Nico thought back to all he had done in the last few days, from helping Percy Jackson so he might have a chance to survive this war, to convincing his dad not to kill Percy or him and then summoning all of his skeletons to aid the demi-gods.
He didn't think he had ever summoned that many skeletons in his life, and he was exhausted.
He just needed to shadow travel once more and then he could relax. Maybe Percy would pay some attention to him. He had somewhat come to terms with what he felt for the demigod. It was so horribly wrong, and but if Percy talked to him, he wouldn't be on the outside of everyone. Although he was used to that by now.
He took a few seconds after shadow travelling, bent over and blinking away the large black spots that threatened to take over his vision, one hand braced on the tree next to him. He slowly straightened, taking in deep breaths. He wasn't going to keel over and die. Therefore he was fine.
He stepped out of the shadows of the trees and recognised that he was by the camp lake.
"C'mon Percy!" he heard someone yell and he looked over at the mob of whooping campers, only a few of which he recognised. However he did recognise the two people who were on their shoulders, a girl and a boy holding hands even as the crowd beneath them headed straight for the lake. He could hear their laughter even with how far away he was.
The campers threw their heroes into the lake with a loud cheer and by the time the splash that soaked the closest campers had finished rippling across the lake, everyone realised that they'd just thrown the Son of Poseidon into water and there was a good chance they weren't coming up onto land for a while. They drifted away from the scene chuckling to each other about how 'Percabeth' were probably 'macking on each other down there'
Nico had to admit that it had taken him a few concerned seconds to realise this himself.
He sat down, leaning against a tree. He knew he wouldn't be able to shadow travel without injuring himself,
But he didn't want to head back into camp. It seemed Percy was the only one who really tolerated his presence in the camp.
He buried his face in his hands, the image of Percy holding Annabeth's hand tightly as they were cheered on still in his mind. He could deal without the credit for the Styx idea, but maybe a thank you from Percy? A pat on the back? Anything?
Maybe if he was a better person, maybe if he was nicer, or friendlier or not annoying, then maybe Percy would like him…
Nico dismissed the thoughts, and shakily stood up, putting his hand to the rough bark of the tree.
He didn't want to stay here anymore. He was never going to belong, and Percy would never like him.
He was better off alone.
Hello people, sorry again about the absence, I don't actually have an excuse except im lazy as hell.
However I now have Neko Atsume, so if you have any tips, that would be great, because this game is now my life.
More stories are on the way, I swear. If you've broken up for school already (lucky, I have another week) then I hope you have a great summer!
Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great day!