Shattered

Nightcrawler

Her father's palace was absolutely beautiful.

It was evident that Hades' palace was modelled after Mount Olympus when she first laid her eyes on it. She took in details of the enormous palace as they walked towards it, comparing it to its twin.

It was made of glittering black obsidian, with black marble portico and the entry hall had a polished bronze door. If she were to compare Hades' palace to Olympus, she noticed that the former was black and bronze, while everything in the latter glittered silver and white. As they entered they walked by skeleton guards which guarded the entrance. Every skeleton was different, some wearing modern American camouflage, others wearing what looked like German world war two uniforms.

After the gates, in front of the palace was Persephone's Garden, which has been said to be one of the most beautiful gardens on Earth. A person can only reach the palace if Hades wishes them to. If he does not, the person will just keep walking for eternity without ever reaching it.

Bianca could only stare in awe at what was presented before her, looking at various plants, all strangely tinged in darker hues of green and purple.

The flapping of leathery wings broke Bianca out of her revere.

"Alecto," she heard Percy hiss out. It was clear that the son of Poseidon wasn't very fond of the fury.

"Follow. Lord Hades awaits you."

The bat-like creature turned around, and with a flap of its leathery wings, flew onwards, into the palace. The group entered the palace, following the beast.

Bianca could only look around in awe. Hades' palace has several magnificent halls made entirely of pure gold and silver, decorated with bouquets of flowers made of precious metals and jewels.

Alecto led them straight to the throne room.

Hades was seated on his throne, Persephone seated beside him. The goddess of spring adorned a scowl on her face, which only seemed to deepen when she took notice of Bianca.

"Bianca." Hades got off his throne, wearing a rugged, yet warm (Well... As warm as the god of the underworld could be) smile on his face. He approached his daughter, shrinking down from godly size and embraced her.

Bianca found it immensely awkward to hug her father, when his wife (who wasn't her mother), sat within her vision, glaring daggers into her.

"My lord. I still believe you should reconsider." The goddess of Spring's words were laced with venom. "These – these children should remain above at that wretch camp."

Hades untangled himself from his daughter and turned to face his wife. The usually ill-tempered god had a more cooled and collected expression than what Bianca had expected. "And I believe that we have already discussed this, Persephone. These – my children, are not suited for the world above. Not without correct guidance. Give it time, you will grow to care for him."

The goddess sighed in resentment, knowing full well that her wishes would not be granted. Once her husband made up his mind, there was no stopping him. It was trait that he shared with both his brothers. She supposed, it was one of the things that made them family.

"Come with me you three, Nico is growing restless in his solitude."

Nodding their heads, the three followed the god of the underworld to where they assumed Nico was. Bianca could feel Persephone's harden stare on her back as they left.

They eventually made to a room which had a door different from those around it. Instead of a dark ebony, this door seemed to be made of a deeply stained oak that nearly seemed to be absorbing the light from around it, making it appear darker than it actually was.

Hades turned the doorknob and pushed the door open, not bothering to knock.

Nico whirled around.

"Bianca! Percy!"

The kid dropped the sword that he was holding and rushed at his sister tackling her in a giant bear hug, he clearly missed her dearly.

"You kept your promise!"

He was talking to Percy.

Percy grinned and ruffled the son of Hades' hair. "Course I did Nico, did you doubt me?"

Bianca couldn't tell what it was, but something seemed off about the way he had spoken those words. She noticed that beads of sweat had accumulated on the boy's forehead when he answered her younger brother. He just seemed to emit a nervous air around him.

Bianca noticed the dropped blade. The sword was black as night, and seemed to emit a threatening vibe. It's hilt was wrapped in black-stained leather and the entire blade gave off a purple glow.

Nico walked back to the sword and picked it up, swinging it around playfully.

"I call it Nightcrawler. It's pretty cool right?"

Percy whistled in admiration, "That's a nice blade you've got there Nico. Was it a gift from Hades?"

Nico nodded, the toothy grin that Bianca had grew up to tolerate appeared. "Yeah, dad said that I needed to learn how to fight and none of the camp swords were right for me. This one is perfect."

Her brother swung it once more, pretending to stab some invisible monster. Percy chuckled at the boy's enthusiasm.

"Wanna test it out against Riptide over here? Don't worry; I'll go easy on ya."

Nico grinned, "You're on!"

Hades cleared his throat, "Nico, what have I told you about training inside. Go to the courtyard."

With a snap of his fingers, the two boys were suddenly in the palace courtyard. Zoe, Bianca and Hades stood by the sidelines.

"I'm curious to see how you have improved Percy. From what Artemis has alluded towards, I am expecting quite a spectacle from you."

Nico narrowed his eyes at Percy, "I know I'm pretty new, but don't go easy on me. Please."

Percy nodded, uncapping Riptide. He fell into the hunter's stance.

Nico gripped the sword in his left hand and fell into an unfamiliar stance.

"Dad taught me this little trick."

Nico disappeared into the shadows and attempted to flank Percy.

The son of Poseidon seemed to anticipate this and blocked the swing. Recovering, Nico attempted to stab Percy.

Percy deflected the blade, analyzing Nico's technique. "You're putting too much weight on the blade. You're bound to lose balance."

The son of Poseidon crouched and swept his foot, tripping the son of Hades.

Nico got back on his feet and charged at Percy yet again. Percy avoided a swing and parried a slash.

"Slow. You need to work on your speed, Nico."

Growling in frustration, Nico charged even harder at Percy. Raising the blade high over his head, Nico swung in a wide arc.

"Bad move."

Percy disarmed Nico and the son of Hades fell to the ground, covered in bruises. When Nico recovered his senses, he found Riptide's tip at his throat.

Percy smiled at Nico's pouting face, "Cheer up. You did great for someone with as less experience as you."

Nico looked up and grinned at Percy. "I'll beat you some day, Percy"

Percy grinned, "You can try." He laughed out loud at Nico's scowl, before pulling him up.