Song: Goner by Twenty Øne Piløts

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Nico's POV

Reluctant to leave this realm of shadows for the time being, I wandered aimlessly through the deserted halls, led by Agápi's deadly Stygian iron glint. My cheeks felt sticky, the way cheeks do when you can't stop crying.

Gods, I was mess. Such a godsdamned mess.

Maybe I should go back up. There'll be a funeral...

I hate funerals.

You heard me.

They're just so... so final. So brave. Coming to terms with your loss and moving on.

I'm just really bad at that.

Funerals are really not my thing. Not after Bianca.... No. I won't think about that.

Shit, Percy...

Another one to add to the list. The list of the lost...

In a sudden fit of exhaustion I slid down against the wall, glaring at the now blurry Agápi. Tears, again.

Damn those tears. Get it together... just get it the fuck together!

I looked down at Agápi. A humourless smile tugged at my mouth. How ironic. How incredibly ironic.

A cold draft caught me from the side, and I looked up; a spirit. One of Hades' dead henchmen, by the looks of it. It breezed over and came to a stop right next  to me. The cold seeped into my bones.

"Prince of Darkness," it whispered, bowing awkwardly. Great, one of those rare talking ones. Couldn't they just leave me alone?

"Not my name," I muttered. "Prince of Darkness? Really? Ugh, the cheesiness. It burns."

"Sorry, milord," the spirit amended.

"Whatever."

"Perseus Jackson has joined us," it remarked. I stiffened. It continued unfeelingly. "Well, no, he hasn't joined us, I suppose. I suppose he's off having fun in Elysium."

"Is he in Elysium?" I demanded sharply, sitting up a little straighter. "For sure?"

"Yes, yes, I do believe he is."

I sagged back down again, a little candle of relief caught fire inside of me. I could still find him, then. Still talk to him. Thank the gods.

The phantom shifted, turning its back to me.

"The lord requests an audience. I will lead you to the throne room."

It wasn't a question. And if there was anything I'd learned while staying here, it's to never question your orders.

With a huff, I got to my feet. The cold had spread its icy fingers into my soul, and I could feel the pain of Percy fading into the abyss.

In a zombie like manner, I followed him through the drafty halls. The dripping of water echoed along the walls. He made no more noise, and occasionally would turn to make sure I was following.

The small hallway opened up into a larger room. The walls were covered in torches, and two iron thrones were placed on one side. I recognized my father sitting in the one closest to me.

He raised his head as I stepped into the light.

"Nico."

"Father."

Hades eyed me.

"My boy, you've grown. Why haven't you visited me?" He knew very well why I hadn't visited.

"I think you know why," I responded icily. He only sniffed.

"I'm sorry about the boy." What boy? I knew a boy? My mind seemed foggy, unclear.

"Perseus Jackson." I froze. The cold seemed to flee from my bones. I felt his words weigh on my shoulders. My mind had cleared, but not the pain. It seared my heart like a brand. My voice cracked.

"What do you know about Percy?" The sound reverberated around the room. Hades smiled bitterly.

"He's here, you know. In Elysium. But I guess you're not all to happy about that." I could feel my body shaking at the sound of his words. It was too heavy. It all was just way too heavy. I couldn't hold it any longer.

I fell to my knees. The tears were running wildly down my face, but I couldn't feel them. All I felt was the weight. So this is what it feels like to carry the sky.

In a way, I was carrying the sky. Percy's sky. I just wasn't strong enough to keep holding it.

I was crying. And shaking. My breathe was coming out in dry, raw gasps. It felt like choking.

Hades made a noise. I couldn't just stop crying, though.

"Nico." His tone was soft.

"I have a proposal." He placed a hand on his chin. I quickly quieted my breathing, and looked up. He was sitting up straight, with a concerned look on his face.

"I believe you've heard the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice..." I nodded my head, confused.

"Well..., I will allow you to lead Perseus back to the world of the living..."

My breathe caught. Percy?

Alive?

I'd do anything....

Hades spoke up, his words like a torch in the dark.

"As long as you do not look behind you." He sighed, and shifted in his seat.

"And, you must promise to keep this discussion a secret..." Hades trailed off.

I gaped at him.

"Y-y-you'd d-do that?" He'd do what?

He sighed.

"Nico, you are my only son. I do care for you."

My mind was racing too fast to fully process what he was saying. I stood, wiped the tears from my face, and ran up to where he was seated. I said nothing, but locked eyes with him.

Words weren't needed to express my gratitude.

I bowed, and ran back down the steps, heading for one of the many passageways. I contemplated shadow traveling, but figured that I would be too tired to do much after. Instead I ran. I ran as fast and as far as possible, letting the moaning of the dead lead me to my destination. I didn't slow until I reached the source of the noise- the Fields of Asphodel.

I would have to travel fifty miles across the fields, and through the river, to get to Percy. At least he will have another shot at living. The thrill of it all was a little overwhelming, compared to the torture I had just experienced.

Who else would I see at Elysium? Would any of them remember me? Could I carry messages to their loved ones?

With another deep intake of breath, I set out across the fields of the dead.