Nico had wandered between the road of wake and dream for quite some time. His body felt weird, not solid, more like liquid or gas. As if it was going to vaporize if he did not focus on simply existing. He opened his eyes. This time waking up for real. Unsurprisingly he was alone. What did surprise him was the glimmering shine around. That had to be a first. But even though the light tried its best Nico knew better. The darkness couldn't be kept at bay. There were always shadows around. Nico sensed them on the edge where the soft glow failed him.
He took a deep breath. It's fine, the son of Hades reminded himself. His memories were still fuzzy, but it was fine. It had to be.
He remembered Percy. Percy smiling down at him, being so close. He'd felt happy and warm and safe. Things changed. Of course, they did. Nico and happiness never went well together. Percy was angry…with him. Nico had wanted to - He wasn't sure what he'd wanted. Apologize maybe. Something had been wrong. He was wrong. When Percy had called his name, all he could see was the disgust on the other's face and then he'd left. He'd left and Nico couldn't blame him. They all leave. It hurt, and he, he was back there. He remembered being scared, begging for help. After that nothing.
Soon he would find out all the grim details, but for now Nico closed his eyes once more.