Chapter 4: The Couple of the Dark

Chapter 4

The Couple of the Dark

|Outskirts of South Carolina,|

~3 Months Later~

--Percy Jackson's Point of View--

My cloak billowed behind me, following the will of the wind. I watched from up above watching the Hunters of Artemis roam around looking for the target that has escaped their clutch. In other words, me.

I was sleeping on a tree when they caught me. Which was a stupid move since I could just vapor travel though I did let them think they caught me. No harm in playing once in a while. It was interesting seeing their smug, and gloating faces. Their whole being glowing with triumph thinking that they caught 'The Dark Echo'. I don't even know where that came from, honestly.

They seem intent on trying to follow me, making me regret my small mistake of coming close to Thalia Grace. Somehow, it got to her that I know where Percy Jackson is. Which isn't a lie, since I was him but I left that all behind since it happened.

Oh well, anyone can have fun once in a while.

My powers have increased dramatically since the quest. I could control anything that has even the smallest particle of water, like the air since it has water vapor in it.

I could also disintegrate the monsters by controlling what runs inside them, the gold ichor. I don't need a celestial bronze since they blow apart and turn into dust. I don't know how that happens, but nevertheless it made the killing easy.

Things have changed.

I was addicted to hunting them down, fighting them. I was addicted to adrenaline. It was like a monster have been repressed inside me and just waiting for it to come out and now I've made peace with it. I accepted it wholly.

The monsters don't dare defy me for they know what's going to happen to them if they do.

I have a cloak made of pure darkness, making me have some sort of power like a son of Hades. The cloak concealed me in the darkness with the shadow wrapping around me. I could shadow travel in it. I could control monsters if I wanted to and I don't even have to use my water power. It's awesome.

How I got it?

It's quite a story, you see. It happened roughly 3 months after it happened.

~Flashback~

I plugged in my earphones, the music blasting in my ears blocking out every single thing as I ran. I know that demigods aren't suppose to use technology but Hermes, after the Giant War, had invented things that we could use so we won't get track down.

I ran. The dark thoughts in my head being blown away, leaving for just a moment. It felt great, like for a short while I could finally take a deep fresh breath.

My footsteps thudded on the pavement rhythmically. My breathing even, not even tired for Gods knows who long I've been running.

Suddenly, I find myself almost reaching the cliff. I slowed down until I was walking and moved towards the edge of the cliff.

Every day, every time I see this place it always taunted me. It just sat there, while I gaze across the calm, dull ocean with spiky rocks underneath it. It's always here, calling me, mocking me that I was a coward. It taunted me, never ending. Waiting for me to take an extra step and to end all this pain. One step and a one or two seconds before it's done. I'm tempted but something always stops me.

What purpose do I even have to stay here in this miserable world? Everyone I love betrayed me. I'm thrown away like a useless toy.

I was tired.

I sighed, helplessness once again taking over. The things I pushed away moments ago coming back.

I was so lost in thought that I didn't hear footsteps until a silky voice said "Perseus Jackson," the person said. My head whirled around to be face to face with the most beautiful lady I've ever seen, right next to Annabeth. I don't count Aphrodite, sure she was pretty but her appearance change to who match the person's taste.

This lady was graceful. Like a queen. A dark queen.

Her hair was so black, as dark as the night, it flows till past her waist just reaching her hips and probably past that since her hair was in a half-up do.

On her hair is a circlet crown with a full moon in the middle and two crescent moon at the side facing opposite ways. It was a complicated design with waves and all that, with sort of like chains falling down.

Lips so red that it looks like the only color in her except her pure gold eyes. She wears a long billowing dress that doesn't seem to get dirty, and it looks like it's twinkling too. It crisscross to her collarbone and wrap around her neck. A collection of strings altogether, connected on the crisscross is a shawl like around her, like a sleeve but isn't. Her dress fitted her perfectly, hugging her curvaceous body. On both wrist is a gold bracelet like her circlet.

The dark sky seemed to wrap around her, following her despite that she was glowing with power.

I knew she wasn't a human. I didn't hear any footsteps because she doesn't have one. She looked powerful. And familiar.

I blinked at her, not even fazed with the possible danger I'm about to face. "Who are you?"

A smile danced on her blood red lips, stepping closer and held out her silky looking hands with black sparkling nails. "You poor thing," she said, "Those ungrateful immortals and demigods. They shattered the greatest hero to ever live."

I frowned, my brows furrowing. "I'm no hero," I told her, not bothering to take her hand. Ignoring it as if it wasn't there.

"No?" she inquired, her head cocking to the side. "Does saving the world not count for you to be? You saved it, not once but twice. You returned things to balance not wanting anything in return. You gave the other gods a chance and a place for their kids. Turning down immortality for the person you love." I cringed at the thought, "All the things you've done, do they not count?"

I stayed silent.

"You are a hero, Perseus Jackson."

"Look," I told her, defeated. I don't want to hear any more of me being a hero. "If you want to kill me, just do it."

"Perseus Jackson, you gave everything for the people you love. You even stupidly went against me in my own territory." She said.

I froze. Suddenly, it clicked on me. Tourist. Brochure. Palace. Poison. Darkness. Tartarus.

"Lady Nyx." I breathed in shock, standing up to face her "You came for revenge then?"

A soft smile graced her lips while she moved closer to me. Her silky soft but cold hands stroked my cheek, I didn't dare defy her. "No." she whispered. "I admire you, Perseus. I've watched you since before we even met."

"Well, that's not creepy at all," I muttered.

"Why did you think I let you go out of my castle so easily even if I have guards everywhere then?"

I didn't reply.

"My dear," she said softly. Despite the fact that she was the person we tricked in Tartarus, or that she might be out to plot her revenge on me, I couldn't help the warmth that travel through me. Stupid, I know. Something about Lady Nyx was so comforting that I just want to break down and cry, let every emotion pent up inside me for everything that has happened. To take a breather and just let down my guard. "I feel your suffering. Your pain. Your misery. I want to help you."

"How?"

"Have you ever had anyone?" It took me a moment to understand what she was saying before it dawned on me. I blushed and nodded.

"Annabeth," I whispered, her name bringing a sweet bitter taste in my tongue.

"That ungrateful bitch." Nyx spat, before her eyes soften; her stone cold hand caressed my cheek, a whisper like touch but still I felt it. "Let me let you forget."

I don't know what made me say it, perhaps I was blinded by the pain or her comfort but I nodded, surprised that she actually offered.

Somehow we landed back to the hotel I was staying at, through the Mist controlling.

Her voice was soothing and soft as she whispered in my ear "I'll help you, Perseus Jackson."

~

The sunlight filtered through the crack in the window. I looked to my left, expecting to see the Primordial of the Night only to see an empty side with a compass, some sort of gold medal and a letter.

I frowned, sitting up. The sheet falling down my bare chest and crunching in my lap. I took the paper and read.

'My lovely, Perseus.

I cannot stay for long since I could only come out at night. Last night was lovely. Thank you.

My husband, as you know is Erebus, wants to meet you. Do not worry, he will not kill you. His palace is in Tartarus but do not fret, you do not have to go back there unless you want to, you could with the help of the compass. There is a special entrance guarded in Elysium that leads to our place. You don't have to die, of course, just show the medallion to Charon and he will drop you off at Elysium and you'll be able to go from there with the help of the compass. You shall be fine.

Your best 'shag'

--Nyx xo

~

"Charon," I greeted, walking straight to him. "How's it going? Did Hades finally give you a raise?"

He sighed, "Jackson, up to more trouble again? And no, he completely forgot about it. He needs to do it soon! I want those Armani suits." Charon exclaimed, "If you're seeing him, mind telling him that?"

I shrugged, "Not here for him, though." I told him, "I'm here for Nyx."

Charon's eyes widened before it turned to suspicion then he chuckled "Lady Nyx? How could you possibly be meeting her? Unless you up for Tartarus again?"

I smirked, taking out the medallion and showed it to him. "Proof enough?"

His eyes widened into a surprise before nodding"Uh...yes." He said, "Right this way." He stammered before leading me to the elevator.

Once we were sailing across, he turned to me raising an eyebrow. "Sooo" he dragged on "How in the Hades did you get that? It's extremely rare."

I shrugged even though the back of my neck, ears and cheeks feels hot thinking of what happened last night. "Uh, you could say that we did something."

Just saying it sounds impossible. I can't believe I slept with the Primordial of the Night. Totally did not.

Charon laughed while I scowled at him trying to hide my tomato cheeks. "Atta boy!" he cheered, then leaned towards me. His voice dropping in a whisper, "How was she?"

I didn't say anything, the look on my face says it all. Amazing.

Charon clapped my back, "Man, you're one lucky bastard. You get it, while I'm stuck rowing people."

"Now," I said bitterly, "I'm about to meet her husband." He winced before chuckling.

"He's not that bad."

I hope not.

I said nothing as we continued down to wherever Elysium is. He stopped at the shore, a few feet away from the archway with big gates that leads inside the Elysium.

"Good luck." Charon bid me goodbye before rowing back to where we came from. I stared at his figure for a bit longer before pulling out a compass that's pure black with the inside encrusted in jewels.

Ignoring my thudding heart, I entered Elysium.

~

I walked to the garden like of place, it was truly a paradise. No doubt about it. No words could compare to how beautiful it is. If this was beautiful, I wonder how the Isle of the Blest looks like.

I followed the compass. Directing me here and there, as I go deeper I could feel the chill run down my back. My pulse racing like crazy.

Suddenly, I heard someone calling behind me. Shoot. I didn't wear a hoodie thinking I'd get through without anyone seeing me, hoping I wouldn't see them."You can't go in there!" A very familiar voice called. I turned around, slowly, afraid who I might see.

Blue eyes. Blond Hair. Scar.

Luke.

As soon as our eyes met, sea green to blue, we both took a step back. "P-P-Percy?" he stammered seemingly nervous.

I, however, took it the other way around. Calm and collected. "Luke."

"H-How?" He asked I knew he was asking how I died. Which I'm not but if you look at it in a way, yes. They killed me.

"I thought you went for the rebirth."

He shrugged, getting his collection back. "I did. I'm taking a break for the last one. How did it happened?" He asked me.

I tightened my lips, perhaps I shouldn't say it to him. "I'm not dead." I told him like we were talking about the weather. His eyes bulged, disbelief took over his features. "How are you here then? Only dead could come here."

"I got a special ride." I began to walk away when his voice stopped me.

"You're not supposed to go in there. If you so much as step one foot in, you're fried."

I smirked, "I'm invited by the couple for a tea."

"What?!"

"Yeah, I should see you later," I said.

"Percy," he called out once again. I turned around, "I'm sorry for what happened...." His eyes held so much guilt and sorrow. I smiled at him, a genuine one. The first time in a long time.

"You're a hero, Luke Castellan. I've forgiven you a long time ago. If only, you'd see the camp now." See how it changed.

"Thank you, Percy." He paused, studying me while I remained in a collected mask of nonchalance. "What happened to you, Percy? You're not..... You don't smile as you use to. Your eyes are duller. What happened?"

My lips tightened in a straight line, my guards going up, locking with heavy lock. "Things happened, Luke. Perhaps, I should tell you sometimes but not now."

"Why?" His eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"Lady Nyx is waiting for me. I'm afraid I might face Lord Erebus' wrath too." I said, shuddering at the thought.

"Why?" he inquired again.

"Uh....I think I've done something I shouldn't have."

"Such as?" Luke pressed.

I didn't say anything about that, instead I said "I'll see you soon, Luke."

Then, I continued my journey inside.

~

I showed my medallion to the guards and let me inside swiftly, help coming to greet me and directing me to where I should be. Which is the throne room, my eyes should've been close, but I was fine. Surprisingly.

They directed me to the throne room. The palace isn't as dark as I thought. It looked like a normal palace but much nicer.

The throne room had a black and white checkered marble tiles. A really, really black carpet leading up to a small stairs to where two thrones sat. For queen and king.

One sat Nyx, in all her loveliness. A smile on her lips, looking different than last time I saw her.

I turned my gaze to the other throne and gulped. There sat Erebus. Intimidating. Much more than any of the gods. His black hair reaching just under his ears, his bright blue eyes blazing with amusement? He wears a black suit so dark it would've made Hades jealous. Still, I would've imagined him wearing something like an armor and stuff.

I went down on my knees, "Lady Nyx, Lord Erebus."

"Rise," Erebus' voice boomed. "Perseus Jackson."

I did, sort of shakily. I stood in front of the Primordial of the Night and the Darkness. Who wouldn't be scared?

"You should relax, Perseus." Nyx soothed. I frowned, I wish they'd stop calling me that.

"Uh..."

"We're not going to bite," chuckled Erebus.

"You're not?" I asked stupidly.

"No. That's disgusting." He answered, wrinkling his nose in disgust. I nodded, slowly still suspicious.

"You're not mad at me?" I cautiously asked. "About what happened?"

Erebus let out a laughter, a rich laugh. "Oh no, I'm not," he said, "Nyx had admired you a lot, besides I can't and won't control her. Nyx is free to do whatever she wants. She's my wife. Not my dog."

Nyx cooed, supposedly that's romantic. I nodded slowly. "Why am I here then?"

He shrugged, "Oh nothing." My jaw dropped, he laughed again. Suppose he really likes laughing. "I wanted to meet you, the great Perseus Jackson." Quite unexpected.

"Percy." I corrected.

He waved me off, "We have a gift for you, Percy Jackson."

"Why?"

"A token of friendship," Nyx chimed in still smiling. Their quite 'bright' for being the Primordial of Darkness and Night. I wonder if their opposite is different too. Like, Aether.

Erebus snapped his hands, a cloak appeared in front of me. I frowned, studying the thing. A cloak?

"It's not ordinary if that's what you're thinking," Nyx added.

Erebus spoke this time, explaining "It's made specifically for who we think is deserving."

"Why me? I can't accept this."

"Oh, it is for you, Percy," Nyx said, "Like I have said last night, you are a hero."

"I'm sorry, Lady Nyx and Lord Erebus. I cannot accept the offer."

"Percy," Erebus said, "It was made for you and it shall be yours."

"Why?"

"It is a sign of friendship," Erebus said.

"You want to be friends?" I raised an eyebrow. Wow.

They nodded, "Yes. It is also our blessing." Nyx said, "No catch or anything. Take the cloak, Percy. You can come back anytime here, it could be your home if you wish it to be."

I bowed, "Thank you." I said. The words were enough, knowing they knew how I feel. Grateful.

As soon as I rose, the cloak is already in me. I looked at it, marveled at the softness like fur.

"It's a power that could almost rival Hades itself," Erebus began "You could shadow travel anywhere. To here, Underworld, Tartarus. Anywhere. You could control monster, you are their lord knowing that you have our blessing. You could find any jewels anywhere. This cloak would stay on at all times, only you could remove it and if you wish it to be it could turn into just about anything."

"Really, thank you." I said.

"It's no problem, Perseus Jackson." Nyx said, "We know it will be safe with you, knowing that you won't use it for evil."

Erebus stood up, clapping his hands grinning. "Shall we have some snacks then?"

~

~End of Flashback~

I have gotten quite close since then, visiting them from time to time. I've also managed to visit Bob, Small Bob and Damasen who live together now. I managed to avoid Luke (who probably went to rebirth again) and the others since now, I could just shadow travel down there.

THey're not what I thought they would be. They're great when you get to know them.

I remember Charon's reaction when I came back. Priceless.

Suddenly, I felt the wind's strength increase from behind me as if it's sucking me up. I frowned, and looked whirled around; removing my gaze from the Hunters.

I saw a black, purplish swirling portal with small blinking lights. I didn't dare move.

"Perseus Jackson," I heard someone said. My eyes drifted to a guy stepping out the portal.

He had a salt and pepper hair, but he looked young. His eyes are endless black with stars. A galaxy. He wears somewhere along a armor and a cloak that's a swirling galaxy. He radiated pure power, stronger than Nyx and Erebus.

Without anyone telling me so, I knew who he was. I went down on my knees, my head bowed my cloak pooling behind me. It never gets dirty anyway.

"Rise," he said, his voice strong and powerful. I did as he told me to. He smiled and said, "I am Chaos, the creator of the universe. I have come because I have an offer to make, Perseus Jackson."

~~~~

DUN! DUN! DUN!!!

Chaos makes an appearance! Y'all know where this goes, right? Luke also makes an appearance!

What do you think???

That's the longest one so far, I think. I'm sorry if you were waiting for more details about Dark Echo, which you all know is Percy. There really isn't much happening then, but at some point deep in the story I will put flashbacks in and such.

You can basically see who gave Dark Echo the power to be Dark Echo.

This chapter is dedicated to Owlheart75 for voting, supporting and following! Thank you.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter, even if it's weird imagining Percy being with Nyx *shudders* Sooooryyyy!

Anyway, I hope you have a good day!

Comment, vote, follow, maybe?

Thank you.

---Leanne xo

DISCLAIMER!: Everything but what I've written belongs to Rick Riordan!