Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Nothing mattered to Hazel anymore.

She stopped trying to figure out how long she’s been in the Fields of Asphodel. She hasn’t spoken in who knows how long, nobody would respond anyway. Most of her time was just spent laying down, the flattened grass on her back. The other souls would just walk around her anyway.

Hazel stopped caring about anything. Her past didn’t matter anymore. Sammy probably moved on by now, probably to a much better woman than Hazel ever was at 14, maybe he was even dead. She had no idea where her mother was. Hazel stopped following her around after a long time of begging her to respond.

The Underworld was always cold. Hazel forgot how it felt to be warm.

The Fields of Asphodel were as empty as she felt. There were billions of spirits but no sounds other than their whispers and groans. Occasionally she would hear a distant scream from the Fields of Punishment; or a quiet laughter from Elysium. It would always ring in her ears. Sometimes, she wishes she went to either one instead.

Her body contained an empty numbness. There was no food for the people of the Fields of Asphodel. It did not hurt, but the pit in her stomach could never be filled.

The Underworld had felt different recently. Hazel couldn’t sense any new souls joining the old ones. Sometimes, she could feel a weird breeze drifting through the Field. Hazel knew she couldn’t do anything, so she continued to go on her own.

As she spent days, maybe even weeks at a time with her back on the unwelcoming, flat grass, memories of her last moments kept coming back to bother her. Hazel stopped trying to distract herself when they came a long time ago.

All day she would lay in the grass and remember the crushing weight of those boulders she used to kill herself and her mother.

Hazel doesn’t think she could forget how it felt to die. It was somewhat peaceful; dying in her mom’s arms. Her mom had been so unwelcoming the months leading up to their deaths. Sometimes, that was all she cared about in those painful memories. Hazel remembers beings so happy to just have felt loved by her mother in those moments. It made her feel like she did the right thing, by ending both of their lives.

That Gaea spirit was dead.

One thing that Hazel did care about was Cerberus. The visits she made were not able to last long and she often could not find him when she got lost in the endless field of souls. But, he seemed to notice her the most out of the other souls. He loved to try to play with her and would sometimes lay down with her and cuddle.

Cerberus reminded her of Sammy, the playful energy and the endless smiles. She wished she could visit him soon.

Hazel didn’t care to pay attention to the strange footsteps that approached her. She didn’t even look away from the distant ceiling of the Underworld.
It was almost pitch black up there, with only slight shimmering speckles from gems lighting up the roof from time to time. It reminded her of the Alaskan stars.

Hazel wondered if the same moon she looked up at as a child was the same moon that people looked at now.

A figure leaned down next to her, staring at her and taking her in. Normal souls did not typically act like this. Hazel finally looked away from her memories and looked at whatever was leaning nearby her.

He had long, unkept black hair. His skin had a nice tan, but somehow had this pale undertone, as if a sickly color was built under his skin.

The boy’s skin was strong and extremely visible, yet it was slightly faded along his fingertips, as if he only dipped his fingers into becoming a spirits. Souls did not look like that. Their bodies became misty and it was easy to see through them.

Hazel wasn’t very impressed, he was scrawny, not in a Sammy way, in a weak looking way…That was until he started speaking.

“You’re not like the others, are you?”

Hazel didn’t know how to respond, one part because she didn’t know the answer, and another because she hasn’t heard another’s voice in so long, his gentle yet somewhat shaky tone mixed with a slight accent from somewhere foreign sounded like music. Like a hug.

She sat up and stared at him for a while, he didn’t push her to answer nor did he say anything else. He just looked her up and down.

When Hazel finally brought up the courage to talk her voice came out weak and raspy, the opposite of what the boy’s voice was like.

“No. No I don’t think so.”

The boy’s blank expression did not change, but his eyes shone slightly and small wrinkles showed at the corner of his eyes.

“A child of Hades then?” He stopped for a moment, “no, you feel different.”

Hazel wished she could talk as easily as he could, but she nodded her head in agreement and down at her legs.

”Pluto.” Was all that Hazel could bring out of her mouth before it felt sore again. It was almost embarrassing the difference between the two. 

The boy held out his hand, “I’m Nico Di’ Angelo”

Hazel hesitated before taking his hand. Spirits usually could not touch. Nico wasn’t dead at least. 

Nico’s hand was warm and clammy. She could fell a light pulse underneath her hand. His hand was a stark contrast to her own. Her hand was dead, cold with her life, Nico’s breamed with signs of the outside world and what Hazel was missing out on. 

It was painful to Hazel. She immediately let out a yelp that she wasn’t proud of and pulled away. She stood up and was about to walk away when Nico spoke again.

“Wait. My fa-...Hades…sent me here for a reason” He looked away from her and fidgeted with the skull ring on his finger. ”What if it was to find you?”

The feelings Hazel felt she could not describe. Why would her father send for her now after all this time? Is this a good or bad thing? Who was this Nico guy anyway??

Hazel sat back down, this time further away from Nico. She wished she could get closer, but the soft body heat coming off of him was too much to bare right now.

Hazel decided she needed to talk, “Why would he send you?”

“I don’t know. Maybe it’s for us to figure out.”

“How?”

Nico finally looked away from that skull ring. He looked at her fully. His curls framed his face and slightly fell over his eyes, which were like pits of deep obsidian.

The years of bullying Hazel endured made her good at reading people. Nico didn’t seem like a threat, in-fact he was probably being genuine. He seemed tired, a similar way to the way Hazel’s mother was tired. Burned out from both work and being controlled.

Nico’s eyes seemed to show more light in them, excitement crept into his voice, “The Doors of Death are open…I could maybe get you out of here.”

Chapter Text

The underworld wasn’t exactly a welcoming place.

Millions of miles of spirits were packed closely together. Only the occasional dead tree separated them. The walls were high and as thick as the earth (probably because they were.) The roof was barely visible and unwelcoming with raggedy Stalactites.

No chance of escape from any angle.

Souls would twinkle like stars, glitters of light would reflect off of their frail bodies. It was easy to see through them. Spirits didn’t stay forever. As long as somebody held a memory of you, you stayed. As people forget you, you lose yourself. The closer you were to being forgotten, the clearer you were.

Sometimes, Hazel liked to watch as multiple souls a day would fade into nothing.

She doubted there was some type of second afterlife. Maybe if they were lucky they were reincarnated, but she doubted that too.

That was what she was doing as Nico came back to her. The tree she was sitting on top of was sharp and weak. The branches creaked and swayed in a nonexistent wind.

She wasn’t proud of what she did. She had run away when Nico offered to get her out of the Underworld. The warmth he was giving off was too much, too human. The Underworld was her place now. Hazel made her choice and needed to face that until she was eventually forgotten. Like all souls were.

How has the world changed sense she died? She knows wouldn’t belong.

Hazel assumed that Nico would find her eventually. She hoped that he would let it go. They were both children of death, they know how important mortality is.

Nico climbed up the tree and sat beside her. His frail body only made the decaying tree creek mildly.

He looked apologetic, a look that Hazel didn’t think looked good on him.

Nico started talking first, “you never told me your name.”

It’s not that she didn’t want to, it’s that she didn’t want to get closer to this boy. But, Hazel replied anyway, it was good manners, “Hazel Levesque.”

Nico smiled fully sense they first met (which was only so long ago, though time doesn’t really exist here.) It was a nice smile. It was small but it caused his eyes to smile too, wrinkles under his eyes became prominent as his face slightly lit up.

They sat quietly on the tree for a while. Hazel found that the warmth coming off of Nico wasn’t too bad. It was less painful than before. Maybe she was just getting used to it or maybe he was slowly loosing his heat.

He was the one to speak up again, Hazel found that he has been carrying most of their conversations recently, “The world right now isn’t too bad.”

“I know how you feel…”When Hazel didn’t respond he continued, “I usually don’t talk about this. But, I was also thrown into a new world. Spent about 70 years inside a timeless hotel.”

That got Hazel’s attention, she didn’t know how to approach this conversation, or even what a good question would be. What she did know is that she wanted to know more, “what year were you born?”

“1932.”

“I was born in 1928.”

Hazel smirked at Nico, “I’m older than you.”

Nico let out an exasperated huff and stared at the ceiling.

Hazel stared at him, his face reminded her of that horse she once followed. Their sharp features and the thick hair matched each other.

Hazel decided to be the one to start this time, “tell me about what the world is like right now.”

“Well…I’ve been traveling on my own for a while. The technology now is insane. Demigods can’t use most technology but there’s now these things called phones, they’re like little portable televisions that fit in your pocket. Well, people have a much different style, and they have less manners than what I’ve seen but they are nicer somehow.”

Nico looked back at her, “I can’t really describe it all just in words. It feels different than when i was younger.”

“Do you think you can really bring me back?”

“Maybe, I don’t know if it’s ever been done. But, we can try.”

Hazel thought about it. The Underworld had its rules. Death is just as important as life. If Hazel somehow managed to come back, it would mess the order of things up. But, Pluto sent Nico. Pluto controls the Underworld. Mortality could be hers.

Hazel looked at the roof again. Her mother had rejected the gods and it got her and Hazel killed. If Hazel followed the gods wills then maybe she could live her life.

“Okay Nico. Let’s try.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They walked for who knows how long. Nico had taken Hazel’s hand and started walking towards the doors of death.

His hand was as warm as he was. Hazel found herself enjoying it. It was still painful, but it has mellowed out into a small bubbling pain instead of the initial sharp sensation that she felt when she first took Nico’s hand. His fingers were rough but he held onto her gently.

They didn’t move too fast. Hazel used this time to look at Nico more. They were just about the same height, with Hazel being just a bit taller than him. His skin seemed hardened with scars of past battles. Light muscles were built into his body.

Nico’s fingers were slightly faded like a soul. She noticed them before, but now she looked closer. She could feel a small pressure coming from them but they were much weaker than the rest of his hand.

Hazel knew they were close when she heard a bark in the distance.

A few moments later the two approached Cerberus, who was overjoyed to see them. He immediately barked and ran over to greet them. Whining with glee when they both reached to pet him. The heads took a little favor towards Hazel. They panted and smiled at her as she wrapped her entire body around a single head.

Both were covered in dog slobber by the time Cerberus calmed down. He gave them one last lick and let them walk under him. Nico promised that they would visit soon (which Hazel knew he would probably uphold.)

The Doors were in view now. They were huge, probably big enough to fit three giants stacked upon each other.

Nico stopped in front of the doors and looked back at Hazel, “you ready?”

“Yeah…Let’s go.”

Nico lead her through the doors, and Hazel hoped the mortal world would allow her in.

Chapter Text

The mortal world was hot. That was the first thing Hazel noticed. It was overpowering.

As soon as Hazel and Nico stepped outside the Doors of Death she was hit by a wave of heat. It was a dangerous change from the Underworld, which chilled everything to the bone and further.

Immediately Hazel collapsed to the ground. The warmth was so painful, much worse than Nico’s body heat.

She let out a quick scream and muffled her face in her hands as she put her body to the floor.

Nico quickly was right by her. He didn’t touch her but he let out soft, comforting words.

Hazel didn’t notice at first when he disappeared. A few moments after he left her side Hazel stopped hearing his voice. This was the first time she took her hands away from her face sense she came into the mortal realm. She took a moment to try to understand her surroundings. The room was bare and white. With high walls and flawless floors.

She looked down at her hands. They were back. Her dark skin stood out in contrast against the white floor. Her hands and arms were littered with small scars. 

This is when Hazel noticed that she was also naked. The years being dead must have slowly rotted her clothes away, she didn’t need them in the Underworld anyways. She could fell drips of sweat rolling down her bare back. 

She curled into a fetal position to cover herself up and tried to lay further into the floor. It was a comforting chill against her skin.

She missed Nico. She didn’t think she would find herself missing somebody who she just met but she did.

This was the first time Hazel was alone in years. She yearned for the feel and presence of the unaware souls. The dumping and shifting she would constantly feel against her skin. She had no idea if Nico would ever come back. Maybe he just decided it was better to leave her after she became difficult.

Jewels grew around her as she cried into the ground. This is what got her killed in the first place. She was too difficult. Nico was smart to leave when he could. Hazel would just bring her curse into his life and ruin it.

Nico came back right after this thought. Hazel felt his presence as he walked (sped walked) towards her. The shadowy hole he had come out of disappeared.

He crouched by her side. He held a large bag of ice in his hands and a plastic bag laid at his side.

Hazel barely heard him when he opened his mouth to speak, his voice seemed muffled and far away.

Nico asked again, “Can you hold this?” He held the bag of ice out to her.

She raised a shaking hand to grab the bag and brought it close to her chest. It was freezing. The bag dripped onto her as she squeezed it tight. She could feel her mind clearing.

The pain was less now with the ice bag on Hazel’s chest. Once Hazel calmed down she took that bag and started wiping the bag all around her body, but never let the fetal position.

She remembered she was naked and her face grew warm with a blush as she realized Nico was right there. Hazel pulled herself closer into herself.

Nico’s small hand hovered over her shoulder, he seemed to notice her curl into herself more.

“Are you okay?”

Hazel just nodded.

Nico went over to the other bag and pulled out something. Oh, it was clothes. Obviously Nico had noticed that she was naked and would wanna be covered up.

He looked over at her, “For you. I hope I guessed your size right. You don’t have to wear them just yet if you don’t want to.”

“no I want them..please.”

Hazel quickly put on the clothes. They were slightly big on her. The shirt hung loosely over her body, and her pants slightly sagged. The strange shoes that the label of “slides” were large on her feet but not uncomfortable. When she looked up she found Nico with his back turned, which was ridiculous because he already saw her naked but it was the thought that counts.

Sweat caked Hazel’s body but the pain was mild now. She walked towards Nico and tapped him on the back. He gave her a slight smile.

This was the moment Hazel realized they might be technically family. Marie had spoken about other gods, but never enough for Hazel to really know anything too deep about them. If she thought about it, Pluto and Hades were almost the same god, only changing due to the roman empire conquering Greece. Maybe had the same father. Nico seemed like a brother. He seemed to care, Hazel was always an only child, but most brothers she knew seemed to care about their siblings that way. This scrawny white boy was the one to pull her out of the Underworld. He even got her an ice pack before she seemed to melt within her first few minutes of being alive again.

…she was alive again.

She could breathe, which she didn’t realize she missed until now. It filled her up in ways that food couldn’t. The ground was solid underneath her feet and she felt whole and strong. Hazel was free to be free.

Nico gave her a confused look when she started stomping her feet. The ground vibrated under the strength. It was a nice feeling. She turned towards Nico and pushed him. She grabbed his shoulders and shook him back and forth, taking in the feeling of cloth and bone underneath her fingers and also enjoying the sensation of being able to physically move something. Nico allowed her to do whatever she was doing. 

Plus, if Nico was her brother now then she should be allowed to mess with him, she’s seen the siblings around her do it.

After a few seconds of the silent shaking Nico gently pushed her away. Hazel then, for the first time, was the one to break the comfortable silence between them, “where are we going to go or do now?”

“Are you hungry?”

Once that question was asked it was Hazel’s stomach opened up for her. The answer was Yes, she was definitely hungry. Her stomach hadn’t had food in it for years. She was kind of worried that it wouldn’t be able to take much.

“Yeah, I’m hungry.”

Nico smiled more at that, “Then let’s go get some food from my favorite place in Greece.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hazel ate more than she thought she would but less than what she probably needed to get back to her natural body weight. Nico had finished off the rest of her meal. He probably hadn’t eaten in days. It was probably the second best meal of Hazel’s life, she didn’t remember the first one but she knows that it was something.

After the two finished eating they started to walk around. So. Much. Color. Hazel didn’t realize how used to the dark and gloomy Underworld she had gotten until she didn’t have it anymore. It was a beautiful area. Small colorful buildings lined the busy streets. Nico seemed uneasy with the human crowds, and Hazel didn’t blame him. They were loud and more..well..there than souls. She didn’t mind, to her they were just more active spirits.

Nico insisted they walk around and find her more things to continue (start over) her mortal life. Hazel believed that he also just wanted to show her around.

Hazel learned a lot just by walking with Nico. For one, nobody paid them any mind. The fashion WAS different from what she was used to, people dressed so much more scandalous than what she would see back in her day. She was glad that Nico had warned her before hand and told her it was okay now. No segregated spaces was another good part, no complaints about that, especially because Nico was practically dragging her.

The heat in Greece wasn’t bad. It was a mild ache at this point. She was much more focused on taking in everything.

The one of the stores they went to was a clothing store. They got Hazel clothes that fit her much better than what Nico could find. They were comfortable and lightweight. The sneakers that she got as well made her feet feel much better after walking on the hard streets. She enjoyed the colors too; a light warm brown shirt and a darker set of pants worked well on her.

Nico, of course, paid for everything. Hazel could guess where the money came from: their father, if Hades was anything like Pluto in the richness aspect. She couldn’t help but feel a slight tang of jealously. Nico’s riches weren’t cursed, and were a normal gift from Pluto and not a power.

Nico insisted there was more to see in town. They spent the entire day walking around and buying things. Most of these things were good for Hazel to set up, but she made sure that they treated themselves a little too. Nico’s face when she said that moon necklace looked good on him was priceless (oh yeah that’s something else she learned too, men wore a lot more jewelry. honestly it was nice.) Nico bought it.

As the sun started to set they found a small hotel to stay at. Nico got them a nice room with two separate beds. Hazel was grateful to have her own bed to lay and sleep on. She doesn’t know if she remembers how. They both settled down and Hazel shut her eyes feeling full for the first time in 70 years.

Chapter Text

Nico had no idea what he was doing.

It was only 3 (?) 4 (?) days ago when he followed the signs placed by his father. He did everything right, and wound up finding another child of Hades. Well…Pluto technically.

Nico liked Hazel don’t get him wrong. But, he didn’t understand the meaning of any of this. Did Hades/Pluto have some type of plan for them? Why were the Doors of Death open? Would their father just one day realize Hazel was gone and just…end her life and take her back? Why was Hazel in the Fields of Asphodel in the first place? Nico knows that Hades kept his passed children (or at least the ones he liked) in his castle in the Underworld. The children would take on different roles inside the home and maybe in the underworld and live the rest of their non-living lives in peace.

Hazel wasn’t in the castle. Perhaps Pluto had a different way of doing things.

Right now. It was the middle of the night. The hotel room was pitch black. Nico could hear the deep breaths coming from Hazel, every so often a small whistle would come from her mouth due to the small distance between her two front teeth. The first few hours of the night had started with her tossing and turning, trying to get comfortable. It kept waking Nico up because to his habit of light sleeping. Finally, she settled down and fell into a deep sleep. Nico could only hope that she would be out for at least another 24 hours, her body had not slept in ages, it would probably relish in the new rest it could get.

Nico was lost in what to do. Sure he brought Hazel back to life but what now? He couldn’t talk to anybody about this. Camp Half Blood was available, but it might not be a good fit. Hazel was Roman not Greek.

He needed to take a walk. Nico quietly shuffled out of the bed and got changed out of his “pajamas” (an oversized shirt and sweatpants.) And left the room. The hotel was silent as he walked through the hallways and out the door.

Nico felt bad leaving Hazel alone but he needed to think. He didn’t know what to do next, plus, what did Hazel think of him?

As Nico walked he decided to just focus on small tasks at a time. Perhaps soon Hades or Pluto would send some type of sign. He was grateful that Hades had helped him find Hazel. All the other gods had gone silent. Maybe Nico should tell Chiron that Hades had lead him to the Underworld. But, he was so busy already, and Chiron might question Nico after that. Nico couldn’t just tell Chiron that he brought another child of the Big Three back.

First of all, it was already strange how Hazel was able to be brought back to the mortal world. It breaks almost every rule that Hades and Pluto have. And, as a Roman, should she even exist? Nico assumed that the Roman gods weren’t still active, due to the fact that he and every other demigod he knew had never come across a roman demigod. If they were now starting back up now that the Greek gods were silent it would be a terrible thing. Nico had never heard about a Roman equivalent of Camp Half Blood. Nico knows that one day while bored Annabeth had made him sit down with her and she told him all about the Roman gods. Hades had also done his fair share of bored rants when Nico visited. So, technically Hades and Pluto were the same person if they did the same thing?? So Nico and Hazel maybe shared a father??

Oh, Nico didn’t wanna go into that part if they were possibly siblings, they seemed like it though.

Second of all, Hazel being brought back could be seen as some type of threat. Percy was missing. When Chiron had told him on his most recent visit to Camp Half Blood, Nico had put on a straight face and told him that he would keep an eye open in the Underworld. But, when he left the next morning he spent the next week searching through every part of the Underworld to make sure Percy wasn’t there. If Percy’s disappearance was some type of act from a god, then Hazel coming back could bee seen as an act of war from Hades. A way of slowly starting to reclaim power.

Nico kept walking down the street. He could only wait until something happened. For now, he needed to just take care of himself and Hazel. He could keep them both on the run for a good week until she caught on that he had no permanent place. Maybe, they could quickly stop by Camp Half Blood. If Nico didn’t tell anybody Hazel was Roman or a child of Pluto than no one would know.

He knew that the next thing that Hazel needed was a good bath. She smelled like…well..death. Her legs were ashy and her body probably hadn’t been washed in 70 years. It rotted in place. Hazel didn’t smell terrible but Nico knew that her body needed the help.

Nico knew what kind of body wash to buy, it wasn’t hard. It took him a minute of staring at a bottle to read the thousands of brands but settled on one that was heavy duty and good for dry skin. Hair is what was the issue, he knew that he didn’t take good care of his naturally curly hair, and it was damaged in parts. He overheard once or twice from Annabeth about how thicker curlier hair should have specific products used on it. Nico didn’t know what to get Hazel, but he wanted her hair to not become damaged like his. He could surprise her with what the new era had for hair.

The another thousand of hair product bottles didn’t help Nico in his search. None of them specified that they were for thick,curly hair, nor did any have any pictures on the front that showed the right hair to use it on.

Yet again, Nico had no idea what to do. He had gone his entire life figuring out things on his own and doing it alone, but the first time he tries to help someone he is lost. His mental spiral probably wasn’t helped by the fact that it was late at night and he was tired.

Nico decided that he didn’t want to just wing it, Hazel deserved the best hair care she could get after no hair care for 70 years. He would have to ask somebody.

Nico probably should’ve just asked the person at the front desk, but he never does things the easy way, he was tired and upset okay??? He decided that the best person to ask was Annabeth.

He prayed that she would be at Camp Half Blood as he stepped into the shadow outside the shop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was mid morning at Camp Half Blood. The sun shone over the camp as birds chirped and campers worked. The mood was the same as the last time Nico visited; mildly somber but not activity halting.

Nico had shadow traveled into the very edge of the woods. He steadied himself on a tree as he looked out onto the grassy landscape.

He hoped that he could spot Annabeth from here. If he could make a direct line toward her it would save him trouble. Nico found that if he spent too much time waddling around Camp Half Blood that Will kid that reminded Nico so much of a sleepy cat with his tired eyes and small smile, would find him and insist on checking on his health. Nico found it annoying and unnecessary, so what if he was often covered in deep cuts and nasty bruises? He can take care of himself. If he almost passed out every time he shadow traveled if he hadn’t eaten or drank water recently that was none of Will’s business.

He thanked his father in his mind when he saw the figure of Annabeth in the far left corner. She was busy looking down at a large sheet of paper and was writing on it.

Nico made his way over to her quickly. She had earbuds in and her music was so loud Nico could hear the base from where he stood next to her. He tapped her on the shoulder and she looked down at him and took the earbuds out. She gave him a tired smile.

She looked worse than when Nico last saw her. Her eye bags were deep and prominent and her cheek bones were starting to stick out. Her now unbraided hair was a mess of damaged curls and sticks, and if Nico looked hard enough he could swear some gray hairs were coming in.

Her voice pulled him out of his thoughts, “Oh hey Nico. Didn’t know you stopped by.”

Nico was always happy to see Annabeth. He was jealous of her because of her relationship with Percy but he didn’t let his fatal flaw get the best of him, it wasn’t her fault. Annabeth was strong and smart, she reminded Nico of Bianca. They carried the same energy to them, one that both allowed gentleness and love but pushed for respect.

If Nico also just wanted an excuse to see her, that was his business, “Hi. I’m not staying for long. I actually just wanted to ask you about something.”

In a classic Annabeth fashion, she lit up and looked a lot less exhausted, “And what is that?”

“What do you use to take care of your hair.”

That made Annabeth pause and tilt her head at him, gods, she was starting to do the same thing that Percy did when he was confused.

“What for? We don’t have the same hair?”

“It’s…for a friend. Please just tell me.”

Annabeth studied him for a moment and let out a huff. Her mouth turned into a small smirk and she shook her head side to side. She finally turned away from her work and put her pencil down.

“Alright. Come with me. It’s better to see a visual.”

Of course Annabeth thought that. Nico was led towards the Athena cabin. It was surprisingly clean for being filled with a bunch of constantly underestimated people with ADHD. The walls were covered in bulletin boards which were filled with notes and papers and other information. The Athena cabin was slightly larger than some of the other cabins. Most of the children in the cabin got a desk to themself.

Nico knew which desk was Annabeth’s when he saw the messiest one in the corner. It was covered in papers and maps. Pencils littered the top, most of them broken in half.

Neither of them mentioned the mess as Annabeth walked towards her desk and started shifting through the deepest drawer. She pulled out three bottles and showed them to Nico, “These two are the usual shampoo and conditioner. They are good for your scalp and it’s good on thick curls. This last one is for after a shower. It moisturizes hair well and gives it a good shape.”

Annabeth sat down on her bed at the other side of the room and patted the spot next to her, inviting Nico to sit.

“I’ll give you some of the soap in some travel containers in a bit, now, tell me what’s been going on in the Underworld.”

Nico assumed that she was asking to check if he had seen Percy anywhere in the Underworld yet, but he enjoyed updating her on his search and how the Underworld was functioning. He confided in her about the strange phenomenons happening. The two sat for a good hour talking about their lives and what has been happening, minus Nico telling Annabeth about Hazel, that was too dangerous.

After a while of talking Nico decided it was best to go back to Hazel. He said his goodbye to Annabeth, but before he stepped into the shadow behind him and caught his arm. Her hands were rough yet warm and reminded him of something he couldn’t put his mind on. She looked him in the eye and smiled, “I know you’re not big on working with others, but if you ever want my help I’m here.”

Nico looked away from her face and could feel his own mouth twitching into a small smile. He l took the arm that Annabeth was not holding and gave her own arm a squeeze back, “Thank you.”

Nico stepped into the shadow and immediately lost the warmth that her body gave him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

He found himself in an alleyway close by to the hotel him and Hazel were staying at. It was still night but a few hours had passed. The moon was soon to be set and the sunrise was about to begin. The streets were becoming more busy and he could hear the sound of early birds singing.

Nico made his way back to the hotel. When he opened the door he was grateful to find Hazel still fast asleep. Her body laid across the bed in a disorganized fashion, and her blanket was thrown off to the side. It only covered her feet and her left arm. She was letting out a light snore and her pajamas had slightly rolled up her body to reveal her stomach.

Nico had no idea how she managed to do that within the short amount of time he was gone. He didn’t want her to get sick from the cold so he walked over. He pulled her shirt down and pulled the blanket back onto her.

He’d worry about the future another time. Right now, this is what was important.

Chapter Text

Nico was grateful for how deeply Hazel slept. He was never really the type to sleep for long, it was easiest to take small naps when he could. His sleep schedule mostly consisted of quick 1-5 hour naps when he could in between small missions and surviving monsters; occasionally he could sleep for 10 hours or more if he had gone a long time without sleeping. This time he did just that.

Nico woke up roughly 12 hours after he fell asleep. The blinds in the hotel room let in small bits of bright light from the late afternoon sun.

He was the first to wake up of the two of them. Nico laid in bed for another few minutes, there was no reason to get up. The sudden sinking feeling in his chest made it hard to find a reason. Sleeping seemed to just made him feel more exhausted. Under the blankets was too clammy but without them it was too cold. His skin felt cold and prickly, and he couldn’t feel the tips of his fingers. The emptiness in his stomach pulled at him but wasn’t motivating enough to get up.

He heard shifting and a light groan from the bed next to him as Hazel started to wake up. She immediately sat up and rubbed her face, hard. The bottle of water that Nico had placed by her bed a few hours ago was quickly grabbed and chugged until empty. She looked over at him and they made eye contact. She gave him a tired and straight face as she got up to use the bathroom.

Nico looked back up at the ceiling, he hoped this tired feeling would pass by the time Hazel was ready to get going. He needed to tell her to bathe and show her how to use the bathtub. Maybe he should have listened when that Will kid tried to question him about his “mental health” and wanted to check up on “how he was doing mentally”. Maybe if he didn’t always brush and push the boy away he would be able to put a name on how he was feeling. Meh whatever. 

This wasn’t an uncommon occurrence. He woke up most days like this. Another one of the reasons for only short naps; if he only slept in small amounts the feeling only slowly showed up instead of him waking up feeling like shit.

Hazel exited the bathroom only looking mildly more awake than before, if Nico was being honest it looked like she was going to go to bed again.

She broke the lovely silence in the room, “What time is it?”

Nico had to take a good second to look at the clock, he had only recently learned how to read digital when Annabeth sat him down one day to “teach” him (infodump as Percy called it) He read off the time, “3:47 pm.”

Hazel seemed shocked at that information and looked through the blinds. The sun poked through them and effectively blinded him for a moment.

“I slept for that long and I’m still tired??”

Nico groaned and turned on to his side to avoid the sun in his face, “That’s what happens when you don’t sleep for 70 years. You can go back to bed if you want.”

Hazel finally looked away from the window and looked back at him. Her expression was tired yet unreadable. She walked over to his bed and stood there for a moment looking at him. Before Nico was able to speak up again and ask what was up, she pushed him until he neared the edge of the bed. He let out a yelp of surprise and protest. Damn, if she could move him in her weak state then he was really thin.

Hazel then crawled into his bed into the other side. As Nico turned towards her, appalled, he found her smiling and yawning at the same time. Gods, it was like Bianca all over again, she would mess with him and then give him this stupid grin that made him laugh along side her, he had no idea how she did it. Luckily, he kept his cool and didn’t smirk back at Hazel.

“What are you doing Hazel?”

“I wanna sleep with you.” She mumbled as she pulled HIS blankets closer to her. She put her head on an extra pillow and closed her eyes.

Now, Nico knew that she meant just sharing a bed, but it still caught him off guard. He didn’t want to just kick her off, but was it weird?? She just wanted to sleep so it’s not like it was supposed to be anything else or anything. Why did she choose to want to sleep in his bed instead of hers?? Should he move?? No, she said she wanted to share a bed with him so he should stay. Maybe he can just lay on his back and relax, but he was also super tired.

Nico turned towards Hazel and spoke, effectively pulling her from her dozing state, “Why do you want to sleep here?”

Hazel gave him a lighthearted glare and rubbed her face further into the pillow, “mmI don’t like being alone. First time not feeling the body of something else right next to me in 70 years. I wanna be close to you, now goodnight.”

Hazel closed her eyes and almost immediately started whistle-snoring again. Nico gave up this battle. She would get used to having personal space soon enough and it wasn’t like she would share a bed with him every night. Nico joined his companion and also closed his eyes. This wasn’t so bad-

His thought was cut off by a leg swiping into his shin.

oh gods

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nico woke up to a heavy weight over the right side of his body. He couldn’t feel his arm and his leg was beginning to loose it’s feeling. An arm was draped over his stomach and he could feel a wet spot on his right shoulder. Also it was super warm.

He looked over and found Hazel laying right over his arm. She had somehow managed to shift her way over to his side and yet again fall asleep starfish style, but this time on top of his side. She was currently laying on her stomach and had probably slightly drooled on his shoulder which explained the wet spot.

It was getting too hot with her clinging onto him like this. Nico hadn’t touched anybody at all sense Bianca died, and him holding Hazel’s hand was only a small step for him. Now he was being crushed under Hazel. He didn’t understand his life.

Nico honestly doesn’t know if he liked being touched anymore. Bianca’s death left a gap in relationships that left no room for any friends or family to be there to touch him. His time on the run definitely didn’t help in his case. The only times he were touched was when monsters would attack, or an attempt at an awkward hug from Persephone. Touch just wasn’t that appealing to Nico anymore if it was just gonna be as painful or awkward as they were now.

He got up from the bed and made his way to the bathroom and changed. When he checked the time it read an early morning time that he did not want to deal with. The two of them must have slept through the evening and night.

Hazel must have felt that he left (or stopped feeling him under her) and was starting to stir awake. She grumbled and looked towards him, taking a few seconds to blink awake.

Nico was tempted to just lay back into the bed again but the pull of sleep was slowly leaving him.

Now was a good time to get Hazel to take that bath.

He walked over to Hazel and lightly tapped her arm. She grumbled at him but looked up.

“We should go out again, but you’re taking a bath first.” Nico said. Hazel developed this look on her face. It was mixed with confusion and distaste. Probably caused by the fact she hadn’t bathed in 70 years.

“In a minuteeee.” She just replied and flipped onto her side to show Nico her back.

It took a good few minutes of relaxing and convincing to get Hazel to agree to take a bath. Nico filled the tub up with warm water, left the soaps he got the other day for her, and gave her one last shake. He let her go on her own and sat down on HIS bed to see if there was anything on the TV.

It was a peaceful few minutes of quiet, minus the TV running (he found a weird show with British bakers), until he heard his name being called. It was Hazel from the bathroom.

Nico walked over to the door and leaned on his shoulder against it, “What is it?” He asked. He hoped that she didn’t somehow manage to break something or get stuck.

A muffled reply came from behind the door, “Can you…come in? I need help…”

It didn’t sound like she did anything too bad, maybe she just needed help letting the water drain. Nico walked into the bathroom.

Hazel was still inside the tub. The water swirled around her legs as she has them pulled up to her chest. Nico hoped it wouldn’t get too awkward. It was already bad that he saw her naked once. Hazel didn’t seem too bothered though, and Nico wouldn’t make a big deal if she didn’t want him too. She obviously wouldn’t have called him in if she cared.

He walked towards her. She seemed frustrated and sad. Her eyes held the same glint as Bianca’s did. When he would act out or yell at her when he missed his mother, when the two of them were on their own with nobody but each other. He always felt terrible right after pushing his hurt into her but she never yelled back, her eyes would just go dull and soft and close off what he was saying.

She knew that he never meant to tell her how much she would never be their mom, or that he didn’t want her to be his older sister because she didn’t let him take the strange pill that the older man in the hotel was offering them, who claimed it would ease pain.

Bianca would later hold him after those outbursts and just love him. She never held things against him. She would just hold it all in her eyes.

Nico didn’t like that look on her. “Hey. What’s wrong?”

Hazel looked up. The water that was hitting the bottom of her thick hair dripped back into the tub. Her reply was soft and cracky, “My hair. I can’t wash it, I forgot how to and it’s hard to reach. Can you help me?”

This was not what Nico expected. The only hair he really washed was his own. Sometimes, he would help Bianca or his mother brush their hair, but never wash. But, she needed help and that is what Nico was going to do.

“Yeah. I can do that.”

Nico sat down on the ground next to the tub and grabbed the shampoo. He had Hazel put her hair into the water to wet it. As she pulled her head back up he took shampoo and put it into his hand. He made work of her curls and scrubbed and kneaded through her hair.

Hazel broke the comfortable silence between them after a few moments, “My mom used to do my hair.” She had started to look back at the shower wall again.

She continued, “That’s probably why I forgot. It was our thing, every few days she would wash my hair no matter how busy she was. But, she stopped once we had moved to Alaska.”

Nico realized then how little they knew about each other. Their father was basically the same god. Yet, they had only just met.

He remembers what Hades had told him a long time ago about Alaska. How it was a place where monsters ruled the land and the gods powerless. Nico responded, “Alaska? Not a very good place for a demigod.”

“Yeah it wasn’t. Mom had us move there to avoid Pluto. Then I..ya know..there.”

He knows she means that she died. It seemed like it was still a tough subject for her to touch on, he wouldn’t push.

The two of them were quiet as Nico finished scrubbing her hair and began to rinse it. Hazel hadn’t stopped staring at the wall. The hardened look in her eyes had returned. Merde. He should say something. But what?? Again he knew almost nothing about this girl. He wished he had Annabeths comforting wit, or that Will boy’s soothing words.

He just needed to go for it, “Well..how’s mortal life so far?”

Hazel finally looked back at him. Her hair slipped out of his hands and he got a full view of her back. It was harshly scarred with dent like patterns.

She finally gave him a smile and looked back at the wall, “Not bad actually. Never thought I’d have a scrawny white boy as a brother.”

Brother. The lighthearted insult went over his head as he zoned in on the last word in the sentence. Brother meaning the two of them share a parent. Their father. Nico knew it was true but he never wanted to think hard about it, despite the fact the connection between their individual fathers hadn’t left his mind sense he met Hazel. Hazel considered him a bother. He was a brother and Hazel was his sister. He had another sister.

He didn’t know if he liked or didn’t like the idea.

Despite the war raging in his mind, he gave a huff response, pretending to be annoyed at the fact that she called him a scrawny white boy (which wasn’t hard.) And she gave him a smiling raspberry in response.

The next few moments were quiet as Nico had started putting conditioner into Hazel’s hair. The bathroom smelled of that citrusy scent that Nico can always smell in Annabeth’s hair (no. He is not a weirdo, sometimes her braids fall into his face when she insists on giving him a quick hug. She hugs like Bianca (she’s the only one that Nico lets hug him).)

Nico breaks the silence, “I don’t know why my..our father allowed you to exit the Underworld. But I do know there is something happening to the gods. I don’t know if he has plans for either or both of us. But, we should be ready to face anything that comes up.”

Hazel makes eye contact with him. Her eyes were bright and shone like crystals, “I’m glad you’re here with me, we can do anything together.”

He didn’t say it back. Nico doesn’t know if he could. Was he glad that she was with him?? How does Hazel’s existence affect him??

She didn’t care for a reply, instead gasping happily, “You can show me how to use a sword! I know you have one! Come on I’ve always wanted to use those calvary swords for horsessss!” she said, holding out the last s. 

Her eyes somehow grew brighter and she was tapping the rim of the tub with her hands. Nico relented, it was probably best she learned anyway. She would need to fight to survive in this world.

“Okay fine, but it’s hard work.”

“I can take it.”

“You sure?”

Hazel splashed him with her tub water in response and laughed at his exasperation.

This meant war. Nico flicked the water into her face and she stopped laughing. She instead got a look on her face, one of determination and pure evil.

Nico was met with a large wave of water on his head. He stopped putting water on her.

Maybe this is what siblings is all about. He spent so much time being taken care of by an older sister that he never really figured out what it meant to have a younger sister.

Splash. He felt more water soak his face.

Yup. This is what having a sister was like.

Chapter Text

The days went by and Nico and Hazel were still on their own.

They had decided to make their way to New York City. Hazel wasn’t sure if she liked or disliked the city. It was different than her old, bright New Orleans town, or her isolated neighborhood in Alaska.

The two had begun looking for signs or clues from the gods. It fascinated her how the gods had moved west along with civilization. If you told Hazel back in the 1930s that the gods could be found in New York City, she would have called you crazy.

Right now, the two of them were taking a small break. Central park was a beautiful place. It was like an oasis of trees and life within the city. Nico and Hazel had both just discovered their new love of New York City style meatballs.

No clues were discovered so far. They were sitting on a bench and discussing what they had seen so far but to no avail. Well, maybe arguing, just a little.

“I just think that splitting up would allow us to cover more ground.” Hazel argued. They were getting nowhere and she was tired. If the Gods had a plan it probably needed to be found soon.

Nico shook his head, “Hazel, no. It’s much too dangerous in a city like this. It’s as big as a state with the population of one. We might not be able to find each other again.”

Hazel huffed and leaned her back against the bench. Nico was already becoming like an overprotective brother and Hazel was reconsidering how much she wanted an overbearing brother now.

“Hey! Nico!” A voice called from a distance.

The two turned around to look who called to them. A girl was walked towards them. She had strong ginger hair with heavy curls. Her freckled arms were lightly scarred and her clothes had just a little paint on them.

Hazel turned back to Nico and he looked freaked out. Were they in danger? Did Nico know her?

He replied somewhat normally, “Rachel, hey, haven’t seen you in a while.”

Rachel got closer, eyeing them both carefully. Hazel wasn’t really sure what to do.

The Nuns from her old school’s message about manners rung in her mind. She extended a hand out to Rachel, “Hi. I’m Hazel.”

Rachel took her hand and shook it. Her eyes seemed to analyze Hazel and pick her apart. She felt as if she was type of art piece that Rachel was studying, or a good moment that she would want to recreate on paper.

Rachel finally smiled and let go of her hand, “I can see that.” She said, gesturing at Hazel’s hair.

She turned away from Hazel and looked to Nico, “We haven’t heard from you for months and suddenly a few days ago Annabeth tells me you visited her. What are you doing here in Central park?”

Nico looked visibly more relaxed, still anxious but more calm. He shifted on the bench so he was leaning over the back of it to look at Rachel, but not in the eye, Hazel noticed he never did that, “Just trying to find any signs of the gods.”

Rachel sighed, “No luck? It’s the same for me.”

Hazel wondered why Nico didn’t mention the Doors of Death. Perhaps they had been open longer than she originally thought. He also didn’t introduce her as his sister. Maybe that wasn’t a common practice anymore, or maybe her being his sister was secret information. Either way, she didn’t speak up about it. She trusted that Nico had good intuition.

Maybe he had a crush on her? Hazel wouldn’t blame him. Rachel was attractive. Her curly hair was grown down to her back and she was muscular. A strange look for somebody who had paint stains all over her clothes.

This was weird. Why was Hazel staring? Oops.

“I just visited Sally Jackson, ya know Percy’s mom? You should go see her too. She says she can feel some type of disturbance with the monsters around New York, neither me or Annabeth can figure it out. You’re an expert on the Underworld so maybe you can help her figure it out.” Rachel continued, “Plus, she’s been asking about you. She worries about you despite you only seeing her once or twice.”

Hazel saw Nico tense out of the corner of her eye. His eyes hardened the way they did when he seemed to be hiding behind some sort of mental wall, she’d seen it a few times.

Nico made a gesture towards her and started getting up. “I guess I can go see her.”

Hazel remained on the bench. This whole interaction was so confusing. Nico grabbed her hand and pulled her up and began to walk away, giving a quick farewell to Rachel. Hazel couldn’t tell what the issue was. Nico seemed to want to rush this conversation and felt awkward around somebody who seemed to be a friend.

She got up and was about to follow Nico when a hand grabbed her own. She turned around to find bright green eyes staring into her own. Rachel had an intense look on her face, the opposite of the lighthearted one she had earlier.

“Who are you? I know you aren’t his girl.” Rachel started, “I can feel something different about you.”

Rachel had leaned her body over the bench and was stretching a little to reach her. It would be a funny sight to Hazel but she got the feeling that Rachel could pull her back over it if she so pleased. Her hand had a strong grip on her, “I’m his sister, child of Pluto. I don’t know anything else. I promise.”

Rachel’s face relaxed at her confession and she let go. She stood up straight and sighed.

Hazel was able to actually see how tired Rachel looked now that they were closer. Her eye bags were deep and her cheekbones were beginning to show.

Nico had filled Hazel in on the disappearance of Percy Jackson. It had a lot of demigods shaken up and the gods’ silence didn’t help. If Rachel mentioned Percy then they must’ve been close. She knows what it’s like to loose a friend and not know where they were.

Hazel missed Sammy. She hoped her moving away didn’t hurt him too much.

Rachel patted her arm and smiled, “See ya around Hazel!” She got closer to her and whispered into her ear, “Take care of Nico okay? He’s super flighty and barely comes around. It freaks everybody out because we never know if he’s safe.”

“Me personally I don’t care too much. But, there’s this one Apollo boy who keeps trying to befriend him. It that always involves him trying to get Nico to get medical care so it always scares him.” Rachel mumbled quickly.

Hazel nodded and agreed. She then ran to catch up with Nico, who was many paces away from her.

Rachel’s words rang in her mind. If Nico was flighty and distrusting of friends and people trying to help him then was she part of that? How long would it be until he ran from her? Would he even do it?

Would he go missing just like Percy did?

Hazel didn’t want to be alone again.

She caught up to him and grabbed his hand. They walked together towards the apartment.

Chapter Text

Hazel thinks the outside world is beautiful.

Living her last few years in Alaska had its moments. The never ending tundra and dry air made the environment gorgeous. Bears roamed and deer were always in her yard.

Most nights, she would spend alone. She would climb into the top of the roof and watch as the sun set, reflecting orange and green throughout the sky.

The most beautiful sunset Hazel saw was the day she chased after the strange horse that would not stop following her. The stallion had stared at her for a while until turning and trotting away, and she gave chase, allowing him to lead her where he pleased. After a few hours of walking after him he stopped, beginning to eat grass close to a cliff edge. When Hazel approached him she stopped. Behind him, the falling sun shone against the sky. A deep red stained the horizon, leaving the clouds a deep pink.

The stallion stared at her for a while more. Seeming almost sorrowful in a way, eventually leaving.

Hazel stayed like that for a while. She sat on the edge of the mountain as the sun set. She stumbled home in pitch darkness. She dreams of that moment often.

New York City was the exact opposite of Alaska. Towers filled her vision and blocked out the sky. Nature was much less than what she was used to.

But, the environment was still beautiful. Sure, a rat the size of her foot ran across her shoe once but it was fine. What people had said about New York City having everything and everybody was correct. No person was the same. No skin color was the same shade, no same styles of clothing, and Hazel had heard about every language she could imagine within the few days that her and Nico were staying. She loved it.

The subway car she was currently in, however, was not beautiful. She was sitting as Nico stood next to her, having insisted she sit down after walking for a bit.

The walls were stained and she could swear she could feel the grime on her seat through her pants (shoutout to modern fashion, they were so warm).

The subway also didn’t provide much warmth against the cold air. A crisp fall air was beginning to make itself known across the city. The other few trains she had been in within this week have all been warm. This one was probably broken. She was becoming spoiled wasn’t she?

Eventually, the subway made an announcement that she could barley hear and Nico turned to her, “This is our stop.” He said, giving a hand to help her up.

Hazel silently took it and helped herself up, grateful to be off of this car soon.

The doors opened and the two left to begin their walk. The trees that lined the streets were beginning to turn into bright colors.

The two were holding hands as Nico led the way. Hazel knew that Nico didn’t like touch that much but begrudgingly allowed Hazel to do what she wanted. Hazel also knew that Nico thought he was super slick with it, as if he thought she didn’t know how he rly felt. He wasn’t good at it. She didn’t tell him. They didn’t talk about their personal feelings a lot.

Finally they reached the building. It wasn’t very tall and redish brown bricks made up the walls.

Nico’s hand was sweaty and tight on hers. She could feel a tremor, stronger than his usual shakes and aches, shaking both of them.

Nico lead them up 3 stories to the room. She could smell some type of meal cooking through the door.

He gave her hand one last squeeze before letting go. Nico let out a deep breath and knocked on the door.

Hazel could hear voices and steps before the door was swung open. A middle aged man with salt and pepper hair was standing in the doorway. His facial expression was filled with surprise until his eyes landed on Nico. The man seemed to light up.

“Oh! You’re Percy’s friend aren’t you?” The man stepped to the side, gesturing for them to come in.

Hazel followed Nico as he walked into the apartment. Everything seemed to be spotless, as if it was recently deeply cleaned. She could still smell vinegar in the air.

A woman around the same age as the man, who Hazel assumed was her husband, stood in the kitchen. She had long, curly black hair. It look unkept and knotted, the exact opposite of the apartment. The kitchen counter shone as the woman vigorously cleaned it.

She didn’t seem to notice them and was only focused on cleaning. After a few seconds Nico tapped the floor with his foot and the woman looked up.

“Nico!” She cried and moved towards the two of them. Hazel was about to step in front of Nico as he tensed but the woman pulled him into his arms and he immediately melted. She watched as Nico allowed the woman to rock the two of them side to side. Both were as content as can be (or at least Nico was, Hazel didn’t know the woman well enough to tell)

The women finally stepped away from Nico and turned her attention to Hazel. Warm arms wrapped around her as she was hugged as well. Now she could see why Nico wouldn’t wanna pull away. This was the best hug ever. Probably helped that it was the first hug she’d had sense dying.

To her disappointment, the woman pulled away after a few seconds. She looked down at her and smiled. Her eyes were wrinkled and dull. Eye-bags dig deeply into her face and her high cheek bones were prominent, “I’m sorry for not introducing myself. I’m Sally Jackson.” She said, holding one of Hazel’s with two of her own.

“I’m Hazel Levesque.” She said looking to Nico. His expression had fallen back to his usual guarded look.

When Sally let go of her hand she began talking again, “Rachel just stopped by earlier. I have extra cookies!”

As Sally allowed Hazel and Nico to eat, her brother began talking. Sally listened intently as he described their search for any clues of the gods. Hazel was grateful that he never brought up her own problems, it was sort of an unspoken rule between them, don’t reveal where she came from. All their searching came to dead ends.

Sally Jackson was a good listener, letting Nico get through his whole story while never interrupting, only commenting here and there. When he finished she replied with a hum. She handed Hazel another few cookies (Hazel had gone through about 3 as Nico talked). “I also haven’t seen much godly activity recently. More and more monsters are appearing around here.” She confirmed what Rachel had said.

Sally looked towards Hazel and she almost choked on the cookie she had stuffed into her mouth. She was having a great time not saying anything. Sally’s eyes seemed to bore into her and pick her apart. It was as Sally could tell something was off about her but didn’t know what. It seemed to be some kind of recent trend with the people Nico introduced her to.

Sally sighed, “I wish I could help more. The most I can tell you is that the most monsters I’ve seen was right outside of the city. Just about 30 minutes, me and Annabeth saw a lot of activity out there.”

Nico began to get up to Hazel’s dismay (she hadn’t finished her cookie!). “Thank you Mrs. Jackson. I do hope we can find something that gives us a lead-“ He started

“No no! Stay here for a little while longer! You two have been through a lot, you should rest.” Sally interrupted him (phew).

It didn’t go unnoticed how rushed the woman sounded. Hazel finished the cookie and studied Sally. It was obvious the fact her son was missing was taking a toll on her. Now that Hazel got a better look her face looked even more worn and tired than what she originally thought. Her face was pale and her eye bags stuck out against it. She looked about 20 years older than what Hazel assumed she was.

Hazel still thinks she’s beautiful.

She seemed insistent that Hazel and Nico stay. Hazel knows that Rachel had just visited, and Nico had mentioned that that other girl Annabeth often visited. Maybe she was lonely. Hazel could stay. The food was good anyways.

Hazel couldn’t help but feel bad for Sally. Her son was suddenly taken away from her and she had no child left. No knew if Percy would ever be back. If the gods would ever show signs of themselves.

Nico placed his hand into her own. He was here right now. But, he could disappear just like Percy. She kept thinking about it. When did she just so attached?

She had forgotten how much it hurt to worry about people.

Hazel sent a look Nico’s way which she hoped communicated that they should stay. He sighed in response which she took as a win.

Sally’s request was not in vain. The next time Hazel looked outside the sun was already setting. They had spent all day looking and traveling so it wasn’t a surprise. She could feel the weight of tiredness on her shoulders.

Hazel decided that she likes animated movies. They were her favorite modern innovation so far. You mean to tell her that they can use a computer to make an entire movie?? Crazy.

Sally allowed the two to sit on the couch and relax while watching a movie. Of course Hazel won the argument on what to watch (Nico wasn’t a hard fighter) and they settled on Spirit, some movie about a wild horse. It was Hazel’s new favorite thing.

At the end of the movie she knew she was drifting off. She allowed her head to fall onto Nico’s shoulder as he picked the second movie. Sally gave her a knowing look and placed a soft blanket. The woman gave her a long, tight hug as she wrapped it around Hazel’s shoulders, then walked away.

That wore away the last of Hazel’s fight against sleep. She closed her eyes and let herself drift off against her brother.

Chapter Text

Nico knew he was running out of time. He could feel it.

Him and Hazel were barely getting anywhere these past few weeks and he couldn’t force her to stay on the run for much longer. Hazel wasn’t him, she needed company, more than what Nico could give her.

He didn’t really know what to do with her. Camp Half Blood wouldn’t be safe, there were too many differences between them to play off both being Hades’ children. Nico didn’t know much about the two sides of the gods, roman and Greek. But, Hades was quite talkative when Nico visited, probably due to the fact he had no one else to talk to.

Hades told him the differences and changes that happened when the god’s switched. They weren’t the same people when they picked a side (besides Apollo but that didn’t surprise Nico). They were essentially the same concept but changed outcomes.

Greek demigods were hardwired for Greek life, their ways of combat and speaking ancient Greek. Roman demigods were born with a different battle style in their veins, their brains made for Latin instead.

‘They couldn’t be taught what they weren’t made for’, Hades said. Hades warned Nico never to try to find any roman demigods. Nico heeded it, he didn’t know why.

Hazel deserved to be with her own people. People that would understand her and be able to help her.

Hazel’s head on his shoulder shifted slightly and he could feel the droll that was on his shirt now. He could hear Paul and Sally talking quietly behind him. He refused to sleep in somebody’s home, Sally and Paul were kind but he needed to be careful. Hazel was vulnerable like this and if he fell asleep too it could be dangerous. Nico could feel sleep trying to pull at him but he ignored it. He had spent enough time on his own to fight it.

He heard footsteps as Sally approached him from behind, “You should probably go to sleep as well,” she started, “you’ve both had a long day.”

“I’m okay.” He simply replied, turning back to the television.

Sally hummed and put a hand on his unoccupied shoulder, “I can see how tired you are. Why don’t you at least lay down in bed? You can take Percy’s room.”

Nico couldn’t bring himself to argue with that, the long past few days were growing stronger on him. He turned to Hazel and wrapped his arms around her. Nico stood up and attempted to pick Hazel up with him.

As he began to walk his legs shook and Hazel’s asleep body felt heavy in his arms. Maybe he should’ve been eating more these few days. Before Nico could either drop her or readjust his grip, Paul stepped over and took Hazel out of his arms. Nico was about to argue when Paul turned away and walked through the small hallway.

Nico hurriedly followed the older man. Paul turned into Percy’s room.

Unlike the rest of the apartment, the room was messy and untouched. The bed wasn’t made, papers and notes covered a desk, and the entire room smelled like the ocean. Nico doesn’t know if it was from a candle or if Percy just naturally smelled like that.

Paul placed Hazel (who had miraculously not woken up) onto the messy bed and pulled the dark blue blankets over her. He moved a stray hair out of her face.

Nico watched as Paul looked longingly at his sister, and was pulled back into their past interactions. This man and Sally Jackson had no idea who Nico was, yet when he visited Percy to tell him how he could defeat Luke, they welcomed him with open arms. Percy’s birthday cake was one of the nicest things that somebody had done for him in a long time.

Nico took the chair in the other corner of the room, not willing to disturb Hazel. Paul turned to him with a smile, “goodnight,” he said, and walked out of the room.

Now, Nico was alone in his thoughts. This room was the only remaining sign of Percy. He couldn’t blame Sally for leaving it alone.

Nico put his head to the side and relaxed into the old chair. He recognized Annabeth’s citrusy scent as he drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hazel woke up to silence within the apartment. She was currently in an unfamiliar room. When she opened her eyes she was greeted with a ceiling covered in small paintings and doodles, all of which involved sharks or whales.

A sea-salt like scent filled her senses as she crawled out of bed. As she looked around the room multiple photos stood out to her. She recognized Sally, Paul, and Rachel in a few of them. One of them contained a girl with dark skin and blond braids being picked up by a tan boy with shaggy black hair. Hazel assumed that that was Percy, he looked exactly like Sally.

When she turned away to look around more, she realized she was alone in the room. Nico was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps he had disappeared just like Percy had.

Hazel quickly left the room and turned down the hallway. The smell of something cooking and quiet conversation was comforting. She paused right before entering the kitchen area.

“I don’t want to put her in danger.” Nico’s voice was muffled.

“I can understand that,” Sally responded, “but she seems to be able to handle herself.”

Hazel felt as if she was hearing something she shouldn’t. Her mother always scolded her for eavesdropping.

Fortunately (or unfortunately) Nico spotted her from his spot. He gestured for her to come over.

She walked over and took a spot next to her brother at the countertop. Sally was currently making eggs and what seemed like waffles. The smell immediately made her hungry. Nico’s plate was mostly cleared and he was picking at a grape, “once you eat we are going to where Sally thinks is a strange area.”

Sally shot her a smile and finally placed a plate full of food in front of her. Hazel quickly began digging in and barely savored the home cooked meal.

As she ate, Nico filled her in on the plan, “there is a train that can take us to the edge of the city. But, then we have to catch a cab.”

Hazel’s meal was over before she knew it, even with a second portion. Sally and Paul gave them both a handful of items to bring. After she and Nico took showers it was time for them to go.

The two adults insisted they walk Hazel and Nico to the station. And, waited with them before their subway came.

When the train was about to pull up Sally seemed almost sorrowful as she gave them both hugs before they left, “come back anytime okay?” Hazel promised that she would pop in again sometime, while Nico mumbled in agreement. Paul gave them both pats on the back and some kind words.

Then, they were on their way. Hazel caught another nap and the time passed quickly. Nico woke her up and they exited the subway.

Hazel watched the world go by through the cab windows. The city disappeared behind them and developed into dense forests. She couldn’t help but miss the warmth that came with these areas. The city was filled with noise and clutter and dirty heat, but out here it felt clean and full of life. She just wished she didn’t feel so warm all the time.

After the cab ride was much more expensive than what Hazel expected, she and Nico were on their way. Nico studied the map that Sally had drawn on for them and they walked through the trails.

The two were quiet as they walked, but Hazel could tell that Sally wasn’t wrong. As they continued she felt a sense of unease wash over her. Something felt big and unfamiliar somewhere close to her at all times. It was making her feel small.

The feeling followed her as they continued, but she willed herself to not say anything about it. Perhaps it was simply her first time dealing with something like this, and maybe this was just the monster jitters. If she voiced her concerns to Nico he might want to turn around, she couldn’t do that to him.

“Okay here we are,” Nico announced when they finally reached a small clearing.

If Nico hadn’t said that Hazel probably could have figured it out, the wrong feeling was strongest here and she didn’t know if she could take it anymore.

“There’s something wrong here Nico, I can feel it.” She finally spoke up

“No..I can feel it too,” Nico agreed. He continued to look around in the trees and bushes.

Hazel followed his lead, but instead looked down. The pull of energy felt strongest from under her. If she stomped her foot she felt as if her vibrations went through the Earth, only to be stopped by something hard just as they started.

Her search stopped when she found an imprint in the ground. They were horse hoof-prints and seemed to walk in a spiral pattern before taking off into the woods. Hazel turned and called out to Nico, “come look at this!”

Nico couldn’t make any more sense of it than what Hazel could. The two walked into the middle of the hoof-spiral and he touched the ground, “I can hear something, but why would it be in the ground?”

Hazel followed his lead and touched the ground as well. She closed her eyes and felt her hand deep into the Earth. The world seemed to open itself for her as she looked. She could begin to see what was underneath her. The sight ended when she reached a hard box.

Nico probably saw her pause or flinch, “what is it?”

“There’s something there. I’m going to try to get it.” She replied.

Hazel imagined herself reaching deep down into the earth to take hold of that box, to move it at her will. She could feel the dirt under her hands move as she brought the strange item up. Finally, it broke through the surface right in front of her.

She snapped out of her slight daze and took in whatever this thing was. It seemed to be made of a mix of bronze and gold. Fragile and heavy.

Nico studied the box alongside her. He tapped it with a fist, “I think it’s hallow.”

Hazel brushed her hand along side the edge, listening to it echo. She stopped when her hand caught on a carved symbol. It looked like a staff with a circle in-between the two pointed edges. She focused on the spot and pressed down.

The bronze-gold box opened up from between the two. It seemed to unfold itself as Hazel felt many souls dash out of it. Once they all cleared out she looked in the now open inside.

It was definitely open all right. In the center of the ground was now a small gaping hole. When Hazel attempted to look deeper into it, she couldn’t locate a bottom. She could feel some type of slight pull coming from it. Whispered echoed from deep within.

Nico got close behind Hazel and she reflexively took his hand. Nico stared at the hole for a moment before guessing, “Maybe it’s some type of portal? It looks like my shadow travel.”

The whispers increased in volume. They mumbled promises and gifts for the two children of death.

“I have no idea where it goes,” Nico started, his grip on Hazel’s hand tightening, “we shouldn’t try it.”

Hazel stared at the entrance and waited before answering, “but what if this is the only way we might be able to get answers?”

Nico sighed, looking at Hazel instead of the hole in front of her, “Okay. Fine. Do you remember what I’ve taught you about fighting?”

Oh yeah. Nico had been giving her some beginner training on how to fight. He refused to allow her to use a sword right now, but she wasn’t bad at with a knife (behind his back she would make it do flips in the air). He wasn’t a bad teacher, despite his sarcastic comments when she messed up. It just wasn’t at the time of her mind due to how busy they were.

“Yeah, I would make a great chef.”

“Please never let me eat any of your food.”

Hazel lightly laughed as Nico took a step closer to the hole. He looked back at her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, “you ready?”

“Probably not. Let’s go.” She responded.

Nico guided them both forward, and the two fell into the darkness.