The noises around them grew louder and louder. A storm of howls and cheers, at its center two demigods. Seeing them go toe-to-toe was a rare spectacle. Usually, nothing good came from the children of the Big Three fighting. Today might be an exception.
Suspiciously quick the seats of the arena flooded with all kinds of onlookers - and wait, were the Hermes-kids selling ice cream and freaking hot dogs? Percy and Nico didn't notice. They kept their eyes on each other, ignoring all lifeforms around and taking their sweet, sweet time. Tense muscles, clenched jaws, tight lips - something feral seethed beneath the surface. They looked like two predators, ready to pounce, and neither of them would have it any other way.
"10 Bucks on Jackson," a voice in the front row declared.
"In your dreams! 20 on the Ghost King."
Ever so slightly Percy turned Riptide in his hand. "Ready to dance?" He taunted and stopped circling the younger boy. In one large stride, the son of Poseidon lunged forward. Their blades clashed. For the first time in forever, he got the chance to taste the nightmare that was stygian iron. The crowd roared.
"A little eager, aren't we?" Nico teased right back, parrying blow after blow. They were board and impulsive but held enough strength to better not be underestimated. "Though, I like the spirit."
So far both were merely testing the waters.
As the older demigod gained more momentum his movements got bigger and more powerful. Shamelessly he exploited his advantage in size, forcing his opponent into a defensive position. Nico let him have his fun.
"And I like you going down," Percy laughed.
His words were followed by a spin and another mighty swing from high above that left his middle wide open. This time tho Nico sidestepped. In one fluid motion, he swept his legs from under the teen, making Percy lose his balance and kissing the ground.
"Already ahead of you. As usual." Without hesitation, the prince of the underworld went for the kill.
In the nick of time, Percy rolled out of the way. He grinned up at the son of Hades, dirt sticking to his golden skin, his hair a tousled mess, and the sun reflected in those radiant sea-green eyes made his iris shine in a mosaic of blues.
Nico gulped.
"Not bad short stuff," Percy complimented before returning the favor, kicking him right into the knee pit.
With a curse and an embarrassing loud thud, Nico landed on his butt.
They exchanged a glare and simultaneously jumped to their feet.
"Time to get serious." Percy rotated his shoulder and stretched his arms to showcase his intimidatingly perfect biceps.
Nico rolled his eyes. "Please don't take off your clothes."
Percy smirked, and Nico blushed instantly. To be fair he'd seen Jason and Percy strip plenty of times during training and that kind of distraction was the last thing he needed.
"Don't listen to him!" Someone in the audience yelled.
Turning towards his fans, Percy winked, suggestively lifting his shirt to reveal -
Nico charged in pure self-defense.