The Prince of the Underworld

ACT II - PART XII

Jason straightened up, his expression shifting to one of focused determination. "No hiccups," he replied confidently, his gaze meeting Nico's. "Everything's been running smoothly. We've been following your plans to the letter."

A flicker of relief crossed Nico's features as he nodded in approval. "Good, good," he murmured, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "I appreciate you taking charge of that while I've been stuck in the Underworld."

Jason waved off Nico's thanks with a grin. "Hey, no problem. It was the least I could do," he replied, his own exhaustion momentarily forgotten as he focused on helping his friend. "The temples turned out great, by the way. All the deities seemed pleased with the designs."

Nico nodded approvingly, a hint of pride flickering in his eyes. "Good to hear. The last thing we need is angry gods because their temples aren't up to snuff," he remarked wryly, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

Jason chuckled in agreement. "Yeah, that's the last thing we need," he agreed, his smile mirroring Nico's. "Anyway, once the praetors finish up the paperwork, I'll bring it straight to you. You shouldn't have to worry about going back to the Underworld until everything's ready."

Nico nodded in agreement, his expression grateful. "Thanks, Jason. I appreciate it," he said sincerely, his fatigue momentarily overshadowed by his relief. "And seriously, thanks for everything you've done. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Jason turned around, a teasing grin playing on his lips. "So, where's Hylla? I half-expected her to be here, refusing to let you out of her sight."

Nico groaned, rolling his eyes in exasperation. "Oh gods, don't even mention her," he complained, his voice tinged with mock irritation. "Hylla, Reyna, and Bianca practically smothered me in the Underworld. I've only just managed to escape, and now you're here to ruin my peace and quiet." He crossed his arms, pouting slightly. "Can't a guy enjoy a little solitude without his sisters breathing down his neck?"

Jason's laughter echoed through the room, mingling with the soft hum of conversation and the occasional rustle of paperwork. He leaned back in his chair, grinning mischievously at Nico as he teased, "I'm surprised you managed to shake them off for even a minute. I am still waiting for Hylla to show up here, and drag you back to the Underworld kicking and screaming."

Nico rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of fondness in his exasperated expression. "Oh gods, don't even joke about that," he groaned, his voice laced with mock despair. "I barely escaped with my sanity intact."

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk as he lowered his voice conspiratorially. "Now that I'm finally free, I intend to enjoy my peace and quiet. So, no more talk of Underworld visits, okay?"

Jason chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "Got it, no more Underworld talk," he agreed, his tone light. "But hey, if you ever need a break from the solitude, you know where to find me."

Nico's lips quirked into a small smile, a rare moment of vulnerability flickering in his dark eyes. "Thanks, Jason," he said softly, the gratitude evident in his voice. "I appreciate it more than you know."

As Jason watched Nico immersed in his paperwork, a genuine smile graced his lips. There was something about being around Nico that made him feel at ease, like he could truly be himself. In Nico's presence, Jason didn't have to live up to anyone's expectations or pretend to be someone he wasn't.

Camp Jupiter saw him as their golden boy, the one destined to be their next praetor. But deep down, Jason wasn't sure if that's what he wanted. He had spent his whole life having decisions made for him, from his arrival at Camp Jupiter to his leadership in the Fifth Cohort. The only choice he ever made for himself was to join the Fifth Cohort, a decision he made to prove himself.

But with Nico, it was different. Nico didn't expect him to be perfect or all-powerful like the other campers did. He accepted Jason for who he was, flaws and all, and that meant more to Jason than he could express. Which is why Jason had gotten so worried when rumors started swirling around New Rome about Mars going rogue, betraying Olympus, and attempting to kill Pluto's son. The thought sent a chill down Jason's spine.

He could have lost Nico and that... that would have broken him in ways Jason could not explain.

Jason, after a moment of hesitation, finally speaks up. "Hey, Nico... I've been hearing some pretty wild stuff lately. Like, the kind of stuff you hope for is just campfire gossip, you know? Rumor has it that Lord Mars stole both the Helm of Darkness and the Lightning Bolt. And, uh, there's talk that he came after you, too. Is any of that true?"

Nico paused mid-signature, his expression growing somber as he met Jason's gaze. "Yes, unfortunately, it's all true. He targeted both our fathers' symbols of power, and yeah, he paid me a not-so-friendly visit, just to add insult to injury." Nico explained as much as he could without revealing Camp Half-Blood and Percy's quest, finding a balance between two worlds was quite hard- especially, in situations like this one.

"That's... messed up. So, that's why you've been recovering for so long in the Underworld." Jason frowned with concern, a hint of anger simmering beneath the surface. "What about the items? Did they make it back to where they belong?"

"The Helm and the Bolt are both back in the hands of the Gods where they belong." Nico let out a heavy sigh, nodding slowly, before smirking viciously. "Lord Mars got what was coming to him, that's for sure."

Jason followed Nico's gesture, his eyes widening in surprise as he took in the golden carpet. "Woah, hold up. This carpet is... gold?"

As Jason stood upon the carpet, he could feel the plush fibers yield beneath his weight, cushioning his feet with their softness. Each step sent ripples of movement cascading through the golden threads, like waves lapping gently against the shore. It was as if the carpet itself was alive, pulsing with a vibrant energy that seemed to infuse the entire room with warmth and vitality. The fluffy golden carpet sprawled out beneath Nico was a sight to behold. It exuded an aura of luxury and extravagance, contrasting starkly with the rustic charm of Nico's Italian villa. Each thread seemed to shimmer with a golden hue, catching the light and casting a warm, inviting glow across the room.

Nico nodded, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Yeah, that's the result of Lord Mars deciding to give it a... shall we say, unique makeover?"

Jason's eyes widened, as he realized what Nico was trying to say. "Wait... you mean to say that... this carpet has been dyed with his ichor!"

Jason's eyes widened in disbelief as Nico revealed the true origin of the golden carpet. A laugh bubbled up from deep within him, catching him off guard with its sheer absurdity. It was the kind of laughter that started as a mere chuckle but quickly escalated into full-blown hysterics, leaving Jason gasping for breath as tears of mirth streamed down his cheeks. Nico couldn't help but grin at Jason's reaction, his own amusement evident in the mischievous sparkle of his dark eyes.

As the laughter gradually subsided and a sense of calm descended upon them once more, Jason wiped away the tears from his eyes and regarded Nico with a newfound appreciation. "Remind me never to piss off your father," he said, his voice still tinged with residual amusement.

Nico raised an eyebrow in response, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Actually, it was a gift from the Queen of the Underworld, not Pluto," he corrected, his tone laced with amusement.

"Well, in that case, remind me never to piss off your mother either." Jason chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "Thanks for the laugh, Nico," he said, his voice still tinged with residual amusement. "I needed that."

Nico nodded in understanding, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Anytime, Jason. Anytime."

--- END OF ACT II ---