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Hazel's Dream

Hazel's POV

Hazel hated boats.

She got seasick so easily, it was more like sea plague. She hadn't mentioned this to Percy. She didn't want to mess up the quest, but she remembered how horrible her life had been when she and her mother had moved to Alaska—no roads. Everywhere they went, they'd had to take the train or a boat.

She hoped her condition might have improved since she'd come back from the dead. Obviously not. And this little boat, the Pax, looked so much like that other boat they'd had in Alaska. It brought back bad memories...

As soon as they left the dock, Hazel's stomach started to churn. By the time they passed the piers along the San Francisco Embarcadero, she felt so woozy she thought she was hallucinating. They sped by a pack of sea lions lounging on the docks, and she swore she saw an old homeless guy sitting among them. From across the water, the old man pointed a bony finger at Percy and mouthed something like Don't even think about it.

Hazel: Did you see that?

Percy: Yeah. I've been here before. I...I don't know. I think I was looking for someone. A friend, I think.

Frank: You mean, on your way to Camp Jupiter?

Percy: No, before that.

He scanned the city like he was still looking for that friend of his until they passed under the Golden Gate Bridge and turned north.

Hazel tried to settle her stomach by thinking of pleasant things—the euphoria she'd felt last night when they'd won the war games, riding Hannibal into the enemy keep, Frank's sudden transformation into a leader. He'd looked like a different person when he'd scaled the walls, calling on the Fifth Cohort to attack. The way he'd swept the defenders off the battlements...Hazel had never seen him like that before. She'd been so proud to pin the centurion's badge to his shirt.

Then her thoughts turned to Nico. Before they had left, her brother had pulled her aside to wish her luck. Hazel hoped he'd stay at Camp Jupiter to help defend it, but he said he'd be leaving today—heading back to the Underworld.

Nico: Dad needs all the help he can get. The Fields of Punishment look like a prison riot. The Furies can barely keep order. Besides...I'm going to try to track some of the escaping souls. Maybe I can find the Doors of Death from the other side.

Hazel: Be careful. If Gaea is guarding those doors—

Nico: (smiles) Don't worry. I know how to stay hidden. Just take care of yourself. The closer you get to Alaska...I'm not sure if it'll make the blackouts better or worse.

Take care of myself, Hazel thought bitterly. As if there was any way the quest would end well for her.

Hazel: If we free Thanatos, I may never see you again. Thanatos will send me back to the Underworld...

Nico took her hand. His fingers were so pale, it was hard to believe Hazel and he shared the same godly father.

Nico: I wanted to give you a chance at Elysium. That was the best I could do for you. But now, I wish there was another way. I don't want to lose my sister.

He didn't say the word again, but Hazel knew that's what he was thinking. For once, she didn't feel jealous of Bianca di Angelo. She just wished that she had more time with Nico and her friends at camp. She didn't want to die a second time.

Nico: Good luck, Hazel.

Then he melted into the shadows—just like her father had seventy years before.