Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Jason is not supposed to be on guard duty, he's supposed to help Reyna with the last praetor stuff.
Before he finally steps down. But they're down men, and he doesn't mind it. He can take care of guard duty alone, so it's better that way. That's what he told Reyna, that he had to show initiative.
That people should begin to trust them again, as just an ordinary soldier. But Jason just wanted to be alone, to leave the choking feeling of camp Jupiter and his responsibilities.
Just for a little while. To be alone with his thoughts, without feeling like he was failing everything that he was. Without the stares and the feeling of being “praetor Grace” someone that he is not.

But he's been standing for two hours and he's definitely regretting it.
His body doesn't hurt, it's not the physical side. He thought maybe it would help, it hasn’t yet.
It's just been so long since he's done this, doing nothing. Well technically he's guarding the east door, but no one comes this way. There have been so few demigods lately, only a very small handful. It feels useless standing here on guard.

But it's fine he can think, his mind falls obviously on Frank. Almost on impulse his hand finds the small package he has under the armor. Just to be sure that it's there, that he hadn't imagined his best friend. The package is there safe and sound, packed away in a sliver of Franks t-shirt. Jason fells his breathing slow, and his heart feels normal again as he rubs the fabric.

This is why he has to stop doing this work. But Jason was just having a rough couple of weeks.
That was why he just needed a little break from praetor. This was what Jason was thinking when the guy came into view.

He looked like a skeleton. Small figure, dark hair, pale skin, and faded black jeans and a t-shirt.
He was also carrying an older woman on his back.

As he stumbled up the hill, panting in the sun, Jason got the intense feeling of power he last had felt with Frank. He was clearly a demigod, he could see Jason through the mist.As he reached the door his voice came out rasped and underused.

”Help me”

His voice was subdued, and there was some sort of accent that Jason did not recognize.
The boy was small, but he was older than Jason had first thought. His arms were shaking under the weight of the old woman.

“yeah of course I wanna help you”

Jason says, and he means it. The boy nods, and Jason can how tired he is, bags under his eyes, old clothes. He carefully opens the door and to let the demigod through.
He wants to help him carry the woman, but when he reaches out, she slaps his hand. She has too much strength for her frail body. Not a normal woman then.

“Jason, this is not a burden for you to bear”
She tells him, and her voice is strong powerful. Jason's suspicions are correct; she's definitely a goddess. Jason cannot handle a goddess not now. Sometimes he hates the universe.
Because the universe won't leave Jason alone. So, he bows his head at the goddess, and pushes the demigod towards the tunnel. But before he can open the door, gorgons attack.

Besides running from his life, Jason enjoys the exercise he gets from running and fighting monsters.
He's finally doing something, helping someone. But it becomes clear that they're not going to get out of here. Jason's forehead is throbbing and bleeding. The boy is panting, and he's gone even more pale. Jason knows the inevitable, they can’t make it not with Jason dragging the guy like this. He had grabbed onto the other demigods and started almost pulling him beside him.
“We can't make it”

He yells at the boy.
His mind is scrambling for ideas, maybe he can lure the gorgons away. So that they can get away.
But it's so stupid there are two gorgons and Jason is just one demigod. The boy stumbles and falls, he's still holding onto the goddess. Jason rushes to help him up, but the gorgons are right behind them.

“Shit”
he says, and Jason verbally agrees “Yeah, shit”.

“Run, Il take care of them”

Jason collects all his powers, lets the electricity stream through him.
Then he lets go and sends his lightning towards one of the gorgons.
It hits.

But Jason is tired, drained and he can’t get up. The gorgons are already starting to form again, and Jason cant get up. Hopefully they got away. He hears heavy breathing, and a foot shakes his shoulder, its the boy.

“Do you trust me?”

It's weird but Jason does trust him, he must really have lost a lot of blood.But he nods.
The guy carefully rearranges the goddess on his back, now only supporting the woman with his right arm. Then he grips onto Jasons hand. Jason doesn't even get to register the hand in his, cold and slippery from the blood. Then he gets sucked into darkness.

Jason is wet and puking into the little Tiber, it's probably not good to puke into a sacred river.
But Jason's head is spinning, and everything feels wrong. So his body decided to remove all the contents of his stomach, which is great really.

When he finally stops puking Jason squints towards the sun. To his left the demigod is staring down at him, he looks sheepish. He dropped the goddess and she is now sitting and pulling at the straws.

“Sorry I wasn't sure it was going to work ”

He truly does look sorry, but Jasons actually not sure what happened, or why he is wet but this boy saved his life.
But he manages a
“Thanks”.

The boy smiles, and small dimples appear on his cheeks.
That's when Jason realizes the goddess has begun transforming, he barely manages to cover his eyes, as he is bathed in golden light.

Shes younger now, beautiful. At the back of Jason's mind something tingles. A memory he knows this woman. But the thought disappears as the woman completes her transformation. Jason recognizes her the old woman has transformed into Juno, Jason doesn't know how to feel about that.

He hears the gorgons before he sees them. As he struggles to get up, his head throbbing. But Juno waves her beautiful hand. The gorgons disappear. Just like that the imminent death that had loomed over them disappears. Juno could have done this the whole time, there was no need for the guy to drag her across the river and risk his life. But Jason's hatred is stifled inside of him unable to move past his lips.

Jason turns towards her, but then he hears.

“I need a nap, I think I might pass out”
It comes from behind him, and then the guy faints. Jason doesn't get to catch him really, but he makes sure he doesn't hit his head on the ground.

He had to turn his back to Queen Juno, and after gently sitting down in the grass, the boy now cradled in his lap, his eyes turn towards her.Her brown hair, and dark eyes look at him.
He feels like she's staring into his soul, like she knows everything he's thinking, and that she hates it..
“Juno”

He feels himself whisper. The goddess smiles at him, and it feels like he's being wrapped in a warm cloak. Something familiar. This is a queen, show her respect his mind whispers. But Jason can't let go of the boy, so he just stares.

“Jason my champion”

She says, and Jason feels a sort of pride. She knows who he is. But he is not her champion.
Jason is just well, no one, besides his fathers son.

“Nico”

She turns towards the boy in Jason's arms. Nico Jason assumes his name is. Then she turns towards the gate.

“Camp Jupiter”
She’s not loud but there’s a certain magnitude to her words.

Which is why Jason isn’t surprised when her words seem to have summoned the entire camp, because as she says it, the whole legion comes through the doors. Reyna is in the front, fully dressed for battle. She falls onto her knees in front of the Juno. The rest of the legion all bow in front of her until Juno is the only one standing.

“I bring you Nico, son of Pluto he has my blessing”

She says, her voice hard, the message is clear, don't mess with her. Jason can see the other kids eyeing Nico as he lays pale, in a death like state in Jason's lap. They are clearly impressed by Juno, but it doesn't seem like that extends to Nico. Her voice is hard and cold as she talks to Reyna. It’s not good news, but it couldn’t be with a goddess personally visiting the camp. Then abruptly she turns towards Jason, her face stern and diplomatic, turns a little bit softer.

“my hero, I know you do not understand but this is a gift”

Then with one final half she vanishes in a cloud of gold, like she's busy. Maybe she is Jason doesn't know. Jason could feel the legions eyes on him as Juno spoke.
He knows what he looks like, covered in gorgon blood, wet, he probably still has puke on his face.
Hes the first person in months to bring a new camper to camp, and he does it in a spectacular and stupid way. The others probably also noticed that he was the only one not bowing for Juno.
There's a second of silence after Juno disappears, like the legion is waiting for something.
Then Reyna gets it together. She raises gracefully from the ground.

“Jason”

She says, eying Nico in his arms.

“get Nico to the infirmary, make sure he doesn't die”

Then she turns around, leaving Jason with Nico. Its only Dakota who comes forward to help Jason with Nico.

“Jason what in pluto did you do?”
Dakota says when dragging the boys left arm up on his shoulder to help Jason carry Nico. The thing Jason finds most comical is that he chose this he wasn't even supposed to be on watch.

Chapter Text

Nico might have a problem; besides the atrocious shirt he's wearing. The problem is that he feels rested, his body is calm. Nico doesn't remember anything, but he knows that is not normal, the 3 weeks Nico has had his memory has been certain of 3 things.

1. His name is Nico (last name still unknown).
2. His father is a god, and he's supposed to go to the legion.
3. He is never safe.

So when he wakes up in a soft bed. With sunlight falling in streaks onto the clean linen of his bead.
Nico has a feeling that something is wrong.

“Oh you're awake”

There's a boy sitting at his bedside, blonde hair, blue eyes, small scar on his lip. Nico recognizes him its the boy from the door, but he's out of amour and is now wearing a purple shirt. Theres a small bandage on his head from where he was bleeding. He smiles at Nico, it lights his face up, it makes Nico’s stomach flutter. Nico feels sleepy, and warm, rested. As he struggles to sit up, he remembers the last time he felt this rested was when he woke up in the house with Lupa. Since then he's been running on McDonald's, sugar, caffeine, and survival instinct.

“Here you go drink this” The boy hands him a cup, it's cold and filled with a gold liquid. Nico carefully takes a sip, the cold drink is warm and rich, in his throat. It feels like drinking gold. But the drink makes him feel stronger, so he drinks the rest of it.

“its unicorn draught, it helps with healing” The guy helpfully explains as he takes the cup from Nico.

“I'm so glad you're awake, you made us all pretty worried when you fainted” It's the nicest thing anyone has said to Nico as well as long as he can remember. He looks up at the guy he looks apologetic.

“Oh I'm so sorry I haven't explained anything to you” he says.

“You're at the medical wing at camp Jupiter ”He gesticulates around the room which is filled with other beds like Nico’s, most of them are empty. He continues, his voice soft.

“I know you're probably scared, and doesn’t know what’s going on, but you’re safe now, were going to help you” Nico makes the mistake of looking at his face, it makes him feel lost in blue eyes and blonde hair.

“Jason”

“What”

“My name, im Jason” He moves his hand out, and Nico takes it in and shakes it. Jason's hand is rough to the touch, he's clearly a fighter, and from what Nico remembers a pretty skilled one at that.

“Nico” He replies, and tries not to blush.

“Hi, Nico, it's nice to meet you” Jason says and releases his hand. He sounds genuinely like he means it, like he really thinks its nice to meet Nico.

“I'm going to ask you a few questions before you can talk to Reyna” At Nico's confused face, Jason explains.

“she's our predator, like our leader” While talking he fetches a notepad and a pen from his back pocket, the notepad is crumpled.

“i'm sorry I know you're probably still feeling crappy but its protocol”Nico nods, he can handle a few questions.

“What's your last name?”Jason askes still with that big smile. Nico fells his cheeks heat even more, it felt weird telling someone.

“I dont know”

“hey we have that in common” Jason says and he seems way too enthusiastic about neither of them having last names.

“is it okay if I call you Nico then?”Nico nods, what else would he call him?

“Now Juno, that's the lady you were carrying said that your father was Pluto, did you know that?”

Nico shakes his head, he knows that he is a demigod, but not that his dad is Pluto. Maybe he should lie, tell Jason that he is here on his father’s behalf or something. But it seems better to tell the truth, start with a clean plate. He tells Jason the truth.

“I think I have amnesia, 3 weeks ago I woke up with Lupa, but I don't know anything from before, only my name” Jason looks puzzled, then he nods.

“Ive never heard of it before, but I'm sure we can figure out a way to help you ”Nico nods, and he feels so relieved like someone finally believing him was all he needed. Jason seems cool, if a little strange.

Jason leads him through the camp. It is pretty cool, filled with other children wearing armor. They all smile and wave at Jason, they don’t seem to look at Nico. The weird thing is the ghosts, Jason tell him they are Lemures. They seem to run away from them, their purple bodies hurrying away, as soon as Nico as mush as looks at them. Maybe that was part of being the son of Pluto. But the place seems pretty cool, Nico is pretty sure he even spotted an elephant.

They finally stop at a building. Jason sighs just a moment before entering. He turns to Nico and speaks.

“Im going to warn you Reyna can be a bit mean but she means well, she's under a lot of stress right now” Jason bites his lip, but still moves forward towards the building.

As they enter the building Nico can see Jason's otherwise relaxed shoulders tense. Jason is right, Reyna is intimidating, with her metal wolves and her armor. Her hair black hair is neatly pulled back from her face, in a beautiful braid. The pulled back hair makes her piercing eyes stand out. She feels like a sort of person who takes no shit from anyone, and Nico respects that. Her dogs are scary, but she seems to believe that he really has amnesia.

“Look Nico i'm sorry that I can't give you a proper welcome, we haven't had a son of pluto in years” She says, and she seems genuinely sorry.

“But I don't have time for this, me being the only praetor, Juno visiting and the fortuna feast is in a couple of weeks…” She doesn’t finish her sentence and her shoulders slump, and her piercing eyes soften just a bit as she says.

“I don't mean to push” Nico finally notices the bags under her eyes.

“I just this is the last thing I need right now”She shakes her head, then her voice is calm again.

“Jason will show you around”Then she turns towards Jason, Nico feels like he sees a flash of hurt in her eyes.

“take him to the Octavian, tomorrow he can join the legion”

As Nico is about to leave, Jason steps forward. He looks at Reyna, its the first time since they entered the room that Jason looks at her.

“Are there any news of Frank? ”His voice sounds tired, aged. Like he's asked this every day, and not gotten an answer. She shakes her head.

“I’m sorry Jason, I know that you’re holding out hope but I don’t think he’s coming back” She says and there's a finality in her voice. Jason shakes his head.

“He’s not dead Reyna, I would now it someone took him”

“We are not having this conversation again Jason.”She doesn't yell, but Nico can feel the power from her voice.

He quickly moves outside and waits for Jason. When Jason arrives outside, his eyes are a little watery, and his face is red. Nico desperately wants to ask who this mysterious Frank is. But I doesnt seem to be the right time. When Jason abruptly stops walking, Nico almost walks right into him. Jason scratches the top of his head.

“I wanted to thank you for saving my life” He says, and he sounds so earnest, like he really is grateful for Nicos help. Nico hopes the blush on his face isn't noticeable, it probably is. He wanted to ask about Frank, but it seems like a sore topic. Besides Jason had been so nice all day, and it seemed rude to ask about someone who might have died.

Turns out Octavian is a jerk, who knew someone named Octavian would be a jerk? Right from the start Nico could feel that Jason didn't like this guy. Nico had just met the guy, but Jason seemed genuine and nice. He assumed he didn't like it when people made fun of his friends.

“Ah, Jason, son of Jupiter former praetor”

Octavian had started, and while that wasn't nice, it made a few things clear for Nico. Jason was the son of Jupiter. The lightning was a pretty dead giveaway but still. Why would Octavian say Jason's title like that? with contempt and anger. But by the glance Jason cast at Nico, he doesn't want to talk about it. It doesn't surprise Nico that Jason was the son of Jupiter. He looks the part, strong handsome, smiling, like a classical hero. Also the lightning, but Jason doesn't seem to have very much control of his power. As Nico’s mind had wandered off Octavian had pulled out a teddy bear and was ripping out its filling. Octavian, it turned out, sacrificed teddy bears to the gods. Nico had the mental picture of the gods with stuffed animals. It seemed quite fun.

“You are the son of Pluto, death reeks from you ”As Octavian looked up from the murdered Teddy bear, he said.

“You will bring death son of pluto it reeks of you” It made Nico’s skin crawl, he didn't think he smelled like death. Maybe he smelled like sweat and gross, when he was on the run. But now he had new clothes and he had washed himself quickly in the bathroom.

“Octavian, Nico smells like a normal person ”Jason said, it seemed like it had just slipped out.

When Nico looks at him his head turns away but Nico can see a small blush on his cheek. Nico doesn't think anyone has ever told him he smells like a normal person. But then Octavian looks at Nico and his eyes are huge in his head. Like melons.

“Maybe you can help us with our problems, son of Pluto”He says, and Nico has feeling he doesn't want to help this teddy bear murdering person.

“Octavian, Nico has amnesia, just read his fortune, tell us he's fine here and lets go”That's Jason

The rest of the day feels sort of like a blur. Nico hasn't talked to anyone besides a wolf, and service workers for 3 weeks. Jasons is nice, and interesting. But Nico is so tired, the energy he had this morning has slowly ebbed out. So he lets loose and asks Jason a question that has been stuck on his mind.

“Do people care that i'm the son of Pluto?” He tries really hard to keep the question casual, but Jason doesn't seem to figure out that the question is important to Nico, he just keeps walking down the road. He shakes his head, and with a smile answers.

“nah, its actually pretty cool” Then he looks at Nico.

“I mean I know in Greek mythology, Hades is the god of death, but Pluto is also the god of riches. Some people might not like you, I mean the Lars definitely avoid you, but I don't mind”

“Thanks Jason” It makes him feel warm, then Jason keeps going.

“Its nice, having someone else, being a child of the big three”

“the big gods don't have any other children?”Jason shakes his head again.

“There was a rule, the big three couldn't have any children” Then he smiles, not a happy smile, a sad smile.

“But then my dad had me, and its just been me for so long”’

Jason gestures around, where teenagers in armor are busy running through some sort of military drill. It seems a bit silly, but it might be useful for fighting monsters, Nico could definitely have used it when he was on the road. Jason stares at the kids and starts talking again.

“all these people they expect all of these great things from me, just because my dad is who he is” Nico nodded, he couldn't imagine living here his entire life, being looked at so much.Today has been stressful enough.

“I'm not even very good at using my powers, mostly I’m just good at fighting” He bumps his shoulder into Nico’s. Like a light tap of skin against skin.

“I'm not like you, what you did today with the teleportation, was awesome”

“I call it shadow travel” Nico mumbles, and Jason's eyes light up.

“Like from mythomagic?” He exclaims.

The word sends a sort of pang of sadness through Nico, like he's supposed to know what the word means. But inside him there are no memories, it's just empty.

“What is mythomagic?” He asks, and that leads to Jason telling Nico about this card game, with the gods. It sounds pretty cool. But the sadness didn't seem to go away. Nico slept in Jasons bed that night, in Jason's house that night. Apparently Jason still had his own house even though he isn't a praetor anymore. Jason slept on the couch, even while Nico had protested and told him he could go back to the infirmary. But Jason shook his head.

“You're not sick anymore, and we need the beds for other people, and I like sleeping on the couch”

It doesn't seem to be right, but there is no point in arguing. The sounds of Jason lightly snoring brings Nico deep into sleep.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Nico is officially entered into the fifth cohort. Jason stood for him and even though the others looked at him like he was crazy it was the right thing to do. Jason was willing to be punished for Nico’s mistakes. Jason knows that the others don’t think that Nico is powerful, he is just the son of Pluto. A powerful and important god yes, but nothing like Mars or Jupiter. But Jason knows that Nico is really powerful. Maybe it comes with being a son of Jupiter, but Jason can feel the power radiating from him, like an electricity on his skin. But that shadow traveling thing is really great. Yeah Nico had passed out afterwards, but it was still awesome.

During Nico’s first week Jason had a lot more free time, now that he had stepped down from praetor. He knew he shouldn't but it felt more and more refreshing every day he didn't have to be a praetor. He hadn't wanted to quit. The guilt of leaving Reyna alone made it hard to be in the room with her. So in a way Jason had lost both of his best friends.

His feelings for Reyna were complicated. He loves her, that he is sure of. But in a way she's everything he's unsure of in his life. Reyna is beautiful, strong, funny and she's his friend.
She is the model for what a strong leader should be. She always put duty first, the perfect leader, even her powers being able to share her strength are perfect for being a leader. She is the sort of child Jupiter would be proud to have. Jason admires her greatly, he had wanted for so long to be the model child, the leader, the praetor, the titan fighting son. But Jason is all of those things, and he's not sure that it brings him joy. Which is why he had to pull away.

So Jason ended up using a lot of his time with Nico. Not that he minds the others of the fifth cohort, they are his friends. But it is easier with Nico. He is new, doesn't really know who Jason was. Jason shows Nico the armory and Nico picks out a sword. He also shows Nico the baths which Nico is delighted about.

“I haven't had a good bath in ages, this is amazing” Nico almost squeals and promptly takes a very hot bath.

Afterwards Nico looks much better, the grime has been removed from underneath his nails and the dirt in his hair is gone. It falls in wet black waves down onto his eyes, he squints and pushes the hair away from his eyes. Jason hands him a hair tie and he ties it up. With the hair away from his face, Jason can see his sharp jaw and his dimples. He looks so pretty and soft; it makes Jason's heart skip a beat. Jason looks away and hurries to show him new Rome, a new crush isn’t what he needs right now.

Jason's suspicion is proven right, Nico was really cool. He hadn't had a weapon when he arrived at camp, but he is quite good with a sword, he has a totally different fighting style from Jason. More slashy and with no pattern to his attacks.

“Where the hell did you learn that” Jason asks, hes lying on the ground and wiping sweat away from his brow. Nico has just beaten him in a spar. This makes Nico on of the few persons to ever beat Jason in single combat. Jason is impressed.

Nico smiles at him, It makes Jason feel a little better that he’s also out of breath. “I don’t actually know, but I must’ve learned it somewhere” Now he looks confused, his brow furrowed. It makes Jason a little bit uncomfortable, to know that Nico doesn’t remember anything. But then Nico just shakes his head, and gives Jason a hand.

“Lets go again” he says.

“Lets, this time I’m going to beat you”

“Keep dreaming, Jason” Nico laughs.

Nico beats him again, but Jason doesn’t actually mind, its nice, refreshing, to spar with someone on an equal level.

Nico keeps beating him the first few times they spar against each other; his irregular style was foreign to Jason. But as time keeps going Jason learns how Nico fights and begins to win a few matches. Nico still insists that he is better than Jason. But whenever Jason wins, Nico doesn’t get mad. He simply laughs and challenges him to a return match. Then he says something like.

“Just remember I’m the better fighter Jason '' Jason doesn't mind it, he likes sparring with Nico.

Jason learns a lot about Nico, in those days. Like that Nico loves hot cocoa, but not whipped cream. Jason had loudly exclaimed:
“You don't like whipped cream” and Nico looked thoughtful, like he was searching for something in his memory. After a few seconds he just shrugged.

“I guess not, it just doesn't feel god in my mouth” Jason snickers, and Nico laughs. It’s a nice moment, but it makes Jason think of how long it could last.

It also reminds Jason that Nico can’t remember his past. It is easy to forget, Nico is confident and cool, he has all the necessary skills to survive. They had started to play mythomagic in the evenings after Jason had promised to show it to Nico. Nico is using Jason's cards, and Jason uses Franks, it was still hard looking at Franks things. But Jason knows that Frank would be sad if his cards just gathered dust in the corner. Nico is surprisingly good for someone who hasn't played before, but maybe he has. Sometimes he knows things, like which obscure pack Franks cards came from, but as soon as Jason asks him where he remembers it from, Nico can’t remember.

But underneath this exciting new friendship there's a mystery: the mystery of who Nico is. Jason knows the rumors, all from that Nico was a Greek spy, to he doesn't actually have amnesia. Or the weirdest one, that he was a god in disguise. He knows why Dakota thinks that, Nico has amazing powers. Even while Nico is still recovering from being on the run, and unable to fully control his powers, it is a sight to see.

Jason on Reyna’s orders, drags Nico onto the field, so that they can train. Jason chooses a place where the terrain is pretty flat, its for the upcoming wargames. Normally it’s the centurions who help new members with their powers.

But Dakota and Gwen and swamped. Jason is also the only other child of the big three maybe he can help. Nico looks a little uncertain as he stands on the field, his hair is tied up, and he’s wearing a purple SPQR t-shirt.

“Right so how do we do this?” Nico looks around, like he’s searching for something that’s going to attack him. Jason clears his throat.

“try doing that shadow traveling thing, again maybe we can figure out how long you can jump”

“Yeah I can try, I need the shadows to do it, stand still ”Then he jumps into Jasons shadow and disappears. Just like that poof and he’s gone. He shows up around 6 meters to Jasons left, it takes less then a second. Jason can feel Nico’s eyes on him, when he speaks.

“So what do you think?”

“Nico I think its incredible, just imagine the possibilities - I mean ”Jason knows he’s too excited, and stops himself.

“Im sorry that was - I can be a little much and…” Jason can feel himself ramble. But Nico interrupts him.

“do you really think so? ”He asks, and all Jason can do is nod. Nico smiles and travels again. Now he’s right next to Jason, then he’s on his left. Suddenly Jason can’t see him anymore, and it takes Jason a few seconds to realize that Nico is gone.

“Nico, where are you” Jason calls. Theres no answer.

“Nico”

“Nico”

“Nico where the hell are you ”Jason starts to panic. His palms are sweaty, and his head is rushing. It’s after approximately 2 minutes that Jason stops yelling, and running around in circles. He has to get Reyna make a real search party, find Nico. That’s when Nico falls out of Jasons shadow, he rolls around and ends up on his back on the grass. Jason quickly reaches into his pocket and pulls out the unicorn draught. He raises Nico’s head, and gives him the draught. As he drinks his face regains a little color. When Nico sits up, Jason cant help asking him.

“Where were you?- I mean you just disappeared” Nico looks down, and blushes a little.

“I was in china”

“China?”

“Yeah, and it was not pleasant, I’m very happy that I got back ”Jason is also happy that Nico came back. So they put the shadow travel on hold for a little while.

So they start practicing Nico’s other skills like how he can also bend the shadows to almost make himself invisible. He doesn't fully disappear, but his silhouette gets fuzzy. if Jason didn't know he was standing there he probably wouldn't see him. Someone else might find it creepy, but Jason thinks it's awesome. Jason also tries to train, but he gets nowhere.

Nico doesn't seem to mind that Jason can’t get his powers to work properly, that he hasn't since his fight with Krios. Its like his powers are stuck, they don’t work like they used to. He used to be able to just summon the lightning and fly as if it was nothing. The lightning he had managed at the tunnels was the best he had done in months. But it doesn't matter because Nico doesn’t pry.

When they finally sit down to eat on the second Friday since Nico arrived, Jason almost feels like he's known him forever. Not that he knows that many facts about Nico, but then neither does Nico.

Chapter Text

Nico wakes up to the sound of boys getting ready. He groggily snuggles closer into his warm bed. He likes the camp, but he does not like being dragged out of bed at six in the morning, for training. Nico is grateful for the dormitory where he sleeps with the others from cohort five. Their slow breathing helps him be calm at night, when at night he is plagued by memories he doesn't remember. Just a feeling of deep loneliness within his very bones, the knowledge that he lost someone. But he doesn't like waking up so early, Nico has learned about himself that he is not a morning person. Nico finally manages to drag himself out of bed, throwing on a purple shirt. He winces at the color, and the crumbled fabric. But it's the best clothes he owns.

Half sleep deprived he drags himself to his first class of the day. The whole fifth cohort is doing a synchronized fight with their amours on. Nico hates the amour, it makes him feel clumsy and not at all graceful. As he grumbles through the exercise his drowsiness is leaving his body. Moving his body so early in the morning might not be so bad, Nico thinks as he after 40 minutes is sitting down in front of a steaming plate of eggs, it certainly helps with his appetite being so tired. Sometimes it's like his body will forget that it needs food. He'll be hungry and unable to eat anything. But the routine and the fact that everyone else is eating helps, the eggs are also perfectly cooked, he thinks as he eats them little by little. he almost falls asleep in his eggs, the break from training draining him once again from energy. he's way too tired to be up, and all of them are so definitely strict, and they value rules above everything, that's not exactly his cup of tea. He sees a blonde head moving towards him holding two cups of steaming coffee, he smiles maybe he doesn't actually mind being up so early.

Jason plops down onto the seat next to him, he hands Nico one of the hot cups of coffee.
As Nico begins greedily drinking the coffee, Jason steals a piece of bacon right off his plate.

“Hey no fair” Nico grumbles, as Jason crunches on the bacon.

“Oh come on Nico, you can share with your favorite demigod” Nico lightly punches Jason's shoulder.

“Why are you always so happy in the morning, its torture” Nico whines, and Jason smiles.

“Nico its seven, I’ve been up for 3 hours, I took a run” Nico gasps in mock surprise, how Jason is such a morning person is absurd. Nico decides to retaliate.

“How can I be friends with someone who enjoys running around at 5 in the morning.”

“Some people actually like exercise, and besides I couldn't sleep” The last part makes Jason frown a little. Nico knows Jason hasn't been sleeping very well, he misses Frank. Frank Jason's actual best friend who disappeared without a trace. It makes Nico worry that Jason is so scared about what happened to his friend. So, he asks.

“The nightmares again?” Jason nods and looks away his voice is strained as he answers. “Yeah, but I don’t want to talk about it now”

“But maybe later, we can hang out at the Pluto shrine after your cleaning duties” Nico groans, he hates cleaning duty. He understands that he's the new camper, and that he has to do the worst jobs but still. Jason lays his arms around Nico’s shoulders.

“Don't worry, in a few weeks there will be a new camper and then you can do something else” he tries to sound reassuring, like Nico doesn't know he's the only person who has come to camp for 4 months. But Jason still flashes him a smile, a smile that reminds Nico of the very first time they met.

The very first time he met Jason, Nico had thought he might die, he had been on the run looking for this magical place in San Francisco and now he was carrying a goddess. So yeah he had Nico was pretty sure he was going to and had in his desperation prayed, to his godly parent, to anyone for help, something, anything. And there he was at the door, not a god or a secret new power but another demigod who would want to help him. The first thing Nico had noted besides the amour was his life force. It was so strong, stronger than anything Nico had ever seen before. As Nico had reached him, He had not smiled, he had been worried, concerned. But in Nico’s clearly delusional mind he was certain he had never in his very short memory seen anyone so pretty before.

“Help me” he had rasped, the weight of the goddess stealing more and more of his powers, he had felt himself drain more and more of power, until it was only raw willpower and the need to survive that kept him going. He was so tired.

“of course, I wanna help you, whatever you need” Jason had said, and felt like a huge weight was being pulled from his back. Someone wanted to help, this guy was willing to help him.

So yeah, Nico likes Jason, but not just because he saved him, but because Jason is a genuinely nice and fun person. But what he doesn't enjoy is cleaning, he would much rather be training with Jason or playing cards with Jason or sleeping. Nico often gets jobs like cleaning the stables, he knows it's Reyna who decides that Nico is doing it. But he had decided to cut her some slack. She had looked so stressed the first time they met and now when he sees her, she is deep in conversation and always rushing to the next thing that she has to do, but she seems very capable.

As he walks with a mop towards the stables, he gets the feeling that someone is watching. He turns around, and sees a purple ghost run around the corner. Nico can feel the tension in the air. Its always like this whenever he walks alone, the Lars run away, like they are frightened of him.

But he can hear them whispering at him: “Greakus scum” Behind his back. Maybe he is from Greece, but he doesn't actually know. Sometimes when talking, his brain is simply unable to find the word in English, only finding another different word in another language. It scares him that he doesn't even know where he's from.

Afterwards Nico finds Jason behind the Pluto shrine. He shines in the sun, and it almost looks like he's being buried in golden afternoon sunlight. He doesn't look tired, bouncing on his feet. But Nico has watched him enough to know that the hanging shoulders means that hes tired.

“Hi Jason” He greets.

“Hi Nico, how was cleaning duty?” Jason mumbles. Nico halfheartedly groans and shrugs.

“That bad huh?” Jason asks. it hadn't been that bad, it was actually fine. But Nico liked complaining just a smidge, and it was quite boring.

“Do you want to talk to your dad?”

“yeah, I guess”

“I'll leave - give you some privacy-” But Nico caught his arm. Jason looked at him, like he didn't understand.

“Please stay, then we can talk”. Nico hated how vulnerable his voice sounded.

He turns towards the shrine. Someone, maybe the fauns, had cleaned the shrine. Nico placed a piece of orange on the shrine. It looked silly, the one small orange on the gigantic shrine. He closes his eyes and tries to pray. He feels stupid saying all of those things but maybe his dad is listening.

“Lord Pluto, dad. Please accept this offering in the form of an orange that I stole from breakfast.I require your help and wisdom. Please help my friend Jason, send me a sign that his friend Frank is alive. I would also appreciate some help with my memories. Thank you uhh dad” Nico slowly opened his eyes, he felt a little warmer and maybe the shrine looked a little more clean. But that could also be just a trick of the light.

Jason is sitting on the grass, with his head resting on the shrine. Nico hasn't noticed him move. He sits down next to him, also resting his head on the shrine. The stone is cold against the back of his head, and the grass is wet. The sun has yet to penetrate the shadows around Pluto's shrine, Nico shivers.

“Do you want to talk about it?” He asks referring to their previous conversation, he looks carefully at Jason as he asks. Jason looks down at the grass.
“I just it's hard to sleep, I worry about Frank, and leaving my post and everything”

“Then why did you do it? stop being a preathor I mean?” Jason shrugs, and looks down at the grass. Nico likes the silence; he likes that Jason feels comfortable enough around him to not say anything. He closes his eyes and lets his body rest, he feels the sun on his face, the cold wet grass underneath him. He's almost asleep in a dreamlike state when Jason starts talking.

“Me and Reyna, we used to date - and it ended pretty badly” As Jason starts talking Nico listens.

It's hard for Jason to tell Nico how he's feeling, and some of it is that is unsure of how he is feeling. But as he talks and Nico simply listens, he helps him unclench just a little.

He tells Nico about their big fight when Jason had decided to step down as preathor. “It was just before I met you, just after Frank went missing - and I said some pretty horrible things. I was angry and that's not an excuse but Reyna she's just so… so”

“Disciplined” Nico says and Jason nods. What he had actually said was that he had never actually been in love with her, and that he understood why her sister didn't speak to her. It made her cry. Jason has never felt worse in his entire life then when one small tear had rolled down her cheek at the mention of Hylla. Jason knew that it was not his rejection of love, but the fact that he had betrayed her, by mentioning Hylla. She had looked so broken, and Jason was still haunted by her tearful eyes.

“Why won't you Jason?” She had said. He had looked at her, beautiful Reyna.

“Why won't you lead this legion with me? why is it not enough?” Why am I not enough seemed to be the underlying question, and Jason has no answer that would make sense to her. That he ever since he was a child always had to be the best. Just because his father was the king Jason was some protégé. That it was all too much.

“I just can't Reyna '' was what came out.
“Ughh for Zeus sake Jason why can't you just do it” That's when he said it. He regretted them even as he said them, but at least he thought it stopped the conversation.

The day after he had apologized profusely, and she had forgiven him. But something was cracked between them, something that would take years to mend. Jason felt like he had ruined his last lifeline at camp Jupiter. Nico doesn't say anything, but he moves closer to Jason, their shoulders almost touching.

“Will you Tell me about Frank” Nico asks and Jason has waited for someone to talk to about Frank. He tells Nico about Frank. How he was so awkward when he came to camp Jupiter. Unsure of everything. But he was nice, and always had a kind smile.

“He lost his mother in the army” He tells Nico who nods.

“But he was such a good friend, he never judged anyone for anything.”
He talks about how Frank got claimed by mars, and how he was a mess.
“He hates the war, and he hates fighting, that's what he told me, but It makes sense in a way.” Mars is important for the romans, he's almost as important as Jupiter, and Frank he is a powerful demigod.”

“He- was… no - is so proud of his archery, and he thought Apollo was his dad.” Jason had hoped the Apollo was Franks dad, just so he could finally feel like he belonged.
Jason tells Nico how they did everything together.

“A lot of people thought we were a couple” At this Nico looks up.
“Were you a couple?” He asks. Before Jason can sense the seriousness in his question he laughs.

“No we were just friends - best friends, but we aren't in love”.

“Oh” Nico said, and suddenly Jason's shoulder was missing the warmth. He tried to look at Nico but he just looked away. Jason was suddenly aware of what he had said.

“Nico, look at me” He said, and tried to keep his voice calm. He wanted to be calm and normal, but his heart was beating fast.

“I am attracted to Men and women, i'm just not in love with Frank”. Nicos hands were pulling at the grass, small bits of grass get caught in his hands.

“Whatever it is you don't have to tell me, it's okay” Nico nodded.
Jason tried to keep his voice calm, he remembered when he had first come out to Reyna, he had been so scared and so unsure. He doesn't want Nico to feel that way.

“Look at me” Jason says hoping he’s doing it right, and Nico turns and looks at him. Even when the tension is tight, Jason can’t help but look at his eyelashes, they’re so pretty.

“I would never judge you, yeah” Nico nodded. Then he says calmly and deliberately.

“I think... I’m gay” Nico still looks worried, and Jason hurries to assure him.

“That's great, thank you for telling me, that was really brave” Nicos tentative smile was all he needed to know it was the right thing to say.

“Thank you, Jason” They sit there in silence for a little while, just enjoying each other’s company. Then Nico says.

“The crazy thing that I don't even know if I’ve told anyone - before I mean” Jason nods for what can he even say to that.

“Well, I am happy you felt you could tell me”

“Yeah, so am I”

As they sit there Jason feels content and happy. He can see the camp from up here, the busy people and Hanibal. With Jason, Nico’s eyes are closed. He's smiling to himself and it was like all the tension was gone from his body. I did that, Jason can't help but think I made him happy. That night Jason and Nico stay up for way too long playing mythomagic. Nico wins, he always does.

Monday night Jason sort of feels like he's floating. Both he and Nico have the day off and they've spent it together in new Rome. They've tried all of Jason's favorite places and walked most of the city. Now they're eating ice cream at the Juno Park.

Nico looks ethereal in the sun, it gleams his black hair, he has small amounts of ice cream on his chin. Jason stares at him, for way too long and Nico snorts at him.
Nico is completely unaware that Jason just figured something out, he was falling in love with Nico. Jason is sure that Nico doesn't feel that way for him. That just because Nico liked boys, he was into Jason. Jason also knows that there was someone out there looking for him, maybe even a boyfriend who loved him. Jason is okay with that, when Nico gets his memories back, he's going to leave Jason behind with a broken heart not on purpose Nico is not a cruel person. But he would leave, and Jason will just enjoy the time he has with Nico now.

The small piece of peace is shattered by yelling. Its Dakota.
“there's someone at the little Tiber.”

There's someone new at camp, Jason gets up. His thoughts are already removed from Nico and back at Frank. Maybe he's back?
“Stay here okay”
He tells Nico, who sends him a shocked look, and then Jason runs as fast as he can towards the water. When he arrives a little out of breath and looks at the figure.

It's not Frank.
It's a girl in a brown dress wading across the little Tiber. When she reaches the other side Jason can see that she's not wearing shoes, and that the dress had once been white but was now colored by mud.

She stands barefoot, with a dripping dress. But with her head held high she says in a sing songy voice. “My name is Hazel, I want to talk to your preathor ”

Chapter Text

Hazel is cold despite the warm afternoon sun. She's been cold since the underworld, like her body isn't used to being alive. Her feet are wet and feels grateful for the feeling of mud between her toes, it reminds her that she's alive. She feels dazed as she follows Jason through the camp.
Everything is so vibrant and so loud. She can't focus. She hears something, Jason.

“Do you want-” The rest of his sentence completely flows over her head.

´”What”

“Do you want my hoodie?” He asks, and at her confused look he continues.
You're shivering, and you're not wearing shoes I just” he's already halfway taken off the green hoodie. When Hazel puts the hoodie on it feels nice, that feeling of clothes that have been worn and washed again and again. She's still shivering, but it makes her feel a little warmer.

“Thanks” She mumbles.

“I would offer you my shoes, but- well you don't want them” Hazel looks at his shoes, they're worn out, littered with holes and muddy. He smiles at her, and all she can manage is a thin smile in reply.

They sit her in a comfy chair in the office. She sits cross legged and carefully tucks her cold feet underneath her legs. Her dress drips quietly onto the floor. The girl Reyna sits in front of her on the other side of the table, she doesn't seem to mind that Hazel is getting her chair wet. There's a bowl of jellybeans on the table, Hazel hasn't had anything to eat since 1949, and even before that she hadn't had sugar for months. She doesn't eat the jellybeans.

“Hazel, are you okay? Jason is trying to get you some new clothes in your size” Reyna is brisk, but not unkind. Hazel really wants new clothes; the dress had been the one she died in. Hazel shakes her head, there's nothing Reyna can do for her.

“My father- Pluto he sent me; he has a message for you” Carefully Hazel tries to remember the words the ghost had said to her.

It had been strange, being talked to for the first time in so long. So, she hadn't even objected when she had grabbed her, too stunned by the sound of a voice not to follow it. Not a whisper, but a real voice, someone else who remembered.

” You will live once again, you will get another chance.” The ghost had whispered, and Hazel had followed her out of the underworld.

In the dark, Hazel had tried to ask questions “But who-” she had started, but the ghost had shushed her.

“Don't ask stupid questions, your father sent me- now listen carefully” The ghost had grabbed Hazel's hand in the dark, cold and clammy, and dragged Hazel further away from the fields of Asphodel.

“Listen to me, child you have to go to camp Jupiter there you will find your brother, but you must find their leader. Tell the praetor that you are Pluto's daughter, promise her that you will help find their eagle in alaska. You cannot tell a soul of your time in the underworld.” Hazel’s brain had felt scrambled, completely overworked with emotions, she had a brother and she had to return to Alaska, where Hazel had died. The ghost looked at her, her face almost looked sad, then she spoke quietly into Hazel's ear.

“Your father has a quest for you, a way for you to keep your second chance, remember this child” "Find your brother go to Alaska. Find Thanatos and free him. Come back by sundown on June twenty-fourth or die, again."

“But I don't know where the eagle is, what even is the eagle” Hazel had wanted to scream, but she was so preoccupied with running after the ghost, that she hadn't asked.

She tries to break free of the memory and remember that she is here in this office, wearing a shirt that is way too big. She tells Reyna what the ghost had told her. She remembers it word for word, but she only tells Reyna the most important parts.

“My dad said that I should Go to Alaska. Find Thanatos and free him before June twenty-fourth, he said something bad would happen if I didn't” Reyna looks worried.

“Hazel, we can’t offer you a quest, at least not yet” Hazel’s heart feels like it's bursting out of her chest. She has to go, she has to because if she doesn’t, she will die, again. Her body is as if frozen by the thought of dying. She has to say something, anything.

“Wait he also said something about an eagle or…” At the mention of the eagle Reyna looks interested. “Hazel this is very interesting, and I understand you want this mission but you're not even a recruit, and-” She trails off, as she notices the tears in Hazel's eyes. Hazel hates feeling vulnerable, she hates crying. But she can't help it, everything is so overwhelming, and she had been so fixated on telling her story to Reyna, she hadn't even thought about what would happen if she couldn't get the mission.

“Look Hazel, there's 2 weeks until June twenty fourth, that's not a lot of time. And if a god sent you on this mission, I can't deny you from going, but I think you should relax here for a little while, sleep” Reyna hides a yawn behind her hand as she finishes her sentence. Hazel didn't realize it was late, another effect from being brought back alive. She would like to sleep, so she nods at Reyna. But first she asks a very important question.

“My dad, he said that my brother was here, is that true?” Reyna nods.
“Yes Nico, he's our newest camper, son of Pluto.” Nico, her brother's name is Nico.
“Can I meet him?” The question was instinctual, but Hazel wants to meet him. To have a family again that would be amazing. Reyna nods "of course." She says. At the same time Jason comes back, he's carrying a handful of clothes which he hands to her.
“I hope it fits okay, I had to guess most of it” He whispers as he hands her a pair of red shoes. She immediately puts the shoes and socks onto her feet, they fit perfectly.

“After you've changed Jason can lead you to your brother” Reyna says, her voice is once again demanding cold, the tired compassionate girl Hazel had felt now gone. She's not mean but simply more direct and leader-like. Hazel can't help but respect her, it must be a lot of responsibility running the whole camp.

Hazel changes out of her dress in a small bathroom in the hall. Her new clothes are not what she's used to, the pants are clearly made for women, but they don’t look like anything she's seen before. They fit okay, if a little big in the waist, so she takes the ribbon from her dress and ties it into the loops of her pants as a belt. The top is a green t-shirt, it's way too big for her small frame, but at least it's clean. On the front there's a dinosaur, there's a speech bubble. But Hazel can't read what it says. When she looks in the mirror, she doesn’t recognize herself, her eyes are red rimmed and she’s thinner then she was before. The big t shirt and hoodie almost drown her, and she looks young, younger than she feels. She desperately tries to brush her knotted hair with her fingers, but only some of the knots get out. At last, she washes her face in the sink.

Outside of the door Jason is waiting for her. It makes her uncomfortable that he was just waiting outside of the door, starring. But she shakes the feeling of he seems nice, and all he's done is help her, but Hazel still can't help but feel he's disappointed with her. When he had first looked at her from across the river, she was sure she saw a flash of disappointment or maybe anger on his face. But all those thoughts fly out of her head, as she sees the figure ahead of her. He's standing in front of the altar; his eyes are closed but his mouth is moving in a silent prayer. He looks up when he hears them coming.

“Hey Jason, did you find Frank?” He says his voice is nothing like Hazel's own. But she still clings to the words, this is her brother. Jason shakes his head, “no but this is Hazel” he points towards Hazel with his finger. Hazel has a sudden urge to hide, what if he doesn't like her.
“Hi” She mumbles and hates how small her voice sounds.

“Hi, Hazel my name is Nico” Nico says, then he holds his hand out for Hazel to shake. She does, his hand bony but strong, and so very cold, almost as cold as she feels inside. She can't help but stare at him, she stares at his face and i's disappointed to find that their features aren’t similar, she can’t see her own face in his. But he still feels familiar, safe. Jason clears his throat.

“Nico, Hazel is a daughter of Pluto, she's your sister” he says. Nico looks at her, “You're my sister?” he asks, and it doesn't feel like he's angry, more like he's awed. Hazel nods and at the confirmation he smiles at her.
“I've always wanted a sister ”He says, and Hazel relaxes.
“I've always wanted a big brother” she says back.

Jason watches Nico and Hazel talk, and he can't help but feel jealous. He immediately regrets it as he sees Nico smile. But Jason had been so sure that it was Frank. A part of him had hoped that it was him. He could introduce Frank to Nico, they could talk, he could almost feel the hug. But instead, it was Hazel. She's just a kid, a scared kid. Jason wants to feel empathy and he does. But he also feels angry and jealous. A quiet rage fills Jason, partly because Hazel inst Frank, and Jason wants Frank back, the gods be damned. But also, because Hazel is Nico's sister. Jason knows that when Nico gets a sister, he won't need Jason anymore. Pluto had given Nico a sister, and Hazel a quest. But Jason's dad has never once talked to him. Jason has prayed and prayed for something, any sign of where Franks is and he has gotten nothing. It's not Hazel's fault, it's not even Pluto's fault. But it still makes Jason so mad.

But as he sees them talk, the siblings of the underworld, he can't help but smile. He wants Nico to be happy and Hazel can make him happy, she’s, his family.

“Nico, I’m gonna go for a run, let's talk tomorrow” He says to Nico, who sends him a worried look. He looks at him as if he wanted to talk to him, but Jason just shakes his head and moves towards his house to find his running shoes.

It's almost 2am before Hazel and Nico leave Pluto's altar. The darkness and cold had come slowly throughout the night but Nico had been too invested in talking to his sister to notice it. Nico has a sister, and it doesn't feel weird. It feels right. Nico had always wanted a sister, and now that he has one he knows that it's right. At first it felt strange and a little awkward talking to her. But as the night had progressed, they finally loosened up to each other.
Nico tells Hazel about his memory loss, she doesn't seem surprised, but she seems very interested in helping him.

“I’ve actually had some problems with my memories” She replies, and that makes Nico look at her.

“I have to tell you something, something secret” She whispers and Nico nods. “I wasn't supposed to tell anyone except Reyna, but you’re my brother and I trust you” she says, it warms Nico’s heart that she trusts him, he carefully takes her hand and squeezes it.
“Dad, I mean Pluto, he gave me a mission to go to Alaska and free Thanatos” The word Thanatos sends a shiver down Nico’s back.

“But he didn't send for me, he rescued me from the underworld” Nico stares at her, she feels alive, he knows that she's alive. How can she be dead?

“I know that I died in the 1940s in Alaska I was at the asphodels field and Pluto saved me, but his messenger told me that have to go to Alaska so that I can stay alive.” She looks at him

“But I don’t really remember anything from before its all hazy”. Nico’s amnesia doesn’t feel like that, it’s more like there’s a big black hole in his brain. But Nico is much more interested in how Hazel came back from the dead.

“But how did he do that? People can't just come back from the dead”. Hazel nods.
“Normally no one can come back from the dead, but haven't you noticed the monsters don't stay dead anymore. Thanatos is captured and I have to save him”. Hazel lets go of his hand and looks away.

“When do you have to leave?” Nico asks and dreads the answer.

“Thanatos has to be freed before the 24th of June, so as soon as possible, I have to go on this quest to save Thanatos, but I just wanted to meet you before I leave”. Nico watches the tears in her eyes and tries to grab her hand again. She moves away from him quickly.
“You can't be too close to me, I'm cursed” She whispers. Then Nico notices how her hands are clenched, and suddenly jewels appear on the ground. Like the earth has opened and pushed out big jewels. Nico instinctively reaches out, but Hazel moves it out of the way.

“I guess you don't have this curse huh” she says, and Nico nods. ”If people touch the diamonds or jewels they get cursed” Nico shakes his head.
“How cursed?”
“If people use the jewels as money something bad happens to them always”
“I'm sorry” Nico says, because what else could he say.
“it’s okay” Hazel says and dries her eyes on the edges of Jason's green hoodie.

“Can I hug you?” he asks because he genuinely wants to hug his sister.
She nods, and Nico opens his arms, and gives his sister a hug. She smells like rain, and a little like Jason. She begins crying small sobs shaking her body, Nico rubs small circles onto her back. He must help her, he realizes.

“I want to help you with your quest” He murmurs into her hair.
She lets go of him and looks up at him, and she looks so grateful.
“Why?” She asks.
“Because you're my sister” Nico says, and he means it.
“But we just met” she says. Nico nods, but he wants to help her.
“Yeah, well you're still my sister- and you need my help.”
“Thank you, Nico,” she says, and Nico gives her another hug.

When they leave Pluto's altar, there are no more jewels on the ground. Hazel had carefully picked up all the jewels and put them on the roof. As they walk Nico realizes that he doesn't know where Hazel to sleep.

“We don't have any empty beds in the fifth cohort, but you can sleep in mine and I’ll sleep on the floor” he tells Hazel. “But I can't take your bed Nico '' Nico chuckles.
“Yes, you can, you're exhausted. It's your first day alive. Take the bed Hazel.”
“Thanks”
So, Nico ends up curled on the floor by Hazel's bed. She gave him the extra blanket and he stole one that had fallen onto the floor from Dakota's bed.

He wakes up by Dakota almost stepping on him, his back cracks as he rises from the floor. “Oh Hey Nico sorry I almost stepped on you” Dakota says, and then he seems to realize what's going on.

“Why are you sleeping on the floor, and who's sleeping in your bed?” He asks. Nico shushes him, Hazel needs her sleep.

“It’s my sister, Hazel she came last afternoon, now let me sleep” He grumbles and lays down onto the hard floor, he promptly falls asleep again.

Chapter Text

Jason tries to talk to Nico in the morning but finds him sleeping on the floor. He looks so peaceful and cute sleeping; Jason doesn't want to disturb him. But since the floor doesn't look that comfortable, he carefully picks Nico up.

“Jason -” Nico mumbles, Jason shushes him, and brushes a bit of black hair away from Nico’s forehead. Then he carefully places him in an empty bed, Gwen’s maybe. Jason can't help but tug Nico into the bed, and then in what he would later think of as a moment of insanity he kisses Nico’s forehead.

“Sleep tight Nico” He tells the sleeping figure. He doesn't notice that when he leaves Nico’s eyes open, and with a smile on his face he carefully traces the place where Jasons lips had touched his skin.

It feels weird to eat in the mess hall at lunchtime. Nico has slept past breakfast, and it was only his rumbling stomach, Jason had moved Nico during the morning, when he thinks about it heat rises to his face. He can still feel Jason's arms around him, the soft kiss on his skin his soft “Sleep tight Nico''. But Jason seems perfectly normal as he sits down next to Nico. He looks a little tired, and it makes Nico think of his face when he left last night. Like Jason had been scared, or maybe hurt.

“How's your sister?” Jason asks through a mouthful of bread. “She's still sleeping, I think she needs it”. Jason nods.
“Do you know how long she's been on the road?” He asks, it's an innocent question. But Nico can't answer it. In a way he had promised Hazel. But he had never lied to Jason before, and he didn't want to begin now.
“She didn't tell me, but I don't think she's been safe for a long while” Is what he ends up saying. It's not a lie, but it's not the whole truth either.

“Well I’m glad she's safe now, we'll look after her here at camp” Jason says, and he sounds so earnest. Jason always sounds earnest, like he believes in everything he says. Nico likes that about him, that's why Nico wants to nod, and to agree. Hazel will be safe here, but there's the fact that she was dead, and that Pluto had given her a quest.

“I think she has to leave, my dad - our dad, he gave her a quest” Jason looks shocked at Nico’s words, he clenches his jaw and puts his bread down.
“” What does he want her to do?” He says. Nico wonders if it’s a mistake telling Jason what Hazel’s quest, no their quest is. But this is Jason, Nico can trust Jason.

“She has to free Thanatos, in Alaska” He whispers.

“Alaska” Jason says, just the word. But it makes Nico chill, what is in Alaska he wonders that makes Jason scared.
“She can't go on a quest she's exhausted, you didn't see her yesterday at the river she was dead on her feet” He almost pleads at Nico and reaches for his hand. He grabs it and stares into Nicos eyes. Nico is scared that people will hear, but Jason draws him back in.

“Nico I've been on dozens of quests, and people get killed, good people, experienced people, they all die '' he says and he sounds grave, sad, Nico wonders who he's lost. Something in his memories stirs, his sister, a quest, and then death. But it's gone as soon as he tries to reach it. But he's already made up his mind.

“I have to go with Jason, she can’t go alone” Nico is careful to whisper, so as to not attract attention. But Jason doesn't even seem to have the same problem, he talks urgently to Nico.

“They're not going to let you leave, you haven't even gotten your tattoo” Jason says, but he sounds resigned, sad.

“It doesn't matter, I can’t let my sister die” Nico looks at Jason, who nods.

“Okay” he says, then he continues.
“When do we leave?”

“Jason you can't” Nico starts to protest, but Jason just stares at him “Yes, I can - look Nico I’ve already lost Frank, I can't lose you too”. That's the end of that conversation, Nico can't argue with Jason not really. He also does want Jason's help; Jason has had experience with quests before. But Nico also must admit to himself that traveling to Alaska alone with his sister he met yesterday, might be a bit scary. What are they even supposed to talk about? No, it's probably better if Jason comes too.

They have the rest of the night until the war games. So, Jason drags Nico back to his house.
He pulls out 3 dusty rucksacks down from underneath his bed. “I haven't used these since before the fight with Krion ”he says, while he tries to dust the faded blue backpacks. The dust makes Nico cough, and he opens the door. When he comes Back, Jason is pulling out clothes from his closet. He folds it neatly and places it in the backpack.

“We might need extra clothes, it's cold in Alaska” Nico nods, he feels useless with his hands dangling down his side. There's nothing he can pack; he only has a few camp Jupiter t-shirts.

“Nico, can you grab the medicine from the bathroom? ”Jason says. Jason's bathroom is squeaky clean, his first aid bag is fully stocked. Nico also grabs some extra headache pills.

They end up with 2 fully stocked bags, and one less full. “This one’s for Hazel”, Jason says and gestures at it.

“She's smaller than us, and maybe she wants to get some clothes of her own.”

“Now all we need is some unicorn draught, money, and weapons” he says, while counting the stuff they need on his fingers.
“You know Nico it would be easier, if this was an official quest then we would get money for the train, and other stuff” he sounds irritated, gruff.

Nico shakes his head; he knows Reyna wants to help them. But it's not an official quest, and Jason, while he has a high standing, is not on good terms with Reyna.

“We could leave tonight, during the games I mean” Jason says, and he looks up at Nico.
Nico absentmindedly pulls his fingers through his hair; he shakes his head.

“Someone would notice, and I have to talk to my sister first” Jason nods, then looks down at his feet. Nico is struck with the sudden feeling that Jason is scared, unsure in what they are doing. He had seemed so confident, packing their bags talking about routes, but now he seemed worried and anxious.

“It’s gonna be alright Jason, we can handle it - you and me were a great team” he tells him. Jason nods, Nico can tell he tries to smile and seem confident. But his hands are clenched around the strap of the bag, and his smile doesn't reach his face. ” Let’s go meet your sister, then we can talk about what to do”.

It's the day of the wargames, so Jason and Nico don't look too out of place with their bags. Everyone is running around, sharpening weapons, laying strategies.
They find Hazel back at the barrack; she's clearly been awake for a little while. She's changed her clothes into some that aren't Jasons. But she still has Jason's hoodie on.
“Hey Nico, Jason” she says and turns to look at them. She looks much better, her hair clean and brushed. The mud that had been caged under her nails has been removed. Nico still doesn't find his own features in her face, but she feels like his sister.

“I talked to Reyna, about what's going to happen” she says, Nico knows she's trying to be vague but it doesn't work.

“Hazel, I told Jason about the mission he wants to come with us to help” he tells her. She looks terrified at that, but then she looks at Jason and smiles again.
“I packed you a bag” Jason says and hands her the purple bag. She thanks him and looks at the bag.

“When I talked to Reyna, she told me that I might become part of the legion” Hazel says, as she looks through the bag.

“She said that we might get an official quest tomorrow, but we have to be at the war games. She wanted to talk to the senate first” She sounds hopeful, but Nico isn't sure, he knows Jason isn't.

“We can wait until tomorrow to leave, but we have to leave with or without Reynas help” Jason says, Hazel nods. They are interrupted by the door opening. Its Gwen wearing full armor and carrying a sword by her side. She looks at them, then smiles.

“There you are I was getting worried, why aren't you dressed yet?” She looks at Nico and Jason, who both are wearing t-shirts.
“We-” Jason starts, but Gwen interrupts him.
“Chop - chop boys, we need a fighting chance in this war game. I am not letting my two best swordsmen sit on the sidelines” She moves her sword towards the door, a clear indication for them to leave.

“But, my sister,” Nico protests. “Out, you have five minutes probatio, I’ll help your sister” She tried to sound intimidating but when she looked at Hazel her eyes softened.
Jason drags Nico out through the door, but Nico manages an apologetic smile at Hazel.

They get dressed in record time, and before Nico knows it they're walking in with the rest of the fifth cohort in formation towards the war games.
Nico hasn't actually been to any wargames yet, the last one had been the day he arrived. Since then, it's been canceled, and then moved. He had been looking forward to it, before he met his sister. It had seemed fun, challenging to fight the others in a real battle. Now it seems silly.

Dakota walks them through their strategy, which essentially is just that they should charge the others and hope not to get maimed too much. Dakota had stared at Jason, as he talked. Jason looks down at his shoes, as Dakota had stared. It's strange that Jason had been their leader, Nico thinks. Not because Jason is not good at that sort of thing, Nico just always pictures Jason as his laidback friend, powerful and cool, but not stern and leadery.

“Dakota, let’s go” Its Gwen who yells, she's shown up dragging Hazel with her. She pushes Hazel a little push towards Jason and Nico. Looks cool in her amour, not small and scared but deadly. Nico catches her eyes, and nods at her.

“You three” She points at Nico, Jason, and Hazel. “Just do something, don't get killed. '' She finishes her sentence. Nico, Jason and Hazel look at each other, they just stare a little, while the rest of the fifth cohort charge towards the others.

“What do we do?” Nico asks Jason, he had automatically turned towards Jason.
Jason looks uncomfortable, he keeps hitting the end of his spear on the ground.
“Oh, we need to get into the fort, normally I would fly but -” Nico nods, Jason has tried to practice his flight with Nico - but he’s come about as far as Nico has with his powers. Which means, not very far or way too far.

“I think I might have an idea-” Hazel says, she blushes as they both turn towards her in perfect unison.
“I think I can make a tunnel - in the ground” she waves against the ground. “You can make tunnels?” Nico almost shouts, he feels a sort of inner giddiness.
“Yeah, maybe I can get us closer around back.”
Nico looks at Jason, who nods. “That might work, afterwards we'll figure something out”.
“Okay ”Hazel nods and then she closes her eyes and moves her hands towards the ground.
The ground moves with her hands and suddenly there's a tunnel. Nico can't help but gasp, he smiles at his sister, and she smiles back at him.

They move through the tunnels fast, it's dark but Hazel moves confidently. Nico makes sure to stay right behind her and when she moves too fast, he grabs her hand. Jason grabs his hand behind him. So, they move in a line, hand in hand through the tunnels.
The light on the other side burns Nico’s eyes, and when the tears disappear from his eyes the tunnel is gone. They are standing on the back side of the fort. There are fewer guards on this side but still some.

“I think we need to d-” the rest of Hazel's words are drowned in the water that hits her square in the chest. Her hand is ripped forcefully from Nico’s, he feels his energy drain. He hadn't even been aware that he had borrowed some of her energy.

The guys at the fort are laughing, smiling, and aiming the water cannons at Nico and Jason. Nico braces himself for impact, but before the water hits then, Jason lets go of his hands and grabs his waist.
“Sorry” He whispers, and then they're flying. They're moving through the air, up above the fort and onto the fortress. They land a little sloppily, Jason had slightly miscalculated the landing and they land directly in front of the two guys from the first cohort.
“Wow, you did it” Nico almost screams at Jason. They high five, and Jason smiles at him.
Nico feels ecstatic, Jason had done it he had flown.

“I did it” Jason says, and he sounds astonished.
“Yes” Nico high fives him again.

There's a noise from behind them, and oh yeah Nico had forgotten the battle. They both turn, and Nico raises his sword. But before they can even get a hit in, both boys are taken out.

It's Hazel, she's standing behind them holding her sword that she had clearly used to hit the boys with. Her face is red and sweaty, her lungs pumping. “How did you get up here?” Jason asks. Nico also wants to know.
“I climbed”
“You climbed? - up the wall?” Nico can feel the disbelief in Jason's voice.
But Hazel nods.
“You guys were just talking and talking. I thought someone had to fight”.
“Hazel, Nico maybe we should get back into the fight” Jason says, and points towards the nearest guards from cohort 2. That's how the fight begins.

They fight, and Nico feels alive. At first, he just attacks with his sword, but then he starts using his shadow travel. Small jumps that don't require that much power.
The shadow travel feels like an extension of himself, he jumps like he's born to do it. Jason's electric as he fights, it's not a metaphor there are actual sparks exploding out from his body.
Hazel puts up a good fight, but Nico can tell she's tired, and running out of stamina. But somehow, they keep their position.

“We have to take out the cannons” Jason yells, while he's locked in a fight with Michael from the 1 cohort. Nico rushes towards the canons and destroys them. The fortress loses its defense system, Dakota, and the rest of the fifth cohort join Jason Hazel and Nico to fight on the wall. They win the battle in a matter of minutes, the people who aren't knocked out surrender. Dakota yells out a victory scream, it's something in Latin. Nico doesn't understand it, but something about honor maybe. The rest of the cohorts, the ones still standing, knock their weapons against their shields.
“We won - we did it” Nico tells Jason, he’s shaking and looks a little pale. “Yeah we did” Jason mumbles. Something comes flying towards them, it gleams metal, Nico pushes Jason down. They fall onto the ground, Nico landing on top of Jason. The spear, for it is a spear flies through the air right where Jasons had been standing.

For a moment, Nico doesn't move. He just lies there on top of Jason's slowly rising chest. Feels Jason's fast heartbeat and his shallow breaths.

“Are you okay?” Nico’s voice sounds high pitched in his ears. His hands are shaking as he sits upright. Then it hits him that someone had tried to kill Jason. He promptly looks around, but all attention is gathered elsewhere. His hands are still shaking as he pries Jason's helmet off, his fingers slip on the metal, but he manages at last to remove it. There's no immediate damage, no blood. But Jason's eyes are unfocused, his brow furrowed.

“Are you okay?” Nico asks again, he can feel his desperation seeping into his voice. Jason nods, and with Nico’s help ends up sitting more upright. His fingers automatically find the back of Jason's head, he feels for a bump, blood, anything, But Jason seems alright. He’s not dead, Nico’s shoulder slump, the adrenaline rush finally leaving his body.

“You saved my life” Jason says, and Nico can only nod. Carefully Jason's hands find the back of Nico’s neck. He pulls a little and their faces are so close their noses almost touching. Nico can feel Jason's breath on his skin, the dampness of his sweaty forehead. Carefully Jason's forehead touches Nico’s. He closes his eyes, the feeling of Jason's hand on his neck calming him down.

“Thank you” Jason whispers, so low that only Nico can hear it. Suddenly Nico can hear everything else, it was like was tuned in on Jason before, but now the spell is broken. He hears the yelling, the metal sound of someone moving while wearing armor. He carefully frees himself from Jason and looks up.

All the cohorts are gathered around a body, a body with a spear sticking out of their body. Nico rushes towards them, leaving Jason behind with a small apologetic smile. It's Gwen, and she's dying. Nico can feel her lifeforce being drained. Someone pulls the spear out of her stomach, and the blood flows faster. Nico suddenly moves towards the body. He pushes the stupid girl away who had removed the spear, and with his hands tries to stop the blood flow. It won’t work, Gwen is as good as dead already. But he pushes harder onto the wound. Someone comes rushing in with a unicorn draught. Nico shakes his head at the, it won’t work.

He carefully let's go of the wound, to instead grab her hand. His hands are covered in blood, and the red stains her hands.
“Am I going to die?” She asks as she looks up at him. Nico nods.
“Do you think - “Her sentence stops, and she coughs. And she emits a rattling sound, blood stains her mouth red.
“Will I go to Elysium? ”She finally manages, through her pain.
Nico nods, “My father will look after you I promise you” he says. She smiles and her hand goes limp. He looks at her, the smiling centurion who had been alive minutes ago. But one thing is certain, Gwen is dead.
“She's dead” he says, because someone has to say it. He can't let go of her hand, even as it grows cold. Behind him people are freaking out, their tight formation has been broken by death. A horse's loud hoofs sound on the ground. Reyna dismounts the Pegasi, and quickly moves forward. Everyone moves out of her way until she's standing right next to Nico. She crouches down next to him, and gently removes his hand from Gwen’s. Then she helps Nico stand up.

“I'm calling an emergency meeting of the senate” Reyna says her voice is sharp and clear. “Someone murdered Gwen, someone from our legion has murdered one of our own” The last part of her sentence is angry and raw. She looks around at the people, with anger in her eyes. Many people don't meet her eyes, instead shuffling on their feet. But Nico makes eye contact with Octavian, Octavian smiles and Nico notices that his spear is missing.

Then Nico feels it, it's strange. Like something is wrong. He looks back at Gwen's body, and before he looks at her, he knows that she's alive. He had felt her soul return from the underworld.

She takes a deep breath, her hands moving to the wound on her stomach. The wound is closing, and now everyone has realized that she's alive, again.

“Gwen, how are you alive?” Reyna asks, as she turns to support Gwen while she tries to stand up.

“I met Charon, he wanted a coin, but the door was open, and I just left” The doors, exactly as Pluto had told Hazel. Nico finds Hazel's eyes, and she nods. Reyna gently moves Gwen towards the healers, and then says.

“Meeting in the senate, 15 minutes, everyone else go to bed” “You three better be there” She points at Nico, Hazel and Jason.
Jason gulps and nods.

It turns out that an emergency meeting in the senate. Means meeting almost an hour later while wearing togas. Nico had changed into his one black shirt (the one he had arrived in), but Jason was wearing a truly ridiculous purple toga. He doesn't look bad, but Nico cannot take him seriously while he's wearing what looks like a crinkled purple sheet.

First they make Hazel tell what Pluto told her. Then Gwen once again explains how she came back from the dead. “Are we sure she died?” Octavian asks in a drawl.
“I felt her die, and I felt her soul return to her body” he says, he tries to keep the disdain out of his voice.

“I propose we let Hazel Levesque lead a quest to save Thanatos” Reyna says. There are murmurs around the room. But Reyna shushes them. “Her quest comes directly from Pluto; we have to let her do it”.
“She's not even a probatio” One of the Lars yells. ” That’s why she won't be leading the quest, I will” Jason's voice sounds strong as he rises and stands up next to Hazel.
“You cannot lead this mission Jason” Its Octavian again, “You don't have the necessary qualifications”. Jasons clenches his jaw, and Nico sees a vein popping on his neck.
“I unlike you Octavian used to be praetor and have a higher rank then you. I am more then qualified to lead this mission”. Reyna nods.
“We will make an exception, and let you take Hazel with you even if she isn't part of the legion” Reyna says.
“But you need a third member.”
Nico raises his hand; his heart is pumping. But his voice sounds clear as he says.
“I volunteer, I want to help my sister.”
Reyna nods at him and waves him towards Jason and Hazel.
“Then Nico, you may join the quest.” She smiled at him, and then continued.
“And I believe it's time for you to get your tattoo.”

It hurts as the tattoo etches itself into his skin. Nico has to bite the inside of his cheek to stop himself from crying out. First the SPQR, then the single line for one year of service or in Nico's case for volunteering for the quest. The symbol of Pluto is supposed to etch itself right above, but it's not the symbol of Pluto but a skull that burns itself onto Nico’s skin.
No one says anything, and Reyna is quick to cover the fresh tattoo with a cold band aid. Jason had told Nico that it was dipped in unicorn draught, to help with the healing process.
it still stings as hell, so Nico doesn't really pay attention to what’s being said.

He maybe should have because, suddenly the meeting ends and Nico is being rushed to the door by Jason.

“Come one, you can sleep at my house, both of you” Jasons says, and then moves them towards his house. They retrieve their bags from the fifth cohort, the bags seem small and childish now that they have the quest. “We have leave at first sunlight tomorrow, so I suggest we get some sleep”.

Jason makes the bed for Hazel; she tries to complain but falls asleep as soon as her head hits the pillow. Nico carefully removes her muddy boots from her feet and tucks the duvet over her. She moves around a little and snore slightly, but otherwise lies still.

Jason drags his hand through his hair, as he finds Nico a spare toothbrush.
“Does your tattoo hurt?” Jason asks, pointing at Nico’s arm with his toothbrush. Nico carefully removes his hand, that had unknowingly been scratching the tattoo. He nods, and Jason carefully removes the bandage, the skin around the tattoo is red and irritated. But it's sort of cool, the skull almost looks alive on Nico’s skin. It burns and itches as Jason applies a disinfection wipe. But Jason adds another clean bandage to Nico’s arm. Nico looks at Jason's muscular forearm, the tattoo is dark against his perfectly tanned skin. It's almost the same as Nico’s the SPQR the eagle, and the 12 stripes for 12 successful years. The tattoo doesn't look faded but looks just as new as Nico’s own. How could Jason have been here since he was 4? It seems insane that a 4-year-old would have been worthy. Jason notices Nico’s eyes on his tattoo and chuckles a little.
“We match now” he says, and all Nico can do is nod. Nico sleeps on the same couch as he had the very first night at camp, while Jason makes a makeshift bed on the floor.

Nico does not feel rested the next morning, his muscles ache, and his head hurts. Hazel also seems to be affected by yesterday's exercise. She groans whenever she moves, and takes very short steps, it makes Nico feel a little better. Jason of course seems completely unaffected. His step seems not at all to be hindered by yesterday, but the smile he gives Nico is short and not as cheerful as his usual.

They leave at morning light, there are no fanfares to send them away, they simply wade across the river and leave the sanctuary of camp Jupiter. Nico has a full stomach and a fuller backpack. Nico has no idea where they are going but he simply trudges after Jason. He walks side by side with his sister, Nico keeps his hand on the hilt of his sword, as a precaution. They walk in silence on the side of the road, Jason who had been upfront at first makes his way back to Hazel and Nico.

“You know I haven't left camp Jupiter, in forever” He says to break the silence.

“How long?” Nico asks, because this is going to be a long day and he wants a diversion.

“Since my fight with Krion - It just felt safer being at camp” Jason looks forward as he says this, maybe he's embarrassed but Nico can't understand why. Why would Jason feel embarrassed about wanting to be safe?

“But what about Frank?” Nico asks because he was sure that Jason had been out looking for Frank.

“I tried to leave, but I couldn't praetor stuff you know” Nico doesn't actually know what, but he doesn't say anything.

“Who's Frank?” Hazel's voice comes as a shock to Nico. He has almost forgotten she is there; he immediately feels bad for not remembering her. But sometimes he just forgets everything else in the world except Jason.

“Frank Zhang he's my- my- best friend, he went missing some time ago”

“Oh, I’m sorry” Hazel says, and Jason smiles at her. Nico looks at his sister, and Jason. They are his favorite people, he realizes. He is happy to be walking the road with them towards an unknown enemy in the land the gods have abandoned.

“So how do we get to Alaska?” Nico asks, Hazel looks at Jason. He shakes his head.
“A train, maybe?” he says, but he doesn't sound so sure. Nico realizes that none of them ever made a plan, it's going to be a long quest.

Chapter Text

Jason buys them tickets to the train, their amount of money is dwindling. But Jason has always liked the train, and while he has tried driving a car before he's not very good at it. He also doesn't like stealing if it's not necessary. So the train it is, they are lucky and the third compartment they see is empty. Hazel sits by the window, she tucks her knees onto her chest and rests her face on her knees. She's not saying anything

Jason still doesn't know how to feel about her, she's Nico's sister, and she was really good at fighting yesterday. But Jason still feels uneasy about her, maybe it's because Pluto had spoken directly to her when Jason's dad had only ever vaguely acknowledged him. The first few hours are silent, Hazel remains quiet only mumbling a thank you when Nico hands her a sandwich. Nico and Jason on the other hand keep a small conversation going.

There are many questions such as how they are going to get there, how they are even supposed to free thanatos. “We have to be very careful” Jason tells Nico. “Were 3 children of the big three, were going to attract monsters like no one else” Nico shakes himself. “It feels strange that we've been here for hours and nothing has happened yet - when I was on my way to camp Jupiter I got attacked all the time - I had to shadow travel to keep ahead of them”

Jason can't imagine what it must have been like for Nico, on the run, with only a wolf's word that there was somewhere safe in San Francisco. Jason doesn't even remember arriving to camp Jupiter. His memories of his time with Lupa are blurred by childhood forgetfulness. He was a child raised in a military. People took care of him, they probably loved - or love him. But he had never had someone to call his own.

“What's going through your head?” Nico's voice drags Jason out of his own head. He gulps, “I just keep thinking about…” He pauses, unsure of how to finish his sentence. “I keep thinking about how strange memory is” Nico snorts, “tell that to the guy with amnesia” he says but he smiles, so Jason knows that he isn't offended “Thats what im talking about you literally know nothing of your past, isn't that strange” When Nico doesn't answer Jason gets scared maybe he sounded too excited. But Nico was just thinking.

“When I try to remember there's just - like a big blankness. But sometimes I almost remember something, but when I try to remember any more it's gone.”

“I'm so sorry Nico, I can't even - “ he starts to say. But the truth is, Jason can sort of relate. He has never told anyone before, but Nico, Nico he can relate.

“Sometimes I forget stuff, stupid stuff. Sometimes there are minutes that are just gone, like you said a blankness”. It's not everything, it's not the fact that it scares Jason shit less, it is not the fact that Jason is sure that there might be a god involved.

“Shit” Nico says, and all Jason can do is agree. “Shit indeed”. Then there's a voice from the window, Hazel. “I get that too, my memories are all scrambled and when I try to -'' She doesn't finish her sentence, instead she falls from her seat onto the ground. Nico is quick and catches her head, they carefully lay her down on the seats. Her eyes are closed, but underneath her eyelids her eyes are moving rapidly. Her fists are clenched and she's sweating. “What's happening to her?” Jason asks Nico, but he just shakes his head.

“I don't know, maybe it's related to her memories?”, he says but he doesn't sound sure. Jason grabs some unicorn drought from his backpack and they try to get her to drink some of it, but even when they finally get a few drops down her throat it doesn't do anything. She shakes a little, and Nico shrugs off his jacket to lay it on top of her. She still shakes despite the warm jacket.

They sit there and watch her for a time without saying anything. Nico grabs her hand that hangs loosely down from the seat. “You know what's strange?” he says, his gaze fixed on Hazel.
“No”.
“Those almost memories I told you about, I feel that way about you - when I first met you I felt like i knew you before, but then not really - does that make sense?” It doesn't, but nothing in Jason's life makes much sense. He shakes his head.
“I just wanted you to know, when - if I get my memories back maybe i'll remember something about you”.
“maybe” Is all Jason can say, but he is intrigued. Maybe Nico knew something about Jason's missed memories. They keep sitting there in silence, while looking at Hazel. Jason tries to lay a plan, tomorrow their tickets end, and they will have to find new transport. Hopefully no monsters will find them there.

Hazel wakes up slowly, not violently; she just sort of slips out of her trance. But Jason can see a big difference in the way she breathes, her body relaxes and her breathing is even once again. “I think she's finally asleep,” Nico says.

“We have to find out what's happening to her” Nico continues. "Tomorrow" Jason tells him.
They sleep without being disturbed and when dawn breaks Jason feels well rested. It's the longest he's ever been on a mission without being attacked by a monster.

Hazel seems better when they arrive at Mendocino, she seems completely rested. But when Nico asked what had happened she had just shrugged. Jason feels like tiptoeing around her, but its strange she is a strong demigod but then she just vanishes into herself. Jason had only bought tickets to Mendocino, and now they have to figure out how to get to Alaska from here.

“I can go look for breakfast” Nico offers after they've been standing on the platform looking at their train slowly leaving back towards San Francisco. “We could look at tickets for the bus” Hazel offers weakly, they walk slowly side by side. It's beautiful, wide cliffs, blue ocean, with all of this nature around it's hard to remember that the world may be ending. Jason gets lost in his own thoughts, and doesn't see Hazel get dragged off by the grass. When Nico finds them 20 minutes later they're both standing red faced and beating the grass.

“Do I even want to know?” Nico asks through a mouthful of croissant. He hands them their breakfast, which Jason gulps down. Hazel just sort of picks at her croissant. But when Nico expects an answer, it's Hazel who speaks.
“They were Karpoi, grain spirits - they didn't say much. But they did tell me that we should visit the rainbow goddess - well not tell me more like they were forced to tell me”. She smiles brightly at them, Jason can't help but be impressed.

Jason clears his throat “Moving on - the rainbow goddess - that's Iris, right” Jason says, and Nico nods. The rainbow goddess, it turns out, has a shop that is brilliantly called “Rainbow organic foods and lifestyle” or R.O.F.L. Her shop is also currently being held hostage by cyclops. “How are we supposed to get past them?” Hazel whispers, they're hiding behind a big boulder that Hazel had pulled out of the ground like it was nothing. Jason notices how the cyclops are gathered around a giant man. Maybe just a giant, then the fear hits him. It's like just by noticing the giant somehow he's exerting fear onto him.

“Maybe they'll leave?” Nico whispers into his ear, Jason can feel his hot breath on his neck.
The cyclops and the giants do end up leaving, which makes Jason suspicious. So when they move toward the goddesses shop his guard is up, which it turns out is a good thing. Because only him being prepared stops him from falling directly onto his face as something grabs his ankle. Jason may exaggerated a little, he doesn't fall on his face but he does fall. There's a sharp pain in his calf, something has bitten him. It's only Nico's quick slash with his sword that stops the giant snake from completely impaling Jason's lower calf. The body falls dead from its body, but the head and teeth sit for a moment in Jason's calf. The feeling that the snake is holding onto him is too much, and Jason with much pain rips it out. The blood gushes out of the circular wounds, Nico grabs Jason's leg and ties Hazel's scarf around the wound.

“We have to move now” Hazel says, and together she and Nico drag Jason to his feet.There are more snakes, from everywhere. Jason knew that it was too good to be true, that the cyclops would just leave. The others can clearly move faster, but with Jason slowing them down.The wound on Jason's calf makes him slow, and the small piece of land between them and Iris shop seems way too far.

“Leave me, find help” Jason tries, but Hazel shakes her head. She grabs Nicos hand. Then there's the familiar sensation of being squeezed into a tube. They've Shadow traveled. They land on top of a shelving unit, it crashes beneath the weight of all three demigods. The snow globes shatter on the floor and the sticky substance flows onto the floor. Jason tries to sit up, his hand fumbles on the floor and he feels a sting in his hand. He's cut himself on his hand, he looks at it, the wound is not that deep.

“Be careful there's glass” He says to the other two, they sit up while being careful where they plant their hands. Nico looks paler than before. The shop smells like cinnamon and wax, the walls are colored in rainbows. Jason immediately likes it, besides the ruined snow globes there are other knick knacks on the shelves. From the ceiling hangs wind chimes that move despite the absence of wings. Around them are even more crystals, geodes, dream catchers, and macramé.

“ 3 demigod customers, how great” A floats voice says, it's an elderly woman with gray hair and crows feet at her eyes and mouth. “I'm Iris, welcome to my shop - now that you've already ruined one shelving unit is there anything else you want to ruin?” Her tone doesn't match the harsh words, and Jason can see a twinkle in her eye. She looks like a hippie, with her flowery top, curly hair and big purple glasses. Jason instantly likes her, even as she huffs at the mess on her floor.

“Goddess - we're so sorry, we were running from the snakes - and Jason got hurt, we just want help” Hazel says, Jason wonders what they look like to the goddess. Three demigods on top of a smashed shelf, bleeding all over the floor. Iris glasses twinkle in the sunlight from the window.
Jason looks at the sparkling light, it's so pretty.
Rainbows - I love them, are his last thought before he passes out.

Nico isn't sure about Iris. While Hazel is talking to the goddess, Nico looks at Jason's wound. It's well - it's a snakebite, Nico pours some water onto the bite. The water falls onto the floor, small rainbows dance in the puddle.

“Can I help?”Someone says from above Nico's head. It's a cloud nymph, who's floating right above his head. “Yes, do you know anything about how to cure snake bites?” Nico says because he really needs help, the skin around Jason's wound is turning red.

“yes - I have just the thing” She says smiling and floats - walks away. She comes back with a cup of green tea, she hands it to Nico. “Drink this” she says and hands it to him.

“I think you misunderstood, I'm not sick, Jason is”. She smiles at him, and it feels condescending. “I know silly - the tea is for your memory” she says and then she boops Nico on the nose, her touch is light and cold like a cloud. “But what about Jason” Nico pleads, he tries really hard to keep his voice steady.

“Oh I have some ambrosia - do you think that would help?” She sounds unsure, like she doesn't know if it would help. But Nico remembers suddenly, ambrosia.

“Yes, will you please get me some ambrosia” She nods at him, and hands him a pack of crackers from a top shelf. The packet is dusty, and the label says that they expired 8 months ago. But Nico feeds Jason half of a very dry cracker, most of it rolls down on his chin. But when Nico looks at the wound it looks a lot better. Then Jason opens his eyes carefully, his eyelashes fluttering in the light.

“Here let me help you - “ Nico almost spills the tea while trying to help Jason get up. As Jason rubs his head Nico takes a big sip of his tea. He almost spits it out, it's way too sweet but at the same time bitter. Jason eats the rest of the dry cracker and Nico can see him get better bite by bite. The tea burns his taste buds as he drinks some more of it. They sit in comfortable silence for a while, Nico drinking his horrible tea, Jason slowly eating his cracker.

When Hazel comes back, she's changed out of her camp Jupiter shirt and is wearing a pink and blue tie dyed one, but she is still wearing the green hoodie. “She wants to talk to you” She points at Jason, who with a little trouble gets up. They sit on the floor, Hazel has taken Jason's place and is eating some of the food from camp Jupiter, it gets darker outside. Nico feels like they've been sitting down for hours with only each other as company and the soft humming of the cloud nymph as she cleans up the broken glass.
When Jason finally gets back he looks frightened, pale. His hand is clenched into his jacket pocket.

“We need to leave now” He says and he sounds shaken, tight.
“Why?”
“Because Iris told me where to go now” Jason's jaw is clenched and he moves fast towards the door.

“Where are we going?” Nico whispers to Hazel, as they quickly pack their bags with stuff from the shop. They don't pay, and Nico would have felt guilty if it wasn't for the fact that all the stuff they took was covered in a small layer of dust. Clearly they didn't sell much.

“Iris said something about Seattle, when I talked to her,” Hazel tells him. Nico silently wonders why they have to leave now, it's already dark out. And they don't have any more money for train tickets. But he just follows Jason as he walks towards the road.

Crash!
Jason smashes the window of a brown car nearby. He quickly opens the car door, and fiddles with the wires. The car turns on with a slight rumble. Nico is too stunned too speak and just follows Jason into the car.

“That is so illegal” Hazel mumbles but she gets into the car. Its only after 10 minutes of silence that Nico has to ask.

“Where did you learn to steal a car - or even drive one?” Nico can't help it. It seems so unlike Jason, who always cares about rules. Nico has also noticed how tight Jason's is holding onto the steering wheel, his knuckles are turning white.

“I learned once on a quest - we had to get away and this was the only way” His answer is short and gruff. But then he seems to soften just a bit, he runs a hand over his face. The other hand is still desperately holding onto the steering wheel.

“I don't have a license, so let's hope we don't get pulled over - the last thing we need is being questioned by the police”. That's the end of that conversation. Nico wonders what the police would think if they found three teenagers driving without a license in a stolen car, and with real life swords.

After that there's silence as they drive. Nico thinks Jason is pretty good at driving even if he doesn't have a license. But he's still tense, silent. He desperately wants to ask what Iris had told Jason, but he's scared. Its the first time that he had felt fear around Jason, he had been scared for Jason when the snake had bit his leg, but now its different he's not scared of Jason but he is afraid of what Iris told him. Jason drive the whole night, Hazel falls asleep on the backseat, her head on her backpack. When they stop to pee, Nico drapes his jacket on his sleeping sister, he stares at her as she lays there silently breathing. But she doesn't wake up.
When the golden morning light finally breaks over the horizon, Nico hasn't slept more than a couple of hours. Jason stops the car at a reststop in Portland, he parks the car in a very intelligent way. As they exit Nicos back hurts, and he still has sleep in his eyes.

“I'm sorry that we had to leave like that, Iris she - well she told me how we can cure your memory loss” Jason says and stirs creamer into his cup of cheap rest stop coffee. The rest stop looks like every other in the country, or so Nico thinks.

“Oh ” Is all Nico can manage. “And she told me that we had until tomorrow to get to Seattle otherwise we wouldn't make it in time” Nico nods, but he can't stop feeling like Jason is holding something back. But he doesn't ask.

“This just gets more and more confusing” Hazel says, she is not drinking coffee, instead she's having a cup of hot chocolate. The hot chocolate looks cheap and as thin as the burnt coffee Nico is drinking.

“At least the quest from my father was straightforward. it feels like a detour to go to Seattle - not that I don't want you to get your memory back, but maybe it's a trap” Hazel says this with a frown on her face, Nico can't see why it's so bad. Iris had seemed like one of the nice gods, if like the other gods a little distracted. But Jason nods.

“I think Hazel is right,but we have to try, '' Hazel says, and the two of them exchange a glance over the table. Nico feels like he's missed something. “For Nico” Hazel says, “For Nico” Jason answers back. Now Nico gets it, they both think that it's a trap, but they want to do it for his sake. A warm feeling stirs in his chest, but underneath there's terror. What if they can cure his memories? What if Nico gets his memories back and he's not the same person he is now?. He can feel himself spiraling and he knows it's of no use, so he carefully packs his questions away inside of his brain.

“I think we need a new car,” Hazel says as they walk from the small rest stop. Nico nods, the owner of the car has properly reported it stolen, better to be safe than sorry. After retrieving their bags from the car, they set on finding a new car.

There's something wrong with the town, there had been plenty of people and cars just at the outskirts but inside it's almost deserted. “Somethings wrong” Nico whispers to Jason, they all tighten their hold on their swords. “Monsters” Hazel says and when she's said it, Nico can feel it too. It's like there's tension in the air. But there's another feeling too, something cold and familiar, death.

“It feels like death here, I think someone died here” He says, and Hazels worried face tells him that she feels it too. “That way” he points toward the town square, that's where the feeling is coming from.

”We have to investigate it don't we?” Hazel sounds exasperated. But she follows Nico and Jason towards the feeling of death. Nico can't help but wonder why this is his life, going towards the feeling of death.

It's an older man who reeks of death and wrongness accompanied by the smell of sweat and dirt. He's fat, and has a white crown of hair on his bald head.

“Hello demigods, please put down your weapons i am eating” He is indeed eating, there's a gigantic table filled with all sorts of food. The old man takes a chicken leg and starts eating it, he smears chicken all over himself. Nico feels repulsed by him, and not just because he feels wrong.

“my name is Phineas, son of Poseidon I have something you want”. He says, and it feels like a treat.

“What could you possibly have that we want?” Jason says his voice is hard and strong.

“I know where Thanatos is, and I'm willing to tell you” He says, and Hazel takes a sharp breath behind him. “What's your price?” Jason almost growls at him.

“There's a harpy Ella, she's red, I want you to catch her and give her to me, then you get the location of Thanatos”. Jason looks at Nico and Hazel. They both nod at him.

“How do we know you keep your word?” Hazel says. Phineas smiles at her, in a fawning way. It makes Nicos skin crawl. He picks up an apple and throws it at her, she catches it.“You don't have to worry pretty girl, I swear on the river styx that if you give me the harpy I will give you the location” Then he smiles even brighter at Hazel.

“Stay away from my sister you creep” Nico says, and steps in front of her. It gives him the creeps how he looks at her, like he wants to eat her. But Hazel steps out in front of him.

“well do what you want - Jason, Nico lets go” then she turns around and walks away.

“That guy gives me the creeps,” Hazel says as they quickly walk toward the library where Jason had seen some harpies flying around. Both Nico and Jason nod.

They find the harpy, Ella, in a nest of books. She's sleeping when they find her, and Nico can see her spine through her clothes. She's very skinny and also littered with bruises. There's a cut on her wing that's still leaking blood onto the floor. At first she's so scared of them that she won't even talk, she just folds her wings over her entire body and closes her eyes. It's only Hazel's gentle voice that makes her uncurl her wings and look at them.

“Are you hungry? - we have some food” Jason says and offers her a cereal bar. Ella catches it and looks at it but then throws it away. “can't eat it not from his table” She says, but as she looks at it there's hunger in her eyes.

“Can you eat this apple?” Hazel hands Ella the apple that she had stolen from Phineas table. Ella makes happy chewing noises as she eats the apple slowly, she eats it all with stem and core. After she's eaten it she smiles at Hazel who smiles back. Hazel carefully moves towards Ella, and touches her wounded wing. She carefully cleans the wound while Ella mumbles to herself, it's like parts of a book. Nico can't look at the pitiful harpy, her bloody wings and scrawny body littered with bruises. Hazel talks to her slowly and kindly “Ella my name is Hazel, this is my friend Jason and my brother Nico” Hazel points at Jason and Nico in turn.

“Jason,” Ella she says “ Jason the ancient Greek hero and leader of the Argonauts, whose quest for the Golden fleece featured in Greek literature…” she keeps blabbering on about Jason, and it makes Nico's inside churn. Jason pulls out some of their bandages and helps Hazel bandage Ella's wing. Nico just stands and stares at the blood on the books. After a moment of silence Nico asks:“Ella, did Phineas hurt you?”Ella seems distressed even by the name, and moves carefully away from Hazel and Jason's kind hands.. “Phineas - Phineas is a bad man , hurts the harpy” . Nico nods.

“We can't let Phineas have Ella, it's wrong” Jason says while looking at Ella. Nico cant help but nod. Phineas definitely hurt Ella and probably the other harpies as well. “But we need the location of Thanathos,” Nico adds. Then Ella begins speaking “In the land without gods the siblings of death will find the golden eagle, where death lies bound the son of Jupiter shall make an impossible choice….”.
“A prophecy” Jason whispers and Nico knows he's right in his very soul. There was a prophecy once he remembers, and someone had died.. then he can't remember anything else. Jason's mind seems to be going in the same direction because he's become chalk white. “Ella, can you remember the rest of the prophecy?” Hazel asks, but Ella shakes her head and keeps blabbering about something else.

Jason drags Nico away from Ella and Hazel, who are talking about the origins of the name Hazel. “We can't give her to Phineas” Jason says and Nico nods.
“of course we cant, you just said so and he hurt her - he's deprived her of food” Nico says, it horrifies him that Phineas treats her this way.

“yes of course -” Jason looks sheepish, and his hand rubs the back of his neck, but he keeps talking. “but there's something else, I think she read the sibylline books - and she remembers them”

“The what?”

“The sibylline books - the ancient books of prophecy directly from the gods, they're real prophecy books - she has an incredible knowledge”

“You mean what she said about, the son of Jupiter making a choice its true?” Jason nods, but very quickly adds. “But I don't know what it means though, and she only gave us part of the prophecy but still we can't let Phineas have that power ” Jason says and he sounds grave, serious. Nico nods, he was already unwilling to do it in the first place, but what could their enemies not learn from her.

“Maybe we can make him another deal? - talk some sense into him” Jason says, but he doesn't sound hopeful.

Phineas is still eating as they return, there's now four additional stains on his shirt. He smiles at them, and Nico notices his missing tooth. “I see you've brought me my harpy” He says. But Jason, who stands a little in front, shakes his head. “You can't have her, she's her own person - we've come to bargain”. Phineas looks at them and shakes his head. “There's no bargain without the harpy, and if you don't have the location you won't make it”, he's threatening them. Nico can tell that Jason is trying to stay calm, as he tries to talk phineas down. But Phineas just laughs.

Nico looks at Ella as she hides behind Hazel, she has once again drawn her wings around her body to protect herself. Nico can feel the rage boil in him, rage that he hasn't felt in a long time. But how dare he stand there and laugh, while scaring the shit out of Ella?. So Nico throws the plan away, then runs towards Phineas with his sword raised.

“New plan, you tell us and I won't kill you - again”. Nico holds his sword under Phineas chin, a small drop of blood rolls down his white neck. But Phineas doesn't seem fazed. He keeps laughing.

“I can't die your idiot, Gaia protects me,” he says with a manic smile. He seems so sure of himself, but Nico knows differently.

“Gaia can't protect you from me, I control the dead and you my friend is very - very dead”.
Then Nico reaches into himself, he draws on his inner power and pushes it at Phineas.
Phineas doesn't belong here, it isn't natural. He pushes his powers at him and drags him down.

“I am the ghost king, I control the dead, I control you” Nico says and he's surprised by how easily the words come to him. How easy it is to punish him. For what he did to Ella, for all the pain he caused the harpies, the way that he had looked at Haze. He drains Phineas life force, and the man collapses on the ground, shaking. “Tell us the location” He says,and looks down at the dead man beneath him, he's shaking in pain and his eyes are glassy. He's much more of a ghost then alive now, but he's still attached to his body and his body feels pain. “Tell us and I will make the pain go away”. He tells Nico the location, and Nico sets him free of the pain. His body disappears in a cloud of gold dust. Nico falls onto the ground as soon as he's done, his chest is heaving, his legs shaking. He looks at the dust on the ground, and begins crying.

“you made him go away?” its Ella's voice and her gentle feathery touch that pull him out of the trance. She looks at him and her once sorrowful eyes are filled with hope. Nico nods, and she smiles at him. “Thank you, thank you” she says. Nico can't help but smile at the harpy.

They leave Portland in a stolen green car, Ella sits up front with Jason, her wings are folded behind her, but she almost can't fit. She seems fascinated with the radio and keeps turning it on and off, while giggling. Nico sits in the back with Hazel. He cant look at Jason not yet, not after what he did.

“What do you think we're going to find in Seattle?” Nico asks Hazel. “I don't know but I don't think Jason is being entirely truthful”.
“Yeah I don't think so either, but I trust him” He does trust Jason but he's just not sure if Jason trusts him anymore.
Hazel nods, and squeezes his hand.
“If you trust him, then I do too”.

Chapter Text

The ride isn't long, but Nico still feels sort of carsick. He's not sure he's ever going to get used to cars. Upfront Ella and Jason talk,well it's mostly Ella spitting facts. But Jason seems interested and listens to her, it's sort of sweet how he actively listens and talks to her. Jason seems better now that they've left Portland but Nico still can't help but feel something is wrong.

“You didn't want to tell me you were afraid it wouldn't be true - am I right? '' Nico knows how he feels, sometimes you want to keep something for yourself or it won't come true. After awhile Jason nods, but he doesn't look comforted, he looks sad it must have been some shock to learn that he has a sister.

“Jason, where are we going?- is it seattle?” Hazel asks Jason. Jason nods, and takes a right turn on the highway. “Were going to visit Reyna's sister, Hylla - Iris said that she could help us”

Reyna's sister, maybe that's what Jason was worried about. He and Reyna were not on the best of terms after their apparently disastrous breakup. Nico wonders this as they pull up at an AMAZON warehouse, it's not where Nico had expected to find Reyna's sister. Nico had imagined an older Reyna, maybe a boxer.

Inside is a classic reception like at a hotel, complete with background music and fake plants. Jason walks towards the reception where a woman sits and writes on a computer. She is wearing a black leather jacket, has dyed blue hair and about 1000 piercings on her face. She looks pretty badass. Nico, Hazel and Ella stand behind Jason, Nico sort of feels like a little kid waiting while their parent is talking to another adult. Jason clears his throat, and starts talking.

“Hi, my name is Jason - im looking for Hylla” he says and then gives the girl an awkward smile. She doesn't smile back, instead she draws a pistol and aims it at Jason.

“Hi Jason - my name is Kinzie, you and your friends are coming with me” She says and as she talks Nico sees her pierced tongue. And in no time there are 10 other girls dressed for battle drop down on them. Nico wants to think that they could take the girls in a fair fight. But they look quite trained, and Nico doesn't want to fight them, when the gun is pointed straight at Jason's head.

“Look Kinzie there might have been a misunderstanding - we're here to talk to Hylla, we want her help” Jason says and his voice is completely calm like he doesn't have a gun pointed right at him. “Misunderstanding, noun a failure to understand something correctly..” Ella says and flaps her wings. The girls raise their weapons at Ella, and Nico quickly moves in front of her and draws his sword, he has to protect Ella. Hazel seems to have the same idea and moves towards him, but one of the girls grabs her and suddenly there's a knife at her throat.

“Look Jason there's no entrance for boys and we don't appreciate monsters either” Kinzie points her head at Ella who hides her face in Nicos shoulder.

“Don't hurt them, dont hurt my sister” Nico says and widens his stance, Nico doesn't think she could handle it if they got hurt again. “don't worry we won't” The girl in front of him says,and moves forwards. As Nico tries to fight her, then there's a sharp pain in the back of his head, dirty tricks he thinks as he once again loses consciousness. Ellas confused eyes are the last thing he sees as his eyes go black.
“Don't hurt my friends..” Nico manages to say just before he passes out.

Nico is dreaming.
He's standing in a dark throne room, and looks up at his dad. “It should have been Bianca who survived” his dad says and his voice is cold as ice. Nico knows this is a memory but it still hurts, Bianca his….. his …… The memory disappears.

Nico is fighting, his stygian sword slashes enemy after enemy. His dad is by his side, with an army of dead. Despite the situation Nico felt happy, his dad listened to him. He runs up the hill and has to find the others.There's a gigantic toppled statue of goddess in the way. Underneath is a girl, she has electric blue eyes black hair. Nico knows her, she looks just like…

His memory is interrupted, and Nico wants to scream. He was so close to remembering where he had met her before. There's a boy in his dream he has blond hair and sleepy eyes, hes sitting on a bed, with a bunch of pillows around him.

“Nico thank god we've been so worried, where are you?” he says, his voice is scratchy, distant.

“Who are you?” Nico manages.

“Im Clovis” The cow kid says, and then he yawns. Nico reaches out and lightly taps him on the shoulder. “Yes, I'm awake,” he says and rubs his big eyes.

“We've been looking for you all over. Are you safe?” he says and he sounds scared. Nico nods, he is safe in a way.

“im okay im with my sister and my friend Jason and also uhh Ella” he says because even if its been pretty bad right now he is with his sister and they are a family. Nicos inner image flimmers, and the next thing Clovis says is impossible to hear.

“...its like youve been blocked” Nico is certain he hears the last part. But the dream feels blurred and scratchy. Nico has lots of things to ask but he has one more important then the others. “Clovis is Frank Zhang with you, is he alive?”Nico expects Clovis to shake his head and say he doesn't know anything. But Clovis nods and opens his mouth as if to speak. But Nico interrupts him, theres not much time “Clovis listen, tell Frank that Jason didnt give up on him, that he's still looking for him, tell him that Jason loves him” Clovis mouths the words and he nods. “Its important tell him okay?” Clovis nods and Nico knows that the connection is almost broken. But there's one last thing that he has to ask. “What was my sisters name?” he asks and Clovis looks at him and says. “ her name was Bianca, Bianca di angelo '' then he disappears and Nico is pulled back into another memory.

When Nico wakes up it's hard to breathe. His body hurts and hot tears are rolling down his cheeks. someone is touching his head, mild strokes going through his hair. It calms him, to feel the slender fingers move across his scalp. After a few minutes he's calmed down enough to look around the room. The room is concrete, no windows, only one locked door. Nicos head is laying in Jason's lap, and it's Jason's warm fingers that had helped Nico out of the panic he had felt when waking. Nico sits up against the cool wall, the concrete is cold and slippery.

“Are you alright?” Jason's voice is full of concern and his brow is furrowed. Nico almost nods and says he's fine, but Jason seems so worried so Nico tells him the truth.

“No - I had a dream” Jason nods like he understands.

“About your memories?”

“yes” Nico nods, he clears his throat and starts talking.

Jason looks at Nico as he tells him about his dream. His hair is messy, his eyes are red rimmed from crying, but Jason can't help but think he's the most beautiful boy he's ever seen. Then he wants to kick himself for it, Nico has a hard time and Jason is his friend and he has to listen.

“I talked to someone in my dream, someone from my past, his name is Clovis and he told me stuff” Nico stops like he's afraid of talking. Jason lets him sit a while and then Nico begins again.

“My last name is Di angelo, and I had an older sister her name was Bianca”. The word had sticks out to Jason.

“What happened to her?” He asks, because he has to.

“She died, I dont know how or when but she died” The words seem to have an immense strain on Nico and he starts crying again. Jason wants to help him, wipe away his tears.

“Nico, I'm so sorry, if there's anything I can do?” Jason says.

“Can I have a hug?” Nico asks and Jason opens his arms. Nico is cold in Jason's embrace but Jason doesn't mind, he has enough heat for both of them.They stand like that for a while feeling each other's heartbeats. Jason can't help but be happy that they're here together,he desperately wants to know where Hazel and Ella are, but at least he has Nico. Jason is happy that he can help Nico through this hard time.

“Thank you” Nico says and Jason nods.
“I asked Clovis about Frank, you know just to be safe, I tough that if im here maybe he's there” Nico whispers into Jason's chest, and Jason feels his heart skip a beat. Suddenly hes sweating.

“And?” he gets out.

Nico wipes his tears and his dark brown eyes stare directly into Jasons, his stare is intense but Jason doesn't mind.
“Franks alive, he's okay” he says. Now it's Jason's turn to cry but it's happy tears “I knew it” he says and he can't help but smile. He grabs Nicos waist and spins him around. he cant help it he's so happy, he knew of course that Frank was alive but still.

“I'm sorry I'm just so happy- and your sister is” Jason says, and wipes his face but Nico shakes his head and smiles at Jason. “Its okay, at least I know her name know, and i'm happy that Franks okay”.
Jason engulfs Nico in another hug and spins him again.

Its at that moment, when Jason still crying is spinning Nico around that Hazel opens the door. The moment she is through the door, Nico lets go of Jason and grabs his sister in hug. Jason cant help it; he joins them in a quick hug.

“Hi” she says and then she smiles.
“Hi” Nico says his voice is still thick from crying.
“Are you guys okay?” She asks, clearly thinking of their tear streamed faces and Nicos glazed look.

“were fine” Jason states and looks behind her for Ella.
“Wheres Ella?” Nico asks, hes been looking for too.

“we need to find her before escaping, but come on” she grabs both of their hands and drags them out into the hallway. What follows is a daring escape, where Hazel explodes a lot of jewels which is cool. They run corridor after corridor until they reach a big warehouse-like room. Hazel runs towards a cage with a beautiful horse, but Jason's eyes are caught by another cage where Ella sits. The lock seems complex, and Jason wishes he had some mechanic with him. Nico just looks confused, so Jason tries to break it with some of the merchandise from around them but it doesn't work.

“We need to leave now- Hylla she gave us a few minutes before they send them after us” Hazel says, she's managed to get the horse out of its cage, but the key she has doesn't seem to work on Ellas cage. “I could try my powers but I have to keep summoning gold for Arion, and it drains me” she says and Jason has an idea, a crazy idea.

“Okay Ella step away from the cage, Nico Hazel get back” he says and after making sure that they've moved away, He summons the storm, and electricity cracks through his body. He redirects all of the electricity into his hands that are holding the lock. With a crack and thunder a lightning strikes through the ceiling and into Jason's body. The lock melts in Jason's hand as well as some of the bars. The hot metal burns Jason's hands the tears well up in Jason's eyes. Nico reaches into the cage and pulls out Ella who had curled up in the corner. Hazel while still keeping a firm grip on Arion reaches into her backpack for the Unicorn draught, Jason registers all of this in a haze of pain. His hands burn, and he can feel the metal burning away at his hands. Nico unclenches Jason's hands and pours water over them. There's already red blisters on both of Jasons hands, and the smell of burning flesh make Jason want to puke. Then Hazel pours some unicorn draught on his hands. Nico soaks some bandages and binds them on Jason's hands.

“Jason im sorry but we have to go, here hold onto me” Nico supports Jason as they move towards the horse. Hazel sits upfront, on the horse. Ella sits in the chariot while loudly exclaiming that she doesn't like horses. Jason can't get into the chariot himself, and Nico has to help him, Jason would feel embarrassed but he's in so much pain it doesn't matter. It also helps that Nico had never made him feel embarrassed before. Nico holds onto Jason's waist so he doesnt fall off. Jason just lets himself be held in Nicos arms as Arion runs out of the AMAZON warehouse.

Chapter Text

As they ride through the country at an incredible speed, Jason falls asleep. His hands look okay, but Nico can't get the image of his burned hands out of his mind. He feels stupid for letting Jason get hurt, it was such a stupid way to get hurt. But Nico is still happy that they got Ella out. He admires what Jason did, it was so selfless. Jason could have left without Ella, but he didn't and Nico knew that he wouldn't because Jason is Jason. Nico carefully tightens his grip on Jason and lets his head rest on his muscular back. Jason even smells good.

From where Nico’s head rests he can see his sister; her curls fly behind her back and she looks majestic as she sits there on the horse. Nico wonders what happened while he was dreaming, but she seems at least on the surface okay. Nico wants to talk to her, tell her that he appreciates that she got them out. But he is sot tired, and his head is filled with new memories.
Nico tries to remember his other sister as the country flies past. There are certain facts that he knows, Bianca had been older than him, they had had no one else. Nico loved (loves) her very much, and when she died, he was devastated. Her death is one of the things that Nico knows is a core part of who he is, even when he didn't have any memories of her, she was still there. Nico can feel himself grieve, the way his chest aches with sadness. In a way it was much easier before, to not miss her so dearly. But he also remembers love, the way that her hair smelled of cinnamon and vanilla, her bony hugs. It hurts so much that she's died, but Nico also feels better knowing that he at least remembers her.

The chariots wheel falls off around Vancouver, or at least that's what Ella tells him. How she even knows that's where they are is a mystery to Nico, but Ella keeps repeating that they're in Vancouver and Nico chooses to believe her. Hazel helps Jason out of the chariot, he winces when she as much as gently brushes his hands.

Ella looks at Jason “Hurt?” She says and points at Jason's hands. Jason nods while cradling his hands towards his chest. They are still bandaged, and the fingers look swollen.

“Friend hurt, auch?” Ella says and Jason once again nods.
“Friend hurt, because of Ella? -hurt because of Ella?” She says and big fat tears fall from her eyes.
“Ella it's okay, look I got hurt but it's okay I wanted to save you” Jason says, and he reaches out with his bandaged hands.

“Save Ella?” Ella repeats.

“Yeah, you're my friend and I wanted to save you.”

Jason engulfs her in a hug, she rubs her feathers on his back. God Jason is so nice, how he cares for Ella who others might not help.
Nico likes that about Jason, that he doesn't ask for anything in return. Nico’s cheeks warm as he looks at Jason, even with bandaged hands and windswept hair he looks incredible. Nico wants to hug him, kiss him. He has to look away from them.

To get away from his thoughts he walks over to Hazel. She's carrying Arion’s Muzzle and feeding him pieces of gold. “do you have to leave?” she whispers into his mane. But Arion gallops away as soon as the last piece of gold is eaten. “You're good with horses, they have never liked me” he tells Hazel as she sniffles while looking at the dust cloud Arion left behind.

“I think he just likes the gold, but I am going to miss him” she smiles sadly, and Nico puts his arm around her. Nico is not going to miss the horse, but he doesn't say that to her.

“Where are we going from now?” Hazel asks, and Nico doesn't know. He feels like most of this quest has been them just wondering where they are going. Maybe it's like this on all quests, but Nico is getting quite tired of it. Why couldn't his father have just told Hazel where to go?
preferably handed her a pin on a map, this is where you need to go. But no, they must stop all of these random places and meet monsters.

“I think we should see Franks grandma; I think she lives around here” Jason says. Honestly Nico isn't sure its a good idea, Jasons and Franks relationship is still a hot topic, and now theyre going to meet his grandma? . “Sure, why not,” Hazel says and smiles. But her smile is strained, and Nico knows how she feels it's another detour. But Jason doesn't even seem excited, he seems muted and a little sad. They don't talk much, as they walk.

But when they find the house that Jason tells them he's pretty sure is Frank's grandma's house Jason seems downright miserable. The place is crawling with these gigantic man things, that Nico knows instantly are called Laistrygonian giants (thanks memory!) They hide behind a stone fence and look at them.

“Alright, let's take them out” Jason says, and then without even looking at them he flies towards the nearest giant spear in hand. His spear goes right through the eye socket of the Laistrygon, and it instantly turns to yellow dust. Jason drops to his knees and keeps fighting. Nico looks at Hazel who just shrugs and elegantly jumps over the fence. She's like a ninja princess, fearless. Nico not as gracefully joins the fight. Jason is a beast; covered in dust and sweat he keeps fighting. Nico understands now why people might fear Jason, but Nico is not. Nico is mesmerized. Jason lifts his spear and throws it in one smooth movement. Nico can see a small stripe of golden skin on Jason's back. Beautiful. A giant hand grabs him by the waist and lifts him up, and oh yeah Nico was fighting. He needs to stop daydreaming about Jason's smooth skin, and his muscular back.

They kill most of the Laistrygonian, and are now left with puddles of yellow dust. Jason pokes the dust with his spear and looks around. “What do we do now?” Hazel asks.
"They're going to come back from Tartarus quite soon” Nico adds, he can already feel the monster's essence collecting itself. They have maybe an hour max.

“I guess we knock” Jason says and looks towards the front door. It's a green door, with a mail slot. There are pink flowers in green pots beside the door. It's not at all scary, and Nico wonders why Jason hasn't knocked. He just stands there and stares at the door. But then he sees Jason's face, it's pale and scared. He seems much more scared of knocking on the door than he did fighting the Laistrygonian giants.

“Alright, here goes nothing” Jason mumbles and knocks on the door. An elderly woman opens the door, her hair is gray and her skin wrinkled.
“Who are you?” she says, she doesn't seem surprised to see three teenagers and a harpy outside her door.

“Maam, my name is Jason, I'm a friend of your grandson,” Jason says, and sticks his hand out for a handshake. She looks at them, calculates them and then sighs. She doesn't shake Jason's hand instead she steps away from the doorway and pushes them inside.

“Who are you?” She repeats and her voice is not withered with age, but rather it is as if its gotten stronger with the weight of all her years behind it. Jason quickly answers, and Nico is glad of it. He's not sure how to explain what they are doing here.

“i'm a friend of your grandsons” Jason begins again but Grandma Zhang clicks her tongue.
“Yes, you've already said so, who's your godly parent child?”

She scoffs at their confused glares.
“I'm not an imbecile I knew my daughter had fallen in love with a god, it falls in our history”

“Now who are you? what’s your last name and why should I trust you?”

Nico knows Jason shouldn't be scared of Grandma Zhang, but he kind of looks scared. This is definitely going to be interesting Nico thinks and wonders how Jason is going to explain to her that her grandson is missing.

________________________________________

“I'm the son of Jupiter, praetor of the fifth legion, slayer of krios” Jason lets his face relax and stern, he lets his voice boom into the room. He continues his spiel, all of the things he has done, the quest, the things he should be proud of.
“My name is Jason Di Angelo,” he ends.

Jason can feel Nico’s stiff eyes on his neck, and he knows he should have asked to use Nico's last name, but it was the first last name that popped into his head. Jason's cheeks warm, but he can't help but like the sound of Nico's last name after his own.
At Least Miss Zhang looks a little impressed, she doesn't frown at him, which is an improvement.

“At least my idiot of a grandson did something right, you could be a valuable ally, how he ever convinces you to be friends I will never know” Grandma Zhang's words are rough but there are tiny smile wrinkles at the corner of her eyes.

“Frank is my best friend mam” Jason says, and he can tell she understands it.

“Alright then, come inside and have a cup of tea, you can tell me what happened to my grandson” she says.

They sit in the living room, on the flowery couch and with their feet on the fuzzy blanket. Hazel looks completely comfortable; her shoulders are relaxed and easy. Nico’s eyes are shifty, and so are his legs, but his warmth next to Jason is a comfort. Grandma Zhang (and Jason is going to keep calling her, Grandma Zhang. It reminds him of Frank.) hands them cups of steaming flowery tea, there's no milk or sugar and the tea is boiling hot.

“So, son of Jupiter, why are you here?” She asks.

“Were on a quest, we need to free Thanatos so that the monsters can die again” Jason starts and then stupidly ends with:
“and well we were in the area so we thought we would just pop by”. Grandma Zhang looks at him, and her eyes remind him of Frank. But she seems so stern that Jason has to look away.

“Thats nice but where is my Grandson?” she asks, and Jason doesn't have an answer for her.

“he’s missing… ” is all Jason can say, except Jason knows that he's not missing that he has been taken. Frank's Grandma looks at him, and Jason doesn't want her to think that Frank ran away because he didn't.

“He didn't run away or anything, one day someone just took him”. Grandma Zhang nods.

“My grandson” She pauses and looks at Jason. Then continues.
“He carries an incredible burden; he will be extremely powerful but his life is fragile.”

The stick in Jason's pocket feels hot, and he instinctively puts his hand around the small package. He can see Grandma Zhang looking at him, and he knows that she knows that he has the wood.

“But you're not just here to talk about my grandson you're probably hungry, you two” she points at Nico and Hazel “drink your tea ”She says and then forcefully drags Jason into the kitchen to help with the food. As Jason stands in the kitchen slicing bread, she begins talking to him.

“I know my grandson is alive, and you know it too” she says and Jason nods, he pries the packet out of his pocket. The piece of fabric surrounding it is an old camp Jupiter t-shirt that's worn thin with wear. It feels warm, and Jason carefully holds it out towards her.

“Do you want to?..” he gestures to the packet in his hand, but she shakes her head. Her fingers warm and hot, close Jason's hand over the wood.

“you keep it, Frank trusted you with his life do not throw that away”

Jason can feel hot tears in his eyes, and he flutters his eyes.

“Look after my grandson.”

“Yes of course” Jason replies, and he feels the guilt gnaw at his chest. The old woman's sharp eyes stare at him, and it feels like she's staring right into his soul.

“Promise me, Jason Di Angelo, that you won't ever hurt my grandson”.
Jason swallows hard, and then nods.

His eyes still sting as they eat, thankfully Hazel and Nico don't say anything. Jason pretends that the tears in his eyes are from his hands and not for the trust the old woman had shown him.

The guilt keeps filling Jason's body, and his food tastes like chalk. His mind wanders back towards what Iris had told him. He had successfully locked it away in his own mind, but then Ellas stupid prophecy kept popping up.

The choice he has to make.

Jason doesn't listen as Grandma Zhang tells Nico and Hazel about some legacy or something. His mind feels scrambled, and fuzzy. But he follows Nico and Hazel out of the house. They attack the laestrygones, but Jason still feels fuzzy.

Its only when the house burns into flame that Jason again feels. He looks at the burning house, and knows that Frank's grandmother is still inside. But there is nothing any of them can do.

The tears that he has kept inside since he first laid eyes on the house fall from his cheeks.

“Jason its okay”

Nico says and gently squeezes his shoulder. But it's not, nothing is okay.
Jason has just killed his best friend's only family, and now he has to kill him too.

Chapter Text

In which Nico sleeps the entire chapter.
Hazel looks at Jason sitting in the airplane seat in front of her, she wonders about him. Or rather she distracts herself with thoughts of Jason, instead of the fact that she is literally in a metal box in the sky.

Nico is fast asleep next to Jason; he curled up in the seat and Jason had put his jacket over him. The fact that Nico is sleeping slightly bothers Hazel, she wants to talk to him now that they have some down time. But Hazel only has Jason for company. He smiles at her, and she tries to smile back.

But it feels forced. Maybe because they've always had Nico as a buffer between them.

Hazel has always liked Jason; he had been nice to her when she first got back to earth. She still remembers how frightened she was, and Jason's kindness really helped her. So she does like him, but she doesn't get him. He's smiling and normal one minute and then he just turns into this incredible fighting machine.

“Is he okay?” Hazel asks, and points towards Nico. Jason nods and then carefully removes his arm that had been wrapped around Nico to take a seat next to her.

“I think he's just tired.”

“Yeah, but he’s like passed out” Hazel can’t help but say. Nico is a safe topic, because Hazel knows deep in her bones that Jason cares as much for her brother as she does.

“He used to pass out a lot, before from exhaustion.”

“Before?”

“Back when he just got to camp.”

Hazel tries to imagine Nico being new at camp, with no memories. No Jason. But it’s hard, Nico and Jason have such a strong bond, that them not knowing each other seems strange.

“What was he like? - before I mean.”

Jason chuckles and runs his hands through his hair. Hazel notices that Jason's hair is greasy. It makes her feel a little better about her own hair, which has not been properly washed since maybe even before she died.

“He was the same as he is now, funny, sweet, and incredibly powerful.”

“But he was scared at first, he thought people were out to get him, but he adapted pretty quickly.”

Jason looks over at the sleeping Nico as he says this, and his expression is full of tenderness and love. It makes Hazel think of Sammy, and it warms her heart that Nico has found someone as sweet as Jason.

“don't you think that is a little weird that he had a whole life before all of this?” Hazel can't help but ask. It's something that's been nagging her the whole time. Nico has a life, people who miss him.

“Sort off, he told me some of the stuff he remembers and “Jason stops and looks at Nico.

“Well I think that maybe he wasn't happy before, maybe people didn't like him so much”

Hazel can't imagine anyone disliking her brother, he's Nico. She remembers Jason's calm words from before, that Nico is her brother and that he will not leave her. Hazel isn’t sure she believes him; family has left her before. But as her eyes find her brother in the dark, she finds that maybe Jason is right. After all Nico is her brother, they will protect each other.

________________________________________
It's horrible from the moment they arrive in Alaska. Jason can feel his powers draining, or maybe that's not right. But Jason has less control of them now. He can feel the electricity on his skin.

When Nico tugs at his sleeve to get his attention, small bolts of lightning whirl up Jason’s skin. But maybe that's just Nico’s touch.

Throughout the train ride the silence gets tense.
Hazel is quiet, and Jason can't imagine what it must be like to be back where you died. Nico is also tense, but Jason isn't sure why. Maybe his memories are coming back. Jason wants to talk to them, but then he doesn't want to bother them.

So all in all they don’t talk that much. They simply sit in silence on the train, only talking when getting food and when they accidentally bump into each other.

Jason has given Ella one of his sweatshirts and she looks ridiculous in it. It makes Jason smile just a little.

When they reach the train station Hazel has begun shaking a little. Jason carefully puts his arm around her, to offer her the small comfort he can. She doesn't stop shaking, but Jason wants to think that his warmth helps her.

When they only have a few hours before they arrive at Seward Jason decides to go stretch his legs. Which is why he sees the gryphon moments before it attacks the train.
Jason sees the sharp talons crush through the glass. He hears people scream and sees the glass flying.

Nico, he thinks even as he's being pushed away from the compartment by an older woman wearing a fur coat. There's a crash in the compartment and Jason rushes towards the door. He lets the wind carry him faster towards his friends. But the doors are pried shut, and Jason can't get in.

There are no more sounds from the compartment and Jason fears the worst. But the doors won’t open. Jason tries to pry the door open first with his bare hands. But then when that doesn't work, he thinks of his powers, he makes the electricity running under his skin come to the surface. He strains his muscles and electricity cracks all around him. His hands don't burn like they did before, but they still hurt a little.

But the doors pry open, and Jason rushes in. There are no signs of the gryphon. His eyes find Nico and Hazel who thankfully seem unharmed.

“What happened?” Jason asks, while rushing forwards.
He grabs Hazel and hugs her close, and then he opens his other arm for Nico.
Jason holds onto his friends in the hug, rubbing Nico’s back slightly.

“Jason was okay - nothing happened” Nico says, but his voice is muffled into Jason's shoulder.

Jason gets the story as they flee the train, leaving behind a smashed train window and a door that has electric burns in the shape of hands.
It's not an interesting story, the gryphon had smashed through the window, ruined the door, and generally caused chaos. But then Nico had strapped it while Hazel kept it busy. Jason feels impressed by his friends.

But the story keeps the time, as they walk towards Hazel's old house. When they reach Hazel's old house it's cold and dark. Jason's cold, tired, and hungry. But he doesn't look as bad as Hazel, she seems to be buried deep in old memories staring at the house.
When they step over the doorstep Hazel collapses. Jason realizes it's one of her old memories and manages to catch her before her head hits the floor.

They put her on the small bed and Nico puts a blanket on her. The house is cold, but Jason finds something to warm the small fireplace. He and Nico sit by the fire and eat some dry crackers, and a granola bar. But as the night gets colder Nico starts yawning, his head lulls. Jason thinks he looks adorable, and when Jason helps him into bed his eyes close in a second. As Jason is about to move to the other bed Nico says.

“Where will you sleep? ” his voice is cute and tired.

“There's another bed, I can sleep in that one” Jason tells him. But Nico shakes his head and claps the bed next to himself.

“Sleep here its warmer”

“Please”

“okay” .

Jason crawls into the bed next to Nico and tries to sleep.

But Jason lies awake in the cold night. He can feel Nico’s deep breaths next to him. His warm body on his left side. Nico’s breaths are small and puffy, Jason loves them.
Jason almost wants to take a picture of Nico, but it's dark. Jason wants to remember this moment, but maybe only in his own head. Maybe he won't even get to.

Nico’s soft breathing is calm, but Jason feels far from calm.

He feels -

Jason feels fragile, he feels breakable. He shouldn't feel fragile, he hasn't been weak since he was 3 years old.
He had cried in Nico’s arms, and it felt shameful. But Nico hadn't said anything, just held him. Jason doesn't want to feel shame, he knows that people cry. He knows that he misses his best friend with a bleeding heart, and that they are on a high stakes quest, that will probably end in the death of said best friend. But still, it makes Jason feel weak, and raw.

He hates crying, and now he feels bad about feeling bad about it.

Frank's life vs the world, it should be easy but it's not. Now Jason has promised Frank's grandma to look after Frank. Jason wants to be selfish; Jason wants not to have to sacrifice any of his friends.

Jason feels angry. He's angry at camp for always pushing him to do better be better, never just letting him be as he is. He is angry at the gods for making children fight wars for them, for taking Nico’s memories. Jason is angry at his dad, angry that he never shows his face not even once. Not a single word, or great job written in lightning, even as Jason has fought so hard to be the perfect son.

But most of all Jason is angry at himself. He's angry because he can't make a choice.

When dawn breaks, Jason carefully wake his friends. Nico had looked adorable with his messy hair and big yawns.
They both look rested and have tired smiles. Jason has not slept a wink the entire night. But he knows what he must do now, the plan fabricated over hours of cold dead night. He carefully look at Nico’s tired face, the dark circles under his eyes, the messy hair. He memorizes the look of his long lashes, and his slightly crooked teeth. He wants to stay in this moment forever, but he cant, So with a heavy heart and a head filled with a terrible plan he tells his friends.

“Let’s go”

And then he begins packing, they have a long way ahead. If they're going to kill a giant before the feast.

Chapter Text

Hazel walks by her brother, up front Jason is walking back straight. He seems to have had an epiphany during the night because he seems much more determined now than ever before. She thinks this as her foot slips.

Her whole body goes flying. The sticky mud drags her down.
It happens so fast she barely manages a scream before the earth swallows her.

Her body goes slack in the cold mud, she tries desperately to move but the mud drags her down. She closes her mouth and holds her breath-

“Relax little girl” the booming voice of the earth screams in her ears. Gaea, Hazel tries to fight the sudden urge to open her mouth.

“Let the earth take you, it would be a kindness” The earth drags her even further down, or is it up?
Hazel can’t tell, she can’t see. Her lungs are burning, her eyes filled with tears from holding her breath. Her vision goes impossibly even darker, and her eyes fill with black spots. But she will not let the earth into her, not again.

But her body is heavy, and her whole body is burning. All Hazel hysterically can think of is the fact that her hair will be a nightmare with all that mud. “Let go… let the gods sort out their own messes” Gaea says, and Hazel wants to let go. She doesn't want to die, not again. But the return of Gaea will destroy everything Hazel loves.

Screw you, Hazel thinks at Gaea. She closes her eyes, so she doesn't have to look at the mud surrounding her. She hopes Nico saves Thanatos, that Gaea doesn't rise. My brother will live she thinks, she holds the thought inside her a tiny beacon of light. My brother will survive, and he will ruin Gaea. Her vision goes even darker, and she feels the mud even more.

A cold hand grabs hers, and Hazel is so relieved to find something other than mud that she clings to it. The darkness of the mud is replaced by the darkness of shadows. But Hazel hears Gaea even as Hazel is moved into the darkness and what she says is terrifying.

“Even if you win it doesn't matter, the doors are open.”

it's not the first time Hazel has shadow traveled, but it is the first time doing so after being almost suffocated in mud. She remembers that Jason told her that he puked the first time he shadows traveled. She doesn't puke, instead she lets go of Nico's hand and crumbles to the ground. Her hands scrape at the dark mud on her face.
She removes the mud from her eyes, her nose and her mouth, her hands dragging the mud away from her. But the smell of wet earth won't leave her.

Someone hands her a water bottle, probably Jason, and she tries to rinse her eyes. But her vision is blurry, and she misses. Callused hands grab the bottle and cold water falls onto her face. The water rinses the last of the mud out, and Hazel can finally see again.

She sees Jason's worried face and his pale cheeks as he hands her back the water bottle.
“Are you alright?” Jason asks, and no Hazel is not. But she can breathe and that's enough, so she nods at Jason, who carefully smiles at her. Then he gives her a quick hug and rushes over towards Nico. Hazel tries to get some of the mud off her clothes and wash her face. It's not that bad all things considered, it's only her other layers that are really soaked with mud. Thankfully she still has both shoes, her hair has cakes of mud in it. Hazel knows that there's not much to be done about it. So, she pulls as much mud out as possible, and then tries to rinse it.

She ties back her hair, hoping that at some point she can wash her hair again. As she does this she watches as Jason helps Nico the same way he had done with her. Jason's hands are careful as he brushes Nico’s hair away to carefully remove some mud from Nico’s face. He looks so tender and he holds Nico’s face as if it was the most precious thing in the world, and when Nico opens his eyes they are filled with love. Hazel blushes and looks away; she feels like she's imposing.

It makes Hazel once again desperately wish for Sammy. She wants someone to look at her with that much love. But she looks away and tries to feel joy in her brother's happiness.

Jason feels immense joy in seeing his friends alive. They are covered in mud, and Hazel looks like she's about to throw up. But they are alive. When Hazel had fallen into the mud, Jason had frozen; he had been thrown back in time, back to Iris' colorful backroom.

She had looked at him with sad eyes behind her colorful glasses.

“To complete this quest, you are going to have to sacrifice your friends life”

He had thought of Nico, then of Hazel. They wouldn't die, would they?

“What - I don’t understand” He had managed to stammer, but she interrupted him.

“Your friend Frank Zhang - the one whose life you carry in your pocket.”

Jasons had become rigid with terror; how did she know? But that was not the worst of it, what she said next was what had kept Jason awake at night.

“To complete your quest, you need the fire of life, your friend needs to die”.

He didn't know then how or why, but it had felt like the wood was burning a hole into his pocket ever since then. A silent message that he somehow had to kill Frank.

“But I could never - Frank is my best friend - “

“You need to, for the world”.

When Jason had managed to shake of the memory. Nico had been gone, and Jason had been freaking out. But they both come back, and Jason is so relieved that his hands find Nico’s face and don’t leave for maybe a bit too long.

But Jason can't help but think it's karma for the choice he's made, like maybe someone is punishing him for what he's going to do.

Everything after happens so fast. They walk some more, and then they ride on Hazel's insane horse. Jason lays his arms around Nico, and buries his face in his shoulder, like they did before. It gets colder, and the mud on Hazel and Nico’s faces begin crackling. But they keep moving, the horses hoof the only sound they hear in the quiet landscape.

They find Thanatos, bound to a rock with chains. He lays there glittering in the sunlight, and his staggering beauty takes Jason's breath away. Jason is so fixated on Thanatos that he almost misses the giant Giant who stands in front of them.

Jason looks at the Giant and wonders how they ever thought they were going to do this.
Then he looks at his friends at the determined look in Hazel's eyes, and the tight grip Nico has on his sword. Hazel's horse whines and the giant looks right at them.
Hazel swings herself back on Arion and raises her golden gladius.

“I'll take care of the Giant; you guys figure out how to free Thanatos.”

Then she's off towards the giant, leaving Jason and Nico to deal with the small army and the chained-up god.

“His army are mostly ghosts, or some sort of shades. I think I can take them, you free Thanatos” Nico says, and walks towards the hoard of ghosts.

“My father will be very displaced with all of you” Nico says, and his voice is calm.

All the ghosts or maybe shades turn towards Nico, and Jason sees his opportunity and runs as fast as he can towards Thanatos. He hears fighting behind him, and further away the sound of big feet.

When Jason gets closer, he is struck by the sudden feeling that Thanatos looks like Nico. They have the same dark hair and sharp cheekbones, but that was not where the resemblance lay. It is their power; Thanatos radiates power just like Nico. But where Jason could feel warmth and humanity on Nico there is none on Thanatos. And when Thanatos smiles, Jason is not reminded of Nico and his soft smiles.

Thanatos voice is silky smooth. “Hello Jason, finally come to free me?”
Jason desperately wants to run away. But he doesn't instead he falls to his knees by Thanatos chains and yanks at them.

It's of no use, and Jason knows it. The cold smile Thanatos gives him tells him that he knows too.

“You know what to do, Jason” he says.

Jason looks at the wood in his hand. He can't remember taking the wood out. He should but he can't. Jason looks up at Nico, who's somehow managed to banish most of the ghosts. Nico looks back at him and smiles, and Jason wants to smile back but all he manages is a small grimace. The rest of the ghost seem to have realized that Jason exists and move towards him.
Nico rushes towards them and places himself between the rest of the ghosts and Jason. He stands tall with a straight back, ready to face all enemies so that Jason.

“Jason what is it, do you know how to break the chains?''

Nico almost screams at Jason. Thanatos smirks at Jason, and he is deadly pretty.
But his smile is cold and his voice hard as he says “Show him Jason, show him how to break my chains”. Jason shakes his head. “I can't, itl kill him” he pleads. But Thanatos just shakes his head and grins.
“Jason please, tell me” Nico says, and Jason hates that Nico’s voice sounds scared.

Jason with shaking hands holds out the piece of wood clutched in his hand, it looks harmless just a piece of wood in a dirty scrap of purple fabric. “What-” Nico starts to say, but he stops and looks at the wood. Jason wonders if Nico can feel the life that is bound to the wood.
The truth falls from Jason's lips, the deadly secret that he couldn't tell Nico before.
“This is Frank's life, and the only way to save Thanatos” Jason's cheeks should be wet with tears, but they are dry.
But there's a lump and Jason can't finish but Nico does it for him.

“You have to burn it, the lifeforce is what will break the chains” he says, and all Jason can do is nod.

“If I don't do it so many people will die, but I can't”. His voice almost stops at the last words.

“The worst part is that Frank would have wanted me to do it”. Jason says and his voice is soft now, but there's a hint of panic, he cannot move from where he sits on his knees beside the chained god.
Then he starts talking, and his voice is shaky. Another horrible truth forcing its way out of him.

“He would choose all the other people’s life over his own, but I’m not sure that I can.”

It's so horrible that he hadn't even thought about it in the privacy of his own mind. Jason has been brought up on the idea that he always must do what is best for the group, that he has to save everyone at the cost of himself. But when it finally counts, he is unable.

“Jason I don't know what to say” Nico’s voice is soft, and understanding. That's what breaks the dam in Jason, and he lets his imprisoned tears flow.

“Nico this is his life”. Jason says and holds out the wood.
Nico should be helping his sister, Jason thinks. In his inner eye Jason sees her all alone fighting a giant so scary that even the gods can't kill him.

He makes his decision again, the decision he had decided that day in Hazel's old house.
He carefully folds the scrap of an old cape over the wood, closing in Frank's life. He looks into Nico’s eyes and sees the sadness in them.
Then from the ground he carefully reaches for Nico’s hand.
Nico stands above him, sword raised.
But he moves closer to Jason, and lets Jason wrap his hand around his.
Nico’s hand is cold and callused, but Jason knows that there are no other hands as perfect as Nico’s.
He holds Nico’s hand for a moment, letting his fingers run over Nico’s knuckles. He feels the small scar on top of Nico’s left finger, he wonders what the story behind it is. But he will never know.
Then he carefully lets go of Nico's hand, to wrap Nico’s fingers around the purple cloth.
Nico stares at him, it's clear that he doesn't understand not yet. But his fingers wrap around the stick, protecting it.
Theres a neighing from a horse, and a scream.
Hazel has fallen from Arion, and the Giant stands high above her.
“Go help her” Jason shouts at Nico.
Who looks between the two of them unable to decide.
But Jason wants Nico to save Hazel, this must mean something.
“Please take care of him.”
Jason says and pushes Nico towards Hazel. Nico looks back at Jason, but he moves towards Hazel sword raised high.

Nico I'm sorry, really I am: Jason thinks, then he turns towards the chains again.
He has no real plan, but he knows what he has to do.
He grabs onto the chains, like he had done with Ellas chains. But this time he doesn't summon lightning. He summons all there is inside him and pushes it outwards. At first nothing happens, and Jason sits there like an idiot with closed eyes holding onto the chains.
Use me, let me sacrifice myself so that my friend may not have to.
Jason fills his mind with the need to breaks the chains. He prays to all the gods and hopes one of them is merciful. The chains start shaking in his hand, and there is a small spark. But it’s not enough. Jason pushes himself even more, he pleads to all the gods: let me keep my promise, let me finish the mission. Let me sacrifice my own life.

A smooth voice speaks in his head.
“This will hurt, so brace yourself” Thanatos says in his silky-smooth voice. His voice sounds relaxed, but there's something like pity laced within it.
Then a cold hand wraps itself around Jason's wrist. Jason feels it immediately, like something is being pulled out of his very core. It hurts, like barbed wire being pushed into his very nerves.
Jason's hands start shaking, and his eyes well up in tears from the pain. It feels unnatural. But the chains start smoking, and after a few minutes the first of them break.
Jason quickly grabs the other chain, making sure that Thanatos grip on him doesn't loosen.

Jason feels drained, as he reaches the third chain. But it melts, nonetheless. His whole body strains as he wraps his hand around the last chain. It takes a real effort for Jason to keep upright. The chain is almost completely broken, Jason can do it.
But his body is tired, his head is spinning.
And it hurts, all of him hurts.
He falls even further down, his chest now laying halfway on Thanatos legs.
His whole body screams at him to stop, but Jason can't.
It hurts to breathe, and Jason can only take very shallow breaths.

But it's easier now to let his life force drain out of him. The last chain breaks in his hands, but Jason can't move. Thanatos pushes him off and rises.
He looks deadly powerful and oh so very pretty.
As Thanatos moves away, all Jason can do is lie on his stomach and try to breathe.

His body doesn't hurt anymore. He can't actually feel his body. He grows weaker, it's hard to think. Jason wonders if the cold earth will be the last thing he sees before death. But Thanatos is free, and Frank is still alive.

Someone grabs his body and turns it around. The hands are careful, and gentle. Laying Jason's head in their lap. Jason can just muster opening his eyes, to look into Nico’s brown worried eyes.

“Jason what did you do?”

Nico says, while his hands frantically search Jason's body as if looking for a wound. But Jason has no wounds, his life has simply been burned away.
He wants to tell Nico that it's okay. Wants to hold his hand, wants Nico to be happy. Jason wants to be the reason Nico is happy, he wants to be Nico’s person.

But his body feels numb, he can't even feel Nico’s hand on his cheek. Someone else falls next to him. It's Hazel, and her face stained with mud is filled with tears.
She reaches for the hand that Nico isn't holding and holds it tight.
Jason wants to talk, and with a strength he didn't know he had left he opens his mouth.

“Not your fault…. my own choice”

He manages, hoping that Nico and Hazel understand that he means it.

“Jason….” Nico manages to say, and nothing more. But Jason smiles at them, or he tries to smile. Small dribbles of tears fall onto Jason's face, Nico’s tears.
Nico’s hand on his cheek, carefully brushes it. Jason closes his eyes and lets the careful touch lull him into darkness. It hurts to breathe, and Jason knows that he's dying, but at least he's here with his friends. He expects darkness, but there is only light.

White light fills Jason's body, and it burns. Jason tries to close his eyes, but the light is everywhere. It's like a dream.

“Jason” A voice says, a beautiful voice, a goddess’s voice. Jason turns towards the voice and looks up at the goddess.
“Juno”
“Hello, my champion” Juno says and smiles at him.

Chapter Text

Nico can't stop looking at Jason's face. His stupid handsome face, with the sharp jaw and the little scar on his lip. His hands move through Jason's coarse hair.

Hazel is crying, and Nico wants to comfort her.
But her tears are becoming background noise for the white noise in Nico’s mind.
He can't feel Jason.
There is no Jason.
There is no warm glow of Jason's soul.
But Nico knows that Jason isn't in his father’s realm. But must mean that he's alive, isn't he?. Hazel's hand is warm on his shoulder, she's still crying but not as much as before.

“Nico, we have to go, the Giant is waking up”

“No”

“Yes, come on we have to finish the mission”

“No, Fuck the mission”

Hazel looks like she wants to cry again, and her face has gone even more pale.

“Nico, come on we have to get out of here”

“No I am not leaving him, he’s not dead”

“ he’s not”

Nico hates how whiney he sounds, but the words are being forced out. But he can't think of anything worse than letting go of Jason. Because Jason isn't dead, he isn't.

Hazel tries again to move him, but Nico screams and holds onto Jason even tighter.

“Nico, he's dead, we have to move” Hazel's voice is soft now, and even sweet. But it's also shaky with tears.

It breaks something in Nico, to hear her say this.

“No, no”

Some part of Nico feels guilt for leaving Hazel with all of the responsibility, but everything else in him is screaming

Jason.

Jason.

Pain pools in Nikos body, and runs wild. Like blood it flows out of him, like a bleeding wound. He screams again, a long, horrible scream that leaves his throat raw. He needs to do something, anything to rid himself of the helplessness he's feeling.
He looks up at the ghosts that have started materializing again. Thanatos is free now, so Nico can finally kill them.
He stares them down, carefully and deliberately. Then he rips them apart, he imagines invisible string pulling them down towards his father’s realm.

There are many of them and it takes a lot of power, but he keeps going.
He knows that he's doing something, that the pain is his father’s domain. But he lets it consume him, lets it burn through the air.

The air goes dark, pitch black. But Nico can still see the few ghosts left standing and he tugs at them. And as the last ghost with a boney scream disappears, Nico’s vision goes completely black. But it is a blessing that at least for a while he will be unable to feel anything.

________________________________________

It's so gold and bright, and Jason's eyes hurt.
Juno places her perfect hand on the side of Jason's face.
Her face is calm and golden. No expression on her face.

“Jason my very own hero”
________________________________________

Even after five minutes the tears are still falling from Hazel's eyes. She barely notices them anymore. Her stomach is one big knot, and she feels like vomiting. Nico is completely out of it, and Hazel would be too. But she has to protect her brother.
She's all that he has left.
Now they are both alone in the world.

Whatever Nico had done right before passing out had wiped out the ghosts completely. Hazel had never feared Nico hurting her, but when he had gone completely still with power Hazel had been scared.
She is still scared as she turns him onto his back from where he had fallen.
For a moment she thought that maybe he was dead too, that this was it. But he was breathing, and the rise and fall of his chest made Hazel giddy with relief.

She wants to move Nico somewhere else, but she needs to save her strength. Also, she can’t bear to move them away from each other. As they lie there, Jason's head on Nico’s leg, they look almost peaceful.

Hazel is so tired, and she wants to curl up next to Nico, she wants to sob and cling to her dead friend. But she doesn't do that, she has a giant to kill.

In the end it turns out to be really freaking hard, who would have guessed.
Hazel is grateful for Arion; she would probably have died if it hadn't been for that beautiful horse.

First, she wonders if she can drag the giant behind Arion, over the border. But as she steps closer to him, he starts to stir. Hazel grips her Sparta and turns towards her noble horse friend.

“We have to keep him away from Nico okay, towards the border”

Hazel whispers this into Arion’s soft ear, and he neighs as if he understands. Hazel summons a lump of gold from the ground and feeds it to Arion while keeping an eye on the giant who is slowly starting to wake. Arion’s Muzzle fits in her palm, his breath is warm, and it calms her down.

“You and me Arion we have to protect Nico”

She doesn't say that she isn't sure what there is left to protect and doesn't dare to dwell on the fact that her brother may be irreparably changed by Jason's death. She just lets her head rest on Arion’s soft neck. Then she swings onto his back.

“Let’s go kill this Giant”

She says mostly to herself, and her voice sounds much surer then she is. Then Arion sets off with the speed of light.

“Hey ugly”

Hazel yells at the giant, all while waving her Gladius around. It's a stupid move but it makes the giant look at her. She yells at him every single insult she can think of and hurls them at the Giant. Her and Arion manage to lure him away.
When they move over the border Hazel can feel the shift in the air. She feels stronger and more powerful, she thinks that Arion can feel it too because he runs even faster.
When the Giant runs over the border, Hazel makes Arion turn towards him. She raises her Gladius and yells the roman war cry. Hazel knows that it is useless for one person to take on the giant, and he does too. That's probably why Hazel takes him by surprise.
Her sword manages a slash in his ankle, the blood flowing onto the ground. Arion turns around again, and Hazel raises her sword ready to slash again.

But before she can manage a giant palm smacks her of Arion. She flies into the air like she is nothing more than an annoying insect. She lands hard on her back, and her head smacks into the ground. She doesn't black out, but she feels dizzy.
Hazel wants to keep lying on the ground.

There's the sound of hoofs.
A horse neighs.
Arion.

Hazel manages to get up unto her elbows. She sees her beautiful horse friend running with the wind. He's distracting the giant so that he doesn’t hurt her. It makes something warm in Hazel, at least Arion is there for her.
But it seems that Alcyoneus has figured out that he's crossed the border. He turns towards where the border is.
She can't get up, and she's dropped her gladius. But there are precious metals in the ground.
She reaches into the earth and pulls out as much metal as she can. Alcyoneus is so close she can smell him. He smells of oil and rot.
It reminds her of when she had died.
But Hazel is not the scared girl she had been back then, she is stronger now.
So with all her strength she throws her makeshift weapon at him. It hits him right in the stomach, and Hazel watches with wonder as he dissolves into a pile of gems and gold. She can’t help the sob that escapes her, and then the laughter.
She killed the giant, all by herself.
Then she sees Arion, slowly eating the body of the dead Giant. She can't help but laugh, and it mixes with the tears that are falling from her eyes.

She stumbles forwards, because she wants to touch the gems. She wants to be sure that Alcyoneus is really dead. Her hands find a giant ruby, it's as big as an egg and shines in the sun. It's probably worth an insane amount of money, Hazel thinks.
Then she throws the ruby as far as she can. She watches as it falls in a perfect bow over the cliff and into the water. Hopefully no one would ever find the gem again.

Then she slowly on wobbly legs walks back to Arion. Her head is pounding, and it hurts to move back on Arion.

“You did a great job; you saved my life”

Then she and Arion move slowly through the landscape. Hazel is in no rush; she doesn't actually want to go back to her passed out brother and her dead friend. She doesn't know how to fix this, how to get back in time for the fortune feast.
But Hazel needs to be the adult, she needs to find a way for them to get home.

So, with her head down she trudges towards where Jason and Nico had last been. But they're not there. Something in Hazel panics, and without thinking she yells out.

“Nico”

It's stupid if someone took them, then she just gave away her position. A shadow falls on her face, and she raises her sword towards the danger. But the shadow smiles at her, and she cant understand it.

“Hi Hazel”

Jason smiles down on her like an angel from right above her. In his arms he holds the still unconscious Nico. Hazel just stares, and stares.

Jason slowly lands on the ground and lets Nico down.

“I'm sorry for scaring you I thought maybe you were the giant” he says and smiles again.

“I killed the giant”

Hazel says because she did, but Jason looks shocked.

“You killed the giant”

She nods. Her brain is having a hard time catching up to the fact that Jason is right here in front of her alive and breathing.

“Hazel you're amazing”

Jason says with a brilliant smile. Hazel can't help but beam back, now that she thinks about it, she killed that giant all by herself. Then Jason opens his arms in an invitation. So, Hazel lets herself be held in his trembling arms. He feels real, with a pulse and Hazel can feel his soul.

“How are you alive? you were dead”

“Thats a long story, I’ll tell you on the way back”

“Back?”

Jason nods.

“We have to save camp Jupiter”

It is then that Hazel realizes that on the ground lies the twelfth legion's eagle.

________________________________________

Jason had smiled back at Juno, he couldn’t help it.

“My lady, am I dead?”

“No not yet”

She said this with such confidence that Jason believed her. Jason had felt sort of funny, like he was drunk.

“oh, how”

He managed to say and give her a goofy smile. She smiled down at him like Jason thinks a mother would smile at a dumb but cute child. Jason had felt so happy to bask in her glory.

“You sacrificed yourself to save your friends”

She said, and Jason is sure he did, he loves his friends.

“But I’m not dead”

She shook her head, and golden hair fell in soft curls around her head. She looks ethereal and statue like. Her hand on his cheek was nice, soft.

Junos gaze had turned soft, and she had smiled at Jason with a real smile.

“We don't have much time Jason listen to me very carefully”

She sounded sincere, scared. Jason nodded.

“I am so sorry that this happened to you, I never meant for any of this to happen”

“Why are you sorry, goddess?”

She wringed her hands, and it's so normal so human that for a moment Jason had believes that she was just a human.

“I wanted you to be loyal to me, I could not bear for you to be alone”

She murmured this to herself, while her hand carefully caressed Jason's golden hair. Jason looks up to her big round eyes that have gone glassy. But Jason could see the distance in her, like she was there but also not. Her hand tightened in his hair, the hand that had been soft suddenly harsh and cold.

“What are you talking about?”

He asked. It looked like it hurt for her to speak, and she did so hurriedly.

“The exchange, you were supposed to be exchanged”

She let go of the iron grip on his hair and stared down at her hand in horror. Then continued speaking.

“Your father he wanted me to remove your memories and send you as an emissary to the other camp”

Jason had stared blankly at her, the feeling of lightheadedness that had consumed him is slowly fading. Nico is from the other camp that Jason understands and Jason's father- no Jupiter wanted to send Jason to the other camp.

“Why didn't you send me?”

“Because I love you”

Jason's brain had short circuited, or at least that's what it felt like. He couldn't get the words to match any of the memories that he has of her. She smiled at him, a sad smile much sadder than before. She then carefully reached out and wiped away a tear from Jason's cheek. When thinking back on it, Jason remembers her soft hands. Jason hadn't even realized that he was crying.

“I didn't want you to lose your memories, so I defied my husband. I chose the Mars kid Frank Zhang, and I sent you Nico Di Angelo. I just wanted to keep you safe for a little longer, but my husband denied me even that”

“How my lady?”

“He took you away from me, he made me drink a drink from the river of Lethe that would make me forget my attachments to you, and then he made you forget as well”

“But I don't, remember you”

She shook her head, and a small perfect tear fell from her big eyes onto her cheeks. Jason wanted to swipe it away again, but that seems like too much.

“No you do not, and maybe you never will”

It made Jason sad, and he doesn't know why.

“How is it that you remember now? If Jupiter took your memories, I mean?”

“Excellent question sweetheart, it was you, your offering it brought me back for a little while”

“I don't understand”

“I am not just the goddess of marriage, I am the goddess of promises made for love, and When you sacrificed yourself, you prayed for me”

Jason remembers praying for anyone to help him keep his promise. He remembers the pain; he remembers how much it hurt. It was like the pain still was lingering on his skin.

“I deal with promises, and you Jason you make the ultimate sacrifice to keep your promise, and in that way, you summoned me”

She smiled at him again.

“But we don't have much time, I have to tell you everything, so no questions”

Jason nods, and she talks.

“When my husband got your mother pregnant, I decided to let it go.”

Jason doesn't understand, but then he is not a god.

“But then she got pregnant with you, and I could not let that go.”

At this Jason can only stare, he still doesn't understand. There was another child. Juno smiles down at him; her lips are thin. She nodded.

“You have an older sister; her name is Thalia.”

Jason opened his mouth to say something, but he didn't know what. A sister. Hera kept speaking.

“So my husband gave you to me, he named you after my favorite hero. He did it so that I would not hurt you. But what he did not know was that I would come to love you”

She tells him of the other camp, with the Greek demigods. How they had fought Kronos while Jason had fought Krios It's too much information, a betrayal but Jason can't really focus. He tried, and he hopes that it's enough.

But then the world started to get fuzzy around the eyes.

"What's happening?” Jason asks, and his voice sounds scared.

“Your body is responding to the healing that I’m giving you”

Then she smiled, a little real smile.

“I wasn't sure that it was going to work but your friend Nico, he helped too. I approve even if he is the son of Hades”

“Will I ever see you again?”

“I don't know, but maybe not”

“Just remember that I love you, and that I am proud of you”

Then she opened her arms and Jason wrapped his arms around the goddess, -no Hera. He lets himself be hugged and breathed in her flowery scent. It felt vaguely familiar to him, a moment of the past. Jason had closed his eyes, and tried to remember what the hug felt like even before it was over.
But her scent disappeared.

When Jason had opened his eyes, he saw the blue sky above him. His head lay on Nico’s leg and right by was the twelfth legion's eagle shining in the sun.

Chapter Text

Nico feels like crying except it feels like he's been crying for hours. His emotions are running high, his head hurts and he's incredibly hungry. But he doesn’t think he’s ever been happier.

Because Jason is alive, and Hazel is alive. Hazel killed the giant and Nico could not be prouder of her. When Nico tells his sister, she bursts into tears. But anyway, Nico is happy, elated and excited but he doesn't really understand.

“How are you back”

Were the first words he had spoken to the newly alive and breathing Jason. (That's not really true, the first words he says to Jason is Jason's own name in a whisper that was full of fear (Nico prefers not to think of that)).

“Hera, she saved me”

Jason had said and then he said no more. Nico had wanted to hug Jason, to feel his heartbeat but Jason hadn't even really looked at him.
It had been Hazel, who had squeezed Jason's hand. It had made hot irrational jealousy flash in Nico, and it immediately made Nico felt bad. Hazel and Jason are the people he cares most about in the entire world, so he should be okay with them- doing whatever it is they are doing. Then suddenly Jason had rushed them into a hectic journey back to camp Jupiter. Nico can only stare at the golden eagle that is poking out of the top of Jason's backpack. Then he sort of falls asleep, but not really.

When they finally arrive, there is no time to think, no time to talk. Hunger still gnaws at Nico’s stomach, and he feels weak. But camp Jupiter is under attack, and it's important to Nico. People live here, real people with real live. This is where Nico met Jason.

Jason's jaw is set the way that it always is before a battle. Nico knows that Jason has complicated feelings for camp Jupiter but it’s still his home. So, when the giant poly what’s his name roars and charges towards the camp, Nico knows that Jason will defend it. Jason shrugs his backpack off and pulls out the golden eagle. It shines even in the dim sun.

“I think you should have it”

Jason says and hands the eagle out towards Hazel, who takes it with a look of wonder and then she shakes her head.

“I can’t take this”

Jason smiles at her.

“of course, you can you’ve more than proved yourself on this quest, you killed the giant”

Hazel's bronze curls fall around her face as she shakes her head.

“The legion values loyalty and commitment, and I haven't proven that to them they won't follow me” - then she looks into Nico’s eyes, and suddenly it seems clear that he should be the one to take it. He reaches out and takes it from her hands, the metal is warm under his fingers.

Then he kisses her cheek and squeezes her hand, and before he can change his mind he reaches up and kisses Jason's cheeks as well. Then Nico runs towards the battle eagle held high hoping the others will join him.

Behind him, Jason's hand is rubbing the place where Nico kissed him, and his face has gone a lovely shade of pink. Hazel looks a Jasons dazed face and laughs.

________________________________________

Nico gets lost in the battle, it's like he's living for it. His whole being sings when he fights, and his previous tiredness is gone. It's only after 10 minutes that Nico realizes that it might be the eagle. The eagle fills Nico with strength and Nico feels powerful.

At some point Jason and Hazel slip away, and it's only when the enemy army starts to fall apart that Nico realizes that they killed the giant. As Nico fights more enemies he smiles, how awesome is his sister. But then Nico’s recently reduced army, consisting of only one person, makes contact with Reyna’s' army.

Nico lifts the eagle high above his head, and then yells what he hopes is the correct roman battle cry. The others yell back and knock on their shields, so Nico is pretty sure he did it right.
Then he hands over the eagle to Reyna and jumps back into the fight.

Then they fight some more, and it feels great to be part of a group. But even with all the time Nico has spent in camp Jupiter his fighting style did not match theirs. Nico is too impulsive, too unpredictable. Now Nico knows that it is because he trained with the ghost of Minos, he learned unpredictability, and the Greek style. Nico misses his sword; he remembers it laying in the Hades cabin the night Hera took him. He would like for someone to look after it, but they probably haven't even noticed that he is gone.

Nico thinks of Jason and Hazel, and even Reyna. He knows that they would never not look for him. It makes him smile, and he probably looks deranged, smiling in a horrible battle. Nico wonders if he looks like his dad, death raining down upon his enemies. He wonders about his dad, even though his memories are mostly there now it's like he's still missing something.

It feels like its seconds or hours before the battle ends, and Nico stands next to Jason.
Both panting a little and Jason completely covered in gold monster dust. Nico is wearing a new and unfamiliar purple robe draped over his crusty inner clothes. He can’t help staring at Jason, he thinks it's horrid that Jason still looks this attractive, that he can even think about Jason being attractive. There's a gash on Jason’s arm, and the blood flows in a steady stream down onto his elbow.

“You should get that checked out” Nico says and points his sword towards the gash. Jason shakes his head.

“There are more pressing matters, people who are more injured than me”

Nico notices how Jason doesn't mention the people who are beyond saving, the dead kids who still lie somewhere on the battlefield.

“You should still get it checked out - it could get infected”

“Sure”

Jason says and then he doesn’t move, just stares at Nico. Nico squirms under his gaze, there is nothing judgmental in Jason's eyes, but Nico can tell that he's looking at Nico's new purple robe.

“l think we should talk, after I mean there are some things that I want to tell you”

Jason says, and then begins walking away in the general vicinity of the med tent, Nico really hopes that he's going to get some unicorn draught for the cut. Maybe someone should also check his hands.

You look nice, purple suits you”

Jason says, and then he turns away towards the med tent.

________________________________________
Nico can't even understand how he became the praetor, it all happened so very fast. After the battle, someone had lifted Nico up onto a golden shield all while chanting his name. They had thrown a purple cloth above and then boom he had become a praetor. For a camp that values rules so much, it feels very strange that he has now been chosen as praetor.
Nico knows that in a sense he has been chosen to be the new praetor of camp Jupiter. It makes sense in a way, Nico is the one that led them to glory, he carried the golden eagle into camp.

Reyna had cornered him right after Jason had left, Nico had been cleaning his sword.

“Come with me, I have to explain what will happen now”

Then she dragged him into her office, sat him down in a soft leather chair, fed him jellybeans and talked. She had explained that it was not unusual, but a bit frowned upon for people to be crowned after a victory.

“Now tonight the feast of Fortuna will be held and you will be formally introduced as the new praetor, but first we will burn the dead - normally Octavian handles the burning - “

Here Reyna had wrung her hands and a sour look had appeared on her face.

“I can do it”

Nico had offered, and Reyna had nodded, she was chewing on a ballpoint pen.

“I think that might be a good idea, to show off your powers”

Nico had thought of this for a moment, then he had shaken his head. He wasn't sure how to explain but he tried his best.

“I want to honor them, and for my father to honor them in the underworld”

Reyna had smiled at him, and Nico had understood that he made the right choice.

He thinks all of this as he changes into a much more formal purple rope, a better one then the one that was just thrown over his head in the battle. Nico takes care to smooth his hair out, he wants to look at least a little bit alive.
Out on the battlefield Nico stands next to Reyna, she has braided her hair in a complicated knot. She looks strong and defiant as she speaks to the crowd of ironclad romans as well as legions from New Rome.

“Romans tonight we shall party, for we have won a great a battle, but firstly it is my honor to present to you all, to the demigod who bravely went on a quest to return of honor, Nico Di Angelo son of Pluto the new praetor of Camp Jupiter”

There is a drum of spears on shields and Nico can feel the rush from the whole army. He doesn't have speech prepared, so he raises the golden eagle above his head. It shines in the sun.

“I am honored to be your praetor, and I hope to honor you all”

More shouts of joy, Nico can see Jason and Hazel smiling at him. It makes the angry look on Octavian's face even better.

“While today has been a great success we must first honor our dead” Reyna says, and a silence falls over the crowd. It seems that people are now finally noticing the giant pyre behind them. Nico steps forward to do the ritual ceremonial burning of the dead. The 3 dead campers lie still and pale on the pyres. Someone has rinsed the blood and grime of them, but they are still clad in armor.

Nico falls into a familiar dance as he begins, he remembers how he prayed for his father after the battle in Manhattan. How he buried the people who were never his friends, but in a way was his kin. This feels different, this is the people that Nico couldn't save, that he didn't have time to save.

Mike who was a son of mercury, Lila a legacy whose family had been in the camp for generations, and David a still unclaimed young boy. Nico is careful with every single body, saying a prayer for his father as he closes their eyes.

He says the more ritual phrases out loud, but in his mind, he prays directly to his dad and begs that he will show these people mercy and grant them a safe entry to Elysium.

When all is done, they set fire to the pyre. It is not Nico alone who sets fire to the pyre, there are torches for all that want, and around 20 people step forward and grab a torch, and together they light the pyre. Then they stand and watch as the fire burns down, in silence. When the fire turns to only ember, Nico feels a presence just for a second, Hades is here, and he knows what it means. He turns towards the hoard of people; some are still doing a roman salute. Some are crying loudly, while on others the tears fall lightly.

“Pluto has heard our prayer, these 3 demigods’ souls are safe and they have all been granted access to Elysium”

It is like a curse has been lifted, and people start chattering. Reyna starts off the party with her sacrifice to Fortuna. It is hours later that Nico finds himself in a sofa sipping on a diet soda, it is lovely to quiet there. People have been talking to him all afternoon, all want to congratulate him and ask about his quest. While Nico is flattered, he is also very tired. Reyna sits down next to him; a piece of hair has fallen lose from her braid. She looks less tense now, happier.

“You did well out there, it was a beautiful ceremony”

“Thanks”

“I mean it, I think you're going to do great; it will be lovely to work with you”

She sounds sincere, and Nico can't help the lump of guilt that settles in his throat. He's not sure that he is going to do that great, he's never been a proper leader before.

“at least I'll be better than Octavian”

At this Reyna laughs and a comfortable silence falls over them. Nico’s eyes find Jason and Hazel standing next to Dakota talking, both sending small looks in Nico’s direction.

“I think they wants to talk to you”

Reyna says and shoves Nico a little towards them.

“I hate you”

Nico whispers to Reyna as he gets up to talk to them. But Reyna just smiles. As he reaches them Hazel throws her head a little back, and indication that they should talk a little away from Dakota and Jason.

“Hi Nico” Hazel says and grabs his arm. Her fingers grab a curl, and she twirls it around as she speaks.

"Tomorrow I’m leaving camp Jupiter”

“What why?”

“Someone has to close the doors of death - and I think it should be me”

Hazel looks uncomfortable but determined.

“Are you sure, what if something happens”

Nico says the memories of Bianca's death are fresh on his mind. But Hazel shakes her head.

“I have to do it only a child of Pluto can do it, and I think that you're a part of the prophecy of the seven”

Then she looks at him her golden eyes finding his.

“Besides I’ve already died once what's the worst that can happen? I can do it Nico”

“Okay, but be careful”

Nico says, and Hazel nods. Then she hugs him briefly, and Nico hopes that he has not made a great mistake. Then Hazel drags him back to Jason and Dakota just in time to hear the last part of their conversation.

“And then Juno saved my life” Jason says to Dakota, totally blind to the fact that Nico and Hazel have returned. His words make Nico uncomfortably hot. How is it that Jason can talk to Dakota about Juno, and not Nico. They are supposed to be friends, best friends maybe even more than that.
Hazel must see something in Nico's face because she pulls Dakota away, leaving Jason and Nico alone on the deserted street. Nico looks at everything but Jason's face, and it seems that Jason notices.

“Why won't you look at me?”

“I am looking at you”

Nico says while staring firmly at Jason's shoes on the pavement.

“Nico what happened to make you unable to look at me, are you mad at me?”

The question is sweet and hurt maybe even a little confused.

“What did Hera tell you?”

It comes out with force, anger. Anger that Nico doesn't really mean but is a little too late to back out now. Jason takes a deep breath before speaking rapidly.

“Nico- she told me that she took your memories and exchanged you with Frank”

“I know that”

“Then why are you mad at me”

“Because you died, and then you met Hera and you don't seem to be mad her at - she took my life away from me, my sister, and it's like you don’t care”

The last part is little more than a whisper. A realization comes across Jason's face, then he reaches out and takes his hand.
“Nico look at me”- he says in a gentle voice, and Jason's other hand comes up to cradle his face. Nico knows this hand, knows the calluses from spear training, knows the short nails and the nail beds on Jason's hand. The hand gently turns Nico’s head so that he looks into Jason's striking blue eyes.

“I am mad, I’m pissed off okay, I hate that that happened to you”

Nico knows that Jason means it, he can see it in the tension along Jason's jaw.

“You are very important to me, and I - well I don't want you to be hurt” - Nico interrupts Jason “You think I want something to happen to you?”

“No, of course not, but I just I want you to know that I’m not going to forgive her what she did to you, but I am a little grateful”

“Grateful how can you be-

“Because without her I would have never met you, I would have never learnt the amazing person you are”

It stumps Nico for a moment, and then he smiles.

“I think you're pretty amazing too”

“You do?”

Nico nods and a dazzling smile light up Jason's face, and Nico can't help but look at Jason's smiling lips. Their faces are close to each other, and Jason's hot breath tickles across Nico’s face. He knows what the question Jason will ask even before the question leaves his lips.

“Can I kiss you”

Nico can't help the smile that breaks out on his face, and he nods. Jason's soft lips find him, and Nico closes his eyes. When they pull away Nico has a little smile and laugh that escapes him. He takes Jason's hand and squeezes it, then he lets his head rest on Jason's shoulder.

Tomorrow they will plan, and they will talk. But for now, they just need each other’s company. Its late into the night when they finally get into bed. They don't sleep in the same bed, but Nico can hear Jason's slow breaths as he falls asleep. He remembers the soft feel of Jason's lips and falls asleep with a smile on his lips.