Once they had broken to free air, Nico didn't stop. "This way! Before he realizes."

He? Percy questioned but then realized it was Hades that Nico was talking about.

Nico smiled back at him, a smile that was too wide for such a frail, introverted boy, but he did it anyway.

Nico brought Percy to an abandoned house that was still pretty well in-tact, besides the master bedroom. He had scoped it out long ago, before this whole scheme of things had come to turn, when he was still exploring his abilities as a Hades child. He'd come here to test out what he could do (hence the messed up master bedroom) and turns out, he could do a lot.

But despite the memories, he didn't focus on the house at all, or where he was besides next to his favorite son of the sea.

He pulled Percy into another hug, "We missed you, Jackson."

Nico's voice broke the silence, but Percy was a little out of it. He looked around, but Nico could tell he felt... out of place. He felt anxious. He needed time.

Nico pulled him to the living room and sat him on the couch, "Just rest. There's old cans of soups in the kitchen, so I'll go make you some."

As he walked away, he thoughts raced faster than bringing Percy back.

How could I do this? It breaks the laws of nature.

What if Hades finds out? Surely, he already knows.

How is he going to explain this to anyone? Does he even care about the consequences?

What if Percy is never the same? What if he brought back a shell?

What if Percy can't take it, or has to go on another quest, or is just miserable?

He's never going to love me. He'll never forgive me for this.

He swallowed, but it was dry and harsh. I can't believe I brought him back.