Nico di Angelo was having an unusually good morning. The sun was shining, the air was crisp, and for once, there was no immediate crisis looming over his head. He sat cross-legged on a blanket in the middle of the strawberry fields at Camp Half-Blood, surrounded by his friends—Travis and Connor Stoll, William Solace, and Katie Gardner. A picnic basket full of food lay open before them, its contents already half-devoured as the group laughed and teased each other between bites.
"Seriously, Nico," Connor said with a grin, popping a grape into his mouth. "You never come around anymore. We were starting to think you'd forgotten about us."
"Yeah," Travis chimed in, nudging Nico playfully with his elbow. "We were about to send out a search party. Thought maybe you got stuck in some Underworld paperwork or something."
Nico rolled his eyes, but a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "I do visit, you know," he said, trying to sound indignant but not quite pulling it off. "I was here last month, wasn't I?"
"Uh-huh," Katie said, raising an eyebrow. "You showed up for about five minutes, grumbled something about a ghost problem, and then vanished again. That doesn't count."
"Besides," William added with a teasing grin, "I know that the main reason you used to come more frequently was because you were in charge of overseeing the construction of the new cabins. With that project over, you don't have any excuse to visit more often. However, I wish we were enough of a reason for you to visit more."
Nico couldn't help but feel a bit defensive. "I've been busy," he muttered, though he knew it sounded weak even to his own ears.
The truth was, ever since he'd taken on the role of the Ghost King and all the responsibilities that came with it, he'd barely had time to breathe, let alone relax at camp. Especially, with the extra duties that come with being the Emperor of Triumvirate Holdings.
Travis and Connor exchanged a glance, their grins widening. "Busy," Travis repeated, drawing the word out like it was the funniest thing he'd ever heard. "Sure, but not too busy for a little downtime, right? I mean, even ghost kings need to kick back once in a while."
"Exactly," Connor agreed, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You deserve some time off. And hey, now that you've got friends here, you've got more reason to hang out. I'm just saying, it's not all about quests and saving the world, you know?"
William, who had been spreading pomegranate marmalade on a piece of toast, smiled softly at Nico and offered it to him. "He's right, Nico," he said, his tone gentle and sincere. "You should come to camp more often, not just when you have work to do. You deserve to rest."
Nico stared at the toast for a moment, then at William's earnest expression. It was such a simple thing to say, but it struck a chord deep within him. How long had it been since he'd actually taken a break? Not just a quick visit to Camp Half-Blood, but a real break, where he didn't have to worry about the Underworld or his duties as the Ghost King? Ever since he'd escaped the Lotus Casino and Resort, it felt like he'd been running nonstop—studying, training, going on quests, dealing with the Triumvirate, and then later, managing the souls of the dead.
He hadn't thought much about it before, but now that William had pointed it out, Nico realized just how exhausted he really was. The weight of everything he'd been carrying seemed to press down on him all at once, and he suddenly felt like he could just lie down on the blanket and sleep for a week.
"You know," Nico said slowly, taking the toast from William and staring at it as if it held all the answers. "Maybe you're right. Maybe I should… take a break."
"Duh," Travis said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "We've been telling you that for ages. What good is all that training if you burn out before you get to use it?"
"Besides," Connor added, leaning back on his elbows with a grin, "who's going to help us prank the Ares Cabin if you're too busy running off to the Underworld every five minutes?"
Nico snorted at that, but the idea of staying at camp for a while, of actually taking some time to just be a normal demigod, was starting to sound more appealing. He looked around at his friends—Travis and Connor with their easygoing smiles, Katie with her quiet wisdom, and William with his gentle, caring nature. They weren't just teasing him because they wanted him around more; they were genuinely concerned about him. They wanted him to be okay.
"Okay," Nico said finally, a small but genuine smile forming on his face. "Maybe I'll stick around for a bit. Take a break from all the Underworld stuff."
"Now you're talking," William said, his smile widening as he passed Nico another piece of toast. "And who knows? You might actually enjoy yourself."
Nico took a bite of the toast, savoring the sweet-tart flavor of the pomegranate marmalade. It was good—really good. As he chewed, he felt some of the tension he'd been carrying for so long start to melt away. Maybe William was right. Maybe he did deserve to rest, to enjoy the company of his friends without the weight of the sky on his shoulders.
The thought of staying at camp for a while, of actually having some time to relax and recharge, filled him with a sense of peace he hadn't felt in years. As they continued their picnic, the conversation flowed easily, full of jokes, stories, and laughter. For the first time in a long while, Nico felt like he could just be himself—no titles, no responsibilities, just Nico, hanging out with his friends and enjoying a lazy morning at Camp Half-Blood.
After the picnic, Nico found himself with a surprising amount of free time. Normally, he would have already been knee-deep in Underworld duties or training, but today was different. Today, he had the luxury of just wandering around Camp Half-Blood without any particular agenda. It felt... strange, but in a good way.
He started his stroll through the camp, taking in the sights and sounds of a typical day at Camp Half-Blood. Kids were training in the arena, practicing archery, or just hanging out by the lake. It was peaceful, almost deceptively so, considering the kind of lives they all led. But there was something comforting about the familiarity of it all—the smell of the campfire, the distant sound of swords clashing, the laughter echoing through the trees.
As Nico wandered near the climbing wall, he noticed a small crowd gathered, cheering and shouting encouragement. Curiosity piqued, he pushed through the crowd to see what was going on. There, halfway up the massive climbing wall, were Percy and Clarisse, both looking like they were ready to kill each other—or maybe just the wall itself.
"Come on, Jackson, is that all you've got?" Clarisse hollered, her voice filled with a mix of challenge and amusement as she clung to the rock face.
Percy grunted in response, his arms straining as he tried to find his next foothold. "Just... you... wait... La Rue!" he managed between breaths, his determination as fierce as ever.
The crowd was loving it, shouting out bets and cheering on their favorite. It wasn't hard to see why—they'd both been knocked down by the wall's various traps at least three times already, and yet here they were, gearing up for another attempt. Nico couldn't help but chuckle as he watched them struggle, their competitive spirits refusing to let either one give up.
Nico found himself smiling as he joined in with the cheering, though his support was decidedly more low-key. "Go, Percy," he called out, just loud enough for Percy to hear over the din. It wasn't much, but it earned him a brief, grateful grin from Percy before the son of Poseidon's focus snapped back to the task at hand.
But after watching Percy and Clarisse get knocked on their asses for the third time by a particularly well-timed burst of steam, Nico decided he'd had enough. There was only so much stubbornness he could witness in one sitting, and those two were stubborn to the core. They were already lining up for a fourth attempt as Nico shook his head and moved on, leaving them to their relentless battle with the wall.
His steps took him across the camp, and he let them guide him wherever they wanted. It wasn't long before he found himself standing in front of the Hecate Cabin. The cabin had an air of mystery about it, with its dark wooden walls and faint, otherworldly glow that seemed to emanate from within. Nico had always been intrigued by the Hecate kids and their unique magic, and he often found himself gravitating toward them when he had the chance.
As he approached the cabin, he noticed a group of Hecate campers gathered outside, listening intently to a familiar figure at the front of the group. Nico's guardian ghost, Harry, was in the middle of giving a lesson on Mist-manipulation, their ethereal form glowing softly in the afternoon light. Harry was a calming presence, their voice gentle but authoritative as they guided the campers through the intricacies of controlling the Mist.
Lou Ellen, one of Nico's closest friends at Elysium Prep, was standing at the edge of the group, her eyes wide with concentration as she tried to follow Harry's instructions. When she saw Nico approaching, her face lit up with a beaming smile, and she waved him over excitedly.
"Hey, Nico!" Lou Ellen called out, her enthusiasm infectious. "Come join us! Harry's just getting to the good part."
Nico couldn't resist the invitation, especially with Lou Ellen looking so eager. He slipped into the group, standing beside her as Harry continued their lesson.
"The Mist is a powerful tool," Harry was saying, their voice smooth and clear. "It can deceive, conceal, and protect. But it requires a delicate touch—too much force, and you'll shatter the illusion. Too little, and it won't hold. Balance is key."
Nico watched as Harry demonstrated, their translucent hands weaving through the air, drawing the Mist into a tangible form. The campers around him watched in awe as the Mist swirled and coalesced into the shape of a large, fierce-looking dragon. For a moment, it looked almost real, its scales glistening in the sunlight. Then, with a flick of Harry's wrist, the dragon dissolved back into the air, leaving the campers buzzing with excitement.
"Now," Harry continued, turning to the group, "who wants to give it a try?"
Hands shot up all around Nico, Lou Ellen's among them. Harry smiled, nodding at a camper in the front, who stepped forward nervously. Nico watched as the camper tried to mimic Harry's movements, but the Mist only half-formed before dissipating into nothing. The camper looked disappointed, but Harry offered them an encouraging smile.
"Good effort," Harry said kindly. "Remember, it's all about control. Try again, and this time, focus on your breathing. Let the Mist flow with it."
The camper nodded, taking a deep breath before trying again. This time, the Mist held its shape a little longer, forming a small, indistinct creature before vanishing. The camper grinned, clearly pleased with their progress, and Harry clapped them on the shoulder.
"Much better," Harry praised, their voice warm. "Keep practicing, and you'll get there."
Lou Ellen nudged Nico with her elbow, grinning at him. "You should try it," she whispered. "You've got the knack for this kind of thing."
Nico hesitated, his natural inclination to stay on the sidelines kicking in. "I don't know," he murmured back. "I'm more of a shadows and ghosts kind of guy."
"Exactly," Lou Ellen countered, her grin widening. "You've already got a feel for this kind of stuff. The Mist is just another layer of it. Come on, give it a shot."
Before Nico could protest, Harry turned their attention to him, a knowing smile on their face. "Nico," they called out, their voice gentle but firm. "Would you like to try?"
The campers all turned to look at him, their expressions a mix of curiosity and encouragement. Nico felt a pang of self-consciousness, but he couldn't exactly say no with everyone watching. Besides, there was a part of him—buried deep down—that wanted to see if he could do it.
Taking a deep breath, Nico stepped forward, feeling the weight of the campers' expectations on his shoulders. Harry gave him an encouraging nod, their translucent form shimmering in the light.
"Remember," Harry said, their voice calm and reassuring, "the Mist is a tool, but it responds to your emotions. Stay calm, focus on your intent, and let the Mist follow."
Nico nodded, taking another deep breath as he extended his hand, trying to summon the Mist the way he'd seen Harry do it. At first, nothing happened, and Nico could feel his frustration mounting. But then he remembered Harry's words—control, balance, intent.
He closed his eyes, focusing on his breathing, letting the world around him fade away. Slowly, he felt the Mist respond, swirling around his hand, forming a faint, ghostly shape. It wasn't much, but it was a start. He concentrated harder, willing the Mist to take form, to become something more.
When he opened his eyes, a small figure hovered in the air before him—a tiny, ethereal dog, its misty tail wagging as it floated in place. It wasn't perfect, and it flickered at the edges, but it was there.
The campers around him broke into applause, Lou Ellen's clapping the loudest of all. Nico felt a swell of pride, a rare sensation for him, as he watched the little dog wag its tail one last time before dissolving into the air.
Harry smiled, their expression one of approval and pride. "Well done, Nico," they said, their voice full of warmth. "You've got a natural talent for this."
Nico felt his face heat up, embarrassed by the praise but pleased all the same. "Thanks," he mumbled, stepping back to let the others have their turn.
After the magic lesson, Nico and Lou Ellen found themselves walking towards the lake, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the camp. Lou Ellen was still giggling, animatedly talking about how fun the lesson had been and how Nico's little Mist dog had been the highlight of the session.
"I mean, did you see the look on everyone's faces?" Lou Ellen said, grinning ear to ear. "You're a natural, Nico! Seriously, if you ever get tired of the whole Ghost King gig, you could totally be a Mist manipulator."
Nico rolled his eyes, though he couldn't help but smile. "I think I'll stick to the dead, thanks. But it was... interesting. Maybe I'll mess around with it more when I've got time."
Lou Ellen nudged him playfully. "You better. Don't let all that talent go to waste."
As they approached the lake, their laughter began to fade when they noticed a familiar figure sitting on the shore. Charles Beckendorf was hunched over, his broad shoulders slumped in a way that was completely unlike him. His red-rimmed eyes told Nico and Lou Ellen all they needed to know. Jake Mason, Charles's half-brother from the Hephaestus cabin, and Mitchell from the Aphrodite cabin were sitting beside him, both looking equally concerned. Jake had a hand on Charles's shoulder, murmuring something that was too low for Nico to hear, while Mitchell fiddled with a loose thread on his shirt, his usual confident demeanor nowhere in sight.
Nico and Lou Ellen exchanged a glance before quietly making their way over to the group. The mood had shifted drastically, the carefree atmosphere of just a few minutes ago replaced by something much heavier.
"Hey, Charles," Lou Ellen said softly, her usual bright energy tempered with concern. "What's going on?"
Charles looked up, and the pain in his eyes was palpable. He sighed deeply, as if the weight of his worries was pressing down on him from all sides. "It's Silena," he said, his voice hoarse. "I'm... I'm really worried about her."
Nico's heart sank. He'd figured as much. With Luke and Atlas involved, it was no surprise that Charles was on edge. Jake gave Charles's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "She's strong, Charles. You know that. She's been through tough spots before."
"Yeah," Mitchell chimed in, though his voice was tinged with worry. "Silena's got this. She's... she's tougher than she looks."
Charles shook his head, his jaw clenched. "I know she's strong, but... Zoe. She's so focused on rescuing Artemis that I'm afraid she'll put Silena at risk. I don't trust her to keep Silena safe, or even rescue her. And I should be there with her. Protecting her."
Nico knelt down beside Charles, his expression serious but calm. "Look, I get it. I really do. But remember, it's not just Zoe out there. Bianca and Reyna are on that quest too. My sisters are going to make sure everyone comes back safely, including Silena."
Charles looked up at Nico, searching his face for any sign of doubt. But all he saw was the unwavering confidence that Nico rarely let anyone see. It was enough to soothe some of the anxiety gnawing at him.
"Bianca and Reyna won't let anything happen to her," Nico continued. "And if they do, I'll personally haunt Luke for the rest of his miserable life."
That got a weak chuckle out of Charles, and Nico allowed himself a small smile. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
"Silena will come back, she has to." Mitchell, who had been quiet for most of the conversation, finally spoke up, his voice small. "Drew's been a nightmare with Silena gone," he muttered, a flicker of frustration crossing his face. "She's been bossing everyone around like she's already taken over the Aphrodite Cabin. And she's... she's just not Silena. No one can keep her in line but Silena."
There was a moment of silence as that particular truth settled over the group. Everyone at Camp Half-Blood knew how Drew Tanaka could be—arrogant, self-absorbed, and generally a pain to deal with. Silena was the only one who could handle her, keeping the peace in the Aphrodite cabin and making sure Drew didn't run roughshod over everyone.
Lou Ellen, always the one to find a silver lining, cracked a small smile. "Well, maybe Drew will get a taste of her own medicine. I'm sure the Aphrodite Cabin will have some choice words for her once Silena's back."
That got a small chuckle from everyone, even Charles, whose shoulders finally seemed to relax just a little. "Yeah," he murmured, the corner of his mouth twitching into the faintest hint of a smile. "Silena's not going to let Drew get away with anything when she's back."
"Exactly," Nico said, nodding firmly. "Silena's tough, and she's got a whole team out there who won't let her down. Trust her, Charles. She's going to come back."
Charles took a deep breath, the tension in his chest easing as he looked around at his friends. "Thanks, guys," he said quietly. "I just... I needed to hear that."
Jake patted him on the back. "We've got your back, Charles. And Silena's, too."
"Yeah," Mitchell added, finally looking a little less stressed. "And as soon as she's back, we're going to throw a party so big, Drew won't know what hit her."
All five of them laughed at that, the tension finally breaking as they imagined Drew's reaction. The thought of Silena marching back into camp, ready to put Drew in her place, was enough to lift their spirits.