Chapter 7 – A visit to the Underworld

Blackjack and I landed right by the entrance to the Underworld. Leaving Blackjack outside, I hurried through the glass doors.

This time, the lobby was empty. The only person in there was Charon, the security guard. I approached him warily.

"Good evening, Mr Charon," I said, as politely as I could.

Charon looked me up and down. He must have recognised me from my last trip, because he replied in a cold voice, "Not you again."

"Oh, sir, please let me in!" I begged. "I did mention to Hades that you should have a pay rise last time.

Charon thought for a while, then suddenly smiled. "Oh, yes! I remember. The Lord of the Dead did increase my salary a tiny bit. But I'm afraid I still cannot let you through. Hades would not be pleased."

I wasn't ready to give up yet. "Perhaps this might help?" I reached into my pocket and pulled out a golden drachma.

Charon's harsh face broke into a smile. "Of course, Mr Jackson. Come right this way."

Charon led me through a dark tunnel, onto a long barge. I looked around, as Charon paddled me up the River Styx.

It was very dark, so I put on my night vision goggles back on. I could instantly see more.

The water swirling below us was full of guts and gore and lost hopes. Looking at it made me feel horrible.

"Here we are," Chiron said, when we reached the shoreline of the Underworld. He let me off the boat, and then sailed away again.

I was left standing on some craggy rocks. Looking up, my heart was filled with terror.

Cerberus towered above me. Saliva dripped from his mouth onto my head.

"Good doggy," I murmured. "You don't want to hurt me, do you?"

But clearly, Cerberus did want to hurt me. He growled at me menacingly, and bared his teeth.

I reached into the bag I had packed. It was full of clothes. Reaching down deep into the bottom, my hand hit something hard. I pulled the object out, and found that it was an old coke can.

I had an idea. As Cerberus reached down to bite me, I blew sharply on the can. Cerberus stopped; he must have liked the music.

I blew some more. Within seconds, Cerberus was lying down on the ground, fast asleep and snoring loudly.

I tiptoed past him, warily.

I'd almost reached the Judgement Pavilion when hard hands grabbed me.

A/N

Sorry that this chapter is a bit short. I hope you've enjoyed it! Please review and tell me what you think. The more reviews I get, the faster you'll find out who is attacking Percy! Special thanks to SaraHunterOfArtemis for her reviews :)