A/N Heyy! So, here's some more Nico (I kind of really like that kid, in case you guys haven't noticed :P). This takes place during Reyna, Coach Hedge and Nico's journey from Greece to Camp Half Blood. Enjoy!
Red
Reyna's POV
Reyna was sure she was dying. She wasn't entirely sure what happened; she remembered Nico shadow-traveling into a quaint little European town, something jumped out at them from nowhere and, before she could react, cold erupted in the middle of her back. She staggered, unable to breathe. She dimly heard Nico scream, and draw his sword. Coach Hedge grabbed her as her knees gave out. Yellow spots flashed before her eyes and her chest felt like it was filled with splintered glass. She gasped as the coach lowered her slowly to the ground.
Whatever had attacked her was long gone now; the son of Hades had made sure of that. Now, he made his way over to where she was lying, sword still in hand.
"Oh gods," he murmured, staring at her rib-cage. She forced herself to look down, and almost threw up. A circle of red was slowly spreading out from a point on her sternum, two inches above her navel. She had been stabbed in the back, literally.
Reyna looked back up at Nico, who was now kneeling by her side, rummaging through his backpack. He finally pulled out a piece of ambrosia and broke off a piece. As he fed it to her, his fingers, to her amazement, shook.
Coach Hedge rolled up her shirt to expose her ribs. Under normal circumstances she would've been appalled, but considering, she didn't really argue. Nico averted his gaze, though, and kept his eyes locked with hers, which she appreciated.
"Alright Cupcake," Hedge started, "Wish I could say different, but this is gonna hurt." He looked at Nico, who was still kneeling by her head, looking lost, "You might want to hold her hand or something."
Nico looked at her, and raised an eyebrow.
"I'm good," she said quickly.
Coach Hedge shrugged, "Suit yourself," and proceeded to pour what felt like acid on the wound.
Reyna bit back a scream and grabbed Nico's hand. "What is that?" she demanded.
"Nectar. It cleans wounds better than unicorn draught. Hurts though," he looked apologetic.
She could only nod as another wave of pain and exhaustion washed over her, almost making her black out.
She crushed Nico's hand, but he didn't complain. Finally, the coach sat back, looking tired but less worried.
"Alright, it's looking better now. I'm going to go get some mortal medicines. You cupcakes behave. Be careful," Hedge was gone before she could gather the energy to say anything.
"You want to change your shirt?" Nico asked.
Reyna could feel the dried blood on the shirt she was wearing, and figured that he had a point.
He tossed her a shirt from her backpack, and turned around.
It took a bit of work, but Reyna managed to wriggle out of her destroyed shirt and into the new one. Nico turned back around and picked up the bloodied shirt as Reyna pulled herself into a sitting position, leaning against a bench.
They were in a park of some sort, that looked like it had been lifted out of an 18th century novel. Tall trees with luscious green leaves surrounded them. Flowers bloomed, and birds chirped. It was so peaceful, Reyna almost forgot that she had been on Death's door minutes ago.
She looked away from the surroundings to see Nico studying the shirt she had changed out of. Blood had stained the edges of a jagged hole a deep red that matched the color of Nico's blood stained hands.
He looked up and stared at Reyna, an incomprehensible expression in his eyes.
"Are you okay?" she asked, concerned.
He looked at the shirt, at his hands, and finally at her.
"I don't like the color red," he told her, expression grave.
She didn't ask why. She didn't have to.
A/N Alright, there it is. Let me know what you think! Constructive criticism, ideas, prompts are always welcome. Much love!