Chapter 8 – The Greatest Love Stories
I dug Riptide out of my pocket and was about to strike when I recognized my attacker.
"Nico!" I cried.
Nico immediately let go of me. "Oh, it's you, Percy! I thought you were an intruder!"
I hugged Nico. He looked a lot older, and he was (as usual) dressed in complete black. "It's great to see you!"
"Same to you," Nico replied.
"Why are you here instead of Camp?" I asked.
"I'm visiting Dad. And, I could ask you the same question," Nico pointed out.
I told Nico everything. He listened carefully. Finally, I got to the part about coming here. "I need some advice. I was hoping that I could talk to Paris."
"It's lucky you found me, then! I can summon him."
I had to admit, I was impressed. It would be cool to be a son of Hades and be able to summon people at will.
Nico closed his eyes in concentration. "Bring me Paris," he declared.
There was a loud bang, and Paris appeared. He was very good-looking, with honey coloured hair, and dark eyes. He stared at Nico and I in confusion.
"I ask you a question," I began.
"Ask away", Paris replied.
"How did you choose between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite?" I asked.
Paris looked sad. He seemed lost in memories. Finally he said, "I chose Aphrodite because of what she offered. She offered me the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen of Sparta. I'd fallen in love with Helen, and my love blinded me. I didn't think about Menalaus or my father, I only thought about myself and Helen. And, though my decision killed my brother, my father and thousands of my people, I would not change it for the world. I will never regret choosing Helen."
I was so astounded by Paris' powerful words, that it took me a while to find my voice. "Thank you," I told him.
"Why did you ask?"
I explained to Paris about the contest. He listened intently. "Well, I've told you why I chose Helen," the son of Priam said. "Perhaps that will help."
Paris walked away thoughtfully.
I turned to Nico. "Thanks,"
"No problem," Nico replied. "I'm coming back to camp in a few weeks. I'll see you then."
"Bye, Nico!" I shouted, as he disappeared.
I trudged slowly back through the Underworld. I had almost reached Cerberus when I saw a woman.
She was standing all alone, staring wistfully past the River Styx, at the exit and the world which she was so secluded from.
I approached her. "Who are you?".
The woman turned to face me. Her skin was youthful, but her eyes were full of sadness. "I am Eurydice," she told me.
I knew the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice well. The couple had been desperately in love, until Eurydice's untimely death. Orpheus was heartbroken, so he went to the Underworld and asked Hades if he could have her back. Hades agreed, but on the condition that on the way out of the Underworld, Orpheus didn't look back to check whether his wife was following him. Unfortunately, Orpheus glanced back, and so Eurydice had to stay in the Underworld.
"What's wrong?" I asked. "Aren't you and Orpheus together again now?"
"No," Eurydice told me. "Orpheus has come to the Underworld too now, but it isn't the same. But Orpheus resides in the Fields of Punishment for defying Hades. I live in the Fields of Desphodel. Orpheus cannot play his lyre, and I cannot see him. We are doomed to an eternity of unhappiness."
Eurydice began to cry. I didn't want to make her talk about it anymore, so I began to walk away.
"Wait," Eurydice said. I turned back around again. "Promise me that you'll remember that love is the most important thing. Never forget."
"I won't," I replied, and I really meant it.
I reached into my bag, and pulled out the pearl. I placed it on the ground, and then stamped on it, thinking of the place where I'd left Blackjack.
A few minutes later, I was next to the Pegasus. I climbed onto his back, and he took flight.
We'd almost reached Camp Half-blood when I heard a deafening scream.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Only a couple more chapters left ;( Please review! The more reviews, the faster I'll write! Thanks to everyone who's review/faved/alerted so far!