Un Natale Mezzosangue - Shadow Travel

“Where are we?” asked Percy.

“Florence,” said Nico.

Percy furrowed his eyebrows. “And why?”

The son of Hades snorted. “It's not like you need a reason to go to Florence. But you told me that you'd like to find a perfect gift for Annabeth, right?”

“Right.” Percy pressed his hands on his stomach. He never liked shadow travelling. “But I thought that we were going to go to Times Square's Christmas market. There are so many stands –”

“Times Square!” Nico shivered. “You're romantic. If you want a gift that's worthy of your girlfriend, you need an Italian gift, everybody knows it. Come on.”

The streets in Florence were empty. The winter clouds were heavy and grey. In front of Nico and Percy, the massive dome of the cathedral looked like a huge medieval spaceship, ready to take off.

[...]

The god smiled. “Well said. Here's your gift. Maybe we'll meet again, eh? Merry Christmas!”

Once they were outside again, Nico said: “That was impressive, Percy.”

“Thanks,” said Percy, holding the bracelet. “But I guess the perfect gift is not a jewel. It's a good friendship. Merry Christmas, my friend.”

“Same to you, Seaweed Brain.”

Percy laughed and, together, they walked back into the shadows.


- Un Natale Mezzosangue