Chapter Text
The last thing Nico di Angelo wanted to do was go to the underworld, but when Hades calls, you begrudgingly answer. Even if it meant prying yourself from your boyfriend’s warm arms.
Shadow traveling to the underworld was a simple task. The sentries all knew and respected Nico. He was early for whatever “meeting” he was supposed to be attending, so Nico decided to rest on a hill overlooking Elysium. It hurt to know that his sister and dear friend were down there. Nico wondered if they met. Do dead folk mingle? He decided not to ponder on it.
Forcing himself to stand, Nico restarted the trek to his father’s palace. He could’ve shadow traveled directly there, but the son of Hades enjoyed the walk. Unlike what many people believed, the Underworld was relatively peaceful. It was mostly quiet, save for the occasional scream from the Fields of Punishment. That’s exactly why he was so peeved to see Thanatos and his step-mother in the throne room. Nico’s day was ruined.
“Nico, welcome, my son.” Hades beckoned from his throne of souls. Nico bowed in return. There was terrifying tension in the room. The air was thick, like a really bad decision was about to be made.
“Hello, Father. Persephone, Lord Thanatos, how are you both?” Nico spoke in a measured voice.
“Save the small talk, halfling,” Thanatos bellowed in his echoey voice, “I’m sure you are aware as to why we have summoned you.” Nico had absolutely no idea why he was here, but he decided not to say anything.
“I will not beat around the bush, my child,” Persephone cooed, “We have something important to tell.” She flashed that smile that really meant Nico had no choice to listen or not.
“Yes…” Hades leaned forward on his throne and steepled his hands, “You see, a certain half-blood has become the topic of discussion amongst the Olympians. There was a vote to give this half-blood a second chance. Majority ruled in the demigod’s favor… however this half-blood has been residing in Elysium for the past two years.” That explains why Thanatos is here, Nico thought. Hades continued speaking, “The Lord of Death has approved this course of action. The demigod will return to the living world.”
Nico inwardly sighed. Everything lined up with how he’d been approached by the deities so far. It all really depended on who the half-blood was. Nico secretly hoped it was Jason or Bianca. Those odds were low seeing as though the two both made peace with their deaths. Maybe it was Lee Fletcher or Micheal Yew. Will could see his brothers again. If you couldn’t tell, Nico’s head was racing with ideas of who this mystery demigod could be.
“Summon the child of Hermes here, Hades,” Thanatos practically ordered.
Child of Hermes. What? All of Nico’s thoughts and ideas halted. A child of Hermes?! Who in the world could these gods possibly be talking about. Which cabin 11 kids had died in the last two years? Nico kept an internal list of all burial rites he had performed. He couldn’t think of any children of the messenger god.
A snap from his father’s throne broke him out of his thoughts. A shimmering form appeared to Nico’s right. The form solidified and Nico’s heart dropped to his stomach. This guy?! The half-blood who swore to destroy Olympus? The demigod who let Kronos inhabit his body?
Hades took the name right out of his mouth, “Luke Castellan. I’m sure you're aware as to why you are here.”
Luke bowed his head. He seemed so different from when Nico had last seen him. Sure, Nico was twelve last they had seen each other, but he still noticed the difference. Luke seemed… quiet? Humble, maybe?
“I have been informed, Lord Hades.” Luke responded in a quiet voice. He kept head down but Nico could make out a pretty remorseful look on his face.
“You have much to atone for, half-blood. Though I’m sure you’re well aware of the fact.” Thanatos spoke from the shadow he had retreated into, “I expect that you will make all the right choices.”
“I will.” Luke’s voice seemed to tremble while responding to the Lord of Death.
“Very well. Then I will not hesitate when I do this.” Thanatos held his hand out toward Luke. The air swirled around the demigod. He began to look alive again. His skin lost it’s transparency. Tattered clothes hung on his thinned frame. He was in rough condition. Similar to how he looked before he died on Olympus. Except he looked his age. Not the age he died at, the age he was supposed to be. Nico never knew how old Luke was so he had to guess early twenties.
The son of Hermes looked incredibly shocked himself. He held his arms out in front of him. He had a look on his face that Nico couldn’t name. Surprise? Shock maybe?
Then, y’know, he doubled over and passed smooth out. Naturally.
All Nico could manage after the absurdly shocking chain of events was. “Okay..” In a squeaky voice.
“This is not something I would usually wish to do…” Hades spoke, “But this is a delicate situation that the Olympian gods were picky about. There were select individuals that the gods chose they could trust with this quest.”
Oh, of course there was a quest tied to this shit-show. Nico made a face that he prayed Hades hadn’t seen.
The god saw it, but chose to continue, “The quest is this: For the next 90 days, you, Nico, will be Luke Castellan’s guide and guard as he acclimates to society. You were one of the only half-bloods who the gods decided they could trust with the son of Hermes’ path of redemption.”
Nico already knew- these next three months were going to be the longest and hardest of his life.