Chapter 16: Kenzie

I have to admit, the Underworld hadn't been that bad. I mean, sure it was almost always freezing and the sun never rose, but aside from that, it was okay. I was kept separate from the other spirits; for some reason, they didn't want me to have any contact with them. When I first arrived I had taken the most direct route that I knew of, Charon's ferry. I was surprised that he let me on without question or pay, but I couldn't complain. There was a team of twelve security ghouls to meet me when I took my first step off the ferry. They shepparded me away from the judgement pavilion and pushed a path through the spirits wandering in the Fields of Asphodel. Word of my arrival must already have reached Elysium because the streets were lined with curious onlookers from different time periods. I may as well have been a prisoner from the way they treated me, but I kept my head held high and did my best not to show my nerves. I didn't sleep that first night. I went outside and sat on the front step of the old brownstone that I'd been given and looked up, imagining the stars and remembering Nico. Everywhere I went seemed to draw the attention of everybody and eventually, I withdrew to the confinements of the house and withdrew into myself. They chained Ankah to the gates, not only so that I couldn't escape, but as to punish the creature that had aided us so faithfully throughout the years. It made me furious, but there was nothing I could do to help her. In the Underworld, I was powerless. It was a new feeling for me, this helplessness. I was used to being in command and the quickest to figure out a solution to whatever problem faced us. Now I was lost, drifting in a sea of uncertainty and doubt. It was fine for the other ghosts, this wasn't a punishment for them, they could leave whenever they wanted to and apply to live again; take another shot at it. For them, I was sure, the Underworld must have been almost a pleasant place. Often, I tried to see it as they did, but it was beyond me. There were only four things I really missed: the sun, the stars, freedom, and Nico. I missed Nico most of all and probably more than I cared to admit. When I saw him coming towards me on Ankah it was like the miracle that I had prayed for. I didn't hesitate, didn't question the repercussions. I just went with it. Although, even if I feel guilty about it now, I doubt that I'll regret that decision in the slightest. I loved the feeling of Shadow Traveling after so long, of riding Ankah, of just being with the love of my life.

We emerged into bright sunlight. For a moment, I was blinded, and I instinctively tightened my arms around Nico's waist. It was then that I realized something. I wasn't a ghost anymore. "Nico?" I whispered.

He turned as quick as lightning, grey eyes dancing. "Yes my love?"

In answer, I only grinned. "Where are we?" It was only now that I really took stock of our surroundings. We were surrounded by old buildings in the typical Greek architecture style that half-bloods were so fond of. Gravel-paved walkways connected them to each other. The sky was clear and the sun shone brightly. Rolling green hills surrounded us and in the east, a glimpse of the sea.

"I'm not all that sure," he admitted. "I told Ankah to bring us somewhere safe and this is where she brought us."

"Nothing ventured nothing gained," I said with a slight shrug. He winked and slid of Ankah. I landed lightly beside him a moment later. The huge hellhound turned thrice around and curled up, head on her paws, contentedly snoring.

"Surprised my children?" A woman spoke somewhere just out of sight and Nico and I stiffened.

"Who's there?" Nico called, eyes searching the landscape. "Show yourself."

"Please is always welcome," the voice said huffily.

"Fine then. Please," he said impatiently.

"You can do better than that. Use it in a sentence, its polite." Now the voice was faintly teasing and Nico seemed to be getting tired of the banter.

"Please reveal yourself," he said in a voice of mock politeness.

The invisible woman sighed. "If that's the best you can do, I suppose I'll just have to take what I can get." The air shimmered and a woman stood before us. She had a raven perched on her right shoulder and vivid violet eyes with dark red hair. She wore black jeans with combat boots and a black short-sleeved shirt that hugged her. An equally black belt hung around her waist, studded with diamonds. A purple cloak fell around her shoulders and was fastened in the front with a gold brooch adorned with sapphires. The air next to her quivered and another goddess took shape. Black hair that was almost blue, elvish features, and warm blue eyes.

"Mother," I cried.

The other goddess sighed. "You always miss the minor deities don't you?"

"Sorry," I apologized. "I'm Kenzie and this is Nico, my husband. Who are you?"

She laughed in a high silvery voice that reminded me of silver bells. "My name is Hecate, I am the goddess of magic."

Nico bowed low. "This is an unexpected pleasure," he addressed both goddesses when he spoke. "Might I be granted the audacity to ask about the unexpected visit?"

Nimn laughed. "You always were straight to the point, son of Hades. I like that about you. Very well. Hecate, will you do the honors?"

The goddess of magic made her a deep exaggerated bow. "I would love to." She stood upright again and the crow on her shoulder eyed us with a knowing look. "This is a world that is open only to you for the present. It is a place of safety and refuge for demigods seeking shelter. Nimn and I created it, woven from the fibers of this world with a little extra. You could call it another dimension. Its purpose is to serve as a hiding place from the Olympians, who are unaware that this place exists at all." She tossed her hair back proudly and smirked at the astonished looks on our faces. "Are there any questions?"

When Nico had regained his voice he asked, "You created this... for us?"

Nimn laughed. "I knew that it would only be a matter of time before you cracked and went back for my daughter." I felt myself blushing despite myself and Nico was slightly red-faced himself. If Nimn noticed this she gave no outward sign, but continued. "And when that happened, I knew that you'd need a place away from the gods that wasn't bereft of adventure."

"So this place is simply one away from the sight of the gods that mimics our own world in its rules and structure?" I asked, trying to figure this out.

Hecate winked at me. "The rules are slightly different, but you'll find that out in due time I'm sure." She sighed almost enviously. "You can return to the mortal world, although you'll have to discover how to do so for yourself. If you need either of us, an Iris message will do just fine, she's in on it too and gave us some ideas." She smiled. "Now it's time for us to be leaving."

"Wait!" Nico cried. It was too late. The goddesses glowed brightly and we were forced to look away as they showed their true forms. When we looked again, they were gone. Nico took my hand and raised his eyebrows quizzically.

I laughed at his expression and kissed him. As the sun shined brightly upon the young world, we began the first day of the rest of our lives.