Grim hit the ground with grace, firmly sticking the landing as if he had planned it. Artemis appeared at his side, unsteady but holding onto Grim's arm.

"You sure she's here?" Artemis asked, leaning forward to get a good look at Grim.

Before them, the Underworld stretched before them, and the very sky itself seemed to be falling apart. Thunder shook the atmosphere, vibrating through Grim's chest and skull like an earthquake.

"She seemed pretty pissy with my dad," Grim muttered, a fresh sheet of rain hitting his face like needles, "So I'd like to put my money on that she's come to fight the old man."

In the distance, Hades' castle no longer seemed as mighty. In fact, its stone blocks almost seemed to waver, the raging winds eroding at its once firm structure. It was close to a total collapse.

Artemis's face was pale. Grim tightened his grip on his arm, a silent but comforting gesture. It was all the reassurance Artemis needed.

Grim travelled down the very path he had walked nearly every day of his immortal life, the road that led to the castle. It was almost surreal. He could imagine himself as a child, walking hand-in-hand with Artemis, going to eat dinner.

They were still walking hand-in-hand, but today, Grim was going to kill a god.

Who was also his mom.

You really can't make this stuff up.

As he passed the old, gnarled tree trunk, he let his hand slide across it. The tree exploded, wooden shrapnel stabbing into the mud.

"You owe me five dollars," Grim said casually, cracking a smile at Artemis.

"With pleasure," Artemis said, mystified.

The castle groaned with exertion, forging its own downhill battle with the storm. The wide iron doors loomed over Grim and Artemis as they approached them, the metal hinges seemingly crying out for help with loud shudders.

"It's now or never," Artemis whispered, eyes wide.

"You ready?"

"To face the goddess of chaos?" Artemis laughed dryly, "Of-freaking-course not. But I suppose we don't have a choice, right?"

Grim smirked. "That's the spirit."