Percy was getting sick of shadow travel. He was relieved when Nico finally dropped them onto solid ground. The sun was just starting to come up over the dunes around them as Percy fell gratefully to his knees in the soft powder at his feet, and the sand shifted around him, surprisingly cool on his legs.
"Welcome to White Sands National Park," Nico said, waving vaguely at the vast scenery around them. "I'm gonna take a nap."
"Right here?" Percy asked, looking around at the barren landscape.
Nico sat and fell back into the sand. "Yeah, good night."
Percy pointed at the sun peaking over the horizon. "The sun is about to come up. We might want to find something to sit under, at least."
"Let me know when you find something like that," Nico mumbled and rolled over.
Percy sat next to Nico, not nearly as exhausted as his friend from transporting them both from Texas to New Mexico. He was excited to finally get to see the White Sands. He gazed out over the rise and fall of the dunes as the sky gradually brightened, painting the crests of each hill with golden light. As the scene got lighter, Percy could see further and further into the surrounding landscape and was amazed at how vast the place was. Blinding sand stretched farther than he could see in every direction, utterly devoid of life other than himself and Nico, who had begun to snore quietly beside him. A soft breeze rippled the sand on the next dune. Percy had traveled a lot through his quests, but he had never made it here, though the idea of such a vast barren place had always intrigued him. What he saw now looked otherworldly, like Nico had dropped them on another planet instead of in another state.
As the sun slowly rose, the heat again came to Percy's mind. Nico was right – there was no source of shade for miles in any direction, and even the valleys between sand dunes did little to block the sun's rays.
They weren't in any immediate danger, and a couple hours passed peacefully. However, Percy briefly wished he had thought to pack sunscreen before suggesting they come here, especially when he noticed how pink Nico's cheeks had become as he slept. Percy decided that was as good a reason as any to way Nico up; he was getting antsy to look around some more. He nudged Nico's shoulder.
"Wake up, sleeping beauty, you're getting sunburned."
Nico wrinkled his nose and groaned. "Yeah, I can feel it. Shut up."
"Come onn," Percy whined and kicked sand at Nico, who hadn't moved from where he was lying on the ground.
Without turning to look, Nico grabbed a fistful of sand and flung it behind him, back at Percy, catching him in the face. "Vaffanculo," he growled.
Percy hissed in pain as the sand invaded his eyes and wiped his face, spitting sand out of his mouth. When he could see again, he grabbed Nico by the shirt and hauled him to his feet. "Just for that, sleepytime's over, buddy."
Nico yelped but was only startled for a moment. "Let go of me!"
The sun blazed high in the sky, casting a brilliant golden glow over the mesmerizing landscape of White Sands. Percy and Nico had embarked on climbing a large sand dune together, their footsteps leaving fleeting imprints in the soft sand. The dune seemed to grow steeper with each step, but they pressed on, fueled by the promise of an awe-inspiring view from the top.
Finally, they reached the summit, pausing for a moment to catch their breath and take in the breathtaking sight before them. The vast expanse of rolling white sand dunes stretched out as far as the eye could see, like a magnificent sea of sparkling grains. The distant mountains stood tall, their silhouettes painted against the canvas of the sky. Percy and Nico stood in awe, completely captivated by the beauty of the desert landscape laid out before them.
"Wow," Nico murmured.
Percy nodded, a wide smile spreading across his face. "I knew you'd like it," he said, nudging Nico playfully.
The wind gently tousled their hair, and they could feel the cool sand beneath their feet. They took a moment to savor the tranquility and serenity of the moment, the worries of their demigod lives momentarily forgotten.
Percy took a deep breath and turned to face Nico, "Ready?"
Nico raised an eyebrow, giving Percy a curious look. "For what?"
Percy grinned mischievously, briefly averting his gaze before quickly grabbing Nico by the shoulders and shoving him down the slope of the dune. "This!" he shouted after Nico's tumbling body. Nico let out a yelp in surprise as he fell backward and rolled down the hill. Covered in sand and now at the bottom, he shouted angrily at Percy, who stood at the top of the dune, "Dude! What was that for?" He stood, attempting to brush the sand off his clothes.
Percy couldn't stop himself from laughing, doubling over with amusement. "You should've seen—" he laughed again, his giggles getting the best of him, "the way you fell—" he exploded with laughter once more. Percy had forgotten what it was like to have fun. Sure, fighting the boars had been exciting, but between dealing with Theseus at camp and the general constant anxiety associated with being a demigod, he hadn't had a chance to let loose like this in a long time. For the first time in ages, he didn't feel the need to keep checking over his shoulder for threats. They were still kids, after all, and they weren't often allowed to feel that way.
Nico glared up at him, irritation evident in his expression, and he growled, "You're lucky I'm too tired to climb up there again."
Finally managing to regain control of himself, Percy straightened up and said, "Okay, okay! I'm sorry. Look, I'll even make it up to you."
"How—" Nico began to ask, but his words caught in his throat when he saw Percy chuck himself off the dune and roll down the hill the same way Nico did earlier.
As Percy rolled to a stop at Nico's feet, he couldn't help but grin widely, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Now we're even."
Nico stared down at Percy with a sober expression. He lightly kicked sand in Percy's direction, his action a playful retaliation. "Now, we're even," he said quietly.
Percy's grin faltered as the sand hit his face, and he quickly turned his head away, trying to shield himself from the playful assault. He sputtered and spat, removing the sand that had somehow managed to find its way into his mouth.
But then, a mischievous glint sparked in Percy's eyes. With a shout, he lunged at Nico, his movement more forceful than playful, catching Nico off guard and knocking the air out of his lungs. They both tumbled into a nearby sand dune.
As Nico hit the sand dune, it left him momentarily stunned. He blinked up at Percy, surprised by the roughness of the tackle, "Okay, not gonna lie, that was a little rough," Nico said, managing a small smile despite the lingering breathlessness.
Percy looked concerned, realizing he might have taken it too far. "Sorry, Nico," he said, offering a hand to help his friend up.
Instead of accepting Percy's hand to help him up, a devious smile spread across Nico's face. He pretended to take Percy's hand, but instead of getting up, he gave a sudden tug, pulling Percy down into the sand and using his weight to switch places.
Surprised by Nico's quick retaliation, Percy let out a mix of laughter and protest. "Hey, not fair!" As Percy found himself now lying in the sand, he shook his head in mock disbelief. "Alright, you got me there," he admitted, still chuckling.
Nico's devious smile softened into a playful smirk. He reached out a hand toward Percy, offering to help him up this time. "Truce?" he suggested.
Percy took Nico's hand, allowing himself to be pulled up from the sand. He brushed off the grains with a good-natured laugh.
Just as they began to make their way back, the desert suddenly came alive with a deafening explosion that echoed through the landscape. The sand around them swirled like a mini sandstorm, and the ground trembled beneath their feet, causing Percy and Nico to stumble in surprise. Percy's heart pounded in his chest as he instinctively reached for Riptide, his grip tightening on the pen. His mind raced, trying to make sense of the sudden upheaval.
As the sand settled, a massive figure emerged from the shifting dunes. It was a dragon, similar to that of a serpent and colossal in size, with scales that shimmered in the bright sunlight. Its sinister eyes fixed upon Percy and Nico, and an eerie silence hung in the air.
Nico's eyes widened in shock, and he took a cautious step back, his dark hair rustling in the rough wind. "Is that a fucking dragon?!"
Percy's mind struggled to process the sight before him. He had faced countless monsters and creatures on his quests, but this earth-dragon was unlike anything he had encountered. Its sheer size and the sense of power it emanated left him in awe and fear simultaneously.
Its monstrous form coiled and uncoiled, its massive head swaying side to side, sizing up its new adversaries. Its forked tongue flickered out, tasting the air as it hissed menacingly. Percy's heart raced, but he forced himself to focus. He knew that giving in to fear now would only make things worse.
"Nico, stay close!" Percy shouted, trying to steady his voice. He glanced at his friend, who nodded, gripping his stygian black sword.
Percy deftly drew Riptide as the dragon lunged forward. The celestial bronze blade glinted in the sunlight as it transformed into a lethal sword. The monster struck with lightning speed, its fangs gleaming venomously. Percy and Nico dodged the attack, rolling away from the assault. Their strikes were quick, but the monster's hide was a formidable defense. The serpent-like dragon retaliated with powerful strikes, forcing them to leap back to avoid the deadly fangs.
Percy gritted his teeth, already feeling the intensity of the battle. He glanced at Nico, holding his own against the creature. There was no time to strategize; they had to trust their instincts and fight with all their might.
As Percy and Nico continued their intense assault on the massive dragon, their battle took a toll on their bodies. The desert sand offered little cushion as they moved, and the scorching sun beat down on them relentlessly. With each strike of their swords, they left themselves open to potential counterattacks, resulting in cuts, scrapes, and bruises.
During one of its vicious lunges, Percy managed to evade the fangs, but in doing so, he stumbled on a small rock hidden beneath the sand. He felt a sharp pain shoot up his leg as he fell to the ground, managing to roll out of its reach just in time. The impact left him with a scraped and bleeding knee, but he gritted his teeth and pushed through the pain.
Nico, too, wasn't immune to the dragon's retaliation. In his relentless pursuit of its weak spots, he had taken a risky maneuver, leaping onto the creature's back to strike at its vulnerable neck. But the ancient monster reacted swiftly, coiling its massive body and slamming Nico against the sand with tremendous force. He managed to roll away just before being crushed, but the impact left him with a deep gash across his forearm.
Despite their injuries, Percy and Nico refused to yield. They fought on, their determination overshadowing the pain. Every move, every swing of their swords, was fueled by adrenaline and the will to protect each other. The battle seemed to stretch endlessly, both demigods pushing themselves to the limits of their abilities. The sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the desert.
As Percy and Nico continued their assault on the massive reptile, they honed their instincts and studied its movements. Each time the creature lunged, Percy noticed a slight shift in its body, almost imperceptible to the untrained eye.
When the creature made its next move, Percy sprang into action. He evaded the dragon's bite by leaping to the left with lightning speed. His swift movement caught its attention, and its massive head turned to follow his path.
Seizing the opportunity, Nico acted with his own calculated precision. With a surge of adrenaline, Nico sprinted toward the monster's right flank, his sword firmly in his grip.
Its scales shimmered in the setting desert sun as Nico closed in on his target. He spotted a vulnerable spot near the creature's eye, where the scales seemed less tightly bound, almost like a seam in armor. The Stygian Iron blade connected, and a burst of dark energy crackled through its scales. The colossal dragon roared in pain, temporarily blinded by the attack.
In that moment of vulnerability, Percy seized his chance to strike. He had circled around during Nico's assault, now positioning himself at the creature's exposed right side. With Riptide gleaming in his hand, Percy focused all his strength and summoned the courage needed. He lunged forward, driving Riptide deep into the monster's weakened scales. The celestial bronze blade found its mark, and Percy's battle cry echoed through the desert as he delivered a decisive blow to the ancient guardian.
But just when they thought victory was within reach, a sudden twist of fate unfolded. Blinded by the attack and disoriented, the dragon lunged forward but misjudged its path. It slammed into one of the dunes, causing a massive sand avalanche that temporarily buried its colossal form.
Percy and Nico exchanged a glance, hope flickering in their eyes. Had they won?
For a moment, there was silence, broken only by the distant sound of the shifting sand. Percy and Nico stood their ground, their swords at the ready, breathing heavily, their lungs desperate for air after the fierce battle. They cautiously approached the dune, prepared for any sign of movement. Then, without warning, the monster exploded from the sands with a thunderous roar, charging at them head-first.
Their hearts pounded in their chests as they scrambled to react. Percy and Nico leaped away, narrowly avoiding the dragon's deadly charge.
"I have seen your future, Perseus Jackson," the ancient creature finally hissed, its giant form seething with anger.
Percy froze on the spot as fear gripped his heart. Though exhausted and wounded, Percy met its gaze with wide eyes, "You can talk?" he mumbled in shock, but then his eyes narrowed, quickly tossing the thought away. "Who are you?" he shouted angrily at the beast.
"I am Python. Child of Gaia. Guardian of the Oracle Delphi."
Percy's heart pounded in his chest, fear and rage warring as he tried to process the implications of what he had just learned. "Guardian of the Oracle Delphi?"
Python's hiss sent shivers down Percy's spine. "The Oracle's words flow through me," the dragon admitted, its voice dark and chilling. "I am the keeper of knowledge, the guardian of her visions, and the harbinger of doom for those who dare oppose her."
As the shock settled, Percy's fear mingled with a burning rage. He couldn't fathom how a creature linked to the very force of nature they had vanquished was now standing before him, boasting its role as a guardian. He had faced gods, titans, and monsters before and would face Python the same. "What do you want?" Percy yelled, his voice brimmed with defiance.
The dragon's eyes gleamed with guile, a sinister smile stretching across its monstrous features. "I am here to ensure the prophecy is fulfilled," Python hissed.
"What prophecy?" Percy angrily shouted.
"One that speaks of your ultimate role in this world, a destiny that even you have yet to grasp." Python hissed with an unsettling air of foreboding. "It is a burden woven into the fabric of existence, waiting to unfold like the shadows cast by a setting sun." Python chuckled darkly in response, leaving Percy even more infuriated.
"I see the uncertainty in your eyes," Python taunted. "You are afraid of the unknown, aren't you, young hero? A half-blood, a pawn in their games. Do you truly believe you can defy the will of the gods?" Python continued, his massive coils coiling and uncoiling in an unsettling display of power.
That single statement finally broke the dam, holding back everything the boy had been working so hard to keep inside. And with a sudden surge of fury, Percy swung riptide overhead with force, but Python anticipated his move and escaped his path. "You know nothing about me!" Percy screamed furiously, attempting to mask the fear behind his voice.
"Oh, on the contrary, my dear boy." Python hissed, his reptilian eyes narrowing. "I know everything about you. I know your past, present, and future."
Percy lunged once more, only to be smacked head-on with the dragon's tail, slamming him with the strength of a concrete wall. A cry of pain ripped from his throat as Percy was launched fifty feet in the air before crashing into a sand dune, a large crater left behind from impact.
"Percy!" Nico screamed, his heart pounding in his chest as he watched his best friend hurtle through the air.
Percy made a gasping sound as the air was momentarily ripped from his lungs after his back slammed into the ground. The teenager groaned, rubbing his aching head as he tried to get to his feet, the sand beneath him molding to his weight.
Clutching riptide tightly at his side, Percy blinked away the black spots in his vision and regained his senses. "You're lying," he growled, glaring at his enemy. Python slithered across the white sand, inching closer to where Percy stood. He brought his head lower to face the demigod at eye level. "The future has already been written, and there is nothing that can be done to change it."
Percy felt his heart rate and breathing instantly pick up as alarm bells went off in his head as the earth-dragon approached him. Quickly pushing his fear down, Percy's glare darkened, "I'm not afraid of you."
A wicked smile appeared on the reptile's face, exposing the tips of his fangs, "Your heartbeat betrays you, boy."
The bone-chilling words instantly made Percy feel sick from fear and disbelief. How could his enemy possibly hear his heartbeat? Python laughed loudly when he listened to the demigod's heart rate increase in response to his words. Percy urgently wracked his mind for ideas, but the only thing that came to mind was to stand and fight. It's not like he could just leave his enemy's territory, so what else was he supposed to do?
"Tell me, Demigod. How does it feel to have a single person take away everything you hold dear?"
Percy suddenly froze. His heart clenched at Python's chilling words. The mention of Theseus struck a raw nerve within him, and the memories of the pain he had endured at his hands flooded back. The wounds were still fresh—the betrayal, the loss, and the shattering of his world—all inflicted by one person.
"What do you know about Theseus?" he snapped, trying to hide his pain and vulnerability.
Python's sinister smile twisted further, relishing in Percy's similar inquisitive nature to Theseus. The dragon circled him slowly, his eyes never leaving the demigod. "Ah, Theseus, the one who shattered your world. He has left his mark on your soul, and you fear becoming the monster he made you out to be."
Percy's grip on Riptide tightened as he listened to Python's words. He couldn't help but wonder how Python had this knowledge, how a dragon knew the depths of his past torment. "Tell me how you know," Percy demanded, a fire burning in his eyes.
The dragon's hiss reverberated through the air as it continued its slow encirclement. "The mysteries of the universe are vast, young Demigod. I possess knowledge beyond your comprehension. I see the threads of fate, the entwined destinies of gods and mortals. Your connection with Theseus, the choices he made, they have woven themselves into the fabric of your future."
Percy's mind raced with questions, his anger at Theseus now mixed with a growing curiosity about the extent of Python's knowledge. The dragon's cryptic words both intrigued and unnerved him, leaving him with a sense of uncertainty about his own path.
"Am I destined to be consumed by darkness?" Percy asked, unable to keep the worry from creeping into his voice. "Is there no hope for me?"
Python's eyes glinted with malevolence, savoring the turmoil he provoked within Percy. "Destiny is a fickle thing, Demigod. It can be both a blessing and a curse. The choices you make will determine your fate, whether you embrace the darkness or rise above it."
"No," Percy growled, his voice laced with anger and pain. "He took everything from me, but I won't let him take my future."
The dragon's amber eyes bore into Percy's, and it felt like Python could see into the depths of his soul, unraveling every thread of pain and suffering. It was a vulnerability Percy loathed to reveal, but he couldn't hide from the truth any longer. "You cannot escape the darkness that clings to you," Python replied.
Percy's mind flashed to the times when he had felt the pull of the dark abyss, the moments when he questioned whether he was truly a hero or a ticking time bomb. It was a constant battle within him, one that he fought with every ounce of his strength. "No, you're wrong," Percy retorted, pushing himself to stand tall despite the fear lurking within.
Python's expression contorted into annoyance as if Percy's defiance disrupted its plan to provoke him further. "Your resolve is admirable, Demigod, but you cannot change the past. The boy has forever changed the course of your fate."
Nico's voice trembled as he managed to stand next to Percy. "We won't let you dictate our fate," he declared, gripping his sword tightly, his resolve matching Percy's.
Python's eyes glowed with even greater fury at their refusal to succumb to fear. This time, it lunged forward with a new ferocity, aiming directly for Nico. Percy's heart pounded in his chest as the ancient creature closed in, and his instincts kicked into overdrive.
"Nico!" Percy yelled, his voice filled with fear.
But before Nico could react, something dark and sharp emerged from the swirling sand and plunged into his chest, sending searing pain through his body. He let out a strangled gasp, his grip loosening on his sword as he stumbled backward.
As Nico fell to his knees, his eyes caught a glint of something partially buried in the sand. It was a broken blade, twisted and blackened, clearly the remnants of a weapon wielded by another brave demigod who had faced Python and lost.
Amid the adrenaline-fueled battle, Nico's mind pieced together the puzzle. He had heard stories of demigods who had ventured into the White Sands before, lured by the call of heroism and the desire to confront the ancient guardian Python. Some had fought valiantly, while others had fallen in the face of the monstrous serpent's power.
Part of this broken blade, now protruding from Nico's chest, was a grim testament to those brave souls who had come before them. It was as if the White Sands were an unforgiving graveyard of failed attempts to challenge Python's might.
Percy's eyes widened in horror, torn between defending himself and rushing to Nico's aid. He was frozen in place for a split second, but adrenaline surged through his veins in that moment of desperation, granting him clarity.
With all the strength he could muster, Percy lunged forward, ignoring his own wounds and aiming directly for Python's exposed eye. He struck with all his might, and to his surprise, the dragon recoiled in pain, momentarily stunned. Seizing the opportunity, Percy grabbed Nico by the arm, his heart pounding with fear. "We need to get out of here, now!" he yelled, his mind racing for an escape plan.
Nico winced in pain but nodded, gritting his teeth. They ran, relying on their instincts to find a way to safety. The desert landscape blurred around them as they weaved between sand dunes, desperately trying to distance themselves from the vengeful earth-dragon.
Python roared behind them, shaking the ground with its fury. Panic surged through Percy's veins, but he refused to give up. There had to be a way out.
"We can't keep this up," Nico gasped, sweat trickling down his forehead as he struggled to catch his breath.
Percy nodded, his throat dry and parched. "Agreed. We need to find somewhere to hide."
As if in response to their desperation, they spotted a small depression in the sand, a slight dip between two dunes that could offer temporary cover. It was their only hope, and they rushed toward it with the last dregs of their energy.
They huddled in the sandy hollow, trying to remain as still and quiet as possible. The sound of Python's furious hissing grew louder, the creature hot on their trail.
"We can't fight anymore," Nico whispered, his voice strained.
Percy's heart sank, realizing that their weapons and strength were no match for Python's ancient power. Their only chance was to hide and hope it would lose their scent.
They pressed their bodies into the cool sand, hearts pounding in their chests as they waited. Time seemed to crawl, the silence broken only by the sound of the wind brushing against the dunes. Each passing second felt like an eternity as they desperately prayed to remain unnoticed.
But luck was not on their side. The ground beneath them trembled as Python's massive form slithered dangerously close. Its immense presence sent shivers down their spines, and they held their breath, fearing that even the slightest noise might give them away.
Just as Percy and Nico thought they were about to be discovered, a sudden gust of wind shifted the sand, covering them in a thin layer of the fine white particles. It was as if the desert itself was offering them protection.
Python's hisses grew fainter, passing by their hiding spot without detecting them. The relief that washed over Percy and Nico was almost overwhelming. Yet, they knew they couldn't let their guard down just yet.
Remaining still for a few more moments, they finally dared to peek over the rim of the sandy depression. To their immense relief, they saw no sign of Python. The creature had moved on, seemingly unaware of their presence.
"We should go now," Percy whispered, his voice barely audible.
Nico nodded, and they cautiously emerged from their sandy shelter. Every step felt heavy, but they forced themselves to keep moving. Their eyes scanned the endless expanse of white dunes, searching for any sign of the ancient dragon.
In a stroke of luck, they found themselves back in the visitor area of White Sands National Park as the sky turned dark with the approaching night. The vacant picnic area provided a shred of hope. They pushed on, their pace slow but determined, reaching the shelter of the picnic area.
Nico's breath came in labored gasps, and he winced with every step, the broken piece of blade still sticking out of his bleeding chest. He was losing strength rapidly, and Percy knew they needed to find safety soon.
With trembling hands, Percy helped Nico sit on a nearby picnic table, grimacing at the sight of his friend's injury. "Hold on, Nico," he urged, panic rising. "I'm going to have to take it out."
Nico's body tensed, and he squeezed his eyes shut, trying to brace himself for what was to come. The initial sting of the foreign object breaking his skin was less than bearable, but when Percy tightened his grip around it, the pressure around Nico's chest intensified, causing a sharp cry of pain to escape his lips. He pitched forward, his forehead pressing against Percy's upper shoulder as he tried to endure the agony.
Percy braced himself, one hand still gripping the object while the other rested on Nico's shoulder for support. With a steady pull, Percy removed the object slowly. Nico's cry of pain turned into a low groan, and he tried to steady his breathing, his hands tightly gripping the edge of the picnic table. Percy could sense the relief in the younger demigod as the broken blade was finally out.
Placing the blood-stained blade on the table, Percy carefully examined Nico's injuries. Nico's head swayed unsteadily before finally lolling forward. Percy felt a pang of worry at the sight. "Nico?" he called, his voice tinged with fear. He cupped Nico's face with both hands, trying to get a response. "Hey, are you okay?"
Nico's eyes fluttered, struggling to stay open. His skin turned even paler, and Percy's heart sank. "Nico, stay awake," Percy urged.
But as Percy turned away to get the ambrosia, Nico felt himself slipping, falling forward. The movement caused his head to spin, and he groaned, fighting to stay conscious. Percy hurried back, catching Nico just before hitting the ground.
"Jeez, Nico. Help me out here," Percy said through grit teeth as he placed Nico back in an upright position. After he was sure Nico was stable enough to be left alone, he found the squished ziplock bag of ambrosia squares and quickly took one out.
Without hesitation, Percy shoved the golden square into Nico's mouth and hoped it would be enough. Despite his own exhaustion and the pain from his wounds, Percy mustered all the First Aid knowledge he had acquired from his years at Camp Half-Blood. He ripped a piece of cloth from his already tattered shirt and pressed it against the wound, hoping to stem the flow of blood.
Nico's face was pale, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "Percy... I don't know if…," he whispered weakly.
"Shut up! Don't." Percy's voice trembled with emotion.
The picnic area offered little in terms of resources, but Percy did his best to stabilize Nico's injury. He then rummaged through their backpacks, finding a half-empty water bottle and some leftover snacks. He offered them to Nico, urging him to drink and regain some strength.
Percy's senses remained alert as the desert night deepened, listening for any sign of Python's return. Each sound made him jump, but he refused to let fear consume him.
As they waited for the ambrosia's healing effects to take hold, Percy kept a watchful eye on Nico, urging him to stay awake. The minutes felt like an eternity until, finally, a faint color returned to Nico's cheeks, and his eyes showed signs of life.
Percy gently supported Nico as he leaned against him. "Take it easy. You'll be alright."
Nico's breathing gradually steadied, and he managed a weak smile. "Thanks, Percy," he whispered, his voice still frail.
The next chapter is halfway done, so expect it within the next month!
