Fates Call (Previously the King, The Ghost, And The Wizards)

Chapter 3

Nico almost kissed the ground when he tumbled out of his final shadow and into the saftey of the forest surrounding camp. The harsh thud was a sign that he should've been hurt but his body was numbed from exertion. Soon Reyna, the aggressive body of coach Hedge, and a magical statue followed after onto the earthy floor. Soft grunts emitted from them on impact but they were quickly able to get up and adjust themselves into sitting positions against the trunk of a Sprouse tree.

Reyna noticed Nico frail frame struggling to gain balance and placed herself under his arm as a support system. The three had successfully transported the Athena Parthenos to camp half blood, but the thundering sound of battle suggested they weren't fast enough to avoid conflict. His body ached as he imagined walking on his own, much less raising a sword in battle. Reyna once again noticed his unease and tightened her jaw before speaking.

"Coach, go get help. Nico is in no shape to walk into a battle. I'll stay here and look after him." Her tone was commanding yet filled with empathy. She showed the prowess of a true leader, understanding the needs of her fellow comrades, but not softened and lenient on orders.

Coach hedge gives a gruff nod of the head and scurried towards the cabins in search for a camper. Reyna leans Nicos tired body against the tree and soon takes the place next to him. War cries echoed through the night and Reyna's heart ached with each scream. She imagined her soldiers fighting under the rule of someone like Octavian. The blood lust he created spreading like a disease amongst her ranks. She couldn't bring herself to join in if she were to stumble towards the feild. She needed to stay and protect Nico. The young son of Hades was more than completely drained and the sweat drops beading down his head and the excessive paleness of his already olive skin was worrying.

"Do you really think we can stop this?" Nico voiced his doubts. Sure, Reyna was the preator and all but how can they stop a civil war? Octavian would die before becoming chummy with Greeks and his influence has brainwashed many of the other legion memebers. The greeks wouldn't just stop either and if chiron can't convince them how can he? He was barely wanted within the boundries. This wasn't his home. He didn't have a home.

A tired sigh escaped Reyna's chapped lips. "I know my people, Nico. They may seem unyielding now, but they understand reason. They just need a proper leader to help them see it, to seee the truth about everything." One look into her brown eyes and Nico knew she believed every word with every once of her being. She trusted her people, her friends, and she knew they would do what was right.

Nico bobbed his head in understanding. "Do you think Coach is alrig-"

The sentence died at his lips as a ball of flames shot through the sky like a falling sun. The burning bits rained down upon the forest, setting the trees and foliage ablaze. The flames illuminated Nicos face, the fear in his gaze prominent and slowly strengthening.

The driads were letting out blood curdling screams. Their bodies turning to ash and their leaved ablaze with light. Several ran with limbs and hair a vibrant red and orange. Nico caught sight of one crying for help as her entire body turned to ash. The death surrounding them twisted Nicos gut and made his head spin, it was too overwhelming to be here.

They couldn't leave the statue here to burn, but there was no way to move it. Reyna knew Nicos body couldn't handle much more.

"Nico, I need you to trust me." Nico gave a questioning head tilt, "Grab my hand and use my power one last time. Shadow travel us into the camp."

"I-I can't, Reyna. I don't have the eneenergy to do it, I can barely lift up my damn arm."

"Just try Nico." There was a harsh set to Reyna's jaw and a fierce look in her gaze. She wasn't taking no for an answer.