Chapter 21: The Journey

Nico and Damasen had reached the Doors with few surprises along the way. Other than that, they'd been as silent as they could, because they'd been behind Kronos and the reincarnated Luke. And Hyperion still hadn't found them. Nico figured he'd pick up on their scents a little while after they left. But the Titan must've had other things to do. Nico stood behind a tree, watching and listening, as Damasen hid on a cliff above him, ready to launch to his defense. Kronos and Luke passed, silently, and Nico gazed at the new Luke. He was tall, and lean, with the same dirty blond hair as before, but his eyes....they weren't blue. One was gold, like it had been back in the Battle of Manhattan, and the other was just.... gone. An empty eyesocket. He still had his camp necklace, paired with a brownish black hoodie, and black pants with white shoes. He had his sword, Backbiter, at his side. Luke stopped, suddenly, and Nico knew to hide himself completely behind the tree. He heard footsteps and a sword being drawn. He gathered shadows around him, gripping his sword hilt, and was met with Luke's face inches from his. But the boy stared straight through him, scowling, and started to turn. Then, he swung as Nico ducked, still focusing on the shadows wrapped around him. The sword only hit bark. "Well?" Kronos asked, and Nico did his best to control his breathing, being this close to the powerful Titan. Luke shook his head, and walked back, but Kronos didn't move on. "Aren't you going to show yourself, Nico di Angelo?"