Being a senator was an interesting proposition for Nico.

Of course, he wasn't unfamiliar with the Senate. Shortly after Gaia had began making her moves, he brought Hazel to Rome, and his father eventually explained the separation of camps. Sure, his job description was mostly keep an eye on the brainwashed bane of titans after he delivered Hazel to camp, but he still liked it. Maybe it was the less friendly aspect at New Rome, compared to Camp Half-Blood, who was literally a summer camp, but nonetheless he liked Camp Jupiter.

So when Hazel called him, saying that it his presence was absolutely necessary, with urgency, he quickly shadow traveled to California. He got delayed on the way, but it was still hard to shadow travel such a long distance, even with his previous experiences with the Athena Parthenos. Will looked like he was about to go insane when Nico told him that he was making the trip, but he managed to convince his boyfriend. He even appeared by accident at the top of the Lotus Hotel & Casino bulding, but quickly stumbled his way out of there.

He arrived when the Senate meeting was already well under way, because he, of course, had to leave his weapon with Terminus before entering New Rome. His delay was an action that earned many glares from the senators, but what made him shudder was the look that Hazel gave him. Better not to be late again. He was surprised to see Percy being voted as Pontifex Maximus, but after getting his own cabin back at Long Island, he thought that Percy would be able to continue Jason's work fairly well. What troubled the son of Hades, however, was the latter half of Percy's speech, where he talked about rebuilding Rome. For Nico, things started to make sense, remembering the time where he had heard Jason and Percy talking about... interesting things. He thought it was just a normal discussion, after all both the son of Jupiter and the son of Poseidon were reaching adulthood, so it was fitting for them to talk about such subjects, specially having high hopes following such a victory like that against Gaia.

But when he heard Percy's words to the Senate, it was only a matter a time for him to put the pieces of the puzzle together. As such, after the meeting, he pulled Percy away from a conversation that he was having with Frank and Hazel, the latter of which still not pleased with Nico's previous delay to the meeting, and brought him behind the Forum.

"Spit it out." the son of Hades demanded.

"What is there to be said?" Percy asked, innocently. "I already talked about everything in the Senate House, I want to help Camp Jupiter the same way I did with camp back in New York."

"Really? What about the "healing the spirit of Rome" part?"

Percy smiled even more.

"You know, things have been rough here. I thought I could bring some sense into them, even if I wasn't born a Roman, I still have a soft spot for it, thanks to Bovine Queen up there." Thunder rumbled, but none of the two paid attention to it. Nico narrowed his eyes, trying to read Percy's expression, but he was hiding his emotions too well under his happy façade.

"Cut the shit." said Nico.

Percy blinked.

"What?"

"I heard you and Jason talking."

Percy froze, and his smile faded.

"What... what did you hear?"

Nico surprised Percy by smirking.

"Communism? Really?"

"You're sounding like Thalia right now. And yeah, what's the issue?"

"At least it's not fascism. As an Italian, I would have to slap you if you tried to make New Rome like what Italy was when I was born. Does she know?"

"No, Thalia doesn't. Only Annabeth, by accident of course. And like you could even try slapping me."

Nico rolled his eyes.

"But really, why? LIke, I get that you are not very happy with the Gods, but I don't get it."

Percy sighed. "I believe in change, but the gods don't. And I don't want to sound like Luke, lusting over another despot. I want a meaningful change, Nico."

Once again Nico narrowed his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but at that moment Hazel appeared again, searching for Percy. Not wanting to compromise him, Nico left his sister and his old friend alone.

As of now, he was sitting on his chair at the Senate House. The building was expanded to house many more people than usually, because the whole camp was invited to the inauguration. Soon after Percy's speech, everyone was going to move to the dining hall, for a feast in celebration. However at that moment, the whole Senate House was in chaos, with senators yelling at each other, civilians conversing casually, nymphs distributing water and fauns asking for money. He could see Annabeth on the other side of the building, staring at Percy with a worried look on her face. Percy himself was up in his new Pontifex's place, side by side with Frank and Hazel who looked extremely annoyed. And also... wait, who was that? Before Nico could think about who was that right next to Percy, the stranger yelled at everyone, demanding silence. Just then Nico noticed that it was Athena. No, Minerva, actually.

Minerva spoke about how Jupiter had sent her to represent Olympus at the ceremony. Nico narrowed his eyes at that. It would make more sense for Mars to appear, or even Juno, considering Minerva's history with Rome. He did need any reminders of that stupid statue ever again in his life. What really shocked Nico was Minerva announcing that she had chosen Annabeth to be her ambassador in the Senate. Nico glanced over to the daughter of Athena and it looked like she was frozen in shock.

"Annabeth Chase, could you please grace us with your presence?" Hazel asked, and Annabeth quickly made her way to the top of seats where the Pontifex Maximus, Praetors and Minerva were standing.

"Annabeth Chase, do you accept your duties to represent the will of the people of Rome and that of Lady Minerva in the Senate?" Frank asked.

"I... I accept." muttered Annabeth at first. She cleaned her throat. "I, Annabeth Chase, daughter of Minerva, will accept my mother's request and serve as her representative in the Senate of New Rome." she spoke more clearly, and many applauded her politely, including Nico.

"Thank, you daughter. Now, we're all gathered here for one thing, right?" Minerva said to the crowd. "So let us not rob the spotlight from our new High Priest any longer. Perseus Jackson, I pass you the word." she said to Percy with a weird grin on her face, while sitting down at her chair

Percy stood up from his seat. "Thank you, Lady Minerva. I am honored to have so many here attending my inauguration as Pontifex Maximus of Rome." he addressed the curious crowd. "I have already spoken my objectives and goals to the senators, however, with all due respect to this wonderful organization, I think this speech is the most important task of my job. You, citizens, legionnaries, nature spirits, have suffered a lot in recent times. First with the casualties on the attack at Othrys and the destruction of the black throne of Saturn. Then, the battle against Polybote's forces and the unfortunate march to the east during the Demigod Civil War. Of course, I couldn't forget to metnion inevitable confrontation with Gaia at Camp Half-Blood." Many were seemingly disturbed by the memories of the past wars. "And to top it all, an attack on Roman ideals themselves, not just soldiers dying on the battlefield, but a clash with what Camp Jupiter aspires to be, a continuation of Rome. You faced this threat at the cost of hundreds of lives, and not only that but the shattering of the Roman spirit itself. What defines to be a Roman. I will not only lead the construction of temples to all minor gods as promised to my half-sister, Kymopoleia, but I will work hard with both Praetors," he spread his arms in the direction of Frank and Hazel. "to fully rebuild New Rome to not only its former glory from years ago, but to restore it as a major force in all aspects, to fully mirror what Julius Caesar, Augustus and many other have accomplished. AVE!"

He finished his speech on a high note, elevating one fist to the air. Not one moment later, a good portion of the crowd following his gesture, and loud clapping ensued. Nico could not help but to smile at his old friend and how far he had come. However he very soon remembered what were Percy's true intentions in regards to Camp Jupiter. And Minerva appearing even with all of her previous feelings in regards to Rome... surely it could not be a coincidence.

The next minutes were confusing. Hazel signaled everyone to go to the dining hall. Slowly people got out of the Senate House, and Nico reached out to Percy who was chatting with Frank, Annabeth and Hazel. Minerva appeared to have vanished.

"Oh, hey there, Death Breath." greeted Annabeth, jokingly.

"Perhaps it was a good thing that Thalia joined the Hunt, Ambassador Chase." Nico retorted. "Because she has appeared to have infected you with her usage of nicknames."

"To be fair, it is kind of my fault." Percy said, and Nico glared at him with a betrayed look. "I told her that Thalia called you that and I guess wise girl here just couldn't stop thinking about it."

Annabeth rolled her eyes. "Whatever, seaweed brain. I'm just wondering why has mother decided to put me in the Senate. She has already left without saying a single word to me."

"I did see her in the crowd but I think she was one of the first to get out." Frank pointed.

"I guess only time will tell." Hazel said. "Hey, Perce, do you want to see your office?" she asked. Percy widened his eyes.

"Do I have an office?" Everyone laughed from his question.

"Of course, duh. But to be fair, it was only constructed recently because, you know, Jason." all the five became a bit sadder when remembering their fallen friend. "Nobody has touched it since, apart from you know, cleaning and all. But things are placed just as he left them. Maybe there is something useful, who knows. Any of you coming?" Hazel asked Annabeth, Nico and Frank.

"I'm hungry, I'm going to the dining hall." Frank said.

"Same." Annabeth agreed. "You guys can go, we catch up later."

"I will go," Nico told Hazel. "Not very hungry."

"You're never hungry, are you?" his sister replied, making the others laugh.

"I do eat a lot. Because Will makes me do so."

"Fair enough. See you guys later." Hazel kissed Frank on his cheek, Percy doing the same gesture to Annabeth. The group separated and went into different directions as soon as they exited the Senate House.

The walk to Percy's new office was considerably quiet, but Nico just couldn't stop looking at the son of Poseidon as they walked to the Principia. As soon as they left the boundaries of New Rome, Percy immediatly grabbed Riptide inside his pocket and started playing with it in its pen form as they walked. Nico himself got back his Stygian Iron sword from Terminus, who congratulated Percy, stating "I always knew that you would achieve greatness, Percy Jackson". They kept walking until they reached the Praetors' building.

"How do I have an office, exactly?" Percy asked, observing the Principia, which only had the big table in the center with some furniture, like a water filter and a stove. Hazel smiled and stretched one hand forward. Nico knew instantly that she was manipulating the Mist. As soon as she put her hand down, a doorway with a staircase going down was revealed in the previously flat wall. The three went downstairs and quickly found a large room with a ping pong table, a giant couch and a TV.

"With power comes the need for comfort, huh?" Nico questioned his sister, who just shrugged.

"I mean, it's not necessarily wrong. And we do need a break sometimes. Anyway..." they followed Hazel down a hall, which had three doors.

"This, Pontifex Jackson..." she opened the furthest door from the main room, revealing a well organized office, with a bookcase, a computer and a smaller couch than the one that was in the... I guess you could call it a living room. "is your new office. I hope you get used to it. There are many things from Jason here, and as I said maybe there is something interesting hidden somewhere. I'm gonna go eat something, you coming, Nico?"

Nico shook his head.

"No, I'm staying, for now. But we'll see you later."

Hazel nodded and left Percy and Nico alone. The son of Hades immediatly punched Percy in his arm.

"Ow. What was that for?" Percy questioned.

"Doesn't matter, Marx." Nico said, half-joking. "Do you think Jason left something for you?"

Percy seemed to ponder for a bit, until an idea appeared to come across his mind. He ran to the couch and lifted all of the pillows, revealing a small envelope. Nico raised one eyebrow as Percy opened the envelope and threw it on the desk. Nico grabbed and read that the words "To Mr. Jackson, son of the sea god." were written.

Nico turned his attention to Percy who was reading a paper that was previously sealed inside the envelope.

"What does it says?" he questioned his friend, who gave the paper to the son of Hades. Nico started reading the letter.

Dear Percy;

If you are reading this, I am not able to contribute with the revolution anymore. Either I have changed my mind (if so, call Piper so she can remove the eidolon from my body), which is very unlikely, or I have been struck down in some way. and you have to push the revolution forward on your own. I am truly sorry if that is the case, but I have faith in you. I believe that Vesta suspects me. There is a hearth in the main room so it isn't exactly safe from unwanted ears. Keep the noise down for the moment, but when the time comes, everything is going to be fine. I have collected data about the Camp and its politics so you can dive into it without any problems. Contact Lavinia from the Fifth Cohort. I know, her father is Russian, seems stereotypical, but she supports me. Approach her and say "Bagration". She will get it. As of now, I hope you are enjoying your time as Pontifex Maximus (it was your idea as a contingency plan, after all). Keep an eye for Reyna, she is undoubtly gonna be extremely hostile about this and already has suspicions, but Frank and Hazel are probably going to accept some change.

Much love, your comrade, Jason Grace.

Nico raised his head to Percy, who was now sat down at his chair, with a somber look on his face.

"Percy?" Nico called, only for Percy to sigh.

"I wish was there for him. Sure, for the most part I was coming here, but now he's dead. It would be some much easier." he rubbed his face with both hands. "At least Reyna is not here anymore. It does not need to be any harder than it already is."

Nico had his own opinions about Reyna, but decided to not talk about this subject right now.

"So, what are you going to do?" asked him to the Pontifex. Percy gave him a small laugh

"Well, Mr. Di Angelo..." he opened a drawer and grabbed a red banner, while he was rising up from his chair. "The fires of the revolution are lit today." he declared, fixing the banner, which Nico found out that it was a flag, on the wall that was on the left side of the table. The flag had a red background, with a golden stretched out roman eagle stamped on it. This eagle however carried a hammer and sickle with both of its claws.