They came across Charon first. The boatman seemed none too happy to see them once more.
"My lord has been expecting you. Give me the drachmas and we shall leave."
Reyna handed them out even as they boarded the boat. Octavian visibly shuddered looking at the dead. After all, he did belong with them, though for what reason he had been granted a second chance was beyind him- a rather guilty sin of Hades perhaps? He would find out later. Their trio had more important things to do.
"Is she here, Charon?"
The boatman turned to see the one who had spoken to him. Perseus Jackson, son of Poseidon, whom he had met quite some years ago.
"I am to say nothing. Hades' orders."
He would likely have made a comment about the pay rise he had asked for all those years ago, but even he could see it just wasn't the time. The Underworld wasn't a nice place to visit by a far stretch so the fact that three demigods had come, with explicit permission from camp, spoke volumes of the situation. Moreover, one does not simply joke with the Heroes of Olympus when they are questing. After all, the gods owe them much. The rest of the boat ride is mournfully silent. Even as they cross the Styx, Charon points the way and takes his leave. There is no need to wish them luck, for they all know there is none to be found.
They walk past Cerberus and into Hades' halls. Many a strange glance is cast their way for it is obvious that they are living, but nine dare to question the Lord of the Dead. Hades sits on his throne looking more pensive than usual. His face no longer holds that stoic mask, and the demigods can't help but wonder why.
"Reyna Avila Ramirez Arellano. Octavian. Perseus Jackson. I know your names, and have met two of you under quite unpleasant circumsatances so pray, tell, what brings you here?"
Reyna answered him first.
"Chiron sent us. We're here to search for amswers. Answers from the dead, or from you. Either way would be fine."
"Answers, you say, praetor of Rome? What anwers do you seek from the dead that you would not find among the living? Who said you'd find them here?""Nico did. Now will you help us?"
Reyna almost missed the way Hades stiffened at the name. She would have to ask Nico later. She reverted her attention to what Hades had to say.
"You may probably know by now that the one you are dealing with is no ordinary mortal. It's a primordial. One of the strongest of us all. There aren't many who hold power over the shadows. I can only hope it isn't who I think it could be. If I am right, then she'll have too many allies, and this will be a battle we cannot win."
Reyna didn't like the sound of that. Hades definitely wasn't one of the optimistic Olympians and they had won quite their share if such battles before, but just who where they facing this time? Had this primordial ever faced the gods before?
"Who is it, then?""That is not for me to tell, though I suppose I can allow you to speak with the dead just this once. I'd rather have Nico do it, yet you'll have to Do, for I see you still don't trust Octavian, and neither will some of the dead."
This time, it was Percy who spoke first.
"Why? Where is Nico?""He left. He would not tell me where to. I cannot reach him anymore, though I can assure you he is not among the dead."
"And you just let him go? What if he's hurt?"
No one talks to a god that way. Especially when that god is Hades. You don't want to live the rest of your life as a miserable skeleton, or even worse, Hades' clothes. Apparently, this surprised even Hades, for the only reaction they got out of him was a raised eyebrow.
"I do not know what he is up to, but if you do come across him, keep an eye on him. I'd like it if he makes it back. Preferably, alive."
"Isn't that a lovely sentiment," came Octavian's sarcastic comment, only to be met with three pairs of eyes boring holes onto him.
"Alecto will guide you to Elysium now. There are some who await you. The others will move on without any notice. Don't cause trouble. I won't be very forgiving."
The fury brought back bad memories of how it all started. Of how he met Annabeth, and if how he'd likely never meet her again. Gone was his humour, and gone was his craving for anything blue. True, the pain would likely pass with time, yet it felt so different when he'd lost his mother. Annabeth had been there, then. Now it was her he was missing.
"Is she here?" he asked as they approached the glimmering souls.
"Miss me?" came a whisper so close it almost caressed his ear.
Even as he looked for the source of the voice, he felt so much more than he thought he ever would. He felt like he finally understood what Orpheus once felt like. See in those blonde princess curls framing a face that held eyes as grey as storm clouds, he wished more than ever that he could simply walk out from the Underworld with her walking side by side. He tried to through his arms around her and hold her close one last time, yet disappointment was all that came to him, for his hands just passed through her shimmering form.
"You're here, Wise Girl! Why are you here? We promised we'll never leave each other. I could throw you now as you did in New Rome, but I don't suppose that's possible now," he trailed of with a broken laugh. For a while, neither of them spoke, and he was grateful that Reyna and Octavian were giving him some space. That's when he heard a voice he never expected to hear again. "I'd say that's a yes, Annie. I don't suppose I'll hear the same though. Nice to see you, Percy."