Nico's Flashback

Nico was looking at the mirror in his bathroom, checking the bruises.

Turn a little. No, to the right. And with that one, we have what, eight bruises?

Eight purple ones. We have another three turning yellow. I miss being a demigod.

You didn't get bruised?

I did, but it took more than a few punchs to cause a bruise. The godly blood gave us some resistence. And we could eat ambrosia to heal minor injuries.

And you had your sword at your side.

Yes, and unlike celestial bronze and imperial gold, stygian steel CAN hurt mortals, even if they can't see it as a sword.

***

Piper sent him a text on Sunday morning.

P: Hey, Nico. We are trying to schedule a meeting, can you come?

N: Meeting to what?

P: Well, discuss what we are going through. And maybe some more problems. Can you come?

N: Where and when is the meeting?

P: This afternoon, my place, I'll text you the address. Jason can give you a ride, if you want one.

N: No, I can get there on my own, just give the address.

***

Piper's house, or Trish's, was huge. When she openned the door for him, her smile was weak, like she wasn't sure she wanted him there.

Unwelcomed again. What a surprise.

Is she not your friend?

I thought she was.

"Hi, Nico. Come inside. We're just waiting for Jason, he is giving a ride to Frank and Hazel"

Percy, Annabeth and Reyna all stopped talking when they saw him, and smiled. Annabeth was the first one to speak.

"Nico, it's good to see you"

Reyna was looking at him worried.

"Are you okay?"

"Except for the obvious, being in a world and body that are not mine, sure, perfectly fine"

She wasn't convinced, but knew him enough to know there was no use in trying to make him talk.

***

When Jason arrived, Reyna openned the door for them, since Piper was upstairs doing something she wasn't telling them what is was. Along with Jason and the others, there was another boy, a elfish one.

Leo?

Who?

Another demigod.

When Piper arrived at the living room, she screamed and ran to hug the boy.

Is he her boyfriend or something?

No, her boyfriend is the blond one. This one is like her annoying brother, I think.

His own sister looked at him with worry in her eyes, but he looked to the side, not wanting her to see beyond him. Hazel knew him enough to know how to discover what he was hiding without having to ask anything.

***

"Pretty much everything. Demigods, monsters, another world, two-minds-one-body and all that"

"Have you lost your mind?"

Is this bad?

This is terrible! Who knows who will she talk to about it. I don't want to be locked up in a hospice!

I THINK she's a cheerleader.

This just keeps getting better!

"Shut up!! First, 'her' name is Will."

Piper looked at Nico when she said this, so he tried to mask his feelings at hearing this, but wasn't sure if he succeded.

Great, it had to be this name.

What is wrong with this name?

Nothing is wrong with it.

Are you sure?

Yes, I am, leave it.

"So what?"

"Well... 'her' name is Will, and she is our Will. Our friend Will, demigod, son of Apollo. Just like us but... he's in a girl's body"

At that moment, the girl looked in Nico's eyes, and he could sense the son of Apollo behind those eyes, pleading for him to understand. But he couldn't.

"WHAAAAAT???"

***

"Adding this to the physical resemblance, is not hard to see they are our mortal and normal versions on this world"

So we are the same?

Apparently.

That was what you suspected? But wouldn't tell me?

Yes. I couldn't explain to you like Annabeth did. It was surprisingly easy to understand.

What made you think we're the same?

Same hair and eyes, likes company of the dead, lost sister and mother, has a father who doesn't care. It wasn't that difficult. Your soul is like mine, but not the same.

What?

Each person has a soul. Thereis no way two people have the same soul, even in other world. But your soul was like mine. Not like a copy or reflection, it was more like... twins brothers. They're not the same, but are so similar it's impossible to not see they must be related, even if you met them indifferent times and places, not knowing they're twins. Your soul felt like a twin of mine.

You can feel my soul? I thought you had no powers here.

I don't. I can't shadowtravel or call the deads to my aid. They would be so screwed if I could. But I think something stayed with me, so in a way, I can feel your soul, but not as clearly as when I'm a demigod. I think Percy will feel better when he is in water, stronger and more focused, just like...Will...feel better in the sun.

What is with this Will? Why are you so weird?

I'm NOT.

Yes, you're!

LEAVE IT.

Fine.

***

"You know what? Why don't you all go fae skata kai psofa re malaka!"

Will just... cursed!?

He doesn't do this much?

He NEVER do this. He's that kind of person so happy and positive it can get on your nerves. He never curses, not this level of curse, anyway.

What does that mean?

I don't think you want to know. I wonder where he learned that, is was NOT at camp. Chiron would wash the mouth with soap and ground whoever said that.

***

"So... you're going to get your period in a few days?"

Nico? Are you okay?

Nico? Can you hear me?

Hello, is there someone here?

Solace... is a girl.

I thought we went through it already.

He is... really a girl...

What is he to you? You're really upset about all this.

He's nothing to me! No... not true. He is... a friend.

And...?

There is no 'and', this is it!

Flashback over, back to present

"Or all of them"

"And maybe a little more"

"I think I'm already feeling sick"

Nico couldn't take anymore of this. He stood up and headed to the front door, not talking or looking to anyone. He heard Jason call his name, and he bolted, left the house without looking back.

Where are we going?

Nico.

Nico!

NICO!

WHAT!?

Where. Are. We. Going?

Away from here, from them, from all... that!

You mean your friend being a girl?

YES!

If he's your friend, shouldn't you stay by his side, making him company and giving some support?

Don't you dare tell me what I should do! You know NOTHING about my life!

Then tell me! Tell me why you are so upset you didn't want to stick around them.

I'm NOT upset!!

Come on!! We're stuck together in the same body! You're so upset I can feel it too! So don't lie to ME!

Nico was still running, but took a deep breath and focused, closing his eyes for a second.

How did you do that?

I don't know what you're talking about.

Yes, you do. I can't feel it.

There's nothing to feel.

How did you do that? You're so upset I could feel it, but now... there's nothing.

There's NOTHING to feel.

Yeah, there isn't. Literally. No sadness, pain, happiness or anger. You're... numb. How?

Nico.

Nico, stop ignoring me! HOW?

Habit, okay?? Now leave me alone!

We're in the same body, I can't leave you alone, but fine, I'll drop the subject. For now.