Okay- okay but I love Hades and he's just there watching these two girls and especially Percy and he's like 'Hmmmm. I like this girl a lot' and he is gonna be an awesome uncle.
Replies:
Undeath9087: Eh I dunno- this is a Percy who is an Underworld kid as well, that makes him soften up somewhat. As you'll see at the end of the chapter.
Guest: You shall get many of your answers in this chapter- and Hades is smart enough to know if she has the Helm she has the Bolt.
Thickneck: Eh, I dunno about that.
Zephyr0f8: Hades is just there like 'Must not show how freaked out I am by the fact that mother's showed up.
MKDemiGodzilla-Warrior: Hades has his ways- and also, you shall see about Luke soon.
It took longer than Percy had expected to tell Hades their story. The god wanted every little detail he could, get, which was understandable Percy supposed. Still, it was frustrating when he had her go back, repeating the smallest details. The fact that the Oracle had reached out through her dreams seemed to worry him, and he outright laughed when she'd explained exactly how she'd gotten the bag and what had happened to it- stuffed under her bed for months on end.
His annoyance over that seemed to have faded somewhat, a fact that Percy was grateful for. And she could admit that the sheer ridiculousness of the situation was what made it kind of comical. She'd been sleeping on top of two of the most powerful items in the Greek pantheon without having a single clue.
He hadn't been surprised that it was Walt/Anubis who had realised what she had, after all he was an Underworld deity. It made sense that he'd be more in tune with that sort of thing.
And by the time she finished telling him the story there was one thing that he seemed to be somewhat stuck on.
He was leaning forward in his throne, hands clasped together in front of him as he stared, a worried look on his face. "You say you dreamed of the pit. Are you sure that you're right about the voice you heard?"
"I'm sure." Percy nodded, "I know it's scary and kinda terrifying but he said that the war would weaken his foolish sons. I- as far as I'm concerned there's only one person who would say that. And like I said, Lady Rhea visited me while we were on the way here." she shifted slightly, pulling a face when Hades eyes widened slightly- though he made a good attempt to hide his reaction. "She confirmed my theory about who it was. I'm sorry Lord Hades but-" she bit her lip, "Your father's responsible for this."
"Such a brazen move... I've had a bad feeling for some time but I didn't want to consider the possibility that father really was gaining strength." Hades admitted, "For him to make a play such as this- he wouldn't take the risk unless he had more plans."
"You believe us then." Piper said quickly, "You believe that we're telling the truth about this."
"I do." Hades nodded, "It troubles me greatly but I do believe you. Unfortunately I doubt my brother will. And if Zeus doesn't prepare neither will the others." Hades scowled, "He's arrogant, he won't believe it a possibility until he sees irrefutable evidence. And this is not irrefutable."
"I know the type." Percy let out a slight huff, "It can be right in front of their noses and they still won't listen until the very last moment." her lips twitched, "But I doubt Zeus is as reasonable as Desjardins was when the time came." she sighed. "What do we do uncle?"
"Well. My brothers Bolt must be returned." Hades said slowly. "He's threatening war against Poseidon, I don't want my realm filled more than it already is. I have enough work to do already. Thankfully you noticed when you did." Hades shook his head, "It could have been much worse. You made it here with a week to go before my brothers deadline."
"Deadline?"
"Yes. Zeus had given until the Summer Solstice for whoever stole his Master Bolt to return it."
"Uh- about that." Percy shifted nervously, "I was actually wondering if there's any chance that you could maybe return it for me-"
"You don't want to meet Zeus yet." Hades chuckled, "You know there are very few demigods who would choose coming to me over visiting Zeus. But then as you said- you have connections to the Underworld, even if it isn't our Underworld."
"Yep." Percy nodded, "I just- I mean I feel like Zeus would probably a bit of an asshole about all of this and he isn't known for being the most reasonable of gods-" and that made Hades outright laugh.
"Ah yes, you clearly have much more sense than most other demigods."
"I like to think so." Percy declared, glaring at Piper when she snickered, "What's so funny Mclean?"
"Oh, nothing-" Piper's lips were twitching, "I was just thinking about the fact that you are both one of the smarted people I have ever met and also one of the most ridiculously stupid. The entire time you were on your way here you were talking about how you wanted to steal Cerberus as if that was possible-"
"Hey!" Percy pouted, "It's not stupid to have dreams Piper, and my dreams are fabulous ones which include Cerberus and Ammit having play dates."
Hades snorted, "Why do I get the feeling that this won't be the only time I get to see you?"
"Because I'm gonna be visiting Cerberus again." Percy declared, "I'll pop in every time I'm in LA, which is reasonably often because I'm an actress."
That made Hades blink in surprise, "Are you now?"
"Oh yeah." Percy grinned, "Have been for years. Mom wrote books about my adventures with my brother and sister, they were really successful and boom," she gestured dramatically, "They wanted to make films and I decided to audition for the role of myself."
"You- play yourself-"
"Not just myself." Percy conceded, "But, yeah, that pretty much sums it up." She grinned widely. "I've had a few other roles, but my favorite is always gonna be Ariadne because I literally just get to be myself on screen."
"I see." Hades looked faintly amused again. "You are an odd one my niece."
"You don't say." Piper snorted, "And you've only known her for like an hour at most. You haven't gotten the full 'Percy Kane Experience.'"
"Well I have no doubt I will get it." lowered his hands, "Since you seem to believe you'll be spending so much time here. I doubt you'll pay much attention if I forbid you from coming. If you are like your father in any way at all you're certain to be stubborn."
"Yes." Piper said smoothly, "I have never known anyone so stubborn as Percy. But usually it turns out pretty fun when she decides to do something."
"Of course it does. That's because I'm awesome."
"And we've gotten off track." Hades pressed his lips together. "If you had come here making demands I would have refused to let you leave- and I would have refused to do as you've requested. I would have taken the bolt to try and force him to show me the respect I deserve. Which admittedly would have likely done little good."
"Uh, yeah. That would have probably just made things worse."
"I am tired of being treated poorly, of having no respect. You, my niece, and your friend, seem to be an exception. I don't think any demigod has ever been so... respectful towards me before-"
"Hah." Piper snickered, "I'm sorry I just, well it's weird to hear someone calling Percy respectful. Especially a god-"
"Hey! I treat Ra with respect as a figure of authority. The others I respect as people, there's a difference. Besides," Percy added, "Respect is for those who deserve it. Not for those who demand it. You don't treat people poorly and expect them to then respect you in return- and they should expect people to respect them as an authority figure if they don't treat people like they matter. Which is something some of the gods struggle with."
"You're quite wise for a child of your ages." Hades said after a moment. "In any case, I appreciate what you have done, coming here in person to deliver my Helm. And since you have shown me such courtesy- well I am not the type to leave my debts unpaid. I'll ensure that my brother receives his Master Bolt before the day is out. And I will not say a word to him about you or the House of Life." his lips twitched. "It will be most satisfying to know that I have information which he does not."
Percy snickered at that. "That is the most sibling thing I've ever heard anyone say." she admitted, "I'd probably feel the same if I knew something Carter didn't-"
"Percy last time you knew something Carter didn't you spent like an hour dancing around him chanting 'I know something you don't know'."
"That is slander and lies-"
"Felix filmed you-"
"Slander and lies I tell you!" Percy pointed dramatically, "You were not there and therefore you saw nothing."
"He sent me the video-" Piper suddenly smirked, "If you'd like to see it Lord Hades-"
"Perhaps another time." Hades was clearly trying to stop himself from laughing. "I admit you've offered me much more entertainment than I'm used to. I must thank you for that."
"And I should probably thank you." Percy gave a somewhat sheepish grin, "For promising not to tell Zeus about me. I doubt he's as cool as you."
"You would be correct there. My younger brother does have a certain flare for the dramatic. And he certainly wouldn't be pleased with your existence." Hades paused "Though I admit I am most curious about your story. There's never been a child like you before. Perhaps when you return we can talk more."
"I like the sound of that." Percy decided.
"And I'll be with her because-" Piper paused, "Well, because that's just how things are these days." and that was true enough, the only time Piper wasn't around was when she was visiting her dad, which was never for more than a week or two at a time.
"Yes, well." Hades waved a hand, and then he was holding two bracelets. The chain of the bracelets wasn't too thick, but it was thick enough to be sturdy- a must in the life of anyone as active as Percy and Piper were. And there was a singular charm on each of the bracelets.
A little black Helm. "Next time you decide to visit you can simply use these. They will bring you directly to the gates of my palace." his voice was slightly gruffer "If you insist on coming it would be much more simple- and Charon is less likely to complain about having to cart you back and forth."
And Percy was pretty sure that was as close to an invitation to visit as anyone was ever likely to get.
"How to they work uncle?" Percy stepped forward, Piper still by her side, and he held out the bracelets so that they could see. One was made of a black metal, the other of a silver metal.
"It is a simple enough magic-" Hades gaze met Percy, "You've likely done more complicated magic yourself." it was almost a question and Percy flushed but she nodded.
"I won't say I'm that amazing but I've been using magic since I was a little kid. I'm pretty good with it."
"I imagine you're better than most of our magic wielders." Hades said thoughtfully. "You Egyptians were always more inclined to things of that nature. Spells and such. Our followers were more interested in brute force-and of course the powers some heroes had- I assume you have both powers and magic- you say you're Blood of Pharaohs after all."
"Yep." Percy gave a small shrug, "I have both. Piper tried to learn but it wasn't so successful. Apparently the only reason I can is because I have the blood of both worlds. Normal demigods just can't do magic usually."
"There are ways and means but none that anyone would likely risk." Hades conceded, "In any case, to activate the magic you simply unclasp the charm from the bracelet. You'll have five seconds and then it will transport you here and the charm will reform. The metal of the chains is different for a reason." he eyed Percy almost curiously as he handed her the black metal one, and she tilted her head as she turned it over in her hands, and he handed Piper hers with much less concern.
"Why?" Percy asked curious, "What's the difference?"
"Platinum for the daughter of Aphrodite-" and Piper's eyes widened slightly.
"How did you-"
"Your eyes, and I can sense the power, you have your mothers gift of charmspeak." Hades paused, tilting his head, "You weren't sure?"
"We thought she might be." Percy said quickly, "But no, we weren't sure who her mother was."
"I-" Piper hesitated, "It doesn't really matter either way does it? Who my mom is doesn't change who I am." she curled her fingers around the bracelet. "Thank you Lord Hades."
"And mine?" Percy asked- turning it over and over.
The metal was cool in her hand.
"Stygian Iron." Hades voice was totally calm. "It is one of the rarest of our metals. Usually it's made into weapons but I felt it fitting. After all only a true child of the Underworld can wield it." and that made Percy's gaze snap up to meet Hades, her eyes wide with shock.