Nico stood like a deer in headlights. Before him was his father, the man who had abandoned him and his sister. That god had let Bianca die! Yet, the boy could not find anything to say. Perhaps it was from nerves, or perhaps it was from anger. But what was he to be angry about? After all, he had gotten wanted, after all. He had found his father. That should have been a victory, right? So why did it feel so hollow?

His father sighed softly. He tilted his head slightly to the right. His fingers flexed uneasily. He had the body language of a high instated man in the mists of a tedious situation. Glancing to the women next to him whose earth-tone eyes bored into his skull, Nico could understand. Despite being family, he was not welcomed here. Not with her around.

His father shifted uncomfortably as he glanced to his wife. Persephone's eyes were cold and unforgiving. She leaned back against her throne with an annoyed huff. She glared away and kept her uptight posture. Her passive-aggressive attitude was enough to make Hades sigh. He pinched the bridge of his nose and muttered something under his breath. Persephone's head snapped to glare poison blades at the Lord of Death.

"I told you I don't want to even see your damn brats so long as I'm stuck here with you." The goddess snapped. "Either the kid goes or I go."

Hades grimaced. Nico could tell that his father wanted to be anywhere but here. But the boy felt no sympathy. He was brought here for a reason, to get answers about his past; who he was and where he came from. Maybe even how to bring his sister back… However, he was greeted by his father and his true wife who acted like he was a mutt Hades pulled off the streets.

"Where would you even go?" Hades demanded. His eyes flared dangerously and his aura followed. "You know the agreement; you are here for six months! Your mother cannot intervene and you cannot leave."

Persephone rose from her throne with her head high in arrogance. With her nose in the air and her arms at her side, she stormed from a doorway right of her throne. The skeletal soldiers stepped aside to allow her passage. She paused for a moment. Her head slowly turned to pass that terrifying glare to Nico. He felt a shiver go down his spine. Compared to the creature (which had fled from Hades' throne during the tension) her eyes were far more menacing. Her gaze then turned to Hades who stared back at her calmly. The goddess finally gave one last passive-aggressive sigh and left the room.

Hades frowned, his eyes longing after his wife. His attention turned to Nico. The small boy glowered, but it was weak and uncertain. He was more nervous than angry. Even if he had come here for nearly no reason, the journey here was enough to make him light-hearted. When adrenaline died out, the will to fight for all went with it. Some called it weakness; others called it the way of things. Yet the child found himself agreeing with the first argument.

Finally Hades spoke. "I'm sorry we couldn't meet on better terms, Nico." He said honestly. "But come the current circumstances, I could not wait until she was taken back by her mother."

Nico could not remember how to speak. He had come all this way for an apology for his father's uptight wife? He was better off dying in the forest, being ripped to shreds by whatever monster happened to pass him by. Maybe that manticore would come by and finish him off when he was alone and defenseless. He was better off coming here when he was ready; when he was dead.

He swallowed back the lump in his throat. Dry lips parted and a voice was finally heard.

"What happens now?"

Hades rose to his feet, slow and steady. Nico could finally appreciate how intimidating his father was. Even at the size of a man, he was a giant. He stepped down from the higher platform to stand on the same level as his son. It was all physical, of course. Nico had a strong feeling that he was not going to get anywhere near understanding with the Lord of the Underworld.

"Now you stay here until I know what to do with you." He said flatly, uncaring. "I have arranged for you to stay in one of the rooms here. A guard will escort you."

Hades made his way after his wife. His son stared after him in disbelief. Literally all of that was for nothing? He was floored, confused, and most of all, angry. This had been a waste of time. Hades did not even care. His eyes narrowed at his father. His fear had melted away and was replaced with a burning hatred. His teeth clenched tightly together and his eyes focused daggers at the god's back.

"So all of this was for nothing?" He yelled. "My entire world has been turned upside-down in a matter of weeks and you don't even care?"

Hades stopped dead in his tracks. He was still as a statue for a long moment before slowly looking over his shoulder. His dark, dead eyes were enough to cast all anger from Nico and welcome back to fear. Yet he did not stop. He took a deep breath and continued his accusation.

"I lost everything! I lost my school, my hopes, my beliefs, and the only person who ever cared about me!" He screamed.

A power crackled around him. It was the same power which he felt when that idiot Percy came back with a pocket full of empty promises. It was the rage-induced power which had cast those skeleton creatures right back into the ground.

He could see his father's eyes widen, a mixture of surprise and impression. However, it quickly faded. It was replaced with his former annoyed glare.

"I know what happened to Bianca, look at where you are." Hades pressed. "And she was not the only one who cares about you. I care about you. If I didn't care about you; Zeus would have killed you long ago."

"Are you saying you're the one who sent the lawyer to get Bianca and me out of the hotel?" He demanded.

Hades opened his mouth to speak but it quickly closed. He looked trapped. His mouth pressed into a hard line as he tried to figure out what to say. Nico could plainly see how awkward the other was being. It would be amusing had he not been so enraged and annoyed.

Finally able to get his tongue untied, Hades spoke.

"That is a question better suited for later." He dodged. "For now, you can wait in your room."

"Did you at least send Hypnos to bring me here?" Nico demanded. "Did you at least do that?"

Hades brows furrowed with confusion. He stared at the boy as if he had spoken in a completely different language.

"Hypnos may live here, but the idiot doesn't do anything for anyone except his mother." He paused again. "Occasionally."

Nico frowned. So Hades had not sent the sleep god after all. So did that mean Hypnos's mother had? But who was his mother. The thought bothered him. He had a vague idea of who it was but he could not place a name or an attribute.

Hades waved his hand passively. A skeletal guard dressed in Spartan armour (Nico could tell due to the thick bronze chest plate, shin guards, and red cape) approached him. He carried a large spear and shield, both yielded to show no aggression. Hades gestured him towards Nico and the skeleton slowly turned his head to him.

"Take my son to his room." He commanded. He left the throne room before he could be accused of anything else. A coward's move.

Nico followed the guard out of the throne room. They exited through the hallways opposite of the one Hades took for his quick escape. The hall was illuminated by torches with odd bluish green flames. The gothic, spired-like architecture made the boy afraid to even touch the walls for he could be pricked. There were few doorways and few decorations. It seemed more like a cavern with doors and windows if anything.

The soldier came to a stop at a dark wooden door. It was curved at the top to give it a medieval flare. On either side were two odd torches. It made Nico think of the entrance to a torture chamber. His heart sank at the thought. It did not help that Tartarus and the Fields of Punishment were right around the corner. Luckily no screams of agony lurched from beyond the wood.

The solider left Nico to his own accord. He made no footsteps as he descended down the hall. Nico grabbed the large metal door handle and pushed it open. To his surprise, it was rather cozy. It was painted darker colours. The floor was a pale carpeted and the essential furniture was neatly set in order. Everything was made from a dark birch wood. A dresser sat next to the door. A tall wardrobe sat on the far left wall in between two doors (likely closet and a bathroom). Against the wall before him was a desk, chair, and oil lamp that did not burn. Then there was the bed. It had an elegant headboard with many pillows resting against it and each other and a blue and back comforter.

Nico closed the door behind himself and walked inside. It was nice, but he was not yet to call it home. Right now, it was a well-furnished cell.

He sauntered over to the bed and sat down. It was plush, and warm. Only until now did he realize how tired he was. How long had it been since he had run from camp? What was the date? It bothered him that he could not remember. Then again, while he was at camp he cared little for the date. He just looked at the clock and waited for the days to pass until his sister returned from her mission. He was hoping Artemis would die so maybe Bianca would be freed. Sadly, not only had that thief of a goddess make it away with barely a scratch, his sister didn't come home.

His heart clenched. This would be his first Christmas without her. It was not as if their Christmas was much. Even at the military school, some kids would get to take leave through the holidays, or they would be sent care-packages from their parents. Yet Bianca never disappointed him. Every Christmas she would manage to sneak away from the school and buy him a pack of Mythomagic cards for a gift. He had always felt guilty for being unable to return the favor. He would try to find her at least a flower, or make something for her. It was not much, but at least it was something.

In all honesty, the only reason he really liked the game for as long was because Bianca knew how much he liked it. Though she would give him hell at times for being so obsessed with it, she still allowed him to play. Maybe it was because she'd like him to be distracted and allowed her free time. Either way, it still meant that she cared, so that was all that mattered.

He sighed sadly and lay down properly on the bed. He tried to be comfortable by tossing and turning, testing for the best spot. He groaned in frustration and turned back onto his right side. He stared blankly at the wall before him. Thoughts and memories of his sister filled his head, haunting him. He tucked his hands to his chest and squeezed his eyes shut. He tried to force out the painful memories, yet all that fell were tears upon his cheeks. Slowly, he curled into a ball against the bedding which now only felt like ice against his cheeks.

His world felt like it was reeling. He was so tired. There was too much going on at once. He had no idea when he fell asleep, but he sorely wished he had not.

-x-

He was back at the forest at the edge of Camp Half-Blood. There was no snow on the ground, but the leaves of the trees were bare. Above his head storm clouds brewed with an evil omen. Crows cried out and flew over him. They landed on the thin branches and stared at him with beady eyes. First he could only see five. More gathered. Seven, ten, fifteen, twenty… It did not take long until he was surrounded by the black birds.

The air around him was still, but icy. He shivered and wrapped his arms around himself. He took a brief look-around. He shrunk at the many birds that glowered at him. Each one gave him their full attention. Their beady eyes reflected his fearful expression, mocking him almost.

He swallowed back the lump in his throat and slowly began to retreat out of the circle of feathery judges. When turned, he saw something standing only feet away from him. It was a girl dressed in white. Her dark hair fell down her back. She looked young, only a few years older than him.

It was Bianca. He could recognize the back of her head anywhere.

His heart leapt with joy. His sister was alive. A smile finally cracked on his face. He ran towards his sister. All he wanted at that moment was to embrace her, to know she was alive.

He felt something snag his foot. He fell had down on his face. Stones bit into his skin and cut him deeply. His hands were raw against the cold dirt. He looked over his shoulder to find his foot caught in a tree root. His jaw clenched as he continued onward. No stupid root was keeping him from his sister. But as he grabbed onto the ground, thorns dug deep into his flesh. Droplets of blood splashed onto the dirt. He did not care as he moved on.

Something snared his wrists like cuffs. Thorny vines crushed his wrists and tethered his hands to the cold ground. He wanted to scream out, but he knew he had endured worse. He struggled against the vines. He was so close to her; he couldn't let go. He strained one hand out for her and it felt like his wrist was about to snap off.

When his fingertips were inches from the edge of her dress; she vanished into mist. His heart dropped like a rock.

No, he could not lose her against when he was so close to her!

"Let go of me…" He heard her voice whisper around him. "Let go of me, Nico… It will only cause you more pain…"

"No…!" He cried. "I can't lose you! You're all I have!"

But she did not respond. Instead, an evil laughter rolled on the wind, chilling him to the bone. The crows chorused their strangled calls. In their sheer numbers it was deafening. Nico struggled to cover his ears but the veins would not release him. He looked over his shoulder to see a swarm of black swooped towards him, even beak glittering like a knife.

The last thing remembered was something cold, like a hand, brushing against his cheek.

-x-

He woke up with a jolt. His eyes shot wide and searched desperately for any signs of the crows that were hunting him down. The coast was clear. The only thing out of order was a black and blue Christmas present sitting on the other side of the bed. Slowly he sat up and took a good look at it. Yup, that was definitely a Christmas present. But who would send him one? Hades? Pft, not likely.

He plucked the small envelope from under the shimmering black ribbon. He turned it over his hands and noticed the white wax seal and odd insignia. It was a crescent mood attached to a star. Inside the moon there was a small script in ancient Greek.

"Long Live the Night"

He frowned at the message. He opened it and pulled the letter inside. It was delicately written in ancient Greek with purple ink. Even if the language came naturally to him, he needed to take a moment to make out the elegant script.

Dear Nico,

A very happy Christmas to you, dear .Sadly, it has come to my aware that you have undergone a most tragic loss. You have my deepest sympathies for the loss of your sister. However, I am also aware that you are needed in your father's presence, yet I do love guests in the Underworld and I also adore Christmas. I send this gift and letter in invitation to tea with myself in the Erebus realm. I am certain you saw it as you passed by. If you do not know your way back then I shall send you an escort.

I await your presence with eagerness. Sadly, the garments you wear currently are atrocious. So, please accept these new one. I expect you to be dressed in it so I can see how adorable you look.

Yours Sincerely,
Nyx

Finally he remembered what had been bothering him since he had met Hypnos. Nyx was the one connected to all of this. The goddess of the night. She was mother to many gods with darker attributes, Thanatos, Hypnos, Nemesis, Eris, and even the Fates. If she was so powerful; then why did she bother someone like him? He was just an orphaned demigod. But it seemed he had the chance to get answers from the source.

He drew the ribbon off the gift and ripped the paper from the box. He dug inside and found multiple items. There was a fresh pair of dark jeans, a black shirt, and a large aviator jacket. He folded out the jacket and frowned. He'd have to be twice his size to fill it. However, feeling the inside he noticed how warm it was. He quickly changed into the warm, clean clothes and gave a small sigh of relief. Seems there was such a thing as kindness after all.

Before he turned towards the door he noticed something at the bottom of the box. It was a small velvet box. He plucked it and opened the top. Inside was a ring in the shape of a skull. Its eyes glinted a menacing red. Yet he found it very cool. He slipped it onto his hand and admired it for a moment.

There was a knock at the door. His head snapped up and looked towards it with confusion. That letter had been eerily accurate. Slowly, he made his way towards it and pulled it open. Standing on the other side of the threshold was a tall man in a black trench coat and a hood covering his face. He could see the silver whiskers of a short beard peeking out from the shadow. He could see the stormy eyes glinting in the pale light.

"I have been sent to escort you." He spoke in a baritone voice, mature.

Nico felt a wave of fear pass over him. He had no idea who this person was, but he was absolutely terrifying.

"Okay…" He muttered.

The man's chin tilted up for a moment. He could feel his eyes glowering at him, but with what emotions… Who did people think he was? Bella Swan? (Don't ask him how he knew that, it was Bianca)

"You're scared." The man noted flatly. "Sorry about that."

He grabbed the edge of his hood and pulled it down. The man's face was not how Nico imagined it. He was young, maybe in his early twenties. His hair was a sandy blonde that fell over his right eye. The eye showing was a swirl of colour. The beard he had seen earlier was non-existent. He was also certain the man had shortened himself by a few inches.

When he spoke, his voice was far younger sounding. It was light; kind.

"Alright, that should be better." He gave a cheeky smile. "Anyway, you're being expected by someone very important."

He placed a hand at Nico's back and led him into the hall. He looked at the torches and their flames died instantly. The hallway was perfectly dark. The man walked directly forward, leading Nico the way there. The boy was absolutely certain there was a wall they were about to run into. Yet he felt nothing crashing against his nose. They walked in the shadowy corridor for a few minutes in complete silence. Finally, the man came to a halt where cracks of light made the shape of a doorway.

"You think you're presentable?" the man questioned.

Nico looked down at himself and quickly realized he saw nothing in the darkness.

"Well, I'm wearing what she told me to." He replied.

"Good enough." The man likely shrugged.

He reached out to the door and pushed it open. Nico's eyes widened in wonder as the new world around him came into view.

He doubted he was in the Underworld anymore.