NICO
Everything in me is numb. My sword has never felt heavier in my hand. I see my dad, battered and beaten, but there.
'Nico.' He says.
'Are you real?' I say, remembering where I am. This place can make you think anything. See anyone. I raise my sword again.
'Of course I'm real.' He says, 'drop the sword.'
'Don't say of course. Don't say it like it's obvious. You know where we are. You know that's not how it works.' I say, anger seeping into my voice.
'Nico-' Reyna says, her hand on my shoulder.
'No, he's right.' He says, 'you're right. But what other choice do you have, other than to believe me?' He says, and he smiles. A tiny little smirk. I drop my sword, step toward him and punch him.
'Nico!' Reyna shouts. My dad turns away, clutching his nose. I guess even Gods are affected by Tartarus.
'What was that for?' He asks, remaining somewhat composed.
'Where the hell have you been?' I ask.
'Indisposed of.' He says.
'Dad, I swear to God-' I start.
'Alright, alright. I get it.' He says, 'I swore on the river Styx. And I broke that promise. The one I made to you.'
'I remember.' I say.
'Thanatos went missing. I tried to find him, but the doors of death were open and luck was against me. So far it's been more of an inconvenience than anything; I'm stronger than anything here. But I suppose once again you've fallen into my crossfire.' He says.
'Funny how that happens.' I say, 'can you get us out of here?'
'I believe so.' He says, but he looks at me, concerned, 'it's just whether you'll be strong enough to survive down here again.'
'What?' Reyna asks.
I stare at my dad, and he stares back.
'Don't pretend you can't already feel it.' He says, 'everything that happened here. The toll it takes on a person.'
'I'll be fine.' I say, through gritted teeth.
'Of course.' He says.
