They'd welcomed him aboard their ship. Nico had never allowed himself the luxury of friends, but the crew of the Argo II was as close as he'd ever come. The idea of any of them dying made him feel empty β like he was back in the giants' bronze jar, alone in the dark, subsisting only on sour pomegranate seeds.
Nico reflects on his time with the crew of the Argo II, recognizing the bond they share. Despite his past reluctance to form friendships, he feels a deep connection to them, which highlights the significance of their camaraderie in his life. Their acceptance of him has given him a sense of belonging he never experienced before.
The thought of losing any of his friends fills Nico with dread, evoking memories of his isolation in a dark, oppressive place. The loneliness he felt in the past contrasts sharply with the support he has now, emphasizing how much he values the relationships he has built aboard the ship.