This story is based in between "The Titans Curse" and "The battle of the Labyrinth". Rick Riordan owns all rights to PJATO.
I
Nico had just arrived near a riverbank stepping out of shadows. The trip left him disoriented. A black torrent of water rushed past him. He sniffled, looking at the water as it called to him.
The River Styx. He remembered from his underworld classes at Camp Half-Blood. Nico wondered how he could cross this river, and hopefully find the god Hades. He coughed, grief for his sister filling his chest again.
A shadow towered over him, removing any visible light around him.
"What are you doing here?" A gruff voice said.
Nico turned to face a man in black robes, a golden laurel wreath in his hair. The mans skin was pale and his hair was long and black, cascading down his shoulders.
"I-I a-am.. I don't know how I got here. Are you able to help me?" Nico's voice quivered with fear.
"Help you? Do you even know who I am?" The man asked, his tone dry.
Nico shook his head.
"I am Hades. Your father. Come, I'll take you to the palace, where I can train you to be a man, instead of some quivering buffoon. And on the way there you can tell me your story." Hades turned, climbing on a black rowboat that wasn't there moments before. He gestured for Nico to join him. Nico took a deep breath, wiping his tears and disregarding his fears. He jumped into the boat and off they sailed, crossing the Styx.