I promise

'Promise that you'll take care of her.'

'I…'

Imploring dark eyes, the sweet, innocent, angelic face untouched yet by the cruelty of the world…

'I promise.'

'It's my fault.' Bianca's voice was hollow. 'Percy, please, give this to Nico for me. Promise.'

'What are you going to do?' Don't tell me she's going to do what I think she's going to, don't.

'I'm going in that thing.' Her voice was determined.

'Bianca, I promised-' Percy realized that he was already talking to thin air when he said her name. '-Nico.'

The giant staggered into the power lines, electricity arcing up and down it.

'I promise.' The words were barely a whisper when Percy finally spotted the pile of ash. He did not call out or tell anyone.

Just kept silent and kept his promise.

'You promised!'

'You promised that you would keep her safe!'

'Go away!'

'I wish you were dead!'

The words cut into Percy's heart, tore them to ribbons, trampled them in the dust.

Because Nico was his annoying little brother in a way.

Because he had somehow unconsciously adopted Nico as his family.

Because Nico was just cute, innocent little Nico.

And all that was going to change.

Because of a broken promise.

'Father, you promised!' Nico shouted.

'Oh, shut up.' Hades waved his hand, and Nico disappeared.

'Now, I would like to have a little talk with the famous Percy Jackson.'

Another broken promise. Could his life get any worse?

Nico fumed in his room for a long time, kicking the bare walls and hitting the window bars. It was about an hour later when the doors finally unlocked themselves.

Nico crept along the corridors, making his way to Percy's cell. He couldn't use his powers yet, since Hades would detect it.

But when he saw the skeleton guard he knew that he had no choice.

He pointed his finger at it, concentrating hard. Nico felt energy leave his body, making it feel like he had run a mile without stopping. Without pausing to regain his energy, he entered the cell.

Percy didn't trust him, he knew from the vice like grip Percy had on his throat. Nico really wanted to cry. It wasn't his fault! Hades promised! He had absolutely no idea! Now the last person he had was gone.

Because of a broken promise.

'Promise me, Nico, that you will lead them to the Doors of Death! We'll meet you there!' Percy yelled.

Nico looked at Percy, eyes wide, hand still outstretched. 'I…I promise.'

Then Percy let go, plummeting down into Tartarus.

It was Nico's turn to keep a promise. And only now did he realize how hard it was.

He can't even put a skeleton to sleep without passing out himself, and Leo was always arguing with Frank, while Jason and Piper just exchanged helpless expressions. Hazel was always crying, though she did it where only Nico could see. And Couch Hedge wasn't helping by yelling 'Death!' all the time.

Nico got up, steadying himself by holding on to a chair. 'We are going to the Doors of Death. Don't let Percy and Annabeth wait.'

Hazel rushed forward to catch him as even that little movement sapped what little strength he had, but the words had clearly made an impact on the rest of them.

'Admiral, let's get going.' Jason said to Leo. Leo nodded grimly and rushed to the control room. Frank changed into an eagle to scout ahead. Piper used her charmspeak to calm their jittery nerves. For once, Coach Hedge made five minutes without yelling death threats.

Nico was not going to break this promise.

Sorry if some parts don't fit, it's because I'm calling them up from my memory since I don't have the books. Some parts were altered by purpose, for example, discovering Bianca's remnants.