Nico had enough. He had enough of being alive. Being alive didn't do him any good. What was the point of being alive if no one really cared? He wasn't important to anyone. He wasn't essential to their wellbeing. And he knew that. Everyone had someone. They all had someone. Hazel had Frank. Percy had Annabeth. Leo had Calypso. Jason had Piper. Reyna had her people. He had no one.

He knew what to do. He didn't care if Will Solace was calling him to go to the infirmary. No, he didn't need it. He didn't need anyone taking care of him. He was strong this entire time. He had to be strong his entire life. He didn't depend on anyone. Mostly because he wasn't allowed to.

Being alone did a number to you. It hardened you. It made you cold and emotionless. You learned not to care. You learned to hate people. You learned that no matter what you deserved to be lonely.

But, unfortunately, he had a heart. He still cared for people. He still cared for the Seven and Reyna even if he hated them. But he knew that they didn't need him in their life. He knew. After all he was in Tartarus at the moment. And no one knew. He was in there for at least a week. And no one knew. Everyone was perfectly fine.

He had made an Iris-message. It was supposed to be impossible. But he was on good contacts with Tartarus. Tartarus was having a bit of a rebellion from a group of monsters, and Nico helped him kill the monsters. So Tartarus gave him free reign and allowed him to make an Iris-message.

But only Nico knew what was happening. He could see everything, and no one could see him.

It was all the same of course. Hazel and Frank were staying at Camp Half Blood. Everyone was doing their usual activities. The huntresses were visiting. The Apollo Cabin were playing volleyball against the Ares Cabin. The huntresses were having a competition amongst themselves except for Thalia.

Thalia was with Percy and Annabeth. They were quietly talking with each other. Percy and Annabeth were still shaken from Tartarus. They were slightly becoming better. But the memories were still haunting them.

Nico scowled. At least they had each other. He had no one. At least, they weren't tortured against their own will. Besides, they had a misted version of Tartarus. As the son of Hades, he saw horrors they didn't see. But it didn't matter. Because no one ever cared about the son of Hades. Because Annabeth and Percy were it all.

Yet, here he was looking for a cure. He read a book in a library in Greece. There was a cure to take away the memories of Tartarus. It was a vial in Tartarus's heart. It was easy because Tartarus helped him by giving him a map. But Nico kept on meeting monsters who wanted to kill him.

The vial could only be used once. And no one ever knew of it before. Only he did. Nico could've used it on himself, but he wanted to help Percy and Annabeth. Because they deserved it. They didn't need that pain. They already had enough. He knew the pain of Tartarus. And it was too much to carry. He didn't want them to have sleepless nights like he did. He didn't want them to suffer like he did. He deserved the pain.

He finally reached the heart of Tartarus. The vial was right there hanging at the center of the room.

Nico walked up and commanded the shadows to lift him. He took the vial and placed it in his pocket.

Who dares trespass?

"What the hell?" Nico turned around.

Ahh. Son of Hades. Nicholas di Angelo.

"Okay. Look, I know you're a monster, but please don't ever call me Nicholas. It's Nico."

Nico di Angelo. Hm. Do you know who I am, son of Hades?

"No."

I am the Osore.

"Can you explain?"

Take a seat, son of Hades. I will tell you the creation of the Universe. In the beginning, there were four emotions: Love, Hate, Hope and Fear. They created the universe. They created the people and everything else. They had offsprings which were emotions and characteristics. Everything was well. However, soon, Hate and Fear wanted to conquer the universe. They created a plan with the help of Cunning. Hate and Fear created an offspring of pure evil, of pure monstrosity. Me. The Osore. I have the ability to lurk in your mind when despair falls upon you. I will use your fears against you. I will manipulate you to feel despair and fear. I will make you insane. I'll drive to the brink of such insanity that the only way out is death. I was used against the world. And the world was destroyed. Love and Hope had an offspring, which they hid from everyone. Love and Hope, in a final attempt to save the world, sacrificed themselves to win the battle. And they won, indeed. Everyone was destroyed except for me. I was caged here under the pit, holding the cure of Tartarus. Love and Hope's offspring was Helix. Helix recreated everything. Soon, he had two offsprings, Chaos and End. Chaos created galaxies and the planets. Soon, the primordials came into being. Then, it was giants. Then, it was the Titans. And now, the Gods. End had been imprisoned too, underneath me. But we are awakening. Soon, End will take conquer. And none of you can do anything.

"Wow."

Mhm.

"Wait a minute, we just got out of a war. And soon, we're going to be destroyed. I need to get out of here."

It's silly to think you would be freed, son of Hades. You're not getting out of my watch.

"But I need to give this to my friends."

What friends? They don't even care about you. And you know that. They didn't realize that you've been missing for months.

"Months?"

Have you forgotten, son of Hades? Time is quick in here. No one did realize you were gone. They were too busy for you. You're not worth their time. You're a mere burden to them. You're nothing but a waste of space.

"I know that."

Then, why are you insistent on getting the cure to the camp?

"Because I don't want my cousin and his girlfriend to have those nightmares. They don't need to suffer like I do. I want them to be happy. They don't need any more suffering. It's the least I can do."

Such a selfless demigod.

"That's Percy."

And you as well. You willingly went to Tartarus to find the Doors of Death to help the Seven with their prophecy. You couldn't bring one sister to life, yet you brought the other back to life because she deserved it. You convinced your father to help out in the Titan War even if you would get killed. You helped the fire user even though you knew of your reputation and its effects. You let yourself be lonely and depressed for years just so the son of Poseidon could be happy along with the daughter of Athena.

"Oh."

Nico never thought about it. He just neglected himself like everyone else did.

But I'm afraid I can't let you have the cure.

"What if I make you a deal?" Nick pleaded desperately.

Humor me.

"You let me send the vial to them through an iris message. Andyou keep me here for eternity. You said it yourself. No one needs me."

I accept the deal, son of Hades.

Nico sighed in relief. Now he needed to make an Iris-message. But he didn't know how to. He didn't have anything.

Need help?

"Uh, I don't know how I'm supposed to send this to Percy and Annabeth," he said sheepishly.

No worries. I shall do it for you.

"How do I know you're telling the truth?" Nico rose an eyebrow.

Ask Tartarus to conjure an Iris-message to the couple.

"Okay then." Nico gave in.

Tartarus. Nico thought.

Nico? What is it? Tartarus's voice boomed out loud.

Can you create an Iris-message for me, here?

Nico, you already used your favour.

I know, but this is last thing I need. I promise you after this, you won't hear a single word from me.

Very well, then. Here.

An Iris-message appeared out of thin air.

Thank you Tartarus.

You're welcome, Nico.

Tartarus left Nico's mind.

Set it to the couple. The Osore instructed.

"Show me Percy and Annabeth." Nico instructed.

Percy and Annabeth showed up on the Iris-message. They were with the Seven - Piper, Jason, Leo, Hazel, and Frank. Oh and Calypso was there since she is Leo's girlfriend.

They were all having a great time. They were sitting together in the pavillion, eating and having fun. Leo said a joke, making everyone laugh. And they all looked so happy, a happiness that couldn't be described in words.

Nico clenched his fists with jealousy before resignedness filled his heart.

"Give it to them." His voice cracked. "Give it to them."