Percy Jackson: The Curse of Memory

Chapter 12.

Nico's POV:

As they made their way towards The Three Theo's, what Nico liked to call their winged horses, he couldn't help but think of Briar. Like she refused to get out of his mind. As of she was warning him of something. There was something creepy about her, something she refused to tell.

Her eyes, those hazy eyes hid something mysterious, yet powerful. A shiver went down his spine just thinking about it. Who was she? She shared barely anything about herself. There was one thing Nico knew though. He knew her.

He heard some neighs in the distance. Thank the gods. He saw the shiny manes of his winged friends. When they came closer, Theophanes was enjoying a fresh piece of grass. Nico suddenly remembered something. He was so focused on Briar, he almost forgot. Stupid parents. How could he tell Thalia and Percy about his dad? Sure he trusted them, but they could immediately turn on him if they knew.

Hades. He didn't even want to use his dad's name. But Hades, Hades was always portrayed as the bad guy. He hated that.

Also his dreams. He saw Mnemosyne and knew where she was. Percy knew of her too. But they never heard anything about Thalia. What was she experiencing? Nico wasn't going to ask though. She had her reasons.

He walked up to Theodore and stroked his mane. It felt like a soft chalkboard against his skin, but it felt nice. "Hey," He whispered. "It's been a long day, hasn't it?" Theodore nickered back at him, probably talking crap about him, but the noise soothed Nico in a way.

"We're worried about you, Nico, " Said a concerned voice. "Thalia!" Nico accidentally let a little of his "Italian accent" slip. Thalia didn't seem to notice. "Sorry. You just seem off. Ever since we went to that library."
"It's Briar," Nico said quickly.
"What?"
"She's not what we think, Thalia."
"What do you mean, "
Nico could tell she didn't appreciate that. Her tone had turned bitter. He bit his lip. "Thalia, she is what we think she is, " Nico repeated.
"No, you just don't trust her," She said coldly. It was obvious Thalia didn't want to hear anymore. "You needed the backpack, right?" She said. Nico cursed. "I'll take that as a yes, " She laughed half-heartedly, then handed him the blue backpack. Well, no going back now. "Thank you." Then he pushed his way through the tall green grass, ignoring every thorn.

The smell of fresh pine needles made its way to Nico's nose. He hoped no one could see him. He checked his surroundings. All clear. He unzipped the backpack, and carefully took out the book. It was already collecting dust in there. Weird. He brushed it off, trying to ignore his surname on the bottom laced with gold. He sighed uneasily. His ancestors knew a thing or two about the Shadows. But why?

Nico grasped onto the book. It may belong to his family, but not him. Not the shadows either.
He didn't work for the shadows. He went with the shadows.
He started at the lake in front of him and lifted the book. "I'm not one of them, " He snarled, then dropped it in, with a savage splash.

For a moment, he swore he saw all darkness. Then the forest returned, choked by its elegant branches, and carpet of evergreen needles.

The back of his mind filled with regret, but that wasn't him. He rejected his thoughts. And that wasn't easy.
He let the shadows embrace him, he didn't care. He remembered this feeling. He hoped Thalia and Percy liked naps (Who doesn't?)
"What am I even doing with myself, " He muttered. It wasn't even a question anymore.

He should have told them.

Eh, surprises are always better.