Nico spied his father pacing behind the curtains behind the alter.

"Sup, pops." Nico said nonchalantly.

Hades almost jumped into the air. His muscles tensed and he had a fireball ready in his hand when he turned around to face his son. Hades looked at Nico in irritation for a while.

"Wow," Nico marveled at the black flames. "It's been a long time since I've seen that. Or something like it at least."

Hades sighed and relaxed his muscles, the shadow of a memory passing over his face. The fireball disappeared from his hand. "Since the battle of Manhattan I believe."

Nico nodded in agreement then surveyed his father. He smiled feebly. "You've got the wedding hots again don't you?"

Hades nodded and swallowed hard.

"It's okay pops." Nico said. "Just relax and if you're still nervous when you're out there, imagine Demeter's wheat entwined hair on fire. I'm not going to lie, it makes me feel better sometimes."

Hades scowled. "Not me. It reminds me of your friends little fire display last time."

Outside the temple:

Leo twitched. Thalia glanced at him, "You okay?"

"Yeah," He replied. "Just a momentary feeling."

"Don't get too excited okay?"

"I won't."

Nico smiled sheepishly. "Oh, right."

"Then what am I going to do?" Hades asked. They stood there for some time in silence.

Nico shrugged. "Focus on something other than her?"

"Aphrodite would find a way to kill me." Hades replied.

"Imagine everyone naked?"

Hades shivered. "Too graphic."

"Imagine her naked?"

"I've never seen her naked!" Hades yelled. They were quiet for a while.

"That was kind of loud Pops."

The undead god sighed. "I know. How many people do you think heard?"

"I think it depends on who's heard it before and dismisses it as regular background noise and who's never heard it or questions your choice of words... Go out there and wing it out because you're awesome and this is nothing for you?" Nico suggested.

"I hope I can try to do that." Hades mumbled. "Tell me Nico, how did you stand it? What with all the disrespectful siblings and annoying relatives?"

"Pops, my wedding was a long time ago." Nico said.

Hades shrugged. "It would help if I had something... Yes, well I suppose it was a long time ago. Very well. I shall brave this like a man."

Nico nodded. "Good luck Pops."

He was about to go back to the front of the temple where all the guests were waiting when his father put a hand on his shoulder.

He turned around and faced his father. "And Nico? If you can find any, send me some help."

"Of course." He bowed respectfully and left his father pacing once again.

Nico rejoined his friends outside of the temple. It was hard at first because there were so many guests gathered about. Frank was the first to spot him.

"'Bout time you got here di Angelo." Frank said. Frank pointed to Lacy who was talking to Persephone. "She's been waiting for you for some time now."

Nico smiled at Lacy then frowned a little at Persephone. "Keep her talking to Persephone alright?"

Frank shrugged. "I'll try. Won't be easy though. Persephone's not much of a talker."

"Mhm." Nico nodded. He spotted Poseidon and Zeus to the back of the crowd of people. Oh well, some help is better than no help. Adjusting his tie and swallowing hard he walked up to the two.

It's surprising they could be in the same room without blasting each other. Nico thought.

"Yes well," Poseidon sighed. "If we did anything big brother would probably find a way to kill us."

Nico paled. They could read his thoughts?

Zeus chuckled. "I'm sure he'd have no problem finding a place to throw us in down here."

Nico took a deep breath. "My lords, my father-"

"Yes, yes." Poseidon waived his hand in frustration. "Big brother has gotten nervous again and wants to consult with us. It baffles me, however, why you've come to us for help."

Zeus scoffed. "What baffles me, is why he's renewing vows. I mean, he's already stuck with her for eternity. Why are we down here?"

Poseidon sighed. "Because, any man who has to scream at his son 'I've never seen her naked' at his own wedding for practically almost everyone to here and he's been married to her for thousands of years, that man deserves a medal."

"Why, Poseidon?" Zeus asked slightly irritated.

"Because it shows he hasn't once touched her wrong." Poseidon said, unaware that Hades was behind him and Zeus. "Unlike certain gods who force others into marriage."

They glared at each other momentarily.

"You wouldn't dare argue at my wedding, would you?" Hades spoke up.

The two brothers turned around swiftly. "No, not at all." Zeus said swiftly. "Brother, it's been ages."

Poseidon stared at Zeus with a blank look on his face. "It's only been five months. We haven't seen him since the solstice."

"It was a metaphor Poseidon. Of course I wouldn't expect a fish for brains to understand."

"Airhead!"

"Fish tank water!"

"Ozone layer!"

Hades gave the both of them a devilish look. "I request your help and you argue at my wedding?"

Poseidon sighed. "Why don't you just imagine her naked?"

Hades' eye twitched. Poseidon, sensing his anger, stepped back a little.

Zeus shrugged. "Do what I do, wing it." Then he cracked a smile and laughed a little. "Get it? Wing it? It's hilarious. Ahh."

"Right.." Nico said. "Well I'll just let you three talk this out and be on my way."

"Just wait one second Di Angelo." Poseidon said. "What'd you do at your wedding? If you're anything like your father you must've freaked out just like him."

"Sir, If I remembered, I would tell you. But I don't." Nico frowned.

"Nonsense." Zeus said. He looked at his brothers. "I believe a memory check is in order?"

The three brothers smiled devilishly and nodded. Then they all pulled out their items of power, looked at Nico, and before the son of Hades knew it, he was falling to the ground and experiencing the worst pain he had ever felt as a spirit. The only pain in fact.

So I haven't updated in some time. A very long time. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, though. Until next week I suppose? Hopefully? Probably?

Erudite19