Chapter Twenty-Five

Percy walked up to the wooden table. He glanced at the neon sign in the distance. This must be the place. He sat down and waited. Nico had given him the address and time for the bachelor party, but he was surprised when he found the place, a paintball field. There was a giant arena walled off with a fabric fence, with a couple of wooden buildings and a lot of wooden tables outside.

He didn't have to wait long before Nico showed up with Grover. The poor satyr was shivering. Once he saw Percy, he trotted up to the wooden table and sat across from his best friend. "Fuck shadow travel!" He said.

Percy chuckled. "Yeah, it sucks. Handy, but sucks."

Nico sat down next to them. "Is he complaining about shadow travel? Old goat was screaming in my ear the entire time."

Percy raised an eyebrow. "Don't think I've ever seen you wear white. Not even when we first met."

Nico shrugged. "Bought this at Walmart earlier. Didn't want to ruin any of the clothes I usually wear."

"Smart. I should've done that." He looked down. "Damn, I actually like this shirt."

Grover snorted. "Percy, I'm pretty sure that red spot is a pizza stain."

"Okay, and? It didn't come out in the wash." He turned to Nico. "What made you want to do paintball?"

The Son of Hades shrugged. "It looked fun. Thought we might as well try it. Besides, we've been in war before, but this time, we get to be at war with guns."

"Oh, you're just asking for one of us to have a panic attack."

"Should be far enough removed that we'll be fine."

"Is it just us?"

"Yeah, Jason and Reyna are flying in tomorrow for rehearsal, so for today, it's just us."

"Are they flying, or 'flying'?"

"What?"

"Y'know, are they flying in an airplane, or Jason airlines?"

"Oh, airplane."

"Lucky."

"I know."

"Dude, you got shadow travel, I don't want to hear you complain. I didn't get anything for traveling."

"Dude, you are one of the most powerful demigods ever, you stop complaining."

"And you're not?"

"Guys!" Grover interjected. "You're both pretty. Can we start?"

"Yeah, come on, let's go." Nico said, standing up.

LINE BREAK

"Jason!" Percy yelled as he saw his cousin. The Son of Zeus turned to see him and walked over. "Percy!"

They clasped forearms. "How've you been, man?" Percy asked. "How's Piper?"

Jason grimaced. "You don't know?"

"Know what?"

"Dude, Piper and I broke up, like, three years ago."

"Oh, shit. Shit man, I'm sorry, I didn't know. I was in the Underworld for the past three years. You don't really get the Times down there."

"It's alright man, I'm over it now. Have been for a while. But the Underworld, how was that?"

"Can't complain. Doubt it was much worse than up here. What with the war raging on and all."

"Oh yeah, that was awful. Constant storms, destruction. New Rome is gonna take a long time to rebuild. Only silver lining is that a lot of the temples were damaged, which means they need renovation. Annabeth's actually helping me out with that. Which, speaking of, I heard about you two, sorry man."

Percy waved his hand. "I'm over it too, man. Gotta get over stuff, we ain't immortal like our fathers, y'know?"

Jason chuckled. "I know what you mean. I will say though, I heard some rumors that you got someone new? I see that ring on your finger, are they true?"

Percy smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, yeah. We didn't really have a choice though."

"Who is it?"

Percy tsked. "You'll meet her tomorrow."

"Really man? You're not gonna tell me?"

"Where'd you even hear the rumors anyways? The Stolls?"

"Stolls. Heard them talking about it on one of my trips to Camp. Planning more temples and all. Which—" he lowered his voice. "Does Annabeth know?"

Percy shook his head. "I don't think so. I've only seen her once since the end of the war, and our talk was very brief."

"Mmm. Well, I'm excited to meet her. Take care, man, I'll see you later."

"See you."

LINE BREAK

"Wow." Percy said, picking his jaw up from the floor.

"Shut your mouth." Artemis said.

"You look good."

"What did I say?"

"Apologies."

Artemis smiled. "You clean up nice, too. The tie looks good." She patted his cheek. "Come on, we have a wedding to go to."

Artemis offered her hand, and he took it. They stood there for a moment before Artemis asked, "Are you going to close your eyes?"

"Oh, right." Percy said, closing his eyes.

Artemis shook her head and rolled her eyes, both actions done fondly. They disappeared in a flash of light, and reappeared in another inside the Regis. Percy looked around. He wanted to comment on the fact that they were in a bathroom stall, but didn't out of fear that they were not alone in the restroom.

Artemis opened the stall door, and walked out. Percy took that to mean that they were in the clear. As soon as he stepped out, he was immediately corrected, as an older woman stared at them, her draw dropped. Percy blushed, instantly understanding what it was the woman thought they were doing in the stall. He turned and swiftly followed Artemis out of the bathroom, hoping they didn't run into anyone else.

They entered the lobby of the hotel. Percy looked around. "This place kind of reminds me of Olympus, with all the gold and marble."

"I can see it."

They looked around.

"Do you have the invitation?" Artemis eventually asked.

Percy reached into his suit jacket and pulled out the invitation. He handed it to Artemis. She took it and looked it over. "Top floor." She said, handing it back.

They found the elevator and called it down. Percy shifted uncomfortably. Artemis noticed. "Nervous?" She asked.

Percy shook his head. "No, just don't feel like I belong here. Too fancy. Another reason it reminds me of Olympus."

"I understand. This is no forest for me either."

The elevator dinged, and the doors opened. Percy motioned for Artemis to enter. She nodded and entered. Percy followed after her. He clicked the button for the top floor and watched the doors close. The soft sound of American Pie filled the elevator as it started its ascent.

The elevator stopped at the top floor, a ding sounding before the doors opened. Artemis stepped out, Percy after her. It had become routine to them. They were in a hallway, with a door at the end. Next to the door was a poster with Nico and Will on it, announcing the wedding. Percy and Artemis walked into the room.

They were early, so there weren't a lot of people in the main room. The room had very clearly been set up for a wedding, with the arch in the back decorated with flowers and skulls. Rows of chairs faced the arch. The door to an adjacent room was open, allowing Percy to peer inside. It was set up for the reception, with tables with name cards on them, the wedding cake, as well as a dance floor.

"Come on." Percy said. "I should go check on Nico."

"Are you sure I should come along? You are in the wedding, I am not."

"I'm sure. C'mon."

Percy walked over to a closed door and knocked on it. The sound of soft footsteps came towards the door. The door opened to reveal will, in only half his suit. The slacks and an undershirt. He smiled. "Hi, Percy." Then he turned a little and bowed a little. "Lady Artemis."

She raised her hand. "It is your day, Will, just Artemis will do."

"What can I do for you?"

"Well, first, you excited?" Percy asked.

Will nodded. "Yeah, nervous as Hades as well."

"Hades is nervous? I never knew him to be." Artemis asked, a small smile gracing her face.

Will stared at her, before chuckling. "That was funny."

"You should have seen me before our wedding. Nervous wreck." Percy said, chuckling. He missed the small regret on Artemis' face.

"Yeah, but that's different though."

"Nerves are nerves. Look, when it's all said and done, I'm willing to bet that you and Nico are gonna be really happy to finally have tied the knot."

"Oh, I'm sure. Just can't help overthinking it. Y'know, what if he leaves me at the altar. Stupid stuff like that."

"He's not going to do that. Nico's fuckin' over the moon for you, even if he doesn't really show it."

"Oh, he shows it. It's just stupid anxiety, that's all. Like you said, when it's all said and done, we're gonna be happy."

"Yeah man. But make sure you enjoy the day."

"I will, man. I will."

Percy nodded. "Do you know where Nico is?'

Will nodded to his right. "Next door over."

"Thanks, Will. See you soon."

"You too, Percy. Artemis." He gently closed the door.

Percy knocked on the next door, which immediately opened, revealing Nico. He was fully dressed in his suit, which was, surprisingly, white. Based on the wedding invitation, he assumed Will was going to be the one in white. That was probably why they did it.

"Hey, Percy. Artemis."

"Hey, Nico, how are you doing?"

"Same as Will, it seems."

"You heard?"

"Yeah, the walls are kinda thin. Heard the whole thing."

"Wow, I would've thought they built these walls amazingly, considering how expensive it is to stay the night here. How'd you even afford this place?"

Artemis turned to him and raised an eyebrow. "His father is a God, Percy. I doubt a cent was paid for it at all."

"Our fathers are Gods, but we didn't get married here."

"Our Fathers did not plan shit. It was Aphrodite and Hera, both of whom do not particularly care for me. And one of them does not care for you, either."

"Besides, my father isn't allowed on Olympus besides the winter solstice." Nico said.

"I thought he was allowed back after the Battle of Manhattan?"

"They also said they were gonna free Calypso, and that didn't really happen. They also said they were gonna claim their kids, yet Piper, Leo and Jason weren't."

"I mean, Jason technically was."

"Semantics. The point is, you shouldn't trust Gods to keep their word. No offense, lady Artemis."

"None taken." Artemis assured him.

Percy sighed. "I know, but man. Still sucks to hear."

"Yeah. What can you do though? Gods lie, demigods die, the world goes on."

"That's a grim outlook." Artemis said.

"Can you blame us?" Percy asked. "I will say, it does make days like this all the more sweeter."

Nico nodded.

"Hey, when is everyone else going to arrive, do you know?"

Nico shook his head. "No. This whole no cell phone thing really sucks for things like this. It would be so easy to just make a group chat, but, alas."

"Did you just say, 'alas'?"

Artemis frowned. "What is wrong with saying alas?"

"I mean, nothing, it's just a strange thing to say today." He smiled. "But, alas."

Nico snorted. "Fuck you." He glanced at his watch. "Shit. It's almost time. Go find Jason, Reyna and get ready."

Time seemed to fly by after that. Percy found his fell groomsmen (and woman), fell into his place next to Will's best man, who was Austin, his brother. "Austin." He nodded.

"Percy." Austin nodded back.

"You ready?"

"Yeah, you?"

"Yeah. Let's give them hell."

They walked out into the main room, where the guests were sitting down and waiting. Music was playing softly over the speakers. He and Austin reached the altar and took their places on either side of it. Percy looked out and faced the crowd. Among them, Percy saw Apollo and Hades; they were in the front row, as the parents of the grooms. Next to Apollo was an empty seat. There was an empty one next to Hades as well. He also saw members of the Seven, Leo, Piper, Frank, and Hazel. He noticed Annabeth as well. He, of course, noticed Artemis sitting in the middle row. But the person sitting next to her surprised him. Thalia. He had no idea she had been invited.

The rest of the groomsmen and women followed them, lining up behind the best men. Chiron walked down the aisle next, a floral crown around his head. His hooves clopped against the tile flooring as he made his way to the altar. He took his place at the head, as he was officiating the wedding.

Will and his mother appeared at the end of the aisle. Everyone rose from their seats and watched as the two made their way down to the altar. His mother broke off from him and sat down in her seat as Will stood at the altar.

Nico appeared at the end of the aisle now, escorted by a ghostly apparition. Percy had never seen her when she was alive, but he had seen her in a vision, and enough of her features were still there that he could recognize her. Maria di Angelo, Nico's mother. They walked down the aisle and just like before, Maria broke off and sat down in her seat while Nico took his place at the altar. The couple smiled at each other, a small, happy grin.

Chiron smiled at them, before facing the crowd and smiling at them as well. "Friends." He started. "When it comes to training demigods, there is a lot of tragedy involved. The job is not one for the faint of heart. Everyone in this room has lost someone close to them."

Percy looked down. His mind turned to Michael Yew. Will's brother. During the Battle of Manhattan, the Son of Apollo met his tragic end when the Williamsburg Bridge collapsed. When Percy caused it to collapse. The Son of Apollo's blood was on his hands.

"And yet, despite the loss, we are still here today, still alive to witness a truly spectacular moment. The union of two souls, each with their own sorrows, finding solace in each other. Will, if you will start with your vows, please."

Will cleared his throat. "Nico, we have been through a lot with each other. When I was patching you up in the infirmary, I had no idea it would lead to this. Some of the happiest moments of my life have been with you, and I am excited to see how many more we will share."

"Very beautiful, Will." Chiron said. "Nico, if you will?"

Nico cleared his throat. "Will, there are no words to describe the effect you have had on me the past few years, but I'm going to try. Without you, I don't think I would be anywhere close to where I am today. Honestly, I'd probably be a puddle of darkness somewhere. Because of you, I have learned so much about myself and how to improve, and I shudder to think of what I would be without you. I hope I continue to improve, because you deserve the best I can give, and I too am excited to see more of life and experience it with you."

"Very moving, Nico." Chiron said, before looking out to the crowd. "Now, if the ring bearer will please come forward with the rings?"

The satyr Gleeson Hedge came forward. It had been a long time since he had last seen the old goat, was the last time truly at the end of the Second Giant War? He knew that he had a kid now, a young Satyr that was born just hours before the end of the war. He wondered if the child had come along, or if Hedge had come by himself.

Hedge handed the rings to Chiron, who nodded his thanks. Hedge bowed his head and walked back to his seat, where Percy noticed the small Satyr and cloud nymph seated next to him. He brought his family after all. Chiron handed one ring to Will and the other to Nico.

"Do you, Will Solace, take Nico di Angelo as your lawfully wedded husband, for the rest of your life, to be there through sickness and health, for richer and poorer?"

Will nodded. "I do." Nico slid the ring he was given onto Will's ring finger.

"Do you, Nico di Angelo, take Will Solace as your lawfully wedded husband, for the rest of your life, to be there through sickness and health, for richer and poorer?"

"I do." Nico said. Will slid the ring he was given onto Nico's ring finger.

"Well, with all that said, by the power invested in me by the Gods, I pronounce you husbands! You may now kiss the groom."

Nico and Will leaned in and gently kissed each other, causing the room to erupt into cheers and applause. The now married couple broke away from each other, cheeks burning red. Will grasped Nico's hand and turned to the crowd. He threw their interlocked fingers into the air and grinned. More cheers echoed throughout the room.

Percy smiled and clapped, happy for his friends. He watched as Nico and Will walked down the aisle together. When they reached the end, everyone stood and followed them into the ballroom where the reception was going to be held. Percy hung back and watched everyone else go. Artemis made her way through the crowd, like a fish swimming against the current, and reached Percy. She smiled at him. "How was it?"

Percy smiled. "It was good. I'm sure it was the same from where you were sitting."

"Are you ready for your speech?"

Percy sighed. "As ready as I'll ever be, I guess."

She slipped her fingers into his. "You are going to do great."

He smiled softly. "Thank you."

"Come on, let us join the rest of the party."

They walked into the ballroom and found their seats. The tables were round, and able to fit ten people at one. However, their table had one extra seat, due to the Seven being sat together with some significant others. At the front of the room was a rectangular table, where Nico and Will sat, along with their parents. At Percy and Artemis' table was Grover, Thalia, Jason, Leo, Calypso, Frank, Hazel, Piper, and Annabeth. They took their seats between Thalia and Annabeth. Thalia was next to Artemis, and Annabeth was next to Percy.

Calypso stared at Artemis. "Lady Artemis?" She asked, confusion evident in her tone. "What are you doing here?"

"Two reasons." She held up two fingers, before only holding up one. "One, my nephew is getting married." She put up her second finger again. "Two, my husband is in the wedding, and he asked me to come with him."

"You're married? The two of you?" Annabeth asked.

Percy nodded. "Yeah."

"Damn, Perce." Leo grinned. "I mean, I though Annabeth was out of your league, but fucking Artemis, Christ man, leave some ladies for the rest of us." Calypso gently smacked his arm. "Leo." She silently chastised.

Annabeth looked at Grover. "You're quiet. You knew?"

Grover nodded. "I was at his bachelor's party, and he told us then." He pointed at Leo. "Leo was there too, I don't know why he's acting like that."

Leo grinned and shrugged.

Annabeth turned to Percy. "You didn't tell me? I would've come to your bachelor's party."

Artemis raised an eyebrow.

"I mean, technically, you were there. I don't know if you remember, when we ran into each other at that bar, and we talked briefly?"

"I was there and you didn't tell me? You didn't think to invite me?"

Percy sighed. "I didn't know how it would look to tell you, 'I know we just broke up, but now I'm getting married, you wanna celebrate?' So yeah, I didn't tell you."

"How did this even happen?" Jason asked.

"Our fathers." Artemis said. "To end the civil war, the council decided to wed a child of Zeus and Poseidon. We were the chosen."

"Well, you seem happy."

Percy turned to Artemis and grinned at her. "We're just trying to make the best of it."

"Well, we know what Percy's been doing recently. What about the rest of you?" Leo asked. "Thalia?"

She shrugged. "Hunting. 'Bout it. Next?"

"I've been building temples at New Rome and Camp Half Blood. The war destroyed a lot of them. Annabeth's been helping me design them." Annabeth nodded her confirmation.

"Well, Calypso and I just bought some land down in Texas. We're getting ready to open up our shop, so that's pretty cool."

"What kind of shop?" Percy asked.

"It's a mix of a mechanic shop, as well as a diner." Calypso replied.

"That's cool. Good luck, guys."

"Thanks, man." Leo said. "Next?"

"Hazel and I are in the middle of college at New Rome, nothing special." Hazel nodded her agreement. "Next?"

"I've been helping a nature conservation firm in California." He turned to Artemis. "You should come visit, you'll love it. And they'll love a visit from the nature goddess."

"I will be sure to." Artemis said.

"We're working on cutting down carbon emissions from planes right now. Got some engineers working on it as we speak. It's looking promising. Annabeth, you're up."

"My cousin died." She said.

Everyone fell silent, before Leo spoke up. "I'm sorry for your loss."

"I would be too, but it's kinda complicated. He's kinda alive."

"What, like a zombie?" Frank asked.

Annabeth sighed. "How much do you all know about Norse Mythology?"

Artemis caught on. "He's an einherji."

She nodded.

"A what?" Leo asked.

"They're undead warriors. When someone dies, usually in glorious combat, they can be selected to become a warrior for Odin. He's basically my father of Norse Mythology, the head God. Anyways, if they are selected, they live in Valhalla where they fight and feast every day, until Ragnarok comes." Artemis explained. "It's their version of Elysium."

"So, your cousin is one of those warriors?" Leo asked.

Annabeth nodded. "He crashed his own funeral."

Percy chuckled. "He's like me."

Annabeth rolled her eyes. "I still haven't forgiven you for that."

"What are they talking about?" Artemis asked Thalia.

Her lieutenant shrugged. "No idea."

Percy turned to his wife. "I'll tell you later." Artemis nodded, before tuning back into Annabeth's story.

"Who is he the son of?" Artemis asked.

"Frey. God of Peace, Fertility, Wealth, Rain, Summer and Sunshine."

"Can Magnus glow, like Will?" Leo asked.

Annabeth frowned. "I'm not sure. I know he can produce sunlight, but I don't know if he can glow. We're going to have to test that."

"Mad scientist Annabeth over here." Leo joked.

"She's gonna poke him with a rod and see what he…" He trailed off as someone walked up to Percy and handed him a microphone.

"Here, sir." The person said.

"Thank you." Percy grasped the microphone and grabbed his glass before he stood up. Artemis grabbed a glass and a knife and clinked them together. People turned their heads, conversations forgotten. Percy swallowed. He had always hated public speaking. As he looked upon the wedding attendees, he took a deep breath and steeled his resolve.

"Hello, everyone. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Percy Jackson, and I am Nico's Best Man. I'm going to be honest, I was kind of surprised when he asked me. Him and I have not always had the greatest relationship, especially at the beginning. I remember this one time, we were pretty young, he couldn't have been older than eleven, we were at this farm in Texas. It was the middle of the night, and he was just glaring at me, like he was trying to stare into my soul. It didn't really work though, because, again, he was like, eleven, so he still had some baby fat and chubby cheeks." The crowd chuckled, including Nico and Will. "But I know this is a deep scar for Nico, and I only bring it up to make my point. This man is a far cry from who he used to be, and I don't doubt that Will was a huge part of that. I wish you both the best." He raised his glass. "To what most demigods only dream of—A long and happy life!" He downed his water.

The crowd cheered and followed suit. Nico rose from his chair. He approached Percy with an unreadable expression on his face, before lunging forward and throwing his arms around the Son of Poseidon. "Thank you." He whispered in Percy's ear.

"You're welcome." Percy whispered back as he hugged him back. He patted the groom on the back.

Nico broke away and walked back to his seat. Whether he was self conscious about all the people watching him, Percy didn't know. He did know that he was, though, so he sat down and faced away from the crowd.

"That was good, Percy." Artemis said.

"Thank you."

"Bro has me tearing up over here." Leo said, wiping an imaginary tear from his eye.

"Man, fuck you." Percy said.

"Dude, Artemis is right there."

Percy froze, as did the rest of the table except for Leo and Artemis. "Sorry." Leo said. "Insensitive."

"It is fine." Artemis said. "So, Jason, Annabeth, I would like to know more about the temples you two are designing."

Annabeth's eyes lit up. She began to describe in detail her ideas for one of the temples, Pomona's. Percy vaguely remembered her, or rather, the statue of her. He had mistaken her for Demeter, causing the statue to throw apples at him. As the conversation deepened, Percy grinned to himself.

Life was good.