Nico di Angelo: A Darkness Comes at Dawn

Chapter 30: Search for the Bounty Hunter: The Call of War

Disclaimer: Uncle Rick owns most of the characters.

Nico POV ☠

Thalia and I were packing up, preparing to shadow-travel to the Middle East. We were about to leave when my dad suddenly appeared.

I saw the shadows swirl behind me as my father appeared out of no where. 

"What the-" Thalia stuttered before regaining her composure. "Lord Hades, what are you doing here?" Hades turned to face her.

"I am afraid a war is going on in the Underworld." Hades said with concern. 

"Let me guess, Erebos?" Thalia guessed. Hades nodded approvingly.

"That is correct." He replied. I stayed silent the whole time, listening to the conversation. That changed when my father turned his head to me. 

"Son," he addressed, "I am afraid I require you're assistance. The war over there is very tight. Our forces cannot win without you, even with Thanatos, Napoleon, Shakespeare, Jefferson, Hercules, and Perseus. We need you. You are an intelligent, powerful god. Our present forces counter his present forces. With you, we can turn the tide." Thalia's jaw and mine both dropped when we heard this.

"But-"

"He-"

"We-"

"Teamwork-"

"Why-" 

"I am sorry," Hades apologized, "But you must continue your quest with the hunters. They hunters will be here to help you, along with Artemis. She will lead the quest." He then explained another staggered prophecy revealed to us. My jaw dropped even more.

"But," I started, "The hunter's new leader will destroy a camp!" We both protested. Hades shook his head.

"That will not happen with Lady Artemis on the watch." Hades countered. I'm afraid to say this, but father is right. His plan was the best plan. 

Thalia and I looked at each other, knowing it may be the last time we would ever see each other. Wait, what was happening?! I felt myself pulling closer to her. Oh no!

Oh yes!

Wait, are you Aphrodite?

Um... No!

What is happening?

Before I knew anything, I made contact with Thalia's lips. I have no idea how this happened, but she pulled me into a deep kiss. Oh no, father was going to kill me. We stayed like that for five minutes before father cleared his throat. 

"Um-"

"That-"

"We-"

"Don't-"

"Never-"

"Happened-"

"Erm... okay we need to go now, son." Hades awkwardly said. He turned to Thalia.

"The hunters will arrive shortly." He promised her. 

"Well, see you later, Pinecone Grace." I told her.

"You too, Death Breath." We hugged one more time. It was a one hour hug.