Hey guys! I hope you enjoy this chapter- and I may in fact have them all meet Gabe at some point purely so he can get beat up, it's definitely tempting I must say. Anyway, please please do read and review, It means the world to me. And three guesses as to what Percy wants to talk about at the end of this chapter lol.
It didn't take long for the Furies to arrive- none of them were happy at being given the task of ferrying the four demigods plus one Titan back to Hades palace, but they did it anyway, if only because Nico had given him a look that reminded Percy very much of his dad and told them that if they didn't carry Iapetus back too then they would have to go back to explain to his father why they came back without their charges.
In any case they were soon set down in front of the palace, Percy still holding Hades new sword carefully as they moved through the palace, Nico confidently leading the way to Hades throne room, and Percy let out a breath as they stepped inside- memories rushing back to her- and gods it was strange to think how long ago she'd last been there.
And just as he had been over two years earlier Hades was sat in his throne waiting for their arrival, and Persephone sat next to him in her throne looking nervous.
This time though he wasn't lounging- he looked tense, and there was no rage in those dark eyes but worry- though that faded when he saw them, his eyes focusing on Nico
and Bianca for a moment before they flicked to Percy and his sword, though he raised an eyebrow at the sight of Bob.
"I see the message you sent me wasn't confused my son. You do have a Titan with you-"
"He's... good now?" Nico's voice was hesitant, "Kind of? He lost his memory. His name is Bob now and he's Percy's friend."
"Bob likes Percy." Bob spoke up with a wide grin, "Bob made Percy's owie go away-"
"You did Bob." Percy gave him a wry smile. "It was awesome, you're a real good friend."
Hades blinked at that before sighing loudly and turning his gaze to Bianca, "Step forward my daughter-"
"Father." Bianca swallowed hard, doing as she was told.
"This is the first time I've met you since I had you removed from the Casino." his voice was very slightly softer. "I admit I wasn't pleased with you when Alecto informed me that you'd left the way you did- but it seems to have turned out for the best at least. And I am proud of you now." that made Bianca flush, a smile spreading across her lips.
"You are? Even though- even though I left Nico?"
"As I said. It seems to have turned out for the best-" his eyes flicked to Nico, "Your brother has grown into a strong hero who I am extremely proud of, and he is happy. I cannot be unhappy when you both seem to have found your own paths and happiness."
"Thank you father." Bianca beamed at him, ducking her head, her cheeks flushed with her pride at the praise.
Hades gaze shifted a moment later, focusing on Thalia, his face going blank for a moment as Thalia gazed defiantly at him. "It seems I owe you thanks too. I am aware that you have little reason to help me given your history-"
"You mean you sending all the monsters you could after me?"
"Thalia!" Nico hissed the name, his eyes wide, but Hades held up a hand.
"No my son. The girl may have a point. Her fathers crimes are not hers." he didn't look pleased as he said that, "I should not have done what I did. I was enraged at my
brothers actions. Not hers. I owe you an apology it seems. I am sorry for sending monsters to pursue you to camp. What is done is done, I cannot take it back, and I will never like you child, but I do regret what I did."
"I-" Thalia looked stunned- after all, gods were rarely willing to apologise for their mistakes- they barely even acknowledged them let alone apologised. Eventually she rallied and managed a weak, "I accept your apology uncle."
Then Hades gaze was on Nico for a second, a proud gleam in his eyes- and he didn't need to say anything really, Nico's back straightening as he gave a small silent nod of understanding before Hades' gaze focused on Percy, taking in the bloody bandages and the sword she was gripping tightly. "You have brought me back my sword and a Titan. I would like to know what happened."
"Of course uncle." Percy fidgeted slightly, brushing her hair out of her face. "We followed the carnation your wife gave us- we spoke to Sisyphus who told us that the thief, Ethan Nakamura, was going to Melinoe's cave."
"We were attacked by Keres on the way there." Nico added, "Percy got wounded protecting Bianca-" Hades' eyes widened slightly but he didn't comment, "We managed to fend the Keres off and send them away." the son of Hades explained, "We made it to the Lethe-"
"How did you cross?" Hades brow furrowed, "You'd have had to, if you wished to get to Melinoe's cave."
"Percy." that came from Bianca, "She was amazing. She lifted the river above her head-" and that made Hades' expression turn to one of pure shock as he turned his head to focus on the daughter of Poseidon, who blushed a bright shade of red.
"You did what?"
"It's still water even if it's magical water."
"Child-" Hades stared for a long moment before he shook his head, "For a child of Poseidon..." there was a weary look on his face, "Well. I see."
"And Melinoe tried to stop us." Nico admitted, "But Percy dealt with her too-"
Hades closed his eyes, "And how did she do that while seriously wounded after using so much power?"
"I don't have any ghosts." Percy gave a small shrug, "I've been having therapy-"
"I see." Hades lips twitched slightly, "Well that's a small mercy I suppose- it seems incredibly lucky that you were there-"
"It really was." Bianca spoke up, "Honestly Percy did all the hard work. When we got there Ethan had already freed- him." she nodded her head towards the Titan, "She's the one who tossed him into the Lethe."
"And fell in with him giving us all heart attacks." Thalia grumbled the words and Hades raised an eyebrow as he looked at Percy again- and she shrugged.
"Daughter of Poseidon." she said as innocently as she could, "I just didn't want to get wet."
"I see." Hades now looked as if he didn't know if he wanted to laugh or cry, "Yes I believe I see how this came to be now. And what of the thief?"
Instantly Percy's expression darkened and Nico winced, "I'm sorry father. I should have had him but I saw Percy falling into the Lethe and I wasn't sure if she'd have the strength to keep herself dry after everything. I was too worried and I turned my back. I had the sword but Ethan still got away."
"That's... disappointing." Hades admitted, "But I understand son- I'm hardly going to blame you for the boy escaping son. The fact that you got the sword back is more than I would have expected."
Nico visibly relaxed. "Thank you father-"
"Don't be foolish son, I am the one who should thank you. All four of you. You have done me a great favor." his gaze focused on the sword again and Percy stepped forward.
"Uncle... I know it's not my place but- this sword- it's dangerous. I don't- I'm not saying I believe you'd turn on my father and Lord Zeus but- if I just handed it over-"
"Yes child." Hades looked tired suddenly, "I know."
"What were you thinking uncle? Doing it so secretly. And then not talking with us about it first- you don't usually get other people to do your dirty work."
His gaze flicked towards Persephone at that- and she almost seemed to flinch and pale slightly, looking away.
"You are right. My brothers would be furious I have no doubt. But what is done is done and it cannot be undone now. What would you have me do niece?"
"As much as I trust you they don't- the only way I can think of placating Lord Zeus' anger when he finds out about this- and he will find out even if we swear not to mention it to him, would be for you to swear not to use it against the other gods."
Hades eyes flashed with anger at that, and his lips pressed together tightly. "I do not like it." he ground the words out. "But you are not wrong- my brother is paranoid. He will accuse me of scheming against him. So I will make an oath on the Styx. I swear to you Persephone Jackson, that I will not use this sword against my fellow Olympians.
And I swear it on the Styx. I have no designs on my brothers throne, I tell you that much."
"I know uncle. But thank you." Percy held out the sword and Hades took it carefully, examining it as he did before he turned his head to look at Persephone.
"You defied my direct orders." his voice was cool, and Percy felt a jolt of shock as the pieces slid into place- and she heard Nico's sharp intake of breath.
She'd been right, it wasn't like her uncle to do something so reckless. He wasn't power hungry like so many tended to assume. But- Persephone loved him. She must have hated that he was second to his brothers- Percy couldn't really blame her for that.
And with the war coming she'd undoubtedly be worried.
And she had to give the goddess credit she didn't flinch under his piercing gaze.
Then Hades turned to the four demigods. "My children, my nieces. I would ask that you speak of this to no one. If word gets out of what happened here today-"
"The Titans might think you weak." Nico's voice was worried. "And they could attack you." and the unspoken fact that that would be disastrous hung in the air- it was bad enough with Atlantis being under attack. Let alone the Underworld too.
"I-" Bianca looked hesitant before her expression turned determined, "I swear on the Styx that I won't tell anyone what happened here- not even Lady Artemis."
"You may tell her I summoned you for a quest." Hades allowed, "To test you myself- as your father I doubt that Artemis would question that at least."
"And what about us?" Thalia raised an eyebrow, "What should Percy, Nico and I say. The others are bound to have noticed our disappearances and the whole testing Bianca doesn't track with you wanting us too." she pointed out, crossing her arms over her chest.
Hades sighed, rolling his eyes. "Tell them that I wished to speak to you about the coming war- I know my brothers care little for me but expect me to fight for them. Tell them that I wished to see if you were worthy of my aid when the time comes."
"Yeah, because you'd really refuse to help." Nico rolled his eyes, "You might have once upon a time dad but I don't think you would now."
"You presume much Nico." Hades lips twitched very slightly and he turned his head to look away. "Tell them I offered up a challenge to see if you were worthy-"
"And are we?" Percy gave a cheeky little grin and Nico let out a snicker as Thalia closed her eyes, lips twitching.
"I have yet to decide." Hades shook his head, "But when the time comes- it will likely be you if anyone that I help, not my brothers."
"Thank you." Nico's smile was a soft thing, "Thank you father-"
"Yes, well." Hades let out a little cough, "You will not speak of this part of our conversation either." he looked away from them, clearly uncomfortable with having been so open. He snapped his fingers and the Furies fluttered down from the top of his throne. "Return the blade to the forges, stay with the smiths until it is finished and then return it to me." he handed it to them carefully, and the Furies swirled into the air with the weapon.
"You are wise my lord." that came from Persephone, and Hades gave her a dark look.
"If I were wise," he growled, "I would look you in your chambers. If you ever disobey me again-" he let the threat hang in the air and Persephone looked almost frightened- and even Percy felt sorry for her, so she stepped forward.
"Uncle- before- there was something I wished to speak to you about. Alone." she hadn't even realised she was going to do it before she'd said it- but she knew even as she asked for a private audience what she needed to speak to him about.
Hades paused, turning his face to look at Percy, raising an eyebrow. "Alone?"
"Yes uncle."
"Percy?" Nico's voice was questioning but Percy shot him a tight smile.
"It's okay Neeks- I just want a word with him-"
"So be it." Hades nodded, "Persephone, take the children and... Bob, outside. I will speak with my niece alone as she wishes."