the people walking by. It must've been dinner time because only a few of Apollo's children were walking around and those that were either held food or clipboards. He waited until the hall was clear before making a silent run for it, sticking to the shadows as he made his way out of the infirmary.

There were a few close calls, but he did it. He was free. He was gone. It would take them a while to notice anyways, but his hospital gown was an obvious sign to other campers he shouldn't be out and about. He needed to change that or rather, the gown.

Running to his cabin was easy with everyone occupied with food and not an infirmary runaway. He shut his cabin door behind him again and sighed as he set his sword on his bed, going through his dresser and changing his outfit. The gown was stuffed into his bathroom trash can and the bandages joined them.

The wound from Lycan had been stitched shut and didn't seem as swollen.
So there is a way to take care of it. Well thank you then Apollo or whoever. One less thing for me to worry about.
Nico grabbed out his backpack from under his bed and started filling it with everything he owned in the cabin, which wasn't much.

Clothes filled the bag along with whatever toiletries he had lying around. His one deck of mythomagic cards went in as well because he always kept one of his decks at camp just in case anyone else played. Everything else was already at Hades palace. He grabbed what looked like a piece of obsidian and tucked it away carefully. No one knew what that contained except for him.

Nico looked around the room and sighed softly as he pulled on the bag and his sword.
"That's everything...it's as if I never existed. I'm sorry Hazel...you deserved a better excuse for a sibling."

He grabbed out his Hades mythomagic figurine and stroked its head with his thumb. He set it on the other bunk that Hazel had taken up residence in on her pillow and smiled sadly.

Nico made sure he had everything before opening his door, scowling angrily.
"What are you doing here?"

Chapter Text

Will was pissed and was ready to kill somebody named Nico Di fucking Angelo. As a son of Apollo and a healer, murder never crossed his mind...until now.

He woke up in Nicos room, finally feeling well rested and energy levels full again. He looked over at where Nico had been sleeping to start checking him over, eyes going wide as he noticed the empty bed. He shot to his feet and looked around the room and groaned.
"Swords gone. Nicos gone. He fucking ran. I can't believe him!"

Will stormed out of the room and past his siblings and other patients. Once out of the clinic he ran to the pavilion and to a specific table. He slammed his hands down on the poor unsuspecting male shoulders and tugged them to their feet.
"Jason. It's Nico. He left the infirmary. I don't know when, but recently. We need to find him now."

Jason had been mid bite of his spaghetti and a noodle was hanging out of the corner of his mouth. He just gaped around like a fish for a few too many seconds for Wills liking before he sucked in his noodle. He nodded and ran off and grabbed some more people's attention before the group left.
"Will and I will check Nicos cabin. Hazel. You and Frank check the woods to the left. Percy and Annabeth check the woods to the right. Reyna and Piper check the borders and big house. Guys hurry. If he tries to shadowtravel again he might just be gone forever. Let's do it guys."

The group nodded and everyone ran off in their separate directions. Will and Jason ran to the Hades cabin, not even bothering to knock. The door opened before they could even touch it and they were faced with an irritated son of Hades.

"What are you doing here?"

Will stepped forward and slapped the boy across the face before hugging onto him.
"Fuck you worried us. Why did you leave the infirmary? You still owe me 3 full awake days. You promised me."

Will watched as the boys nose wrinkled in disgust and he stepped back, his red cheek a startling color against his pale skin.

"I'm leaving and that's final William. I don't belong nor do I want to stay. That's why I ran away so I didn't have to face anyone's judging of me. Now move. I have a ride I need to summon."

Will stood in the doorway, blocking him off. He yelped in surprise as he was pushed out of the way by the scrawny, but surprisingly strong male. He fell back onto his butt and watched as the male started storming away.
"Nico wait please!"

Jason had been watching the ordeal quietly from the side and finally decided to step in. He grabbed Nico with ease and threw him over his shoulder before turning to Will.
"Well? Let's go then. Make sure we grab some chains. And get the message out to everyone else that we found him."

Chapter Text

Nico was kicking and hitting and screaming profanities at both of them as Jason carried him back to the infirmary. They definitely got stares as they passed the dining area, still full of people eating their dinners. Soon they were back at Nicos room with chained down padding around his wrists and ankles to keep him there. A new hospital gown was also put on by Nico who refused to let Jason do it after the boy offered. Will thought the earth would crack again with how much Nico glared at the son of Jupiter.

Nico was silent and a dark mood had settled on the room. He didn't even struggle against the padded chains around his ankles and wrists.

Jason had left them to go get dinner for them all and to tell the others about finding Nico again. Which meant Will was now alone with the only son of Hades who did not want to be alone with him. In the infirmary.

Will kept glancing at Nico worriedly as he did his healing work. He felt Nico stiffen up as he inserted an IV into his arm and sighed softly.
"Sorry bout that..."

Nico just shrugged, staying quiet. He rubbed his wrists up against the pads on them and sighed softly.
"When are you going to let me leave?"

"3 days. Fully awake and functioning. Cooperating with our treatments."
Will glanced at him as he started to unravel the bandages on the boys shoulder.
"But now it's my turn for questions. Where did this come from?"

Nico glanced at the wound from Lycan and cringed some as memories resurfaced.
"Lycan. He scratched me while I was shadowtraveling here. Am I going to turn into a...a-a-a-"

"You won't turn into a werewolf. That requires a bite I'm pretty sure. It just got infected because you weren't taking care of it. It'll heal, but there is going to be a huge scar. Sorry we can't do more for that..."

Nico just shook his head and looked away as Will bandaged up the wound again.
"I'm used to scars. Got loads of them all over. What's a few more?"

Will frowned some and tied off the end of the bandage, looking up as Jason walked in with a tray of food.
"Thanks for bringing us dinner. You got everything I asked for. Does everyone know Nicos back?"

Jason nodded with a slight smile, glancing over Wills shoulder at Nico who was staring at his feet.
"Yeah they said they'll stop by tomorrow or something to check in. And we agreed to all take turns watching this door to make sure someone stays here though. Frank said he'll be here soon to take the first shift. Have a nice night Will. Be good Nico."

Nico scowled and flipped him off, saying nothing.

Will smiled some and rolled his eyes a bit, before closing the door with his foot and going to sit in the chair beside Nicos bed. He looked down at the two different plates of food and picked up a fork, grabbing onto a piece of watermelon. He held it up to Nicos lips with a smile.
"Come on it's time to eat something. You're literally like literally skin and bones."

"Not hungry. Feed yourself."

"Well those cuffs aren't coming off without my approval so you can't feed yourself. And I don't trust you alone with food because I know you won't eat it unless I make you. So open up. I'm not leaving until you've eaten something."

Nico scowled again but ate the piece of watermelon. He swallowed it and sighed as he looked at him.
"There I ate something. Happy?"

Will shook his head and offered him more fruit.
"Nope. More."

Nico ate what he was offered, but eventually just shook his head after a small portion of the plate was gone.
"I can't. Please I'm going to be sick don't."

Will dropped the fork nervously as Nico became even paler somehow, setting the tray on the chair as he grabbed a trash can, holding it to the black haired boys mouth as he expelled everything he had eaten. He rubbed the boys back soothingly with a sigh, letting him puke it all out.
"It's alright let it all out. We'll figure out a way to keep food in you..."

Nico slumped back against the bed, looking drained of all his energy. He shivered some and turned his head away from Will.
"Just leave. Please. Leave me alone."

Will frowned as he put the trash can back down, picking up the tray.
"Hey it's alright Nico. I won't make you eat again tonight I promise. Do you need anything else?"

"I SAID LEAVE ME ALONE!"

Will jumped some and nodded as he hurried out, heading out to the dinner pavilion to burn the rest of Nicos food. He sighed as he scraped the plates into the fire, staring up at the sky.
"Hades. Apollo. Please help Nico heal and accept our help. Help me figure out what to do to help him please."

Will stared at the sky for a few minutes more before sighing and going back to his cabin to get some sleep.

Nico was curled up in his own bed as best he could, silently sobbing into his pillow. He just wanted everything to stop and leave him alone. He just wanted to disappear. He ended up crying himself to sleep, the room filled with his nighttime sobs and cries of terror.

No one noticed. No one heard him. No one helped.

Chapter Text

Will groaned softly as his sister shook his side, opening his eyes with a frown.
"Kayla...what do you want?"

"You have a shift at the hospital starting soon. Better go shower and wash your stinky funk off."
Kayla smirked down at him as she threw the blanket back onto him.

Will sighed and shook his head, lightly shoving his sister away as he stood. He made his way out to the showers as quickly as he could, wanting to have hot water all to himself for once.

Will scrubbed his hair and sighed in thought, washing out his shampoo.
"Gotta check in on that daughter of Ares first. Then that daughter of Demeter...check on the twins. When should I fit Nico in?...I don't even know how to help him now."

Nico woke with a start, hand clutching at his chest as he gasped for air. His eyes scanned the room rapidly, looking for any source of danger. His mind couldn't handle it anymore. The nightmares from Tartarus were starting to get worse. It was driving him insane. He could feel his skin being peeled back again because of the hot streams of air shooting out of the ground beneath him. He could hear the taunts from the monsters hunting him. It just felt to real.

Nico let out a silent sob as he curled up around himself, arms tightening around his stomach as he tried to ground himself. His head slowly fell backwards as he stared at the ceiling, his body slowly relaxing as he gasped for breath. He didn't know when he had tuned out of the world, but suddenly the door was opened, causing his head to turn harshly with some fear towards the sudden sound. He groaned and rolled onto his side, pulling the blankets back up over himself.
"It's just you...don't you have other patients to look after? I don't need your help."

Will frowned as he closed the door behind him, readjusting his grip on the food tray in his hands.
"Yes I do, but my siblings are here too. Besides you need my help more than some of the others. Now here's some breakfast. Let me check your arm bandages."

Nico huffed as he sat up, shaking his head as he held the blanket against him.
"Not hungry and I don't need your constant attention. I'm doing fine Solace."

"Shut the fuck up Nico! I'm the doctor here and you're in my control. Now let me check your damn wounds!!"

Nico blinked in surprise at Wills outburst, slinking down angrily as he let the blanket drop back down into his lap. He pulled up his shirt sleeves to reveal the white bandages wrapped around his upper arm and back.
"Fine. Here then. Get on with it."

Will huffed in annoyance as he set the tray down to the side, gently unwrapping the bandages. He sighed as he gently prodded the red wounds, smiling a little at the progress of the wound.
"It's not infected anymore which is good. Starting to close up, but still don't be moving it around too much with it alright? Now please eat something. I already sacrificed some when I got it so you're fine."

Nico grimaced as Will got in close, inhaling sharply when his wound was touched. He shrugged limply and nodded as he let the son of Apollo rewrap his wound, staring down at his sheets silently. The mention of food had his stomach churning and he shook his head, leaning away from it a bit.
"I said I'm not hungry..."

"Please Nico? Just like a piece of toast or some fruit or something. As your doctor I can't let you not eat."

Nico sighed and eyeballed the tray hesitantly before grabbing a small bowl of pomegranate seeds. He made a show of eating them for Will before slumping back in his bed.
"Tomorrow I leave right?"

Will sighed and nodded, grabbing the tray again.
"Yes. You promised me 3 days and tomorrow will be day 3. Are you going to leave camp again?"

"Dunno. Maybe? Probably won't until I have a plan of where to go."

Will frowned as he slowly walked out of the room, struggling to think of a way to keep Nico around. He had to manage to get closer to him somehow.

Chapter Text

Will could feel only cold as he looked around, looking at the bodies littered all over the ground of their camp. The bodies were all monster ones which was weird because they all normally just disappeared instantly. In the distance, down by the cabins there seemed to be a clump of people. So Will walked towards the group cautiously, before noticing how they all seemed to be in a circle around something...or someone.

Will felt dread sink into his stomach as he took off running. No one paid him any attention as he shoved past them, coming to a halt behind a small ring. It was the group of 7. Jason slowly turned to face him, tears running down his face. Percy looked emotionless as he faced him. Hazel was sobbing on her knees, hands covering her face while Frank held her to him. Reyna stepped up behind Jason, her face expressionless, but her eyes held a deep pain and sadness in them. Thalia was kneeling on the ground beside a body, silent tears streaming down her face.

Will was terrified as he looked at all their sad faces, struggling to find his voice.
"W-who...wh-who...who is it?"

Jason simply shook his head and stepped to the side for him. Will stepped past him and collapsed to his knees, suddenly unable to breathe.

Nico was limp on the ground, as pale as snow. Mostly dried blood was under his eyes and leaking from his nose. The blackest black Will had ever seen was the veins and arteries highlighted through Nicos basically translucent skin, going all throughout his body. Surrounding his mouth was a black goo, that poked out and onto the ground. Nico Di Angelo was dead.

Will felt his world collapsing around him as he stared at the body of the son of Hades.

Will woke with a gasp, holding his chest with both hands. That had been the worse nightmare he had experienced ever, but he couldn't tell why it shook him up so much. But now he needed to go check on his patient for some reason that alluded him.

Nico couldn't sleep and he was dying inside. Insomnia was killing him slowly and he knew it for sure. He sighed as he stared up at the dark ceiling, counting in Italian in his head to try and get himself to sleep or at least keep up with his Italian. He heard footsteps approaching his door and closed his eyes, attempting to make himself appear as if he was asleep. He heard the door open with a soft creak and tried to keep himself still and quiet.

Footsteps approached his bed and he felt gentle fingers touch the side of his neck, possibly feeling for his pulse it seemed. The person let out a soft sigh and the hand retreated again, but the person stayed there beside his bed. The persons breathing was a bit ragged, as if they'd been crying before they came into his room. Steps eventually departed from his room again after a few minutes and Nico turned his head to see who had been so worried if he was alive. All he saw was a glimpse of blond hair before the door closed to his room.

Nico let out a sigh of confusion before curling up, letting his mind drift off into his thoughts as he finally fell asleep.

Chapter Text

Nico couldn't feel his body as he finally drifted off into a world of darkness. It felt so peaceful and quiet, but also cold and unpredictable. But he was a child of a god who lived his whole life in darkness. So he wasn't afraid...right?

Nico sighed and walked around boredly in the solid black mass, unsure what to do. He squinted some as he spotted a weird blurry form in the distance, shrugging as he made his way to the shape. As he approached the form he soon discovered it to be a door, with all black wood. There were faces of of screaming souls carved into the wood and Nico sighed as he opened the door and walked inside to a dark looking castle.
"Father. What can I do for you?"

Hades was sitting on his throne as Nico entered, kissing Persephones hand before looking at his son.
"Nico finally. You take forever to fall asleep and I've been trying to get you here for hours. Persephone. My love. Can you please give us some alone time right now?"

Persephone sighed and nodded as she stood, giving Nico a pity filled look before leaving the floor.

Hades conjured a chair up in front of the thrones for Nico and pointed at it.
"Sit. We need to discuss what has been happening with you."

Nico sighed as he took a seat in the chair, crossing his arms over his chest as he stared at his father.
"What do you mean? I'm fine."

"Really Nico? I have two children left in the world and you don't think I keep close tabs on you and your sister? I know how you almost faded away on the battle field after over doing your shadow traveling and diving straight into a massive fight. That a son of Apollo with unique gifts saved your life harvesting the literal power of the sun. I know that you're infected right now and I know with what."

Nico paled some as his father listed off what had happened, sinking back into the chair awkwardly. He glanced up at the mention of Will and frowned some as his father kept explaining. He glanced down at his arms with the black veins throbbing a bit.
"What's...what's wrong with me? Why is my blood black? Why do I keep almost dying?"

Hades sighed and rubbed his eyes with one hand before staring at his son.
"It's a curse of being a child of darkness. It's only happened twice in the past back in more ancient times. Zechial and Azra were their names. They were good children and they died too young. Their curse is called Skotádi Anadýetai. It originates from Tartarus, a curse from an enemy of mine possibly. The darkness in my children, the curse makes it physically appear. The darkness acts as a living thing and attacks the host, trying to pull away all the happiness and joy from within them. It...it kills the host within months and there's nothing I can do to stop it. I watched two children die and disappear, unable to bring their souls to my realm. They simply just...Cease to exist. Their souls disappear and I have no idea where they go. Perhaps into Tartarus to suffer for eternity."

Nico was pale as he listened, covering his mouth in shock.
"I'm...I'm going to die. B-but why do I have it and not Hazel? Bianca never had it either!"

Hades looked grim as he looked away.
"Perhaps because Hazel is not a child of Hades and a child of Pluto. And for Bianca I do not know. It only attacks certain children, but I have never found a link between them besides me. Nico. You only have months to live and I have no idea how to help you. I'm so sorry son. I just...I just thought it best you know the cause of your discomfort. Now son you need to go. I hope to visit you again soon like this, but you're in danger right now in the real world. Time to wake up my boy. I love you Nico. Please. Please be the child to break the curse."

Will was at the campfire with everyone else, strumming his guitar for the song at the time. He stopped to take a break and passed the guitar to his sister Vivian, drinking from his water bottle before his vision went black.

Everything was black around him except for the figure in front of him. The man radiated power and everything felt cold and it sounded like there were silent screams echoing around him.

Will bowed his head as he shivered some.
"Lord Hades. Can I uh ask why I have been summoned here? Have I done something to displease you? I can give you scraps too I promise."

"Get up son of the sun. I need your help with my child. Nico. He's fading away again right now. You're different and I think you can save my son. Please he's stubborn and has issues with people, but he needs someone. He needs someone to make his life happy and worth living. It won't be an easy journey, but Nico deserves it. Please I can tell you have feelings for my son and deep down he is slowly starting to trust you. Your powers expel the darkness within him, but it is not the final answer for his curse. Keep him safe and keep him alive. Now when I return you to the real world you need to go pull him from the darkness."

Will paled some as he looked up at the god in horror, feeling his feelings exposed but also fear building from the way the god spoke. It sounded as if Nico was doomed. The world started to go blurry as he focused on the task. He could hear Hades say one last thing as the world went black.

"I would appreciate some chocolate cake if you wouldn't mind scraping some in for me. I trust you with him. Don't disappoint me boy."

Will was suddenly back at the fire with everyone singing around him, looking around in shock. Austin looked confused by his brothers reaction, grinning at him.

Will stood up and pushed himself over the log as he started to run to the medical building. He nearly tripped a few times, but it felt as if the shadows in the grass were supporting his journey and pushing his towards the building. He stumbled into Nicos room, watching in horror as Nico seemed to be seizing on the bed with black tendrils spewing from his mouth that were strangling him, holding his limbs tight to his side.

Will ran over and felt tears started to fall as light erupted from his hands, pressing his hands to Nicos chest and head, trying to get the tendrils off. He kept sobbing as the tendrils seemed to burn away and Nicos thrashing stilled, hugging Nico tight.

Some people ran into the room, but Will didn't care as he cried and held Nico, his hands shaking as he felt for a pulse. He felt relieved that Nico seemed to be breathing and fine, wiping his eyes as he let Nico go.

Will noticed that Nicos eyes were open as he panted, sniffing as he tried to make sure he was okay.
"H-h-hey Nico. It's alright you're safe I promise. I got you. You're not dying that easy."

Nico whimpered softly as he held his throat, struggling to get words out until someone handed him a glass of water. He drank it in small sips, his hands shaking a bit as he did. He finally felt okay enough to sit up, letting his hands hold each other as they kept shaking.
"I. I know what's happening to me. I can't do anything about it. I'm going to die."

Chapter Text

Will stared in shock at the male who had previously been dying just minutes ago. Nico showed no emotion physically, but Will could see the fear in his eyes.

"I'm going to die Will. There's no hope..."

"Shut up Nico. Just shut up for one minute...let me check you over right now before you starting planning your funeral."
Will slowly released the breath he didn't know he was holding, his hands lightly fluttering over Nicos body. He checked on his lungs, pulse, and blood pressure. Everything was back to normal.

Nico was completely silent as Will worked, holding a water bottle in his hands as he stared at the cap intensely.

Will sighed and was finally forced to sit down in the chair beside the bed, unable to keep the subject back any more.
"Now you said you were going to die...I won't let it happen you know."

"Skotádi Anadýetai. A curse on the children of Hades. It always kills the victim. I wouldn't be it's first victim, but probably the last."

"Darkness Emerges? What a fitting name for what's happening...your father visited me Nico. Sent me here to save your life. He also said that I can help cure you. Break this curse of yours. We just need to research. Pray to the gods for answers."
Will started to ramble off as he frowned, rubbing his chin.

"I'm leaving tomorrow. I'm going back to my cabin. Don't waste your time Will. It's alright honestly. I'm not afraid of death..."
Nico gave the blonde a small smile.

Will made a noise of protest and shook his head.
"I'm your doctor! I haven't cleared you to leave. You're not even stable."

"Will just stop alright? I'm done. I'm done fighting it and I'm done with sitting around doing nothing. I'm leaving tomorrow no matter what. And if you tell anyone about my curse I will personally banish you to the fields of punishment."
Nico sent Will a glare that was enough to make the blonde know how serious he was.

Will had no choice, but to nod, standing up and leaving.
"Fine. Whatever. See you around then. I won't be attending your funeral when it happens. Not when there is someway to save you. I won't give up."

Nico just rolled over, staring at the wall as the room was plunged back into the comforting darkness. Nico was alone again and all he could think of was his appending doom. He started to plan out his funeral mentally before sleep claimed him.

Chapter Text

Will was so beyond irritated that they didn't even have a word to describe how he was feeling.

It had been 2 days since Nico had left the infirmary and nothing had happened yet, but Will was still irked. The son of Hades couldn't even be bothered to show up to any of the meals except dinner and that was only if Hazel and Jason physically dragged him there. Even then the boy wasn't eating much of anything, just pushing it around the plate. Nico didn't even train much anymore and when he did, his usual enthusiasm was diminished. It looked like all of the life had been drained from Nico which was essentially correct.

While most would call Will a stalker for knowing all of this, he was proud to just he a concerned doctor. That's it. Nothing more. Definitely not stalking the boy he had a crush on who was slowly dying. Definitely not that.

But Will had been studying. Looking at every book that even mentioned Hades at all, but only one story was documented involving Nicos family curse. The story of Tilla.

Tilla was born to a middle class family, the daughter of Hades and a man named Jiope. She was raised by her single father, never knowing who her other parent was. Until one day when her favorite horse died, she sobbed besides its corpse, begging for it to come back to life for one final ride. Suddenly the ground around her split open and the horses spirit jumped back up into its body. She went on her final ride through the night and bid farewell to her faithful steed before returning home to tell her father what had happened. That's when Jiope told her about her heritage and why her ride had been successful.

Now that Tilla knew who she was she chose to flaunt it, using her gifts to bring back spirits of loved ones who had passed for a final conversation. Many thought she was abusing her power, but Tilla kept doing what she could to support her father and their small farm.

One day in the middle of a man being reunited with his wife to meet his daughter, Tilla collapsed and vomited blackness. The spirit of the man was sent away as Tilla struggled to breathe. It kept happening for days. And weeks. And months.

Eventually Tilla prayed to the gods for an answer and cure, only for someone to appear, a human. The woman's name was Nezupa and she was the one who had started up the fateful curse. She was jealous of Tillas powers, always praying to Hades to bring back her dead husband and son. She had come to Tilla at the beginning of her sessions, but Tilla had been unable to raise either spirits and Nezupa stormed away, promising that the fraud would suffer for getting her heart up. And so she researched a way to curse the so called line of Hades. She vowed that no child of Hades would live to die their rightful death if they could not fulfill her end of the promise. And so she cursed the darkness that Tilla had been born with and forced it out of her body. Along with the darkness came her life force.

Tilla screamed and begged to be allowed to try to raise Nezupas family again, promising she had a better grip on her powers. But Nezula refused and Tilla died upon the altar of Hades, begging to her father with her final breathe for forgiveness.

Hades in a fit of rage, cursed Nezupa, turning her into a cursed beast and allowed his daughter to be reborn as she chose. But the curse still lingered as does Nezupa, with no end to either. No one knows what beast Nezupa had become except for Hades so by the curse lingers as she does.

Will read and reread her story so much he nearly had it memorized. There was no indication of what Nezupa was nor where she would try to hide. He didn't have any idea of how to help Nico except to kill Nezupa once and for all.

So he prayed. To his father for any clue. To Hades for any information. To the Oracle herself for any answers. With nothing. Will was so stressed about everything he nearly shot a camper in the leg one day at archery practice. Thankfully Kayla made him go sit down for the rest of the lesson so he couldn't hurt anyone else accidentally.

5 days after Nicos release it happened again. Will found the boy convulsing near the training arena, using his powers to expel the darkness. Except this time Nico didn't wake up. For two days. Will nearly made himself sick as he watched the frail boy sleeping away peacefully in his cabin.

A week. A week after Nicos release and something finally happened. Rachel had been painting with a couple of dryads and campers when she collapsed, green surrounding her. She had been brought back to the Main House as quickly as possible. No one looked happy with the possibility of a new quest after the last one essentially started a civil war. But the prophecy was about to change Wills anger and sadness into hope and determination.

Chapter Text

Will was surrounded by a pack of his siblings as they all watched Rachel nervously. The last time she gave them a prophecy, a bunch of campers died and earth tried to kill them.

5 will journey to a city of stone
There they will face an old foe
Be wary of those you trust
Along your path of dust
Follow the path of old
To find the city untold
To battle the darkness that eats away
The son must die to be reborn another day
The son of the sun will be the guiding light
To end the curse of the night

Rachel's body shuddered before collapsing and campers went to take her inside to rest. Wills face showed no emotion as he played through the words in his head, slowly backing away. He was stopped by a hand on his back, whirling around to see the stormy eyes of one Jason Grace.

Jason looked troubled as he glanced around before looking back at Will.
"That prophecy...it's about Nico isn't it? The curse of the night. That's him. This is our chance to save him. Will-"

"I think it's about Nico too. And I'm going on it. To save him. I'm the son of the sun. I can save him Jason. We can save him. We need to tell Chiron."

"He already knows young Solace. Mister Grace. I believe you should go retrieve the awake Di Angelo and his sister and meet in the big house in 10 minutes. Gather the rest of the 7 and Reyna as well please."

Will and Jason gave each other a look as Chiron cantered away, going to grab the son of the dead as they were told.

Nico was not happy. First he was kidnapped from his cabin to have some group meeting. Second he was just now finding out about some prophecy to save his life. And third was that Will freaking Solace would not stop holding his hand under the table. It wasn't an intense hold, just like a light grab of his finger tips. But still it wasn't wanted and it was making Nico feel a bit antsy.

Chiron cleared his throat and Nico looked back up, seeing how everyone was staring at him. He gave a sheepish smile as he pulled his hand away from Wills.
"Uh sorry what was that? I was a bit tuned out."

Chiron sighed and rubbed his beard some as he leaned back.
"I said you need to pick 3 others to join you on your quest. You and Will are a guaranteed as being mentioned. The son of the sun. The one dying. I recommend you pick those-"

"I'm going with and you can't stop me!"
Hazel banged her fist on the table and winced some as she sat back again, mostly at Frank's insistence.
"Nicos my brother and he saved me. Now I'm going to pay him back the favor. I'm going and that's final."

Nico stared at her sister in shock and tried to protest, but a single look from her shut him right up. There was no changing her mind.

Chiron sighed and nodded as he rubbed at his eye brows.
"Fine fine. We need two others then..."

Jason looked at Reyna who just nodded and stood, grinning.
"I'm going too. Reyna can watch over the legion without me. I'm not abandoning you now little death boy. You're stuck with me."

Reyna looked upset, but nodded as well.
"I would like to join, but Frank and I need to handle sending our own back to California. We need to oversee everything and make sure no other injuries occur. I'm sorry Nico, but I know I can trust Jason to guard over you."

Nico nodded some and offered her a small smile.
"I couldn't ask you to come anyways. I don't know why everyone's making such a big fuss anyways."

Percy threw a pillow at Nicos head harshly, frowning as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"Never and I mean never say anything like that again. I would go, but right now I need to handle my own mental state. We are all here for you and we all care so don't be thinking that got it?"

Nico sighed and nodded as he sank down in his chair a bit lower.
"Yeah yeah sure...who's the last person then?"

"I am."

Everyone looked at the voice in shock, surprised by who was offering themselves.

Chapter Text

Piper was standing up between Annabeth and Jason, a grin on her face as she planted her hands on the table top.

"I am. I'm going, if you'll accept me Nico.  This team of boys needs a voice of reason and between Hazel and I, we won't let anyone fail Chiron."

Everyone was just staring at her in shock, except for Annabeth who wore a matching grin as she stared at her. The others looked between her and Nico as if waiting for an answer or some god to smite one of them. Nico shrank into his chair a bit under the attention, lightly smacking away Wills hand that he felt brush against his leg under the table.

Nico let out a sigh as he straightened up in his seat a bit more, slowly nodding.
"I don't really care who comes. I trust you all, but I don't want to impose on your life and plans. It doesn't really matter that much..."

Everyone was surprised by the loud noise of a slap and the red blossoming on pale white skin. Nico was surprised the most as his words cut off abruptly and pain sprouted from his face, letting out a grunt of pain as he held his cheek. Everybody stared at Annabeth in shock, faces showing different reactions. Hazel and Jason and Will looked pissed off. Percy and Frank looked surprised. Clarisse and Reyna looked surprised, but holding back laughter and smiles. Chiron showed no visible reaction, but disappointment was hidden in his eyes. But Annabeth. Annabeth looked like she had been blessed by her mother, her eyes and face showing an anger that would make anyone who didn't know her well cry or pee their pants.

"Nico Di Angelo! I will kill you before your stupid curse does if you ever utter those words again! Impose on our lives?! You're our friend! A brother figure! Family! I know for a fact everyone here wants you here in our lives until we all die on our own terms. Even fucking Clarisse!"

Clarisse shrank in her seat some, but offered a brief nod as she was called out.

"It's true little man...who else would kick Jacksons ass in the arena besides me if you're gone? Then it's not as funny and not worth making fun of him for."

Hazel seemed to have calmed down more once she understood the reasoning behind the slap left behind on her brother. She nodded once in agreement as she glared at her brother.

"Nico. You saved all of us at one point or another. We just want to be able to help. You think we enjoy watching you cough up blackness and nearly fade to nothing? I feel...I felt so helpless when I first saw it happen to you. I felt your life force fading-No. I felt you dying Nico and I couldn't stop it. I couldn't help you. Nico dad came to me in a dream after I begged him for help. To tell me a way to save you. He told me I couldn't do anything because even he couldn't help.  So if I can go on this quest and just have a chance to be able to save you like you saved me, then I'm coming. And I won't be hearing about anything demeaning again."

Jason grinned and nodded in agreement, slapping Nico's arm in support.

"What she said little dude."

Tears were running down Hazels cheeks as she sank down into her chair again, unable to continue her lecture. Nico's heart sank into his chest as he saw the tears, knowing he caused them. Nico slowly blinked as he absorbed what his sister said, standing up abruptly and walking over to her. He pushed Frank out of the way as he hugged onto his sister tight. He ignored everyone who was surely staring at his extreme actions, just hugging his sister like he might lose her. Because he could if he didn't treat his curse. For her he would do this. For Hazel so he wouldn't see her cry again.

"Okay. We'll do this. Me and Hazel and Jason and Piper and Will. We're going to do this. So. Where do we even start?"

Chapter Text

Nico was finally alone again in his bed in the Hades cabin, curled up in the darkness. He had gone back right after the meeting ended, unable so socialize anymore. Hazel was out with Percy and Frank touring the camp and the others were starting a plan of attack on their quest. But Nico? Nico was lost in his thoughts in the darkness.

The cabin had always been cold, but it suddenly felt freezing and it sounded like there was soft screams in the background. Nico sighed as he rolled over and sat up.
"Father...you're making appearances all over now aren't you? You've never been this busy in the world except for when I was much much younger. What do I owe the honor of you coming to me?"

"I've heard of the prophecy surrounding you. Apollo was not as excited about this from the oracle, perhaps because of the history."
Hades stood in the corner, flicking back his cape to reveal some moving ghostly faces in the inner fabric. He showed no emotion on his face, but his eyes seemed to have a little light in them as he stared at his son.
"Do you know the origins of the curse?"

"I know what it's called. You're the one who told me that. I'm assuming it's just something to do with my powers right?"
Nico frowned some as he slid over in his bed as the god approached it.

Hades sighed and summoned a shadow chair and sat in front of Nicos bed as he crossed his hands in front of his mouth. It took him a few moments before he dropped his hands to his lap.
"Her name was Tilla. She was one of my children. She was like you Nico, able to raise the dead and commune with spirits easily. She did it so people could speak their peace with passed loved ones, but you know that spirits are tricky. Some spirits are already reborn or simply do not wish to be communicated with."

Nico frowned some as he listened, thinking back to all of his attempts to contact Bianca.
"I am aware of that fact...but what does this all have to do with the curse?"

"There was a woman who had lost her husband and son to a flood from the nearby river. Her name was Nezupa. She was not of Greek origin, but did not disgrace us as her gods over her originals. She sought Tillas talents when she was early in her practice and Tilla did her best, but those spirits did not belong to my realm. There was no way to summon or commune with them. Nezupa would not listen and used her origins to curse Tilla. To curse my children. There is a reason I have much fewer demigod children than the others...Tilla died on an altar in my temple and I could only watch. I couldn't even ease her suffering...Nico. I was enraged. I had watched one of my children suffer and Nezupa defiled my sacred space with my own child's life."

Nico blinked some as his father paused, seeing a stormy look in his eyes.
"You lost your temper didn't you? But she deserved it! Tilla couldn't do anything and there was no reason for her to die that way!!"

"I did lose my temper. I was fueled with rage and prepared to start a war that would make rival the ones Ares starts. But I could not go after Nezupas origins. Those people did not kill my child, just one woman. I cursed her Nico. I wanted her to suffer for eternity for what she did to my child. I didn't know...I didn't know at first that Tilla wasn't the only target. All of my children were. Some didn't die or ever get it, but the ones I seemed to favor would eventually suffer the same fate as Tilla. Nico. I believe your quest is taking you to find Nezupa and end her life. I believe her blood being shed will be the way to end the curse."

Nico nodded some as he processed everything.
"Father. What was she cursed to be? Where might she be now?"

Hades sighed and tried to hide his grim face.
"I cursed Nezupa to be a monster. She was originally Egyptian and I knew little of her culture. Just that some of their dangerous animals were feared but worshipped and also avoided. She was a new monster created from anger and her own fears. Cipactli. She became the first Cipactli. I also banished her from the area where Tilla was from. I suspect she fled back to her home country after becoming the monster she is. I cannot locate her now as she is in another godly controlled area, but Egypt is where I suspect she hides. Nico. This area is not something the Greek or Romans have control of. If you go there, we cannot intervene. But I know of some people who may be able to help. Ask Percy and Annabeth of the children they met in Brooklyn. Nico I know of your own struggles and I cannot help...but do not shut yourself out to outside help. You deserve happiness and I want you to have a fulfilling life."

Hades stood as he started to finish his words of advice, the chair fading into a mist as it disappeared. Nico felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see the man with a small genuine smile on his face.

"Father...I am prepared to die at anytime, but I don't want to give up yet. Hazel deserves better and I don't want to disappoint her. Or you. I will ask them about Brooklyn and I will find a way to end this curse. I have a question about Tilla..."

Hades removed his hand and straightened up, fixing his robe again.
"Ask then Nico and I will do my best to answer."

"Has she passed on? Or would I be able to possibly ask her spirit for guidance or advice?"

"All of the children I have lost to the curse are unable to be reborn or reach the fields. They wander, in pain, and I simply cannot do anything about it. If you do try to summon Tilla I hope you get some answers. She loved Horses and lemons. Nico. Good luck on this quest. Do not die on me."

Nico smirked as he looked up at his father, nodding once.
"I'm not quite ready to be near you and the wife constantly father. I'll do my best to avoid it."

Hades smiled some and started to back towards the corner again.
"The son of Apollo...he is different from you and I and it's good. He repels the curse within you for now. Don't reject him constantly. He's a valuable ally for this quest. Don't forget about that. Now I must go Nico for I have been here too long."

Nico tried not to roll his eyes at the mention of Will, but just nodded to not upset his father.
"Goodbye father. I'll add in some extra food for you tonight promise. Chocolate cake. Your favorite."

Hades just grinned as he melted back into the shadows. The temperature in the cabin was suddenly back to its normal state of cold and Nico felt it easier to breathe. He had his list of food to take from dinner tonight, but first he had to find the son of Poseidon and the daughter of Athena. Apparently they were holding onto a valuable secret.

Chapter Text

Annabeth and Percy were fidgeting on the couch in Poseidon's cabin as Nico stared at them, unmoving from the chair across from them.

"Nico...I know what Hades told you, but we don't know anything Egyptian in Brooklyn. Why would we ever go to Brooklyn?"

Percy was rambling on as he messed with his hands, avoiding eye contact with the son of the dead.

Nico simply rolled his eyes and leaned back in the chair, slowly blinking.
"This isn't something my father would lie to me about. He clearly wants this fucking curse to end and so do I so can we just stop with the lies. You know something about something that can help find and take down Nezupa."

Annabeth stared at Nico before nodding, pushing a strand of hair back behind her ear.
"Okay but this needs to stay between us got it?"

"You know I can't promise that. This clearly affects the quest and maybe Reyna or Jason know something. It's like we're going to go on the attack. We just need information."

Annabeth studied Nico in silence for a few seconds before nodding.
"We don't tell Chiron or anyone outside of the 7, Reyna, or Will agreed?"

"Deal. Now spill it."

Nico listened as Annabeth and Percy spoke of meeting two siblings on a date in Brooklyn, his eyes widening as they described the beasts they fought and the newest Gods they met.
"I mean I guess I shouldn't be too surprised there's Egyptian demigods, but damn."

"No no bro not demigods. They're more like human hosts for them? We didn't get into specifics for all of our safety, but like they were possessed in a way? But willingly? I don't know man it was kinda weird. But the dude gave some card to Annabeth."

Annabeth nodded and crossed her arms over her chest.
"It's hidden in my cabin currently, but it was a business card. The boy, Carter, said if we ever needed help to go to that location and ask for him and Sadie. You think this is where you should start your quest?"

"I'm going to need that address Annabeth. My father gave me this lead and I need to follow it. They might be able to help with navigating this because if she went back to her homeland of Egypt after being cursed, there's no way we can track her. We'd be flying in blind..."

Annabeth nodded and stood.
"It's time for dinner. I'll get a copy of that card to you with their names written down. You inform the others about this. I think you guys should prepare to leave by tomorrow. Delaying any progress could be deadly."

Nico frowned some, but nodded as he stood, brushing down his cost anxiously.
"It's all moving so fast now...this is a shit show."

Percy let out a semi-forced chuckle as he slapped Nicos back gently, heading to his girlfriends side.
"Hey we're gonna fix this somehow. We can keep working on our end here and keep in contact when we find anything here. And by we I mean Annabeth. There's no way we're letting you die. You're too young."

Nico glared some and sighed as he followed the couple towards the pavilion.
"I am 16 Percy. When you were 16 you took down a titan."

"Not willingly. I don't want anyone to have to follow along the path my life's taken. No one deserves this..."

Nico nodded as they approached the pavilion, now in silence. He went to his own table and sat down, ignoring the stray stares being sent his way. His plate filled with a steak and a bowl of fruit with a side of chocolate cake. Nico glanced at his cup and watched as it filled with a chocolate milkshake, giving a small smirk. It was a guilty pleasure and after the way his week had been going Nico deserved the drink.

Nico waited as the other cabins started to line up, dumping the cake into the fire along with some steak, sending a silent thanks to his father and Apollo. He debated a second before throwing in some grapes and sending a quick wish to Tyche for some luck on their quest. Gods knew they'd need all the luck they could get. He then went back to his table and started to eat in silence, eating his food in small bites. It wasn't perfect, but he had been working to get back to some state of normal after the jar.

A plate clacked against the table and a body pressed against his, causing Nico to startle and scowl as he looked at the offender.
"Jason? Why are you at my table? Again?"

"Well Neeks we gotta stick together. Besides Percy said you had some info for us."

"Us?"

Nico groaned internally as more plates and bodies filled the benches around him, looking at the group with a sigh.
"At least Hazel belongs at the table...fine fine. Here's what I learned today."

Nico filled in the group about everything Annabeth and Percy had said about the Egyptian not demigods that had met and what his father had told him. Everyone just seemed to be staring at him after it was all out minus the couple that had started it all.

"So they're like Egyptian demigods but not? That's so weird..."
Leo was fidgeting with some metals scraps as he ate, grinning at Nico in between bites.

"It's certainly interesting to consider another religious sector...how have we had no overlap before?"
Piper frowned some as she forked at some mashed potatoes on her plate.

"Clearly some godly influence. It's just like not wanting the Greeks and Romans not meeting up. Or the Norse. Some outside factors. Can we really trust them?"
Reyna wrinkled her nose some as she leaned into Nico a bit more, shifting away from Leo who was looking a bit smokey.

"They're our only lead. We leave tomorrow. If we leave by 10, we can be in Brooklyn by noon."
Will let out a soft hum after he spoke, glancing at the dark boy across from him.

"I'll cover our ride into the city then. Might as well put the chauffeur to use. So 10 then?"
Nico sighed and leaned onto the table some, rubbing a hand across his face before looking at the group.

Piper, Hazel, and Will all nodded in agreement and everyone continued chatting around Nico as dinner finished. This was going to be interesting and potentially dangerous.

Chapter Text

I swear I'm going to shoot the fucking sun down myself one day.

Nico was squirming through the leaves of Thalias tree as he readjusted his backpacks straps, already too tired for what was about to be happening. He had Jules-Albert already waiting just down the road with the car and was waiting for the others. Hazel was a few feet away hugging Frank, both of their cheeks covered in light pink as they spoke quietly with each other.

Nico flinched some as a hand landed in his shoulder, taking his eyes off of his sibling to look at the offender.
"Jackson...why the hell are you here?"

"What? I can't send my friends off? Man I beat Will here? Don't all the Apollo kids rise with the sun?"

"Doesn't mean we like it. We still need coffee like everyone else!"
Will approached the two of them, nursing a large mug of steaming coffee, a small smirk on his face as he stopped next to Nico.

Nico narrowed his eyes some and shrugged Percy's hand off of his shoulder.
"Whatever...why don't I get coffee before I leave? I'm already dying I don't think I deserve to be tortured too."

"Nico...get coffee in the city. It'll be better than ours"
Percy's face looked a bit strained as he spoke before he sighed and shrugged.
"Can't believe all of this is happening. No offense Nico, but I'm glad it's not me this time. I wish I could come with you though."

"It's already risky with Jason coming. If we had all 3 of the big three I think it would be more dangerous. Besides you have college coming up. Who knows how long this quest will take."

Nico just shrugged and glanced over at Jason and Piper arriving. He walked away as Percy started to talk again, heading to the other three.

"Well we're all here. Time to head to Brooklyn then?"

Jason gave a grin as he ran a hand through his hair, looking around at the collection of them. Piper and Hazel were standing beside each other and Frank was behind Hazel, his arm wrapped around her waist. Will and Percy had approached the rest of them after Nico had abandoned them, both males standing right behind the short Italian.

Nico sighed and nodded once, kicking at a piece of grass.
"Yeah I guess it's time to leave then."
He then started to head out of the border when he was caught in arms, yelping as he was stopped.

Percy just grinned at him as he hugged the male with Reyna who had been running over.
"Hey you can't leave without saying goodbyeeeeeeee!"

Nico squirmed and gave a look at his group who were all laughing or hiding their laughs.
"Jackson! Let me go! Fine fine goodbye! Reyna?! Not you too!"

Percy grinned and let him go, ruffling his hair before stepping back.
"Ha I'll miss you too Neeks."

Reyna held onto Nico for a few seconds longer after Percy had let go, smiling some.
"Send me messages if you're ever in trouble alright? Just...don't die Nico. When you come back visit New Rome alright? Promise?"

Nico blushed lightly as he slowly hugged Reyna back, nodding some against her shoulder.
"If the literal pits of our hell couldn't kill me this stupid curse won't. I promise Reyna. I'll visit afterwards and keep in contact."

Reyna nodded and let him go, satisfied with his answers.
"Good luck to you as well Piper. Hazel. You'll do well and make us proud. I don't know you as well Will but I wish you luck on this quest. Jason...uh good luck and fight well."

Piper and Hazel were smiling at the older female and Will just gave Reyna a small smile. Jason slowly smiled and grabbed his backpack straps.
"Good luck in New Rome Reyna. Frank. Make me proud and do your best."

Nico headed out past the border, feeling an arm link with his as he headed to the road. He glanced to the side and blushed lightly as a grinning son of Apollo walked with him. His other arm was grabbed suddenly and Nico looked to the other side and gave his sister a small smile.
"Brooklyn...here we come."

Jules-Albert made it to Brooklyn 30 minutes ahead of schedule and dropped them off a few blocks away from the address written on the card. The skeleton passed over black credit cards to the children of Hades and Pluto before disappearing into the ground, car and all.

Jason was staring at the sinking car in horror, clinging to Pipers arm.
"Nico you know I love you...please never make him come around when I'm here again. This is one of the freakiest things you've done."

"Jules-Albert and the car going back to the underworld are what get you? Not the shadow traveling or skeletons I raise or the fact that I can command someone's soul to the underworld? Really Grace?"

Jason just shook his head as the car fully disappeared and let go of Piper who had been trying to pry her arm away.

Will just blinked as he watched Jules-Albert sink away, giving a small shiver before moving closer into the son of Hades.
"So it looks like the address is like 3 blocks to the left. Let's go then?"

"Wait!"

Everyone stopped to look at Hazel who was blushing at her own outburst. She bit her lip some and pointed at a shop across the street.
"Can we get some coffee first? Please? I would really like a tea..."

Nico looked over at the Starbucks and instantly started crossing the street, taking her hand and leading her with him. He wasn't giving the others any time to argue.

Soon they were back on the road, drinks in hand and some snacks. Piper was looking much happier as she snacked on her chocolate croissant and sipped her coffee. Even Jason wasn't too angry with the stop as he drank his own tea drink.

The mist was thick around the area and Hazel was doing some sort of work to make it easier to see through. The warehouse view was soon replaced with a mansion that left the group gaping. The Brooklyn House was an imposing sight as the group approached and Nico felt something in his gut as they approached the front door. Death. He could feel a strong aura of death. Jason took the lead and entered first, looking around the decorated lobby like area, eyes focused on a set of doors across the way that had no handles at all.

"Why don't we get a mansion hideout? I'm jealous..."
Piper frowned some as she looked around, getting a flashback to her own fathers house. She loved the camp, but sometimes it was hard to forget where she came from.

"There's some sort of thick magic here. I can't even describe it or even work through it. It's like it's fighting back against me..."
Hazel frowned, some sweat along her brow as she kept attempting to deal with the magic.

"Guys there's no handles to these doors. Should I knock? They have to know we're here..."
Will frowned as he studied the doors, running his hands along it curiously. He waited until someone else agreed before knocking, the loud echoing somehow made louder by the otherwise empty room they were in.

Nico stood in the corner some as he watched, frowning as there was no response. His nerves were on edge as he fiddled with his ring, ready to draw his weapon at any time. He heard a noise and turned to the side, blinking in surprise as a orange cat stared back at him from the corner. Nico knelt down slowly, figuring the animal would run like they normally did. He was surprised as the cat approached and rubbed against his leg, slowly petting it gently.
"Hey guys I found a-guys?"

Hazel and Jason had their swords out and pointed at Nico, while Piper was looking close to drawing her own blade. Will was just staring from the door.

"Uh guys it's just a cat. Calm down."

"Mm no they should be worried. But you're adorable I wouldn't hurt you. Yet."

Nico whirled around, his own blade summoned to his hand. A tall woman who was covered in some sort of leopard looking print was standing where the cat had been.

"Ooh deathy. Anubis will like you for sure. But not yet with all these pointy objects. Time to deal with you first!"

Nico suddenly found himself flying across the room, slamming against the doors Will stood at, wheezing as he looked up. The stranger was setting her leg down after kicking the male with ease.
"Wh-what the hell is she?"

Jason let out a battle cry as he ran st the stranger, but she seemed to be dancing around his practiced moves with ease and eventually stopped them with a punch that send the blonde sliding across the floor.

Piper took his place with his own dagger drawn, both women dodging each others moves. Nico could see Pipers lips were moving, but everything felt fuzzy as he wheezed again. But eventually Piper was slamming against the doors beside Nico, sliding down to join the boy on the floor.

Hazels hands were moving and some sort of magic was working, before it suddenly disappeared and the woman appeared in front of her.

"Sorry darling. No strange magic allowed here."

The woman smiled with sharp teeth before kicking Hazels legs from beneath her and sending her sword away.
"Alright sunny boy. You gonna be good for me or do I have to hurt you too?"

Will had his bow drawn as he stood in front of Nico and Piper, a frown set on his usually smiling face.
"Are you going to kill us?"

"Not without good reason...besides I'm not in charge here. I was going to tie you up and take you in."

Will studied the feline woman before lowering his bow with a sigh.
"If you lied to me I'll slit your throat myself."

The woman simply grinned and rope appeared around everyone's body's, holding their arms tight to their torsos.
"I'd like to see you try. This was fun though thank you for the exercise. It's been boring these past few months."

Nico coughed as the ropes appeared around his body, groaning some as he wheezed again. His vision was starting to clear as he suddenly found himself moving, squirming as the five of them were being dragged in last the doors with no handles. Well...at least they were in.

Chapter Text

The five tied up teens found themselves sitting on a large couch with the cat woman lounging on a chair across from them, picking at her clawed nails.

Jason was struggling against his bindings, Hazel was studying the woman, Piper was glaring at her, Will was surprisingly calm for a hostage, and Nico was just done. Playing hostage was not on his list for this quest.

The woman suddenly sat up and grinned as four people entered. Not people...teenagers. Nico bit back a groan as the group stood or sat in front of them.

There was a girl with blonde hair sitting next to the cat woman who looked the youngest of the group. Next to her was a tall black male who looked older, wearing a rather large golden necklace. In front of the group was a another black male who was shorter than the other, but radiated an aura of authority. The female next to him looked bored at the group, but radiated some aura of power.

Nico could only focus on the male in the back, sending the heavy death aura surround the male. It felt like he was in his fathers presence in the underworld, but that was impossible. His fathers aura was always a bit weaker in the mortal world.

"So. Who the hell are you and how did you even get into the place? Spies of Set?"

Nico blinked as the male in front of them spoke, frowning. He opened his mouth to give the male some answer, but Jason beat him to it.

"Who the hell is Set? We're not spies. Percy Jackson said he knew someone here by the name of Carter Kane. We need his help."

"I'm Carter...Percy Jackson...man how is the dude? It's been too long. Man and that girl Annabeth? Is she still being the smart one?"

"Carter! Who is Percy Jackson?"
The female who was standing beside him scowled, crossing her arms over her chest.

The color drained from Carters face as he just stared at her.

A deep voice spoke over whatever weak response the teen would give and Nico again found his eyes staring at the death aura boy.
"You're not Egyptian. You! With the black hair. Answer me. I've seen you staring boy. Do you know who I am?"

Nico blinked before licking his lips nervously. He started going over mentally what he remembered from the book he had skimmed from Annabeth.
"You're a god of death...Anubis?"

The boy walked over, uncrossing his arms as he leaned over, slowly grinning as golden eyes assessed the captive boy.
"That is correct. This is not my true form of course. I'm assuming you know something of how we function?"

"Annabeth said you guys are like parasites kinda? Like you're in a human host, but so are they?"

Anubis laughed and clicked his fingers, the ropes falling off the group.
"I suppose that is correct. Sadie my darling. Why didn't you tell me about your interaction with Greek spawn? Mm and Roman. What an interesting combination...if I remember correctly your two kinds hate each other?"

Nico rubbed his ribs some as the ropes dropped away, sighing as he noticed his ring back on his finger.
"It's a long story...you know what we are then?"

"Hmph demi-gods. I have dealt with some of your kind before. The dead have their stories and your kind has interacted with them. Bast wanted to assess you first to see if we were sending you correctly. What do demi-gods need in our territory?"

Will was scooting closer to Nico, muttering some hymn under his breath as he felt along his arms and ribs. Nico instantly could breath better, mentally setting a reminder to thank the male later.

"A curse. Caused by an Egyptian in the past. We were hoping you had more information with how to trace the person who created it."

"A person? Surely they're dead by now? What makes you think they can be found by us?"
The only unnamed person spoke, the female beside Carter.

"My father cursed her. He forced her to turn into a monster. Our monsters don't die and he lost track of her afterwards."

"Your father? Who is that?"
The female frowned, narrowing her eyes.

Nico glared some, resisting the urge to stab her.

"Names have power for us."
Hazel spoke, laying a hand on Nicos shoulder. She gave him a look that said to calm down.

"We won't speak them then, but you need to tell us more if you want our help."

"Fine. My father is Hades god of the Underworld and Riches."
Nico scowled some as he stared at the floor.

Anubis was the one who reacted in the group, straightening up and stepping back.
"That explains why you feel of death. A child of his...in my presence. You're lucky I'm in a gracious mood otherwise you'd be dead by now."

"Anyways the woman who was cursed. What's the story there?"
Carter sat down in the last chair, pulling the unnamed girl into his lap. His sister was still watching everyone from her own chair.

Nico tried not to groan as he retold the story his father had told him, hating the stares on him. He stared at the floor, refusing to give in to the attention.  It was the unnamed female who spoke first after the silence following his story.

"Nezupa. I've read of her. She was a priestess of Sekhmet. But she was chased away after she had been caught stealing from the Temple. It was a scandal for that area...they say she still had the goddesses wrath after she fled to the cursed lands. Sorry Greece."

"Zia do you remember anything else?"
Carter grinned at the female in his lap.

"Let me go to the library. I'll find more information there."
Zia stood and started to walk away.

"Wait! Can I come with? Help you?"
Piper stood as she called out to the other female. Zia regarded her for a few seconds before nodding and the pair left the room.

"Well I guess for now we can set you guys up in some guest rooms. It's almost lunch time anyways."
Carter stood from his chair, stretching his body out before heading towards a staircase.

"I'll help you."
Jason stood, grabbing the others bags from them before following after the male.

Sadie wandered over and took her brothers chair, smiling at the trio left behind.
"I like your hair...your accent. Are you from New Orleans by chance?

Hazel smiled and scooted closer to the female.
"I am actually. It's...a long story."

"We have plenty of time. Want to help me get lunch together?"

Hazel nodded and the girl were gone to the kitchen. Will and Nico have each other look, left alone with two gods.

"Sooo pretty boy. Why are you so saddddd? You're too adorable to be this sad."
The cat woman, Bast, looked over from where she had been laying on a seat, grinning as she started to walk over.

Nico blinked in surprise before frowning.
"Children of death don't have happy lives. Mine is not an exception."

Will gave him a side-eye look of concern, but Nico brushed it off.

"Ooh story time? I love stories. Tell me your story death boy. Pleaseeeeee? Please please pleaseeeeeee?"

Nico groaned and leaned back on the sofa more. He could feel Anubis's hard stare on him and it only made him feel worse.
"I'll give you an overview fine?"

Bast nodded and transformed back into a cat, laying in Nicos lap with a happy purr. Nico blinked in surprise and looked to Will who only shrugged and pet the cats head.

"I...I'm not from this time. I was born in Italy in the 1920's. The exact years are hard for me to remember. I grew up with my mother and older sister Bianca and our father visited sometimes. But one day we were taken to a hotel and all I remember is our father yelling and boom followed by a flash of light. I know now that one of my fathers brothers found out about my sister and I. He wanted us dead. My father managed to protect me and Bianca, but my mother was killed by him. My father then took us to the Underworld and dipped us in the River Lethe and washed away our memories. He placed us in a casino run by one of our monsters of myth, the Lotus Eaters. We eventually were taken out 3 years ago by my fathers orders because he wanted us to the hero's of a prophecy. Instead my sister went off on a quest and died getting a figurine for me. I spent the next year being manipulated by a ghost who convinced me I could bring her back. My father admitted he wished I had died instead of my sister. Fought in a war at the ripe age of 13. I could sense every death in that battle. I then got dragged into another war right after that. I pulled my step-sister out of the Underworld and brought her back to life. I jumped into Tart-the literal hell of the Greek world alone in an attempt to locate the doors of death and close them. I met a goddess there...the goddess of misery. I wasn't tortured no. She laughed at me. Said I was already surrounded by so much misery that she couldn't add to it. Then...I-I got captured by the enemies. These two giant. Ugly bitches...they put me in a jar. I was a trap for the main group...I survived by putting myself in a death coma. My step-mother gave me pomegranate seeds from her garden. 7 seeds. They slowed my heart and lungs allowing me to live. I watched me friends fall in our hell, unable to stop it. Then I had to transport this giant statue all the way from Europe to here and almost died along the way. From monsters and my own powers. Landed and ended up in a battle right away. Found out I was cursed. And now I'm here. Trying to stay alive despite all this bullshit. Fun story right?"

The cat blinked before rubbing against his cheek, purring a storm.

Anubis had taken a seat at some point, listening in silence.
"Nico...the Kanes are good people. They will do everything they can to help you. Hopefully this can end this chapter of your life and start the path for a brighter one."

Nico looked at the god, chewing on the inside of his cheek. He heard sniffling and glanced at the demi-god beside him and was surprised to see him crying.
"Will? Are you okay?"

Will was crying quietly as he listened to the story, hugging onto the smaller male once he was addressed.
"Nico. I'm so sorry. I only knew parts of this. You're seriously from a different time? Ze-the gods murdered your mother. Nico I'm so sorry. Once this quest is over I'll make sure that you get happy memories too! I swear on the river styx!"

Nick glanced up as the sky rumbled, caught off guard by Will.
"I...thank you. It's okay. I've had some time to think about it. Lots of time alone makes you think."

Will rubbed his eyes and let go of the male.
"Nico...you need to talk to someone about this. It's not healthy to keep it in. My sister Angela has a degree in psychology. You should talk with her."

Nico made a face but shrugged as he just pet Bast. It was nice having a living animal that let him touch them.
"Whatever. Let's see if I live that long anyways."

Will opened his mouth to continue his argument, but was cut off by Hazels voice calling out that lunch was ready. He could only watch as Nico hurried to the kitchen. A frown crossed his face and he sighed as he went to follow, but a hand on his shoulder made him pause.

The once golden eyes were now brown and the boy was smiling.
"Anubis isn't a fan of eating. The names Walt. I could hear everything. Zia is good with knowledge. Don't worry. She'll find information on that woman. Your friend won't die. It isn't his time yet."

"Uh thanks...what's it like being er possessed? Taken over?"

"Hmm powerful. But at times it feels like I'm just floating and feeling everything, but not being able to respond. Anubis saved my life. It's because of him I'm able to be with Sadie."

"Weird..."
Will started for the kitchen again, spotting Nico on a stool with Bast laying on the counter as a woman near him. The boy looked uncomfortable, but was eating what looked to be fried fish. He sat beside him and made his own plate, adding some chopped watermelon onto Nicos plate. Man the boy looked like a bad breeze could blow him away.

Nico rolled his eyes as the food hit his plate, ignoring it as he shoved it in his mouth. He could feel Basts eyes on him as she went to town on her own fish, but he just chose to ignore it. He was halfway through his plate when the world started to feel fuzzy and cold.

Nico could feel a breeze and something hard on his back. There were echoed words around him, but they made no sense in his head. His chest burned and Nico finally realized it was happening again and screamed at the growing darkness in his vision. It was like a trap, inching towards him.

One minute Will had been chatting with Walt as they ate their lunch and the next Nico was collapsed on the floor, seizing as black spewed from his nose and mouth. Hazel let out a scream and Sadie looked stunned. Bast had turned to a cat, poofed up from the noise. Walt's eyes were gold again, but Anubis was only frowning.

Jason and Carter appeared at the top of the stairs following Hazels scream and Will could hear footsteps running towards them, probably Piper and Zia. But Will ignored it all as he collapsed to his knees beside the seizing boy. Nicos eyes were rolled back into his head and his breathing was coming out as weak gasps.

Wills hands erupted in light as he started chanting a hymn, placing them on Nicos chest as he moved the boys head to his lap. The ooze kept leaking from the smaller male, but the seizing slowly calm to a stop. Will kept his eyes on Nicos hands which had been slowly turning black and disappearing into his shadow. He could feel his own exhaustion forming as he pushed more of his power intro the boy, the light slowly fading as Nico returned to normal. The ooze that had been leaking from Nicos mouth as now just gasps for air the black from his nose was now normal red blood.

Will looked up as his world went dizzy, letting his exhaustion take over and collapsing.

Jason nearly jumped down the stairs seeing Nico seizing, only stopped by Carter who had thrown out an arm at his chest. He grunted and pushed it away, running down the rest of the steps. He watched as Nico went still and started leaking blood instead of black and sighed in relief. He knelt down to thank Will, but instead found the male slumping into his lap instead.

Jason sighed and laid the blonde down next to Nico, making sure that they both were breathing. He looked at the group and bit his bottom lip with a sigh.
"So uh...anyone wanna help me carry them to a bed?"

"Was that...the curse you're here for?"
Sadie was the one who spoke, looking horrified as she comforted a crying Hazel.

Bast was back to human and was kneeling beside Nico with some napkins, pressing them to his nose gently. She frowned some as she carefully picked up the boy, cradling him with care that surprised Jason.

That left Will to Jason then and it took only a bit of a struggle to pick him up, throwing the other over his shoulder.
"Yeah it's...Wills the only thing that can stop it. His dad is the god of healing and the sun. So the light fights the darkness. It's bad...Nicos hands were fading this time. That's too far for me."

"I wish to consult the library with you Zia. I have some curses in mind that I think deal with this. It's a nasty curse...forcing one to become the dark..."
Anubis frowned and went to the pair of girls.
"Eat...we have work to do."

Jason followed Carter upstairs with Will, getting to the rooms they had finished setting up for the group. Jason laid Will down on the bed and pulled some blankets over him. He watched as Bast laid Nico down on the other bed in the room and tucked him in. She then turned back into a cat and curled up with him. Leave it to Nico to tame a literal goddess.

Jason sighed and smiled some as he started to walk out of the room.
"Thank you Will...sleep well Neeks."
He turned off the light and walked out, going back to the mess of emotions waiting downstairs. Man.

What a day in Brooklyn.

Chapter Text

Nico woke to a pounding in his head and his chest vibrating. There was a stream of light coming from the window to his right and Nico just groaned as he rolled onto his side. The vibrating stopped as he flipped his body, but a yelp sounded instead.

Nicos eyes went wide as he looked at a cat that was now staring directly into his eyes.
"WHAT THE FUCK?!"
He pushed himself away, yelping as he fell off the other side of the bed.

The cat let out a meow as it followed Nicos escape attempt, licking its paw as it stared down at Nico.

Nico panted as he stared at the cat, wincing as he rubbed his elbows that had broken his fall.
"Wait...Bast? What the fuck happened?"

It was a slightly horrifying experience to watch the cat shift into a woman and honestly it made Nico feel a little sick to watch. But he didn't die so there's one winning point at least. Maybe?

Bast was now laying on her side on his bed, twirling some of her hair as she looked down at him.
"Hm you're awake that's good. It's been a day since you collapsed. Your team was getting worried so I volunteered to stay and watch you! But now...LUNCHTIME!"

Bast jumped up eagerly, grabbing his hands and yanking the demigod off the ground with ease. Nico could only gasp as he was suddenly in the air, struggling in Basts arms as she carried him like a baby out of the room.
"I can walk! Put me down!"

Bast pouted, but gave in setting the smaller boy back on his feet.
"You're no funnnnn. Now come on they got me salmon today!"
Bast grabbed his hand, tugging the boy along. Nico watched as doors passed by them, too many to count.
Maybe it was a good thing Bast was leading him. This place was as bad as the maze.

Soon Nico found himself sitting at a table, a plate of food pressed into his hands.

Bast grinned and bounced around, a fish in her hands.
"Ah you stay here. I'll tell your friends you're awakeeeeee!"

Nico sighed as the goddess bounced away, starting to eat from the plate without a care of what was on it. Honestly, his stomach was cramping from how hungry he felt and his mouth felt as dry as the desert sand and the food was satiating both problems he was having.

"NICO!"
Arms were thrown around the demigod and he dropped his fork, startled.
"Hazel. Hazel lemme go please. Sis I'm trying to eat."

Hazel sniffed, sitting in the chair beside him as she rubbed her eyes on her arm.
"Sorry sorry it's just...you weren't waking and it's been an entire day! Even Will woke up after a few hours. Nico it was bad..."

"How bad? Wait why did Will wake up? What happened?"

Hazel looked back as Jason and Piper both appeared within view, offering a small smile, but even Nico could tell how forced it was.
"You had another episode. You were seizing and it was leaking everywhere from your face. Will stopped it, but there was blood afterwards still dripping. He used up a lot of energy to stop it. Your hands Nico. They were almost completely faded."

It was Nicos turn to look shocked, looking at the other two behind his sister for confirmation.
"Shit. That's really bad. Is Will okay?"

"Ha leave it to the injured to worry about the doctor. I'm fine Nico. Just needed a nap and some food back in me to perk up again. But you were definitely in bad shape."
Nicos chest clenched as he spotted the pearly whites of Wills smile, the freckles really shown off by the color difference of his tan skin versus his bright blue eyes.
Ah fuck not now Nico. Not now.

Nico rolled his eyes and forced a smirk on his face as he leaned back in his chair.
"Well sorry doctor sunshine. I heard you also passed out and I'm clearly doing fine now."

"For now."
Will frowned as he stepped closer, starting to look Nico over, granting the shorter male the ability to inhale the scent of spiced apples surrounding the blonde.

"It was indeed an alarming site. The last time I've seen something so cruel was before Khufu's reign. And I'm aware of what curses we gods have created."

Now it was Walt Anubis who was now in the room, arms crossed over his chest and gold eyes narrowed at the death demigod.

Nico just sighed and started to eat some more food again.
"Hm glad to know I'm the recent victim. Did it help narrow in on what's wrong with me?"

"Unfortunately so and it is not good news. But I do have some positive news regarding it as well."

"We have some good news. Just cause you're a god doesn't mean I didn't find it first."
Zia was behind the god, a scowl on her face as she entered the room, heading to the fridge. She pulled out a bottle of some pink liquid, taking a sip.
"We have found a spell to create an amulet that should slow down the curses effect on your body."

"Alright that's cool, but I think you're holding back the but part."
Nico frowned as he pushed his plate to the side, leaning forward on the table as he watched Anubis move to stand near Zia.

"We do not possess all the ingredients we need for it here. And it will not stop the curse. Only getting the curse setter to take it off will end it. Or their death."
Anubis frowned, rubbing his chin in thought.
"But once we get the parts necessary we can assemble it with ease. Walt is our resident charm maker and this will be a good challenge for him."

Gold eyes flickered to brown as Walt forced the god back inside, a grin settling on his face.
"What he means is I'm good at what I do and we know where to get the ingredients. And we are willing to help get them with your team."

Jason cleared his throat, attempting to look imposing as he crossed his arms over his chest. Honestly Nico thought it was like a kitten trying to stand up for itself. Adorable.

"So what do we need to get then?"

Anubis flickered back in, laying down a sheet of paper, a pen writing away as he spoke.
"One golden ibis feather. Two cups of water from the Nile river. Five reeds from the Aaru."

Hazel frowned as she listened, tilting her head to the side a bit.
"What's the Aaru?"

Anubis's face darkened as his eyes flicked to Nico.
"What we consider heaven. It's guarded by Osiris and you must pass the trials to get in. I know a shortcut, but even I have rarely entered the sacred area. It's the dangerous part of this list..."

Nico sighed and leaned back in his chair.
"Let me guess...we basically have to kill ourselves right?"

"NICO!"

Nico flinched some as Jason, Piper, and Will yelled at him, shrinking down in his chair.
"It's the death realm it makes sense. Ik not saying we actually die."

"It's more of a death trance yes. Your spirit separates from your physical body and then I can unlock the passage and lead you in. But I can only bring two along. People who have died or have a paternal death figure would be best for the journey. Your mind starts to shatter when you're separated from the living world easier, but those with experience dealing with this type of scenario have an easier time resisting it longer."

"So what? Me and Hazel then? Haze...are you willing to do this? Go back to a dead state?"
Nico looks over at his sister, trying to hint to her about the ghost aspect. She was technically still a missing soul, even if their father was looking the other way.

Hazel was a bit pale as she stared down at the paper.
"Dad said he wouldn't try to claim me again...and I believe him. I'll go with. I know what it's like being a spirit better than everyone here."

Nico nodded and offered her a reassuring smile.
"So we have two then."

Anubis nodded as he looked around.
"Myself, Walt, Nico, and Hazel will get the reeds. The ibis feather and the water still is needed."

Sadie perked up, waving her hand.
"I can help with the feather! Zoe and I were wanting to go visit Ra's stables anyways."

Wills eyes were enlarged, trying to hide a grin.
"Ra's the sun god right? I'll tag along then. My father is our sun god so it will be interesting to experience the differences."

"Piper and I can help with the water. Nico do you think you could get us Mrs O'Leary to get there?"

Nico shrugged and nodded.
"Yeah Percy won't mind. I'll call for her outside. I don't want her to destroy this place."

"I'll tag along then just in case any gods decide to try something. Wouldn't be the first time..."
Carter looked a bit annoyed, but it quickly vanished from his face.

"Bast you'll stay here and watch the mansion while we're away."
Anubis looked at the cat, eyes narrowing.

Bast shifted back into a woman, whining as she stretched over the counter.
"I don't wannaaaaa. I want to go play too. You owe me dog!"

Nico flinched some as her arm draped over his shoulder, still unused to her apparent clinginess.

"Bastet let the boy go we have important work to do. Do your part and behave. Now we all have our parts and we reconvene here as we finish them. Time moves differently in between realms and we will not arrive at the same times here. Should be nothing more than a few days difference if it happens."
Anubis was straightening out a vest he was suddenly wearing and Nico watched as he grabbed out a small dark violet bag with golden strings tying it closed, gripping it tight.

"Alright we know what we need then. Just don't die okay? Otherwise Chiron would kill me."
Jason looked stern and ready to go, gripping his swords coin tight.
"Nico don't die okay? Otherwise I'll tell Percy and Reyna."

Nico spluttered some before flipping him off, glaring.
"We're literally here because I'm trying not to die ass. Now let's get this over with. The sooner the better..."

Hazel smiled and grabbed his hand, holding it gently as she turned to Anubis.
"How do we enter your underworld?"

Anubis's eyes flickered a brighter gold as he started to walk down a hall, the bag still gripped tight.
"There are paths involving a death like state, but with you already being children of the dead it's a much easier process. Normally I can travel freely to be able to work, but when I take Walt's body along I must used something called gẖbạr ạlbwạbẗ. In English that translates er...portal dust roughly. But it leads to the first part of the trials of the Duat and to my own boat. There we can freely pass through with you kept out of view until we reach Osiris's ending. From there we can find a way to enter the Aaru or rather you will have too with Walt, but not me. Osiris would notice my presence in an area I do not enter ever and it would cut the mission short. But with your souls already resembling the dead there's hope you will be able to pass under his nose. My task will be keeping Ammit on her leash away from you. She is much like your Cerberus where she is a guard for the Aaru. If caught your souls would be devoured and you would cease to exist again."

Nico exchanged a look with Hazel as they stepped into a room with plush bed like coaches along the walls and an empty frame in the center of the room. The walls were painted to resemble the night sky and it looked like the "stars" actually twinkled.
"Lovely...get in, stay hidden until you tell us, don't let the dog eat us, and don't let the king find us. Sounds simple enough."

Hazels face was grim as she squeezed his hand tighter.
"We've faced worse odds."

Anubis pointed at the couches, opening the bag he held.
"I would lay down so your bodies don't get bruised when your souls exit them."

Nico and Hazel quickly moved to lay down, still holding hands. Nico watched Anubis pour a small handful of a glittering black powder into his palm before blowing it at the frame. The siblings watched in amazement was the dust settled in the frame, starting to swirl on itself. The black suddenly revealed an image of dark blue water with golden green reeds in the background and the sleek black deck of a boat.

Anubis turned to them, putting his pouch away again.
"Now let's get you out of those bodies so we can achieve our task."
He placed a hand on each of their hearts, eyes flashing dark amber as he spoke in a much deeper voice than ever before.

"Kẖrwj ạlrwḥ!"

Nico was hit with a blast of heat throughout his body and he felt like he was floating. His eyes settled on his body, yelping as he fell to the floor.
"Whoa that is so weird. Hazel? You good?"

Hazel was brushing off her pants as she stood, face grim as she stared at their sleeping bodies.
"Yeah I'm good. Let's just hurry up and do this."

Anubis gave a smile as he held a hand out to the portal.
"Well then. Shall we enter my realm of death?"

Nico sighed and made eye contact with Hazel before stepping through the portal. It felt grainy we he passed through, like his skin had just dragged itself across a beach. He found himself on a sleek black boat with gold ornaments and words in a language he couldn't read. The world was filled with the sound of distant wailing and screams, the water pushing silently against the boats edge.

Anubis cleared his throat as he brushed off his body, the portal closing behind him.
"Now then kids. Get below deck while I guide us to Osiris's throne room. Our task awaits."

Chapter Text

Nico was sat on a bench with Hazel to his left, leg bouncing as he fiddled with his ring. Anubis had ordered them to stay hidden as he got them through the trial sections with practiced ease, not wanting to risk any misstep. It was silent between the siblings, only the rocking waves and the creaking of the boat giving any illusion of life. But I guess life didn't exist in the Aaru did it? Not technically.

Nico's head popped up from where he had been staring at the floor as the sound of steps descended closer to them. He caught the sight of two pairs of shoes on the stairs, one sleek and elegant with gleaming black shine and the other a dark leather pair of hiking boots that looked well worn.

Anubis entered the area first, looking like a God Nico normally saw, minus the dog head of course. He was wearing something like Nico had seen in the book Annabeth had provided, bare chest with a golden skirt looking thing. The black from his head was fading down along his arms, standing out against the large golden necklace and arm bands he wore. Walt looked the same as he did before, giving a small wave as he held a bag over one shoulder.

"We'll be arriving at the final gates shortly. Hm those outfits simply won't do for this. You won't be able to blend in this way. Pah normally Isis prefers the dress up, but I suppose I can fix this."
Anubis wrinkled his dog nose and waved his hand before going up the stairs again.

Nico was honestly in shock of the talking dog head, staring at it as he sort of listened to Anubis. How the hell did that functionally work? Did he have dog tendencies like Mrs O'Leary? Chasing balls, panting, sniffing butts? Did the other gods look like him?

Hazel rolled her eyes some at her brothers zoned out face, looking down as her SPQR t-shirt and jeans faded into a gold glittery swirl. She blinked to avoid the light and when she looked down she was wearing white linen knee length dress that had black sides. Her hair was braided up and she felt a wrap keeping it out of her face. There was a something dangling on her forehead connected to the wrap and she could sense a large teardrop shaped sapphire with smaller pearls surrounding it. Her shoes were now gold colored sandals that were laced up her legs with braids. Her sword was tied around her waist with a corded braid. Hazels eyes widened as she looked over at Nico, barely covering a laugh as she took him in.
"Nico! You're wearing eyeliner! You look good."

Nico blinked as he stopped thinking about the doggy logistics of Gods as he looked at Hazel.
"What the hell are you wearing? When did you get makeup?"

Hazel smirked some as she crossed her arms over her chest, looking her anemic brother over. He was wearing an all black kilt and a silver and black wrap over his chest. He wore the same style of sandals that she wore, but in the same shade of silver as his top. His black hair was braided with strands of silver and gold thread, a few holding green and red jewels in the ends. He wore a neck piece like Anubis had had on, but his was made of silver with accents of black and rubies and emeralds. His forehead was decorated with a silver circlet that had twists of black twirling around with it. The center contained a large circular emerald surrounded by 7 smaller hexagonal rubies. His sword was held up by a gold braided belt on his hip. He looked like royalty of some other religion. Shit she wished she had a way to take a picture of them because this was a look as Piper would say or a slay.

"You look good like this Nico. I think this was an attempt for us to blend in here. But we look so fancy."

"You are technically royalty even if it's not from any of our lines. But yes this is to help you blend in. Anubis is not known for his subtlety, but you will do well with the other spirits that we may come across."

Walt was holding some phone looking device that was clunkier, squinting as he pushed back a braid out of his eyes. He was dressed in just a kilt that was light blue and gold. He wore a chest wrap like Nico, in the same colors as his kilt. His eyes were highlight with light blue eyeshadow and white eyeliner. He looked like royalty that actually fit in.

Nico took in his own changed appearance, clutching at his hair.
"What the hell?! Not another godly makeover! Hazel. Hazel show me what I look like I'm begging you."

Walt hummed and passed over a small handheld mirror from a nearby table.

Nico shrieked as he looked at his face.
"Oh my god don't ever tell Percy or Jason about this I'll never live it down!"

Walt shrugged some, chuckling a bit as he glanced up the stairs.
"You look fine Nico there is no concern for your panicking. We've just stopped we should get going to get those reeds. I don't want to be here any longer than we need too."

Nico groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly before straightening up.
"I hate this mission. Should've gone to the stupid sun god stables..."

Hazel patted his shoulder before following Walt up the stairs.
"I think you look good still Nico. Very adorable."

"I am older than you I am not adorable."
Nico groaned before following along, feeling his skin crawling the way it did when surrounded by hoards of the dead. It felt as overwhelming as whenever he exited Hades's palace to overlook the different spirit areas. He looked around, eyeing the black water with distrust. He could see a path of white tile leading towards two tall pillars with flames spewing out the top. There was an aura of strong power radiating from that direction and Nico swerved more towards the left side of the ship cautiously.

"So I guess to the right is where the king is that we need to avoid?"

Anubis stepped over, canines glinting in the light of the torches on the boat.
"Yes that is where we judge the souls. Do you see that path there, towards the ruins? You must enter through there to find my secret entrance to the Aaru. The field of Osiris's reeds will be past the Temple of Balance. It will be quite hard to miss them. Do not enter the temple even if the tricksters try to get you in. Once your soul enters you simply fade and you can never return from that."

Nico slowly eyed his sister, her face holding a similar fearful look on it. A soul being lost forever? It was simply unheard of, even monsters got a renewed chance for life, even if people didn't want it. This was territory that the children of Hades didn't venture into.
"Cool yeah noted. Don't go in the scary place and everything if we want to exist. Got it."

Walt sighed some, gripping his bags strap tight. He eyed the edge of the boat before withdrawing a charm shaped like a camel.
"We understand Anubis I'll be sure to keep on track."

Anubis nodded and started towards the plank that was lowering onto the tiled path.
"Good luck. Walt you know how to summon me when you get back here so we can depart. Move fast and safe, we do not want to risk anything happening to your souls physical bodies."

Nico sighed and he went up on Walt's left side, looking at the marshy path leading towards the ruins surrounded by a dense fog.
"Cool don't die...we got this."

Walt threw the charm at the ground, speaking some words that Nico didn't understand. A flash of light erupted from the area and left behind a live camel as it disappeared again.

Nico stared at it in shock, jaw dropped as he clutched the handle of his sword.
"How...how? Camel?!"

"I specialize in charm making and charm magic. Statues carved with magic in the exact look of creatures or gods can trap them or be used to summon them. Hence a camel charm to summon a camel. It will fade eventually, but we have a few hours. Now let's get on Camilla."

Nico looked at Hazel, trying to gain any more clues on the new camel, but she was just staring at the creature with a small smile.
Leave it to my sister to love the new creature.

Walt held out his hand, helping Hazel to the front of the saddle. He then climbed up behind her, before holding a hand out to Nico.

"Animals don't uh like me normally."

"She's not real so if she doesn't like you then she's deformed."
Walt smiled assuringly at the shorter male, holding his hand out to him still.

Nico sighed and grasped the outstretched hand, pushing off as he was pulled up behind Walt on the saddle, biting down a startled noise as Camilla shifted some. He watched as Walt grasped some reins and gave a verbal order, squeaking under his breath as the camel started to move. He was quick to wrap his arms around Walt's waist as the animal picked up speed, not wanting to be thrown off.

Hazel smiled and she pet Camilla's neck, gripping the front of the saddle as she ran. It wasn't like riding Arion or any other horse or Pegasus or unicorn. Camilla's strides weren't as fast as the equine creatures, instead a little bumpier as she ran. The fog was parting as they journeyed farther into the hidden path, the marshy path fading into a golden like sand. But Camilla didn't falter, instead seeming more at home on the sandy terrain.

As they finally broke through the fog, the scenery was a drastic shift from the haunted looking marsh area into a bright sandy hilled terrain. The sun didn't feel like it normally would with the heat, instead just filling their souls with a sense of comfort and inner warmth. The sand looked like gold had been mixed in with the usual material, glittering from the rays. There was a small pyramid in the distance, looking like it was bathed in a bright light making it hard to distinguish the actual shape of it.

"We've entered the Aaru. We must be cautious now to avoid contact. The temple lies ahead."
Walt looked back at Nico, his face serious again.

Nico looked over his shoulder, squinting as he took in everything.
"Don't go in it...so uh you don't think your kinds souls will be attracted to me right? I tend to attract them sometimes."

Walt blinked, a small grin covering his face.
"Ooohh I really hope not. That would not be fun for us..."

Hazel glanced back before patting Camilla's neck gently.
"We just need to be fast. You can sense them as they approach Nico so that should help. There's no mist here so I can't create a shield to hide us."

Nico winced some, looking around. Something felt like it was watching them, but he couldn't see where.
"Let's just get this over with. Something knows we're here and I don't want to find out what."

Will was confused about meeting the Egyptian sun god, more of a mixed feeling sort of thing. It wasn't his father here, but it felt like he was cheating on him in a way. Meeting with another sun god, who was apparently more loved and acted as a Zeus figure to these gods. A leader. Even if he wasn't the official leader anymore according to his guides.

"So uh how do we get to the stables? Like Pegasus's?"

Zia looked over, putting a necklace on with a raised eyebrow.
"No we uh. I have a portal to get us there. Ra allows me to channel his powers because I am his chosen vessel. He doesn't really interfere too much with our issues these days though. With the gods basically retreating and ending their stays on this plane."

"Portals huh? That's super cool!"

Sadie laughed as she stepped over to join them, hands on her hips as she looked at him.
"I make the portals mostly. But it's easier having Zia to help with her connection to Ra. Why do you guys travel by flying horses?"

Will frowned in thought, rubbing his chin with one hand.
"Most children don't have magic, at least nothing like yours. Our powers are related to our parents. I have some magic associated with healing mostly. We're all proficient in healing of course because of my dad, but I can heal some wounds using advanced healing. It just makes me tired if I go too much. My sister Kayla doesn't have any powers like mine, but my other sister Calliope can summon a bow. But someone like Percy Jackson? Oh boy."

"Hm what about him?"
Zia was leaning forward now, eyes glinting for more knowledge.

Will leaned on the edge of the chair behind him, sighing some.
"So there's like a ranking system for our gods. The king of the Gods, Zeus, has two brothers. Percy's dad is one, Poseidon, and Nico's is the other, Hades. They're the top and arguably the most powerful of the 12 main gods and goddesses. They had a ban on having children after the Second World War after their children battled it out. Their children are more powerful than others typically and it shows when you compare them. Jason is the son of Zeus technically it's a little confusing there. He's the son of his Roman form, but his sister is Greek. Don't ask for anything more on that I think it's super weird too. Still with me?"

Sadie and Zia had sat down on the couch at some point, leaning towards him. They both just gave a nod to encourage him to continue.

Will cleared his throat before sitting in the chair properly, fiddling with the bottom of his shirt.
"So Jason has control of storms and lightning, but he can also fly. Also the wind spirits listen to him. Percy has a huge range of control of his dad's powers. So he can breathe underwater, talk to any type of horse, talk with underwater animals like fish and dolphins. Let's see...oh one time he caused an earthquake and hurricane."

"How did he do that? Isn't his father's region the ocean and water?"
Zia frowned some as she crossed her ankles.

Will hummed softly as he considered how to explain it to them.
"So the gods have multiple things associated to them. Like my dad drives the sun chariot, but also archery, poetry, medicine, the arts. Percy's dad is king of the oceans, but he's also called storm shaker. He can create storms just like Jason's dad, but they tend to be more violent like earthquakes and hurricanes. But yeah anyways Percy's powers what didn't I say...oh uh he can control water. Honestly I want to test if he could control blood to help with us and healing because there's water in it. So that leaves Nico and Hazel. So they're like Jason with the dual sides of Roman and Greek forms for their father. Nico is Greek and Hazel is Roman. So Hazel has one side of their dad's uh domain? She can summon jewels and riches, control the earth and move it. And she got chosen as another goddesses protege so she uses the mist as a power source. Honestly pretty badass."

"The mist. That's what keeps the normal humans from seeing your world right?"
Sadie perked up some, smiling.

"Mhm. I don't understand it all that much honestly. Not my area of expertise. But Nico has the opposite end of the powers spectrum, dealing more with the dead. He can summon skeletons, commune with the dead, shadow travel, which is not fun by the way, he can control shadows sometimes? Super cool to see it...and uh erm. You can't judge him for this last one okay? But he can kinda sorta banish peoples souls from their bodies to the underworld?"

Will winced some as he said the last line, chewing on his bottom lip as he avoided the girls eyes.

Zia looked stunned, eyes wide with her jaw dropped.
"Separate the soul from the body permanently? That's unheard of."

Sadie looked afraid, rubbing her arm up and down as if she was comforting herself.
"H-how do you even know about that? Why would he find that out?"

Will sighed and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he leaned forward.
"You need to understand our lives are not easy. We are sought out by monsters constantly because we have a smell to them. And the gods aren't always great parents, more hands off...some of us don't even have our human parents like Nico and Jason. It's easy for people to want more of a normal life. We've had two wars in the last two years. The first was devastating as we fought our own siblings, watched them die before our eyes. The second war we fought for our lives against the Roman's and an evil titan who was literally the physical earth. There was this guy who was messed up in the head to begin with and then possessed by that titan, Octavian. He was going to destroy our camp, kill our family and friends. So Nico did what he had too. Octavians right hand man Bryce, was a murderer and had been banished from the Roman camp. He had tracked down Nico and the leader of the camp Reyna. When Nico shadow travels too much, it's just draining on him physically and mentally. He lost control of himself was what Reyna described. The world was still and the temperature below zero suddenly. Bryce had some zombies he could summon using his connections to his godly father whoever that was, but Reyna said they just disintegrated. Nico snapped and suddenly Bryce's body was limp on the ground with his ghost just standing where he had been before. Nico sent him to the fields of punishment where he belonged. As the ghost king, he just knows those things I guess? But he was paying for his crimes then and he forever will be. I know Reyna thinks he was just in his actions and I think so too. Bryce was going to keep hurting people. Nico's not someone who kills people at all, he hates it. Monsters are one thing but another demigod? He wouldn't do it without a reason."

Zia hummed softly, reaching forward to rest her hand on top of his.
"We won't judge him for that. I agree that his action, while extreme, was necessary. He saved more lives."

Sadie didn't look as afraid anymore, just more uncomfortable.
"Is he okay? I don't know Walt deals with hosting Anubis somedays and what Anubis does. But Nico is just a child and you've all been through so much. Wars? How old were you then even?"

Will forced a small smile before it fell into a small frown.
"I was 15 for the first war, freshly turned by a few weeks. Nico was 14. The others weren't at our camp then. Jason had his own battle with the Romans apparently, but Hazel was still dead then and Piper didn't even know she was a demigod yet. The second war technically ended like two weeks ago and right now I'm 17 and Nico is 16."

"14?! He fought in a war at fucking 14?! And you were not even a year older what the fuck is wrong with your camp?!"
Sadie was standing now, throwing her hands up to the sky.
"So apparently your side thinks it's fine for infants to fight?"

Will sighed some and watched her tiredly. He couldn't defend the camps actions, but he also couldn't let it get reamed either.
"Chiron kept those under the age of 14 behind at camp. Some snuck out of course, but we didn't want the youngest fighting. I was a healer, staying in the back lines and caring for those that had already fallen. Nico was a uh special case. He hadn't actually been at camp leading up to the war, but when he arrived he saved us all. He had brought his father and stepmother and her mother along to help us fight. It gave us the push we needed to stay alive. It was the scariest and coolest experience. They literally just burst from some shadows! He was wearing black armor, standing next to his father on his chariot. God Nico was a hero that day, even if others didn't want to accept it. And being so close to your godly parent and two others? So awesome."

Zia smirked some, crossing her arms over her chest as she started to stand.
"Sounds like you have some strong admiration for him."

Will blushed and started to open his mouth to argue his defense, but Sadie had already cut in

"More like a crush I'd say Zia. He's like how Carter was with you in the beginning. Silent pining and admiration."
Sadie giggled as she leaned into Zia's side, batting her eyelids rapidly as she grinned.

Will was red in the cheeks, coughing as he stood.
"Yeah so uh anyways that's some history and we should probably uh get going now right? Yeah right I'm right let's go get this stuff and meet your god."

Zia and Sadie were both laughing, heading to his side. Zia took pity on him, resting her hand on his shoulder firmly.
"Yes yes we should go. Thank you for letting us know some of your history. It's interesting to learn about your experiences, not matter how sad they were. Sadie is Isis ready to create the portal?"

"Hm? Oh yeah she's been ready. She was just enjoying listening to Will. Apparently she doesn't know much about the Greeks and Romans either."

Will looked at her, trying to internalize his pout of shame. He noticed that Sadie's eyes were now a glowing blue, sensing a shift in the air.

Sadie stepped towards the hallway, hands spread in the air. There was a shift in the air, an ovular shape slowly shifting into a new view of a ships deck. She was chanting something that Will couldn't understand, hands glowing like her eyes were.

Will blinked as Sadie went quiet, slowly looking at Zia in shock.
"Whoa. You guys are so badass."

Zia smirked some, straightening up proudly.
"Hm yes I think we are as well. Now let's go. We have some golden Ibis to get a feather from."

Will nodded and let her hand on his shoulder guide him after Sadie who was already entering the portal. His head felt a bit lighter as his footsteps hit the wooden deck of a boat. Well more like a flying ship palace. Honestly Apollo would be jealous of how big this was for one Sun god.

Will looked around, taking in the rich royal feeling of the ship. It radiated the warmth of the sun he knew about in his bones. There were marble statues in the shape of some Minotaur looking figure. Paintings made of some of the most beautiful colors Will had ever seen depicted different events of Egyptian lore. Gold and jewels were prevalent everywhere, delivering various surfaces. It all just gave an aura of ancient powerful royalty.

"Welcome to the sun god Ra's home and ship."
Zia spread her hands as she took a few steps back, grinning as if she was showing it off as her own.

Sadie's eyes were back to normal as she looked around, not as impressed as Will felt he was.
"Hm not much has changed since the last time. The stables are at the back where Ra keeps his Ibis's. He's probably asleep right now, so if you come across him try not to disturb him. Just because Anubis and Bast and Isis are okay with doesn't mean he would be. Our gods are more uh rebels in a way. More free spirits if anything else. Ra was the first god and he's still someone everyone looks up too. He holds a lot of power and I don't want to be having to fight him today."

Will nodded and shrank down some, focusing back in.
"Yeah lead the way then. I won't do anything to mess this up. Nico needs this amulet to live."

Zia nodded and led the way, looking more at ease on this ship than Will had seen from her ever.
"Sadie I do wonder how Horus is dealing with everything. As the new official Pharaoh of the gods and all. He was always more of a stickler for order."

"I bet Carter is keeping him in line. Besides we already met Percy and Annabeth before. Clearly Horus was okay with it before. I'm more worried about Hazel, Walt, and Nico. In the Duat and then the Aaru? With Osiris? It's more dangerous there and being spirits. Isis is trying to assure me that her husband wouldn't do anything to hurt them, but we don't know how he would react to two different pantheons having children there. Walt will be fine...but Nico and Hazel don't belong there."

Will gulped and looked up at the white marble pillars leading into a room full of shiney birds that were eating or sleeping or doing whatever birds do. He watched as Sadie and Zia entered, petting some birds heads as they looked for a fallen feather. Will kept his head on the swivel, not wanting to find a god stabbing him in the back or anything.

"Hey kid we got it. We can head back now. I even grabbed a few spares for our storage."
Zia smiled as she approached his side, holding up a small drawstring bag in one hand. She shook it and it sounded like metal clanking against each other dampened by the soft fabric of the bag.

"We got the easy job huh. I hope Jason and Piper and Carter are doing okay. And I really hope we get back and Walt, Hazel, and Nico are already back."

Will stepped through the portal after Sadie created one back to the mansion, taking in the ship one last time. They entered to a silent mansion, the only noise was Bast snoring away as a cat on the countertop.
Fuck. It looks like we got the easy mission. I hope the others are doing okay. I hope Nico is doing okay.

Chapter Text

The trio moved closer and closer to the shining reeds and yet all Nico could focus on was the draining energy surrounding the temple they had been warned about. It felt like the first experience he had done with shadow traveling. The screaming of souls clawing at him, draining the warmth from his breath with every exhale. The shadows that felt like they were chasing him as he pushed through their counterparts on his own journey. It made him uneasy. That and the still lingering feeling of being watched.

Walt cleared his throat as Camilla stepped carefully up a hill of sand, pushing his hair out of his face.
"We're almost there. We just need to get the reeds and leave quickly. I fear our presence being discovered if this takes longer."

"Hey what's that?l"
Hazel pointed to their left, at the silhouette of a person standing near the entrance to the Temple of Balance.

Nico narrowed his eyes to focus, taking in the fact that the person had no legs and seemed to be surrounded by a fog instead.
"It's a spirit of some type. Nothing like I've ever seen. It's like half of it is gone."

"No that's normal. It's a Shut with the way it looks from here. Our people believe in multiple parts to the soul, but the most common you'll find here Ka and some Ba's. The ka looks like a normal person, but Bas are half human in depiction. They have wings and can travel between life and death, sometimes used as messengers between the gods. Shuts are more dangerous. Shut means shadow and they are rarely seen here. It's a part of the soul that doesn't typically translate over into death and if they do it's never for a good reason. That one must be a trickster that Anubis warned us about."

Nico frowned some as he listened, keeping an eye on the Shut spirit as Camilla kept up her pace.
"Let's hope it stays there then. I'm not sure how well our weapons will work against these dead Hazel. Or if I can even do anything against that type of spirit. It's unlike anything I've ever seen."

"Do you see a lot of ghosts with your kind? I know you are the children of death."

Hazel cleared her throat, cutting in before Nico could kill Walt.
"Actually we're the children of the dead, not death. Death is a subject under our father's rule. But yes we have seen our share of ghosts."

Walt looked a bit sheepish, rubbing the back of his head nervously as he glanced back at Nico.
"I'm sorry my apologies. Can I ask why you see so many ghosts? Don't your dead typically move on?"

Nico tightened his grip around Walt's waist as Camilla started to go down the hill of sand, not wanting to get sent over the side.
"I've been in our father's palace many times. You can see the different areas of the dead there and how their ghosts act. I also pulled Hazel out as a ghost so there's that. Haze tell him about the Roman side."

Hazel nodded a bit, hand still lingering on the side of Camilla's neck.
"We have Lares of old leaders that fell in battle and such. They wander about in New Rome and we ask for guidance from them sometimes. I think they get special permission from our dad to stay there, but I never really wanted to ask. I'm still afraid my soul could be reclaimed even though he's turning a blind eye. I don't want to be a conscious ghost again, wandering eternity for nothing."

"Hm it seems our worlds are similar. I've been here before with Anubis, but never near the souls. But we believe you need help getting your soul here otherwise you just, disappear. Sometimes there's rumors of vengeful spirits causing plagues or curses, but nothing was ever verified of course."

"Sometimes the spirits get lost and I help them move on. Give them a coin so Charon will take their soul across faster. Some are just lost or confused because they died so suddenly or they were afraid to move on. But staying for too long changes the soul and warps it. Thankfully I've never encountered that but Thanos gave me the warning about it."

"Well as fun as this conversation has been, we're here."
Hazel started to slide off Camilla's side, staring at the reeds in awe. They were taller in person, easily as tall as Walt or even taller in some areas. They shined as the sun shone above them, sparkles reflecting and refracting the light from all angles.

Walt slid off after Hazel, holding a hand to Nico to help him.

Nico looked behind him for a second before sliding off, ignoring Walt's help.
"Shit these are massive. How are we supposed to carry these?"

Walt opened the flap of his bag, reaching in. His whole arm disappeared so his shoulder in it as his face turned into one of concentration.
"Don't worry about that. Where's that..."

Nico made eye contact with Hazel, pouting at the bag with his eye balls. He caught her own eyes widened in curiosity and mouthed to her that he wanted one. He watched as Walt withdrew his arm, now clutching a golden sickle that looked almost like some swords he had seen at the Roman armory.
"How did you fit that in your bag?"

Walt turned to him, giving a small prideful smirk.
"Zoe and I enchanted some bags to ignore the laws of space. They allow us to carry longer weapons to in case the reeds will fit. It took a bit of time to figure out the enchantment, but it is very handy for wanting to pack light for journeys or battles. And being as I use statues for my magic it means I can carry a larger arsenal to be able to do my part in fights. Now let's get to work. I wonder if your weapons will have any effect on the reeds."

Hazel drew her spatha, turning to the closest reed stalk and swinging at it. It went about halfway through before she withdrew it and took a second swing. She held out her hands to catch the falling reed head, blinking in surprise as she stopped it in midair.
"It must be made of real gold for me to be able to have this control on it at all. So interesting. Nico help me."

Nico grumbled but held out his arms, letting Hazel drop it in his arms. He made a noise as his knees buckled under the weight of it.
"Real gold definitely real gold!"

Walt moved the bag forward, helping Nico guide the reed into the darkness of the mysterious bag.
"One down. Quite a few more to go."

Nico rubbed his inner elbows, feeling the bruises that would surely form from catching the metal plant.
"I'll keep an eye out and help get them in the bag. I don't want to think that my blade might be out right now."

"Hm why is that?"
Walt was hacking at a new reed, glancing back as it started to tip over.

"It's a cursed medal. Only the children of Hades or Pluto can touch it safely. It absorbs souls and I don't want to risk you. I can only imagine Anubis would smite me if I got you trapped."

Walt looked alarmed as he caught his reed, just holding it instead of guiding it into the bag.
"Yeah no actually great idea. Don't take that out it's fine. Hazel and I got the chopping part."

Nico nodded and started to help bag the reeds. Between the three of them with Hazel focused on chopping and Nico on the bag and Walt doing both they managed to get what they needed and more within half an hour.

Nico rubbed his sore upper arms, groaning some as he watched Walt shoulder the bag again.
"Plants have no reason being that heavy."

Hazel wiped her brow off with one hand, beaming as she went back to Camilla's side. The camel was now laying down, watching the trio silently. She looked up as Hazel approached, nudging at the girls side gently.
"I wonder if I can take one of those with us. Or get one later. I want to see if there's anything like it in the Roman gardens."

Nico looked at his sister in disbelief, shaking his head and feeling the jewels slapping against his neck.
"I can't even with you. Only you would want the golden plant from the underworld."

Hazel stuck her tongue out at him as she climbed back onto Camilla's saddle, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I'm curious if they grow. It's not like a metal plant is a common thing."

Nico huffed and eyed the camel some as Walt stood beside her. He got back into his own seat, leaving room for Walt to slide in. He yelped in surprise and grabbed onto Hazels shoulders as Camilla shifted forward and started to rise.
"I know what I'm getting you for your birthday SHIT!"

Walt chuckled as he patted Camilla's side before climbing up onto her saddle between the siblings.
"Sorry it's easier to get you both loaded when she's down. But if I had been on she might've struggled. You're both lighter so she was fine. I should've warned you though."

Nico bit back his argument over his size, instead moving his arms back to Walt's sides in case. He stayed quiet as Camilla started their journey back to Anubis's ship, just keeping a watch. The sensation on the back of his neck hadn't gone away even at the reeds and Nico just wanted to get out before something went wrong.

Camilla had gotten just a few minutes past the temple when all hell broke loose. The first arrow lodged into her right hip, causing the camel to let out a loud cry of pain. The second arrow went sailing over Walt's head and the third hit into Camilla's flank, just below Hazels foot. By the time the fourth arrow was sailing their way into Camilla's neck, Nico was already sliding off the saddle onto her left side with Walt pulling Hazel down beside him.

Camilla let out another cry of pain as she was struck, her body starting to crack before she seemed to fall apart like a pot that had shattered on the floor. Suddenly the trio was left exposed, crouched down in the sand. Nico made eye contact with Hazel who looked devastated by Camilla's death and Walt who looked alarmed before he started to yell.
"RUN!"

Nico started to move, grabbing Hazels arm as he passed and pulling her forward, ignoring how she stumbled a little.
"Hazel we have to go now! Come on!"

Hazel whined softly as she started to move, trying not to stumble in the unstable sand as she moved with her brothers grip on her.
"Camilla. She's dead."

Walt stayed behind Hazel as the trio ran, starting to grab out statues and throwing them down as soldiers started to appear from them before being shot down just as quickly as they had sprung up.
"She's just a statue we need to go! I can't see where they're shooting from fuck!"

Nico moved Hazel before him as they ran, starting to twist his ring as they moved down a hill. He let out a grunt as he spotted a shadow starting to grow nearer to him, twisting around and watching as the arrow bounced off his sword that appeared from the air into his hands. He started moving again as Walt bumped into his shoulder, somehow managing to stay on his feet. He went back to running after Walt and his sister, glancing back as more arrows landed around them.

The sand was starting to fall down the hill as loud steps thudded behind them. Nico took the chance to glance back, eyes widening at the enemies following them.

The creatures were black with translucent wisps of energy surrounding them, whipping off their ghostly bodies as they ran down the hill after the teens. There were 5 in total running after the trio, two in the lead and the others following just a few feet behind them. The monsters were shaped like the Sphinx with a feline body, but instead of a human head it was a decaying crocodile head that was dripping an acidic colored substance as it ran. The jaws looked broken in a way that they didn't fully close as the monsters snapped while they ran. Their bodies had exposed bones that were stained with black blood through ripped flesh, some containing bones sticking out from breaks. Their feet were clawed, easily throwing back sand as they ran. Scales decorated parts of the fleshy furred body of the creature. But the tail was a thin trail of bones, holding a large barb at the tip that glinted off the suns light. Their riders were the ghostly figures from the temple, the three in the back wielding bows of black mist and the two in the front carrying spears with shields that were scaled like the beasts they rode upon. Their faces were something from a nightmare, half ripped away flesh exposing the skull underneath with a face that seemed to move. The mouth was just a pitch black void, forever dropped open in an eternal scream. Bright yellow balls were in the eye sockets, unblinking even as sand whipped in their faces.

Nico stumbled some as he took in all he could from his glance back before focusing back on running. They were nearing the entrance they had come from, but the monsters were clearly gaining on them, more suited to run through the sandy biome versus the sandals on the teens.
"Shit they're gaining! Run don't stop!"

The boy stopped and spun around, sword raised in front of him with his other hand open and facing the charging enemies.
I hope to Hades this works.

The feeling of death radiated off the approaching nightmares and it felt like time slowed. Nico could hear the distant scream of Hazel behind him, but it was warped and slightly muted. He let the chilling grip of death invade his body as he focused on stopping the charging monsters. The black smoke started to solidify as the beasts slowly ran at him, mouths dangling open.

Nico felt his body go numb as he lost all feeling within himself. His sword melted away as he extended his other hand, a tendril of shadows leaking from each hand in front of him. The monsters and their beasts were halted mid run, unmoving with weapons still raised to attack the humans. The tendrils lashed out from both hands as Nico's head filled with indescribable rage. They had been attacked for no reason and they had wanted to kill his sister. His sister he had convinced to put herself into danger. The sister he had led to another Underworld.

Hazel was stopped in the entryway of the arch, screaming for Nico to keep running. She watched as her brother turned around and time seemed to come to a standstill. She tried to run forward as she watched his sword disappear, screaming as Walt's stronger arms held her back. She struggled to break free as she saw inky black cords leaked from his pale hands, forced to watch as an outline of black mist seemed to leak from his body. She went quiet as he took a step at their enemies, listening to him yell in a voice that didn't sound like his own.

Nico yelled, his anger breaking free as he stepped once towards the frozen beasts.
PERISH!

The tendrils whipped forward, striking into the chests of the two front skeletal beings. Their bodies were slowly cracking as the yellow light seemed to leak from within them. They let out one final ghastly shriek before they exploded into a fine black mist that quickly faded. Their beasts were impaled through their gaping maws, bodies exploding into golden dust. The three archers were slowly starting to move again, notching arrows in slow motion. Nico felt his lips twitch as the tendrils stabbed the middle one through the skull and the other two were simply wrapped in the shadow beasts, constricted as they tightened themselves around them. They also let out one last death cry before cracking and shattering in an explosion of yellow light. The tendrils made quick work of the last monsters, ripping them apart limb by limb in a quick explosion of dust.

Nico was brought back to reality by the feeling of a wet liquid on his face, the world suddenly loud again. He could feel the wind brushing sand against his outstretched hands that suddenly felt like cement blocks as they fell to his side. He managed to force on to his face, wiping at the warm liquid that had shattered him back to the world. Nico looked at the blood with wide eyes, slowly turning towards his two companions.

Hazel went limp in Walt's arms as the first two skeletal monsters were impaled by the cords of blackness, mouth dropped open in shock. A soft whine left her lips as their pursuers were ripped apart in a quick succession, stunned by whatever Nico was doing. All she could do was worry for him, the misty shroud unfading as the attack continued. She lurched forward as his arms dropped and the mist around him faded, easily getting past Walt's arms.
"NICO!?"

Hazel ran the few yards to him, watching as he slowly turned around. His nose was dripping blood that was staining the golden sand below them. She noticed how glazed over his face looked as she latched onto him, forcing herself not to shiver at how frozen his skin felt.
"Nico? Nico come on we need to get back to the boat."

Nico could see Hazels outline and feel the touch on his body, but everything felt fuzzy in his head. The sun was too bright, his skin felt like it was burning off, and his head wouldn't stop raining. It hurt too much.

Rest now child it will be okay. Just close your eyes now. Rest now.

Nico hummed softly as he nodded, leaning into whoever was holding him. The voice in his head sounded so motherly and it sounded much easier than however he was feeling. He forced his mouth to move, struggling with how weak his muscles felt. It was a fight to get his thoughts out as his eyelids drooped closed.
" 'm s-rry...can't..."

Hazel felt as Nico seemed to lean his body into her entirely, worry filling her as she watched his eyes fluttering. It felt like his body was getting lighter with every breath, a frown on his face. She listened to his words that were slurred, eyes widening as his body went entirely limp against her. She struggled to hold him entirely, starting to fall onto the dirt before strong arms looped below hers to hold Nicos shoulders. Hazel looked back quickly, trying to stay calm.
"We need to leave now."

Walt looked surprisingly calm as he nodded once, slowly shifting Hazel out of the way to be supporting Nico's weight instead. He swept up the unconscious male into his arms, bridal style with only a small grunt.
"Let's go. I feel like that show of power may have just alerted Osiris to us being here."

The two remaining teens made their way back into the arch and woods, silent the entire time. Hazel took the lead with her spatha in front of her, eyes on alert for any dangers that might leap out at them. The journey back into the boat was uneventful thankfully, and Hazel finally let out a breath of relief as their feet touched the cool wood again. She watched as Walt went to lay Nico on a cushioned bench near the stairs, putting her weapon back in her belt.

Anubis appeared in a silent flash of dark blue mist, a frown apparent on his dog head. The ship was moving with a small wave of his hand as he approached the exhausted duo.
"Something happened. Osiris and I could feel a burst of power near the edge of the Aaru. What happened? Were you successful?"

Walt slid onto the ground in front of the bench Nico was asleep on, sighing as he looked at the god.
"Everything was fine we got the reeds and avoided the temple like you said. But there were five warped looking souls. Like Shuts that had been left to decay I don't understand what they were Anubis. The rode these crocodiles that were like acidic zombies I've never seen a monster like that before. They destroyed our ride with their weapons and we were forced to run through the dunes. Nico stopped and somehow killed them? I don't quite understand what all happened. There was no reason for them to attack we avoided the temple...I don't understand."

Hazel slowly went to sit beside him, holding Nico's hand and frowning as she felt how cold and stiff it was. He felt like a corpse beneath her touch.
"I don't know what those monsters were either. But Nico had these shadow extensions that ripped them apart. It was like Nico was being controlled."

Anubis frowned as he started to pace in front of them, rubbing underneath his chin.
"Controlled how?"

"There was a warped version of the most surrounded him and he yelled at them at one point. But the voice was uh a woman's voice."

Anubis paused in his pacing, glancing around as he sniffed the air. He went stiff before whipping his head at the tired children and pointing at the stairs.
"Walt get them below deck now and stay quiet. Hurry now children."

Hazel scrambled to her feet, stumbling down the stairs as she hurried at the gods tone. She went back to the corner they had arrived in, sliding to the floor again with one hand resting on her spatha.

Walt was quick to throw Nico over his shoulder, following Hazel downstairs. He laid the boy on the floor, sliding a nearby pillow under his head.

Hazel looked at him as the moved Nico behind her, chewing on her bottom lip as she stared at the stairs before whispering at Walt.
"What's happening?"

Walt shook his head and they went quiet, in fear of why the god had suddenly sent them away.

Anubis watched as the children disappeared below deck, straightening out his collar as a crack sounded on deck behind him.
"It's been eons since you boarded my boat King."

Osiris clasped his hands in front of him as he approached the other god.
"Jackal. You left shortly after that surge of power. I sent some servants to investigate its origin. Do you know what they discovered?"

Anubis felt his lips twitch some as he turned to face the intruder.
"Do tell what they found, I'm curious."

Osiris narrowed his eyes some, a frown on his face.
"Nothing at first. There was a disturbance in areas magic, but that is fine. What I found interesting were the drops of red blood on the glimmering sands. Human blood. Living blood."

Anubis fought down a growl as he crossed his arms behind his back, forcing himself to stay calm.
"Living blood. I wasn't aware the Kanes were paying their father a visit at this time."

"Don't play dumb dog. You rarely board your ship here these days. You also never make idle conversations like we had this night. Just tell me what you have brought to my domain."

Anubis snapped at him, a growl escaping as he glared at the angry god in front of him.
"I don't know what you're talking about King. But your accusations are offensive and biased."

Osiris scoffed and rolled his eyes, moving to lean his hands on the edge of the boat.
"I trust your instincts you Jackal beast...you would not bring mortals here lightly and endanger them purposefully. Keep your secrets then. The magical disturbance will be explored more to see what may have occurred. Some twisted shades perhaps that broke loose of their chains somehow. I hope your humans are okay. The blood shed seemed minimal, but tasted powerful. Not fully human perhaps."

Anubis watched as Osiris turned his head to smirk at him, crossing his arms over his chest.
"I am not a beast King...I would not endanger mortals if I could avoid it, but you know I never enter the Aaru myself. Keep me informed on the disturbance please, I do wish to know what fight may have occurred. If there were humans here, which there are not, I would see to it that they were unharmed and resting and on their way out and back to where they belong. If I had seen them of course which I haven't."

Osiris nodded, slowly facing the water again.
"Hm yes of course not you would never allow humans on your ship. I do hope we can chat another day in the future. You can fill me in on what is happening in the world of the living that you have found interesting."

Anubis slowly moved to stand beside him, nodding once as he watched the other.
"Of course I will be sure to gather some interesting tales for you then. Now I'm approaching my portal back. I'm sure Sadie and Walt are waiting for me to come back."

Osiris smirked some as he straightened up again, pushing off of the ships edge.
"Of course of course. Do send the children mine and their fathers regards. Good adventures my friend."

Anubis nodded and bowed his head a little bit.
"Thank you sir. I will be by again soon."

Osiris nodded, smiling as his eyes flicked to the stairs and raising his voice.
"Good travels to those onboard and safe regards to them as well. Now I must depart."

Anubis turned away as Osiris flashed away again with a loud crack, sighing as he headed down the stairs.
"Everything's fine now children. Let us get you back to your physical bodies now. I worry what Nico's body will be like once we return. Hopefully the others have returned back to the mansion by now."

Hazel looked at the god nervously, ducking her head to the side to look behind him cautiously before standing. She looked down at Nico before looking back at Anubis.
"How do we get back? We never really talked about that."

"The dust again. It works in reverse here for your souls."

Anubis raised a hand of gray shimmering dust, blowing it onto the trio.
"Let us go back now."

Will was getting frustrated as the hours passed. Piper and Jason and Carter had returned two hours after he and the girls had gotten back, but there was still no sign from the remaining three. The sun had set an hour ago and dinner was prepared as voices echoed from the kitchen. A hand settled on his shoulder, forcing Will to focus on the person.

Jason forced a smile as he moved to sit across from him.
"They had the worst job out of all of us. You know...we could mess with Nico's body. Sadie pointed me to some fancy eyeliner things they have that are extra. Not quite face paints I think. I forgot what they were called...we can draw on his face."

Will slowly started to smile, a laugh escaping his lips as he stood.
"He's going to kill us if we do it."

Jason smirked and shrugged as he went to grab the markers.
"He needs us too much for now. By the end of it he'll have forgiven us right?"

"I think I remember Annabeth saying his greatest flaw is holding grudges Jason."

Jason stiffened as he paused in the hallway, holding the colored markers to his chest. He seemed to think it over before shrugging and headed towards the room that Zia had mentioned.
"Whatever he needs to have these experiences too. Give him the childhood he didn't have. Reyna was the one to suggest it actually at a lunch when he was in the infirmary with you. You guys are so young compared to us and with Nico's messed up past. He was groomed by a ghost for Hades sake! Here I thought getting raised by wolves was going to be the weirdest out of us."

Will followed after Jason, listening to his rambles. He nodded along some even though he couldn't be seen.
"Yeah I guess getting pulled out into a war wasn't a great introduction to this century. I know about the Lotus Casino, but it still doesn't make sense. That people don't age and they're just trapped without knowing they're prisoners of the Lotus. Just an eternal party."

"I wish we had heard of the place before Nico and the recent events. Having it known in the Roman books in case we lost people. I wonder how many of our soldiers are there without knowing...maybe I'll ask around for missing people. Even some lares might have some names. There's always a chance even if we can't help them like we'd want."

Jason came to a stop in front of a black door that had golden inscriptions along the edge of it. He glanced back with a grin before pushing in, staring around in shock as he moved forward.
"Whoa. This place looks...magical if that makes sense."

Will blinked as he stared at the blinking stars around them, jaw dropped open.
"It's like something you'd see on Olympus. It's as if Nyx herself tore a part of the night sky and lined the room with it. Holy Hera that's a shooting star Jason!"

Jason laughed some as his eyes were drawn to the three bodies resting on a nest of pillows.
"I don't think we'll need to draw on Nico's face actually."

Will glanced over and hurried to his side, struggling to not continue staring at the walls.
"What do you mean whoa. They got a makeover."

Jason knelt beside Hazel, poking at the necklace around her neck curiously.
"I wonder why they look like this. And where did their other clothes go."

Will sat between Walt and Nico, glancing between the two of them as he took in the Egyptian makeover that had gotten.
"It's certainly different. They all look really good. I wish I had a phone here to take their picture. For the memories."

Jason smirked as he glanced over his shoulder at him, waggling his eye brows.
"Yeah all of them? Not just one specific one you have your eye on?"

Will felt his face heat up as he debated on stabbing the Roman through the neck.
"I have no idea what you're talking about!"

"Mhm sure right. You totally aren't lingering your eyes on one certain death boy. Piper says she can see something happening between you both. Some cooky thing from her mom for a gift. They just know these things."

Will scowled some as he refused to meet his eyes.
"Even if I did have a crush which I don't, this isn't the time for that. We're literally on a life or death mission. Besides I doubt anything would come from it. It's whatever."

Jason frowned as he turned to face him, leaning back against the wall.
"Yeah it is bad timing, but we're demigods is there ever good timing for us? But you shouldn't think for Nico about what his feelings are. I know he struggles more than us with them, but he deserves to have input on whatever feelings you have. You shouldn't just put yourself down."

Will sighed and opened his mouth to argue before he focused in on Nico's face.
"Jason...he's bleeding? But they aren't here I think. That's unusual."

Jason moved to lean over Nico, grabbing a nearby blanket to press to his nose gently.
"Body and souls is not my area of expertise. I do agree that it feels weird though."

Will took over to applying pressure, moving Nico's head to it was sitting up in his lap.
"It's not stopping this has to do with some magical influence."

"Do you think souls bleed in the underworld?"

"It's different for them being there. They aren't really the souls that go there, not properly anyways. Plus they're not really dead so who knows how that affects them."

Jason shrugged and both boys settled down in silence. Will supported Nico's head and covered his bleeding nose while staring at the starry walls. It was peaceful in a way. No words being spoken and the lights twinkling in random patterns. If Will focused enough he could almost pick out different constellations that seemed to shift with every glance he made at them.

Hazel sat up with a gasp, her head exploding in pain as she banged it into something hard. She groaned and went to hold it, scooting away.
"Ouch! Whyyyyyyyy."

Jason yelled as Hazel smacked into his forehead, leaning over as he held his head.
"Shit they're back. Ouch ouch owww Hazel your head is so hard!"

Will leaned back as he watched Hazel and Jason collide, tensing as he prepared for Nico to shoot up. Something brushed his lower back, causing a squeaky sounding noise to escape his mouth.

Walt was still laying down, eyes golden as his left hand touched at Will.
"William he won't be waking. Something happened on their journey. An attack that led to a surge of power as Nico defended against them."

Wills eyes went wide as he looked down at Nico who was suddenly ice cold against his leg. He moved the blanket away, taking in the black blood that had replaced the red from before.
"Shit it's like he's a corpse! I think I preferred the seizing over this."

Will laid Nico back down on the nest of pillows, muttering a soft hymn as his hands hovered and moved along the smaller boys body. His mouth drew to a frown as his hands let out a soft light.
"It's not his underworld powers acting up and it's not like the curse. It's like he's not fully here yet...there's a discord within him. He probably just needs some rest and time. We can put him back to bed and add on some blankets to combat it."

Anubis was now standing, adjusting a bag over his shoulder. He nodded and looked at the door before focusing back in on the others.
"Sadie knows a heat charm that we often use in the winter for our rooms. It will help as well. Do you need help with him? Otherwise I think Walt should start on the amulet."

Will just nodded, looking at Hazel and Jason to make sure they were okay.
"No it's okay we got it. Thank you. For keeping them safe."

"Hm I had little influence. He will be okay I can tell you. I believe his outburst of his powers caused his soul some disconnect because he is not like us. In a way of forcing him to behave like ours do. But you are correct it should self correct itself within a few hours."

Hazel shivered some, taking in her appearance.
"I looked like this here too?! I thought it was just an underworld makeover..."

Jason stood and picked up Nico, giving her a smile.
"You guys look good either way. It's an interesting makeover choice. I bet Pipes would love to see it. You should stay in the room with Nico too. Your skin feels colder than normal as well."

Hazel shivered again as she started to stand, rubbing her arms.
"Yeah I think I will. I really hope I never have another underworld trip like this again. One was more than enough until I die again properly."

Jason led the way to the room from before, trying to not make a scene from the crowd in the kitchen.

Bastet was the one to notice them, pouncing in front of Jason in her human form.
"They're back! Ooh he seems weird. Sadie darling you should do that winter charm I love. The hot one!"

Sadie looked over from the stool she had been sitting on, blinking in surprise.
"We never looked like that coming back. I wonder why you both look so off. I see Anubis gave you a special makeover. Hazel you look lovely he did well on your outfit."

Jason tried to keep moving forward, sighing internally in relief as the goddess moved out of the way. He led the others to the room he had put Nico in before, getting the younger boy settled in and wrapped in all the blankets the room had within his grasp.

Hazel sat beside Nico on the bed, burrowing under the blankets beside him.
"I'll keep an eye on him for any changes. Yell if anything goes wrong."

Will looked around and pulled over the chair closer to the end of the bed.
"If it's okay I'd like to stay just in case. Plus the warm room does feel like home for me."

Jason smacked his shoulder, grinning as he leaned over while wiggling his eyebrows again.
"Sure sure just in case righhhhttt. Alright well I'm going to go now then have fun. Glad you're safe and living. I'll try and find out where your other clothes went too."

Will groaned and put his hand over his face, half debating on smothering himself into the bed. He waited until Jason was gone before looking at the curious gaze of the daughter of Pluto.
"Please ignore him."

Hazel giggled as she gave him a knowing look, pulling the covers to her chin as she got comfortable.
"You act like we don't all know. So how was it with the Egyptian Sun god?"

Will could picture throwing himself out of his father's sun chariot, wanting to combust. He settled down and started to tell his story with eager enthusiasm, comparing his father's car to the massive ship he had been on.

It was near the end of Hazel filling Will on what had happened in the deathly desert when a muffled noise drew theirs eyes. Nico was awake and back in the world of the living.