The Prince of the Underworld

by kurenohikari

Being on the run from monsters was not something Nico had been expecting to do in his life. For all his love for Mythomagik, Nico had never believed the cards to be based on real life events. Who would ever expect myths to be real? It was madness! What made everything worse was the fact that Nico was following four ghosts. Nico was sure he was losing his mind.

36. ACT IV – PART I

Artemis moved through the forest with a grace that was supernatural, her silver eyes scanning the trees ahead as she led her huntresses deeper into the shadows. The moonlight filtered through the canopy above, casting a soft, ethereal glow on the ground, but the Goddess paid it no mind. Her focus was on the hunt, the thrill of the chase thrumming through her veins as they tracked their prey.

Behind her, Zoe Nightshade, Artemis's loyal lieutenant, moved silently, her senses honed to the slightest disturbance in the air. Beside her, Bianca di Angelo, kept pace with surprising ease, her bow held at the ready. And bringing up the rear was Reyna Avila Ramírez-Arellano, a fierce warrior who had proven herself time and time again. Together, they formed a formidable team, each huntress perfectly in sync with the others.

The Minotaur they were hunting was no ordinary beast. This one had been terrorizing demigods and mortals alike, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. It had evaded capture for far too long, but now, under Artemis's watchful eye, its time was running out.

The air was thick with tension as the huntresses neared their target. They could hear the heavy breathing of the Minotaur, the sound of its massive hooves crunching against the underbrush as it moved through the forest. It was close—so close that Artemis could practically smell the beast's musk, a pungent scent that made her lip curl in disgust.

With a silent signal from Artemis, the huntresses spread out, surrounding the creature in a coordinated maneuver that spoke of years of training and experience. Zoe took the left flank, her movements fluid and precise as she readied her bow. Bianca moved to the right, her eyes sharp and focused, while Reyna circled around to the rear, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword.

The Minotaur, unaware of the deadly trap closing in around it, continued to lumber forward, its snorting breaths echoing through the trees. It was massive, even for a Minotaur, its hulking form casting a long shadow in the moonlight. The beast's horns were wickedly sharp, its eyes red with the bloodlust that drove it to hunt without mercy.

Artemis's voice cut through the night like a knife, low and commanding. "Now."

In an instant, the huntresses sprang into action. Zoe loosed an arrow, the silver shaft whistling through the air before embedding itself in the Minotaur's thick hide. The creature roared in pain and fury, rearing back as it tried to locate the source of the attack, but the huntresses were too quick, too skilled. Bianca followed up with a well-aimed shot to the Minotaur's shoulder, while Reyna darted forward, her sword flashing as she slashed at the beast's legs, forcing it to stumble.

The Minotaur, realizing too late that it was outmatched, tried to flee, but Artemis was already in position. With a speed that defied belief, she drew her bow and fired a single, deadly arrow straight into the creature's heart. The Minotaur's roar was cut short, its massive body crashing to the ground with a thud that reverberated through the forest.

The huntresses remained on high alert, their weapons still at the ready as they approached the fallen beast. Artemis knelt beside it, her expression unreadable as she placed a hand on its coarse fur. "It's done," she said softly, though her tone was laced with the cold finality that came with every successful hunt.

Zoe, ever the dutiful lieutenant, was the first to step forward. She gave a curt nod, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "The beast will trouble no one else, my lady."

Bianca, still catching her breath, allowed herself a small smile. "It worked perfectly. We worked perfectly."

Reyna sheathed her sword, her expression as stoic as ever, though there was a glimmer of pride in her eyes. "A successful hunt, as always. The creature didn't stand a chance."

Artemis gave each of them a nod of approval. "You've done well," she said, her voice carrying the weight of centuries of experience. "But our work is not yet finished. Zoe, take charge of setting up camp. We'll rest here tonight."

Zoe straightened, ready to obey. "As you command, my lady."

But just as Artemis was about to turn away, a strange feeling washed over her—a sense of foreboding that sent a chill down her spine. Her sharp senses, honed over millennia, picked up something unusual, something dark and dangerous lurking just beyond the edges of the clearing. It was a presence she hadn't felt in a long time, one that made her instincts scream for attention.

"Stay here," Artemis ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I'm going to investigate. Zoe, you have the command until I return."

Zoe, though clearly concerned, nodded without hesitation. "Yes, my lady. We'll be ready when you come back."

Without another word, Artemis slipped into the shadows, moving with the stealth of a predator as she followed the uneasy feeling that gnawed at her. The forest seemed to grow darker the farther she went, the trees twisting into unnatural shapes as the air grew heavy with a sense of impending doom.

As the night deepened and the campfire crackled warmly, Zoe Nightshade worked efficiently, her hands moving with practiced ease as she set up the tents. The other huntresses were spread out around the clearing, preparing for the night ahead. It was a scene of calm and routine, but Zoe's mind was far from at ease. The encounter with the Minotaur had gone smoothly, yet there was an undercurrent of unease that she couldn't shake. And with Lady Artemis still investigating whatever danger she had sensed that unease only deepened.

As she tied off the last knot on a tent, Zoe's sharp ears caught the sound of voices nearby. She paused, her attention drawn to the quiet conversation between Bianca and Reyna. The two young huntresses were sitting by the fire, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames as they spoke in low, hushed tones.

"So," Bianca began, a soft smile spreading across her face, "remember the time Nico tried to bake cookies for the first time?"

Reyna chuckled, leaning back on her hands. "Oh, how could I forget? The kitchen looked like a disaster zone."

"Exactly!" Bianca laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "He was so determined to make everything perfect, but he ended up with flour all over his face and dough in his hair. It was adorable."

Reyna nodded, a fond expression on her face. "And he was so serious about it, too. He wouldn't let anyone help him. He was convinced he could master it all on his own."

Bianca's smile softened. "I remember him proudly presenting the cookies. They were burnt to a crisp, but he was so proud of them. We couldn't bring ourselves to tell him the truth."

"No way," Reyna said, grinning. "We all pretended they were the best cookies we'd ever had. And Nico was so happy, he didn't even notice."

"Yeah," Bianca agreed, her voice tinged with warmth. "That's one of my favorite memories of him. It was such a small thing, but it showed how much he cared."

Reyna's gaze softened, and she looked at her sister with a tender expression. "He's always been like that. So earnest and caring, even when things don't go as planned. It's one of the things I admire most about him."

Bianca nodded, her smile fading into a more contemplative look. "Me too. Even when he's facing tough times, he always tries to do his best, no matter what."

Zoe's eyebrows furrowed as she continued to listen. Nico di Angelo—the name sent a ripple of irritation through her. Bianca's little brother, and someone Reyna seemed to have taken under her wing as well. Zoe knew who he was, of course. She'd heard the stories, knew he was Hades' son, and knew that he had Artemis's approval. But that didn't mean Zoe had to like it.

She finished setting up the tent with a bit more force than necessary, her annoyance growing. It wasn't that she disliked Bianca and Reyna—in fact, she thought they were both excellent huntresses, brave and skilled beyond their years. But this attachment they had to a mortal boy, even if it wasn't romantic, was something Zoe couldn't quite tolerate. The whole point of joining the Hunt was to leave behind the distractions and weaknesses of the mortal world, and that included any and all men.

Unable to hold back her irritation any longer, Zoe straightened up and walked over to where Bianca and Reyna were sitting. "You two seem awfully close about that boy," she said, her voice cool and tinged with disapproval. "I thought you'd left all that behind when you joined the Hunt."

Bianca and Reyna both looked up, surprise flashing in their eyes at Zoe's sudden approach. Reyna, ever composed, narrowed her eyes slightly but didn't respond immediately. Bianca, however, bristled at Zoe's tone.

"He's my fratello, Zoe," Bianca said, her voice firm. "I can't just forget about him. And I wouldn't want to, even if I could."

Reyna nodded in agreement. "Nico may be a boy, but he's not like most. He's been through more than most people ever will. He's strong, loyal, and he's never let us down."

Zoe crossed her arms, her lips pressed into a thin line. "All men are the same. They're weak, selfish, and they'll always put themselves first. It doesn't matter how strong or loyal you think they are—eventually, they'll show their true colors. You should know better than to trust them."

Bianca's eyes flashed with anger. "Nico's not like that! He's family. He's—"

"Family or not," Zoe interrupted, her voice growing colder, "he's still a mortal boy. And boys—men—they are not to be trusted. It's why we leave them behind, why we dedicate ourselves to the Hunt. Have you forgotten what Artemis taught us?"

Reyna spoke up, her voice calm but with an edge of steel. "We haven't forgotten anything, Zoe. But Nico isn't just any boy. He faced down monsters, walked through the Underworld, and came out the other side stronger. Artemis herself gave him her seal of approval. If she trusts him, then so should you."

Zoe clenched her jaw, the mention of Artemis only adding fuel to her frustration. "Artemis's approval doesn't change what he is. It doesn't change the fact that you're letting yourselves get attached to something that can only bring you pain in the end."

The tension between them crackled like the fire at their feet, the air thick with unspoken words and simmering anger. Bianca glared at Zoe, her fists clenched at her sides, as the ground shook with her rage. "Nico's not a weakness. He's my strength. And if you can't understand that, then maybe you're the one who doesn't get what the Hunt is really about."

Zoe's eyes narrowed, a retort on the tip of her tongue, but Reyna stepped between them, her presence commanding attention. "Enough," she said sharply, her voice cutting through the tension. "We're all on the same side here. We're huntresses—we're sisters. Let's not forget that."

Zoe took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. She knew Reyna was right, but it didn't make the bitterness in her chest any easier to swallow. "Fine," she said, her voice tight. "But just remember—attachments to the mortal world can only lead to heartache."

Bianca didn't respond, but the defiance in her eyes spoke volumes. Reyna simply nodded, though the tension in her posture remained. "We'll keep that in mind," Reyna said, her tone carefully neutral. "But right now, we need to focus on the task at hand. Artemis still hasn't returned, and we need to be ready for whatever's out there."

Zoe nodded curtly, turning away from the fire. "I'll take first watch."

The night dragged on, the camp settling into an uneasy quiet as the huntresses prepared for sleep. But there was no sign of Artemis, and the quarrel between Zoe, Bianca, and Reyna left a bitter taste in the air. They might have tried to move past it, but the words exchanged had left marks—marks that would take time to heal.

Zoe sat alone at the edge of the camp, her eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of danger. But her thoughts kept drifting back to the argument, to the way Bianca had defended her brother with such passion, and the way Reyna had stood firm in her loyalty to someone who should have been an enemy in Zoe's eyes.

Zoe loved the Hunt, loved her sisters, and she had dedicated her life to following Artemis. But she couldn't help but feel that something had shifted—something she couldn't quite put her finger on.

It was going to be a long night.

The next morning, Zoe was the first to wake, her eyes snapping open as the early dawn light filtered through the trees. She immediately sat up, her heart pounding with a sense of unease that hadn't left her since the night before. She scanned the camp, taking in the sight of the huntresses still sleeping soundly around the dying embers of the campfire. But there was no sign of Artemis.

Zoe frowned, a knot of worry forming in her chest. It wasn't like Artemis to leave them for so long, especially without any word. She had said she was going to investigate something, but this length of absence was unusual. Zoe was fiercely loyal to her goddess, and the thought of anything happening to Artemis sent a chill down her spine.

As the other huntresses began to stir, Zoe got to her feet, her movements tense and deliberate. She couldn't afford to show weakness or uncertainty in front of the others. As Artemis's lieutenant, it was her responsibility to keep the Hunt together, to lead in Artemis's absence. But the uncertainty gnawed at her, and she found herself constantly glancing toward the trees, praying for Artemis to return.

Bianca and Reyna were among the first to wake, and Zoe couldn't help but notice the way they exchanged worried glances. The tension from the previous night still hung between them, but it was clear that their concern for Artemis outweighed any lingering resentment.

"Zoe," Bianca said quietly, as she approached her. "Do you think Artemis is okay? She's been gone a long time."

Zoe's mouth pressed into a thin line, and she crossed her arms over her chest. "Artemis is the Goddess of the Hunt," she replied, her voice firm. "She can handle herself. But… yes, I'm concerned. Something isn't right."

Reyna joined them, her expression as stoic as ever, but there was a flicker of unease in her eyes. "We need to be ready for whatever happens. If Artemis doesn't come back soon, we might need to make a decision."

Zoe was about to respond when she felt it—a sudden shift in the air, a subtle change in the energy around them. She turned, her heart leaping into her throat, and there, stepping out of the shadows, was Artemis.

The Goddess looked as serene and powerful as ever, but there was a tension in her posture, a tightness around her eyes that Zoe had never seen before. The huntresses immediately gathered around, relief and concern mingling in their expressions. But before anyone could speak, Artemis raised a hand, silencing them.

"I have returned, but not for long," Artemis said, her voice carrying an edge that sent a shiver through the group. "What I have discovered is far worse than I anticipated. There is a hunt that I must undertake alone—one that is too dangerous for any of you to accompany me."

A murmur of protest rippled through the huntresses, but Artemis's gaze silenced them. Zoe felt a surge of panic, though she kept it buried deep beneath her steely exterior. "My lady," she began, her voice tight with concern, "you cannot go alone. We are your Hunt. We are sworn to protect you, to follow you into any danger."

Artemis shook her head, her expression resolute. "This is not a matter of loyalty, Zoe. It is a matter of necessity. The enemy I face is one that even you, my most skilled huntresses, cannot confront. I must do this on my own."

Zoe clenched her fists, frustration and helplessness warring within her. She wanted to argue, to demand that Artemis take them with her, but deep down, she knew it would be futile. Artemis had made up her mind, and when the goddess of the hunt made a decision, there was no changing it.

The other huntresses looked just as distressed, their faces a mixture of worry and disbelief. Bianca's eyes were wide, her hand clenched around the hilt of her dagger as if she could somehow fight against the reality of the situation. Reyna, though outwardly calm, had a grim set to her jaw, her loyalty to Artemis battling with her own instincts as a warrior.

"Please, my lady," Reyna said, her voice firm but tinged with desperation. "Let us help you. We are stronger together."

Artemis's gaze softened slightly, but she remained resolute. "I know your strength, Reyna, and I am proud of all of you. But this is a burden I must carry alone. There are forces at work that even the gods must tread carefully around."

Zoe felt her heart sink, the weight of Artemis's words pressing down on her. She had never felt so powerless, so completely at a loss. But before she could find her voice, Artemis continued, her tone brooking no further argument.

"I will call upon someone to ensure your safe return to Camp Half-Blood," Artemis said, her eyes flickering with determination. "He will see to it that you are transported back safely."

Zoe's heart skipped a beat as she realized what Artemis meant, and who she was calling for. Sure enough, as Artemis raised her hand and spoke a name, the air around them seemed to thicken with a palpable energy, and the shadows at the edge of the clearing began to writhe and shift.

From those shadows emerged Nico di Angelo, his dark hair tousled as if he'd just woken up, and his eyes filled with the sort of weariness that only someone who had seen far too much could possess. Beside him padded the massive form of Mrs. O'Leary, his loyal hellhound, her eyes glowing faintly in the dim light.

Nico looked around the clearing, his eyes landing on Artemis first, then Zoe, and finally his sisters. He gave a small nod, acknowledging the situation, though his expression remained serious. "Lady Artemis," he said, his voice quiet but steady, "you called?"

Artemis nodded, a rare softness in her gaze as she looked at the son of Hades. "Yes, Nico. I need you to transport my huntresses back to Camp Half-Blood. It is a difficult task, but I trust you."

Nico's jaw tightened, but he didn't hesitate. "I shall do it."

Zoe couldn't help but feel a pang of reluctance. She didn't like the idea of relying on a mortal boy, even one as skilled as Nico, to protect the Hunt. But Artemis's trust in him was evident, and Zoe knew better than to question her Goddess's judgment, especially now.

Bianca stepped forward, her eyes locking onto Zoe's. "Nico's the best person for this," she said firmly. "He's done it before, and he'll do it again. We'll get back to camp, and we'll be ready for whatever comes next."

Zoe wanted to argue, to insist that they could find their own way back, but the resolve in Bianca's eyes—and the quiet confidence in Nico's—made her pause. She swallowed her pride, nodding stiffly. "Fine. But be quick about it."

Artemis gave Zoe a reassuring nod, though there was a lingering sadness in her gaze. "Take care of them, Zoe. I will return when I can."

With that, Artemis turned and disappeared back into the forest, her form melting into the shadows as quickly as she had appeared. The huntresses stood in silence, the weight of her departure heavy in the air.

Nico cleared his throat, drawing their attention back to him. "All right," he said, his tone businesslike. "Everyone gather close. Shadow travel isn't exactly a walk in the park, but it'll get us where we need to go."

Zoe watched as the huntresses reluctantly moved closer to Nico, her own apprehension growing. She had seen shadow travel before, knew how disorienting and dangerous it could be, but there was no other option. She could only hope that Nico was as capable as Artemis believed him to be.

Mrs. O'Leary padded over to Nico's side, her massive form providing a strange sense of comfort to the huntresses as they gathered around her. Bianca and Reyna flanked Nico, both of them standing tall despite the tension in the air. Reyna was using her Blessing of Bellona to boost Nico, Bianca, and Mrs. O'Leary's shadow manipulation abilities. Zoe hoped that the power of the four of them combined will be enough to get the whole hunt to camp safely.

Nico took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing in concentration as he prepared to summon the shadows. "Hold on tight," he warned, his voice low. "This is going to be a rough ride."

Before anyone could react, the shadows surged around them, enveloping the group in darkness. Zoe felt the world lurch beneath her feet as the forest dissolved into nothingness, replaced by the cold, inky void of the shadows. It was like being plunged into ice water, the chill biting into her bones as they hurtled through the space between worlds.

She fought to keep her balance, her mind spinning as the darkness twisted and warped around them. She could hear the faint echoes of the huntresses' breathing, could feel the presence of Nico and Mrs. O'Leary beside her, but everything else was a blur—a chaotic, disorienting whirl of shadow and light.

And then, as suddenly as it had begun, it was over.

The shadows receded, the cold giving way to warmth as they emerged into the familiar surroundings of Camp Half-Blood. The transition was jarring, the abrupt shift from darkness to light leaving Zoe momentarily disoriented. She stumbled slightly, but quickly regained her footing, her eyes scanning the camp to make sure everyone had made it through.

The huntresses stood around her, their expressions a mix of relief and exhaustion. Nico was pale, his face drawn from the effort, but he remained steady. As he had said before, he clearly favors necromancy over, shadow manipulation. Bianca who was fretting over her brother, barely looked tired.

"We made it," he said quietly, though there was a hint of weariness in his voice. "You're all safe."

Zoe took a deep breath, the familiar sights and sounds of Camp Half-Blood, knowing in her gut that safe was the last thing she was feeling.