Sorry for the delay. Shit's been going down recently. But enjoy!
"I'd prefer if you kneeled."
Lyssa had to contain a glare at the shadowy man resting comfortably on his throne. She had never grown to respect him like a father. He wasn't that, after all. But he at least gave her a nice paycheck and a place to live in Beverly Crest. Sure, she was a goddess, but since the Olympians were mostly never noticing that she existed, Lyssa could enjoy the wonders that the mortal world could provide without much backlash. As such, she begrudgingly kneeled in front of the seat.
"I have information for you, my lord."
"Just spit it out already." He said with impatience, immediately dropping the powerful ruler mask he was previously wearing.
"Alright, alright, no need to be that rude. Mother has contacted me." Lyssa proclaimed.
For a moment, there was silence. "Why? What does she want?"
"She says that there are maniae in Gaia's ranks, but I don't know what she's talking about. The only thing I'm aware of is that she's not down there anymore. She's on the surface."
"The surface." The god's expression was calculating. "Why would she be there?"
"I'm not omniscient, you know," Lyssa said sarcastically.
"What you are good at is being a brat, Lyssa." The god answered, annoyed by her attitude, as always. "Go meet her, and send me the location. I'd like to meet her again."
Lyssa stared at him for a few seconds. "I don't think that's a good idea…"
"Just do as I say, Lyssa. What happens between me and her is none of your business."
The Goddess of Madness scowled. Another encounter between Nyx and him would be a disaster. End of the world type of disaster. Despite this, she obediently nodded and shadow traveled away.
Nothing good could come out of this.
…
This calm was unsettling.
Nyx floated above the deck of the Argo II , her eyes closed as she tried to meditate, but instead, she felt uneasy. The deadline for Lyssa's arrival had already expired by many hours, and it wasn't usual for her to be late. She always wanted to appear early to cause as much chaos as possible alongside Eris.
What Nyx knew at the moment was that there had been eyes set on her for a while now, eyes that were curiously spying on her. And while she didn't do anything about it for a while, Night was up to have a conversation right now. Especially with the person she knew who was watching her.
"Would you mind revealing yourself, Annabeth?" The primordial asked out loud, and soon enough, Nyx heard steps behind her, with the daughter of Athena joining the deity.
"I didn't even make a noise. Can you sense people that easily?" She asked, her voice full of wonder.
"Not necessarily. But I know when someone is watching me. An instinct, you could say." Nyx opened her eyes and uncrossed her legs, her feet touching the deck. "Anything I could help you with?"
Annabeth looked at her for a few moments. "You looked… lonely, here." The demigoddess gave off an apologetic smile. Nyx laughed softly at her assumption.
"I've grown accustomed to it. The loneliness isn't the worst feeling in the world, Miss Chase." Nyx set her eyes on Annabeth's gray irises, admiring the color of the daughter of Athena's orbs. "You've seen very distraught yourself, Annabeth. It is past eleven and you're still awake, even after today's commotion. I'd take you would be exhausted."
Annabeth tried to avoid Night's gaze, instead gazing at the seas below. "A lot has been in my mind, I will admit that. Sleeping has become a nuisance."
"And will you not share your doubts with a wise goddess like myself?" Nyx said half-heartedly, putting humor into her words.
The architect turned back to Nyx, with apparent anger coming out. For a moment, Nyx had thought she had pushed too far until Annabeth started talking. "It's a personal matter. Kind of. In fact, screw it," She took a deep breath. "I am not happy. I can't think of a better way to put this."
Night arched an eyebrow, puzzled. "Oh? And what is the matter?"
"Honestly? Everything." More anger burned in those gray irises, but along with that, many other feelings. Nyx recognized bitterness, sadness, and fear. "Things have been going from bad to worse ever since that bitch of a queen started to play with us like we chess pieces."
"I can't imagine a venture through my brother's realm was particularly pleasing." Nyx mused, still wondering how Hera was still letting the demigoddess live, no matter how useful she was. Perhaps the Olympians weren't as stupid as she had assumed them to be.
Annabeth nodded. "Indeed. It wasn't. I try not to sleep too often. The nightmares are still vivid in my mind. And the same goes for Percy." Her previous hard tone softened when talking about her boyfriend. Nyx felt pitiful.
"I cannot even imagine how hard it must be for a mortal mind to experience the horrors that inhabit the Pit. Not even some of my children like visiting me. It is… too much for them."
The demigoddess looked curiously at the mention of Nyx's children. "You do have a lot of children, right?"
"That is correct," Nyx confirmed. "In fact, I am waiting for one of them to appear tonight."
Annabeth tensed. "Wait, what?"
"Be calm." Night said, almost rolling her eyes. "She won't pose any threat to you, not while I am here. When we talked at my Mansion's doorstep about me assisting you, Miss Chase. I meant it."
The half-blood continued to stare at the primordial. "It just seems unnatural to all of us, what you are doing."
"I beg your pardon?"
Annabeth seemed nervous but composed herself. "I mean in the sense of actively helping us. I didn't even know any deity could do that."
"That is partially correct. But I, as a protogenos, hold a different status than the Olympians, or even Titans. The Ancient Laws…" Nyx paused, trying to find the best words. "They are not very well-enforced on us."
"But then why didn't any of your siblings try to conquer the world before? Why only G… I mean, the Earth Mother?" Annabeth corrected herself when Nyx glared at her for the almost usage of her sister's name.
"Most of my siblings appear to be… Unable to show themselves." Nyx lingered on that thought. "Pontus is too scattered, with two other powerful sea deities taking his place. The same goes for Ouranos, of course, but for different reasons."
"So there's only you and the ones we're facing?"
Nyx shook her head slowly. "I'm afraid not."
"Then who else…?" Annabeth seemed to ponder for a moment. "Darkness. Your… husband?"
"Indeed." Nyx hoped she didn't sound as bitter as she heard, but was happy that Annabeth didn't speak his name. "I am most certain he is still around, somewhere. Where he is, is a whole other matter."
Annabeth stood in silence, undoubtedly identifying the bitterness in Nyx's voice. After a while, she finally spoke again. "How is it to have that much power?"
Nyx blinked, slightly taken aback by the question. "A curious question." She said with a smirk and saw that Annabeth had a slight blush on her cheeks. "I was born in it, so I do not think I'm the most suited to answer the question. It is all that I have ever known, being able to do almost anything. From your perspective, I am a force of nature. In my perspective, being able to do what I'm able is just a fact of life."
"And the Earth Mother can do anything you can, right?" The half-blood inquired.
"Quite. Which is why she mustn't wake. Her power overwhelms anything that the Olympians can throw at her."
"But we don't just have the Olympians, right?" Annabeth leaned forward. "We have you now."
Nyx could notice the hope in her voice. The desire for this nightmare to be over soon.
"That is correct." Night answered calmly.
"But with all due respect, Lady Nyx, what are your end goals here?" Once more the daughter of Athena made a question, this time one that wasn't as friendly as the others.
"I am afraid I don't follow, Miss Chase."
Annabeth straightened her posture, meeting the primordial's gaze directly, no fear present in her eyes now. "With all due respect, I am not stupid, Lady Night. Gods often play a part in things they have an interest in. And while you seem more… proactive than the Olympians," Nyx fully expected thunder to rumble above, but there was nothing. Just then she remembered the current predicament the gods found themselves in. "I would be damned if I wasn't at least a little bit skeptical of you."
"You know, you remind me of a younger version of myself." Night mused, feeling the warm summer wind on her face. Annabeth once more was visibly flustered by the compliment but didn't allow herself to soften. "I must admit, you and your partner really got my attention."
"And what do you want of us?" Annabeth's voice hardened, but not to the point of being outright offensive. Almost a high-risk, high-reward situation.
"I do not want anything in particular, or at least not at this present date. Nor will I demand loyalty in exchange for distant dreams," Nyx made sure to recall Kronos's strategy. Annabeth would undoubtedly get the hint. "I simply wish to… know you better. After all, before the end, we still have the rest of the quest to go through."
It was clear that Annabeth wasn't at all satisfied with Night's answer, but she nodded. "I just don't wish for you, or anyone for that matter, to manipulate any of us."
"I understand your concerns. I will do my best to alleviate them." Night tried to assure, to which Annabeth once more gave her a nod. Before the daughter of Athena could speak again, however, Nyx raised her hand.
"What's wrong?" Annabeth asked.
"She's here." On cue, a familiar woman stepped out of the shadows nearby. She wore an elegant black gown, but that's where the sophistication ended. Her hair, just as black as Nyx's, was disheveled, and her dark blue eyes, the color of the early evening, betrayed a certain degree of madness, the same applying to her characteristic grin that was usually present on her face. This time, however, there was a distinct lack of it.
"Mother." Lyssa acknowledged, looking with wild eyes between her and Annabeth, who stepped back on instinct.
"Quit scaring demigods, Lyssa." Nyx scolded. "You were supposed to appear hours ago. What took you this long?
The goddess of madness grimaced. "Some… complications, mother, that's all."
Unconvinced, Nyx stepped forward, until she was in front of her daughter. Lyssa wasn't the best secret keeper. She was clearly hiding something.
"You dare lie to your own mother?" Night said in a whisper, standing tall above the cowering form of the goddess of madness.
"I am not lying!" Lyssa protested.
"Then you are concealing the truth," Nyx concluded. "Tell me, Lyssa, and perhaps I will handle forgiveness."
" Leave her be." A voice whispered from behind her, causing Nyx to freeze immediately. Even after all this time, she would recognize it anywhere. Turning back, she saw the image of the one person she didn't wish to see now, above all others, staring right at her.
"Hello, Nyx." Erebus greeted, the most haunting of smiles present on his face.
…
It had been a fortnight since Nyx's marriage. At least that's what Chaos told her. Time was something difficult to track, and it didn't help that the creator was so vague in its speech. But it did not matter. They were moving together, to a palace worthy of their power, located within the realm of Ouranos, but out of his jurisdiction. Given how unstable her once beloved brother was becoming, Erebus insisted that only he and Nyx have the final say over the palace and its surroundings.
Oh, yes, her husband.
Nyx wasn't dumb. Gaia was too much of an idealist, too naive for her own good. It wouldn't end well for her, Tartarus and Pontus knew that as well. Ouranos was becoming increasingly abusive, and power-hungry. Night could see through that, and it was pushing Gaia to the same realm. No longer was she sweet and composed, but more in line with her brother in the Pit.
With that said, she had hope for her and Erebus. They had been created for each other, and that wasn't even a love-filled thought. She was night, he was darkness. What else needed to be said? If they couldn't be friendly to one another, then this universe was doomed.
And Nyx had allowed herself to be charmed by the good-looking nature of Erebus. The way his raven hair curled down around his neck, how it contrasted with his pale skin, the sweetness in his voice when they sat down to talk… Nyx truly felt like she was in love with him, not that she would ever admit that in the presence of Eros. She didn't need that dork to be gloating about how even the two darkest beings succumbed to his power. He was obnoxious enough as it is.
Looking at her reflection in the crystalline lake in front of her, Night thought she was beautiful enough to meet her new husband at their new home. Her black straight hair shone when reflected by the sunlight, and her face still was youthful. Being a protogenos meant that she could appear as she wished for, but the youthfulness fitted her. Unlike Gaia, she had no desire of appearing mature, nor she desired to be a mother, not just yet. That aberration that was Akhlys calling her mom had been enough to make Night want to jump off a cliff. She liked being on par with those Titans, all of their appearances matching their ages, something that wasn't the case with her, yes, but regardless.
With a content hum, Nyx stepped into her shadow, entering the realm of darkness itself, a place that while mostly used for transportation, was a refuge for her at times of difficulty. Just a few moments later, she found herself breathing air once more, but it now felt cold, which made sense. Night looked around, noticing the beautiful palace that stood in front of her. The architecture itself was gorgeous, but that was as far as Nyx was aware of the subject. But she did appreciate the black marble used all around the palace. She also noticed that the gates and fences were made of pure stygian iron.
Behind her, Night heard what seemed to be someone clearing their throat, and a grin took over her face. Turning around, midnight-colored eyes gazed at her with love. Erebus stood before her, wearing a simple but elegant black chiton, with his hair spectacular as ever. He too possessed a wide smile on his face.
"Hello, Nyx," The primordial of Darkness greeted with sweetness. "You're beautiful as ever."
"So are you, my love." Nyx couldn't believe the words that came out of her mouth, but she didn't care a bit for her pride at this moment. Walking towards him, they shared a brief kiss before looking again at each other.
"So, ready to start the married lifestyle?" He asked with a smirk that sent butterflies through Night's stomach.
"Just as ready as you are, git." Nyx scolded playfully. "You do realize that you will have to endure me through eternity, don't you?"
In response, her husband simply smiled. "I would be thrilled to spend the rest of my days side by side with the most beautiful woman in existence."
As much as it made her feel immature, her face heated up, with her cheeks tinted gold. She gave him a playful slap on his well-built arm.
"Don't think that you will win every argument by flattering me, Erebus." Despite her words, her voice was still friendly. "Now, enough of this. Shall we discover our new home?"
"It will be a pleasure."
…
Nyx found herself frozen as she stared at the demon in front of her. Funnily enough, he looked at least two decades younger than her. His hair was still wavy as ever, his eyes still pitch-black, the pupil indistinguishable from the iris, and his skin was just as pale as it had been in the past. But there was a youthful aura about him like he was an actor or a singer. His clothes were something she never would have pictured Erebus of all people wearing A stylish black jacket, along with a black shirt without any inscriptions on it, ending with a pair of Converse All-Star sneakers, something that Night only recognized thanks to Geras constantly complaining about the young these days.
Ironic, considering that his father looked like the exact type Geras was so against. His whole demeanor screamed Hollywood. Yes, Night knew what Hollywood was. Eris wouldn't shut up about horror movies being the best invention of mankind.
"You." Nyx snarled, clenching her fists so much her nails started cutting her palm.
"Me," Erebus confirmed, still standing in place. "I waited all day for Lyssa to find you, but it seems that it took her a good while."
Night immediately turned her head towards her daughter, so fast in fact that the bones of her neck cracked while doing so.
"You spineless rat," Nyx growled towards Lyssa, who seemed like she wanted nothing more but to shrink down into an ant so she wouldn't be seen. "You dare betray your own mother in favor of a man that isn't even your father?"
"He p-pays me well, Mother! And this isn't an attack on you! He just wanted to see you!"
"YOU'RE A GODDESS!" Nyx shouted. "You don't need a salary! This is ridiculous!"
"That's what you think," Lyssa mumbled in a voice that mortal ears wouldn't even notice, but Nyx wasn't mortal. She resisted the urge to slap her daughter across the face when she remembered Annabeth still standing behind her. When looking at the daughter of Athena, she clearly was terrified out of her mind, her drakon-bone sword in her right hand.
"Annabeth, go downstairs," Nyx ordered. "I'll deal with this."
"Are you going to be fine?" Annabeth inquired weakly. And it was a good question to make.
"I am fine," Nyx assured, trying to ignore those pitch-black eyes staring at her. "Go downstairs. Warn the others. When it's safe, I shall call you. Go."
Begrudgingly, Annabeth complied, seething her sword and walking with caution towards the stairs. Nyx forced herself to stare back at Erebus, glaring the best she could at her husband.
"What do you want?" She blurted out, already impatient.
"To talk." He slowly strode towards her. "I've heard what you've been doing. Opposing Gaia? I never knew you had the guts to do it."
"Listen here, you prick," Night pointed an angry finger toward Erebus. "I don't need your counsel. How about you piss off and go back to whatever cave you are inhabiting?"
Instead of doing what he was told, instead Erebus kept walking until he was mere steps from Nyx. Wife and husband stared intensely at one another, various emotions emanating from Nyx, while Erebus had a scary level of neutrality present on his face.
"Can't a man be curious?" He finally spoke after a while. "When I heard from Lyssa that you were actually doing this, I couldn't believe it." He paused for a second. "Who's the girl?"
"None of your business," Nyx said defensively.
"I just wanted to see what you'd say." He snickered, infuriating her even more. "That's the ever-famous Annabeth Chase. Architect of Olympus. And if my informants haven't been deceiving me, I believe the hero of Olympus itself, Percy Jackson, is also aboard. Are those the ones you have been grooming?"
"I am not grooming anyone." Nyx snarled through gritted teeth.
"Isn't it a coincidence, though, that I find you assisting them after they famously fell into Tartarus itself?" Erebus arched an eyebrow. "It is common knowledge by now. All I can imagine is that in their venture through the lands of our brother, they happened to stumble upon you. Am I correct, my Star?"
The usage of her old nickname was annoying by itself, but it paled in comparison to how furious she was now. It only made sense for him to figure everything out. While not stronger in power than Tartarus or Ouranos, Erebus was always the smarter of the three brothers. Not counting Pontus, who was only interested in fishing in remote areas and not giving a damn about anyone. But nonetheless, her husband's capacity to break down the entire run of events made Nyx's insides boil.
"Yes." Night once more responded in an animalistic tone. "However, I am not grooming anyone, as I have previously pointed out."
Erebus continued to stare at her, his orbs still shielded from showing emotions. "Yes, you do not fit the type to gather acolytes. But you've taken an interest in them, I presume."
"They are demigods who survived the Pit itself, what else needs to be said?"
The primordial of Darkness hummed in agreement. "That is true."
"Then what are you doing here?" Nyx bluntly questioned.
At last, the metaphorical mask that was covering Erebus's face went off, revealing all the emotions that were previously hidden from her, many of them causing Nyx's stomach to swirl violently. There were many familiar feelings she was able to recognize. Desire, rage, love, that faint glow that signified how powerful the man in front of her really was, despite how young he looked now. However, there was something else, something that Nyx did not remember ever seeing in those eyes before.
Guilt.
"I want to help you." His voice had notably lost some of its composure. "I want just as much as you do to see our sister rise. I've come to appreciate the world the way it is, without it being terraformed to suit her needs."
"Regardless if your reasons are noble, it doesn't seem enough to convince me," Nyx answered coldly, making Erebus sigh.
"Yes, you are correct. I want to…" He gestured with his hands, trying to find the best words. "Make amends with you. This rift has been going on for way too long, Nyx. I want it to be over."
Mother Night simply squinted her eyelids. "You do realize it's going to take more than an apology to make up for all that has occurred."
"Yes." Erebus acknowledged. "That is why I believe actions will speak louder than words. Let me assist you. Prove myself to be at least a good companion."
"And you expect me to accept your so-called assistance without questions? To trust you blindly?"
"We are still married." He countered.
"Is that your attempt to buy my trust?" Nyx replied, not at all impressed.
Erebus seemed thoughtful for a moment. "Then, I swear in Chaos's name to not betray you."
A similar thunder to oaths on the River Styx rumbled above, and this action genuinely surprised Nyx, who widened her eyes. Oaths in the name of any god were dangerous, even if it wasn't Styx. But the creator? If Erebus did in fact betray her, Chaos itself would come to punish him, and she knew that it wouldn't be merciful. Only a fool would swear such an oath.
"Fine." Nyx conceded, folding her arms. "But do not get any funny ideas. Keep your distance from me. You know exactly what I mean."
"Deal," Erebus said, nodding shortly, but his dissatisfaction with that demand was clear. "So… How about you brief me on how your quest is going? I would also like to know about those two particular half-bloods. And your real plans."
"I've known Percy and Annabeth for mere days, Erebus. And I'm afraid I do not follow your line of thought."
"In contrast to me, who does not have a clue on how they are if the stories are excluded, and those can be deceitful. And yes, Nyx, I know you well enough to know that you are hiding something. Your true intentions." His stare was very intense.
Nyx thought for a second, wondering how much she should reveal. "Okay, fine. Just… sit down." With a wave of her hand, two chairs appeared, one noticeably much more comfortable than the other.
"Mother?" Night genuinely had forgotten about Lyssa still being present until the Goddess of Madness called for her.
"Yes?" Nyx asked, not as angry with her daughter as before.
"Am I free to go?" Lyssa asked with caution.
"Fine, but be back in the morning. We still need to talk" Night excused her, but Lyssa stood in place.
"I still have to get paid, though." She reminded, looking at her stepfather with annoyance.
"You heard your mother," Erebus replied impatiently. "Get ot. In the morning we'll discuss your payment."
With a last mumble of 'jackass', Lyssa stepped into a shadow, disappearing from the Argo II.
"So," Erebus turned to her once more, his voice shifting back to a sweet tone, his lips curving upwards "Where were we?"
Nyx was sure she would be regretting her decisions later down the road.
Some things I wanted to make clear because of the flashback: Yes, some Titans are already born, but not all of them. But the signs of Ouranos and Gaia going crazy are starting to show themselves. Don't go calling me out because Hemera and Aether aren't older than *insert random titan*. It's just for plot convenience. Thanks for reading!