Chapter Text
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Even dying doesn’t mean she’s free from her father’s commands.
Being pulled down into the Underworld before sunrise wasn’t Hazel’s idea of a family reunion, but her father had no time for such things as warmth and affection. Not for his escapee of a daughter.
She’s being cruel, perhaps a little unfair, but Hazel held her grudge right against her heart, the years outside the world above had retaught her the value of being a hater.
And yet, here she is, in the mists of the Dead, in the false light of neon and infernal torchlight, in the palace of her father which he never once allowed her to visit even when she lived and breathed, even when she rested in his realm.
He looked exactly the same as the first time Hazel had seen him on that fateful birthday nigh a century ago. Pale, solemn, like the fearful gloom of humanity.
Pluto looked proud, at least, that’s the closest expression Hazel could connect his to.
“Hazel, you’ve grown.” Pluto rumbled, it’s said like something Hazel should appreciate him for noticing instead of an obvious fact of life.
She was sixteen, and more teeth than she had been three years ago, sharpening herself on the Senate floor and blood sports. Time passes, gods, above all, know that best.
“Yes.” Hazel said instead. “Last time we saw each other, you said you’d have to drag me back.”
“Last time you saw each other, nothing had changed.” Pluto said, infuriatingly calm. “Jupiter has bent the laws, Apollo himself spoke out for you, citing your kindness when he was mortal and the requirements of the Prophecy of the Seven. You are free to shadow travel with Nico to here.”
Hazel had already lingered in the Underworld for eighty years, she had no heart to come here before her time once again. Especially not without Frank.
“You called for me, Lord Pluto, is it just to tell me this?” Hazel asked, eager to leave, but certain it was for something else. She had learned that the gods do not summon a demigod just to tell them important information. They summon demigods to send to them to death or glory. She hadn't forgiven Juno for Jason and Leo. If Piper, Piper, could bring Jason back from the brink of death with her voice alone, Juno could save the boy she claimed to mother.
Perhaps Hazel had grown resentful. She found she didn't mind it.
“Hazel, your studies under Hecate have taught you about the other realms, the places we pull from and the fracturing realities.” Pluto said, matter-of-factly, and Hazel stifled the betrayal she felt. Maybe Hecate hadn't told her father what she learned. Maybe he guessed it himself. “You will be traveling to one, to observe a man who wants to undo Death. He will not succeed, not correctly anyway, but it is an important spell, one that may change the course of that universe.”
Hazel felt numb. Numb with outrage and disgust. “You want me to babysit.” she managed out, voice dark with rage.
“I want you to ensure that he won't go power mad and destroy that reality, Hazel. I can only trust you to tell me the truth.” Pluto claimed, spreading his arms as though he were about to sweep Hazel into a hug.
As though the only reason he was choosing Hazel wasn't because she could not rebel against him without him turning on a dime and dragging her back down to the Underworld.
“I understand.” Hazel choked out, digging her nails into her palms, surprised she hadn't cut through the skin yet, and bled crimson onto the dark marble of the throne room. “When do I leave?” When can I take my leave of you?
“Now,” Pluto smiled, and Hazel is pulled into darkness.