[All rights belong to Rick Riordan. This was NOT written by me. Only the translation has been done by me. I know a lot of people have not been able to view this short story published by Rick Riordan in a popular Italian newspaper called La Repubblica (which was later uploaded on his website in Italian), so I translated it to English on this platform for all Percy Jackson fans to view and enjoy. Another thing, neither am I Italian, nor do I speak the language, so there may be some problem in the translation. Thank you!]

"Where are we?" asked Percy.

"Florence," said Nico.

Percy frowned. "And why?"

The son of Hades snorted. "You never need a reason to come to Florence. But you told me you'd like to find a perfect gift for Annabeth, didn't you?"

"True." Percy put his hands on his stomach. He had never liked shadow-travelling. "But I thought we were going to the Christmas market in Times Square. There are many stalls -"

"Times Square!" Nico shuddered. "You're romantic. If you want a gift worthy of your girlfriend, you need an Italian gift, as everyone knows. Let's go."

The streets of Florence were empty. The winter clouds stretched out heavy and gray. Directly in front of Nico and Percy, the cathedral's massive dome looked like a huge medieval spaceship, ready to take off.

"The shop is close," Nico said, crossing the square. His face was difficult to read because of the mask that covered his mouth.

"What shop?" asked Percy.

Nico did not answer.

Percy looked at the shutters of the shops, the only people in the square were running around. Even the tall Christmas tree seemed to glitter sadly in front of the cathedral. In Italy, as in the United States and everywhere, it was obvious that this year had been very hard. Demigods, like Percy and Nico, could not get sick from the pandemic, but they could spread it, so they wore masks to protect mortals in their lives, because that's what the heroes did.

However, the son of Poseidon was tired and ready for a new year. Recently, monsters were also practicing "social distance," and it was very difficult to fight monsters with a sword six feet away.

"Here we are," said Nico.

The front of the shop was not much different from the others. It was at the entrance to an alley, with an iron grate through the closed door and advertisements painted on the dark windows: Jewelry! The best deals!

"Seriously?" asked Percy.

"When we enter," said Nico, "be kind and respectful."

"As always," said Percy.

Nico coughed. "Anyway, the shopkeeper will help you find the perfect gift for Annabeth, I promise. But... "

"But?"

"He's a little strange."

"As always," repeated Percy. He checked his pockets. "And how can I pay? I only have dollars and an expired voucher for sandwiches."

"Don't worry," said Nico. "The shopkeeper does not accept money. He has other ways to make you pay."

"Now I'm worried."

Nico opened the grate, pushed the door and walked in. Percy followed him.

Inside the store, the walls were lined with lockers with jewelry and trinkets of all kinds. Behind the counter, with his back turned, was a man in a huge red cloak, his hair like a wild white avalanche. He was working on a work desk, repairing a diamond necklace.

"Impossible, " murmured Percy. "Santa Claus?"

"Where?" exclaimed the man, turning around alarmed.

It wasn't Santa Claus.

His cloak unfolded, becoming red wings. From his white hair sprang pointed ears like those of a lynx. From his beard, also white, boar fangs rose. His nose was a beak like that of a vulture.

Percy swallowed. "I'm sorry. I thought you were someone else."

"Percy," Nico said, "meet Charu, the Etruscan god, guardian and guide of the dead."

"Pleasure," said Charu, his eyes blazing with flames. "How can I help you?"

"Excuse me," said Percy, "but are you an Etruscan god?"

"Yes, yes," said Charu. "Before the Roman intruders, these lands were the home of the Etruscans. For this reason, this region is called Tuscany, are you following?"

"But why-?"

"Percy," interrupted Nico, "Charu is the last Etruscan god. He remained after the passage of the others, to keep the passage of the dead."

"Alas," said Charu. "It's true. I'm still waiting, hoping some of them will come back, but it never happens." He pointed to his shop windows. "Over the centuries, many have passed through my shop, heading towards death. Nobody ever comes back. Well, there was that one guy, Dante, but other than him, no one. People, and the gods, leave me their most priceless items for custody, as you can see. What are you looking for?"

Percy wasn't sure he wanted to get Annabeth a present that belonged to a dead god, but he didn't want to offend Charu. He explained the different things Annabeth liked.

"Your girlfriend likes strategy?" Charu smiled, showing off his fangs. "I have the perfect thing."

The ancient god took something from his locker. It was a gold bracelet, made of tiny keys. "This," he said, "was done by Sethlans, the Etruscan god of artisans. The keys around... well, I'm just saying they can open up a lot of things and solve a lot of problems."

Percy was stunned. "It's perfect," he admitted. "But the price must be high."

"That's all," Charu said. "Tell me the right answer: why would ancient gods like me celebrate Christmas?"

Nico seemed nervous. Maybe he didn't think Percy would be good for an oral exam. But Percy thought carefully about the past year and his friends, like Nico, who had helped him get through it.

"Because," said the son of Poseidon, "Christmas is for everyone. It represents hope. Especially in dangerous times, all of us — gods, demigods, mortals — must help each other. We have to remain vigilant and optimistic, like you, watching over those who cross. "

The god smiled. "Well said. Here's your present. Maybe we'll see each other again, huh? Merry Christmas!"

Once they were back outside the store, Nico said, "That was impressive, Percy."

"Thank you," said Percy, holding the bracelet. "But I suppose the perfect gift is not a jewel. It's a good friendship. Merry Christmas, my friend."

"You too, Seaweed Brain."

Percy laughed and, together, they walked back into the shadows.

(Charu, the Etruscan god.)