Chapter 23: Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.

A/N: Eternal thanks and gratitude to ViscountessAberowen. You catch the small things, the little things, and the sort of in between things. Couldn't do it without you.

And to haneelonglegs: thank you for hanging in there! I don't mean to end on cliffhangers...just sort of happens. Hope you enjoy the chapter.

Nico ran through the deserted confines of Camp Half-Blood, escaping the fading and crumbling sentries- the campers who had watched him with unseeing eyes as he had trudged through the camp. He scrambled past the barren strawberry fields and the ruined Big House that had fallen into disrepair. His fingers clawed against the dry brown grass each time he fell, grasping for purchase to push himself upward and forward and never looking backward.

He reached the pinnacle of the hill just as the tree began to fragment and collapse. Leo stood near the fading tree, the dragon that guarded it resting a dying head on the demigod's shoulder. Leo's eyes fell on Nico, a tinge of sadness behind the warm brown irises. He reached a hand out to Nico, but before the son of Hades could wrap his fingers around the other boy's, Leo's hand began to disintegrate and fall away into ash.

"Nico."

The voice from before- from his dreams- hissed at him, quiet whispers of expectation. "Nico."

The voice, closer now. Closer than it had ever been. Nico screamed-rage, confusion, and desperation coloring his voice, ragged and raw with emotion. He spun on the spot, fury pulling at the corners of his mouth.

And stopped.

Electric-blue eyes stared back at Nico from behind simple frames, a scarred lip twisting up in the semblance of a smile. Nico recognized the blond hair and noted it hadn't grown an inch since the boy had died.

"Nico."

The son of Hades raised a shaking hand, reaching out to touch Jason.

But this is a dream. Jason is dead. Jason is dead. This isn't real.

"But you-you died. You're dead, Jason."

The blond smiled and shrugged his shoulders as if to say, 'What can you do?'

"I know."

The furious wind that always swept over the camp in Nico's dreams slammed into them. Nico raised a hand to shield his eyes and noted the landscape around the pair begin to fall away. He looked to Jason, who had not moved. Nothing had moved on the dead boy. Not a single hair on Jason's head ruffled or fell out of place. His shirt stayed still against his body. Jason turned to look in the direction of the gale, and Nico's eyes traced the boy's back, focusing on the hole in his shirt and the blood that encircled it.

Jason turned back to Nico. "You have to listen, Nico."

The wind forced Nico to his knees. He turned streaming eyes up to his dead friend and asked the boy-begged him, "Listen to what, Jason!? I don't-I don't know what you mean! Listen to what?"

But the ground fell from beneath Nico's knees, and he felt himself falling, falling, falling. He watched as Jason watched him fall, growing farther and farther away.

"Jason!"

Nico felt the words leave his lips before he realized he was awake. His heart hammered in his chest, and he realized that tears had tracked their way down his cheeks. But Jason, his dead friend and the one who had helped him realize he didn't need to stay in the shadows, remained in Nico's dreams- not with him in the Underworld.

Nico quickly retracted his hand and covered his face, taking several deep breaths through his nose and exhaling out his mouth as Mr. D had once suggested he do to regulate his emotions. As his breathing helped bring his heart rate under control, he realized Zagreus knelt beside him. Once again, his older brother rubbed circles on Nico's back.

Once the god realized Nico had gained awareness of his surroundings, he asked, "Bad dream?"

Not yet trusting himself to speak, Nico simply nodded. Zagreus nodded but didn't press any further. "Take your time. We still have a few hours before we must leave."

"You know," Hypnos voice drifted over the pair, seemingly aloof and uncaring. "Dreams, especially repeated ones, are often riddled with warnings or messages."

Nico frowned and arched his neck to see around Zagreus. "You mean, like a prophecy?"

The God of Sleep shrugged. "Not always. Sometimes it can just be a warning- from yourself. Some fringe gods allow the messages of deceased loved ones to go through. For those lost souls to contact those they loved in life. To comfort them. To warn them." Hypnos' eyes flicked upward to meet Nico's own. They held for a moment, the silence dragging out before the god looked away. "It can mean a myriad of things. Why do you think mortals try to decode their dreams all of the time? The self can be intuitive- sometimes, our dreaming selves know and recognize things before our waking selves do. While in a sleeping, dreaming state, mortals are more open to...well, everything."

Nico's thoughts drifted back to Camp Half-Blood. Leo standing on top of the hill and fading away. Jason.

If I was trying to warn myself...what could any of that possibly mean coming from me? But...if it is Jason. If he's trying to contact me-to warn me...

Nico shook his head and scowled down at his hands. Jason was dead and gone.

The son of Hades quietly rolled his shoulders, dislodging Zagreus' palm from his back. Zagreus let his hand drop without comment and, remaining close to Nico, turned his head to speak with Hypnos.

"Well, now that we've had time to rest, are you going to enlighten us? What's going on? Why has Nyx called her children home?"

Hypnos frowned at the other god, looking away as he spoke. "It...it is nothing. Mother worries, that is all."

"But why would Nyx of all the gods be worried? She's the keeper of night. So what does she have to be worried about?"

"Mother has only ever wanted one thing above all else- to protect her children. Why do you think I ran to her when I angered Zeus? I knew she would protect me, no questions asked." Hypnos fully faced Nico and Zagreus, a brutal look in his eyes. "I know what the other gods say about me, and I don't care. Why risk my very existence over pride? Better to be a coward than to be destroyed or imprisoned or punished."

Hypnos sniffed. "So, when mother called, I began to make my way here. Although, I did stop to see if Thanatos would join me. He's become ever so stubborn these days."

Zagreus glared at the other god. "And, did you find him? Or had he already decided to leave at that point?"

Hypnos laughed a low and soft sound that had Nico's eyelids fluttering as he fought off a bout of sleep. "Oh, he was gone by the time that I got there. But Thanatos didn't go willingly. Mother sent Geras and Nemesis to fetch him." He sniffed and added, "She knows I wouldn't have made him come home. Even if he is my twin."

Frowning, Zagreus asked, "But...why didn't he want to go?"

The God of Sleep rolled his eyes. "Because of you, Zagreus. He didn't want to leave without you. But...mother doesn't really like guests."

Zagreus sat still, and Nico felt the shock radiating from his godly brother. Then, when Zagreus still did not speak up, Hypnos turned his attention to Nico.

"Well, I do believe that it is time I take my leave." The god stood but fixed his gaze on the brothers once more. "Zagreus. Thank you for your help. Is there anything you wish for me to pass on to my brother for you? Anything you would like to say?"

"Just..." Zagreus stared off into the dim twilight that had fallen over the landscape. The sound of the Styx falling away into the pit to Tartarus beat harshly into the silence. "Just tell Than he better take care of himself, alright? And he better come back."

Hypnos merely nodded before looking at Nico. "And you. You surprise me, and I am not often caught unawares. You saved me when doing so put yourself at great risk." Hypnos inclined his head slightly toward Nico. "I find that I am in your debt. Should you find yourself in need of a friend, ask, and I will answer."

Nico stared at the god much as Zagreus had before. The demigod was barely able to give a nod.

Hypnos studied the pair of them for a moment before nodding. Then, without another word, the god turned on his heel and set off across the rocky terrain. Nico watched the god until he neared the pit to Tartarus. The god spared them no glance back, and, in another instant, he was gone- jumping into the depths of the yawning hole.

Several hours passed with little to no conversation. Zagreus and Nico gathered their things-what little was left of them- and set off in the opposite direction of the pit.

Zagreus strode across the landscape at a furious pace, Nico struggling to keep up.

"How do you know we're going in the right direction? If things are shifting and changing?"

"I don't," the god answered. His tone was short but not unkind.

Nico shrugged off the response and asked, "So, is now a good time to talk about father's staff?"

Zagreus glanced at Nico, a blank expression on his face. He hesitated a moment before asking, "What do you want to know?"

"Well," Nico started. "very first question. Can I change it? Like, make it look like something else?"

"I'm not sure I understand you."

"Like Percy's sword. It changes into a pen so he can carry it easily. And Thalia's shield turns into a watch or something. Even Meg- Demeter's daughter- she has two swords that turn into rings."

"Oh," Zagreus said slowly before shrugging. "I don't see why not. Just think about what you want to turn it into. It's father's original weapon. It can turn into anything- not just one thing. So, think about what you want it to be. But," Zagreus looked around before continuing. "I wouldn't change it just yet- not until you're safely back to your mortal plane."

The pair continued to walk until Nico asked, "You said you got it from your mother. Why did Persephone take it from father?"

The God of Rebirth reached a hand behind him and rubbed his neck, stretching it from side to side. "She didn't take it from him in that sense. Father couldn't give it to you himself."

Nico frowned. "Why not? He could have led me to it like Thalia's dad did with Aegis. Or even Clarisse or Annabeth– their parents gave them their gifts. They all got items from their parents."

Zagreus came to an abrupt halt and turned to face his younger brother. "Yes. But they didn't give their children their own weapons of power. Of status. Thalia doesn't have the original Aegis. Same with Annabeth and Clarisse. Even that Luke kid didn't get his dad's old flying shoes- he got a replica."

"But why does it matter?"

Zagreus looked at Nico and rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest. "Think about it."

Nico took pause for a moment before answering his own question. "If father had given me the staff...would it have been some sort of formal recognition or something? Giving me...status?"

Zagreus nodded once before turning and continuing to walk forward. "Yes. Lifting you up. Giving you power without giving you immortality. You'd be a demigod with one of the most powerful objects in existence. Nevermind that, as a demigod, you won't be able to access every facet of its power. But to the others…it would be one thing if father exalted you to godly status- then, you would at least be one of us. But...well, someone upstairs doesn't trust demigods. I think you can guess who."

Nico's brow furrowed in puzzlement. "So, father did mean for me to have it?"

Nodding again, Zagreus added, "He just couldn't figure out a way to give it to you that wouldn't upset the other gods."

"Won't they eventually notice? I mean, if I use it in a fight-"

"Oh, they'll notice alright. But, father will have plausible deniability. And, once the others figure out it was my mother who gave it to you..."

"They'll blame her and look to father to sort it out."

Zagreus smiled grimly. "Precisely. And mother will be the one to answer for it."

Nico stopped and stared at the ground, a hard expression on his face. It took a moment for Zagreus to realize that Nico was no longer following behind him. Once he could no longer hear the crunch of gravel behind him, he halted as well and turned to Nico.

"What is it?"

Nico looked up at his brother with glassy eyes. "Why would she do that? For me? Persephone hates me."

Sighing, Zagreus dragged a hand over his face before answering. "Mother doesn't...hate you. She has made her peace with father's dalliances. Besides, she's seen you fight- not just with your sword but with your words. She believes you to be a valuable asset."

Nico scoffed. "So, she doesn't hate me now that she finds me useful? Great. Such an upgrade."

"Nico...put yourself in her shoes, will you? You don't see any kids of Persephone running around either of the camps, do you? Father definitely isn't as prolific as other gods, but..." Zagreus bit his lip as he struggled to find the right words. "But he's not without blame. I know mortal accounts vary, and even I don't know the truth, but...mother was, at the very least, reluctant to be with father."

Nico fell silent, allowing his brother's words to sink into his mind.

"The thing with gods and, honestly, probably monsters and humans, Nico, is that...memories don't always just fade. They warp and twist until sometimes they become something more than what they were. Or less, perhaps. But, in my experience, they change until they become more palatable and easier to live with."

Nico couldn't look at Zagreus any longer. His eyes fell to the ground, and he found himself focusing on a peculiarly shaped rock until he was able to find his voice. "You make father sound despicable."

Zagreus shrugged. "I realize that we gods are more human than we sometimes realize. We make the same mistakes. And we are very slow to change. But, change we do. And whether it's for the better or for worse is all a question of perspective. I believe that father has changed. I do believe that, at the end of the day, he means well."

Nico didn't respond. Zagreus shook his head and reached out, grabbing Nico's shoulder and giving it a slight shake. "Nico. I did not tell you this to change your opinion of father. But realize that my mother...she cares about you as much as she can. And she took great personal risk to give this to you."

Nico nodded shakily and took a deep breath before looking up. "We should get going."

Zagreus sighed but nodded. The two brothers continued on their way, trudging across the bleak landscape of the Underworld while shouldering uncomfortable truths.

The son of Hades came to a stop to rest. Nico settled onto a spot on the hard ground and watched as Zagreus rummaged through his pack. He pulled out a smaller bag filled with long strips. The god opened the bag and pulled out a piece before handing the bag to Nico. The demigod took it and brought it to his nose, sniffing. A spicy aroma filled Nico's nostrils, and he looked up, watching as Zagreus bit into the strip.

"What is it?"

Zagreus swallowed before answering, "Fennel and calendula. One of mother's specialties. Fennel helps with warming and digestion. Calendula eases inflammation. I figured your shoulder could use all the help it can get after the abuse it's been through."

Nico pulled one of the strips from the bag before handing the container back to his brother. He studied the fennel and calendula. A faint greenish-brown tinge was immediately off-putting but, looking at Zagreus, the god seemed to be enjoying it. Cautiously, Nico bit into the snack. The distinct taste of black licorice flooded his mouth. The spice wasn't altogether unpleasant. Nico chewed and swallowed, feeling a warming fire blossom in his gut and move up his throat. He took another bite and another until the strip was gone. When Zagreus held out the bag to him, Nico didn't hesitate to take another.

Both brothers ate in the silence, a comfortable rhythm falling over them both. When Zagreus offered Nico a flask of water, he took it and drank from it deeply before passing it back. The flavor of licorice still ripe in his mouth, Nico wiped a hand across his lips to clear them of any remaining droplets of water before asking, "So, how did you and Thanatos meet? How long have you been together?"

Zagreus gave Nico a sidelong glance, his hands still from where they had been securing the straps on his pack. "I thought we'd gone over this? Sharing is a two-way street, little brother."

Nico hesitated but then nodded. Zagreus smiled and said, "We were friends as children. As I got older, I tired of being in father's domain and wished to escape. At the time, father did not want me to leave the Underworld. So, I might have run away a few times."

Zagreus chuckled to himself. "The first time, Thanatos was livid...and hurt. But, we worked things out in the end." Zagreus paused and finished tying his bag. Then, the god stood and swung the pack onto his shoulders in one fluid movement. "To answer your second question: a couple centuries, more or less. On and off."

Nico glanced slyly at the god. "Did you really dump Megaera for him?"

"I wouldn't quite say that." Zagreus' gaze grew thoughtful, his eyes wistful. "Megaera and I...we wanted different things. It wasn't the first time we'd broken up, but...I was convinced it would be our last. As I said before, Thanatos and I have known each other since...well, since we were children. I never realized how much my constant running away without saying goodbye hurt Than. But, I always returned. partially because I missed him."

Nico studied Zagreus thoughtfully until the god noticed.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Nico smiled mischievously and looked away. "No reason. Just learning lots about you."

"Well...alright then." The tone in Zagreus' voice was one of hopeful caution. "Maybe you want to talk about Halloween now?"

Nico glared at his holder brother furiously, and Zagreus held up in hands in surrender. "Alright, alright! But I did answer your questions. So you should tell me something."

There was silence for a moment before Nico said, "We met in Rome."

"Oh? Was that with that prophecy stuff? Although I must admit, I didn't follow the story as closely as some of the other gods."

Nico coughed and turned red. "Uh, he was part of a rescue party."

"Who were you guys rescuing?"

"We weren't rescuing anyone. They were rescuing me."

"Oh." Zagreus fell silent for a moment before saying, "Well, I mean, that's not the worst way to meet someone, right?"

Nico shrugged. "I guess." His face brightened as he remembered. "Piper and I were in the emperor's box. Percy and Jason were fighting Otis and Ephialtes. And then..." The son of Hades smiled, remembering back to the events in Rome. "The Argo II came flying in, blasting the giants, Leo at the helm."

"Sounds like you guys might not have made it without Leo."

Nico nodded, tucking his chin and saying simply, "Leo saved us."

Nico frowned. "He's going to be worried that he hasn't heard from me."

Zagreus shrugged. "You can contact him when you get up above- once you've rested a bit. I'm not sure where Mellie's cave will spit you out, but...time doesn't always work the same in her cave- going from death to life, the spiritual world to the physical. Just...you might be disoriented when you come out."

Puzzled, Nico asked, "Where will I come out?"

"It's different for each person. But usually close to someone you've loved and lost."

Nico rolled his eyes. "Nothing like a forced visit to a cemetery."

Zagreus shrugged but remained quiet.

The two walked on in companionable silence. Occasionally, one would comment on the terrain. The other would agree or point to another aspect of the changing landscape. No more earthquakes shook the ground, and the lack of monsters and adversaries had each of the boys on alert. After several hours, Nico began to recognize the surrounding area.

"We're close to Melinoe's cave, aren't we?"

Zagreus nodded. "It's just up ahead. See it there? Nestled in among those rocks?"

Nico looked to where Zagreus pointed and nodded before hesitantly turning back to his brother. "So, I guess this is goodbye? Are you going to report back to father now?"

The god nodded. "The fact that Nyx would not share her reasoning for wanting her children back with them...well, it gives cause to concern. If something is happening in Tartarus..."

Nico nodded, not needing his brother to explain things further. "Well, take care, I guess."

Zagreus smiled and pulled his pack around to rest in front of his chest. He undid the straps and rummaged about before pulling out two gold drachmas. He held them out to Nico and dropped them into his hand when Nico reached forward.

"What are these for? Shouldn't I just continue to shadow-message Leo?"

Smiling, Zagreus said, "I suggest you use these to Iris message Dionysus. How many sessions with him have you missed at this point?"

Nico paled. "Shit. I forgot to even tell him I was leaving. He's going to kill me." Nico swallowed heavily before adding, "Turn me into a dolphin or something and then kill me."

The God of Rebirth laughed. "I doubt that. He may turn you into a dolphin for a bit. But I doubt he'll kill you. I think Dionysus has a soft spot for you."

Nico rolled his eyes. "Yeah. And the sun is blue and the water's red. No way, Zag."

Zagreus shrugged but said, "Dionysus doesn't help just anyone, Nico. Remember that."

"Whatever," Nico scoffed, but a self-conscious smile flickered briefly on his lips. "Well, I guess this is goodbye then."

Zagreus nodded, and a fond smile played about his face. "Take care of yourself. I expect you to practice- message me whenever you feel like it."

"Eh," Nico shrugged. "Maybe."

Nico's older brother glowered at the demigod. "You check in. Otherwise, I'll make sure to come to the Waystation and make a very embarrassing nuisance of myself."

Nico chuckled despite himself and smiled, the expression warming his face. "Alright. You win. I'll...I'll message you."

Zagreus beamed back at him.

Nico squared his shoulders. "See you around, Zag."

He raised a hand in brief farewell and turned, walking determinedly to the cave. As he approached the entrance, his footsteps grew slower and slower until he came to a complete stop. He looked back the way he had come, but Zagreus was nowhere to be seen. He turned back to the cave and breathed deeply, ignoring the anxiety that had risen to his chest like a bat in a cage trying to get free. The last time he had been near Melinoe's cave, Percy and Thalia were by his side. He and Thalia had frozen in fear, seeing their deceased mothers in the visage of the Goddess of Ghosts.

But Melinoe wasn't here now, which meant no Maria di Angelo would appear.

Taking one last deep breath, Nico walked into the cave. The cavern walls were slick with water, shining in the dim blue light which cast an eerie glow throughout the enclosed space. He looked about him in curiosity. Was the cave supposed to be a tunnel? Leading in one direction only? Or should he expect a winding labyrinth? A complicated system of tunnels connected and interlacing exits to the mortal world?

But Nico realized quickly that his worries and wonderings were baseless. The cavern was a huge open area, the blue light unable to illuminate the darkest corners and opposite side of the cavern. Nico trudged further and further into the cave, the impossibly tall ceiling never seeming to shift. If he had not been acutely aware of his feet landing one in front of the other, the demigod would not know he moved at all. Not knowing how much time had passed- was it a handful of minutes? hours? days, perhaps?- he reached the end of the cavern. He saw where the wall crept down from the vast ceiling, ending in darkness. Even when he could reach out above his head and touch the top, the wall in front of him remained covered in black.

Nico shook his head and spoke aloud, as much to ease his own discomfort as to break the silence. Nico took the last step forward into the dark.

Nico blinked rapidly, a hand quickly flung up to shield his eyes from the bright sunlight streaming through the pillars of the temple. His eyes watered, having grown accustomed to the prevalent and unchanging dark dusks and twilights of the Underworld. As his eyes slowly adjusted to the light, Nico realized he stood on the hillside right at the base of Jupiter's temple where fallen Roman legionnaires found their final resting place among the burning embers of their own funeral pyres.

Nico's breath stalled in his chest, and it took several heartbeats for him to find the will to walk forward, staff in hand. He felt the warmth of the sun leave his face as he crossed into the shadows of Jupiter's temple, his footsteps echoing as he stepped onto the cold stone floor. An imposing statue of Jupiter, seated and looking down imperiously from his throne, stood in relief against the rest of the stone temple. Its eyes seemed to glare at Nico where he stood. Nico glared back before dropping his gaze and crossing further into the vast temple.

He came to a stop as he reached a single stone slab set into the wall of the temple. He recalled the letter Hazel had written him, informing him of the decision by the campers to put memorial stones in the temples of each lost legionnaires' godly parent or ancestor. Jason's stood alone, regal in its solitary existence. Nico reached out and traced the letters, fingers swooping with the 'J" and gracefully falling over the 'G.'

Hypnos' words returned to his mind, and Nico closed his eyes, reaching into the shadows. Willing himself to feel Jason.

"I'm here, Jason. I'm waiting, and I'm listening."

A slight breeze scattered through the temple, but nothing more. The seconds ticked by and turned into minutes. But, still, the temple remained quiet. Nico sighed and let his hand drop to his side. He turned and crossed the open floor of the temple, shivering as he left its cold and lifeless confines. He felt the sun warm his back and breathed a sigh of relief. Nico looked down to see two figures climbing the hill to where he stood.

The first, a young man with sturdy shoulders and muscular arms. Fuzzy black hair had only just begun to regrow over his burned scalp, and his face bore the signs of the same burned skin- shiny new skin gleaming a more fierce shade of pink than the rest of the skin on his face.

The figure beside the boy was quite a bit shorter. Curly brown hair had grown out a bit since Nico had last seen her. Her skin retained the deep dark tan he assumed the summer sun had given her. He imagined her golden eyes would gleam if they caught the sunlight.

He recognized the two figures immediately: Frank Zhang and his own sister, Hazel Levesque.

The girl looked up and, realizing Nico had spotted them, began to jog up the hill. She stopped running as she approached her brother, studying him with slightly shy eyes. Her gaze wandered to the staff in Nico's hand but, if she knew what it was, she made no comment.

"Nico! We weren't expecting you." She smiled at him, the warmth in her expression rivaling that of the sunlight. "Why didn't you tell us you were coming?"

Nico smiled and lightly embraced Hazel, placing a soft kiss on her cheek before pulling back. "I wasn't expecting to turn up here, honestly." He turned his attention to Frank as the boy drew level with them. "Praetor Zhang. How are things?"

Frank smiled self-consciously. "Going smoothly. We're almost back up to running speed with the repairs. Terminus is back to his old self. He's the one who alerted us to you being here. Although," Frank's eyes slid to Hazel and his gaze softened. "Hazel seemed to know you were here before old statue-head anyway."

Nico laughed, the sound seeming to shock the son of Mars, who was able to quickly hide it. "Better not let him catch you calling him that."

Frank smiled ruefully and rubbed a hand over the fuzz that covered his head. "Guess you're right about that. Anyway, what brings you here? Lit didn't mention that you were coming."

"Lit only left two weeks ago, Frank," Hazel reminded the other demigod. "Maybe he didn't know that Nico was coming." Her Southern drawl sounded soft and lush when she spoke. She frowned though and, turning to Nico, added, "But, you said even you didn't know you were coming? How's that?"

Nico caught her eye and pointedly said, "Family business. Father needed me for something."

"Ah. Dad. Right." Hazel trailed off, knowing better than to push Nico for details.

Nico addressed the pair of Roman Praetors. "Did I hear that right? Lit's been gone over a week?"

Hazel nodded, and Frank said, "Yeah. He Iris messaged Larry once he got back to the Waystation. To discuss Hannibal coming to visit again."

"Larry?" Nico frowned. "He's a centurion for the Second Cohort, isn't he?"

Frank shook his head. "Third Cohort. He took over Bobby's duties taking care of Hannibal after...well, you know."

Nico nodded, vaguely remembering the news of Tarquin's assault on New Rome and Camp Jupiter.

So, Lit's already been back about a week after taking out travel time. The last I talked to Leo, he said that Lit had just gotten home...did it really take me that long to get through Melinoe's cave?

A pang of guilt hit Nico at the thought of Leo worrying about his lack of communication. He must have pulled a face because Hazel asked, "What's wrong?"

Nico half-smiled. "Nothing much. Traveling just took me a bit longer than I expected. Do you have any paper I can borrow?"

"Not on me, but I'm sure we can find some. Are you hungry?"

At the mention of food, Nico's stomach gave a rumble, and he looked at the two sheepishly. "I suppose I could eat."

Hazel laughed. "Of course, you could. Come on. We'll grab a notebook on the way."

The trio set off down the hill, Hazel and Frank catching Nico up on the details of camp and asking about life at the Waystation along the way. Hazel told her brother about the efforts they were continuing to make to improve Temple Hill. Over 45% of the temples Jason had designed were finished, with another handful being started. Nico, in turn, shared with them the rhythm his daily life had taken back at the Waystation. He told them about Magic games with Stan and Deacon, chores and patrol, and Dayspring. Leo was interlaced throughout each story- his quirks and habits, his overwhelming optimism, relentless chatter, and inane rants.

"Well, sounds like you and Leo are getting along pretty well," Frank said.

Nico glanced at him, startled. "Uh, yeah. I suppose."

Hazel smiled softly. "I'm glad Leo settled down somewhere. He has a habit of running away." She glanced sidelong at her brother, her mouth twisting wryly. "Kind of like someone else I know."

Grumbling, Nico answered, "I don't run away. I just...wander. It's different."

"Whatever you say, Nico," agreed Hazel, but the smile never left her face. They stopped by Hazel's quarters on the way to the dining pavilion where she grabbed a small notebook and pen. Once in the dining hall, the trio found seats at a small table laid out with plates and a single plant centerpiece. Hazel held out the paper and pen to Nico, who took them with a grateful smile.

He flipped the notebook open to a blank page and uncapped the pen, setting it to the paper.

Leo. I'm sorry I've been out of touch. Promise I'll catch you up once I'm home. And, there's the good news: I'm heading home asap. Can't say when I'll be back, but it should be within the week. How are you holding up?

-Nico

Nico neatly tore the page from the notebook and folded it several times until it was a small square. Then, he glanced around the table and, noticing Frank and Hazel's curious looks, said, "I'll explain in a minute."

He focused on the shadow made by his glass of water and thought of the shadow on Leo's bunk. Instantly, much much quicker than Nico had been able to establish in the Underworld, the tunnel sprang up between the two tunnels. Nico grinned and dropped the letter through, waiting and waiting for a response.

But none came.

A wave of disappointment crashed over him.

He must not be home. It is the middle of the day.

Nico sighed and tore another page from the notebook, not being quite as neat this time. He uncapped the pen again and set it to the paper.

Guessing you're not home. When you get this, just know I'm coming back.

Nico hesitated before scribbling:

Miss you.

HP#3: Coming home.

Nico folded the paper haphazardly and tossed it into the shadow before letting the connection fade. Slight fatigue settled in, but nowhere near the amount of exhaustion Nico had felt the last time he had sent a message to Leo. Perhaps it was the difference of planes that Zagreus had mentioned?

Hazel and Frank looked on the scene, puzzled.

"What...Nico, what did you just do?" Hazel reached forward and rubbed her hand across the wood of the table cautiously as if her hand would sink into the shadow too. Frank stared, eyes wide.

Nico smiled. "Just sent a message is all. I promise I'll teach you the trick one day. I'm sure you can do it, Hazel."

The smile that spread across the daughter of Pluto's face was hesitant but warm, and she nodded. "I'd like that."

Nico allowed a grin to settle over his face and reached for his glass of water. He brought it to his lips and drank a mouthful before reaching to place it back upon the table.

But the glass slipped from his hands and shattered instead as an icy feeling of unexplainable panic gripped his heart. His breath came in short gasps, and he was unaware of pushing himself up and away from the table, stumbling backward and falling onto the hard floor. He did not feel the sharp pain in his right wrist as it jarred against the ground, a faint snap! coming from the bone. He didn't notice the plant centerpiece wilting and withering as the vibrant life left it, leeched by the demigod.

All he felt was Leo fading.

NO!

Nico stumbled to his feet, ignoring the jab in his wrist. Voices slowly washed over him and, it became apparent, had been talking to him since he dropped the glass.

"...is it, Nico! What's wrong?" Hazel grasped his elbow, helping him remain steady. He met her eyes and saw, reflected in hers, the wild state of his own dark brown irises.

Frank had stood and, with his back toward the pair, scanned the nearest vicinity. "Is there something out there? Are we being attacked?"

Nico shook his head and opened his mouth to speak but, feeling he would be sick, shut it again and bent over, his hands coming to a rest on his knees.

Hazel rubbed circles into his back, and Nico realized with a pang that he wished Zagreus was here with him now.

Trying a second time, Nico opened his mouth and croaked out, "I have to go. I need to leave. Now."

Hazel's hand fell from his back as he stood upright. He glanced about, trying to gain his bearings. The Roman legionnaires surrounding them gave him a wide berth, staring at him with wide eyes and confusion.

"But Nico, what is going-"

"I have to go. Leo-" But Nico couldn't finish the thought- didn't want to finish the thought.

The son of Hades grabbed his staff and, without thinking, willed it smaller. The shaft rapidly shrank in his hands, becoming more pliable and lightweight. When again he looked, the staff was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a small rosary hung limply in his hands. He stared at it for a second before pulling it over his head to let it dangle against his chest. He tucked it into his shirt and picked a shadow cast from the table onto the floor.

As before, the tunnel sprang up more quickly than it had in the Underworld. But, with his intentions clear, Nico felt the energy begin to drain from him. He could only hope that he had enough to make it there and be of service. He thought he could, but...

Nico quashed the flicker of doubt. He would make it. He looked over to his sister and Frank, noting the alarm on their faces. "I'll explain everything when I get home. Once I know what's happening. I'm sorry!"

Nico took a quick breath and an even quicker step into the shadows.

He was going home.

"Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim."~ Vicki Harrison