Percy vs Nico - Percy Jackson

Chapter 15

Nico's POV
"Hello?" I yell, hopefully loud enough for the thing to hear. The dead don't usually come this close to the palace, in fact they never do. Hades palace is forbidden to anyone but his family and guards. "You're not supposed to be here!" I yell louder this time. Movement sways in the grass but still no answer. I stand up. "Hey, I don't want to~" I stop. I see someone, peering out of the grass. We hold eye contact for a while until they suddenly dash into the depths of the grass. "Hey! Wait!" I yell, following them into the maze of grass. I didn't know what to expect and, if i'm being honest, have no sense of direction. Yes i've been to my fathers palace a few times, yes Persephone makes me help her in the garden, and yes my brain knows more about this place then I do myself but for some reason I did not remember this field of grass being here. My running turns into a slow jog as I loose my breath, my head spinning as I trip over something unseen in the grass. My hands go out infront of me to catch my fall, but it doesn't stop a random stick ripping my shirt and digging into my skin. I winced as the pain crept up my arm but that was quickly subsided. I was just laying there, trying to catch my breath and waiting for my head to stop making things a blur. My head shifts as my ears pick up rustling in the grass. I scattered to my feet and saw the tear in my shirt and the line of blood dripping down my arm, but I pay it no mind. My head is up, trying to see over the grass, searching for the person who caught my gaze. I start running again but with no sense of direction i'm falling into a trap. If something were to attack me out here the only thing I would have to defend myself is my sword, but i've seen some of the monsters roaming down here. Monsters more powerful than a kid and a sword. Way more powerful.

Percy's POV
The match slowly picked up and we were getting some good points in, even Piper upped her game. A highlight was definitely when Piper accidentally spiked the ball straight into Willows face. Everyone bursted out into laughter, except Willow who was in tears on the ground. Soon enough everyone was on the ground in tears, most from laughter. Piper immediately rushed up to her to comfort her while I was laughing my head off, you could faintly hear the sobs of Willow over the laughter of the me and the guys. Even after everyone had stopped laughing, Willow couldn't stop crying so Piper took her to the infirmary. The guys and I quickly changed our approach and kept asking if she was okay. It was funny but I guess everything has its limits.

"I dibs Piper on my team next time." Leo shouted out.

"Piper should've knocked you out." Dan called out. Leo face was indescribably hilarious with a mixture of shock and betrayal. "I'm joking. Let's pack up the net."

"Yea, like i'd let you anywhere near a net." I say hoping he remembers what happened when he attempted to set up the net. I flash him an evil grin and he rolls his eyes.

"Whatever, good luck. I'll be waiting for dinner to get served." Dan says as he turns around and head downhill for the fire pit.

"Isn't it like 2:30?" Hunter adds looking at his watch.

"Nothing comes between a man and his food, I guess." Leo replies.

"Nothing comes between Dan and his food." I correct.