Camp Half-Blood: Los Angeles
Rex and Ven exited the portal that he had created and found themselves on a beach overlooking a large city. Rex could tell in an instant that this world was different from the ones they had previously travelled.
"Where are we?" Rex asked.
"In a world called Camp Half-Blood," said Ven. "It has similarities to Olympus Coliseum, a group of gods controlling this world and filled with very godlike Hercules. However, unlike Olympus Coliseum the gods here are not as benevolent and argue with each other constantly which results in wars."
"Sounds like a dangerous world," Rex acknowledged.
Ven nodded. "That is why it one of the few words which we keep constant observation, any little hiccup and a walk could start."
Rex looked at him. "We're here for a reason?"
Ven nodded. "About six months ago during the Winter Solstice, the King of the Gods, Zeus, has his Master Bolt stolen."
"Master Bolt?" Rex frowned.
"It's a symbol of power capable of producing large voltage of electricity," Ven explained. "It's an extremely powerful weapon and in the wrong hands can cause devastation. Anyway he blames his brother Poseidon for stealing it and believes that his son is an accomplice. Poseidon believes that Hades was the one who took it as a way to start a war to gain power."
Rex looked deeply troubled. "I'm surprised they haven't broken into a three-way war just yet?"
"I'm afraid that is breaking point when Poseidon made a very large gamble and claimed his son," Ven explained. "Aqua is currently on Mount Olympus trying to make them see reason, but her diplomacy is failing to the point that Zeus is demanding the return of his Master Bolt by the summer solstice or else there would be war."
Rex's eye widened. "But that's tomorrow?"
Ven nodded. "Which is why we need to act, normally we don't interfere with affairs of other worlds. However we believe that this is a small cog in a larger plan that could spread darkness to countless worlds and we need to stop this war by any means. Thankfully a quest is already on the way being led by Poseidon son, Percy Jackson."
"We're supposed to help them?" Rex asked.
Ven nodded. "Then we have available time to accomplish our mission." His eyes then turned down to the beach and he smiled. "Thankfully we don't have far to look for them."
Rex turned and saw a bunch of kids at the beach, all them looked about 12 years old and the scene bit worse for wear. The clothes were torn they, look like they were going to fall off their feet at any moment and they looked hungry.
Amongst them was a jet head boy with sea green eyes, who appear to be the leader among them. There was a blonde girl with stormy grey eyes and had a calculative looking face as if there thousand thoughts were rushing into her head. The final one was a bit lanky looking and his legs were in awkward shape and he was wearing a hat underneath his curly brown hair.
"They don't look that impressive," Rex noted.
"Don't let their appearances fool you," said Ven.
Then suddenly appearing around the three kids were a group of heartless that resembled Roman centurions. The black haired boy then immediately pulled out a pen which transformed into a sword, the girl drew out a knife and they prepare to fight against the Heartless.
"Let's move," said Ven as they immediately rushed towards the aid.
Rex immediately drew his sword and held it firmly in his hand like a samurai and then as quick as a flash she went straight past the Heartless with his sword held out.
"Sheathed Sword! Silence Slash!" he yelled as he Centurions turned to face him raising their weapons.
Suddenly there was a sound of a sword slash against the centurions immediately vanished into thin air. Ven drew out his Keyblade and then tossed it towards the Heartless taking them down quickly and efficiently.
Three kids turned and faced them and were amazed and Ven approached them.
"I take it that you're Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood?" Ven asked looking at the black haired boy, the girl and the lanky looking boy.
The boy with the black hair then looked at them. "How do you know our names? And who exactly are you guys?"
The girl looked at Ven's Keyblade. "That's a Keyblade, but that would mean that…"
Ven smiled. "Ah, so you have seen one before Annabeth?"
"Once when I was with Luke and Thalia."
"Well, I'm Master Ventus of the Keyblade Order, but you can just call me Ven," Ven smiled at them. He then turned to Rex. "And this is Rex Raccoon, he's been accompanying me for quite some time."
Rex bowed respectfully. "It's a pleasure."
"What's a Keyblade?" Percy asked.
"A very powerful weapon," said Grover. "I've never seen it myself but I've heard rumours that those who wield it have the powers to face against the gods themselves."
"Seriously?" Percy stared.
"You did just see them take out those monsters easily," Annabeth pointed out and then turned to Ven. "But I have no idea why he would be here Master Ventus?"
"I think you already know," Ven smiled.
"The Master Bolt," said Percy.
Ven nodded. "The Keyblade Order is deeply concerned about this feud that Poseidon and Zeus are having. We believe that it might endanger the World Order."
"World Order?" Percy frowned.
"Keyblade wielders are from another world," Annabeth explained. "From what I understand their primary goal is to stabilise a whole bunch of different worlds. Though they're not supposed to meddle in the interference of other worlds and not to let about there are other worlds."
"The law which can't be broken can be bent," said Ven. "Besides, this war could breed millions of Heartless and they in turn can terrorise many worlds. We would prefer to stop them before it happens."
"Yeah, but you do that we need to get the Master Bolt," said Percy.
"Do you have any idea where it is?" Rex asked.
"We believe that Hades has it," said Grover. "Only getting to him is not going to be easy. The start is the only way to get in there is the die and we preferred that not to happen."
"Fortunately there have been many people will entered the underworld without having to be dead," said Annabeth. "The main problem is trying to get out and we don't have any means to do that."
"I can handle that," said Rex. "I can even transport you in front of his palace if you so want me to."
Percy stared at him. "You can teleport?"
"No, but my sword is able to open portals," said Rex gesturing to his sheathed sword. "Though I have to be careful or we might be transported in a dangerous location."
"Somehow I think that the underworld is dangerous enough," said Annabeth.
"Then let's do it," said Rex and raised his sword.
He then immediately cutting across the air creating a portal and one by one they entered into it.
Camp Half-Blood: Hades' Palace
They soon exited the rift and found them standing in front of the entrance of a palace made of glittering black obsidian, with a black marble portico, and the entry hall had a polished bronze floor.
"Hades' Palace," said Grover quibbling slightly.
"Very welcoming," Ven noted.
"Well, let's see if the Master is at home," said Percy trying to put on a brave face.
However before they could take a single step forward towards the Palace wings suddenly appeared on Grover's shoes and he was immediately lifted up into the air.
"Help!" he cried.
Percy and Annabeth immediately grabbed his hands and tried to pull them back, but they soon found themselves being dragged along with them. He was heading towards a deep dark pit that had the greatest concentration of darkness that Ven had ever experienced.
Thankfully one of the shoes slid off his foot and that's when Rex discovered that he had goats hooves which explained why his legs when awkward shape. With one good tug Percy and Annabeth managed to remove his hooves from the other shoe and soon both shoes were flying down into the pit.
"Thank you," Grover breathed.
"What just happened?" Rex frowned.
"No clue," said Annabeth panting slightly. "Luke's shoes just went crazy and nearly dragged him into that pit."
Ven looked at the pit and grimaced. "Good thing the shoes came off when they did, because I send grade evil within that pit."
"Tartarus," Annabeth breathed.
"Isn't that the place where the most evil of people are trapped?" Percy asked.
Annabeth nodded and Grover whimpered.
"Then how about we stay away from the nasty pit of evil?" Rex suggested and they all nodded and backed away from it.
Percy then turned and looked at Hades' Palace. "Now let's go and meet my uncle."
Camp Half-Blood: Hades' Palace Throne Room
They soon entered into a throne room and found sitting on a throne of human bones was a man they assumed to be Hades. He was about 10 foot tall and wearing a black silk robe and his skin was albion white and his shoulder length hair was jet black.
A powerful aura was emanating from Hades and it was terrifying. His eyes pierced them as if they were looking through their souls.
"You almost certainly brave to come here Son of Poseidon," he said in an oily voice. "After what you have done to me, very brave indeed. Or perhaps you are simply very foolish."
Rex frowned at that comment and wondered what he could have meant by that. He turned to Ven and it would as if he was thinking the same thing, the others had noticed that comment.
Percy then stepped forward. "Lord and Uncle, I come with two requests."
Hades raised an eyebrow. "Only two requests?" he said. "Arrogant child. As if you have not only taken enough. Speaking then. It amuses me not to strike you dead yet.
Rex was immediately getting a bad feeling and knew that this conversation was about to go sideways. He was still unsure what Hades was referring to.
"Lord Hades," Percy began. "I ask you not to start a war with the gods and returns uses Master Bolt to me so that I can return it to Mount Olympus."
Hades' eyes grew dangerously bright. "You dare keep up this pretence, after what you have done?"
Percy then looked back at his friends, who apparently was confused as he was.
Ven took the opportunity to set forward. "My Lord Hades, I am Master Ventus of the Keyblade order," he said respectfully.
Hades turned his gaze upon him. "Yes I know who you are and I must admit I'm surprised that you would ally yourself with a thief."
Ven kept his composure. "My Lord I must ask for clarification as to why you seem to be accusing Percy of something that he seems to be unaware of."
"He knows exactly what he has done to me!" Hades roared as the entire throne room shock violently.
Then suddenly hundreds of skeleton warriors marched out of great doors and surrounded them.
"Do you truly believe that I want war?" Hades bellowed furiously.
Percy looked at him confused. "But you're the Lord of the Dead. You stand much to gain with the war with the other gods."
"A typical thing for my brothers to say. Do you truly think I need any more subjects? My kingdom is already overflowing with the dead."
Rex made his way over to Ven. "This is not going as we pictured."
Ven nodded. "Clearly there's more going on than we originally believed." He then turned his attention to Hades. "Then I take it that you did not steal the Master Bolt?"
"Of course not!" Hades roared furiously as he rose to his feet. "Poseidon may have Zeus fooled, but I am not as stupid."
"Then what exactly are you accusing Percy of?" Rex asked.
"For stealing my property!" Hades yelled furiously. "During the winter solstice, while I was busy with confirmation with my brothers on the Mount Olympus my Helmet of Darkness was stolen as well as the Master Bolt."
"This is not going as planned," said Annabeth.
"In my experience nothing ever goes as planned," said Rex as he looked back at Hades. "My Lord, Percy had no idea of his identity until a few weeks ago. I'm afraid there's been a big misunderstanding."
"There has been no misunderstanding!" Hades glared. "After all he has bought the Bolt with in in his backpack?"
"What?" everyone gasped.
Percy immediately opened up his backpack and was shocked to discover that inside of it was 60 centimetre long metal cylinder, spiked on both ends, humming with energy.
"I trust is a good reason why you have the Master Bolt with you?" Ven asked.
"I don't know," said Percy completely speechless. "This is even my backpack."
"You shall return my Helmet of Darkness to me now and hand over the Master bolt to me, it will make an excellent bargaining chip," said Hades.
Grover whimpered as the skeletons through even closer aiming their weapons directly at them. "Guys, I think you are in trouble."
"What gave that away?" Annabeth asked.
Hades looked directly at Percy. "I know the real reason why you are here, boy and why you brought the bolt here. You came to bargain for her."
Hades then unleashed a bold golden fire from his palm and exploded directly in front of them. Then suddenly standing in front of them in golden flames was a woman with green eyes and long brown hair with a few greys streaked in the mix.
"Mum?" Percy gasped.
"And things have just gotten more complicated," said Rex.
Hades smiled. "I knew you would come to bargain with me eventually. Return my helmet and perhaps I will let her go. She is not dead, but that can easily change if I'm displeased."
Ven turned to Rex. "Can you get us out of here?"
Rex nodded. "Yes, but we'll only have seconds before Hades stop us. Of course that means…"
"We won't have time to save my Mum," Percy finished.
Rex gave him an apologetic look. "Yes."
Hades was starting to look frustrated. "You try my patience, handover what you stole now!"
Percy looked at Rex. "Do it."
Rex nodded and drew his sword and immediately summoned a rift. They immediately jumped into the portal and could hear Hades' roars just before it closed.
Camp Half-Blood: Los Angeles
Soon they exited the portal and landed face first in the beach in Los Angeles in their thoughts immediately turned the Master Bolt in Percy's hand.
"I think you've just proven your guilt," said Ven.
Percy groaned. "A trick worthy of Athena."
Annabeth turned on him. "Hey!"
"You get it, don't you?"
Annabeth's dropped her eyes, her anger faded. "Yeah. I get it."
Rex looked at Percy. "You mentioned before that backpack wasn't yours. Where did you get it from?"
Percy looked up and narrowed his eyes. "Him."
They turned and saw standing on the beach was a muscular looking man wearing a black leather duster and a pair of sunglasses.
"How is that?" Rex asked.
"Ares, the god of war," said Percy narrowing his eyes.
Ares smirked at them. "Hi, kid. You were supposed to die."
Ven took a step forward. "You handed the items to Percy in the hopes to start a three way war with the gods."
Ares smile grow. "Do it in one, Keyblade Master. I have to admit I was expecting you and the raccoon."
Ven drew his Keyblade. "You'll find that the Keyblade Order takes great interest in worlds that are on the brink of war."
"I was hoping your all 'we don't meddle with the affairs of other worlds' would stop you from coming," said Ares.
Rex then took a step forward. "Why don't you show yourself, Rattus. I know your there."
Then appearing out of thin air was Rattus, who had a large smile on his face. "Why hello, Rexy boy," said Rattus. "Fancy meeting you in a place like this."
"You know that guy?" Grover asked.
"We have history," said Rex coldly. "Are you finally going to tell me what you have done to her?"
Rattus smiled. "I can assure you that she's perfectly fine and the next time you see her she'll be a completely different person."
Rex glared at him. "If he didn't go against my principles I would slice into 1 million pieces right now."
Rattus shrugged. "Then I'm thankful you are too big was to attack me."
Ven then turned to Ares. "How did you manage it? Forgive me for saying that we're not exactly a master strategist."
"Perhaps smarter than you think," Ares shrugged.
"I doubt that," Annabeth muttered.
"You're saying that I have a Master Bolt with me the entire time?" said Percy still unable to believe what had happened over the past half an hour.
"Yes and no," said Ares. "You see the backpack that I gave you is actually the Master Bolt's sheath, only that I've modified it slightly. I made sure that the backpack would return to you just like that fancy little sword of yours in your pocket. I tinkered with the magic appeared so the bulk would only return to the sheath once you reach the Underworld. The moment you are face-to-face with Hades, you instantly got the Master Bolt."
"He turned the entire situation into a three-way conflict," said Annabeth. "Zeus believes that Poseidon stole the bolt, Poseidon believes that the scheme was orchestrated by Hades and he would take great offence the moment Hades killed Percy, he would then get his hands on the Master Bolt and Hades still had no idea who held his helmet of darkness."
"Smart girl," Ares smiled.
"What I don't understand is why did you keep the Master Bolt yourself?" Percy asked.
Ares paused slightly. "Why didn't… yeah… with that kind of fire power…"
"I knew it, this wasn't your idea was it?" said Ven. "Zeus sent you in order to locate the thief and you found him. Only somehow the feet managed to convince you not to hand himself over and gave you the idea to start this little conflict. You're nothing more than a pawn about chess board."
Ares glared at him. "I am no one's pawn."
Rex looked at Rattus. "I wouldn't put it past you to come up with such a plan? However, there's no way you would have been able to infiltrate Mount Olympus without being detected. Obviously it happened during the little field trip on the winter solstice and one of the campers took it along with the helmet of darkness."
Rattus narrowed his eyes. "Gold star." His eyes then turned to Percy and the others. "In fact three of you know the culprit. Luke Castellan."
Annabeth mouth wide open. "You lie! Luke would never do such a thing?"
Rattus shook his head. "Spoken like a girl who's head over heels in love, you know that he resents the gods, especially his father. You know how skilled he is and I just don't mean his combat techniques, I also mean his stealth. Easy only one with the means, opportunity and motive to do such a thing."
Annabeth just shook her head in disbelief. "I just don't believe it."
Then while everyone was distracted Rex immediately dashed off towards Ares faster than anyone could blink. He slammed his sheathed blade forwards, but then it was blocked by Rattus looked at him directly in the eye.
"Nice try," he said.
Rattus then noticed the smirk on Rex's face and realise that he was a distraction. Suddenly appearing directly behind Ares was Ven who swung his Keyblade at him while his back was turned. Unfortunately, Ares senses presence and quickly drew his blade and they clash with one another.
"This is a rare treat," Ares smiled. "I get to face against the Keyblade Master."
"Be careful that tree does not turn out to be a trick," said Ven as he unleashed a powerful Aeroga spell which was powerful enough to blow Ares' backwards.
Percy and the others just watch as the battle continued between the swordsmen.
"We have to help," said Percy looking at the others.
Unfortunately can see how much help they could be, Annabeth was still completely stunned and Grover had no weapons on his person. It soon occurred to Percy that it will be all down to him and so he turned his focus onto Ares.
Annabeth managed to snap out of a funk to see Percy drawing Riptide. "Percy what are you doing?"
"Helping," he said.
"But you'll be up against a god," Annabeth reminded. "He's just too strong."
"He's a coward," said Percy as he held his sword firmly in hand.
He then looked at the tide and got an idea and quickly made his way into the surf without anyone noticing. Concentrating on the waves he slowed the increase their power until they launched into the air directly at Ares.
Ares was too busy fighting Ven to notice that Percy was diving down towards him with his sword raised. He only realised this when Percy's sword stand right into his ankle and he roared in pain as golden blood trickled out of the wound. Ven then took this as his opportunity and slammed his Keyblade into his chest knocking him backwards.
Ares looked furious, but he can tell when he was defeated. He then glared at Percy. "You made an enemy today godling. You have sealed your fate. Every time you raise your blade and battle, every time you hope for success, you will feel my curse!"
His body then began to glow.
"Shield your eyes!" Grover cried.
Ven and Percy just shielded their eyes just in time as Ares revealed his true immortal form. Ven knew were in this world that when the gods revealed their true form they could disintegrate anyone could stare at them.
When the light faded the finally looked back and saw that Ares had managed to escape.
Rex was having similar success with Rattus and was slowly pushing him back. Rattus clearly could see that he was losing the advantage with Ares now injured and immediately reached into his robe and pulled out a dark helmet, which Rex assumed to be the helmet of darkness.
"You can't fight what you can't see," he said and was about to put the helmet on.
Then suddenly something struck him in the side of the face causing him to drop the helmet which then remained suspended in midair. Then removing a Yankees cap was none other than Annabeth with the helmet of darkness in our hands.
"You're right, you can't you can't see," she smiled.
Rattus growled. "You haven't seen the last of me."
He then immediately conjured up a Corridor of Darkness and entered into before anyone could stop them.
"He got away," Rex cursed.
"At least we got this," said Annabeth gesturing to the helmet of darkness.
They soon all gathered together a little worse than where after that little compensation.
"Do you think said about Luke is true?" Percy asked.
Rex sighed. "I sensed no lies in his voice."
"Before we got more pressing issues," said Ven regretfully. "We got two very powerful artefact need to return to their owners before the summer solstice."
"That's only in a few hours," Percy gasped looking at his watch.
Ven looked at Rex. "Rex you need to take Percy to Mount Olympus. Aqua is still there trying to make the gods see sense, she might be able to help to convince you of your innocence," he said and then turned to Annabeth and took the helmet of darkness. "I'll make my way back into the underworld and present the helmet of darkness to Hades and explain what is happened."
"You think you'll listen?" Grover asked.
"And the only person here he won't kill on sight," Ven pointed out.
"What about us?" Annabeth gesturing to herself and Grover.
"You need to find Luke and apprehend him," said Ven. He then turned back to Rex. "You think you can transport them?"
"No sweat," said Rex as he drew his blade and opened a portal. "This should lead you to the Camp Half-Blood."
Annabeth and Grover and in waste any time getting into the portal and Rex couldn't help but notice that Annabeth looked back at Percy for brief second.
He then turns attention back onto Percy. "Our turn next," he said and opened a second rift.
"Good luck," said Ven.
The two of them and quickly entered the portal and it sealed behind them.
Camp Half-Blood: Mount Olympus
They immediately exited the portal and found themselves in a replica of the Palace and the underworld. The only difference what is instead of everything being black and bronze it was white and silver.
It became very clear that Hades built his powers to resemble this one as he was unwelcome in Olympus apart during the winter solstice. They did had time to gawk around, because they knew they were on a tight schedule and quickly ran up the steps as quickly as they could to the Palace.
There they entered into a gigantic room that held twelve different thrones. They were positioned in a U shape and in the centre was enormous hearth that was burning brightly. All of the thrones were empty apart from two and sitting on top of them were two 10 foot tall humans.
Zeus, the Lord of the Gods, was wearing a dark blue, pinstriped suit. He sat on a throne made of pure platinum. He had a well-trimmed beard, marble Galway and black like storm clouds. His face was proud and handsome and grim, his highly rainy grey.
The god sitting next to him was no doubt Poseidon, Percy's father. He wore leather sandals, khaki Bermuda shorts and a Tommy Bahama shirt with coconut and power to over it. His skin was deeply tanned, his hands scarred like an old fisherman's. His hair was black and sea green eyes just like Percy.
However they were the only mortals in the room as standing in front of the hat was a woman in her 40s with bright blue hair. Rex immediately recognised her as Master Aqua, the keeper of Castle Oblivion. She was currently talking to the gods and it looked as if she was reaching the end of her tether.
"My Lords, let's be reasonable here," said Aqua with a pleading voice. "A war would benefit no one and there is yet to be proof that Percy Jackson has stolen the Master Bolt."
"Then who do you think stole my bolt?" Zeus roared.
"It certainly was not I," Poseidon glared. "You're paranoid is getting out of hand brother."
"Your idea that Hades was responsible is ludicrous," Zeus scoffed. "No demigod would ally with him, especially what happened during World War II."
"Perhaps we can sort this mess out," said Rex as he took a step forward.
Aqua turned and looked likely relieved. "Thank Kingdom Hearts," she sighed.
Percy then stepped forward and out the Master Bolt. "I'm here to hand the Master Bolt."
Rex then quickly step forward. "And before you say anything Percy didn't steal the Master Bolt, in fact it was quite literally dropped into his lap by Ares. Also coincidentally Hades' helmet of Darkness was stolen at the exact same time."
Poseidon then looked up. "What? You're saying that Ares was behind it?"
"He had help from an off world by the name of Rattus Rattus," Rex added. "He wasn't the thief, a true lightning thief was Luke Castellan and I imagine that he's already fled Camp Half-Blood by now."
"I find it hard to believe that Ares would do such a thing, even if it was to start a war," said Zeus looking down at them. "However I cannot sense any lies coming from your mouths."
Aqua sighed sadly. "I believe there was a third party involved, possibly an ancient evil that would benefit a war between the gods."
"I also had dreams on my way to Los Angeles," Percy added. "I believe that it was Luke talking to some sort of dark entity, but it wasn't Hades. In fact the presents was somewhat similar to what I experience when we got close to Tartarus, whatever it was it was old, possibly even older than the Gods."
Zeus and Poseidon looked at one another. "Father," they said in unison.
Poseidon looked immensely worried. "If he returns then—"
Zeus held a hand cut off. "We will speak no more of this."
Then suddenly the Master Bolt flew out of Percy's hand and into his own. Then suddenly under shook the powers and with a blinding flash of light he was gone.
"He certainly likes to make an exit," said Aqua turning to Poseidon.
"Personally I think you would have done well as the God of Theatre," Poseidon agreed.
Percy looked at his father. "You don't think that Kronos is returning?"
"That does not matter what my opinion is, Zeus has declared the matter closed," Poseidon sighed.
"We will keep an eye open," Aqua assured.
Poseidon nodded with gratitude. "You have my thanks, now if you don't mind Master Aqua can you when the young man leave me and my son alone for time?"
Aqua nodded. "Of course."
Aqua then guided Rex out of the throne room.
"I've heard much about you Rex," she said looking at him. "Tell me how you discovered anything on your journey?"
"Only that his let meet more questions than answers," Rex sighed. "And I am no closer in finding Faye, it's been four years and I can't help but feel concerned that… well…"
Aqua placed a hand on his shoulder. "Believe me I felt the same way when Terra and Ven were gone. However, so long as you keep a close to your heart sure you will find. Sora is a great example to follow, he search for his friends constantly always out of reach, but never did he believe that he wouldn't find."
Rex nodded. "Thank you, Master Aqua."
