1. Finding his father: Nico's primary goal throughout the series is to find his father, Hades, and understand his true nature. In "The Battle of the Labyrinth," this goal takes center stage as he embarks on a quest to find a way to communicate with his father through the Labyrinth. This quest leads him to join the demigod team and fight alongside them.
2. Protecting his sister: Nico's love and loyalty to his sister, Bianca, are crucial. When Bianca is killed by the Furies, Nico's grief fuels his desire to protect others from similar tragedies. This is a driving force behind his decision to join the demigod team and help fight the monsters threatening Camp Half-Blood.
3. Dealing with his grief and fear: Nico is haunted by his past and struggles with the shadow of his father's reputation. He feels ostracized and misunderstood by the other demigods, leading to his initial reluctance to join their fight. Throughout the story, he must confront his grief, fear, and anger to accept his place in the world and his potential as a hero.
4. Understanding his powers and limitations: Nico discovers his powerful abilities as a son of Hades, including summoning the dead and controlling shadows. While this power is initially intimidating and overwhelming, he learns to harness it and use it for good. He begins to understand his role as a protector of the Underworld and its inhabitants.
5. Finding his purpose: By the end of "The Battle of the Labyrinth," Nico starts to realize that he is not just a son of Hades but a powerful demigod with a unique role to play in the world. He starts to embrace his power and accepts his responsibility to fight for what he believes in, even if it means defying his father's wishes.
In essence, Nico's plan in "The Battle of the Labyrinth" is not just a specific action plan but a journey of self-discovery, grief, and growth. He learns to accept his powers and his family's legacy, finding his place within the world of demigods and the Underworld.