28: Damian son of Hades.

Apollo looked at his son with a gentle smile, but there was a certain worry in his eyes. "Will, my son, when you call me with such urgency, I know something serious is happening. Speak."

Will pointed to Damian, the pale, motionless boy in the bed, whose breath was weak. "Father, I can't understand what's happening to him. His fever keeps coming back, and his body isn't responding as it should. I've tried everything I know, but nothing seems to work. Please, help me save him."

Apollo moved closer to Damian's bed, carefully observing the boy. A heavy silence filled the room as the others watched the sun god. Apollo examined Damian with a serious gaze, his usual bright smile replaced by a thoughtful expression. Gently, he placed a hand on the boy's forehead, which seemed to sink into the pillows, his pale and sweaty skin cold to the touch.

"This is no ordinary illness," Apollo declared, his tone grave. "The problem is deeper. Damian cannot fully heal because his bond with his divine parent is sealed. This is weakening him, as if he's trapped between two worlds."

Will's eyes widened. "But... I don't understand. Why don't they claim him? Don't they see how much he's suffering?"

Apollo shook his head thoughtfully. "There are reasons that sometimes cause us to delay claiming a child. Fear, protection, or even higher orders. But in this case, that delay is putting his life in danger."

Annabeth stepped forward, her eyes filled with concern. "Then we have to act. If we can't wait for his divine parent, what can we do to help him?"

Apollo paused for a moment, looking at Damian's fragile face. "I can give him some temporary strength, something that will allow him to hold on a little longer. But I cannot replace the divine bond he needs to heal completely. This is a problem only his parent can solve."

Chiron, always calm even in the most difficult situations, took a step forward. "What if we tried to contact his divine parent directly? We can't leave him in this state."

Apollo nodded slowly. "It's a possibility, but I can't guarantee they will respond. And in the meantime, Damian will need all the support he can get."

In a dark corner of the infirmary, Nico listened carefully to every word. His fists were clenched, his heart filled with anger and determination. He now knew that his father, Hades, was the only one who could save his brother. But why was he refusing to intervene?

Apollo placed a hand on Will's shoulder, looking him in the eye. "You're doing everything you can, my son. Don't lose hope."

With a golden aura emanating from his hands, Apollo touched Damian, transferring a healing warmth that caused the boy to relax slightly. The god stood up again, but his face remained somber.

"This is all I can do for now. The rest depends on who has the power to claim this child."

And with one final glance at Damian, Apollo vanished in a flash of golden light.

Nico rushed to the Underworld, the shadow cloak around him billowing with each determined step. Upon reaching the throne room, he found Hades sitting with his usual severe posture, his hands clasped beneath his chin.

"Nico," the god said calmly, without even looking up. "What brings you here in such a hurry?"

"Damian," Nico growled, his voice heavy with anger. "You're letting him suffer! You know he could die if you don't do something!"

Hades slowly raised his gaze to his son, his dark eyes fixed on Nico's face. "Damian is strong. He's held on so far."

"Not enough!" Nico shouted, fists clenched. "Apollo said clearly that his healing is blocked because you refuse to claim him. Why are you condemning him to this suffering?"

Hades sighed, leaning back in his throne. "It's not that simple, Nico. You know well that claiming Damian would put a huge target on his head. My brothers would never forgive a violation of the oath. And you know what that means."

"It means he'll die anyway!" Nico snapped, tears and rage flashing in his eyes. "How can you call yourself his father if you don't protect him? If you won't even do the bare minimum to save him?"

Hades's face darkened, his voice booming through the room. "Do not dare question my love for him! Every decision I make is to protect you both, you and Damian. You cannot even imagine the consequences of a mistake on my part."

"Then do it anyway," Nico replied with unwavering determination, stepping closer to the throne. "For once, choose to be a father, not just a god. Damian needs you, now, not later. If he dies, I'll never forgive you."

Hades stared at him for a long time, the silence in the room broken only by the distant sound of an underground river. Finally, he lowered his gaze.

"You know this could condemn him to a life of running and danger?" Hades asked, his tone softening slightly.

"I don't care," Nico responded firmly. "Damian is my brother. We'll find a way to keep him safe. But at least give him the chance."

Hades remained silent for a moment, then stood up. His imposing figure cast a shadow that seemed to fill the entire room. "Very well. But know this—once this is done, there will be no turning back."

With a wave of his hand, Hades opened a portal to the mortal world, his gaze dark and resolute. "Come, Nico. It's time to claim your brother."

Nico watched his father intently, anger and concern mixing in his eyes. Hades sat beside Damian's bed, his usually impassive face now showing deep unease. The god of the Underworld leaned forward slightly, examining the boy's pale face, his breath weak and irregular.

"I didn't think it was this bad," admitted Hades, his voice low and filled with regret.

"I told you," Nico hissed, standing near the door, arms crossed. "We don't have time to waste."

Hades nodded slowly, raising a hand above Damian. "By calling him, I will break the bond that holds him in this state. But this could also attract unwanted attention. I can't guarantee he'll be safe."

"We'll take care of him," Nico replied with determination. "Do it, now."

Hades took a moment to look at Damian again.

The door to the infirmary suddenly opened, echoing down the hallway. Chiron was the first to enter, followed by Annabeth, Percy, Thalia, Zoe, Will, and Simon. They all stopped dead as they crossed the threshold, struck by a presence that seemed to bend the very air: Hades, lord of the Underworld, stood beside Damian's bed.

The silence was so thick that Will's breath could be heard. Annabeth's eyes widened, unable to hide her surprise. Percy gripped his sword tighter, as if the mere sight of the god required a defensive gesture.

"Wh-what's he doing here?" Thalia hissed, exchanging a glance with Zoe, whose expression was unreadable.

The atmosphere in the infirmary immediately became tense. Chiron stopped, his eyes scrutinizing Hades's imposing figure. The demigods quickly took their positions, drawing their weapons, ready to fight, though reverence and fear were evident in their gazes.

However, Hades did not seem disturbed at all. With a calm expression and a slight smile, he nodded to the centaur. His deep voice resonated in the room, full of authority. "Chiron," he said, "it's been a long time."

Chiron, still calm, couldn't completely hide his concern. "What are you doing here, Hades? What's your purpose?"

The god of the Underworld raised a hand in peace, trying to calm the situation. "There's no need for drama," he replied calmly. "I'm here to resolve a matter."

Hades's cryptic words left everyone silent. The looks shifted from him to Damian, who lay on the bed. Hades simply made a gesture with his hand.

The shadows in the room swirled around Damian like a cloak, responding to Hades's majestic gesture. A bright flash split the dim light as the symbol of a black scythe appeared above Damian, marking him unmistakably as the child of the god of the dead.

"You didn't expect this, did you?" Hades said with a cold smile, observing the surprised and stunned expressions of the others. His tone was amused, but there was a spark of defiance in his eyes.

Thalia clenched her fists, electricity crackling around her as she tried to maintain control. Hades turned toward her, his penetrating gaze fixed on her.

"I had no choice," he continued, his voice more serious now. "And believe me, you know how impulsive your father can be. Do you think he'll accept this? No, Zeus will do everything he can to eliminate him."

Thalia stared at him, a mix of anger and worry in her eyes. "I won't let that happen," she said firmly.

Hades looked at her for a moment, then nodded with a mysterious expression. "We'll see. But remember, every choice has its consequences."

With that, he vanished into the shadows, leaving the room in an eerie silence.

Nico, who had been standing aside until then, slowly approached Damian's bed. The symbol of the black scythe still faintly glowed on the boy, almost pulsing with its energy. Nico knelt beside him, his face serious and worried.

"You're not alone anymore, little brother," Nico whispered. "I'll be here, always."

The others remained silent for a long moment. Annabeth looked at Damian with a mix of sadness and understanding, while Chiron rubbed his chin thoughtfully, already concerned about the consequences of that recognition.

Sure, here's the translation:

The storm raging outside the infirmary seemed to be easing slightly, as if even nature was holding its breath. When Damian woke up, his eyes opened slowly, still veiled with fatigue and confusion. The voices of the others in the room seemed distant, but slowly became clearer as updates were explained to him. Discovering that Hades was his divine parent left him stunned.

After a long silence, Damian turned his head toward Nico, who was sitting beside him with his arms crossed, his expression betraying deep concern. Damian stared at him with a mix of disbelief and curiosity.

"So, you're my brother," he finally said, his voice faint but filled with an emotion difficult to describe.

Nico looked at him, a faint smile appearing on his face, momentarily softening his usual grim expression. "Yeah, little brother. I never would have imagined it, but we are."

Damian stared at him for a moment longer, trying to process the revelation. "And... did you know?" he asked, a slight note of insecurity in his voice.

Nico shook his head. "I only found out recently. But once I figured it out, everything became clear. I mean... you've always had that determination and strength. It's in our blood."

Damian lowered his gaze, his fingers nervously fiddling with the sheets. "So... now I'm a target too, right?"

Nico placed a hand on his shoulder, his voice growing serious. "We both are. But I'll never let you face it alone. We're family, Damian. And I'll always protect my brother."

Damian nodded slowly, a small, shy smile starting to form on his face. Even though the revelation had struck him, hearing Nico's support gave him a strength he didn't know he had. For the first time, he didn't feel so alone.

Damian still felt weak, but the idea of staying confined to the infirmary was driving him crazy. He looked at Nico with a pleading gaze, his voice barely a whisper.

"Nico, please... just give me a little fresh air. I can't stay in here anymore."

Nico, who never strayed far from Damian's bed, looked at him for a moment, undecided. "Damian, you shouldn't overdo it. Will's gonna kill me if I let you out."

"I don't have to walk," Damian replied with a weak smile. "Just... take me outside. I promise I'll stay calm."

Nico sighed, running a hand through his black hair. In the end, he gave in, pulling out his aviator jacket and carefully wrapping it around Damian. "Alright, but just for a little while."

With a fluid motion, he gently lifted Damian. Damian curled up into the jacket, the warmth and smell of the leather making him feel safe. Nico stepped out of the infirmary, his footsteps silent as they brushed against the floor.

As soon as they were outside, the fresh evening air enveloped them. The sky was clear, the stars shining above the field, and a gentle breeze caressed Damian's face.

"See? It's not so bad, right?" Nico said with a light smile, stopping near a quiet corner of the field, away from the bustle.

Damian nodded, closing his eyes for a moment and letting the calmness wash over him. "Thanks, Nico. Really."

Nico looked at his younger brother, his face showing a protective expression. "No need to thank me. I'll make sure you're always alright."

When Nico and Damian returned to the infirmary, they were met by the imposing figure of Will Solace, arms crossed, giving them a stern look.

"And where do you think you've been?" Will asked, his voice calm but filled with reproach.

Damian shrank into Nico's jacket, trying to avoid Will's gaze. "Uh-oh... we're in trouble," he whispered with a nearly amused tone, though it was clear he was holding back a nervous laugh.

Nico raised an eyebrow, keeping his usual calm demeanor. "He just needed some fresh air. I couldn't say no."

"You couldn't say no?" Will repeated, incredulously. "He's still recovering, Nico! Do you know what could happen if he overexerts himself?"

Damian cleared his throat, trying to interrupt the argument before it got out of hand. "Will, I'm fine. Nico was careful. He carried me the whole time, I didn't even walk."

"That's not the point, Damian," Will responded, pointing at him. "You should be resting. If you worsen again, it'll be a disaster. And you, Nico," he added, turning to the older brother, "you should know better than anyone else!"

Nico huffed, but there was a slight sense of guilt in his gaze. "Alright, I get it. But Damian was going stir-crazy in there. Just five minutes outside."

Will sighed, massaging his temples. "Five minutes, huh? Next time, ask me before doing something like that."

Damian gave a weak smile. "So, you're not too mad?"

Will stared at him, his face softening slightly. "Mad? No. Worried? Yeah, damn worried. I just want you to get better, Damian."

Damian nodded, his smile becoming more genuine. "Thanks, Will. And sorry."

Will huffed, shaking his head. "Alright. Now get back to bed before something else happens."

Nico gently laid Damian back on the bed, while Will expertly arranged the blankets. When everything was in place, Will looked at them both.

"And the next time either of you decides to 'get some air,' take me with you."

Damian stared at the ceiling of the infirmary, lost in thought. He missed Annabeth and the way she kept him updated, even though he knew she was too busy searching for Percy. He felt guilty for not being able to remember anything useful, for not being able to offer his help.

Time seemed to move slowly, but at least he was never truly alone. Nico was almost always there, sitting beside him, sometimes lost in his thoughts or reading quietly. Will took care of his condition, while Simon and Gray tried to make him smile with jokes and stories from Camp Half-Blood.

"Do you feel better today?" Simon asked, adjusting the pillow behind him.

Damian nodded weakly. "A little. But I feel bad being such a burden. Annabeth... needs help, but I can't remember anything else. It's frustrating."

Gray smiled and gave him a light pat on the shoulder. "Damian, you're not a burden. You're healing, and that's what matters. Annabeth knows you'll do everything you can when the time comes."

Nico, who had been silent until then, finally spoke up. "Gray's right. You don't have to push yourself. The answers will come when you're ready. And in the meantime, you have us."

Damian looked up at him, a faint smile beginning to form on his face. "Thanks, Nico."

As the day continued, Damian couldn't stop thinking about Thalia. Her departure to return to Artemis had left him with a sense of emptiness, but he knew her bond with the goddess was essential. "Do you miss Thalia?" Will asked, noticing his distant gaze.

"A lot," Damian admitted. "But I know she had to go. I hope to see her again soon."

Will smiled softly. "You will, and when you do, she'll be proud of you. For now, though, focus on getting back on your feet. There's still plenty you can do."

Damian closed his eyes, letting the comforting presence of his friends surround him. Maybe Will was right: he just needed patience and trust.

Will approached Nico while Damian, still weak but stable, rested. They were organizing Damian's transfer to the new cabin of Hades, hastily built after his proclamation as the son of the god of the Underworld. Nico watched every preparation closely, eager to make sure everything was perfect for his brother.

"Nico," Will began in a serious tone, catching the attention of the son of Hades.

"What is it?" Nico asked, crossing his arms.

"I need to tell you something I found out about Damian while we were treating him for the fever," Will said, locking eyes with him. "It's something you might want to know now that you'll be spending more time with him."

Nico raised an eyebrow, worried. "What did you find out, exactly?"

Will hesitated for a moment before continuing. "When we checked his body for injuries or infections during the high fever, we noticed scars... very deep ones. They're not recent, but they don't seem to have been treated properly in the past. Damian never talked about them, and given their location, I don't think they were accidental."

Nico felt a sharp pain in his chest. "Where are these scars?"

Will pointed to Damian's upper body. "On his shoulders and along his back. They look like whip marks or something similar. The scar on the left side of his face is concerning too. I think he's been through something terrible before coming to Camp."

Nico clenched his fists, a mix of anger and sadness flooding his heart. "Why didn't he ever tell me?"

"Maybe he's not ready yet," Will replied calmly. "Don't push him. But if you notice him acting strange or needing help, try to stay close."

Nico nodded, his jaw set. "I will. Damian's my brother. Whatever he's been through, he's got me now, and I'll never leave him."

Will placed a hand on his shoulder, a gesture of comfort. "I know, Nico. And you're exactly the person he needs right now."

As they approached the bed to prepare Damian for the transfer, Nico watched him sleep peacefully. The thought of those scars hidden beneath his shirt struck him hard. He promised himself that he would protect his brother from anything, and one day, he would find out the truth about what had happened to him.