150 Degrees (Leo Valdez X Reader)

Sisterly Advice

(Nico's POV)

There was nothing wrong. The trip to see my sister seemed to be going just fine and I was only a mere 15 minutes away from Camp Jupiter. I stopped four times for food, twice to let Ms. O'Leary rest, and a few times for both of us to use the restroom. It was... peaceful. 

So why did I have such a bad feeling? 

A pit in my stomach had begun to form the closer I got to her, which in most cases wouldn't happen. If anything, it would be the opposite. I'm typically excited to see my sister. Her caring eyes, loving embrace and cinnamon smell was always a comfort. Why am I so scared now? 

The clouds merge into an array of colors as the sun begins to set. A mixture of yellow, purple, and pink. It makes the journey even more peaceful than what it was. It makes the pit in my stomach even deeper. 

I've officially reached the entrance. I notice the two guards at the begining of the tunnel straighten at the sight of the hellhound beneath my legs, but they relax slightly once they spot me. I nod my head and try my best to provide a reassuring smile. It's obvious they're not entirely comfortable, but they let me through. Their knuckles are white from the tight grip they have on their weapons. 

I tap Ms. O'Leary's side. "Keep your head down. The Romans aren't as nice." 

Ms. O'Leary releases a slight grumble that vibrates from her stomach and lowers her head. I look around, earning a few smiles from familiar campers, as well as startled screams. Finally, I spot her.

Hazel stood in the center of the barracks area, speaking to another camper. Her hair seemed to have gotten shorter, more than likely an attempt to do it herself. The evidence is in the uneven tips.  It looked like she was reassuring the person she was talking to - a hand on the shoulder, scrunched brows, and a worrisome look in her eyes. 

I halt not far from her and slip off Ms. O'Leary's back. I give her a quick pet.

"Stay close," I command. 

The camper Hazel is speaking to looks over and squeals, pulling out a dagger. Instinctually, Hazel whips around, pointing her sharp spatha right to my neck. I don't flinch, however. Instead, I greet her with a warm smile. 

"Nice to see you," I say. 

It takes her a second to register that I'm not a threat before returning the smile. 

"Nico!" 

---

Hazel sits behind me, her hands holding onto my shoulders. The midnight sky was illuminated by the moon and array of stars, pleasant to the eye. Ms. O'Leary is walking at a steady pace, careful to avoid stray branches. As we get closer to our destination, I'm reciting everything that has happened. The snake, Annabeth, Y/N, Jordyn - everything. I refrain from mentioning Pan. I don't want to freak her out just yet. 

"So who's with Annabeth right now?" Hazel questions once I finish. 

"Chiron," I reply. As I say it, I feel tense. I shake it off. "We need to set everything up quickly. The ritual will take a lot of power. I'm hoping they don't take long." 

"I'm sure Percy will ensure they get here quickly," she reassures. "He loves her more than anything." 

I simply nod. We get closer to a clearing in the forest beside a lake. The moon shines on the water. The breeze brings goosebumps to my bare arms. It's the perfect night to conjure a god.