9- A sacrifice shall be made, as they make their last raid

(Warning-ish: this chapter is going to be about 5,000 words to prepare me for the next chapter that's going to be about 10,000 words cause I'm insane and I don't know what I'm doing with my life. So, the next chapter will be delayed for a while which is why I'm revealing the answers to so many unanswered questions in this chapter. I realized I could've put this in my authors note but whatever. Always, go on and read my chapter. I hope you enjoy it!)

"I'm so sorry (y/n)." Nico said.

"Wait, why? What happened?!" I asked.

"I think I should just let this explain." Annabeth said.

I was very confused. Annabeth handed me a small gold rimmed black box. When I saw it I gasped (a/n I don't know why I put "I gasped" cause there is no reason that the reader knows of at this point. Maybe because it's pretty? Idk) and immediately ran into my room. I sat down on my bed and slowly opened the box.

The first thing I noticed was the necklace. The necklace that she used to wear around her neck all the time, everyday. It still had the same letters carved into it. They were still as clear as day. I rubbed my thumb over those words. Those words. Those words that I would never forget. Not throwing away my shot.

I picked it up and held it tight. Underneath it was a slip of paper. It was folded over very neatly. That's what Caileigh does when folding. Curious, I picked it up and unfolded it. It was from Caileigh. It read,

Dear my wonderful little sister, (y/n)

I am so sorry (y/n). By the time you will be receiving this letter I will probably already be dead. Please forgive me for having to give myself up and please do not be upset by this. By now I am sure you've realised by now I am your real, blood related, older sister. I was a thank you gift from Hades. So, was our younger sister Belladonna. A gift for healing his son, Nico, who had a broken heart. Unfortunately, we did not want you to know until one of us had died or until you figured it out on your own later, so Sara was not an option. I guess I was the first to die. Again. Just like back during hurricane Katrina. I died first, then mom, then Sara, then Belladonna. It is not your fault. Belladonna told me what you did and I do forgive you (Sara is still a little mad), I have not heard from her about it though. I still do not believe that it is your fault. In fact I believe It never truly was. Unfortunately I am dead now. But as we know, things do happen for a reason and so I guess this happened to me for some reason. Keep going and we will all be waiting for you. Also, next time, please tell me you have a demon. I love you so much my little sister. Don't throw away your shot.

                              Love,
                                 Your loving older sister,                          
                                                               Caileigh~

I couldn't believe my eyes. That was my real older sister. The one I had always looked up to as a little kid. She was so amazing in my bright, innocent eyes. I finally had her again and I lost her. Just like I did last time. So many years ago.

Now all I had left was my little sister, Belladonna. She was the only one left. The only family I could protect. I didn't feel right. I felt almost dead. Almost. I was crying and shaking. Everything was perfect was gone. I thought that. Until I heard a knock on the door.

"O-Oh um, C-come in." My voice cracked slightly as I spoke.

My eyes were filled with tears that kept spilling. The door opened to reveal Nico. He looked concerned for me. Seeing that made me feel much more loved. I knew I still had something perfect in his cruel world.

Nico is the one thing that is keeping me sane. Everything else is killing me on the inside. I looked up at Nico as he walked in. Gods, he's still so beautiful. It's no wonder why I fell for him.

"Hey (n/n)." He said. "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault." I said and shook my head.

"Is there anything you want?" He asked.

"Yeah there is. Could you come here and sit next to me?" I asked.

"Sure." He responded.

Nico walked over and sat down. I slipped on the necklace Caileigh gave me and turned to Nico. He looked at me nervously. Poor Nico. He must be so worried about me.

"I think it's about time that you learned about my past." I said.

"Go ahead. Tell me what you want me to know." He replied.

"At a young age, 5 years old (a/n it's 2015 in the book at the moment . Hurricane Katrina was in 2005 so I had to change this to line the events up. Oh and your character has to be 15. I'm sorry, it's the only way the events line up. Please don't mind this!), I lived in New Orleans, Louisiana with my mom, Sierra, my older sister Caileigh, my younger sister Belladonna, and my twin sister Sara. Then, we got hit by hurricane Katrina I lost everything... All that was left was pieces of me." I explained.

"What do you mean by "all that was left were pieces of you"?" He asked, curiously.

"This." I replied smoothly.

I pulled up my pant legs. Instead of legs being there. All you could see was metal. It was imperial gold. I used it when fighting.

Nico's face was shocked. He was staring at my legs. I felt a wave of anxiety crash over me. Does this change anything between us?

"Nico-" I started.

"How did this happen?" He said his voice low.

"W-well um." I tried to form words.

"What happened?!" He yelled.

He slammed his fists down. I jumped in surprise. He realized what he did. His eyes widened in surprise. He was shaking too.

"(Y/n), I-I'm so sorry. I'm just worried." His eyes widened as he stuttered.

He runs a hand through his deep black hair. I hear him let out a deep sigh. I knew he felt guilty. Probably, just nervous about me being scared like that. He really did care so much about me and my wellbeing.

"It's ok Nico I completely understand." I said, calmly.

"Could you please tell me what happened?" He asked, nicer.

"Yeah, I tried to save my sisters and I fell in trying to save my twin I lost right leg. I lost my left trying to save my mom and Caileigh. My younger sister found a blacksmith who conveniently had the two legs I needed that were the right size. He gave me them for free along with m-my sword." I said, nervously.

If I hadn't been shaking before, I definitely was now. I was extremely nervous. Nico noticed how uncomfortable I was. He frowned and hugged me.

"It's ok. Take your time. Calm down." He spoke smoothly and softly to me.

"Thanks Neeks. Anyways, after the hurricane, me and my little sister scavenged for food, shelter, water, anything that we needed. Well, until I learned the true meaning of my sword 'ŠØÜŁ ÇÙTTËR' and I met my demon and killed my sister. That was the beginning of me having to scavenge and live by myself. Yet, my father guided me. I blocked him out sometimes, but now that I'm here with you. I guess I'm ok." I finally finished.

"I'll always be there." He said.

"Thanks Neeks." I said.

He held me close to him. I smiled as he held me. I could still feel Caileigh here. Yet, she wasn't at the same time.

"I want to see my family again." I said.

"I think I can do that." Nico replied.

"Really?" I asked with a smile

"Of course. You've suffered enough. I know you want to see them again." He said, kindly.

"Thank you Nico." I replied.

"I promise I'll take you to see them when we get back." He said, confidently.

I fidgeted with the necklace Caileigh gave me. I was nervous on how my family would react. Knowing Sara she would drown him in questions and interrogate him dry. She probably didn't forgive me either.

"I'm sure they'll love you Nico. To them you're a gift that keeps giving." I said.

"Good. That's the impression I hope to give them." He replied.

"Even if they don't like you I'm still going to be with you." I said.

"Good. I really hate being alone." He said.

"I know, Ghost King. I know." I said.

Nico helped me up and took me to the balcony where everyone was standing there. Well, except for Leo that is. He was the captain so he controlled the ship. Looking at everyone, they were staring at me. I realized everyone was probably waiting for me.

They all looked hopeful as well as nervous. Now, I understood why but there really was no longer a need to worry. That's what Caileigh would've said if she were here.

"How are you feeling (y/n)?" Annabeth asked.

She put a hand on my shoulder along with her boyfriend, Percy. I flinched at the physical contact, but regained myself. I smiled at them.

"For the time being, I'm feeling fine. Nico found a way to make me feel better." I explained.

They relaxed and smiled back. Nico mouthed something to them and the quickly removed their hands from my shoulders. He must've told them I didn't like physical contact.

"It's good to know your ok." Hazel said.

Frank nodded behind her. Hazel was one of the kindest people here. She was sweet and caring and everyone loved her, especially Frank. Well, he is your boyfriend.

"Thanks Hazel. I don't think I would be feeling better at all if it wasn't for Nico." I replied.

"Speaking of Nico. Take good care of him. I don't need my brother to be unhappy again. If you do anything to him I will hunt you down." She said, eyes narrowed.

Her voice grew cold in the end making me tense. My eyes widened.  I didn't know Hazel could get like this. It's kinda scary.

"Yes ma'am!" I replied quickly.

"Of course the same thing goes for Nico too." She said and laughed.

I smiled at Hazel. She was protective over both me and Nico. She reminded me so much of Sara. Nico's lucky to have such an amazing and perfect sister. She's just like my sisters.

"Eh, fair enough." I heard Nico say behind me.

Piper walked up to me and smiled. She had a smile on her face that I could see through. Her smile said she was happy, but her eyes said otherwise. They were tired, sad, and had a longing look in them. She must've grown close to Caileigh just like I did.

"I miss her too." She said.

Her voice was soft and slightly cracked like she had been crying. Since, she had been. I could tell by her tear stains and red eyes. This was probably a lot for her to take in. Just like how it is for me.

"I know, but she will never be forgotten." I said and gave her a small smile in an attempt to make her feel better.

"Thanks. I needed to here that today." She replied.

"Well, no one deserves to forgotten." I said, softly. (a/n hence the song above).

"Yeah, you're right (y/n)." She replied.

I looked at Nico. The rest of the guys were talking with him. Percy, Jason, Frank, and Nico were in tears. They were all comforting each other. I looked back at the girls and they smiled at me they were crying too.

"Guys! Could I have your attention please." I yelled to them.

All of them turned to face me. They were all crying or were crying before. Caileigh was so important to us. Her death had taken a toll on us. She would take a stand for any of us. Now, it was my turn. I had to take a stand for us.

"I know we all miss Caileigh. Especially me, I just figured out she was my sister from the past. It's a long story and I don't have the time or mostly any confidence to tell you it. Anyways, I believe no one should forget her and I know you never want that to happen. So, I say we always remember her. That's what she would have wanted. No one deserves to be forgotten, and there's no way I will let her be forgotten. We'll tell her story through our friends, family, and future generations. I won't ever let her be forgotten. She will never be forgotten, I will never let it happen!" I shouted my voice filled with determination (a/n it fills you with determination! UNDERTALE reference *ahem* sorry!).

Everyone cheered for me and I smiled. Caileigh would never be forgotten. She would live on in our memories. Yet, I know it's not the goodbyes that hurt, it's the flashbacks that follow.

Night time approached and everyone went back to their rooms to sleep. I was about to leave when someone grabbed my wrist. I knew it was probably Nico and I turned around to see that I was right.

"Can you stay with me for just a bit longer?" He asked.

There was this desperate look in his eyes. He needed me right now. I nodded my head and stood by his side as we stood at the edge of the balcony.

"Thanks for staying with me (n/n)." He said.

"Of course Nico. I care to much to leave you alone." I said.

He smiled at me and hugged me tightly. I was confused at first. Then, I felt something wet and hot on my shirt. Tears. Nico was crying.

"Neeks, why are you crying? What's wrong." I cooed softly and wrapped my arms around him.

"I-I'm worried about you." he said through sobs.

"Why are you worried about me?" I asked, even though I already knew why he was worried about me.

"I'm worried you'll become depressed like I was. I don't want you to get hurt." He spoke softly.

"Oh Nico. Thank you for caring about me. To be honest, you are right. I have been feeling a little depressed, but I couldn't do anything bad to myself. I don't want you to blame yourself or become depressed again." I said softly.

"Thanks (Y/n). I'm glad you're okay." He said.

"Everything will be ok when we get back." I said with reassurance.

Then, I realized. Belladona. She didn't know Caileigh was dead. Again. But still, she wouldn't be happy about it. I'm not sure how she will react to all this. Nico must have noticed my distress, because he immediately reacted to it.

"(Y/n)! What's wrong?" He said while freaking out.

"My little sister, Belladona. I don't know how she's going to take all this. It might be a little to much." I said, worriedly.

I cried in his chest. This stress was way to much for someone like me to handle. He started to rub my back comfortingly. I relaxed and calmed down.

"Nico. I can't handle this it's to stressful." I groaned and ran my hands through my hair while shaking.

"It's ok (y/n). Just relax. Let me handle this go for you." He said softly.

"Can you get me something to eat please?" I asked.

"Sure, Ghost Queen." He replied.

"Thanks Ghost King." I retorted back.

Nico walked out and closed the door behind him. I sighed and laid down on my back. Gabbie was screaming in the back of my mind, but I pushed her away. She kept trying. Gabbie couldn't win. If Nico is here, Gabbie can never win. He's more powerful than her.

I stared at the door. In my mind, I could imagine Caileigh walking in with a smile. She would thank Nico and hug me. She had that kind of personality. Suddenly, I felt someone hug me.

I snapped back to reality. Nico was hugging me tightly. I realized that I was crying and he was just being caring. I hugged him back and kissed his head. He pulled away and looked at me.

"I told you everything would be ok. I intend to keep it that way. And I also said to leave everything to me. I'm going to take care of you ok?" He said in a soft tone.

I nodded my head. Nico smiled lightly and handed me a plate and cup. He had given me both (f/f) and (f/d). Nico really did know me really well.

"Thanks Neeks." I said.

"Anything for you (n/n)." He replied.

I ate and drank what Nico got me. He sat next to me the entire time. His beautiful deep onyx black eyes stared at me. Not in a creepy way, but in a caring way. He had his arm around my was protectively. It was kinda cute.

Once I had finished my meal, he set the dishes aside. He picked me up and set me in a chair. I was confused at first until I saw him fix my bed. I looked out the window and saw the night sky. Time had flown by so fast.

"You really don't have to do all this for me Nico." I said, worried he was overworking himself.

"Yes I do. I care to much to see you so desperate for help. I have to take care of you so you don't end up like that." He replied with a confident tone.

"Thank you." I said quietly, but he still heard me.

I saw him smile with sincerity. Maybe this is the reason that Caileigh died. So, Nico and I could be closer together. I know it sounds kinda selfish, but it's just a thought.

He came back to me and picked me back up and put me in my bed. He got in next to me and pulled the covers over us. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into him.

I snuggled into his comforting body. He smiled and kissed my forehead. Then, we fell asleep. I had an interesting dream that night. One that really made me feel better.

(Cue dream)
At first, all I saw was black. I felt like I was in some kind of void. I looked around me to see more emptiness. Then, I heard someone's voice. It sounded so familiar.

'Hello?' I called out into the empty void.

'(Y/n)? Is that you?' They replied.

'Caileigh?!' I called.

'Hi.' She replied with simplicity.

Caileigh appeared in front of me. She looked beautiful in what she was wearing. A beautiful long dress, her hair up in a bun with a few strands falling down, and her glasses weren't on her face. She looked even prettier without me.

'What are you doing here?' I asked.

'When I died, Lord Hades took pity on you. He saw how broken you were over my death. He said that you tried to hide it and tried to stay strong, but it still broke you. So, he was able to switch things up a bit again. So, until I am sorted into one of the three areas, I can message you in your dreams.' She explained.

'That's great Caileigh! Now that I can talk to you knowing you're my real older sister I have a few questions I need answered.' I said.

'Go ahead. Ask away.' She said smoothly.

'When did Hades give you and Belladona life again?' I asked.

'About 5 years ago.' She replied.

'You told me you were once soulless. Is this true?' I questioned.

'Yes. It was the cost to return to the surface. It was the only way both Belladona and I could go.' She explained.

'How did you get your soul back?' I asked.

'...' She was quiet,

'Caileigh?' I questioned, worriedly.

'I... I was given my soul back by Luke Castellan. We dated each other for a while.' She finally answered.

'Then, what happened?' I asked, curiously.

'He went to the dark side and I refused to join him. We broke up and he eventually, as you probably know, got himself killed. When I heard he was back I didn't want to believe it. Yet, I knew he no longer cared for me. I ended up fearing him and well that's happened.' She said with unhappiness.

'How'd you know I had a demon?' I asked.

'Nico sensed one in you when you first showed up. He told me when he found out you and I were really close.' She said.

'Can I get rid of my demon?' I asked.

'I don't know I'll try to figure it out. Try doing some research yourself.' She replied (A/n A.K.A author-chan has literally no idea what to do for that conflict, but will think of something later. Don't worry I will! Also, I didn't want to make Caileigh who knew everything.).

'Why did Nico date our brother, Will instead of me?' I asked.

'Two reasons. One, he thought you didn't like him after the incident where he yelled at you. Two, he thought he would just get hurt again if he grew close to you.' She answered.

'Why did you give me your necklace?' I asked.

'I gave you my necklace, so you could always have a piece of me with you. So, I could never be forgotten. Think of it as kind of like a piece of our family. When you're older, you'll give it to your kids. Your kids will give it to one of theirs and so on.' She said.

'Thanks for answering all my questions Caileigh, I'm gonna miss you.' I said.

'You too (y/n), but I'm always going to be here in your dreams.' She replied.

'Yeah, I know.' I said sassily.

'Bye (y/n).' She replied with a smile.

'See you in my next dream Caileigh.' I said.

' You to (y/n).' She said and disappeared into mist.
(End dream)

I woke up and looked around. At first, all I saw was my room. Then, I turned to my side and saw Nico. I realised he was holding me against his chest.

I sighed and struggled to pull myself out of his grip. He grunted and pulled me closer. I gave up and let him win. He nuzzled his head in the crook of my neck. I giggle lightly at him. His eyes slowly opened and he yawned.

"Good morning Nico." I said.

"Morning Sunshine." He replied.

"How many nicknames do you have for me?" I asked, curiously.

"I have (n/n), Sunshine, and Ghost Queen." He replied.

He counted them on his fingers. I laughed and got up. He followed my actions and let me get up this time. I laughed at his tired expression, because it was adorable.

Nico left my room to go get ready. I decided to take a shower. As the warm water hit my body, I felt calm. I finished and wrapped a towel around my body and stepped back into my room.

I slipped into a CHB shirt and jeans with some (f/c) converse. We were supposed to arrive back at camp today. To be honest, I didn't know if I was happy or upset.

I would have to tell Belladona what happened. Not that I wanted to. I sighed and walked out of my room. I met up with everyone else to eat breakfast. I had my head in my hand and I kept poking at my (f/f).

"Hey (y/n). Is everything alright?" Frank asked, noticing my unhappiness.

"I dunno Frank. I'm just worried." I replied.

"What? Why?" He asked.

"I'm having a small problem at the moment. I have a little sister named Belladona-." I started.

"Oh! How old is she?" Percy asked, rudely cutting me off.

"She's 10 years old at the moment." I replied, trying not to snap at Percy.

"Aww!" Hazel said.

"Anyways. As I was saying before I was interrupted." I glared at Percy who put his hands up in a surrender position. "Belladona is my young little sister. She has grown very close to Caileigh and I, so I don't know how she will take this. You know, Caileigh being dead and all."

Everyone was silent. Hearing this be dilemma, everyone grew worried. We had this kind of affect on each other. When one person felt something, so did everyone else.

"Leo said we'll be back in about an hour or two. If things go wrong all of us will be there to help you." Annabeth said.

Everyone else nodded in agreement. I smiled at my friends and nodded back. They grinned and went back to whatever they were doing before.

"Like I said (y/n). Everything is going to be ok." I heard Nico say behind me.

"Yeah, I guess you were right. Thanks Nico." I replied with a small laugh.

"Anytime (y/n)." He said. "Oh, and can I talk to you for a minute."

"Yeah, sure. Go ahead." I replied.

"Privately." He stated.

"Oh." I realised.

He took me to his room and we sat next to each other. He looked at me and sighed. Something was wrong. I could easily tell by the look on his face.

"What's going on? What's bothering you?" I asked.

"You said Belladona is your little sister, right?" He asked.

"Yes, that's correct." I replied smoothly.

"Is she your real younger sister?" He asked.

"...." I was silent.

"(Y/n)?" He asked.

"... yes." I finally told him.

"Is something wrong with that?" He asked.

"I killed her when we were younger. I'm scared to face her knowing what I did all those years ago." I explained.

"Oh, I understand. You're scared of what she thinks of you now." He realised.

"Exactly. And with Caileigh dead now..." I stopped myself.

"She might blame you." He realised.

"Exactly. How did you understand my problems so quickly?" I asked.

"I blamed Percy for my problems. After I lost my sister when he said he would protect her, I blamed him for everything." He said.

"So, you're kinda representing what Belladona might think." I guessed.

"Well, I don't think she hates you. Besides, you were in hell when it happened." He said.

"I guess you're right. Thanks Nico." I said.

Nico nodded at me and laid down. I never found his ability to only open up to me strange. I was the same way really. He was the only one, that wasn't part of my family, who knew. (I'm really just stalling now. I want to make this thing 5000 words to make up for lost time. I'm so sorry about this)

"Nico, who else have you opened up too?" I asked.

Bad idea. He tensed and tears fell from his dark, broken eyes. I had hit a weak spot and it broke him. My reaction was worried and immediate.

"Oh my gods! Nico! I'm so sorry!" I freaked out.

"N-no, it's not your fault (y/n). I-I'm just a little broken." Nico said with a weak voice.

"Nico...." I whispered.

I hugged him tightly. He cried into my shoulder and I wouldn't let go. He didn't want me to let go either. He was upset and I had to help him to the best of my abilities. So, I held him close to me.

"T-thanks (n/n)." He said.

"I can't let you be hurt and do nothing." I replied.

"That's one of the reasons why I love you." He said.

"Hello everyone!" The speaker said. "This is your captain, Leo Valdez, speaking. We will be landing back at camp in a couple minutes."

"Well, I guess your moment of truth is coming soon." Nico said.

"Huh? What do you mean?" I asked.

"You are going to tell Belladona, right?" He asked.

"Oh, yeah. Well it's not like I have a choice. If I don't, she'll find out on her own. It'll be worse then." I said.

"Don't worry everything will be ok." He said with a reassuring voice.

"I hope you're right." I replied.

"I know I am." He retorted back.

He got up and walked to the door. Then, he looked back at me. I guessed he was signalling for me to follow him. I got up and walked over to where he was standing.

"Let's head to the deck." He said.

"Sure. Why not?" I replied and shrugged my shoulder.

We walked up to the deck. The wind wasn't to strong. Well unfortunately, my hair was in my face (a/n those cliche movie scenes in real life. My hair is just in my face). Nico pushed my hair out of my face.

"Thank you." I said.

"No problem." He said.

"Alright everyone! We're landing. Welcome back to Camp Half-Blood!" I heard Leo speaking into the intercom (a/n that's basically a speaker if you didn't know).

"Well, I guess we're home." I said.

"Time to find out your fate." Nico said.

Camp came into view. It looked amazing from up here. We went to bunker 9 and we had a safe landing. Everyone gathered there stuff and got off.

"Well then, it's time." I said and sighed.

5027 Words!!!

Hey guys!!! I finally finished! Wow, this took me forever! Next one is going to be 10,000 words, but it won't be done for a while, because I'm going to this camp thingy. It'll be a while. Also, I might change the name of this book. It doesn't fit since the reader has their soul back. I'm gonna change it to something better. Feel free to leave suggestions if you want. Ok bye my little potatoes!!!!!!

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