Percy's POV:
I don't know when exactly Charon or everything changed but, we no longer stood in a plain elevator listening to strange music that was all muffled. Now, it was a wooden barge floating along the River Styx that was polluted beyond belief. Even though the Styx was a river of the underworld, I still find it repulsing to see it so trashed from constant human waste. Hopes. Dreams. Meals. Toys. Anything and everything people no longer had any use for.
Instead of the white Italian suited Charon, there was him poling us along the in the oily muck wearing a black robe. His flesh was transparent and gave the all too familiar look of the grim reaper. A skeleton body covered by a dark robe over his entire body, without the scythe of course. I guess that is where the legend of the grim reaper came from. It's not too surprising. At the edge of the shore rolled a green smog that continued to show the common trend of the Underworld.
I was thrown out of my thoughts when Grover began heaving and throwing up over the edge of the barge. While Annabeth nudged her way towards me and grabbed hold of my shoulder, probably to see if I was still alive. I could understand her unease. We are twelve for crying out loud and now sitting on a barge headed towards Hades himself, of course she's scared. The life of a demigod sure is a strange one.
A massive black volcanic sand beach stretched as far as the eye could see in both directions. It was sitting in front of a stone wall equally long, it was so far wide that the only end in sight was the mist blocking anything else from view. Sliding up on the sand, we disembarked and began marching our way further into the land of the dead. "I wish you luck, boy! Even though you won't find any of that here!" Charon hollered to us from the barge as he pushed off and made his way back across the River Styx.
As we continued down the path, followed by other ghosts I might add, we reached the gates. It was just... so underwhelming. It was three separate gates, where they had to walk through metal detectors that had security cameras posted everywhere. These were handled by guys like Charon sitting at tollbooths passing people along.
This was depressing. Oh and Cerberus wasn't here, so that's another downer.
As we continued onward I caught a glimpse at the judges. Also a little disappointing, so we walked on. The mist shimmered and it gave view to something incredible. There stood Cerberus in all his glory, his three heads and massive body looming over the line of the dead. He sniffed the air and growled, staring right at us. The living among the dead. "Hey Grover, what's he saying?" I asked while leaning back and pointing at the giant dog.
"Hehe well... He likes the way you smell." Grover answered sheepishly.
"Oh good. I thought I would have to worry." We continued to walk until we were right in front of the hound. "I'm sure we are expected. So, do you mind letting us through?" The dog didn't answer for a moment and that worried me. Not that I could understand him anyway. It's just... the silence is unsettling.
Another moment passed, before he stepped aside and whined. I bet he's disappointed that we weren't on the menu for tonight. But I'm fine with that. We rushed forward because none of us wanted to waste any time with a hungry three headed dog. So, as we reached the metal detectors, we just walked on by with absolutely no worry. I don't know if that is a good thing or not. Either we are walking right into a trap and are gonna die a gruesome death or Hades wants to talk. And I doubt he wants to sit down and talk about our problems over a cup of tea... Tea doesn't sound too bad right now actually. What kind though?
I wouldn't recommend going to the Underworld for a sightseeing trip. Just imagine standing in a field in Kansas with no end in sight and every single piece of wheat or whatever is whispering and murmuring to themselves utterly confused. Just wandering aimlessly with nothing on their minds, waiting for the day something would happen but, knowing nothing would. That and the fact that everything is gloomy and dark. Oh but, they did have a little change in scenery every so often with poplars poking about.
If that doesn't do it for ya, the fields of punishment will surely make you want to become one of the zombies of asphodel instead. The tortures was so bad that I'm not even going to into detail about it. If I do, I'll remember them in my dreams and that is something I would rather not experience in my sleep.
But, it isn't all bad I guess. Elysium gave that spark of hope of something better. It was surrounded by walls yet, inside was rows of houses from everywhere and time I could possibly think of. The sound of true happiness and freedom sprung from such a community. I just hope I end up there when I die. In the center were the Isles of the Blest. Paradise within a paradise. Maybe I'll try going there. None of us so much as breathed a word.
As we continued past paradise, we caught view of Hades's palace. A palace of black obsidian with the Furies flying above them.
Everything was going splendidly which of course means that something was about to go terribly wrong. From behind I heard Grover shout. "Maia! Maia! Stop! Help!" His shoes started flying away with Grover attached to them. I figured he couldn't control it and Annabeth and I ran after him as he was drug across the ground with the backpack that was gifted to us. I totally forgot about the shoes.
We kept after him. "Untie the shoes!" Annabeth shouted. It was a good idea but, easier said than done. He kept on going straight towards the palace but, took a sharp turn to the right at the last second. The road got steeper and steeper, narrower and narrower, with less trees and more rocks underfoot. He tried grabbing whatever her could however, with no such luck. It got colder and dimmer the farther we went and... and I started recognizing the area we were in. The same place as the pit and whatever thing that was in it.
The pit that kept talking and trying to get me to join his merry band. The pit that made most of my nightmares... I rushed forward with all my speed and lunged forward to grab Grover's outstretched hands. We continued to slide as my stomach gained more scratches into the area of the pit. A massive chasm that reeked of murder and bloodlust. Somehow Annabeth grabbed my ankles and slowed our decent as we neared the edge. Barely but, enough for the shoes to pop off his hooves and make their plummet to the abyss below.
We stopped at the edge and without so much as saying anything ran back. Just as the a cold blast of air pulled at our backs. Trying to suck us in. An outcry of rage was heard from behind us, as we dragged onward. Whatever it was, was not happy that we were getting away.
"What the Hades!?" Grover exasperated and clearly was struggling running up the hill. I got to him and grabbed the backpack to help out. What did he put in here? A bag of rocks? We exited and left, happy to be alive. Falling on our butts, we were breathing heavily after that scary ordeal.
"That was the pit to Tartarus. Percy, that's what your dream showed. This isn't good. Not at all." Annabeth started saying and she was right.
"Come on. We are running out of time." I told the two of them. "We can talk about this later. Right now we have to get to Hades and finish this quest up." They nodded their heads and we walked back to the gates of Hades palace. Nothing needed to be said, but we were all thinking about our close encounter. The thing that was outraged was old... and powerful. I still am hoping that I'm wrong about all this.
The Furies were circling high above the gates of bronze with walls of glistening black. Scenes of death were engraved on the gates themselves from every era that existed from ancient times to now. Bombs, guns, chemicals, and the old classic sword. And that wasn't even the weirdest part. Inside was a garden of death. Almost every poisonous plant and mushroom I knew grew here and even some I had never seen. Sitting in places where there were no flowers, were clumps of diamonds, gold, gems and many other precious jewels giving this gloomy place a splash of color.
The garden really suites the god of the dead, plus the pomegranate tree sitting in the middle. I kept on pushing the two from behind so they don't get any ideas.
Seriously, I know he is the god of the dead and all but, what is his fascination with black? Black columns, black walls, black marble, everything black really. Except the polished bronze floor in the entry hall. And no ceiling, which I thought was pretty cool, just the cavern roof far above. So we kept on walking past skeletons with, again, weapons and uniforms from all eras. If it get's the job, then who am I to judge? With each step, the backpack grew heavier and heavier. Damn it.
All the way up to the doors to the throne room guarded by two Marine skeletons with grenade launchers. I doubt they ever actually need to use em. They stepped aside and the doors swung open on their own.
Sitting in his throne was Hades himself. He was at least ten feet tall and dressed in black silk robes with a crown of braided gold. His skin matched the skin of the skeletons he commands, which was albino white. He also had jet black, shoulder length hair and lounged on a throne of fused bones. Hades radiated a powerful aura, more powerful than any other god I've met. With eyes even more intense and evilly charismatic. I don't think he's actually evil, just the way he was portrayed by others.
"So you actually showed up. You're either incredibly brave or insane Son of Poseidon, after the trick you pulled on Olympus. Your father thought he could keep you secret." Hades began by saying.
"No secret. Even he didn't know I was alive until I showed up to camp." I told him.
"More lies from the secret son. I never should have let you into my realm so easily. But you have my curiosity. What really brings you here boy? A request to bring back loved ones? Maybe someone specific? Friend... Sister... Mother..." Of course he would go there so, I just ignored him. Yep, I ignored one of the big three directly in his face.
"Look I didn't steal the bolt." I said ignoring the requests part. "Nor did I steal your Helm of Darkness uncle." He looked at me surprised for a split before taking a nasty turn towards anger and malice. "Obviously you don't believe me so I'm going to make this super simple for everyone... I swear on the Styx that I didn't steel or have anything to do with the theft of the Master Bolt or Helm of Darkness." Thunder sealed the oath. I wonder why there's thunder all the way down here.
"Impossible! Then why would you be so foolish to come here godling!? Why go through all the trouble!? Why bring the bolt here?!" Hades shouted in anger. Growing more smug with each question.
"Wh-why didn't you do that earlier?" Annabeth shouted in line with Hades.
"Well, what would the fun be in that? And I doubt people would actually believe me any how so there was no point." Again I overlooked Hades. "So many problems would be easily solved if people and gods alike swore the Styx more... I wonder how she's holding up."
"Give back what is rightfully mine!" Hades was getting impatient.
I waited a second before looking at him. Still not a good idea because he is the a god. And a pretty big one at that. Going back to the questions he asked before his outburst, I answered. "I actually did it for a few reasons. First off, I wanted to set the record straight on my being innocent and clear my father's name in the process and later figured out you were caught in the crosshairs. I gotta protect my family. So nothing that is too out of the ordinary." That was the second time I shocked the Lord of the Dead. "Secondly, I wanted to see what I was capable of. I don't mean to sound selfish but, I needed to do this in order to protect those I care about. And if I'm not there, they should be able to look after themselves." The last bit was aimed at Grover and Annabeth, to which they didn't make eye contact for.
"What is the last reason?" Hades asked a lot more calmly then before. Maybe it was because I didn't immediately threaten him or accuse him of being the thief. I actually hold a little but of respect for the guy.
"I was looking for answers... And it seems I found them. The backpack was a gift from Ares so he is obviously in on it. I also bet he has your Helm uncle. I do however doubt that he was the one who planned the whole thing for a war. He's crazy and stupid but, not even he would go that far for a little adrenaline rush." I voiced out loud. "Uncle I have a preposition."
"Whatever it is boy, I won't let you leave here. Alive that is."
"What if I swear on the Styx to bring your Helm back? No tricks, nothing." It was a good deal.
"Do you think I'm stupid?" Now why would he ask that?
"Not at all."
"You're just gonna throw me away after you get what you want! Just like your father and my brothers! No! I won't allow such a thing to pass!" He swung his arm to the side and immediately an army of skeletons and ghouls rush in from the doors. While the Furies dove from above, ready for the kill. Grover and Annabeth jumped to my back and drew their weapons. Ready for a fight. Man this would be a really fun fight.
Too bad.
I grabbed the pearls from my pockets and threw them to the ground. Time seemed to slow down to a halt. I watched as the zombies grabbed random pieces of weapons and whatever they could hold and charged. Not really a charge but, more like a waddle while waving their hands. Clattering as they came forth.
In the corner of my eye I saw skeletons with guns get into position. Using the pillars of the throne room to hide behind cover and ready their aim. Guns giving off that non mistaking click of the bolt. Or standing in the open with explosives primed and ready leaving their bony fingers in slow motion.
The shadows below me alerted me to the Furies above, dive bombing the three of us. With a quick glance, I saw their whips already in motion. One of them had theirs claws out and was about to reach us a lot sooner than anyone else. Her claws extended and were inches away from scratching my eyes out.
Encompassing us was milky white sphere and a splash of sea breeze just as her claw tapped the pearl but, clanked away. That was cutting it close.
The spheres floated off the ground and shot up high into the chasm. Bullets and other weapons bouncing off harmlessly as we sped high up into the sky. Grover and Annabeth screaming and shouting trying to control their rides.
I was having a blast. I was so happy that I was jumping and rolling around inside the sphere. I barely noticed that we were tunneling through solid rock and back to the ocean. What belongs to the sea will always return to the sea. Man they weren't kidding.
The sensation of tunneling back to the surface was strange. It felt like we were flying. I don't like that feeling too much to be honest.
Exploding through the ground we ended up in the Santa Monica bay and the milky sphere dissolved back into the sea. I swam over to Grover and Annabeth and grabbed the both of them before their air ran out. I propelled us upwards and broke the surface in front of a surfer, scaring the hell out of him. Dragging the two of them back to shore, I saw the state of Los Angeles. Plumes of smoke and fire in different parts of the city. With sirens howling throughout.
Even the coast guard was boating around attempting to save people. I'm not even gonna question how they got out in the middle of the bay. Or why they need rescuing.
So whenever Hades gets pissed off, Los Angeles suffers with an earthquake. He must get pissed off a lot. And yet, people still live here and go through all the crap of resettling and rebuilding.
The three of us began talking strategy because it was the morning of the summer solstice. And we were stuck halfway across the country with more than one god out to get us. Hades was no doubt he is sending minions and I have to have a chat with a certain war god. Honestly, I knew I was being played the moment he showed up. Doesn't change much however.
We were walking down the beach when we felt it. The aura of battle lust, bloodshed, anger, and wrath. Ares came to us, how wonderful. We turned and saw the dickhead of a war god leaning on his giant broadsword. Waiting for us. Sounds pretty cliché.
"You were supposed to die kid." Ares said, getting off of his broadsword and slowly made his way to us.
"Sorry to disappoint you, ole war face. Actually I'm not. So who did you use to get their symbols of power?" I said.
"Your daughter? No. That's too obvious. Must be someone else." Annabeth chimed in. Glad she was catching on.
"Doesn't matter who. You're interfering with my plans for the greatest war in history!" Ares smugly told him. "You should be dead, then your father will be mad at death breath. Zeus will still be mad at your father and Hades at Zeus for accusing him. And Hades would still be looking for his Helm." He took it out and placed it at his feet. Transforming from a ski cap to an elaborate bronze helmet. Perfect. "It all would have fit in perfectly if you didn't screw it up."
"I didn't screw anything up. In fact, you screwed it up. Answer me this. Why didn't you just keep it for yourself? All that power in the palm of your hands and you gave it away." He faced twitched and morphed into confusion. "Imagine that! The god of war giving away a chance of gaining more power! How pitiful are you!? To have someone control you! You, a god!" Out of his confusion came anger. "That's pathetic. A weak god like you-" His anger boiled over and he charged in blindly, cutting me off from continuing.
Grabbing both Grover and Annabeth I turned and ran. I literally do not have the time for this. "That's right! Run! Seems to me that that is all you're capable of!" He shouted and continued pursuing. Screw it. I stopped running and turned to face the angry war god. While my friends continued on. I stomped my foot on the soft sand and sent a tremor through the earth. Knocking Ares, Grover, and Annabeth over and fall straight to the ground. Seeing a god and godling fall face first into the ground was a sight to behold.
I suddenly doubled myself up and burst into a loud harsh cackle of laughter. Whoop! I went, and doubled myself up with laughter. Whoop! Whoop! I went, and fell on the ground and writhed with laughter. I was in that state of intoxication when I could find no release from maddening self-consciousness. I knew what did, I did it deliberately. And yet, I was also beside myself, in a sort of hysterics. I could not help myself. I was laughing at a god that faceplanted into the sand right in front of me.
I was brought back into the real world when the sand exploded and Ares swung his sword upward. So, I did the natural thing and dodged by falling back on my hands and kicked my feet upwards going into a handstand and landing back on my feet. Barely missing the massive sword. "All you're good at is running!" He swung his sword side ways and almost cut my abdomen. "From Echidna!" He swung again and I rolled away. "From that hellhound!" This time he kicked me in the stomach and I flew back, landing on my feet and sliding a few feet back while grasping at my midsection. "Still from Artemis!" I ducked and dodged a swipe from the butt of his sword. "All you know is running!"
Does he know when to shut up? He is just annoying. "I run because I don't have the time. But, I'll make an exception for you." I told him and took out Riptide. Uncapping the average ballpoint pen and out came a gleaming bronze sword. Perfectly balanced and perfectly fit for me. I could get used to it. Ares stood there and waited for me. I guess he wants a good fight, like me.
"Are you crazy!? You can't fight a god Percy. That's suicide!" Annabeth and Grover shouted.
"Of course I'm crazy!" I smiled and got low. Putting both my hands on the hilt of Riptide. Finally.
"Fine!" She shouted back and I heard her and Grover run up to me. Taking their weapons of choice out side by side. Very touching. "We won't let you do this alone. Not this time." They decided to finally step in. How sweet.
"That's awesome and all but, not this time you guys." They looked at me with wide eyes.
"But you said-" Grover started.
"I know what I said! But now is not the time." Taking the backpack off my shoulders and tossed it to G-man. "Take this and get it to Olympus. I'll deal with the Helm and Ares here. I'm counting on you guys to get this done. Fly back to New York." I stared them down with a look that held no room for argument. They both nodded and ran towards the city. Good. "Let's get to it, shall we?" I twirled Riptide in my hands.
"Once I kill you. Your friends are next." I smirked and charged. I jumped and swung Riptide in a big downward arc which Ares blocked easily with the broad side of his sword. Giving him the chance to elbow me in the face and kick me hard in the ribs. Damn. That hurts.
Grabbing A handful of sand I threw it at his face and blinded him for a second. A dirty trick, I know but, he is a god after all. I got back on to my feet and barely blocked him with my sword a wild swing from Ares. He got the sand out of his eyes and was purple with rage. Whoopsie.
We circled each other, neither of us wanting to charge and be caught at a disadvantage. So I did the smart thing. I charged. I made it look like I was gonna jump again but, this time I rolled underneath his feet. I kicked the back of his knees and brought him down. With Riptide I swiped sideways, but Ares blocked and twirled around on his knees and lunges forward. Trying to impale my stomach. Instead his sword caught the side of my blade and I slid towards his face. With the hilt of Riptide I knocked Ares in his cheek and dashed away. He roared and his aura exploded.
Oh he's mad. With his expertise he started fighting back with a lot more strength than he started. Giving me barely anytime to block his onslaught of swordsmanship. Why do gods have to be so difficult? With every lunge, swipe, and swing he got faster and hit harder. While I got more trouble with blocking and dodging. Everything around me turned into a blur and it was just the two of us.
I was giving the idea that I was having trouble keeping up and soon he got the best of me. I needed a plan. He managed to knock Riptide out of my hands and into the shallow waves of the bay. Oooo I got an idea. "It's over kid. Give up." I kept silent and slowly began stepping back into the sea. "For lasting longer than most I'll make it quick." He gave me a snarl and a crazy smile as he followed me. Putting his sword on his shoulders.
"It's not over yet." I was standing in ankle deep water and felt Riptide return into my pocket. But I kept backing up.
"Oh I think it is." He followed.
"Haha don't be foolish boy! I clearly surpass you in skill!"
"Is what I wanted you to think." Uncapping Riptide again, I charged again with more strength. Ares still looked at me with that smug smile plastered on his face. This time however, I kept up with him with ease. Me. A twelve year old. Keeping up with the god of war easily in a sword fight.
I lifted myself up with the water and dive bombed him with a wall of water. Knocking him back which gave the opening I needed to knick his forearm. Golden ichor instead of the normal red blood dripped from his wound. "You'll pay for that!" Ok now he was extremely pissed. He dashed at me and with overwhelming strength pushed me back with a single swing from his sword.
I countered with a wave and knocked him back a five feet. Catapulting above his head I drove my sword down and impaled him in his thigh. The blood of the gods seeping out of his wound. Ares grabbed my wrists and headbutt me with his thick skull, dazing me. With his other hand he brought out his sword he sliced my ribs and immediately blood began pouring out. Wiggling my arm from his grasp. I punched him in the nose and Ares let go. With riptide in my hand I pulled it out his thigh but, Ares didn't cry out. Instead he grabbed me by my neck and smashed me into the ground. Pushing away my life line about ten feet. I couldn't breathe.
Kicking at his stomach with both my legs, I loosened his grip enough to get gasp in as the water came rushing back. With my strength back, I pulled the water around me in a bubble that caught the war god in here with me. Now he couldn't breathe. I think. Standing my ground I let the water go and was already healed. Ares likewise, looked good as knew.
I somehow knew that if I kept the water bubble up, I would have drained my self and gave Ares the upper hand. Ares came at me full power and we entered a little dance. Lunge, sidestep, swipe, dodge, block, over and over. Not really in that order.
Even with the power of the sea. It was hard to fight a literal god at full strength that wanted you dead. With my ADHD I could see the little details in the fight. When his muscles would tense. When he tries to fake me out. I could see all of it but, it wasn't much to help me overpower him. Ares and I kept dancing around each other for the better part of ten minutes. Always sidestepping and countering the other in a head to head battle. When I would lunge he would slap it away. When he swung, I would duck. It was a marvel I could even keep up with him. The sea kept empowering me so I wouldn't get tired and Ares was a god so, there's his explanation.
I had to do something that would end it fast. Think Percy! Think!... That's it! I jumped away from Ares and began backing up, deeper and deeper. Ares knew better than to follow and stayed put in ankle deep water. Soon my head was submerged underneath the crashing waves. I began propelling myself through the water using my powers to hold back a part of the ocean.
Ares didn't know what I was doing and continued to shout about my running away. And how he was gonna kill me when he gets the chance. I just kept holding back wave after wave. The pressure getting so intense in my stomach it began to hurt like hell. It felt as if I was burning from the inside out. The sea does like being constrained. Backing it up like a damn.
Finally letting loose the power of the ocean, it dragged me along and a fifteen foot wave with an incredible amount of speed crashed into the unexpecting god of war. Spluttering and rolling uncontrollably in the current, way past the beach and even onto the streets of Los Angeles. Spluttering and rolling uncontrollably in the raging currents, Ares crashed into the side of a building. As the water washed away I swam up to him and placed Riptide underneath his chin Before he could reach for his weapon. Ares lost.
The look on his face was well beyond anger. Disbelief, shock, and pain showered his expressions. Not able to comprehend the fact that he lost to a twelve year old in combat. It must've been a real blow to his inflated ego.
Ares was about to sit up when the world began to drain. Of color, light, heat, and sound. It was as if someone covered up the sun and sucked the colors out of everything. Sound fading into nothingness as the temperature dropped to freezing. Even time came to a halt as a heavy presence swept over the beach and dissipated... It was the same feeling I got from my dreams of the pit in the underworld. Whatever influenced Ares has left. Why does it have to be him?
The war god made a growl in his throat and spoke, "You have made a an enemy today Perseus. Every time you raise your blade in battle, every time you hope for success, you will feel my curse." Ares began to glow and I covered my up. Not wanting to be disintegrated by his immortal form. The light faded and Ares was gone.
I finally got a good look around and saw all the washed up cars, poles, and other things that were swept away by my little tsunami. Luckily it seems that no one was hurt. I felt exhausted but, still walked down to the beach to search for Hades' Helm of Darkness. After a couple minutes of searching I found it half buried in the sand.
Good thing too because the leathery flaps of the Furies were heard from above. "So it really wasn't you?' They asked.
"That's what I said but, no one wants to listen. Here." I tossed up the symbol of power up to them. "Like I promised. Tell Hades to call off the war... Oh and just because he is a god, doesn't give him the right to be a callous jerk." I started walking away, I should probably get to Olympus.
"Live well Perseus! Become a true hero..." I didn't here the rest but I got the basic idea.
Time to head back. Before the sun sets. Strolling back to the waters edge I faceplanted into the water and started making my way to Olympus. Water travel.