I look at the doors of Death in despair, a black swirling vortex on this side, hidden deep in a cave that seemed to have caved in (pun not intended). Hazel meets my gaze and I shake my head. “It’s no use.” I whisper and meet Jason’s gaze. “We’re not strong enough.”

“Let me help.” A firm voice says and I spin around. My mouth opens and I gaze at her in surprise.

“Bianca?” The word fell from my lips naturally and Bianca smiles.

“Hello, brother.” She says warmly even if she is glancing nervously at the vortex that keeps on spinning around. I look at it as well and realize that it is dying. “The doors are opening Nico,” she said gently. “Soon there will be no hope and Gaea will wake. We must do this now if we’re to save Percy and Annabeth.”

I look at her and nod. “Are you sure Bianca?” I ask solemnly.

Bianca smiles without teeth. “Never been more so.” She pauses and looks at me. “You’ve grown so much. No longer the ten year old annoying little brother that I knew.”

I smile without mirth. “Things change, we get responsibilities, and we get older.” Bianca sighs and the vortex spits out black flames. We duck (I pulling Hazel down with us) and Leo attacks the flame with his orange fire.

“Hurry!” Hazel cries out. Bianca and I look at each other and nod. The three of us face the door and let our powers loose. Precious gems rip out of the ground and swirl around us in all their deadly glory, Bianca lets her powers loose, the power of evocation. Ghost appear around us obeying my sister’s command and flying toward the doors others swirling around Bianca, Hazel and I probably protecting us from vengeful sprits. I use my own power, the power of necromancy. Skeletal hands erupted from the ground, pushing their way through the dirt toward the doors as if wanting to close them.

Hazel, Bianca and I walk steadily toward the doors and we each place one hand on them. It was no longer the swirling vortex but great, oaken doors. I watch in morbid fascination as my hand turned grey then back, withered and dying. I glance at Bianca and Hazel and nod. Screaming with the effort the doors slam open and a great gust of air hit us. Out stumbled two demigods and my eyes widened as I recognized them. Bianca seems to be surprise as well as she nearly loses her concentration.

“No, don’t!” Percy Jackson shouts. I nod and he and Annabeth help us push the doors close. I turn to Bianca and smile at her gratefully.

“Thank you.” I whisper.

She smiles back. “Don’t be, I am your sister.” She looks at the sky. “I’m sorry I can’t stay longer. The fight isn’t over yet; Gaea is still rising although she has been angered deeply by this.” I look at her sadly and she smiles. “You’ll see me again Nico, I promise.” Then she becomes unsolid and sad. “I’m glad I was able to see you again. Take care of Hazel.”

I look at her through tired eyes and she reaches out to touch my cheek and I feel a slight coolness. “I love you.” She whispers.

“I love you too.” I whisper back, my voice chokes. She smiles at me one last time and fades completely from my sight. I look at where she stood unhappily but resolved. I grabbed the Stygian Iron sword and wrap Percy’s arm around my shoulders, watching as Hazel and Piper take Annabeth’s and Jason comes to aid me.

“Let’s finish this.” I say resolve in my voice. Percy looks at me, his expression haunted and tired but also with a gleam of pride in his eyes.

I smile wryly.

(Surprisingly, the damage in this one isn't horrible.)