A/N: Note in advance, this takes place after Trials of Apollo, assuming Apollo became a god again lmao


I've only been to Olympus once. I wouldn't call it my favourite place in the world, but even for me, it's still easy to admire. Percy once said the Olympian throne room makes the Empire State Building look like a 'broom closet', and honestly, I can't disagree with him there. The palace was huge, the marble walls towering into the dark and wintery sky. It reminded me of my dad's palace, but without all of the gloominess. Well, aside from the chilly breeze that made me wish I had another jacket.

I wasn't especially happy to be there. I hadn't really gotten over… everything that had happened. It was lurking at the back of my head. I wanted to turn around and go home, but I forced myself to keep moving.

I arrived at Olympus about an hour before the meeting was supposed to start. Nearby the palace was a little village, where there were shops, live music, and other stuff. Walking through the peaceful streets were demigods, satyrs, nymphs, and more. I walked around myself for a bit, checking out some of the shops. My father hadn't made any appearances, so I assumed I'd see him at the council.

Maybe I should get something for Will, I thought, absentmindedly.

I guess I must've looked gloomier than usual, since a lot of the shopkeepers were giving me wary looks. I ignored them, focusing on buying a present. I tried really hard not to think about Isabella. I thought about Sage instead. They had wished me good luck, telling me they'd see me at Camp.

If I survive, that is, I thought. Percy had told me his experiences with the Gods. Apparently, the meetings were a hot-spot for them to hate on him. I hoped I wouldn't get the same experience.

I thought about Isabella, again. She would've loved Olympus.

I gritted my teeth, my heart hurting. I focused on a cool necklace I had found. It wasn't too expensive, and there was a chance Will would like it.

"Looks like you're having fun, son-in-law."

I tensed, turning around. Apollo, in all his golden glory, was leaning against the wall.

"Lord Apollo," I bowed, respectfully. (Hey, it pays to have manners.)

"Buying a gift for someone?" he asked, smirking. "Let me guess, for my son?"

"Yeah, actually," I said. Now that he was a god again, he was suddenly more intimidating. "Do you… have any gift ideas?"

"Ah," Apollo nodded. "What a thoughtful boyfriend you are, Nico di Angelo! As for a gift… well, honestly, I don't think Will would mind what you get him. He'd just be happy to see you in the flesh."

"I guess so, but…" I looked away. "I still want to get him something."

"Then I recommend something he would use," Apollo said. He winked. "You know him well. I'm sure you know what his hobbies are."

Something he would use… I thought. Hey, I think I've got an idea...


Time flew by. Before I knew it, it was time for the council. I walked out of the store, trying to stay positive. (And I mean, really trying.) I put the gift away, headed to the Olympian palace.

I told myself to calm down as I walked up the marble stairs. Ahead, I saw the enormous Olympian thrones, arranged in the shape like they are back at Camp. Each throne was occupied by a god or goddess, who were all at least five meters tall. Apollo winked at me as I entered, though I'm not sure he was going to listen to the meeting at all since he was wearing those weird AirPod things. The other gods stared at me, ominously. I glanced at my father, for a moment. He was sitting on his dark throne, a shadow over his eyes. He had the same stern look on his face. Not surprising but it didn't help my nerves.

"Hiya, Nico!" I heard a cheerful voice. I turned to my right, seeing Psyche. Unlike before, she had a pair of butterfly wings sticking out of her back, and a long, pink dress. Sort of like an expensive prom outfit. She astounded me for a moment, until she started waving at me like we were besties. Honestly, to be fair, most gods aren't that casual.

I faced ahead, seeing Zeus sitting on his own large throne. His electric blue eyes pierced my gaze. Electricity seemed to be flowing around him, rather dauntingly.

"Nico di Angelo," he boomed. "Son of Hades."

I bowed down, fingering my skull ring. "Lord."

I felt every god watching me with caution. No pressure or anything, right?

Well, not really. I just wanted to go back home. I was so tired of this quest. All of it was to lead an innocent girl to her death. No, she wasn't even dead. She was gone forever. I hated it. I despised it. It wasn't fair. A fate she did nothing to deserve, just because she was Psyche's child.

I could see why Luke had joined Kronos.

"The threat of Mt. Othrys has been ceased, thanks to you and the help of another demigod," Zeus declared.

"Even so, is that truly the last of it?" Athena asked, catching my attention. She had the same eyes as Annabeth Chase.

"Hopefully it will be, for now," Zeus replied. "In the meantime, this is the time to celebrate our victory."

That hit me.

"Celebrate…?" I found myself asking, rage building. "Lord Zeus, no disrespect intended, but… I don't think it's the time to celebrate. A… a hero gave up her existence to protect everyone."

The gods murmured to each other. The murmuring soon became shouting. Zeus gave me a harsh glare and looked like he was about to chew me out, but to my surprise, my father held up a hand and cut him off.

"Nico," he said.

I looked up, addressing my father.

"It is unfortunate," he said, his tone slightly gentle, "that your friend lost her... existence. However, there is nothing we can do to reverse that. You must remember that some losses are meant to happen."

I was about to respond, but I held my tongue. My father was right. Some losses were meant to happen. I just didn't want it to be hers.

I felt a presence behind me. I glanced over my shoulder, seeing Psyche.

She smiled at me. "It's okay, Nico. You'll be fine."

I didn't want to believe it, but I wasn't going to lose my temper in front of the Olympian gods.

"Just…" I looked up. "We should honour her life, at least…"

Psyche nodded in agreement. At least I had one god on my side.

"Very well," Zeus raised his hands. "To Isabella Johnson, the girl who sacrificed her existence to save us."

And we raised our hands in praise.

Isabella, you did good, I thought. I'll miss you, forever.


I wasn't particularly in the mood to celebrate, but there I was.

The muses were playing their songs, food was being served, all of the regular stuff you would find at a party was happening. Aside from the addition of Greek Gods, I suppose.

I wasn't into it. I left the palace, standing outside by myself. I leaned against the wall, icy wind battering my face. The thought of partying made me sick to my stomach.

"I can't blame you for being out here."

Psyche joined me outside, a glass of nectar in her hand. She had gone back to her casual attire.

"Thank you for telling them to honour my daughter," she said, smiling at me. "Not even some of the other gods have the guts to stand up to Zeus like that."

I looked away. I felt some of her emotions; distress, sadness…

She's putting on a brave face, I thought. Like Isabella did.

"You're putting on a brave face too," she said, giving me a gentle smile. "But I suppose all demigods have to. That's what makes you all so amazing."

"Is there something you want, Psyche?" I snapped. I frowned. "Uh, sorry, Lady Ps-"

"Don't worry about it," Psyche waved her hand. "'Psyche' is fine. I'm not fond of the whole 'lord/lady' thing." She coughed. "Anyway, there is something I have come to offer you."

I stared at her.

"For a long time, I've been searching for a demigod to be my champion," she said, looking away. "I couldn't use my own daughter, since, well… you know… and then you come along, as the next best thing. We are kindred souls, are we not? I understand human suffering just as well as you do. If we work together, we can help a lot of other humans dealing with suffering."

My stare intensified.

"There are all sorts of people out there who need our help," Psyche continued. "If we work together, we can make the world a better place. We'd make a good team. The world needs someone like you, Nico. Become my champion."

"I…" I trailed off. She wanted me of all people to be her champion? "Why me?"

"Because you understand," Psyche told me. "Not many demigods have suffered as much as you, and yet you still keep going no matter what. Heck, not many mortals have either. You're very strong like that." She smiled. "Don't forget - you're the first demigod to come out of Tartarus alive. You're the one who brought honour to your father's house and convinced him to help in the Second Titan War. You're the one who noticed Hestia after she was ignored for many years. You're the one who saved my daughter."

I stared at her. "I..."

"Your life is invaluable," Psyche continued. "The world could use a few more people like you." She bowed her head. "Of course, it's still your life... if you become my champion, you'll be under my patronage, meaning you will stay in my cabin rather than your father's, if I have one. You will also be doing a lot more quests with me, meaning you won't be around your mortal friends or sister as much… also, I will grant you immortality if you desire it. In other words... your life will change quite a bit. But it will be forever rewarding, I promise."

I went silent.

"I'll give you time to think about it," Psyche said, leaving me alone. I stared at the sky, my brow creasing.

Psyche wants me to become her champion? I thought. While becoming a goddess' disciple, in some ways, was appealing, my thoughts drifted to my life back at Camp. What about my boyfriend? My friends? For a second, I even thought about my father.

Speaking of my father, I felt a dark presence beside me. I turned, staring up at my father. Dressed in dark robes, he leered down at me.

"Father," I greeted.

"My son," he replied.

There was an awkward silence.

"You did well on your quest," Hades said, trying to be gentle again (emphasis on trying). "Once again, you brought honour to our house. For that… I am proud of you, Nico."

I looked away, feeling my throat grow dry. A small part of me did appreciate his compliment, I guess. I was glad my dad couldn't read my emotions like Psyche could. (Or maybe he could. I hoped not.)

"Father…" I turned to face him. I hesitantly explained the Psyche situation.

Hades sighed. "Well, boy, if you truly wish to be her champion, that is your choice. I will not stop you."

I was kind of surprised. I was expecting him to be angry about the situation, but apparently he seemed fine. Or he wasn't showing it. I honestly don't know.

My thoughts turned to Will. I did know he would be upset. And so would Hazel. Would I still be able to see her?

"Nico," my father spoke. "Even if you do decide to become the champion of Psyche, you will still be my son. Do not forget that."

He walked away after that, leaving me alone. I suppose my father would never be as nice as Isabella's, but… he'd gotten better. I didn't loathe him as much as I used to.

"Thanks... Dad," I called out.

He glanced at me over his shoulder, before disappearing.


I went back inside the palace. The Muses were playing some awful pop songs, and a lot of people were dancing to them for some reason. I saw Apollo again, and he gave me a blinding smile. I decided to focus on finding Psyche.

I found her next to her husband. They were standing next to the food table, laughing with each other.

Psyche perked up when she saw me. I avoided Eros' gaze as she walked over to me.

"How goes it, Nico?" she asked, eager. "Have you made your choice?"

"Yeah," I nodded. "Lady Psyche, I'm going to say…"


A/N: CLIFFIE HA HA HA

Psyche was good to our boyo Nico. Hades still best god tho. See you next time... for the finale! I hope you're ready.