Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the series PJO or HOO.

AN: So, my plan is to update the story once every two weeks. This obviously will differ depending on what I have going on in my life. I expect the upcoming exams will take some time away for writing, so please bear with me. Once again, thanks very much to all the new followers and a cheeky hello to my old fans that have stalked me into this story!

-H.

-o-

For a moment, Hazel wasn't sure where she had woken up. The sheets seemed too soft, and the bed was way too big. Cautiously, she sat up and looked around, when suddenly the events of yesterday hit her like a tidal wave and she flopped back onto the mountain of pillows on the bed that was now 'hers'.

Everything was solid. It wasn't a dream. She really was the illegitimate child of Hades, and she was really still in his apartment. She shook her head to clear away the lingering doubt and sat up again.

Unknown to her, someone had already drawn the curtains and the pale morning sunlight was streaming in. It was likely one of the silent-as-the-grave maids, who had also served their dinner last night. Just as Reyna said, they didn't anything at all and walked so quietly that it was unnerving. The room that she had been allocated was on the third floor, right above the library. It was graced with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a brilliant view of the New York skyline. From this high up, the cars down below were reduced to crawling insects that made dull hums.

It seemed that a lot had changed for her in the space of one day.

Hazel scrutinized her room a bit more, now that it was flooded with natural light. Last night she hadn't realized how well the deep blue and silvery grey hues worked in the room. The bed upon where she sat was mostly grey, as were the reading chair that stood near the door, and the curved lounge that was tucked in the corner. These pieces of grey and silver were complemented with many blue pillows and cushions. Huge silken lavender colored drapes completely the cool modern look.

Not the mention the walk-in wardrobe (mysteriously fitted with clothing her size) and the spa fitted bathroom. She felt like she had won a luxurious holiday at a five-star resort.

From downstairs, she heard the twinkling of a bell being shaken and realized that this was the call to breakfast that Uncle Poseidon had mentioned before they separated on the stairs last night.

Hurriedly, Hazel got up to wash and dress.

-o-

When Hazel rushed downstairs, afraid that there might not been enough food left for her, she realized she needn't have worried. Patting down her simple white cotton shirt and black jeans, the first thing she saw was Frank wielding a strange looking instrument on the kitchen bench. He was furiously stirring a tumbler of some liquid. But when he saw her, he smiled and nodded, "Breakfast area is to the left, Miss Hazel."

Hazel could help but be fascinated by what the young bodyguard was doing. "What's that?"

Frank grinned as he began to shave a strip of orange peel, "You'll see." With a few clicking sounds, the machine in his hand came alight- it was a blowtorch. Frank fired the orange peel strip and dropped it in a tumbler of amber liquid. It landed quite uselessly on top of some huge ice cubes. "Ta-da!"

Hazel had never been more confused in her life. "What's that?"

"It's an old-fashioned, of course!" Frank looked proud of himself. "Mr di Angelo Senior insisted on one every morning and now your brother has picked up the habit."

These rich people and their weird habits, Hazel wanted to roll her eyes. "So, it's alcohol?"

"It's whiskey. Aged for almost three decades." An unwelcome voice said behind her.

Frank straightened up and gave Nico a respectful nod, "Sir."

The latter returned the gesture and frowned at her as he picked up the glass. Hazel thought he looked better than yesterday, but his face was still an unhealthy pallor. She could see how his hand trembled as he lifted the glass.

"The smell of a good day ahead." He inhaled the whiskey and gave a sigh of satisfaction.

Hazel frowned. She wanted to get him off his high horse. Perhaps she should point out the dangers of underage drinking- but rich people didn't play by the rules anyways.

"It smells like a permanent marker to me." She said indeed.

Nico pressed his lips tightly together and headed into the room on the right, the lounge room if Hazel remembered correctly, without another word. Hazel, on the other hand, felt a sense of satisfaction at her small victory. But then she felt a bit guilty.

Hazel shrugged and turned in the opposite direction.

-o-

Triton and Poseidon were already seated at the relatively modest round table digging into their food when Hazel entered the room. At the sight of her, Poseidon smiled and beckoned her over.

"Good morning, Niece! Welcome to the breakfast area. We do a buffet every morning, so please help yourself."

Hazel smiled and looked around, feeling stupid for thinking that food could be limited in an environment like this. The 'breakfast area' was decorated with a muted grey scheme, with no windows to be seen. It seemed almost like a secret room within the grandeur of the rest of the household. The only standout part was the light hanging from the ceiling in the center of the room. It looked like an enlarged bird's nest created from wires and paper but glowed a warm orange.

True to Poseidon's word, there was a side bench heaped with food. From bacon and eggs to toast and sausages, Hazel couldn't believe how much food there was. There was even a self-serve soup station on the side, with at least ten different styles of soups sitting in large silver pots.

"Does all this food get made here?" she queried, before helping herself by piling up a plate.

Triton nodded gingerly as he stuffed toast into his mouth, "It all gets made downstairs."

"Oh? Where's 'downstairs'?"

"It's where all the house staff sleep and hang out. Also, all our security detail has their offices there." Triton patted the empty seat next to him, "Come sit next to me."

She did.

Her cousin turned to her and gave a sincere smile, "I'm so glad I finally get a cousin who doesn't mope about all the time."

Hazel laughed, "Well, I have my mopey moments. But Nico's just lost his father, so it's justified."

Poseidon suddenly had a keen interest in their conversation. "Well, technically- so did you."

She started, suddenly feeling awkward. "Well… I didn't know he even existed before yesterday. Then I had a father, and a few moments later he was 'dead' again. The point is- Nico's relationship with Hades must have been very different from that."

Triton shook his head, ignoring Poseidon's warning look. "Well, I don't think anyone ever gets to know Hades. Even if you're his son. As far as I know, Nico spent most of his time away at a boarding school in Italy, only coming home on special occasions."

Poseidon cleared his throat, "You mustn't speak ill of the dead, Triton. And anyway, that's all worlds away now."

For a moment, everyone was silent. Then he spoke again. "Hazel, I've got your financial situation sorted out. The lawyers tell me that since you are not of age, you cannot formally inherit property yet." He slid a bank card towards her, "But, they have put aside the ten million dollars in another account that is accessible to you, to use as you see fit."

Ten million! Even though she thought she had gotten over the shock yesterday, hearing it said again made her want to scream out loud. Poseidon gave a rueful smile, "I wouldn't recommend buying any sports cars or houses. Remember, you've still got that estate out in the country. But anything else you want to get, I won't stop you."

"Thank you… Uncle."

The sound of footsteps directed their attention to the door. Nico ambled in, looking more refreshed than Hazel had ever seen him. He placed his now empty glass on the side table.

"What's going on?"

"We're having breakfast, do you want to join us?" Triton gestured to the table, "You look better by the way."

Nico brushed off his offer, "I've already had a tray." But he moved to sit at the table anyway, as far as he could away from Hazel. Poseidon glanced at them curiously.

"When we're done, I'd like some coffee sent up the library. Frank?"

Hazel started again. Did everyone in this household have the habit of creeping up on you? Near the door stood Frank and Reyna. Side by side, and in similar black coloured suits, they were a sight. Frank was the size of a small bear but had a confused expression on his face. Hazel thought it was kind of cute. Next to him, much smaller in stature, but equally threatening, was Reyna. She had dark sunglasses on today and an earpiece in her left ear. She was the picture of readiness.

Frank was not. At Nico's order, he nodded hurried, "Yes, sir!"

Poseidon cleaned his mouth with a napkin and looked at the children around the table, "Nico, Hazel- I need to speak to the both of you in the library. It's about your father."

Nico grimaced, most likely hating that fact that Hades was their father. Poseidon glanced over at Triton, "Son, why don't you get started catching up on all the paperwork that we've neglected in the last week?"

It was a clear dismissal and Triton's face fell. But then he collected himself and stood, his graceful charming side back in control after a small set back. "Sure thing."

-o-

Nico couldn't help but feel relieved as he sank into one of the library's armchairs. Despite feeling considerably better after a drink in the morning, he could feel his heart pounding after only climbing one flight of stairs. It shouldn't be like this.

It certainly wasn't before.

He wasn't sure why his body hated him. Sure, he had never been particularly fit, but he was healthy enough to manage stairs and even a football game once in a while. In Italy, where he had been schooled and lived for the majority of his life, he positively glowed with a deep sense of contentment.

The school was located out in the country, much like an oasis in this busy world. He and his classmates had swum, rode and fished. It was a carefree life. But the moment his feet were back on home ground, things had spiraled out of control. His father had been killed- no, murdered. He had been declared mentally unfit to take over the running of his father's business (too much grief will addle one's brain, the board had said), and thus Uncle Poseidon and his son were here until further notice, to run the company and to give him judging looks whenever they had the time. As if he was a sick puppy that needed to be rescued.

Maybe their worried was deserved, he thought uncomfortably, as he felt his shirt stick to his back with sweat. He was always too hot these days and he wasn't sure why his heart seemed to be always pounded painfully. Their family doctor had found nothing wrong with him after the accident. He didn't doubt the man's expertise, but there was a nagging doubt that whispered of wrongness in the back of his mind. It suddenly seemed that his thoughts had run away again.

Bringing himself back to the present, Nico looked across the table at his uncle, and then found another pair of eyes on him. Judging. Scrutinising.

The girl. His half-sister. The embodiment of his father's disloyalty. Nico didn't want to even think about it. It made his gut churn with anger. How dare this girl suddenly step into their lives and claim a piece of his father's money! More frustratingly, it seemed that she wanted to become a permanent part of the establishment. He'd thought she would be gone by morning with her money- but evidently not.

Poseidon directed their attention back to him with a cough, "Children. I won't beat about the bush. I must tell you something about your father that very few people in the world know. Very few, I emphasise."

Nico's interest was piqued. He felt Hazel sit straighter in her seat too. It seemed strange and wrong to him that she would be here.

Their uncle sighed, "I wouldn't tell you this if it wasn't a last resort measure. Your father- my brother, was murdered, this we all know."

"But why?" Poseidon looked like he was mustering up his courage, "The truth is that Hades wasn't a mere businessman. Not only a legitimate one anyway. Up until a few months ago, he controlled most of the supplies of illegal substances in New York. People in the black market called him the Lord of the Underworld."

Hazel didn't know what to say. She felt that she didn't have a right to pass comment on a man she had never met. But then, the words struck her. Illegal substances?

But her sudden burst of terror could not match Nico's reaction. The young man had turned more ashen if it was possible. In a disbelieving and desperately choked voice, he said "What? What do you mean? You mean to say he was a criminal?"

Their uncle nodded seriously, "Yes. That is exactly what I mean. Your father was a criminal mastermind, and the substances he and I shipped and distributed in our youths and middle ages is what our fortunes were made from."

Nico sat back down in the chair. He was so silent that Hazel was worried for him. There was no doubt that it was the lull before the storm. "I can't believe it either," she said. "I've never him, but it doesn't seem to make sense."

"No, it does." Poseidon said sadly. "My brother and I were always fortunate in business, but no one makes this much money without there being blood and gore involved. I'm not proud of what we did, but he did it all for you, Nico."

When the said boy didn't reply, he pressed on. "His children were his crowning jewels, his legacy- his future. Everything he did, he did so that you would want for nothing in your life."

Hazel felt her half-brother shift in his seat and looked up to catch their Uncle's eye. He looked furious, "He did it for me? So that I would want for nothing? He ruined the lives of how many thousands of people- for me? I was sent away from my family for years, because my mother was murdered right before my eyes. Don't tell me that my father did what he did for love. Love of money, of power, but definitely not out of love for his children."

Hazel wanted to jump in and interject, but she couldn't find the words. She couldn't believe that Hades would have been involved in such affairs. Certainly, she'd never been optimistic about the world, or particularly trusted insanely rich people like Hades, but it had all shifted a bit when she learnt that they were father and daughter.

Poseidon picked up his coffee mug and looked down into the steaming hot liquid, "I know it is hard to understand. And my brother would never admit it, but he loved his children more than he ever loved any material. After your sister, Bianca, passed away a few years ago, his only remaining child and heir was everything to him."

Hazel couldn't believe her ears. She had never thought that Nico might have had another sibling, and certainly never thought that they may have died. She snuck a glance at him and then looked away hurriedly. For a moment, she admired this boy. How could he sit there and take it, one loss after another? She knew she certainly couldn't go through such things and come out the other side a moderately functioning human being.

Nico gritted his teeth so hard that their dentist would certainly have hit him upside the head, "Why are you telling us this now?"

"Because the people who murdered him may very well be coming for you two as well," Poseidon said it so matter of fact that Nico almost missed it. But then the words hit home, and a rush of intense fear washed over him.

"Why?" Hazel asked, looking from Nico to Poseidon. "What have we ever done to them?"

"Nothing. But thoughts of revenge are rarely logical. If they had the audacity to assassination my brother, then they wouldn't flinch at the thought of killing his children."

Hazel was livid, "This madman's actions have put me in danger. I didn't choose to be here-"

Nico stood suddenly, "Stop! Just stop it! No one chose to be here. I think my…our father was a fool to dabble in criminal activities, but you will not speak ill of him."

He met her eyes, and suddenly it struck her that he wasn't angry, but more tired than anything else. "This man," Nico continued flatly, "He kept a lot of secrets. I knew that. I didn't know what they were, and I didn't see a need to guess at them."

"That doesn't mean that you wouldn't suspect him of it."

"Who suspects their own father of being a criminal mastermind?"

"If he was my father, I would be pretty suspicious about where his mountains of money came from!"

"He is your father!" Nico's voice was raised, edged with frustration.

That was the crux of the matter. These two strangers from very different backgrounds had been thrown together into one boat and been told to row for their lives.

"He copulated with your mother to produce you- that makes him your father. Whether you or I accept it doesn't matter. He is your father as much as he is mine."

"At least you knew him. He's never lifted a single finger to help me," Hazel saw red, "Not even when my mother died!"

Nico, who had his mouth open to retort, turned away and didn't meet her eyes, "I'm sorry. I didn't know. That wasn't right of him."

"I don't need your apologies." She thought about storming out but then decided against it. "Do you know how it felt, watching your mother slowly spiral down into some drug-induced hell, know there was nothing you could do?"

Nico felt like he had suddenly aged by a few decades. His head hurt, and his heart was pounding again. He knew that he couldn't even make it back to his room in this state.

"Why did he never tell me? Why did he send me away for to far-off school and never tell me anything?"

Poseidon shook his head, "He was trying to protect you. Your father was harsh on you because he believed strict parenting increased the chances of you being successful and happy."

Hazel didn't want to point out that harsh parenting probably also increased the chances of depression and suicidal thoughts. Not when her brother already looked so upset and defeated- she wasn't that cruel.

Their uncle stood, "That's enough for today. I swear that I will protect you two as if you are my own. And now, it is important that we stick together. So tomorrow, you will both go to pay a visit to your father's grave. It would do you both good- give you a sense of closure. And some time alone together might help you bond."

Hazel thought that he couldn't be more wrong. Putting her and Nico together without responsible adult supervision was a bad idea.

-o-

"Tomorrow, they will go to the graveyard." The voice over the phone was muffed, "You must make sure this time. No one can get away. If we fail again, they will double the security and it will be much harder to get rid of them."

The call's recipient nodded, and then spoke into the mouthpiece, "I won't fail this time. The boy will die, and so will the girl."

"Make sure of it. This is the best chance we have. They will think it disrespectful to bring security guards to their father's grave. In other words- they will be all alone."

"Good luck."

The line went dead.

In the silence, the assassin ran through the plan in his head again.

-o-

See you next chapter.

-H.