The rainbow coming from Percy's fountain in the Poseidon Cabin flickered, as the two demigods conversed through the Iris Message. "Dude, seriously? Sent on a quest to find some lost lightning, and I had nothing to do with it!"

Nico's smile was filled with frustration and a hint of guilt, as he answered. "Percy, I've got something to tell you. I won't be able to help or even answer your calls. The Fates made it impossible."

"What? No way, Nico! You've always got my back." Percy's eyes widened in horror at the news. "This quest is gonna be tough without you."

"I know, Percy. I wish I could be there for you. But the Fates do not wish me to hijack anymore prophecies." Nico pouted, making Percy blush- the younger boy looked adorable pouting like that.

"Eh, don't sweat it." Percy waves his worries away, trying to get rid of the blush tinting his cheeks. "I've got Alabaster and Ethan joining me. We'll handle it."

"Just be careful, okay?" Nico was insistent, he did not want to lose his friends.

"Always am, Death Boy." Percy was a dirty liar that will get his pants on fire, but at least Nico did not call him out on it. "But guess what, there's this annoying daughter of Athena who won't quit trying to join us. Thinks I need her knowledge."

Nico frowned. "Annoying daughter of Athena? What's her deal?"

"Total know-it-all. Calls me a seaweed brain, can you believe it?" Percy whined, crossing his arms over his chest with a petulant glare. "Ever since I joined Elysium Prep, my grades been solid. C+ to B-, consistently. I'm gonna keep 'em that way next semester."

"Seaweed brain"? Seriously?" Nico smirked in amusement. "I like it. Maybe I will use it myself?"

"Don't you dare!" Percy exclaimed, pointing at him accusatively. "I might even aim for straight B's next year! That will show her! Seaweed brain my ass!"

Nico chuckled. "Well, that's something. Just be careful out there, Percy."

"Always, Nico. We'll catch up when I'm back, okay?" Percy sounded hopeful, which made Nico smiled softly at him- the impending quest was pressuring the poor boy too much.

"Yeah, looking forward to it. Take care, seaweed brain." Nico replied teasingly.

"Nico!" Percy whined, as the connection got cut.

Nico shook his head, still chuckling, as he stood up in his chamber in Hades' Castle at the Underworld. He moved towards the full body mirror beside the walk-in wardrobe and looked at his ensemble.

Draped in the regal attire befitting the Ghost King and a Prince of the Underworld, Nico di Angelo stood as a spectral figure of otherworldly elegance. The obsidian hue of his royal garments, finely tailored from the shadows themselves, seemed to absorb and reflect the ethereal glow of the Underworld. The fabric cascaded down his form in a flowing cloak that mimicked the movement of ghostly whispers.

Nico's attire bore the solemn elegance reserved for the heir of Hades. A high-collared cloak, adorned with intricate patterns resembling skeletal fingers, framed his slender frame. The cloak trailed behind him, an extension of the shadows that danced at his command. Nico's fingers, adorned with obsidian rings that seemed to capture fragments of the night, occasionally brushed the pommel of his Stygian iron sword.

Beneath the cloak, he wore a tunic of deep, midnight black, embroidered with threads spun from the essence of the Stygian darkness. The fabric clung to his figure with a certain grace, offering a glimpse of the princely silhouette beneath. Along the hems, subtle patterns resembling the winding paths of the Underworld were delicately stitched, paying homage to the realm over which his father reigned.

However, the star of the whole ensemble was the crown perched elegantly on Nico's brow.

Its base was composed of the darkest metals, an amalgamation of rare alloys that seemed to absorb the surrounding light, rendering the crown a profound extension of the obsidian realm it hailed from. The spires, reminiscent of skeletal fingers, rose with an eerie elegance, creating an illusion of ethereal hands reaching out from the depths. The intertwining of these skeletal forms formed an unbroken circle, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life, death, and the realms between.

Set into the crown were small, gemstones that mirrored the profound darkness of the abyss. These stones, as black as the void itself, were not mere jewels; they were celestial fragments captured and crystallized. Like stars swallowed by the abyss, they glimmered with a spectral radiance, their faint glow adding an otherworldly luminescence to Nico's regal headpiece.

"You look like the prince you are!" Helena squealed, her transparent form skipping around the room, as she placed a tender kiss on his cheek.

"Technically he is the Ghost King," Albert pointed out, always ready to defend his technicalities. "It was a title given by the Kind of the Underworld, with the grace of Lady Melinoë."

Alexander snorted. "Another one for the collection!"

Even Harry was shaking their head with amusement. "You are collecting titles like Pokémon! Gotta catch them all!"

"Shut up," Nico sighed, fed up with everything if you asked him. "Let's get this over with."

Nico strolled down the dimly lit halls of Hades' Castle, his footsteps echoing a steady rhythm against the cold, obsidian floors. The air was thick with an otherworldly aura, as Nico pushed open the massive doors, the grandeur of the underworld's court came into view. Hades and Persephone, the imposing monarchs of the underworld, held their thrones with an air of regality. Nico's gaze flitted between his stoic father on the blackened throne and the serene Persephone beside him. The underworld's eternal couple exuded a presence that commanded respect, their royal authority palpable in the somber atmosphere.

Beside Hades sat Melinoë, his enigmatic daughter, her dark eyes keenly observing the events unfolding. Charon, her stalwart husband, stood by her side, a silent guardian in the ethereal court. On the other side, Persephone's daughter, Macaria, graced the throne with an elegance befitting a goddess. Standing beside her was her husband Thanatos, the God of Death. Zagreus stood tall at the center of the room, organizing the petitioners coming for the King and Queen of the Underworld.

The only one missing was Zagreus' wife, Minthe the immortal nymph. However, Minthe's absence did not diminish the imposing nature of the royal family. They held an unspoken authority that radiated through the chamber. Nico, despite being the son of Hades, often found himself more observer than participant in these courtly affairs.

Nico approached the thrones with the measured steps of someone familiar with the grandeur of the underworld's court. The shadows seemed to dance in rhythmic tandem with his movements, casting an ethereal aura around the son of Hades. As Nico neared the royal couple, Hades and Persephone acknowledged him with a nod, their expressions a subtle blend of sternness and familial warmth.

With a respectful inclination of his head, Nico addressed his parents. "Father, Mother, court proceedings are in session today," he began, his voice carrying a calm assurance. "I've observed the ongoing matters, but there's a matter of importance I must share with you both."

Hades raised an eyebrow in silent acknowledgment, while Persephone regarded her son with a gentle curiosity. Nico continued, "The Fates, in their unyielding wisdom, have placed a restriction upon me. I'm bound by their decree, and unfortunately, it impedes my ability to seek out the Helm of Darkness."

A murmur, almost imperceptible, rippled through the court as the news registered among the gathered entities. The somber ambiance of the throne room seemed to deepen, the gravity of the Fates' intervention casting a shadow over the proceedings.

Hades, ever the stoic ruler, leaned forward onto his obsidian throne. "Explain, Nico," he intoned.

Nico elaborated, "The Fates have deemed that I must not intervene in the quest for the Helm of Darkness. My actions are restrained, and any attempts to circumvent their decree would invoke consequences that none of us could bear."

Persephone's eyes softened as she considered her son's predicament. "It seems like Perseus' quest for the lost lightning will get him involved with finding the Helm of Darkness. I see no other reason as to why the Fates would intervene."

As the news settled over the court, Nico stood with an air of resilience, his gaze unwavering. Meanwhile, Hades, though maintaining an air of authority, couldn't conceal a flicker of frustration. The Underworld, with its immortal rulers and timeless existence, was seldom subjected to the whims of external forces.

As Hades wearily signaled the conclusion of the court session, the atmosphere in the throne room shifted. Everyone but the royal family left the throne room. The Underworld's royal family shrank back to human size, with Thanatos and Charon leaving to return to their duties. Persephone, with a tender smile, descended from her throne, the queenly aura giving way to a more approachable presence. Hades, too, unbent from the stern countenance he wore during court proceedings, fatigue etched on his features. The royal siblings, Melinoë, Macaria, and Zagreus, followed suit, the ethereal glow of godhood giving way to the warmth of family.

Nico couldn't help but smile as the royal family embraced him. He had missed them, he's been too busy lately with the quest for the lost Helm of Darkness. Hades, his imposing father, pulled him into a firm yet loving embrace. Persephone joined the embrace, the Queen of the Underworld cradled Nico with a warmth that defied the somber reputation of their realm. Melinoë and Macaria, his beloved sisters, chimed in with giggles and playful teasing. Even Zagreus, the rebellious and adventurous brother, clapped Nico on the back with a camaraderie. Nico basked in the affection, realizing how much he had missed these simple joys amid the challenges he faced.

As the royal family of the Underworld made their way towards the dining room, Hades and Zagreus took the lead, engaging Nico in conversation about his recent exploits. The solemnity of the throne room was replaced by a more relaxed atmosphere. Persephone, Melinoë, and Macaria trailed a little behind, their laughter ringing through the corridors. The goddesses, caught up in their own lively discussion, were deeply engrossed in the ongoing war between Hera and Aphrodite. The two Goddesses were shipping Nico with different people and had dragged all of Olympus with them.

Melinoë, with an impish glint in her eyes, chimed in, "I'm telling you, Nico looks great with Jason! Team Jasico all the way!"

Macaria, her sister with an equally mischievous smile, shook her head. "No, no! Percy is the one for him. Team Percico, all day, every day!"

Oh, how angry had Aphrodite been when her ship name Nicery was taken over by Percico. Then again, it gave her a bigger following to win her debate against Hera. So, she allows it. Percico might not sound as good as Nicery, but it was not that bad either.

Persephone, ever the playful queen, teased them both. "Why pick sides when we can have the best of both worlds? I'm Team Jersico. Let Nico enjoy the attention from both Jason and Percy! He deserves to be pampered by two heroes!"

Melinoë and Macaria turned to their mother in shock, staring at her frozen. Then they burst out giggling, causing the male members of their family to turn to them in surprise. Nico had tried to get closer and ask what they were talking about. But Hades and Zagreus shook their head and resumed their walk. With the trio giggling and bantering as they followed close behind.

"Son, when you hear a group of girls make that sound, it never means good news for us men," Hades advised, as Zagreus firmly nodded in agreement with his father.

"Ok," Nico answered slowly, flinching when his mom and sisters squealed right then and there.

That sounded like really bad news for him.

If the poor unfortunate soul only knew.