-"Okay, breath, slowly. Concentrate, your elbow a little bit higher, there you go. Shoot".-
No other sound but the arrow's hiss across the wind hitting the target was heard. Deep in the forest, where nobody could see them, where no demigod was in danger of getting hit. That was where the two boys were practicing.
The blue eyed boy sighed in frustration -I'm a failure.-
-"Why would you say that?" —the dark haired male picked up the arrow — "You hit the target this time, it's a progress!"-
-"A lame one! I barely hit the target!"-
-"A progress is a progress, be proud of it! Plus we've been training for only a little bit more than a week. Come sit, you need to rest. Just because they force you to have free time doesn't mean that you must use it all for training instead of resting."-
Both of them sat down under a big pine tree, eating the small meal they brought for themselves.
-"Say, Will, when will I be able to use my powers again?"-
-"Well, considering that it has been only two months... I'm not really sure. I had never treated a case like yours." —the healer frowned— "I'm to really comfortable with this, but let's try out your powers. How about if you shadow-travel from here to Zeus' fist? I'll meet you there okay?"-
-"Fine."- said the Underworld demigod before melting into the shadows.
I hope this isn't a bad idea
Nico was waiting on what it used to be Zeus' fist, feeling a strange kind of peace, his powers needed to be released, otherwise he would go crazy. His powers were like his energy, if he didn't use it, he felt restless, anxious. It was dangerous if he didn't have a moderation, though.
-"So, why did you want to know?"- asked a voice behind him.
-"Well, Solace "—he turned around, facing the blonde— "it took you a while to get here." —the son of Hades started walking towards Camp, waiting for the other guy to follow— "Let's say that from time to time, my dad forces me and Persephone to a family gathering so we can get along, which is never going to happen! And well, let's say that meeting is today. So... can I shadow travel now?"-
-"I need to check you, I'll need to touch your hand for a minute, okay?" —the dark brown eyed boy nodded reluctantly— "Let's see," —the son of Apollo softly took the other's hand— "you should be fine, but a soon as you return you will go straight to the Infirmary for a check up, okay?"-
The Italian demigod raised an eyebrow -"Are you gonna let me go just like that?" —he said teasingly— "I expected a little more of resistance."-
The Head Counselor of the Apollo Cabin chuckled softly -"Do you want me to regret my decision?" —the other shook his head— "Why didn't you tell me before?"-
-"I don't know... I guess I don't really want to go."-
-"Then why do you go, Death Boy?"-
-"Don't call me that!" — Nico groaned— "It's my dad who we're talking about, I can't say no, or at least it feels that way. Anyways, I have to go, if not I'll never arrive in time."-
-"Wait!— the blonde grabbed the Italian's arm— "Let's go to the Infirmary first, I really don't want you to go, but if we have no other option... I believe we must take precautions."-
-"... and take this ambrosia with you too, okay? And please promise me that you won't use your powers unless in life-death situations and to come back here, yes?"-
The only demigod of Cabin 13 rolled his eyes -"Yes, mom, I promise. Are we done?"-
-"Yes, Zombie. You can go, but please be careful!"-
-"I always am." —di Angelo stared at him— "The Underworld is my place, what could happen to me down there? I'm not weak, I know how to survive, you know?"-
-"I'm not saying you're. I just worry about you, okay?"— Solace made a gesture of putting a hand on Nico's shoulder but retracted himself— "There's nothing wrong with it."-
-"I know, sorry."— the son of Hades glared at the floor— "I still wonder why you care so much about me… I need to go, see you later."-
-"If you only knew…"- Will said after the boy disappeared into the shadows.
An enormous dark-marble fence was the only to receive Nico as he appeared just outside his father's palace. He entered, as always ignoring the different soldiers greeting him with their own militar respects. Two skeletons opened the door for him. He nodded as a thank you gesture as he went inside.
The first thing everybody noticed was the gigantic almost empty room with greek columns and two thrones, one made out of bones and the other one made out of precious stones and flowers.
They were empty. At least I don't have to face Persephone yet. The war veteran calmly walked to his room, passing a maze of corridors only lit by green fire candlesticks. He immediately noticed the changes. His room used to be a small old dungeon, but now... it was a perfect combination between the 30's and the modern era. The furniture was in an old style with black and gold decorations. There was technology included too. A T.V., video games, movies, even a computer. At least Nico knew how to use them thanks to his time in Lotus. What really got his attention was the gorgeous black grand piano in the center of the room as well as all the Mythomagic decks on a shelf near the bed and the balcony facing the Isles of the Blessed.
-"I hope you like your new room."-
Just like the last time he had seen his father in the Chapel of Bones, the god graced him with a sudden apparition.
-"I just noticed you weren't joking about decorating my room with the Monks' skulls."— the demigod answered referring to the only wall that wasn't made of black marble, instead made of skulls. —" I can entertain the notion that you are not here only to greet me."-
-"In other circumstances I might be here only for that reason, but you are right this time, my son. Last time we met, I revealed my desires for you to be happy. And as I see things, something is stopping you from it, even though you have friends to help you."— the god of the Underworld frowned— "As you know, showing care for someone is extremely strange from me, but I'm asking you, what is bothering you?"-
Nico looked up at his dad, meeting his gaze for the first time since he arrived. The god's eyes were as unexpressive as always except for the small portion were his gaze was softer, that small part that Maria di Angelo learned to love and cherish. The demigod knew his father in his own strange way cared about him, after a lot of effort he had earned his father's respect, and that was why he couldn't just tell him, he couldn't be weak.
-"As a matter of fact, as a god, you have the power to read my mind."-
Hades took a shallow breath -"Of course I have that power. But son, for the first time you are not difficult to find. For the first time I am able too look at your life, see how are you doing. For the first time I have more than just a few moments for you.— the ruler of the Underworld allowed himself a faint gentle smile— "For the first time I can entertain the possibility of being a real father to someone… You are the only son of mine that hasn't go crazy, and I intend of maintaining it like this. As I told you before, you have earned my respect. I will help you in anything you need."-
Nico didn't trust himself to speak. He analyzed his father's eyes in search for a lie, but nothing. Hades wasn't joking, or lying or mocking him. He was being sincere and the mortal didn't know what to do about it. He had said that he would help im in anything he needed. Right now, he needed someone he could trust.
-"Do you know who Will Solace is?"-
-"Indeed, he is the boy who is trying to help you."-
-"He promised me that he wouldn't judge me if I told him what is bothering me. But how can I have any guarantee? I know he has been nothing but gentle with me since we started talking, sometimes being a mother-hen, too. He is not the only one who promised me not to turn their backs on me. Others did that, too. I just can't be weak, I can't tell them because if I do I will break. How can I tell them that I have nightmares of my mom telling me that I'm a stupid little faggot? How can I tell anyone about the tortures Akhyls made me go through? How can I tell someone that I killed Bryce Lawrence cold-blooded? —Nico's voice broke— How can I begin to explain that I don't feel safe anywhere because hell is inside my head? How could they will be able to accept me if they knew the broken mess I am?"-
-"I hope you will be able to entertain the thought that William Solace will be able to accept you, no matter how broken you are. As for your nightmares, Maria di Angelo" — Hades faltered as he placed his hands in his son's shoulders, rubbing them with his thumbs in soothing motions— "she was a liberal woman. Even if back then, homosexuality was a sickness, she would have loved you anyways. Also have present that she was aware of Greek culture. Remember, my son, that being with a man in Ancient Greece wasn't a sin. It was common and respected."-
-"Thank you, Father."— the troubled teen said, looking down — "But I still don't know why Will wouldn't run away from me. What reasons does he have?"-
-"I believe that you more than anyone would be able to understand how this young man feels. You just have to remember why you did everything you could to protect certain people. You just need to recall how you used to feel. Then you'll have the answer. We better get going, by the way. Food is ready."-
The first week of his stay at the Underworld Palace had gone as expected. Persephone and himself didn't talk. To his surprise, she didn't send death glares to him anymore. Sadly she had been more difficult to evade, she tried to talk to him once or twice, but he had ignore her. He still had the unpleasant feeling of being a plant in a deathly place without sun. Of course Nico didn't want to repeat that experience.
They were having dinner. Silent and peaceful. Until an unpleasant guest delighted them with their presence. Demeter, goddess of agriculture, Persephone's mother, Hades' mother-in-law and sister, and Nico's aunt. She, obviously, wanted to see her daughter since the younger goddess decided to go to the Underworld right after autumn's equinox and not until winter's solstice. However that was not an excuse for her attitude, which wasn't strange at all.
-"I'm telling you, my dear. Your sisters Miranda and Katie told me they like Hades' spawn! How could they?! All of my precious children, sympathizing with this scum! This murderer here, I—"
-"I believe you have said enough, mother. And I hope you know Nico did what he needed to do. So, I, as the Queen of the Underworld ask you to apologize."-
Nico almost laughed. What in Zeus' beard was happening? Persephone defending him? What was next? The Fields of Punishment turning into rock concerts? Ha! As always, the Prince of the Underworld remained in silence, not daring to interfere.
Demeter almost chocked in her own saliva -"You're defending him?! How could you, Persephone? After everything I did for you! Why?!"-
-"Nico has nothing to do in our matters. How can you be angry? What have you done for me? Ruin my marriage? Prevent me for knowing anyone? Keeping me from the world?"- the Queen answered with a calm voice that sounded more threatening than any shouting Demeter could manage.
-"I've done everything to protect you! And you"— Demeter said pointing at Nico— "You are the one responsible for my children's disgrace! You'll pay for infecting their minds!"-
Suddenly deathly vines were gripping around his body, chocking him and preventing him of moving. Oxygen wasn't reaching his brain as it should, the demigod wasn't able to concentrate enough to break free.
-"What are you doing, Demeter?!"— Hades interfered— "I command you to release my son! I am a ver patient man, I allowed you to come to my realm only because of your daughter, but I had enough! From now I on I declare you exiled from the Underworld!"-
-"You cannot command anything, Hades!"— Demeter spat— "You'll regret turning my children against me, di Angelo! You know your future, you know that in the end you'll share the same destiny your brothers and sisters had!"-
Just as the harvest goddess left, he felt a pair of gentle hands over him. He couldn't see who was it. After a few seconds he fainted.
The Italian opened his eyes only to notice he still was in the Underworld, resting on his bed. He noticed warm hands touching his forehead, keeping the bangs of his hair away. He opened his eyes and found a bizarre sight in front of him. Persephone, no one else, was taking care of him.
-"Why?"- he managed to say after struggling with his own voice, he sounded sore and rough.
-"Nico! Is good to see you awake, you've been out for a day, but still I was worried, Hades was here, too."-
-"Persephone, as much as I appreciate the worry, I need an explanation."— the Ghost King said in a calm voice— "Why you defended me? I thought that you hated me."-
The goddess at least had the decency to look guilty -"Believe me when I tell you that I'm very sorry for everything I did to you. During the war, I could see how either Hades or Pluto was always worried about you and how your Father left the Underworld, even though he could have put himself in danger, at the first chance he had to talk with you. When the war war was finally over, I came to the Underworld earlier so I could chat with my husband. He made me realize that you are not guilty. It still hurts me, because you look like her. Much about your mother is in you. But my hate was mistaken, you are not the one to blame. During last week I tried talking to you, I don't blame you for avoiding me, of course. I just wondered if you could give me a second chance? Are you willing to start over?"- she said in a low voice, almost fearful.
-"Son"— Nico heard behind him.— "Before you go, I wanted you to have this."-
The demigod turned around, just as his dad handed him an old book.
-"What is it?"-
-"Open it when you can't sleep, I hope it will keep your nightmares away."-
I wouldn't have guessed that Hades actually remembered what I told him
-"Thanks, papà."-
Just before he immersed himself in the shadows he was able to see a big happy smile on his dad's face. It had been a long time since Nico called him that.
-"Nico!"- a pair of small arms engulfed him as he appeared next to the Infirmary. It was Hazel.
-"I'm so sorry about my mother!"- said Miranda, who was suddenly next to him.
-"Are you alright?"- Jason asked, floating over him.
-"Nicki, are you hurt?"-
Lots of people were around him asking him questions.
-"Everyone, if you please leave my patient breath?"- a firm voice said over the others.
-"Will! Would you please explain what's going on?"- finally was Nico able to say.
-"The Demeter Cabin was able to see what their mother did to you, they told us right away. How are you feeling?"-
-"I'm alright. An unexpected friend took care of me."-
-"May I know who is it?"- Will said as he dragged Nico out of the mass of demigods into the Infirmary.
-"Well, lest just say that plants won't die anymore when I touch them."-the Ghost King said with a smile on his face.