-"You've been starring outside that window for at least an hour. What's wrong?"-
The teen barely blinked at the question. He couldn't help it. Ever since that goddess Artemis had returned them to Camp, he would not talk, only when it was strictly necessary. He obviously didn't meant to be rude, but he couldn't help it! He was so damn worried! He need a plan, something to do. But how was he supposed to do something when he didn't know who the enemy was? Why would they harm his father? Why would they threaten Persephone? Why would they harm him? Why? So many whys, I wish I had the answer to all of them.
-"Nico?"- the voice of before asked again.
The broody guy looked at her, giving her a reassuring smile. -"It's nothing. Don't worry about me... You wanted my help for this evening right? How can I help you?"- His sister gave him a bright smile.
-"Is everybody ready?"- asked the older hero.
Once everyone was ready and secured, he climbed into the giant dog. Jason, Piper, Leo, Calypso, Drew, Lou and Cecil would travel to New Rome. Since this was unforeseen and somehow rushed, Nico proposed to Percy to take Ms. O'Leary, tie her to a small wood cart so they could all shadow-travel. Everyone was going to the Venetian Villa, where Hazel had declared that they were going to spend Christmas. Reyna, Frank, Ella, Tyson, Annabeth, Rachel, Nico and her were organizing, cooking and decorating. The others were in charge of the gifts.
As always entering to the shadows was like a rush. A cold rush. Like a frozen roller-coaster. The dead whispering everywhere around in the endless darkness. So much like the Cocytus. At least it seemed that way to Percy Jackson, he wondered how Nico could bare walking through the shadows after Tartarus? He just wished they journey wouldn't take long.
-"What are you cooking?"-
Nico nearly dropped the spoon his was carrying when he heard the voice behind him.
-"Some pasta, to complement the turkey."- he said trying to mask his surprise.
-"Why is your hand trembling? Are you alright?"- said the voice of before, the girl from Puerto Rico taking his hand on her own.
The son of Hades lowered his gaze -"Yeah, I'm fine, just a little bit cold."- he lied.
-"Cold while cooking?"- she retorted with a sightly mocking tone raising an eyebrow.
-"Yeah, you know, it's winter and all."-
She hummed, still doubting him but left him alone.
Everyone was gathered around the table on the living room. The greek campers had just arrived. They were staring at each other's eyes.
-"He's been acting strange, lately."- finally Hazel said.
-"He is getting nervous and jumpy around anyone."- agreed the female praetor.
-"Plus, we haven't decoded who is behind the attack to his father."- commented Lou Ellen.
Grey eyes gained attention when her boyfriend spoke -"Maybe that's why he is acting weird."-
-"Not only that, Seaweed Brain, his previous attack from Demeter. This was no coincidence, the problem is that Persephone told Artemis that her mother was still on the Ball Room when Hades was missing. It wasn't her. But if it wasn't her, then who?"-
-"She didn't saw who was with Lord Hades, right?"- asked the shapeshifter.
-"Sadly no."- Drew answered.
-"You haven't said anything, Will. I'm sure his doctor knows something."- mentioned the Cherokee girl.
-"She's right, how is he doing? Any nightmares?"- provided the 'blond Superman'.
Will gulped -"Well, he always has nightmares but after what happened to his dad..."- he sighed - "It's like going backwards, during the day he acts normal, but during the night he is going back to his old habits. Tossing around, screaming, even kicking."-
-"What about his..."- the red-haired girl cautiously said. -" his panic attacks?"-
Visibly uncomfortable, the doctor answered -"Well he—"
-"Hey guys, I didn't notice you had already arrived."- another voice interrupted.
-"Nicki, always nice to see you."- the Aphrodite asian girl greeted.
-"Nice to see you, too. By the way, dinner is ready."-
-"Food, delicious food, Ella likes Nico's food."- said happily the harpy after dinner.
It was a good day. Everyone was sitting on the armchairs and divans or on the floor near the chimney. There was a giant pine tree, as tall as the ceiling with a big star. The spheres were gold and silver with small black details. No very christmas-y but certainly elegant. Tyson was opening his gift hugging (almost chocking) Percy and Annabeth watched the two with amused eyes. Hazel gave Frank a little peck on his cheek and he turned bright red. Jason lifted Piper from the floor and spend around. Leo had his ears on fire as Calypso gave him his gift. Everyone seemed to have fun. Even Drew, who was talking with Rachel, Reyna, Cecil and Lou. They formed a strange group there.
-"Hey"- a blushing blonde said beside Nico.
-"Will"- the dark-haired boy gave a small smile. -"I haven't give you your gift".- he gave to the healer a small golden box with a white ribbon -"I hope you like it."-
The son of Apollo looked at him, slowly tearing his gaze to the gift, shyly unwrapping it. Carefully he put the golden wrapping paper apart. There was an envelope, a small vial and clothing. First he took the clothes out, it was a navy blue sweater with the words Merry X-mas, doctor's orders!, immediately he put it on. It was cozy, comfortable and warm, almost like a hug. Next he raised a questioning eyebrow into Nico's direction when he saw the vial.
-"It's the only plant that grows besides the river Styx. It's very powerful, it can cure any physical sickness, like cancer or AIDS, it won't cure disease of the mind, just mere physical. Use it wisely."-
-"That's awesome, thank you!"- lastly he opened the envelope. There was a letter inside. He started reading it. His eyes opened wide, it was unbelievable. -"How... how did you get this?!"-
Sheepishly the Ambassador of Pluto rambled -"Well, you see, I've got some contacts and I thought there you could be safe and... are you mad?"-
-"Mad? How can I be mad?! This is te dream of my life! A letter of acceptance to the Intense Medical Program of New Rome? Are you kidding? I... how can I ever be able to repay you for this?"-
Nico's smile returned to his face. -"You don't need to repay me, you saved my life in more than one way, take this as a 'thank you'."-
-"Here."- Will shoved a box wrapped in black paper and a golden bow -"I want you to open your gift too."-
The Italian unwrapped the small box with concentration. He took a delicate collar, it had a tiny pendant in form of an angel. He felt heat on his cheeks as he put on his gift.
-"I... um... I asked Lou to enchant it." - mentioned the son of Apollo, scratching his neck. -"If you're alone and you start to panic it will shine... as in a light inside the darkness."-
-"Thank you, I really appreciate it."- said the Underworld-y demigod, biting his lip and looking down -"There's something else I want to give you. I know it won't be a big deal to you, but to me it is kinda of a big step."-
-"Thank you, I really appreciate it."- said the Underworld-y demigod, biting his lip and looking down -"There's something else I want to give you. I know it won't be a big deal to you, but to me it is kinda of a big step."-
-"What do you mean?"-
-"I... ummm."- he sighed. He looked once at Will, then lowering his gaze again. In a swift motion he wrapped his arms around Will's torso, hiding his face on the blonde's neck. At first nothing happened, he just heard the healer's heart bumping fast. Then he felt a pair of arms enveloping him. They stayed that way for a while. Nico pulled back after what it felt like a small infinite. -"I just wanted you to know how grateful I am for your help and patience. I really don't know hoe you manage to cope with me every night, with my own burdens."-
-"I'm your friend, it's always a pleasure to help. And... this hug... it was a big deal to me too. I'm glad you did it. Thank you."-
They stared into each other's eyes, smiling and enjoying the joys of friendship.
But the good things can't last forever, right?
Green smoke like serpents travel across the floor zigzagging through everyone present. Rachel's eyes changed their color, the smoke dancing around her, giving her a creepy aspect. Everyone knew what this meant, nobody liked it. The conversations ended, everybody paying attention. Their eyebrows in a frown, their mouths dry. The Oracle stabilized, finally speaking her feared words:
The Vigilant will play his part,
Darkness protecting the Light,
The King of Ghosts facing his curse,
The old order must be restored.
The house was left out cold, the fire on the chimney was off. They could see their breaths on the atmosphere. No one said anything, making up their own conclusions. The only sound that was heard after some moments was the double doors of the living room being opened and then closed. The son of Hades had fled the room.
He could feel his throat closing, the walls of his room were smaller than usual, the darkness was sifting over him. Why a prophecy? Why now? The small collar started shining, he tried to concentrate on that. Breathe, breathe, c'mon breathe! Nico hit the hard cold floor, he didn't had enough energy to stand up again, so he remained there, pathetic and weak. He didn't notice either that he was crying until a small puddle was forming next to his face. Why him? Why the prophecy had to address him? Hadn't the fates been cruel enough?!
The door to his room opened, he clutched to the small shining pendant for dear life, tanned arms closed in around him. He could't hear what the other was saying, but something in his voice was soothing. It felt like forever until with clouded mind cleared. It was Will, as always, there for him when he needed him the most. Nico's heart was still beating like crazy.
-"I'm here, shhh, everything is alright, you are alright."-
The Italian opened his dark eyes, looking up to Will -"How can I be alright when I'm so weak?"- he said in a small rough voice, almost a murmur, almost unheard.
-"You're everything but weak, Death boy. They worry about you, you know? Everyone wants to help you, don't push them away."- the healer said stroking black hair.
-"How? I'm useless, drowning on my self-pity. I need to be strong for them, not a pathetic weakling like me."-
-"You're a human being, you are allowed to feel."-
-"Go downstairs Will, I'll catch up with you in five minutes, okay?"-
-"Okay."- he answered giving Nico a final squeeze before heading down again.
-"I swear if you look at him oddly when he comes down, I'll kill you all, are we clear?"- threaten Will, everyone ad attacked him with questions when he came down, questions he refused to answer. It was Nico's private life, which neither of them had the right to know if the son of Hades didn't gave his permission.
The door opened and the awaited demigod entered the room. He looked as normal as he could. A serious expression on his face, no smile. Will didn't knew how he did it, but the brunette managed to eliminate the red from his eyes and face. Before anyone said anything, the doorbell rang and the dark-eyed boy turned around, heading to the door to open it.
The room remained in silence, footsteps coming back to the living room. A tall mysterious lady entered and right behind her, the son of Hades. She sat on one of the armchairs.
-"Can I offer you anything, my Lady?"-
-"No, dear Nico. Please leave the formalities, it's Christmas after all, not a Greek celebration, but a celebration, indeed. Plus there are here two other demigods I am fond of."- she said with a smile.
-"Lady Hecate, is nice to see you."- greeted Hazel.
-"Mom?"- asked Lou.
-"Is nice to see both of you. I brought you gifts."- she gave Hazel and Lou a box each. -"Nico, yours is in your room."- the mentioned demigod nodded.
-"As well as more gifts from the council, including mine."- said a tall god behind Nico. A pair of big black wings wrapped themselves around the small frame of the demigod -"Hey, by the way. I hope you're alright."-
-"As fine as I'll ever be."- exclaimed the Italian turning around and returning the hug. -"How's everyone?"-
-"They're fine."- quickly interrupted the goddess.
-"Pardon me, Lady Hecate, but I don't see why we have to lie. He deserves the truth."- retorted Thanatos.
-"What truth? Is it about my father?"-
-"Yes,"- the winged god responded -"there are no changes. At least he stays stable."-
-"Everyone is with him, they're trying to canalize his power, it will take a while. Dear Persephone is helping too, the poor woman can't even look at her garden without bursting in tears. I don't want to stress you, but you need to keep present that if it takes too long, you'll have to take his position as King, you are his heir."- Hecate complemented.
-"I know, I'll be prepared for whatever that has to happen."-
It had been a couple of days, as always he tried to remain normal around everyone else, especially his sister, he didn't want to worry her. He was waiting inside the dark of his room. Waiting for nothing, waiting for time to pass so everything would be okay again. It was almost midnight, he guessed the others were having fun. They had invited him to celebrate New Year's Eve with them, but he decided to stay behind, he didn't feel like celebrating anything. A new prophecy and his dad sick at the border of fading. Nobody had mentioned either issue, they were giving him time, he knew that. He wished they stopped treating him like a weak baby.
During this last week, his nightmares had transformed, sometimes he was on a hill fighting a giant scaly monster and losing his life. Other times he was inside a yell, tied up to a wall, it was dark, but the darkness there wasn't welcoming, he was being tortured, and he was losing once again. What does this meant? Does it have to do something with the prophecy? What the hell was happening?
The only problem when he was left alone in a depressing situation (after a nightmare, for example) was his mind. His brain couldn't shut up, always reminding him that maybe it was just an act, everybody would turn their backs when he needed help. Something will come and take his happiness away. No child of Hades was ever happy. Never, it was like a curse or something. He was alone, as always, against the world, against stupid gods and their rants.
He heard the door of the bedroom open, he turned around.
-"Will? What are you doing here? I thought you wanted to celebrate New Year's Eve."- the son of Hades questioned the arriving demigod.
-"Oh, yeah. I already celebrated with them right? I wanted to celebrate with you too."- the blonde answered while taking off his shoes and pants.
-"I don't really feel like celebrating, sorry."- Nico turned around again so his back was facing the son of Apollo.
-"I know, you don't sound very happy. That doesn't mean I can't keep you company, right? What's on your mind?"- the healer asked and jumped on the bed, laying down next to the other boy.
-"Promise me you won't leave me alone."- said the dark-haired demigod in a low voice.
-"Nico? What do you mean? Did you had another strange nightmare?"- the other greek demigod inquired with worry.
The depressed guy turned around once more, looking straight to Will's blue eyes. -"Please, just promise me."- he implored.
-"I promise you,"- said the surfer-like boy, carefully and reluctantly taking Nico's hand on his own -"that I won't leave you alone."-
The Underworld Prince curled next to Will, timidly embracing him. During this time of acquaintance and camaraderie he had grown comfortable around the son of Apollo. It was nice to have someone to comfort him when he felt down, to just have someone there for him.
It is nice to have friends... thought Nico, falling asleep just a few seconds after midnight.