The Final Quest ψ; Blood of Olympus & Percy Jackson Fanfic༄

X. NICO

Nico:

I drummed my fingers on the hard wood table, trying, and failing, to break the awkward silence engulfing the table.  

Leo and Calypso both did not show up for breakfast, or our meeting at 10 this morning. Last night, we had shadow traveled from an island nearby Oygia, to a beach just outside the straight of Gilbratr. From what the others told me of their last quest, it would be best if we could just skip over the entrance of the straight, since that was where ill-tempered and probably grudge-holding Hercules was, so that would probably mean another shadow travel tonight.

Calypsos Island had turned out to be around the Island of Chios, which was hardest to find for any who seeked it. At the current rate we were going, I assumed we would reach Mount Pelion in 3 days.

But a lot could happen in 3 days.

Finally, much to everyones relief, a giggly-looking Piper appeared in the doorway, with a blushing Leo and smiling Calypso in tow. I let out a breath, overcome with hidden relief. Not yet. No one was dead yet. I had been assured over and over again by my sisters, both of them, that death was not my fault. Just because I was a child of Hades, did not mean I was responsible. Hazel would firmly tell me, over and over. That's like... like Jason feeling bad when theres a thunderstorm somewhere.

I knew it was ridiculous. In my head, I knew that. But in another part of me, the part that would take over at night, or in the middle of a conversation, I argued the opposite. When someone died, I could feel it. Feel the energy draining out of them, feel the life slipping away, their breath leaving their body. And I felt I should be able to stop it, needed to be able to do something other then sit and feel. I needed that so desprately, since a tiny sliver of myself, buried deep year after year, yearned for it. For death. Nico, stop. I commanded.

"I found them alseep together in Leo's room!" Piper laughed, making Leo's face even redder.

"We were just sleeping!" Leo protested, but laughing with the rest of us.

"Imagine if Coach Hedge were here!" Hazel exclaimed, setting off another round of laughter.

"He was our 'adult supervision' on the last quest," Frank explained to Calypso. "One day he found Percy and Annabeth had fallen alseep together in the control room, and..."

He trailed off, seeing Annabeth's face, and suddenly the tense atmosphere was back.

"Oh, Annabeth, Im so sor-" Frank flustered.

She just waved him off.

"It's ok Frank, really. "

Frank relaxed slightly, but still had a worried look on his face.

We turned to Annabeth, awaiting our next instructions. With Percy gone, Annabeth had become the temporary leader of our quest, helped by Jason in combat and Leo, for the mechanicals of the ship.

Speaking of combat, we needed to leave soon. More and more monsters were being attracted to the ship, the longer we stayed here. The boat was almost rebuilt, and Hazels broken leg was pretty much healed from the remaining moonlace and nectar. I suspected we would be leaving by tonight.

I took a deep breath, preparing myself for what I needed to do.

I had done big shadow travels before, like with Reyna and the Athena Parthenon.

Reyna.

I snuck a quick glance at her, from the corner of my eye. Beautiful, as always. Strong too, like a warrior. What were Reyna and I? On our trip home, we shared some moments, but what did those mean? Holding hands, quick, hidden kisses, but now she seemed distant to me...

Maybe I could ask Piper..

I let out a small laugh at that thought, me going to Piper for advice. We were about as opposite as two demigods could get; Children of the God of Death and the Godess of Love never really mixed well.

Lost in my thoughts, I distantly hear Annabeth say 'shadowtravel', then felt all pairs of eyes on me.

"Oh, um, yeah. We're near the Island of Chios, about three days of shadowtravel away from Mount Pelion, so we'll stop at 2 different places before Pelion. I'm suggesting we travel to Troy tonight, then the Island of Lemnos, which are both evenly spaced between here and Pelion. Sounds good?"

Everyone nodded.

"We should probably leave at once," Annabeth said, "Every minute we wait, Gaea awakens more. We need to get there before its too late."

I sighed, but agreed. Shadow traveling was hard work, but the sooner, the better. I made my way up to the starboard deck, and everyone else slipped down to their rooms, knowing they probably should not be above deck during this. It was too dangerous.

I sat for a minute, collecting my thoughts, and gathering my strength. Then, I stood tall, and called upon my father to help me.

I imagined a darkness coming over a ship, the world outside blurring as the ship sailed through the shadows. I then opened my eyes, to see the same beach and ocean.

Nothing.

I tried again, praying to Hades for help.

Still nothing.

I sat down, defeated and deflated. How would I tell the others I have failed them? It worked so well on the trip. The only difference there was...

"Reyna?" I asked, seeing her watching me, and cautiously making her way towards me. She spoke no words, but I understood. She slipped her small hand into mine, and gave me a tentative smile, which I returned.

"Ready?" I asked.

She nodded. "Close your eyes," I whispered in her ear.

I closed mine as well, summoned my power one last time, and suddenly, we were speeding through the darkness, heading to Troy, together.