Chapter 21

The demon from Outback

Annabeth Chase

"Okay, Nico. So I'll distract Xenia, and you occupy the demon. You said you know him, right? I'm not sure that thing is human enough to remember you though. Immitate someone he knows, maybe. I'll ask Xenia for advice about something. Alright, we're here. Do what I told you."

"Xenia! So good to see you again! I have to ask you for some advice."

"Ask away, dear girl, ask away."

"Um, well, my dad was thinking about opening a hotel, but I don't think he has the right ideas for how to treat the guests."

"Well, what ideas did he have?" Nico started to creep toward Eurynomus.

"Well he wanted to make them carry their own bags, because he couldn't afford a bellhop, and he wanted only one elevator, and no mints under their pillows!"

"Well none of that would make a quality hotel! Your poor Father is very confused. Not to worry! I have the best tips for hotels. I am the god of hospitality to travelers after all!"

"Great! What are your tips?" Nico was starting to open a chasm in the floor.

"Well, first of all, the guests need to feel welcome and special. They need to have their bags carried in for them, and everything taken care of for them. Nice soap in the bathrooms, fluffed pillows and soft blankets, and of course mints. Your silly Father! There of course needs to be more than one elevator, the guests-" his mouth opened in horror.

"Where is Eurynomus?"

"Where he belongs," Nico said.

"What have you done with my dear old chum Eurynomus. I won't feed you for this! Oh, what am I saying, of course I'll still feed you, it's common hospitality, but you will be punished!"

"Sorry, it had to be done," I said.

"You little-you little, now, now Xenia, don't be rude! Why would you do this to me? The entire plan is going to fall through! My future is ruined!" He collapsed to the ground and sobbed. I almost felt bad for him. Almost.

"Grab the food and let's go." Nico said.

"You are so RUDE! When someone is crying, you comfort them, no matter the circumstance! You rude children will pay for this! You impolite scum will be eliminated when my master takes over! If he is still my master..." He started crying again giving us a chance to escape. We grabbed the to go boxes and ran back to the booth.

"Leo, carry the food." I told him.

"I'll carry Snow," Nico offered.

"I got Topaz," Blade said.

We carried everything and ran to the van. Percy got in the drivers seat and took off.

"We should contact my Father and tell him about Eurynomus." Nico said.

"Anyone got a drachma?" Caspia asked.

"I have one," Percy said. "The front pocket of my bag."

There was a pouch of them, and I took one.

"How do we make a rainbow?" Sapphire asked.

"Snow has a diamond necklace. We can use that. I will get it. We'll need a flashlight too, since there's no sunshine."

He dug around in her bag, and brought out a giant heart shaped diamond necklace.

We made the rainbow. "O Iris, goddess of the rainbow, show us Hades in the Underworld."

The image formed and it was pitch black at first. Then a torch was lit, and a face appeared. I remembered it vaguely from the time we had gone to the Underworld. A pale face, with dark eyes, framed by black hair.

"Nico? What are you doing calling me at this ungodly hour of the night? I had finally gotten some rest after a long day of work. But you woke me up. Why?"

"Father, one of your servants has turned against you."

"Which one?"

"One of your demons, Eurynomus."

"Ah, yes. I recall him. He was good for causing fear, but he always lurked around my palace, and looked at Persephone strangely. He was a shady figure, no pun intended. What did he do that brought this to your attention?"

"Well, he and the god of politeness, Xenia, drugged Snow and Topaz, because it seems every monster we meet is working for Kronos and he gave them orders to bring them to, well, I guess his servants, since he's still cut up in the pit."

"No mystery why Atlas and he want them. Are they all right?"

"Yes. Sleeping, but fine."

"They've been passed out a lot during this trip," Leo noted.

"Shut up, Leo," I growled.

"Yes, please stay out of it. I am trying to speak to my son, not you, puny son of Hephaestus."

"Ouch."

"What was he promised for his betrayal?"

"Uh, well, Xenia said that he wasn't respected by you, so 'when' the Titans take over, he would get to be King of the Underworld."

The lord of the dead sneered. "Yes, that sounds like something he would be tricked by. Kronos is not going to send anyone down here to fight a war just to keep a promise. Is that all, son?"

"I have one more question?"

"Yes?"

"How are you going to punish Eurynomus?"

He smiled coldly. "Oh, he will be delt with. Don't worry about that. Goodnight, my son. And mind your dreams."

Just like that, our audience with the lord of the dead was over.