Sister
It struck Nico how much Hazel reminded him of Bianca. They both were warm and bright, nobody would think they were children of the underworld. She was the only person who could even sort of understand him. But she didn't need him, not really. She had Frank and all her other friends who'd look after her.
So he was surprised when Hazel wanted to talk after he had volunteered to help return the Athena Parthenos with Reyna and Coach Hedge. Before he got ready to shadow travel, he made his way to Hazel's cabin. He heard retching sounds from it. Inside, Hazel was sitting on the bed hugging a wastebasket, looking rather pale. 'Hey,' Nico said. Hazel looked up and smiled, but her golden eyes seemed to search him, boring into his soul. 'Hey,' She said looking rather nervous, 'are you sure you want to do this?' Nico frowned, 'Do what?' Hazel's eyes seemed to pierce right through him in a familiar way, 'You know what.' She said simply.
Nico sighed, he didn't want to stay in the Argo II, not now that Percy and Annabeth had returned from Tartarus, and especially not after what had happened in Croatia. For all he knew, Jason had probably told them his most darkest secret and they'd think that he was a freak. Which he was. Ugh. He didn't want anyone to know, not even his sister.
So why did his heart clench and fill him with the desire to sob out the entire story of his miserable life when he realised Hazel was near tears? 'Nico…' Her voice trembled, 'I know something's wrong and I really want to help… Please. After you gave me this life and helped me…' She didn't continue. Nico was tempted to start sympathy crying, but no, that'd be weird. Instead, he hugged his sister, 'I'm fine, Sis,' He lied, he didn't want the only person who appeared to care for him, to be repulsed by him, especially since she was from the 1940's, 'besides, if we can get that statue back to Camp Half-Blood, it'll all be over.' And I can leave forever, he thought. Hazel nodded and said, 'I know, just remember this, just because you're the son of Hades, doesn't mean you have to isolate yourself. You're my family, Nico. More than my mother ever was. It would hurt me so much to lose you. I hope you know that. I love you, big brother.'
So when Nico left for yet another deadly quest with two people he barely knew, he felt happy for the first time since his actual sister Bianca died. He had a family. He had a reason to fight this war. He had a sister again.
Author's Note: I do not own Heroes of Olympus or any of the characters in this story.