|
Back to Camp Half-Blood (ox3tyi and Kawaiichibizzy)
Name: Nico di Angelo
Age: 18 Parent: Hades Bio: The son of Hades, Nico lost his mortal mother when he was very young. He had a twin godling sister, but she died in the middle of a quest, and he's been burdened with her loss ever since. In between dealing with his tragic childhood and journeying with Percy Jackson during the onset first war, Nico slowly turned introverted. He soon returned to the Underworld both in an attempt to escape the burden of reality and to learn how to harness his godling powers. Quiet and solemn, he is now a man of few, if any, words. Appearance: http://lekia.webs.com/anime_guy-1.jpg |
Name: Isabelle Patria Crosse Age: Seventeen Goddess mother: Persephone Bio: Born without knowing her mother. Isabelle always inquired about her. asking her father. A botanist in many types of plants about her. But he always had a distant dreamy look on his face..and only answered with. "She could make any flower grow." Learning of how her mother adored flowers. Isabelle found out her own love for it as well. Oddly enough, she could also make anything grow. May it be winter plants in spring, or fall plants in summer. Just a bit of soil, and a touch of her finger..with a dash of water. Turned into beautiful nature. It was the only thing that made her happy. But things began to get strange on her 16th birthday. At first....it was just things out of the corner of her eye...But then. It became seeing things. Coming for her. When she told her father. He drove her to some..camp. And told her. He loved her. and she would be safe. She didn't understand. But he hugged her. And then brought her to a field. Some kind of power was blocking him..but, she could go through. And when she turned around..he was gone. She had no idea about this camp...not in the slightest. |
Nico sighed as he spotted the familiar hill not too far off in the distance. The place hadn't changed all these years. The grass was as green as ever, the weather as nice as ever, and orange T-shirts were seen aplenty. It suddenly occurred to him that it had been almost five years since he last visited Camp Half-Blood. Look at him, nearly getting emotional.
As he trudged up the hill, Nico could already tell that there had been some major changes at Camp. What used to be a semi-circle of only the major gods had expanded into a wide array of cabins. Nico smile ruefully as he spotted his, even from the distance. It was the only cabin painted charcoal black, with a negative aura appearing to emanate from the door. But to Nico, it felt like home. After all, he was Hades's son, wasn't he? Nico passed the border effortlessly, only to be caught in a frantic whirlwind of new campers rushing to and fro. Not wanting to be caught in the frenzy, he quickly slipped through the shadows and made his way to his cabin. Without even bothering to knock, he opened the front door and dropped his bag on the floor. As far as he knew, Nico was the only child of Hades. Well, there was his sister, he thought sadly. If she were still here, they'd be sharing this cabin together. Caught in memories, he looked sadly out the window. The bright sun and playful centaurs running around the camp grounds were lost as he thought of the sister he once had. |
Watching her father turn around was all the hope she had...and it left. Holding her hand out, she called. But he didn't hear her. The only thing to do. "Is move forward..." her voice was weak. Mostly from not even knowing where the heck she was. Walking forward. She took her suitcase and ran. And that was when. She couldn't believe her eyes. Centaurs? Running around with their weapons. Chasing after nymphs none the less?! Oh yes, Isabelle loved mythology. And it was always a dream to be able to see such things. But this was all..too real. Kids with swords and armor ran past her. Bumping into her. She blinked and backed up. Running into quite a large centaur... Seeing this. She had to break down. Crying. The old centaur brought her to a shaded area. And explained something that answered so many questions...But one was still unclear. "Who..Who is my mom then?" She whispered. He just shook his head.
"That will all be clear soon. Just follow me. There is one cabin open...but it may be a bit..uncomfortable." Walking behind her. She felt like her ADD has skyrocketed. Her eyes darted everywhere. That was until they fell upon a charcoal black cabin. Looking at the centaur. He seemed uncomfortable. Looking at the cabin. But Isabelle. She felt nothing. "Miss Isabelle. There may be one other resident of this cabin. Please give him a chance. He is a bit. Quiet." Nodding. Isabelle thanked him. And walked in. Nothing was wrong with this cabin. Not at all. In fact. It was almost as comforting as home. Except the fact it was too..dark. But it was alright.. To think. That Hades and all the other Gods and Goddesses were parents..it was mind blowing. No one was there yet..from the looks of it. All the flowers in the vases were dead. But when she walked past them..they seemed to come back to life. Leaning toward her as if she was the sun. At least some of home was with her. Flowers. Flowers always made her happy. Touching one of them. She wondered if this strange power was because of her blood. These powers always scared her. But maybe it was normal for a godling... Hearing the door. She turned to see who had opened it. There stood a young man. Handsome. His eyes cold and hard. He was quiet. His aura. Was of death in a way. And the flowers. She could see they began to wilt a bit again. He must have been...Son of Hades. |
The door to the cabin suddenly opened, instantly bringing Nico out of his nostalgic memories. He craned his head towards the entrance and was able to make out the silhouette of a young girl by the threshold.
"Maria?" Nico whispered, scarcely able to believe his eyes. "Maria, what are you--" Nico stopped. It wasn't Maria. He laughed quietly to himself. What was he thinking? Maria was dead, long dead. He had walked away from her, after all. Left her to die in that rubbish dump. He'd even talked to her ghost before. That was more than enough proof of his sister's death, right? So why couldn't he get over it. Stop, he said to himself. What's done is done. Stop thinking about it. Instead, he chose to focus on the girl in the entrance. She was pretty, he'll admit that. But one look at her and you could tell she wasn't a daughter of Hades in any way--thus she shouldn't be here. He closed his eyes and inhaled a wisp of, was that jasmine he was smelling? Anything but the Underworld. "Hey, you," he said quietly, startling the new girl. "If you're lost, go find Chiron. You shouldn't barge in on other people's cabins like that." |
Isabelle turned to hear him whisper someone's name. Maria...She wondered. But didn't say anything to him. Something, something told her. that it was a hard subject. When he scolded her. Isabelle crossed her arms a bit and shook her head. A bit scared. But still unsure at the same time. "C-Chirion was it? He told me..that this was a cabin that may be good for me...if I could handle the aura. I didn't feel any aura at all.." Shaking her head. She looked at her feet. "I felt no aura. But I can feel yours...It's what's making the flowers wilt." Her eyes turned to the small blooms that were almost scared to open. "I don't have to stay here..But until..my mother claims me. I'm kinda stuck here." Laughing sadly, she smiled just as sad. "I'm sorry." Sadly. The girl was a bit too afraid to go out there. About to walk past him. She held herself. Tears welled in her eyes. "I feel if I walk out there.. I may lose my sanity." It was all too much for her to handle. Her dad leaving her. Her mother being a Greek god. Everything she thought were once "myths" now running back and fourth in front of her eyes. Sitting down on a bunk to steady herself. She wished she knew.
Silently, she asked for her mother to claim her. Many kids were being claimed left and right. But she..she hadn't been yet. And it was scaring her. Did her mother not want her? Was she not worthy. The panic and anger just kept coming. Until one of the plants on the table's pots shattered. The weeds growing until she blinked and thought about stopping it. The flower went back to normal. Wilting. And the weeds surrounding it also died. What was this? A little light headed oddly enough. She sighed slowly. Feeling dizzy. Even as a teen being angry. Nothing like that never happened... "Can you at least tell me. What is this place?" she asked. Hoping maybe he would explain it better then the..half horse man. Getting up, she found a new pot for the plant. And gently tucked it into the soil. It calmed her. and she almost felt as if her strength was coming back. With a light smile. She found some water and watered it. Letting it at least feel comfortable for the time being. Turning back to the boy. She waited patiently for an answer. Actually. She understood how he was Hades' son. He seemed quite dark..mysterious.. and a hint of sadness seemed to spill from him. But, she could have been wrong. |
Nico chuckled softly. What was Chiron thinking? This girl was obviously new and had no idea about anything regarding the Greek gods. Did Chiron think it was funny, putting such an innocent girl in the cabin dedicated to the god of the Underworld? He ran a hand through his messy, unkempt hair and sighed. This girl was lost and half-scared to death, from the looks of it. The least he could do was be nice to her for the time being. And she was definitely demigod material, he thought to himself as he watched her fix the plant pot.
Nico hopped off the ledge and made his way towards the girl. "You," he said. "You haven't been claimed, have you?" One look at the girl's watery eyes and he knew his hunch was right. "What's more, you don't even know how to control your powers. You don't look like a twelve or thirteen-year-old, which means you were found late. It's surprising that you managed to survive until now, but it also means your powers are more uncontrollable. What a bother." He sat down on his bunk bed and stared at the girl, who was trying very hard to keep her tears from overflowing. "I'm Nico," he said after a moment of silence. "Son of Hades. I'll show you around if you want, but after that you'd best move to another cabin. You don't want to be seen near me too often." |
Isabelle blinked listening to him. Was he..insulting her? Oh no. She had quite enough of people insulting her. The whole plant thing wasn't cool in her old school. Schools that is. Oh yes. She had changed so many times. Mostly because of her ADD. But also, because..she didn't feel safe sometimes. But that was a different thing. Teens throughout the school year had called her "Flower Power" Because of her love of plants. Some said they would be the only friends she would ever have..And yes, she believed it. But not now..she may be different, but people in this camp were like her. "Thank you for making that clear to me..Nico." A bit of contempt in her voice. "Hades..I guessed that." She whispered. "Do you really think I had a choice to come here? Or find out about these. Strange powers?" Calming herself down. Isabelle cocked and eyebrow. "...What do you mean? I don't see anything wrong with you." she whispered. It was true. She had no idea. Yes he was quiet. And a bit cocky. But he was no different to her. Sighing, she walked to the door and opened it up. Stepping outside into the sun for once. Then turning around to motion him over. "Are you coming?" her voice was patient. But also annoyed..Why would a Goddess mother even want to claim her? All she could really do..was plant things. From the looks of the camp. All the other kids were worthy of godly parents. Some could sword fight, others could use water at whim, some made strategic battle plans.. But the only nature loving ones she could truly see. Were the centaurs. Even then. The boys were too busy wolf whistling at the females to really notice all of the fields of flowers.
Around flowers. He senses were always heightened. Especially, her sense of smell. Oddly enough. Isabelle could remember a specific smell of any flower, plant, you name it. And also, information. she could figure it out. Mostly by little research. Her father had taught her well after all. But could there be something more to it. Resisting the call of the flowers and nature. Isabelle followed Nico. Listening to everything he had to say. While they walked through the forests where the other campers played capture the flag. Her eyes spotted a patch of Forget-me-nots. Her favorite flower. Her attention-span got the best of her. Walking off toward them, she knelled down near them and sniffed them quietly. They were in perfect condition. and the most beautiful shade of purple. Smiling, at least she had the little tastes of home to keep her on Earth. realizing she had wandered off. Isabelle jumped up and whirled around. Luckily Nico was there. Waiting for her. Blushing, embarrassed. She walked over and stared at the ground. "Sorry.." Forget me nots always made her think of her mother. Her mother had given her father the prettiest of forget me nots. He even took a picture and hung it in her room. forget me nots had a wonderful and true meaning. True love. and Remembrance. Walking along the shore of the lake. Isabelle's eyes found the Poseidon cabin. Quite interesting. All of the children got along..even though they knew they were all from one parent. They were just so happy. Most of them were so much younger. Which made it hard saying Nico seemed to be closest to her age.. "Has..Has it always been this beautiful?" she asked letting the wind rip through her jet black hair. |
She acted tough, he'd give her that. But in her eyes he saw that look that everyone carried when they first came to Camp Half-Blood. A look filled with fear, desperation, sometimes even self-hatred.
"Beautiful?" Nico said with an arched eyebrow, amused. "That's not exactly the word I would use for this place. But it's our haven, our safe place." They were near the edge of the forest, surrounded by wildflowers and the sweet, shining sun. Nico looked at the girl and took in just how peaceful she looked. She was a totally different girl from the person he had met in the cabin. Back there, she had just looked a terrified mouse. Now, she was serene. Ethereal. Upon impulse, they both sat in the grass, watching the camp activities wreak havoc around them, yet Nico felt oddly calm--the first time he'd had that feeling in such a long time. For a while, they just took in the surroundings around them. "I bet you were made fun of a lot," he said after a while. "ADD? Changed schools a lot? And I bet you could do things other people, normal people, couldn't do." Nico said the word normal with a tinge of sarcasm, contempt. What did normal people know about demigods? "You saw things that were impossible, surreal, and either you were too scared to tell other people, or you told other people and they said you were weird." Nico turned to face her. "In other words, you were an outcast." She gave him a pained look, and he knew he had hit the mark. We were all like you, he thought to himself. "It's okay," he told her. "That just means you're one of us. A demigod. Half-human, half-god. What the mortals diagnose as ADD or ADHD, that's just our system being hardwired for Greek and battle. And after what Percy did a couple of summers ago, your mom or dad, the godly one, should be claiming you any day now. They can't not, you know." She stayed quiet, playing with a couple of forget-me-not buds by her side. "Whose daughter do you think you are?" Nico asked, finally. And he let that question linger in the air. |
It did pain her. But even she admitted it. She was an outcast. Always had been. Even here..she was. "The one place where I could have been someone..who belonged. But not even now. My own mother doesn't want to claim me." She whispered. Wrapping her hands around her knees, she laid her head atop of them. Looking up at the sky. The sun setting. So many thoughts ran through the young girl's head. But at the same time..she was also wondering herself. Who was her mother. "I don't know who it is...I..I really don't." It was true, she hadn't learned of a goddess with her specific..abilities...but there had to be. What was she doing here in the first place then? The horn blew. Meaning dinner. Sitting down at a bare table...she just played with her food. Moving it with her fork. And she only drank a bit of her water. When it was time for the sacrifice. She watched everyone else. They said their parent's name. Sauntering up to the fire. She prayed. Prayed for her mother to hear her and ask..that she be claimed also.. "This is for you..mother." Giving the food to the open flame. She turned around and walked back to Chirion. He told her she had to stay in Nico's cabin...It usually didn't take this long for a God to claim a child... Isabelle was discouraged by this. but she went to the cabin anyway. And changed into a tee shirt and sweats before laying down and going to be. She was dead asleep by the time Nico was back. She took the bottom bunk..
In her dreams. She saw flowers. So many flowers. And in the middle of all of them. Was a beautiful woman. Dressed in all black. She smiled over at Isabelle. And in the dream...the girl felt drawn to her. Walking over to her. the woman kissed her forehead. Then handed her a Forget-me-not... "Who..who are you?" She asked. The mystery figure put a finger to her own lips. And then..poof. She was gone. Waking up the next morning. She smelled it. Forget me nots...That dream..Who was that woman? Shaking her head. She got out of the bed...Remembering soon where she was. "Camp..half blood." It was not home. It would never be.. Finding the bathroom and changing. Washing up, then taking a breather. Isabelle tied her hair in a blue ribbon once again before leaving the cabin. Feeling drawn to the flowers in the forest again...Getting there. The clearing was bright and sunny. The flowers and blooms swaying in the breeze. Sitting on her knees in the middle of the grassy patch. She just let the feeling within her grow. Her love for such beautiful things helped her get through this...Did she really have strange abilities over flowers? How could she have not known her whole life? Looking at her hands..she wanted to try again. But, then she slowly closed them. No..not now. She wasn't ready to experience anything else that would make her more of a freak then she already was...After what seemed like..,about a half hour. Isabelle lifted herself from the flowers, and slowly made her way back through the forest. Surprisingly remembering where to go. The centaurs played music on their pan flutes. and everyone was dancing or singing. Different flags with different symbols were raised. And from her past knowledge. She could make them out. The first. Was Zeus...Second Poseidon, and then Athena and so on. She didn't see one for Hades though..maybe because Nico was the only one. thinking of Nico. Isabelle glanced around from side to side. Where was he? |
Nico kept quite as Isabelle laid her head across her lap. Again, he smelled jasmine. That pure, sweet scent wafted from her hair into his nose, and he stared straight ahead. Maria used to do the same, he remembered. When it was just the two of them, running from monsters outside, Maria would lay her head against Nico's shoulders at night, and they'd stare up at the stars together. The two of them, brother and sister, would sleep full well knowing that they had each other no matter what.
The conch shell blew, bringing him back to reality. He looked down. It was Isabelle resting her head against him, not Maria. "Dinner," he murmured. Nico got up quickly and made his way down to the campfire. Despite his positive attitude before, his appetite was not ruined. Why must he always think of Maria? Why must he always be filled with this guilt? He grabbed his plate and joined the other campers on line. When it was his turn, he dumped most of his food into the fire. Father, he prayed. Why did you send me back to Camp Half-Blood? What more do I have to learn? That night, Nico couldn't sleep. From his bed, he could see Isabelle's sleeping figure--deep asleep and peaceful. Nico tossed and turned in his bed, trying to fall asleep. After what seemed like forever, he drifted off restlessly. In his dream, he was back home. As soon as he stepped foot into Hades's room, he knew it wasn't a normal dream. His father had brought his unconscious self back, and if he knew his father, he knew there was a reason behind this. "Dad?" he said as he approached the throne. "My son," Hades replied, his face betraying no emotion. "You have come." "I didn't have much of a choice, did I?" Nico replied. "Just like how I didn't have any choice when you sent me back to Camp." "I sent you there to protect her," Hades replied. "Protect her? Who's her?" "Protect her, my son. I promised you would. Stay at camp, and protect her." And with that, Nico was shoved away. He awoke with a start in his bed, back at Camp Half-Blood. But not before an image was placed into his head. A girl's face, smiling, happy. But not just any girl. It was Isabelle. Confused, Nico dragged his self out of bed and looked across the cabin. Isabelle was still asleep. After all, it was still dark outside. Still, Nico knew he wasn't going to sleep anymore. He opened the cabin door and strode outside, making his way into the forest. Nico found a tree he deemed sturdy and climbed up. There, perched near the top, he could see all of Camp Half-Blood. He stayed there, just gazing off in the distance, not even noticing the brillian sunrise that signaled the beginning of a new day. It wasn't until the centaurs started playing their instruments that he realized the camp had come alive, with campers rushing to the breakfast tables. He noticed Isabelle not too far off, immersing herself once more in the flowers. Nico grimaced. Was he supposed to protect her? And if so, why? He hated how his father wasn't clear with these things. Nevertheless, he jumped off the tree and made his way towards her. "Breakfast," Nico said simply as he brushed by her. "Wouldn't want to be late." |
Surprisingly enough. Isabelle wasn't very hungry. Her mind was set on other things. Things of greater importance. Was that woman..In the dream. Her mother? If so. Then which Goddess was she? That Goddess had a love for flowers too. But..did she know of any Goddesses like that? None. Racking her brain. She laid back in the flowers. Playing ever so gently with one's petal. Did her mother really not want to claim her. But in the dream, the woman kissed her so sweetly. In such a motherly way. Why would she not want her. Confusion, sadness, anger, and anxiety all mixed into one deep inside of her body. Her eyes welled with small tears. Did she even have potential? All she wanted was to know who her mom was. She had never asked for any of this. Looking up at the sky. For some kind of glimmer of hope. She whispered.
"Don't...Don't you want me?" Closing her eyes, she let the tears run down her reddened cheeks. Flushed with anger and hurt. It began to rain. Of course. She missed her dad. Her home..Her dog..Her life. Her real life. "Why was I brought here if you don't even want me?!" She yelled. Rubbing her tears away with her arm as she ran to the cabin. Just wanting to sleep all day and all night. When would her mother claim her? It wasn't fair. She had to have cried for a good hour before Nico came back in. Feeling embarrassed, she turned around. Wanting to disappear into the covers of the bed. Calming herself enough to make words out. She looked at him. Pleadingly. "Nico..Is there a Goddess. That likes flowers?" she asked. Hoping maybe he would know. There had to be someone. If anyone. She couldn't have just popped out of the blue. It made no sense that her mother would have waited this long. This long! To claim her. The flowers seemed wilted with sadness. Making Isabelle feel even worse. Getting up, she fetched her watering can, and watered them slowly. Trying to calm herself down. The smell of the soil and the sound of the running water made her feel at home again. If that was possible. Turning to Nico with pleading eyes. She cupped her hands together in the form of a praying look. "Please..Please tell me. If my mom doesn't want me. I at least want to find out who she is..." Sitting down on her bunk. She hung her head. What was it? Wait.. "Nico..How is it no one else wants to come near this cabin?" When he explained a bit confused by her questions. Her mind began to put things together. "The..The Underworld aura. Correct?" She asked. He nodded. She ran over to her bag. Taking out a book. The book of Gods and Goddesses to be exact. That was when she flipped to the Underworld section. Her eyes scanned the page. And that's when she found it. Her mouth whispered one name. "Per..Persephone.." She looked at Nico. "It..It has to be her. She is the Goddess of Spring. Spring.. Is my favorite season..." Flowers. Flowers always grew in spring..and Hades took Persephone with her to- "The Underworld." Her eyes locked with his. "It makes..so much sense. Persephone. Goddess of Spring. Has to be my mother." She told him, balling her fists. She felt something appear over her head. It glowed a bit. Looking up, she saw it. The symbol of, a flower. She felt it. This must be..Being claimed. When it finally stopped. She just stood there. A bit dumbfounded. After so long..she figured it out...Her mother..Her mother was The Goddess of Spring. And..Also. Of the Underworld. "Nico.." She could tell he knew what she was about to say. "Are we...step siblings?" She asked. A bit surprised. Well. In an odd way. They were related. By. forced marriage. |
Nico stared in disbelief at the flower symbol on top of Isabel's head and groaned inwardly as all the pieces started to fit together. Of course she would be Persephone's daughter. It all made sense now. Nico remembered the first time he met Persephone, a couple of years ago. She had immediately disliked him, and Nico didn't blame her. After all, he was the demigod son of her husband, Hades, and another mortal woman. His mother.
Nico looked at Isabelle again through a new perspective. It seems like Persephone had taken a lover of her own. The result was gazing in awe in front of him. Is this your way of making amends? he silently asked his father? By having me protect her? Nico could have died laughing at this ironic twist in fate. Once again, they were put pawns in the greater gods' game of tug-of-war. But first, to set things straight. "I guess you could call us step-siblings," he started. "But honestly, the gods' relationship webs are so entangled that we're technically everyone else's brothers and sisters. Some people claim that it's only incest if you date within your 'parent house.'" Nico shrugged nonchalantly, as if to show his total I-don't-care attitude regarding the whole matter. "So yes, we're step-siblings. But that doesn't change anything." |
She had been claimed! IT was a feeling of joy, anger, and uncertainty. Why had she waited so long? It was still quite confusing.. But at least she didn't have to live in the dark. Little things became clearer to her. The woman in her dream. Must have been her mom! Listening to Nico at the same time, she cocked and eyebrow. "Who said anything about..us..dating?" she asked a bit sheepishly. Not that she thought about it! He would just laugh at her if she went on, so she kept her mouth shut for a few minutes. "Does..Does this mean I have power of flowers and spring like my mother? Maybe not as strong as her's I mean. But...I can still. I don't know. Become stronger?" Earlier yesterday, he had said. That she had the power to be a demigod. The problem was, her powers were a bit out of control. Sighing, her look of hope turned back into a frown. "What if I can't though? You told me. That I may not be able to control them...And that I was a bother." She murmured the last part. Balling her fists. She remembered the pot shattering. could that have been her power? Maybe a little of it? Maybe so. But, she couldn't give up. Isabelle looked at Nico.
"Um..I Guess I better tell Chirion. So we don't have to room together anymore.." she sighed. Then began to walk out. "Thanks...Nico." She whispered as she passed by him swiftly. Running to the Big House. Isabelle explained her findings. But they said that the cabin for her would take about a week to build. Nodding, she smiled. "Thank you!" She ran back out two the main part. Maybe, since she didn't have her true powers under control. She could work on. Other skills. Finding a bow and arrow. Che cocked her head. As a child, Isabelle had imagined herself as an indian. Roaming free in the forest. And shooting down her prey. Seeing the target. She balanced herself out. Or at least tried. Aimed. Closed her right eye tight. And released. The zipping sound followed by the sound of the arrow hitting something made her look. "Please don't be a person." Instead, it was a tree. A bit off from the target. And by a bit. She meant a lot. Feeling terrible. She began to freak out. Yes. trees were nature. Nature was important. Flailing a bit, she went to retrieve the arrow. Hoping the tree was unharmed. By the looks of the bark. It was strong enough to withstand it. With a soft, relieved smile and sigh. Isabelle patted the tree. It would be nice though. To have a human friend. Or in this case. A demigod friend. She had no other brothers and sisters. Well. That she knew of..and Nico. Wanted nothing to do with her. |
Nico shook his head as Isabelle bounded out of the cabin. He hadn't meant anything by the dating comment. After all, he was in no state to take on more problems in life. Finally, there was some peace and quiet in this cabin. For the past couple of days, it had always been so full of energy, whether it was because Nico had been dreaming strange dreams or because Isabelle had been breaking pots left and right. To have the cabin all back to himself for once was comforting. The silence was comforting. Napping would be comforting.
As Nico drifted off to sleep, his conscience told him he was going back down to the Underworld. Except this time, it wasn't his father waiting for him. It was none other than the spring goddess herself, Persephone. Decked out in spring blossoms and a gown of the palest pink, she contrasted sharply with the dark background of the Underworld. "Persephone," Nico said. "What are you doing here?" "Making sure you got my husband's message, little hero," she replied, her breath carrying the same jasmine scent that Nico had sniffed off of Isabelle. Yup, like mother like daughter. "You mean the one where father told me I had to protect what's her name--" "Isabelle," corrected Persephone. "Right, Isabelle," said Nico. "So you mean I actually have to like, protect her? Why." Persephone smiled that goddess smile. The smile that basically told Nico that she had her reasons and she knew why, but he'd have to figure it out himself because what was the fun in messing with a couple of demigods when they knew how they were being messed with. Also known as the hero's quest. "And what if I don't want to protect her?" asked Nico. "If you don't, then you'll never find out what actually happened to--" Nico woke with a start and cursed loudly under his breath. What was Persephone going to say? Either way, she had attracted his attention enough that he would bother with that girl, Isabelle. Persephone had something that Nico wanted, and if all it took to get it from her was babysitting some daughter or other, he was up for it. Pulling on his sneakers, he set out to find his flowery damself in distress and found her over by the archery center. She had somehow gotten her hands on a bow and arrow, and instead of hitting the bullet like she was supposed to, she had accidentally impaled a nearby tree. Nico chuckled and jogged down to meet her. "Well, you're definitely not Apollo's kid," he joked, startling Isabelle from behind. "But aren't you a flower kid? What are you doing with a bow and arrow? You're lucky it was just a tree this time around. Next time, it might be a human, and then you'd be in trouble." |
| All times are GMT. The time now is 09:04 AM. |