Percy's POV:
We made a pit stop in Las Vegas because Annabeth was getting tired from driving all the time. We have been driving for a pretty long time and I was getting pretty uncomfortable being stuck inside the truck. We parked the truck and I still sat in the back waiting. I believe we have about a week to finish the quest anyway so, I don't think it would hurt any one to rest up a bit. I definitely won't complain. But still... what in the hell was that dream saying? I even told Khione about it after I woke up and it didn't even help. It just left me with some more questions.
She told me that all dreams have meaning, like I didn't already know that, and said perhaps it has to deal with the quest. That isn't a thought that I like to think about. Were Grover and Annabeth gonna die? Perhaps only one of them? I just don't know... And why did my brain decide to bring that memory back. It was hard enough to move on the first time. Now I have to do it again. Just why does it have to be so hard. I know it isn't easy to lose someone you love but, why? The Fates just love screwing with me, don't they?
"Hey Perce? You ok?" Grover asked with sincerity. While Annabeth stood next to him with a face of concern. When did they get here?
"Nope. Just had one of the worst nightmares of my life. And that is saying something." Dusting off all the dirt off of my shorts, I got up and made my way to my friends.
"Wanna talk about it?" This time Annabeth asked. I don't see why not. So as we walked through the streets of Las Vegas I started telling them what exactly happened as I slept. My mouth began moving on it's own as I began to admire the dazzling streets. Beyond the horizon, the sun illuminated the shimmering haze of pollution. In the far distance, the silhouette of the skyline pierced through the warm glow like a jagged mountain ridge. Millions of lights caused the dense mass of skyscrapers glitter. People were needle points and cars were blood cells flowing through the veins of the city. Despite the time, the hustle and bustle never came to a halt. The city's residents were off for a movie or to chill out in a smoky jazz bar downtown. I finished up and they looked like they a few years.
"Yea it wasn't a pretty picture. But that wasn't all." They looked at me wide eyed in disbelief. More? Yea a lot more after being assaulted in my dream by my friends. "I didn't want to go back to sleep after that."
"I bet. I can't even imagine how it felt." Grover said in a low voice.
"No you can't..." I took in a deep breath, "Anyway I didn't want to go back to sleep yet, I couldn't force my eyes to stay open though."
"Well we have been through a lot so I wouldn't put it past you." Annabeth jumped in.
"You don't understand. I could stay awake for long periods of time with no rest however, last night it was like something forced to back. I couldn't control it. I did whatever I could to stay awake. Poor water on myself. Punch myself. Tried distracting myself and yet it didn't help... I was thrown into a vision of something in the underworld. Something evil and cold."
"What happened?" One of them said. I was to busy remembering to care who said it.
"It was a conversation between that thing and an invisible guy. I couldn't make out either party so, I just listened. It had something to do with the bolt I'm sure of it and wanting to bring it to him."
"Him who?" Annabeth asked.
"I don't know. He just kept going on and on about deceiving people and calling the other guy worthless for failing him sooner. But then he said something that really caught me attention. He said that once he has both items..."
"What?"
"That was it. He noticed I was there and called me out. He was upset that I interrupted their meeting and cast me out. Out of my own dream. I.. I think we have a traitor at camp." I finished and even I didn't want to believe it but, I know that voice. Just can't put my finger on it.
We strolled around in silence. No one wanted to believe it, hell I still don't believe it. I was brought out of my thoughts when we entered a hotel got room keys and walked to our rooms for the night. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't even care about the hotel we were staying at. We didn't even say any anything to each other as we went to sleep either. Grover and I let Annabeth take the bed and I let Grover take the couch. I wasn't going to be sleeping tonight anyway.
For the next few hours my thoughts settled on two things. First was what exactly the first dream had in store for me and second was who exactly was the mysterious guy in the second dream. If it is someone from camp I would like to think that they have no reason to act such a way but, that isn't true. There are too many people with grudges and too many people who would like to spit in the gods' faces. If I would have to take a guess, it would probably be an undetermined child. The gods act like all superior but they are the ones that are making their own problems. Then deciding to sweep it under the rug. Sooner or later, that kind of thinking will lead to something much worse than wanting some answers or some payback.
Always there are more paths than clues. I slumped onto the floor, hands in my pockets waiting for an answer to magically appear. I turn slowly, not even bothering to totally care about the details of the room. Not once has this type of thinking lead to anything other more questions. For the first time since the journey began my face is completely fallen, no mask of coping left. My eyes keep wandering, to the cabinet filled with nice clothes, to the drawers filled with goodies, to the size of the room itself.
Either way, undetermined children need to know that there are people that care for them and willing to fight for them. Safe place for demigods my ass. It's only safe for people who bring their parents something to care about. A child to brag over and compare to others. Pitiful. This leads to kids dreaming of their parents approval and a way to prove themselves. Like Annabeth to Athena. Or Grover to the Elders.
I know I wanted to prove myself to my dad but, I since changed my way of thinking. It doesn't matter anymore what they think of me. Not like it mattered earlier but, still. Right now... I don't want to die because of a pissed off god and his ego issues. OR anyone else for that matter. I've lost enough family already, I'm not about to start again.
My thoughts continued to swirl for the next few hours before I looked out the window and saw the sun way over the horizon. That's not possible It's only been a couple hours. "Wake UP!" I shouted and jumped in the room shaking the bed and couch. But no one was on them. What is going on!? I dashed out of the room and got my first real glance at the hotel. It-it was... freaky. So many machines and gizmos littered with people just sitting and enjoying themselves. They had absolutely everything from rides, to adrenaline rushes, and all sort of games and foods people would want. That wasn't normal. This is no where near what normal was.
I ran from machine to machine and trying hard to find my friends. I found Annabeth building something and Grover killing humans as a deer. What the Hades?! I grabbed them both by the wrists and jumped into a random fountain ready to get on out of there. "NO wait!" They both shouted but, I shoved them into the water and rematerialized outside in another fancy fountain just outside the door.
I didn't even give them a chance to catch their breaths as I dragged them back to the truck and threw them inside. I went to the back and let the animals go. Since they were blessed by Grover and I, they should get to safety with no trouble. I then unhitched the backside of the truck and rushed back to the front. Not before I noticed a billboard with todays date. June twentieth. My anger slowly began to boil to the surface as I stomped back to the front. Opening the door and slamming it shut I said one simple thing. "Drive." As stale as could be, void of all emotion while my arms were crossed. Annabeth didn't hesitate and sped across the desert with her foot all the way down on the pedal.
The clouds that gather, a silver-fade, from the strongest of grey to soft whites, have command of the skies today. Yet they didn't show up to bring new life. No, no, no, they swirled in accordance with my emotions. Only gusts shown that my anger was slowly seeping out and drizzles foreshadowing a thunderstorm.
White knuckles from clenching my fist too hard, and gritted teeth from effort to remain silent, my hunched form exuded an animosity that was like acid - burning, slicing, potent. My face was red with suppressed rage, and when Grover even set a finger on my shoulder, I swung around and mentally snapped. As did the storm outside the moving vehicle. "Percy-"
"Don't Percy me! We lost a week to finish this quest! A week gods dammit! One. Week! How in the Hades did that happen!?" They didn't answer and my anger grew all the more. Rain began to plummet to the earth in waves. With gusts holding the strength to knock anyone over like a paper bag. They still didn't answer, "How!?" Grover and Annabeth flinched at my tone.
"We-we were wa-walking by wh-when the nice bell h-hop called u-us over. You were t-too distracted even when we called your name. S-so we went inside and- and..." Grover stuttered out.
"And what!?" I shouted edging him to get on with it.
"W-we got distracted and went pla-playing around." Grover barely continued.
"Distracted? Distracted!? I can't believe it! We are demigods for Hades sake! We get distracted, we die! We are susceptible to both the mortal and mythological temptations! How dumb do you have to be to not notice a very obvious trap, when nothing in this world is as perfect as that place makes it out to be!?" I continued to rant for the next five minutes uninterrupted. I was beyond pissed at them both.
"That's enough Percy! You're just as responsible as we are!" Annabeth had the audacity to fight back.
"You're kidding, right? For the entire quest so far, I've been doing most if not all the work. Then when we are this close, I give you a little responsibility and you decide to run straight into a trap like a moth to a flame. Adding to the fact that someone might die because of a traitor. I was doing my job and trying to get answers while you two go off lolly gagging and making one of the biggest mistake you could have on a mission with a deadline. You say I'm responsible? When another world war is just around the corner? I don't have the time to make mistakes that could lead to dead friends. Do you have any idea the cost of the mistake you made?" I felt like a parent scolding children. Grover and Annabeth don't deserve to have it easy right now.
"Percy we're-" They tried to say something but, I cut them off.
"I am beginning to think bringing you was nothing more than a mistake..." I finished and let them mope in silence for the rest of the car ride. The storm slowly subsiding just as my anger lessened.
'That was harsh don't you think?' Khione chimed in.
'Nope. We now have less than a day because of them.'
'I know you. You're not one to hold a grudge against friends.'
'I'm not holding anything. I ranted and called them out. If they don't like me being straight with them, that isn't my problem. I am the way I am. You should know that I'm not one to beat around the bush.'
'Damn straight you aren't. I still remember you calling me out. Me. A goddess. You have some big kahunas if you know what I mean.' I couldn't help but chuckle at that.
'You know, the last time I got so angry was way back in the day. I think I even managed to scare myself with that stunt. Ugh what am I going to do now?'
'Oh quit moping around. This isn't like you, just get over it. Like you said it isn't your fault.'
'Now it is my problem... Thank you by the way.'
'Anytime Perce. We'll talk more later.' She stopped talking and I continued to sit in silence for the rest of the drive. Softly splashing water droplets hit the car windows as we drive onwards. The skies are overhung with a blanket of grey, so much so that I can barely tell the difference between the sky and clouds. Despite car rides feeling tedious, the rain commonly calms me - I watch raindrops race down to the windows. The occasional wave of a puddle can be exciting, but I'd rather be outside in those puddles than stuck in this car.
Time just continues to slide on by. As we neared Santa Monica, the sun started to set behind the horizon. I didn't bother to wait for the car to stop as I jumped out and walked towards the beach. I looked around the dunes and saw homeless people on the pier, trash on the beach and water, and no sign of a summons. Which means...
I walked into the surf and kept on going until it past my waist. "Percy wait!" Annabeth called out but, I didn't listen. I kept on going deeper and deeper. Past colonies of sand dollars, the rolling sand, schools of bait fish, towards an underwater canyon. Bigger than anything any canyon I've seen in the past and I have seen plenty. It was stunning to say the least, clear as the night sky above. Yet, even I was limited to what I could see in the vast void of an ocean.
A sudden flash of light caught my attention from a hundred fifty feet below. Growing brighter by the second as she swam to me. Another messenger from my dad no doubt. I don't really mind though. She called out to me in a smooth voice. A voice that reminded me of my mother. My first mom. I still remember what she sounded like. She had flowing black hair, and a dress made of green silk that complimented her perfectly. All the while sitting elegantly on a horse sized sea horse. She dismounted and began petting her sea horse on the snout. "We meet again Percy. I do hope you're doing well."
"Same here. It's been a little while since our last meet at the Mississippi. Sorry about that."
"No need to apologize, as a Son of the Sea to a Nereid such as myself. The sea has mourned quite a bit when we thought your death was assured. Now however, we see that you're alive as ever. You are one curious Son of the Sea to say the least."
"Yea, well I try."
"You must be curious on why your father isn't here personally." She stated.
"Not at all. I'm sure he is busy with the threat of another war looming over him and I don't think now is the time or place for such a thing. Plus as a god, I know he can't interfere personally."
"You're right, he is quite occupied during this time. I'm sure you know that it is against ancient laws to do so and a god most certainly mustn't show favoritism." Stupid ancient laws.
"I know. However a god shouldn't be so negligent against their own children and make them feel abandoned and uncared for."
"Surely you don't believe Poseidon acted in such a way?" She acted like I punched her in the face.
"Of course not! I know he mourned when he thought I was dead and I don't hold an ounce of blame over him. He acted like a parent should. Which is more than I could say for a few other gods. Don't you agree?"
"It isn't my place to say how the gods should behave... but, I would have to agree. Now for the reason your father asked you here. A gift and a warning." Finally I'm going to get some answers. She held out her hand and three pure white pearls appeared in her hand. "Journeying to the Underworld shouldn't be taken lightly. Any mortal who entered had a gift to get them back out. This is your gift. Smash them at your feet when you're ready. We can't have someone of such importance die at a young age... The fates haven't been kind to you young Percy, I wish I could do more but, all I can give is a warning. Careful of Hades, now that he knows of you he is enraged and no doubt try and use you." She place the pearls in my palm and closed my hand. "Farewell Percy, may the fates be kind for once." She got back on her stallion sea horse and began riding towards the void. "Listen to your heart!" She called out one last time before disappearing.
I kicked back to the surface to as the sun was setting beyond the horizon in a beautiful hue of gold and rose. My friends waiting patiently on the beach for my arrival. I walked up to them and began by telling why I was called here and showed them the pearls. It didn't take long so we decided to find our way to the Underworld. Which we had no idea how to get to by the way.
So we drove around completely clueless for an hour before I got desperate. 'Khione a little help here please! I don't know where I'm going.'
'Try the DOA studio. It's not too far from where you're at right now actually. Three blocks a head of you and take a left. It should be on the right with a big sign. Can't miss it.'
'Thanks I owe you.'
'Come on, you know exactly what I want.' She said in a sly tone.
'Is my cooking really that good? I'm not complaining or anything but, ever since you tasted it awhile back that's all you ever wanted when I said I'll owe you.'
'I'm a goddess, we don't actually need to eat but, I prefer your food over mine. That says a lot.'
'Alright, alright. Thanks. talk to you soon.' I told Annabeth where to drive and we got there in no time at all. Good thing to because time was not on our side anymore.
"What's the plan?" Grover asked. While Annabeth stood next to him in silence. I don't think she's in a good mood.
"I'm going to tell him the truth. If we got caught with a lie, I think things would go a lot worse." I told him honestly right outside the door to the DOA studio.
We walked in and it was not what I expected the gateway to the Underworld to be but, who am I to judge? I stood in a massive room filled to the brim with ghosts whispering in hushed voices about gods know what. All with one security guard sitting at the main desk looking bored out of his mind. I would be too if I had to watch ghosts for my job. This and the softly played music that would drive anyone insane. Overall the place was very boring with little color and no attitude.
We just avoided everyone and walked straight to the desk with a man of elegance and a tall stature. He had chocolate-colored skin and a military haircut that was way too blonde to be considered natural. His eyes hid behind some sunglasses and had wore a very fancy silk Italian suit. Also way to bleached to be considered natural. "Well if it isn't Charon. I was wondering when I would have my chance at meeting you personally." He looked at me and gave me a cold, dry smile. "We would like passage to see Hades."
"Finally, some one who recognizes me! It has been so long since the last time I wasn't instantly confused for that centaur!" He expressed with glee, completely ignoring the fact that I asked to see Hades. "Now what is it that you want you dead people?" He asked quite politely.
"I want to go and see Hades. I believe he is expecting me so, I don't think sneaking around and manipulating people will help my case."
"Considering the fact that you're in here willingly and aren't trying to cheat, scam, scream, or lie to me, I will let you leave this place... alive. I will forget ever seeing you. Trust me, you don't want to go and meet the boss while he's in one of his moods." And Charon is being considerate. Who knew?
"Sorry but, I can't. And if you can get us to Hades fast, I will put in a good word with him to get you something. That is the least I could do." I didn't realize the impact of what I said until he smiled. Like a real genuine smile that gleamed. I doubt he smiled ever in his life, like a real one without the cold python glare behind it. I don't know if I should be worried or happy. Grover and Annabeth stepped closer to me as if they were wanting protection from his snow white teeth.
"You better know what you're doing kid... I hope you survive." He told us a matter of factly and guided us into the elevator. I was feeling better already. Well, as good as you could feel when you're going into the Underworld and have to convince the god of the dead to not kill you for being born. The four of stood like we were the punch line to a bad joke. The fairy guide of the dead, a shirtless freak of nature, the daughter of wisdom, and a goat carrying a god giving backpack that wasn't all that much helpful. Seriously if someone told me this. I wouldn't even know where to begin to unravel the whirlwind I'm going to right now.