Henrik reborn

Prologue

In the depths of the Underworld, where the shadows clung to the soul like a long-lost lover, an extraordinary bond was etched between the God of the Underworld, Hades, and a mortal soul by the name of Henrik Mikaelson. For a millennium, Henrik had been a steadfast companion to Hades, serving tirelessly in the gloomy realm of the deceased. His unwavering loyalty and the enchanting weave of his witchcraft had not escaped the god's notice.

But then came a day, as they stood together amidst the eternal obscurity when Hades cast upon Henrik a sombre gaze that held the weight of countless millennia. "Your unwavering service has not gone unnoticed, my friend." The god uttered, his voice cold and unyielding as the dominion he ruled. However, Henrik could hear the slight warmth hidden beneath. In response, Henrik had raised one of his eyebrows as if asking his old companion to continue and so the god had, "You have been a loyal ally, and for that, I offer you a choice, my friend."

Henrik blinked, bewildered, as he pondered the meaning behind Hades' cryptic words. Hades continued, "I can grant you a new existence, a new life, one where you shall be reborn as my son." Henrik hearing this was about to reject the offer but was stopped by Hades before he could even get a word out. "I know that you wish to remain here and wait for your family, to be reunited with them. For this reason, I will make it so that you will retain your memories, your magic, and the blood of the Mikaelsons will still run through your veins. You will be able to meet with them if you so wish may it be on Earth or here in the Underworld."

Caught between the familiarity of his current existence and the enigmatic allure of a new life, veiled in the unknown and all it held, Henrik hesitated. But then in a display of warmth only shown to few, Hades reassured him, "Consider this my token of gratitude for your unwavering loyalty." With a solemn nod, Henrik had embraced Hades' offer. He looked at the god of the Underworld making direct eye contact as he replied, "My Lord, your gracious offer humbles me beyond words. I accept this opportunity with unwavering loyalty and dedication, ready to serve you with my whole heart. May it be in this life or the next."

In response, Hades offered a thin, almost imperceptible smile, "You shall carry both the weight of your past and the possibilities of your future, my son." And for a split second, Henrik could have sworn he had seen Hades' smirk.

"His name shall be Nico Di Angelo".

As Nico grew, he bore the memories and powers of Henrik Mikaelson, but he also embraced the new life that Hades had bequeathed him. The Underworld may have lost a devoted servant but had gained a new hier, one who wielded both the darkness of death and the light and magic of nature herself. Nico's existence became a unique balance, and found solace in his role as Hades' son, embracing the responsibilities of the underworld with wisdom beyond his years.

As Nico Matured, the adjustment to his newfound mortality posed a subtle challenge. The need to eat, sleep, attend to biological functions, and the sensation of moving his limbs were experiences he had not known for over a thousand years. Yet, as time flowed on, he acclimated to these human intricacies. In the company of his beloved sister, Beanca, and the esteemed lover of Lord Hades, or rather, his mother, he discovered a profound appreciation for every moment, a sentiment that resonated deeply within his very essence. At times, he found himself covertly wielding his magic to support his newfound family. A spark, long dormant within him after years in the Underworld, rekindled the childlike nature he had once possessed, and an unwavering desire to protect this newfound family took root within his heart.

Everything appeared idyllic: he believed that with his unique abilities, he could ensure their safety until they met their natural, old-aged demise. However, that belief was shattered the day Zeus unleashed a cataclysmic lightning bolt upon the very building they called home. Hades and Nico had managed to shield Bianca, but the cost was devastating -our mother's life was lost. In the wake of this tragedy, Nico's sense of self-blame consumed him. He believed himself to be too weak, a failure in safeguarding that which he held most dear. Thoughts raced through his mind, his heart heavy with grief, and Hades' comforting words faded into the background.

"Do not burden yourselves," Hades reassured them. "Enter a profound slumber, and when you awaken, the weight of this tragedy will have been lifted from both of you." And with that Nico's exhaustion overwhelmed him, each second pulling him deeper into the embrace of a profound, dreamless sleep.

80 years later

After the Giant Wars Nico had not only succeeded in recovering the memories that had been lost to the river, a painful consequence of Hades' grief-stricken choice, but he also discovered companionship and love in the form of Will Solace, a fellow demigod. Furthermore, Nico's vast knowledge of all patrons in existence had earned him the prestigious role of the representative of Hades and the Greek Gods.

On one particular day, Nico returned from a crucial meeting with the patron gods, during which they discussed matters pertaining to the Underworld. Fatigued from days of rigorous work and meticulous preparations, he made an early entrance to the camp, heading straight for his cabin with the intention of finding some much-needed rest.

However, if he had foreseen the heart-wrenching discovery awaiting him, he would have never arrived at camp ahead of schedule.