Solangelo

Chapter 5

Nico

The last thing I remember was Will's face. He looked so afraid, tears in his eyes, his golden hair blowing in the wind. He was screaming my name, shaking me and then he was gone. Darkness consumed me as I was pulled away from reality. I clawed whatever I could in a failed attempt to escape but whatever was holding me had a tight grip on my waist.

I tried to cry out for Will but I could make no sound. It didn't take long for any light to be swallowed by the darkness.

Cold, hard stone met me. I looked up to find I was in a cell. From the looks of it, I was in my father's palace.

I was surrounded by 4 stone walls, a single window in the opposite wall on a steel door. To my left, there was a plate with a few crumbs on if, to the right, a pillow. Just a pillow. No bed. No blanket.

Trying to stand, I clung to the wall only to find I had a ball and chain on my ankle. An actual ball and chain. Normally, I would have scoffed then cursed my father for being so damned primitive but I had no such luxury.

I managed to crawl to the door, lugging the ball with me. It must have taken an hour but I finally made it. Exhausted and breathing heavy, I peeked through the window.

Directly outside, 2 skeleton soldiers stood guard. They were dressed in 19th century civil war era clothing. They both carried a musket, and had a sword strapped to their waists. A Union and Confederate soldier working together. Ironic.

Closing my eyes, I focuses all of my energy on controlling them. "That won't work" said a familiar voice. I whirled around, fists clenched.

Persephone stood dressed in a white traditional gown, a flowered head dress, her breasts practically hung out of her shirt. Scandalous.

"Step-mother?" I asked, confused and now nervous. I hardly ever saw her but when I did, I never really had a problem with her. She was kind, she understood that Hades was less than desirable and she made it her mission to make meetings with him as pleasant as possible.

"Hello Nico" she said softly, sounding almost maternal. "I'm sorry we have to meet up like this. I wish it were on better circumstances" she said turning. Her dagger flashed in the light as she moved.

"What is this Persephone?" I asked, sounding more crass than I had meant. Persephone took a breath, locking eyes with me. "Hades is in trouble. The Underworld is growing far too crowded. I'm so sorry" she paused, searching my face for a reaction. She should know by now, I was the master of poker face.

"Do you trust me Nico de Angelo?" She asked, our eye contact wavered. I thought for a moment. I had no reason not to trust her but of course, I had no reason to either. I didn't say anything, Persephone nodded, looking away.

"Very well, that doesn't change anything" she said, this time her voice was more stiff, she was obviously hurt by my reaction. "Your father has lost his grip over the spirits. They are escaping. Zeus and the rest of the gods have decided that the King of the Dead now needs a Prince. You are his last surviving heir other than Hazel who is unfit for the job in her current condition" she said.

My heart stopped. "Current condition? What the hell is that supposed to mean?" I barked, fearing for my sister. Persephone's stoned face softened. "Hazel is with child. I guess she has yet to tell you. Never mind her. You are the only one capable to keeping the Underworld in order. You are hereby known as the Ghost King, your subjects are the fallen demigods. It is your own realm, similar to the Elysium Fields or Asphodel Meadows -" I cut her off. I was done listening to this nonsense. I wasn't staying here, I belonged with Will and my friends - alive.

"Persephone, I can't stay here. I'm alive, breathing, my heart is sill beating. Pick another hero" I said, turning away from her. "There is no other hero. You're it, you know the Underworld better than anyone. The fallen demigods will listen to you, they'll obey you" she urged.