AN: It's short but I had to put something out there. Many thanks to FateAndThread, who has been a fantastic help! I'm currently on the search for a critical beta-reader; if you're interested PM me or mention it in a review. I've messaged a few but I'm still waiting for a response. Please review!

Cygnus Olor

Chapter One

Nico

"No."

"No?"

"No. Just…no."

"You won't even take a moment to consider it?"

"I don't have to."

"It's an excellent offer. You can reside in the Underworld full-time; no more of that shadow-travelling to random locales. There's conditional immortality and you'll have a job of the utmost importance."

"I know, but you can't be serious."

"Do I look I am joking? I am not Hermes."

I sighed, "Exactly. You're not Hermes. You never look like you're joking. But you sure have the poker face freaking mastered down to a science."

"Then, why in Rhea's name would you ever think I would not be serious?"

"Because!" I shouted and abruptly stood from my seat. My father glared in response. "You shouldn't even be remotely concerned about me. The war is over. Finished. Done. You don't need my help and I don't need yours."

"Nico." Hades gave me a pointed look.

"And let's be honest here. You don't believe I'm cut out for the job. I'm not Bianca. I'm not as important. Bianca was the better one. Bianca was the intelligent child," I exclaimed, while pacing around the throne room.

"Nico," he repeated. His usual form shifted into a McJagger look.

"But you know what?" I asked, kicking over a fallen diamond. "I don't want to be her. I'm not some obedient little child from the 40s. I was born in the 40s but I'm not from then. "

I turned and faced my father, "I'm very much a product of this time and this place. I want to make something of myself. I may not know what I want right now but I know it's not this. And I don't have a problem staying at random locales. Rio de Janeiro and Thessaloniki aren't random. They're exciting. As a matter of fact, they're better than a place with chopped off heads and dead battalions."

"Sit down," Hades said through clenched teeth. "You are and always will be my concern. You're my son." His face softened by just a fraction. "And Nico, it was merely a suggestion. You're free to reject it."

"I lied."

"You lied." It wasn't a question but a statement.

"You do need my help and I know just the person to become your advisor."

My father raised an eyebrow.

"Thalia Grace."