Percy POV
As soon as I recognised her, I froze. Everyone is afraid of something, and it just so happened that Eris was my fear. The goddess was playing with a knife, looking at all four of them with a sinister smile.
"Hello Nico!" she said enthusiastically. "At least someone remembers me."
"Eris," I growled. "What are you doing here?" the goddess rolled her eyes, smirking ever so slightly.
"I'm here to collect on our deal, remember? You know, the one we made in return for me giving you Artemis' location.
"The one you forced me to agree to, even though the original deal never mentioned any other favour?"
"Yep, that one!" Eris said cheerfully. Unfortunately, Artemis wasn't feeling the same enthusiasm as the sadistic goddess.
"Percy?" Artemis asked anxiously. "What deal is she talking about?"
"He hasn't told us this whole trip, believe me there's no way he's telling you," Piper scowled, although her gaze never left Eris.
"Why, moon goddess, you think Percy magically knew where you were?" Eris asked. "No, to find you, he made a deal with me, one which is…. Well let's just say Percy definitely doesn't like it, but a deal is a deal, and now I'm here to collect." Despite the fear bubbling up inside me, I tried to keep cool.
"The deal doesn't take place now," I tried reasoning. "We have much more time." Eris nodded.
"You do, but I'm here for something else, something to hold as ransom," she explained patiently. "Something like… her!"
"No," I said flatly. "Not happening. There's no way I came all the way here to rescue a goddess who was only captured in the first place because of my mistake, just to give her to you."
"It's only until you complete your side of the deal," Eris said with an exasperated sigh, but I didn't care.
"It's not happening, Eris."
"Fine! Give me the boy then, Nico." I began shaking my head, but this was when Eris started losing her cool.
"Perseus," she said in a warning tone. "You are here, in the middle of Alaska, with nothing but your wits. It would be incredibly sad if I have to bring Moros, Thanatos, Nemesis, Geras, Philotes, and every other sibling I have." Her voice was quiet, but I could tell a threat when I saw one, and I knew this would have a terrible outcome.
"Percy, as much as I hate to say this," Nico frowned, "let me stay with Eris. Artemis will be more important to you in this upcoming battle, I'm sure you know that as well, especially since Gone strikes in the night. Besides, I can take this chance to try and learn more about the Underworld and my powers, as Eris and I have some similarities. Complete your side of the bargain and I'll be good to go." I tried opening my mouth, but Eris intervened.
"Brilliant!" she giggled. "Perseus, you can go back to Olympus, and don't forget your deal. As for me and Nico…" she squeezed his cheek hard, like a mother would to her child, except Eris was acting anything but motherly. "Well the two of us will have a splendid time!"
As the goddess of strife flashed away with my closest soldier and friend, Piper ran straight towards me, her eyes etched with worry.
"Percy, is Nico going to be okay?" she asked. Graveley I nodded.
"I'm not an Oath Breaker," I explained, "and Eris is a woman of her word. "I see no reason why Nico shouldn't return back to us, most likely unharmed as well." I tried for enthusiasm, but my body didn't have the energy.
"What deal did you make?" Artemis asked me, concern in her eyes. "What did you do to save me?" I sighed, unsure how to explain.
"When the time comes, you shall know."
"And what if when the time comes, it is already too late?" she persisted. Grabbing my staff, I began walking back down the path we came up, retracing my steps.
"Then it will be too late," I replied honestly. There would be time to dwell on this later. For now, I had to get back to Olympus, and I had to do it fast.
Nico POV
The goddess of strife had a very nice palace, but everything in it had an ominous feeling. Even her doors freaked me out with the way they creaked. The air inside the palace was heavy with an eerie silence, broken only by the haunting creak of the doors that seemed to whisper foreboding secrets. Nervousness consumed me as I followed Eris through the dimly lit corridors. Shadows danced along the walls, casting twisted shapes that sent shivers down my spine. The palace seemed alive with a sinister energy, as if every step I took brought me deeper into a world of discord and unrest. Finally, we reached a grand hall adorned with ornate tapestries depicting scenes of conflict and turmoil. I noticed a couple of famous scenes, such as the first and second Titanomachy, as well as what looked like Eris throwing a golden apple into a crowd. Eris turned to face me, her eyes gleaming with wicked amusement.
"Welcome to your new abode, Nico," she said, her voice laced with a mixture of seduction and danger. "I'm sure you'll find it... captivating." She led me down a winding staircase, the steps worn and weathered, echoing with the weight of history. As we descended into the depths of the palace, my unease grew, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was entering a place I shouldn't be. Eris stopped before a solid oak door, its surface etched with detailed patterns that seemed to writhe and twist.
"This will be your room," she declared, her tone dripping with a macabre delight. Without waiting for my response, she furiously swung the door open, revealing a space unlike any I had ever seen.
The room was adorned with black velvet drapes, their edges lined with silver thread that shimmered in the pale light. A large four-poster bed dominated the centre, its canopy draped with dark, silky fabric that billowed like a storm cloud. The walls were painted a deep, midnight blue, filled with even more paintings of battles and conflicts throughout history. I couldn't help but gasp, my eyes widening in shock.
"This... this is not what I expected," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.
Eris grinned mischievously, her eyes gleaming with a hint of sympathy.
"I know it may seem overwhelming, but fear not, Nico. Despite being my prisoner, I intend to treat you like a normal human being. It's something special about us children of Nyx. Having been alive for so long, we've learned the hard way to not push mortals past their limits. " Her words held a strange sincerity, as if she wanted to reassure me in her own twisted way.
"Thank you," I managed to get out while gulping. She waved it away.
"Oh don't worry about it Nico, but do remember it. The next time Hades tries arguing with Lethe again, I sincerely hope you remember this moment." He nodded, unsure of how to respond. One moment, Eris was the kindest person, offering him such a large and clean room. The next, she was back to her twisted and manipulative ways, as if everything she'd done was for her own sake rather than mine.
"Now let me explain my plan," she said, a glimmer of excitement dancing in her gaze. "Let me explain the whole story behind Percy's deal with me, and why I did it." I was still sceptical of the goddess, but my curiosity got the better of me. Sitting down on my bed, I motioned for her to start talking, and so she did. As Eris began to unravel the details of the deal Percy had made with her, the true extent of the chaos and strife that awaited us became clear. In that moment, I realised that my time in Eris's palace would be filled with uncertainty and restlessness as I'd watch the final battles take place. Only now did I realise that Eris was playing a deadly game with all of our lives, just for the sake of strife, one where every move would be a delicate dance on the knife edge of destruction.
Artemis POV
"Get some rest, Artemis," Percy said in his quiet tone.
"I'm not tired," I lied. "Can I at least keep you company for a bit?" Taking his silence as a yes, I sat next to him, following his gaze towards the night sky.
It had been over a day since Eris' appearance and Nico getting kidnapped. All this time, Percy had been acting distant towards me again, only this time it was also affecting Piper. So far, we had just crossed the border out of Alaska. I could feel my powers slowly surging back through me, and damn it felt good. We couldn't flash out at that moment. Percy was more than fatigued, and I was still recovering. Gone had… hurt me, and my body was still screaming at me whenever I moved it, even if I just took a step. Right now, it was well past midnight and Piper was fast asleep. The same couldn't be said about me, as I had been watching Percy intently. Ever since… that incident over five years ago, I'd thought the two of us could never even become friends, let alone something more. However, things had changed. Percy had travelled all the way to Alaska, made deals with Strife herself, battled I don't even want to know what, all to save me. Maybe I was just being too hopeful and optimistic, only time would tell, but what I knew is if I ever get a second chance with Percy, I will do everything in my power to ensure I do not screw up again.
"Why can't you sleep?" Percy asked me, still gazing into the starry sky. Sitting down besides him, I wrapped my arms around my cold knees, searching for the right words.
"I suppose my mind is still entangled in the memories of my time with Gone," I admitted. "The darkness, the cruelty… it haunts me still." Percy's eyes softened as he turned to face me.
"But then, I suppose you've already witnessed it, haven't you?" I continued. Slowly, he nodded.
"I was there when Gone tortured Charlotte, I've seen first hand what he's capable of doing. I guess if you need someone to talk to about it, I'm here. It's the least I can do after I let you get captured." I met his gaze, gratitude welling up within me.
"Thank you Percy," I whispered. "I must also apologise again for the way I treated you before. My harshness, my dismissive nature, my natural anger towards men… Only now do I understand how much pain it caused and how wrong I was." Percy's expression immediately shifted, his face taking on a darker and sadder tone. I would've gone so far as to say I saw a hint of vulnerability flicker across his features.
"It hurt," he admitted, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "But I've come to realise that in this world, the Fates only wish me misery." He let out a hollow chuckle. "Oh the misery I've seen… It's enough to make Oizys herself shed tears.
"Artemis," Percy began tentatively, as if he was unsure about asking his question. "It was a long time ago, but I still do wonder, did you ever have… feelings for me?" Sighing, I looked down, suddenly finding the earthy floor very interesting.
"I'm not sure," I confessed after a pause. "These are feelings I'm not used to, but I think perhaps, back then, I did have a small thing for you."
"I appreciate the honesty," was all he said, his face stoic.
"And you?" I asked, raising my eyebrow. "Did you ever… want me?" His brows furrowed, a trace of uncertainty crossing his eyes.
"I… I don't know," he replied honestly, his voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "Maybe I did, but the way you hurt me, the way you pushed me away… it made it hard for me to trust those feelings." Another pang of regret surged through me.
"Precy, if I had known… if I haven't let my past experiences consume me, perhaps things could have been different," I said wistfully. "But I understand if you can't forgive me for what I've done. After all, I'm not sure I or Thalia can ever forgive ourselves." He turned to me, his gaze softened by a glimmer of something I couldn't quite work out.
"Artemis, forgiveness takes time," he said, his voice laced with sincerity. "But I'm willing to try. We've both made mistakes, even though yours are significantly worse than mine, but it doesn't mean we're incapable of change." His words brought a flicker of hope to my heart, a spark of possibility amidst the scars of our past.
Together, we sat in the glow of the makeshift campfire, enveloped by the quiet serenity of the Alaskan night. Carefully, I rested my cheek against Percy's shoulder, the warmth of his presence embracing me. At first, he tensed, but after a while didn't say anything, still staring into the night.
"Percy, how do we even get to Olympus from here?" I asked. "The war is only escalating from what Piper has said, and time is of the essence." Percy's eyes sparkled with a glint of determination as he shifted his gaze from the starry sky to meet mine.
"Artemis, I have a plan," he said, his voice filled with unwavering confidence. "There's a way for us to travel safely to Olympus, even from here. Have some faith for now."
"Why can't you just tell me?" I frowned.
"I could," Percy agreed. "But where's the fun in that? Besides, someone else seems to be waking up."
Still groggy with sleep, Piper stumbled towards us, her eyes wide and blinking rapidly.
"What's going on?" Piper yawned, stretching her arms. "Are we almost there?"
"Piper," Percy mused, "you've been sleeping for the last few hours, in the exact same space. Please do explain how we've travelled anywhere?" I snickered, causing her to glare icy daggers at me.
"How are you doing, Percy?" Piper gently asked him, sitting down with us. She may have saved my life, but the daughter of Aphrodite didn't seem to like me at all, most likely because of what happened with Perseus before.
"I'm okay," he said with a shrug. "Just letting the time pass by." Oh the irony.
"Have you sent any IM's yet?" Percy shook his head, gazing back into the starry night sky.
"Iris has been down for the last few weeks. She's busy with the war preparations, not to mention training and the hundreds of gods sending messages every day."
Piper opened her mouth, most likely to say something back, but just as she did, a sound pierced the night sky, catching both mine and Piper's attention.
"What is that?" Piper asked in a hushed whisper, her knife already drawn out. I couldn't help but do the same.
"Looks like our ride has arrived," Percy said with a wry smile, getting up and extinguishing the campfire. "I would like you to meet Blackjack and Guido, two of my most loyal Pegasus steeds who have travelled long and far with me." Both pegasi landed gracefully besides, their wings folding against their sides as they regarded us with their intelligent eyes. Piper and I exchanged amazed glances as the majestic Pegasus steeds, Blackjack and Guido, stood before us. Their sleek bodies glistened in the moonlight, their powerful wings shimmering with ethereal grace. It was a sight that stirred a sense of awe deep within our souls.
"These creatures are magnificent," I whispered, my voice filled with wonder. "To think we shall ride upon their backs to Olympus." Piper nodded in agreement, her eyes reflecting a mixture of excitement and trepidation. She approached Guido cautiously, extending her hand to let him sniff and acknowledge her presence. Guido nuzzled her palm gently, as if sensing her trust, or maybe it just knew her from before.
"Hey there, Guido," Piper murmured, her voice filled with warmth. "I'm ready to soar with you." Meanwhile, Percy and I approached Blackjack, who regarded us with a knowing gaze. As we approached, he lowered his head, allowing us to stroke his velvety mane. There was an unspoken bond between us, forged through countless adventures and shared victories.
"I've missed you, old friend," Percy said, his voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you for coming to our aid once again." A brief pause later, Percy chuckled, "alright, I'll get you some nice apples later on," to which Blackjack happily snorted.
With a graceful leap, Percy mounted Blackjack's back, making it look so easy. I joined him (Piper was still shooting me dirty looks), settling behind him, my arms encircling his waist for stability. Piper, too, found her place atop Guido, her grip firm around his mane. As the Pegasus steeds spread their wings, a surge of exhilaration coursed through my veins. The wind whipped against my face as we ascended into the night sky, leaving the Alaskan wilderness far below.
The journey to Olympus was an experience unlike any other. The powerful beats of the Pegasus wings carried us swiftly through the vast expanse of the heavens. We soared among the stars, our hearts filled with a potent mix of determination and anticipation. From high above, we witnessed the world unfold beneath us. The sprawling landscapes stretched out in a mesmerising mosaic, forests and mountains blending seamlessly with rivers and cities. It was a reminder of the beauty and fragility of the mortal realm, a realm that depended on the gods to guide and protect it. Overall, the trip didn't take that long. Percy was definitely doing something with his control over time, and the Pegasus were travelling at crazily fast speeds. As we neared Olympus, a sense of gravity settled upon us. The sky seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly glow, signalling the presence of divine power. The anticipation swelled within us, knowing that the final battle awaited us in those sacred halls. Through the invisible threads of destiny, the Pegasus steeds carried us closer to our destination. We flew with a shared purpose, united in our determination to tip the scales in favour of the gods and those who fought for the light. With each passing moment, Olympus grew larger, its towering spires and ethereal radiance coming into view. Our hearts beat in sync with the rhythm of the Pegasus wings, a resolute cadence that echoed the courage within us.
"Just land us there," Percy asked Blackjack, pointing to a small clearing outside near the throne room. With a final surge of speed, our Pegasus steeds descended upon Olympus, carrying us into the eerily calm winds. As we touched down on the sacred ground, I glanced at Percy, his eyes reflecting determination.
"No time to waste," he said urgently, running straight towards the throne room. Knives out, I was right behind him. I may not have my bow, but everyone knew even with knives, I was deadly.
Pery burst into the throne room with a determined stride, and I followed closely behind him. As the doors swung open, a collective gasp filled the air. The room fell into a stunned silence as everyone turned their attention to us, their eyes wide with shock.
On the thrones, the entire council excluding me and Percy were seated and in deep conversation. My hunters stood at attention, their bows at the ready, their expressions a mix of surprise and relief. Then, amongst the other familiar faces, I also spotted Frank, Leo, Calypso and Hazel.
"Artemis?!" Father said, rubbing his eyes. Despite my efforts, I couldn't help but grin.
"In the flesh!" I said happily. Immediately, the room erupted in a wave of celebration, with shouts and cheers filling the air. Calypso rushed towards Percy, throwing his arms around him in a tight embrace. The joy on her face was indescribable, as she whispered in his ear, "You did it, Percy. You really did it." Apollo, ever the dramatic god, swept me into a hug, squeezing me tightly. "Artemis, my dear sister, you have returned to us. Olympus has missed your presence," he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine affection. I smiled, hugging him back just as hard.
"And you Percy!" Apollo grinned, turning to his friend. "Come here, you're getting a hug as well!" Apollo tried embracing Percy, but the time lord slipped out of his grip, his expression still one of confusion.
"What's happening?" he asked. "What happened to the war? Where is Gone, and where are his forces?" I couldn't help but admire the fact that even after rescuing me and travelling all the way back, Percy was still more concerned about the war than rest.
Calypso's smile widened, and she placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Percy," she exclaimed triumphantly. "Gone's army attacked, but we beat them!" His brow furrowed even more in confusion.
"Wait, do you mean-"
"Yes!" she beamed. "With your planning and the combined efforts of our allies, we were able to vanquish the darkness that threatened Olympus!" She took a deep breath, taking Percy's hand in hers.
"The war is finally over!" she grinned wildly. "We're free!"
And yet another plot twist! Sorry if this seems rushed, I'm finishing it off at like 4AM then gonna sleep and update sometime later on!