Chapter 9-

How are you feeling? Anubis asked, having a conversation with his host for the first time since Tartarus. I let you take a break and tried my best. But I couldn't stop them from seeing the Egyptian magic, I'm sorry.

Nico took a couple minutes to look through the memories again before thinking back to Anubis. It's okay, I would have done the same thing.

Still, they'll definitely know now about us. About the power you hold. Anubis continued. I know you didn't want that. I'm sorry.

Before Nico had fallen into Tartarus, he would have used every breath to yell at Anubis for everything he had done, and then more. But now his anger was gone, leaving him an empty husk of what he used to be. I said it's okay.

You can yell at me, you know. Anubis pried, trying to get the old Nico back.

Nico ignored him and opened his eyes, once again in control of his body. He was lying in a cot in the small infirmary, alone in the white room. He could hear voices not too far away.

Do you think I can sit up? Nico asked, only now a fan of speaking to him silently. I'm starving.

You can try, Anubis replied. I'll try and lend you some of my strength.

Nico took a minute before sitting up, feeling like his body would give up but it never did. Instead, Anubis' power crept through him enough to keep him awake and alert. In another minute, Nico got off the bed successfully. He was exhausted, more than he had ever been before in his life, but he needed to get up. Food was the only thing he could think about.

You do need to eat. Anubis read his thoughts quickly. It has been awhile.

I know, Nico sat back on the bed, sweat dripping from his forehead. Can you open the Duat and get that staff? Since they know about it, I can use it to help me walk.

Anubis immediately answered his request, the staff soon in Nico's pale hands. Be careful, don't push yourself.

Nico ignored him and got up, leaning against the staff as he looked around. He hadn't had the chance to look at the ship before and was impressed with what Leo had done. As he exited the infirmary and headed to where he heard the seven demigods talking, he looked around the rest of the ship. It was large and nicely built, perfect for the mission they were on.

As he got outside the room they were in he leaned against the wall, his forehead sleek with sweat and his eyes glossy. Anubis, it hurts.

If you go in you can sit down. Anubis reminded him. Sit down and rest.

Nico nodded before heading into the room, sweeping his eyes over the inhabitants. They sat around the table and ate, discussing what to do next under their breaths. They didn't know where the Doors of Death were, but Nico did.

Hazel was the first to notice him lingering in the doorway. Quickly, she ran to him and lead him to a chair. "You're supposed to be resting."

Nico sat in the chair gratefully and rested his head on the table, catching his breath as he noticed the others go silent. He could feel their stares, their silent questions. He didn't like it one bit.

"Are you hungry?" Hazel asked, fretting over her older brother. "I can get you something to eat. What would you like?"

"Anything is fine." he managed.

Hazel visibly relaxed when she heard his actual voice, a small smile appearing on her face. "Okay, coming right up."

She glanced at the staff in his lap before heading off, her curly hair bouncing as she walked. Nico watched her for a minute before finally turning his attention to the others, swallowing thickly when he saw their faces. "You look mad at me."

"What have you been keeping from us?" Annabeth asked. "Don't lie."

"It's a long story." Nico's voice grew smaller.

"A story I think we all want to know." Jasons spoke up. He was studying Nico uncertainly, his gaze full of weariness.

He doesn't trust me. Nico grumbled to Anubis, his heart sinking. He looked around at the others, seeing that look mirrored on Leo and Piper's faces. They think I'm a traitor.

If you explain everything, they won't. Anubis promised. Just don't go saying any gods' names. You don't want to bring their attention here.

Nico nodded slightly to himself before looking to Percy, his voice breaking as he spoke. "Do you still trust me?"

"Of course I do," Percy spoke quickly, not having to think about it. "Whatever that weird voodoo thing you did was, you did it to save me and Annabeth. That doesn't sound very evil to me."

"It wasn't voodoo." Annabeth corrected. "I couldn't see much but I know that much."

"It was Egyptian," Jason spoke up. "I remember running into a few of their kind. They didn't seem that dangerous, but we're not supposed to mix. We shouldn't be able to."

"Hold up." Leo held his hands up. "You're telling me there are Greek, Roman, and Egyptian gods? And you just think that's normal?"

"Honestly, I'm not very surprised," Percy admitted before turning to Nico. "Are you alright, before we get into everything? You look..."

"He needs rest." Hazel intercepted, frowning. "But I know him and he'll refuse to do so."

"I'm fine." Nico couldn't keep his voice above a whisper, even if he had the will to do so. "Hungry."

"Eat." Hazel set the plate down in front of him before sitting by him. "You can't have any more ambrosia or nectar, but real food should be good for you."

She's right, Anubis agreed.

Nico ate slowly, feeling like every muscle had turned to lead. Being in that jar took more out of him than he wanted to admit, maybe even more than Tartarus.

"So, we're saying you did some weird Egyptian magic." Percy summed up. "That's not...bad..."

"He shouldn't be able to, is the point." Annabeth didn't look away from Nico once. "He's descended from Rome and Greece, yes. Maybe that's why he was the so-called 'ambassador of Pluto'. That much makes sense. But he has no Egyptian blood."

"So, what? Is there any other way he could have learned it?" Piper spoke up for the first time. "I really don't know anything on this subject, but is there another way?"

"Yes," Nico cut in. "Did you all forget I was here or something?" He took a deep breath, rubbing his eyes. "I do have Egyptian blood, I'll have you know. From my mother."

Jason nodded, as in acceptance. "So you're an Egyptian magician. Nothing strange about that."

Was that sarcastic? Anubis asked.

"Why'd you hide it from us?" Annabeth asked. "How long has this been going on?"

"Not long." Nico swept his hair from his eyes, really needing a haircut. "I found out while Percy was missing."

"So it's not like he's had time to tell me." Percy defended. He then looked at Nico and smiled. "I think it's cool. You have more powers to help us with."

"You still could have told someone." Annabeth continued. "Hazel or me. Or anyone. Does Ha-, your father know?"

Nico nodded. "The god who we probably shouldn't get the attention of? Yeah, he knows. He knew my mother well."

Are you going to tell them about me? Anubis asked.

Not if I don't have to.

"So it shouldn't start some kind of war. Good." Percy looked at Annabeth. "See? It's all alright, Wise Girl."

"As I said before, I've met Egyptian magicians." Jason broke it. "It took them years to even learn how to do one spell. Nico couldn't have learned all of that that quickly."

"Are you calling me a liar?" Nico groundout.

"I'm asking if you're holding something back." Jason wasn't fazed.

"Shouldn't I be explaining about the Doors of Death?" Nico reasoned. "I think that's more important at the moment."

"I need to know the team and everything they can do." Annabeth shook her head. "So, no, it's not important right now. You need to explain everything, Nico."

"You sure?" Nico tried again. "I learned a lot about how they work-"

"Nico, please?" his sister spoke up. "I just want to know the truth."

Nico looked into her eyes, fear taking hold of him again. How would they react to something that big? Yes, they took the magician thing okay, but hosting a god? That was worthy of a traitor.

It'll be okay, Nico. Anubis had most of his consciousness with Nico, now. You just need to tell them before they get too suspicious. Start from the beginning.

Nico took a second before putting his head in his hands. "Alright, here it goes. Please try not to hate me."