My Hope {Rewritten}

A Mournful Song

As Nico gradually woke up, he became aware of three distinct observations: first, he wasn't in his room in his father's castle; second, he had enjoyed an entire night without the haunting presence of nightmares; and third, he found himself surrounded by four warm bodies, cuddling him as if he were their savior. Blinking to adjust his vision, he attempted to untangle himself from the embrace, only to be met with an unhappy groan from Victoria.

"Argh! Don't move, pillow. I'm still tired," she protested before returning to a peaceful slumber. Nico couldn't help but smile at the unexpected comfort surrounding him.

"I thought Apollo's children were morning people, eager to rise before the sun," Nico remarked in fake annoyance, secretly relishing the tranquility that being with his newfound friends brought him.

"They usually are, but after healing the Greek and Roman armies, they must be exhausted," explained Chiron, his voice surprising Nico. As the centaur gazed at them, a soft smile played on his lips. "Today is a day full of surprises. I see two children of Hades completely happy. It's the first time."

"More precisely, a daughter of Pluto and a son of Hades," Nico corrected, offering a small nod of acknowledgment to Chiron. The centaur's words echoed in his mind, prompting him to reflect on the unusual sense of happiness and camaraderie that had enveloped him since the defeat of Gaea.

The events of the previous day played back in Nico's mind; the victorious battle against Gaea, the unexpected bonds formed with his fellow demigods, and the sheer impossibility of finding solace and friendship in such unexpected circumstances. With Victoria snoring lightly beside him, and the others still in peaceful repose, Nico couldn't help but appreciate the genuine connection he felt with this newfound family. The notion of "friends" had once seemed like an alien concept to him, but now it was a warm reality that he embraced with open arms.

Nico, still absorbing the magnitude of the changes in his life, nodded appreciatively. Nico's gaze lingered on his friends, with a contented smile, he settled back into the embrace of warmth and friendship, grateful for the newfound sense of belonging that had illuminated his darkest corners. As the morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow on the room, Nico couldn't shake the feeling that a new chapter had begun. He marveled at the change within himself and the positive impact of those around him.

"If you have in mind that the only other child of Hades was my deceased older sister, Bianca, you'll conclude that this isn't the first time. Because she was completely happy when she turned into a huntress. Don't get me wrong, but what are you doing here?" questioned Nico.

"I came to see how you are doing," answered Chiron, the Centaur, leaving Nico bewildered. First Jason, then the children of Apollo, and now Chiron—what in Tartarus is going on here? Nico thought, feeling a mix of confusion and frustration. "But I never imagined finding this pleasant surprise," continued the son of Cronus, his smile growing wider. "I'm sure that Lord Apollo would like to know that the only children he had left have someone very strong and caring to protect them."

"Wait a minute! They are the only ones left?" Nico was astonished by the news. "They told me that all their siblings died during the two wars, but I thought that Apollo would have Roman children or at least some outside the camp."

"All his children that left camp have died—many at the hands of the monsters released by Kronos and Gaea, some from old age, and a few from accidents or suicide," Chiron explained with a grim expression. "This last decade has taken a toll on Lord Apollo. You can practically feel it in how punishing the sun is shining. What humans call global warming is just Lord Apollo's rage, sadness, impotence, and loneliness," the Centaur sighed sadly. "Did you know that humans consider the sun a symbol of hope? Well, Lord Apollo has almost lost all hope of being happy." Chiron shook his head before turning his attention back to Nico. "Nico, you have done amazingly. I'll pray that this time things will get better for you." With those words, the Centaur exited the room, leaving a very shocked son of Hades behind.