Chapter 24

New Orleans

Nico di Angelo

We got off the plane around 1, and caught a taxi from the airport. We had him drop us off at the French Quarter because the cemetery without a tour is kind of suspicious. He would probably think we were up to no good, because a lot of criminals liked to lurk around there when the gates are open during the day.

Snow seemed happy to be home again. She said hi to several people on the street and introduced me to them. The old woman with the expensive clothes said "Oh," really loudly when she learned I was her boyfriend. Probably the chains and leather did that.

"So, where is the entrance? Lafayette Cemetery, I'm guessing."

"Yeah, in an empty crypt."

"Cool, let's go!" She said swinging her arm into mine.

"I was lucky enough to find the one girl in the world who's not afraid of dead people."

"Yeah, I'm awesome."

"You really are."

"Let's go!" She hummed we're off to see the wizard in her sweet voice.

"Why wizard of oz?" I asked, beginning to get hypnotized by her song.

"Slightly similar situation. Just what popped into my head. What's wrong with Wizard of Oz?"

"Nothing, it just reminds me of my childhood in the 40s a little. I can almost remember, but at the same time I can't and it's painful."

"I could show you flashes if you want," She offered. "Or dreams."

"Thanks, but we should do that later. We have something to do right now."

She nodded in agreement and started humming again. People were starting to follow us, trying to get closer to the music. Snow seemed to realize this and stopped. We were approaching the cemetery now. This was the part of New Orleans I knew best.

We walked through the gates and worked our way around the tall tombstones. Finally we got to the crypt, which was in the center of the graveyard.

"There's a tour group coming around. Hurry!" Snow said.

I pushed her behind the tombstone. "So why is it empty?" She asked.

"They were planning to bury the body of a yellow fever victim here, and put the engraving on and everything, but the body was buried at the family's house instead."

"Okay, so how do open it?"

"You push this down," I said working as I talked. "And then there's an opening to put my sword in." I put my sword in the hole and twisted. The entire back wall of the tombstone went downward, revealing stairs.

"After you." She stepped in and I took my sword out and closed it behind us.

We progressed down the stairs. "Wow, how long did this take to build?"

"Hazel helped me out," I explained.

It was completely dark except for Snow's sapphire necklace, which was glowing.

"Why is your necklace glowing?"

"It usually does that when I'm underground. Other times too, but mostly underground."

"It didn't do that at Alcatraz."

"It did, I was just fingering it so that everyone wouldn't see. Leo would make some stupid joke and I'd get questioned about my past."

"'The past can be painful, yes, but we can either run from it or learn from it.'"

"Oh, my gods, did you just quote lion king? Finally, my Disney movies are rubbing off on you!"

"Yeah, you said there was life lessons to learn from those movies and you were right. Happy?"

"Thoroughly. So what is the moral of lion king?" She said smugly.

I looked at the ceiling. "This is why I've gotten by without real school."

"What is the moral?" She asked again.

"Everyone has a crazy uncle. Don't trust them."

"I'll accept that. Your sister said the moral is that hyenas are scary and can't be trusted. You children of Hades must have some trust issues."

"Yeah, little bit. What do YOU think the moral is?"

"Life goes on. Simba loved his Father, but his death was necessary to build his character. It changed him from an innocent little kid into an much cooler alpha lion. Yes, it was sad, but it helped him transform into the king he was meant to be and strengthen him enough to defeat Scar."

"That's so much better than mine. And...highly relatable."

She seemed to realize what she'd said. "Oh, Nico, I didn't mean-"

"No it's fine. I'm better now. I'll admit that. But the past is hard to get over."

"Indeed it is, Angel boy."

I smiled. "How do you always know how to make me feel better?"

"Comes naturally to me. I've always been good at comforting."

"I wish I was like that. I'm just good at creating a dark atmosphere."

"I LIKE your dark atmosphere. And you're good at tons of other stuff, too."

I smiled again. Then I realized we had reached the end of the stairs.

"Hey, where are we? I mean in the Underworld."

"The vale of mourning. This is where the spirits consumed by unhappy love dwell."

"I've never seen this place before."

"That's why the entrance leads here. It's out of the way, so I can enter discreetly and not attract attention."

There were spirits in every direction crying while Adele music played above us. Some of them were eating ice creams and squirting whipped cream in their mouths. They all seemed to be victims of terrible breakups.

"Come on, let's move through here quickly," I said. "This is without a doubt the most depressing place in the Underworld." I noticed Snow was turned away from me. I turned her around and looked at her face. Her eyes were wide and shattered and she seemed to have a million thoughts running through her head.

I started to worry about her. "Come on, let's go." She didn't move. She was...paralyzed with sadness. We had to get out of here. I picked her up and threw her over my shoulder, and ran out of there as fast as I could. When we got to the fields of Asphodel, she seemed to regain consciousness.

"Nico, put me down, I'm fine!" I did what she said.

"That place...I remembered...terrible things."

"It's okay. We won't leave that way. We can shadow travel or something."

"O-okay." I wondered what all had happened to her that she had seen back there.

"Hey. Let's get going. We're almost there. The palace is just up ahead. Can you see it in the distance?"

She was silent.

I held her hand and we walked toward the palace. When we got there, there were two knights guarding the doors. They parted their swords and let us pass.

Once we were in the hallway, Snow handed me the staff. "You give it to him. You've earned it."

"Thanks." I said, glad she was letting me do it. My Father would be so proud.

The undead guards from different eras lined the hallway. They opened the door to the Throne Room and we walked in.

My Father was lounging on his throne already. I got the feeling he'd been waiting for us.

"Father." I knelt. "I have brought you your staff, which I retrieved from Prometheus himself."

He bent down and took it.

"Yes, I know, son. Quite an impressive display. A demigod is extremely dangerous when they are angry. One of my children is ten times more. But, you know, they are not all dead like you think. Only 3 died, and they were all of minor parentage, and wouldn't have been much use to the Titans. Those two you killed with your own hands are fine too. Prometheus healed them, and most of them ran away. Those children were trained well in combat, and it shows. I don't think any of the demigods at Camp Half-Blood could withstand such an attack, with their efforts combined."

"So, they're still plotting to destroy the gods? Where are they?"

"I do not know where they are residing, but I advise you to tell my brother about this, because in his rage, he will find Prometheus, and thus the children."

"Dionysus already told Zeus, but I don't know if he has informed the rest of the gods yet. He wouldn't want panic," Snow said to him.

"Yes. You should inform Poseidon, Athena, Ares and Hephaestus at the very least. They will want revenge."

"When we get back, we can send Caspia, Percy, Blade, Leo and Annabeth to Olympus to tell them."

"Very well, Nico. My dear, are you alright after your close call with being taken by Prometheus?"

"Yes, Hades. Thanks to Nico and his rage." Snow said with a smile.

"Admit it, you think my anger is hot."

"I admit it. Being clearheaded is so last year."

"I know you do."

"Well, if-"

The lord of the dead cleared his throat. "When you two are done flirting, would you like to join us for dinner?"

"You mean with Persephone?" Nico asked cautiously.

"Yes. It is winter."

"Okay, Dad." I said.

"Snow, would you like to as well?"

"That depends, do you have cell reception?"

"A little, why?"

"I need to inform my Father I'll be home late. He worries terribly. He does notlike your son. He will think he has gotten me into mischief." She walked off to go call him.

Hades turned back toward me."My son, do not be mistaken. I am proud of you for this accomplishment. It is no small feat to defeat a Titan and 19 demigods single handedly. You have done well."

His words filled me with joy. Pleasing him was a huge accomplishment. I was happier than I had been when we got back from the quest.

"Good news. He said yes. But he said if I come back in the same clothes with my hair messed up Nico will get a bullet in his head."

My Father chuckled. The only people I've ever seen made him laugh were Snow, Topaz and Sapphire probably because they were all so quirky.

"Splendid. Let's go into the dining room and eat. Persephone is waiting for us."

He shrunk down to human size and we followed him into the dining room. Persephone was sitting to the right of the head chair, wearing a red dress with roses on it.

"Good! You're back. I've been waiting for the longest time."

Hades kissed her cheek and sat down. "I'm sorry, my dove. There were some complications."

"It's alright, my love, I'm just happy that Nico's quest succeeded. I'm glad you have your staff again."

Thr servants brought the food in. While everyone started eating, Persephone said "Nico, why don't you tell us about your quest." I was shocked by the affection she spoke with.

"Well, okay. So, first we went to San Fransisco, and we visited the Muir Woods park, because we needed to find monsters to tell us what their plans were. We found this empousai, and Topaz..."

Dinner went by quickly, because it was pleasant. We were about to leave when I realized that I hadn't asked about Snow's school.

"Father, you know how I haven't been to any schools since Westover Hall?"

"What are you insinuating, Nico? Get to the point!"

"Can I start going to Snow's school in New Orleans?"

"I should think that would be fine. You do need an education after all. But where will you stay?"

"We have plenty of empty guest rooms at my house. He could stay in one of those to put my Father's nerves at ease."

"Very well. But promise me you'll write to me, Nico."

"I promise, Father."

"Alright. Goodbye, son."

"Goodbye, Father."

I took Snow's hand and we ended up back on the streets of New Orleans.

"So where do you live?" I asked her.

"I'll show you. We walked to the other side of town to a green grass covered area surrounding the road. Then there was a long driveway, that went on longer than the walk there. Finally I saw a huge 5 story white columned house as big as two malls.

The grounds were surrounded with fruit trees and wildflowers, as well as rose bushes all around the house and beds of lillies and tulips. There was a brook to the side, which gleamed in the sunset.

"Wow." Was all I could say.

Snow grimaced. "It's too much, I think."

"Are you kidding? It's amazing!"

"Well, thank you." She walked up the stone steps and rang the doorbell.

A man in a suit came to the door and opened it. He had dark hair, a handsome, distinguished face, with a thinish mustache above his lip.

"Hey, Jared," Snow said, and gave him a hug.

He let go and smiled."Hello, Miss Sabrina. Good to have you back."

"You...have a BUTLER?"

Jared chuckled. "You don't really think a house like this comes without servants? I am one of many serving the Sabrina/Karl household."

"He's not a butler, Nico. He's like family."

"I'm sorry. Pleased to meet you...Jared."

"Mr. Smith, if you don't mind. I prefer the formal tittle when it comes to newcomers. The family likes to call me by my first name. I don't mind. Please, come in! Don't stay outside on a hot day like this."

"Thank you Mr. Smith."

I stepped into the house. It was even more amazing on the inside. The first room was a two story foyer with a sweeping marble staircase in the center, and bars around the second floor part that allowed you to look down. Towards the back of the room was French doors that led off to an orchard. At least five rooms branched off, including a small library, a parlor, a living room, a drawing room, and what looked like an aquarium, along with several hallways.

"Wow." I said again.

"Yes, I suppose the house is pretty 'wow'. Miss Sabrina, would you like me to get your bag?"

"Sure, thanks," she said and handed it to him.

"You know, a young gentleman should always offer to help a lady with what she's carrying. I think Mr. Karl will insist on a cotillion."

I had no idea what that was, but Snow shot me a look of warning, and I knew it was to be revered.

"You admire the house I see," Mr. Smith said as we walked up the grande staircase. "It's over 300 years old. It's seen six wars, and the yellow fever plague. Naturally, it's been renovated a bit, but the family has kept it more or less the same structure. Hasn't knocked the walls down. It's been in his family for so long, he wouldn't want to."

"Has he talked about me?" I asked.

"I'm inclined not to answer that question," He said.

"That's a yes," Snow said with a smile.

He ignored the comment and said,"Snow, would you like me to take this up to your room?"

"Yes, please." He turned left and started progressing down the hall.

"Snow, when can I meet the rest of your family?" I asked as she led me down the hall.

"Probably later. Everyone is out right now. The time is different here than Los Angelos, and it's 5 here and 7 there. Topaz is flying back in, my Dad is working, My mom is here, but she and my dad are going to a business dinner party tonight. My...other brothers are doing some volenteer work after school, and my little sis is here! Do you want to meet her?"

"Sure! What's her name?"

"Garnet. Karl."

"What's the deal with the split last name thing anyway?"

"Well, my mom wanted to keep her name, and she decided to give us hers. Garnet has my Dad's, because it goes better with her first name, and all my brothers have that name."

"I see," I said, and looked around. "Are we lost? I don't remember which way we came." We were in a red velvety carpeted hallway, and there seemed to be rooms going in every direction.

"Nico, I've liven here for three hundred years. I know my way around."

"Okay, but this place is huge. I'm sure you can get lost."

She rolled her eyes. "It's smaller than your Fathers palace I think. You know your way around there."

"I'm pretty sure they're about the same...And that place is familiar to me...Ohhhhhh."

"Yeah. The staircase is around this next turn. Sure enough, there was a staircase from the first floor to the fourth. "There's two elevators, also, I'll show you another time."

"Why two?"

"They're at opposite ends of the house. The third floor is where her room is."

"Okay, turn left, then two rights."

Finally we got there. It was white double doors, and they had black hearts painted on gem and etchings of twilight sparkle.

"Twilight sparkle is the best my little pony," Snow said.

She knocked on the door. "Garnet! I'm back!"

There was the sound of things being knocked over. I winced when I heard a head hit the door. A little girl opened the door. At first all I saw was the top of her head, but then she took Snow's hand tenderly and led her into her room.

It was nice. It was big and the walls were painted in pretty rainbow swirls, with silver furniture. When you walked in, there was a purple couch which circled around a flat screen tv. There was a huge shelf with colorful picture and chapter books. Her hot pink canopy bed was in the back of the room and it was covered in stuffed animals with another tv in front of it. There was a bathroom that smelled like bath and body works, a huge walk in closet and a room bigger than her bedroom with tons of toys in it. Basically, it was every little girl's dream.

Garnet sat on her bed. She was a pretty little girl, she had tight auburn waves, and big blue eyes like her mother. She was wearing a purple glittery dress, black converse and diamond heart jewelry. She wore purple sparkle eyeshadow, light blush, and pink lip gloss. Her nails were painted pink with little cherries.

She was the most glamorous child I'd ever seen.

"Where have you been? You said you'd be back 3 days ago." Garnet asked furiously.

"I had to go on a quest, Garnet."

She was suddenly interested. "A quest? What for? Who's leading it? And who's this stranger you have brought past my threshold?"

"This is my boyfriend, Nico di Angelo."

She looked me over. "I wonder how long you'll last."

"He's a demigod. The son of Hades."

"Hades is cool. I've met him, but I support Aphrodite's values more thoroughly."

"Thanks. Aphrodite's not nearly as pretty as your sister, though."

She looked at Snow. "He's a kiss up."

She laughed.

"He led the quest."

"Really? I have an understanding that Hades is not trusted by the gods."

"Uh, not particularly, but the quest was for something that was taken from him."

"What?"

"Well, someone thought they were being funny and stole his staff from him."

She looked at her sister. "Is he trying to sugar coat it because he doesn't think I can handle the information?"

"Nico, don't lie to her. She always sees through that. She may be young, but she's clever, and besides, she already knows about the Titans."

"Okay. So they stole his staff to bribe the monsters into joining them. They were going to resurrect them in exchange for their allegiance."

"But you stopped them?"

"Yes."

"Cool. You guys wanna see my new dollhouse?"

"Sure." We said simultaneously.

We walked into her toy room. It was painted the same way as her bedroom, and was the size of half a ballroom. In the back was what I think is every Lego set ever made, and to the right was tons and tons of Barbie doll houses. There must have been thousands of dolls, too. In the center were anamatronic pony rides that must have costed a fortune. On the wall was a shrine to Peter Pan, with a poster with lipstick on it. On the other part of the room was those tiny plastic barbies I could never remember the name of. Started with a P...Polly...Polly Pockets. There was another walk in closet, filled with dress up clothes, which led off from this room.

She pointed to a 3 story purple dollhouse in the center of the dollhouses, covered in, you guessed it, glitter. "Daddy got it for me when he was on business in Spain. Pretty, huh?"

"So pretty. And it's my favorite color, too."

"Do you wanna play? You can be Barbie this time. But don't get used to it."

"I'm sorry, sweetie. I will play with you some other time, I promise. But Nico is a boy. I think he would feel kind of left out if we played dolls."

"I guess you're right."

"Hey, why don't you tell Nico about your school."

She looked at me. "I'm popular."

"Tell him more than that, Garnet."

"I'm in the 3rd grade at Garden Grove Elementery. It's a private school. We always have to go to private schools. Mommy and Daddy insist upon it."

"It's not so bad. They give you a better education, and anyways, it's not like you can get in trouble." Snow said.

"I WANT to get in trouble. It makes life more interesting," Garnet grumbled.

Snow sighed. "You sound like Topaz."

"Good. Topaz is awesome." She then looked at me. "How old are you?"

"It's complicated."

"Everyone in this house's age is complicated. Except me, because I'm boring and I was born 8 years ago. And of course Jared, because he's mortal. We love him still."

"Okay, well the big three gods decided to make a pact not to have any more children. They thought they were too dangerous, too unpredictable."

"True," Snow coughed.

"But Hades had already had...a child. Back in the 40s he had an affair with a mortal woman. So he decided to hide the child in the Lotus Hotel and Casino. They never aged, and 70 years was like a few weeks. When they came out, it was modern times, and only then they started to age."

"So, you're like 80?"

"Yeah, I guess."

"Huh. Well you have a nickname now."

"Which is?"

"The old man."

"Garnet, that's not very nice!" Snow chided.

"Sorry, but all of you here are thousands of years older than 80." I retorted.

"Yes, but 80 is he age of an elderly mortal, but thousands of years is the age of an immortal."

"That's...actually a good point." I admitted.

"But Garnet, please don't call him the old man," Snow said in exasperation.

"Okay. So, the boyfriend, do you want to see my bunny?" Garnet rebelled.

"Don't call him the boyfriend either." Snow said, exasperated.

"Sorry, Garnet, animals don't like me much."

"No, Rodrick likes EVERYONE. I'm sure he'll like you," She reassured.

She walked back over to her bed, and I for the first time noticed a soft, bunny sized bed, raised to the height of hers, with the same sheets and everything on it.

Poor Rodrick had a fluffy pink bed. Garnet picked him up gingerly. He was a cute brown bunny with white spots. "Here, want to hold him?"

It was actually pretty tempting. "Okay. I'll try." But no sooner had the bunny touched my hands did he scamper away, and hide in the closet.

"Huh. I guess you were right." She said.

Snow's phone made a texting noise.

"Oh, it's Scarlett. They're all going to get coffee, want to come with, Angel?"

"Yuck! Coffee." Garnet said.

"Sure."

"Bye, Garnet. See ya later!"

"I love how you just abandon me at the first chance to hang out with your friends," Garnet grumbled.

"It's not that, Garnet, I want him to meet my friends before we go to school tomorrow."

"Yeah, well, have fun."

"Thanks. I'll tuck you in tonight if you want."

"That would be nice." Garnet said, though she was still sad.

"I enjoyed meeting you," I told her.

"You too, I guess."

On that note, we were out the door.