Follow the off-yellow star road

[the second war in Nico's short life was over. that wasn't including World War II and all the subsequent wars Nico lived through while chilling in a magic time warp casino. (Nico's life was weird.) it felt like an eternity since Nico had been in Camp. and, therefore, seen many of the people he considered his . . . allies. friends? allies friends allies . . . whatever. needless to say, with the war over, Nico was no longer useful. everyone had their happy endings, excepting the dead. and they had their own endings to fulfill in the Underworld. Nico could see them whenever he wanted, though he was putting it off. but just then, he didn't have anything else to do. his father was too busy (or didn't care enough) to give Nico any missions at the present. and that was just fine. Nico had a laundry list of people to check in on. and an even longer list of people to avoid.

that's how he found himself shadow-traveling to another world. it's his first of many; you can't get rid of fear, so Nico knows this particular ally will be around. he isn't so sure he'd find his other friends so easily.

Nico steps out of darkness and into a denser, familiar darkness. he'd gotten quite good at tracking people--and spirits--down, so he was confident in where the shadows had taken him. he just hopes the cave he's currently walking into is really Pitch Black's secret, eeeeeevil lair.

he raps his knuckles on a dank wall]

Anyone home?