Bianca opened her eyes in a completely different place. Her surroundings were dark, although a few street lights enlightened the area just enough for her to know what was around her. Small buildings glinted in the moonlight, reflecting a sense of shed grandeur that she expected might have worn off through the years. But how did she end up in this place?

Oh, gods, she remembered it. She remembered going inside the Talos statue to shut it off, and then…pain. That's all she had experienced; sheer blinding pain that had racked her to the bones, wishing for the sweet pleasure of death. So, was she?

She looked down at herself. She was still dressed in the same clothes she had been wearing, her bow was still slung at her back, and her body was shimmering with a strange light, although she felt normal. Full of life, one would even say, except she was dead. So why wasn't she in the underworld? What was she doing in what definitely looked like a sub-street of a city? She looked around, all the buildings were shut down, there was no where she could go.

Bianca felt panic seize her. What was she going to do now? She had just been introduced to the Greek world when all of a sudden her life had been taken from her, and now she did not know what to do, stuck in an alleyway. There was no Percy, or Artemis, or Zoe to guide or save her now.

And then she felt the air around her turn cold. She didn't know if dead people could feel. Heck, the thing that worried her the most was what if a mortal saw her and thought she was a ghost? What if something chaotic happened and this time she didn't have anyone else to rescue her from the situation? She didn't even know what God to pray to, as she had no idea who her father might be.

But apparently, fate seemed to be at her side(for the only time in her life, and that too when she was dead). A shimmering spirit appeared behind her, eyes unfocused, face sunken, and hands dropped at her side. She looked at Bianca, but her face remained as pallid as that of any robot, devoid of emotions. The spirit simply turned and floated behind her, in a small dingy complex Bianca hadn't noticed before. It had been right behind her, and she hadn't noticed. She quickly followed the ghostly spirit inside, perhaps it would take her to the right place.

When she entered the building, however, she felt as though she had barged into the completely right, but wrong place at once. The waiting area was full of other souls of the dead, moaning and depressed, piled up on each other. Old 70's opera music boomed in the hall, which just seemed to add to the depressing conditions.

The interior was completely black, adorned with images of what looked like souls getting punished in the fields of Punishment. Small stalactites protruded from the walls and the roof, and a lift was huddled in a corner of the room, which was being banged and struck by the souls repeatedly.

In the other corner of the room was a raised podium, upon which rested a desk and a chair, which was occupied by a long and pale humanoid figure, dressed in a crisp Italian coat. A badge reading 'Soul manager - Underworld staff' was pinned on his coat, which seemed as though it hadn't been scrubbed in a long time. The spirit Bianca had followed in was currently talking, or what it seemed like, pleading to the man. He however, dismissed her, and if possible, her face sunk even more.

Bianca slowly made her way to the podium and reached the opposite end of the desk. The man seemed busy with some paperwork, not even looking at her.

"Excuse me, er – Mister…?" She peeked at the small nameplate on his table. "Mr. Charon?"

"Hand over a drachma and you'll be taken through in the next trip, or else go and wait in the line, you number is ten thousand three hundred and fourteenth," Charon said automatically, as though it was something he had been revising for an eternity, which, considering he was a part of the Greek underworld staff, he probably had.

Bianca searched her pockets, there were no drachmas in them. Visibly panicking now, she said to Charon timidly, "I, uh, I don't – don't have a drachma."

Charon looked at her wearily, but his expression changed in a second from irritation to anger to shock. "HEY, NO WEAPONS – oh, you're a demigod."

Not knowing what to do, Bianca nodded. Charon leaned over his desk to examine her. "And that too, a hunter of Artemis. Died in battle, then."

"Yes to all of those," Bianca nodded with a quiver in her voice.

"Hmmm…and," Charon squinted at her, scratching his chin. "OH GODS!"

He immediately shuffled off his desk, lumbering in front of her. As soon as he was in front of her, he bent on his knees. "Forgive me, my lady. I was not aware of who you were."

Bianca stared at him, confused. "Uh, who am I?"

Charon looked at her, a smile played between his lips. "So you're not aware."

"Of what?"

Charon simply gazed at her. The spirits shuffled around, now staring at her. One of them came to her and tried to grab her hand. "Take me with you, my lady. Take me with you."

The crowd of spirits started towards her, but Charon, still on his knees, waved a hand, which was helpful, as now the spirits only muttered at her to save them. How, she didn't know.

"Mr. Charon, please stand up," she said nervously. "What's happening? I don't understand."

Charon, still smiling, stood up and brushed his coat. "You'll know everything in due time, my lady. I should take you immediately. But, as you're dead, you will have to pass through the halls of judgement before you see him."

"See who?" she asked. A feeling of dread was spreading inside her.

Charon simply smiled. "Please follow me."

He led her to the doors of the elevator. The souls moved aside as she walked. Some of them even bowed, some still kept muttering to take them with her, but Charon angrily told them this was a VIP arrangement, and brushed them aside. Many asked her to tell the judges to get them Elysium, which made her even more confused.

If Bianca had known that the afterlife would be so weird, she wouldn't have died. Well, she would have, to save the others, but not so readily as she had. Charon took out a card from his pocket, scanned it on the elevator, and it opened with a ding sound as they stepped in.

"You see, we keep up with times and advanced technologies," Charon winked at her, which made her laugh nervously.

The elevator started descending as Bianca's heart raced even faster. She wondered if she even had a heart anymore. Then the weirdest thing happened. In one blink of an eye, she was in the elevator, descending gods know where. In the next, she was drifting forward slowly in a boat, being rowed by Charon, who was no longer dressed in his crisp suit, but long hooded black robes that made him look like a demon.

She looked around her, and her nerves turned to eyes. All around her, blackness surrounded the environment. It looked like a massive endless cave, whose roof glinted with stalactites and stalagmites, and black black sand surrounded the shore of the river she was crossing. Beyond that was something Bianca could never have imagined.

It looked like an underground settlement, only more horrible. As far as she could see, everything was dark coloured. Black buildings, black fields, black trees. Charon rowed the boat to the shore, and helped her get off. She looked at the river behind her.

"Is that Styx?" Biance asked him, and Charon nodded.

"Not the same Styx anymore, though," he said sadly. "Earlier it was clean, unpolluted, but now, it grows more and more littered every day with broken mortal ambitions. The purest part of Styx can only be found in Tartarus now."

"I don't think I want to see it."

"You shouldn't," Charon said seriously. "This is how far I take you. From here, you will have to go on your own. Although I suppose it won't be a problem for you," he said, climbing back on the boat after a final bow and rowing back to the other side.

Steeling herself for what lay ahead, she moved forward, building up her resolve. Unfortunately, it crumbled down as soon as she saw the three-headed dog. Cerberus was a massive beast, standing halfway on the path to the halls of judgement, and the scary thing was, that he seemed to be looking exactly at her.

He's letting the other souls go, she thought. Maybe he would let her go unscathed as well. But as soon as he reached in the range of the dog, it bounded forward and sat in front of her, sniffing her. Bianca wanted to scream and run, but she was frozen, and she remained in that state before the dog barked happily and licked her, covering her with slime and dog saliva.

"Hey," she petted all the three heads of the dog nervously. "I need to go. But I'll, er, come later and – play?"

Cerberus' ears drooped, but he barked once more and allowed her to pass straight to the doors of the halls of judgement. Why was she being treated like this in the underworld? Somewhere, an answer was forming in Bianca's mind, and it was not good.

She waited in line at the doors, but apparently the process was quick, and soon it was her turn to enter. And enter she did, rubbing her hands nervously. She hadn't given a thought about what she would get, but she desperately hoped it wouldn't be Fields of Punishment for risking the quest or abandoning Nico. Nico, Bianca thought.

Before she could even start to think about him, however, a man from the desk in front of her coughed. There were three judges in all, holding sheets of papers they now started flicking through. She didn't know who they were, but she could have sworn she had seen one of them in a famous book.

"Bianca Di Angelo," the man on the right wheezed. "Demigod, Hunter of Artemis. Died trying to save her quest members from a Talos prototype."

"Hmmm," the man in the centre intoned, surveying the file in his hand. "Records seem clear. Only two mentions of intentionally putting your leg forward to make your classmates trip and fall down. One incident of sticking gum beneath a rival's desk. By mortal standards, a pretty good life."

The man on the left coughed. "Saved a young kitten from dying and gave it to a good shelter for caretaking some seventy years back. Helped some of the classmates in schoolwork. Took care of younger brother with responsibility until joining the Hunters of Artemis."

The three men looked at her together, which made the hair on her neck stand up.

"You are granted Elysium," the man sitting in the middle told her. "You have a century to apply for rebirth should you wish to get the Isles of Blest. No applications will be accepted after the deadli–,"

"That will not be necessary," a voice boomed from a doorway on the opposite corner of the hall. Walking towards her was the lawyer who had gotten her and Nico out.

"You," Bianca said, but she doubted if anyone heard her.

"Alecto," the man on the left said, surprised.

"William," the lawyer nodded. "Lord Hades has summoned Bianca Di Angelo. No other judgment is necessary."

The men simply shrugged, but Bianca was not interested in their reactions, she was interested in Alecto, who had just switched from a lawyer to an old hag-like woman with wings, her suitcase melting into a whip. She was a Fury. Had she come to take her to the Fields of Punishment and beat her with her whip for eternity.

"Come," Alecto gestured, but Bianca stood her ground.

"Where are you taking me?" Bianca asked, trying to look courageous, when in fact she was more scared than she had ever been in her life.

"To Lord Hades," Alecto simply replied.

"Why? Do you want to take me to the Fields of Punishment? I didn't do anything," Bianca started rambling. "And I won't go with you if I'm getting Elysium already. And if you try to –,"

"You are not being taken to the Fields of Punishment," Alecto said firmly. "You're being taken to Lord Hades, who has requested a personal audience with you. Would you deny a god?"

Bianca stared at her. She looked at the judges, who shrugged like, Just go, we got more souls to judge. Seeing no other choice, she followed Alecto out of the hall. Before she had even gotten out through the door, Alecto grabbed her by her shoulders and started flying, leaving Bianca hanging above the ground, and she didn't trust the Fury.

"What are you doing?" Bianca yelled. "I am a hunter of Artemis. Any misbehaviour with me and you will have to speak to Artemis herself–"

"Who is currently in chains," Alecto laughed. "Don't worry, you'll not be harmed. I'm taking you through the fast way."

Either way, Bianca had no choice but to hang on, literally. She wondered what happened to dead souls if they fell from a height.

After a few minutes of flight through the scenic landscape of the underworld (yes, that was sarcasm), the Fury finally set Bianca on the ground in what seemed like the backyard of a huge palace made up of polished blackstone, the walls glinting with the reflection of the fire torches that lined them. Colourful fruits glinted in the garden, especially pomegranates. Huge red pomegranates that shined like red rubies. Bianca felt an unknown urge to pluck one, but before she could, Alecto ushered her aside.

Alecto's footsteps echoed throughout the empty black corridors of the palace. Even though it was just as underworldly as any other place in the underworld, it was lavish in its own way. That made sense, with Hades being the God of riches of the underground. She wondered why he would summon her, trying to brush away the only viable reason aside. She was being silly, how could she even think of that? She brushed away the thought for the millionth time.

Finally, Alecto led her through two huge gates into a large hall, which was probably the Throne Room, considering the huge throne decorated with diamonds and gold that sat on the opposite end of the room. Pillars were engraved with pictures of the Fields of Punishment. On the walls were paintings of Elysium that made her want to run away from the palace. The Isles of Blest were far more welcoming, but she doubted that she would die a heroic death three times in a row to get them.

"Wait here," Alecto the Fury said crisply, before leaving the room, swinging her whip in circles and closing the door. Bianca did as she was told, standing in silence without moving for perhaps more than a minute before she started getting restless. She looked around, trying to engage her mind, but looking at the carvings of souls getting punished made her jittery. She felt a strange tug in her gut.

It seemed to be coming from the throne itself, which was glowing in the dark room. It seemed to be calling to her, beckoning her. Before she could think about it, she felt her legs moving forward, climbing the stairs to the podium upon which the throne was perched. It was glorious, well larger than her, definitely made for a being at least 10 feet tall. As she approached it, it glowed even brightly. Unknowingly, she lifted her hand, and was just about to touch it before a voice startled her.

"Yes, it attracts you, doesn't it?"

Bianca turned to look at the speaker. Standing before her was the Lord of Dead, in all his glory, dressed in a royal black coat, his very aura radiating the power. Bianca fell to her knees.

"Lord Hades, I'm sorry, I –,"

"It's fine," he waved her apology away. "You may rise."

Bianca, at least, was surprised. She had expected Hades to be cruel, punishing anyone who did something wrong, with an ever-angry face. He was completely different, though. The way he spoke could even, in some words, be called gentle, for a God. It didn't feel like it was the eldest son of the Titan Kronos speaking to her, it felt more like a man tired of his life speaking with boredom. She wondered if he was being nice to her, or if he was like that with everyone. But why would he be nice to her, unless…

"This throne is my seat of power," he pointed to the throne as he spoke. "And so is this a personification of your power."

"I – I don't understand," Bianca tried not to look at him as she spoke.

"You do," Hades looked at her. "You are just too confused and hesitant to admit it."

This time, the feeling crashed in Bianca's brain. It was true, whatever she had been thinking was true. That was why she had been treated like a VIP. That's why Charon had bowed to her, why Alecto had come to take her from the Halls of Judgement.

"You're my father," she blurted out. "And Nico's as well."

She remembered the mini figurine of Hades, the only one Nico hadn't had, which she had tried to take for him which had led her to her death.

Hades sighed. "It's been a long time since I saw you both."

"That is why the skeleton thing died when I stabbed it. No one else was able to kill it, not even Percy or Zoe."

Hades flinched at Percy's name. "While you're at it, make sure not to mention his name again."

"Alright," Bianca nodded, wondering what possibly could have happened between Percy and her father.

She tried not to look at him. What do you say to your father whom you meet after decades, who also happens to be the God of Underworld?

"I know you have questions," he sighed, breaking her line of thought. "And you're free to ask them. Come, let's walk."

Bianca followed wordlessly. As they walked through the corridors of the palace, she finally asked a question she wanted to learn so desperately about.

"What is the Lotus Hotel and Casino? Why were I and Nico sent there?"

"To keep you safe," Hades muttered, looking straight ahead. "The tensions at that time between me and my brothers was…unnerving. It was a grave danger on your and your brother's life. And your mothers."

"What happened to her?" Bianca asked slowly. "I know she's not around now…it's been decades, but–,"

"Today is not the time for that conversation, Bianca," Hades said, a distant look in his eyes. "The day has already been full of unexpected surprises for you. You should rest now."

"Do ghosts rest?" Bianca asked sadly.

Now that she knew a part of it, it felt even more sad. Did her friends get through alright? Why did she have to risk the quest? She could have been alive, well and kicking, and on the road to Mount Tam right now. She would have been able to save Lady Artemis? Why did she pick up that mythomagic figure for Nico?

"I too, am sorry that you had to die," Hades broke her line of thoughts. "I would have preferred you well and ali–,"

"What about Nico?"

"He is alive and well at Camp Half-Blood," Hades told her.

"No, what about him? How will he make it through without me? All this time I've looked after him and he's just a child. Who will look after him now?" Bianca blurted. Now that she thought about it, she felt so selfish. It had been hours since she died, and she had been busy thinking about strange things and Elysium, but she hadn't even given a thought about how her little brother, her innocent and annoying little brother would feel when he learnt of her death.

Would he be angry? Sad? Or would he think that Bianca deserved that after she abandoned him?

"Would Nico be happy that I died, after I abandoned him?" she asked Hades in a small voice.

"No, in fact, he senses it. I can sense his agitation in his sleep."

"I left him alone," she muttered. "I am so selfish. I deserve the Fields of Punishment for this."

"Nico," Hades started, keeping a hand on her shoulder, which felt surreal for some reason. "By demigod standards, is a grown man now. He is not a child anymore, and he will have to face it. He has many hardships ahead, more so than you, because children of Hades suffer through that curse always."

"Does he know that you're our..?"

"Not yet."

Bianca stood there, not knowing what to say anymore. It was so overwhelming, all of it at once, she felt that even being dead didn't remove the burden of anything from upon her shoulders.

"Bianca, you have to understand it. You have to understand death and its importance. Only you can do so, being my child. There are limitations, barriers that should be upheld. You will have a more important role in the future. But for now, you can claim your place in Elysium. I don't think you would be applying for rebirth before you have sorted through your errands, but for the time being, you're welcome at the palace anytime. This is your home. Your real home."

She looked at Hades, who clapped his hands. Bianca heard the flapping of wings, and soon enough, Alecto was back.

"Take her to Elysium," Hades told the Fury.

"I don't need another ride in the air this time," Bianca said quickly, as Alecto approached her. "We'll take the long way. By walking."

Alecto looked at Hades, who shrugged. Bianca started moving, before she suddenly stopped and turned around.

"Father," she said. "I don't like what happened, but I am content with the choice I made in the junkyard. It was good to see you."

She didn't know if the look that she saw in the God of death's eyes was pride or happiness, but whatever it was, she was happy to have been the reason for it.

A/N Hello! I'm back after a long time with this one-shot. Hope you have a great time reading it. Also, I have an announcement to make. For the past few months, I have been working with 'not wrong just misguided' on a Harry Potter fanfiction titled 'Son of the Devil'. The story is about an AU with Dark Harry and the prologue is out now, so do check it out on 'not wrong just misguided's account. They're a wonderful author to work with and have also uploaded some fanfics on Vampire Diaries, so check that out as well. Thanks, and hope you like this one again!

Signing off,

Silverstriker27