Chapter XX

Cerberus standing before us would have been terrifying, if it hadn't been for the fact he was happily wagging his tail at the sight of Bianca. This was made an even stranger sight by the fact that the serpent tail was flinging poison everywhere from the motion, searing on the ground wherever it landed. I wasn't surprised Hades didn't keep him in the house, the repair bills would surely bankrupt even him.

"Go on," Bianca told us happily. "Just follow that pair of security ghouls waiting there."

She pointed to two, black-robed, intimidating looking figures, waiting near where we stood. Clearly my Uncle was already expecting us, it seems I wouldn't get the same perilous journey Percy did through here. I wasn't sure if I preferred it this way. While we weren't actively threatened, the message was clear, I was in his domain now and he was well aware of that and watching us.

I couldn't help but think it quite ironic, Percy had come here to retrieve a stolen symbol of power, I was on the way to steal one myself, albeit Kronos' not Hades'. Although I suppose it wouldn't really be theft, I mean we are at war officially now, not that I would have had any moral qualms about doing as I planned anyways.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" I asked Bianca, not exactly eager to get separated from her while down here.

"What do you think will happen?" She asked, rolling her eyes. "I'll catch up with you in a minute, or do you want to deny Cerberus his head scratches?"

Cerberus growled in a supportive manner, making it clear that getting between his pets and him was not something you wanted to do. Not willing to argue with Bianca and even less so with the three-headed tank of a dog, I turned to follow the ghouls, Eleanor warily joining me.

The off-brand Nazgûl escorting us along the lines of the dead weren't a talkative bunch, I wasn't even sure if they could talk like humans as when talking to the ghoul security posts they made chattering bat-like noises. Neither was I willing to attempt small talk with them, I doubted the weather was a good topic without sun, or rain, or clouds.

"There sure are a lot of mediocre people dying," Eleanor remarked as we watched the never-ending flow into Asphodel.

"Yeah, it is like a river," I said in awe. "compared to it, the flow into Elysium is a dried out creek."

"Do you have to use water analogies for everything?" She asked and I shrugged.

"Force of habit," I said apologetically. "you can't imagine how bad it is at Oceanus' palace, at least I don't use fish idioms in every other sentence."

"I am not even going to ask," Eleanor said with a chuckle, but turned serious again. "but seriously, it's depressing."

"What?" I asked. "That there are so few people good enough to end up in Elysium?"

"Yeah, but not just that" Eleanor confirmed unhappily. "I mean, sure, most people just live their life and that's fine I guess, but look at how huge the Fields of Punishments are in comparison to Elysium."

"That's just human nature I guess," I said begrudgingly. "I mean, just think about it, how many do you know that deserve Elysium and how many the fields, just look at the Titan Army for gods' sake."

"Sure, there are a lot of bad people there, a lot of bitter and angry people," Eleanor conceded. "they are wrong, but they are not without good reason."

"Yes, the gods have done plenty of bad, but what those people are doing is wrong, we both agree on that." I agreed before continuing. "but the point I am trying to make is, almost everyone thinks they are right, and few are completely wrong, but that doesn't make what they do any more right or them any less deserving of punishment if so judged."

"Do you really feel that way?" Eleanor asked hesitantly and I nodded. "I mean what if I hadn't changed my mind, or to make it even more direct, what if you hadn't? Would we deserve punishment?"

"Perhaps," I said, pursing my lips, not answering for a few seconds. "if the judges find it so, what makes me and you different from the billions that they have judged? It is only fair this way."

Eleanor looked like she wanted to argue, but bit her lip and swallowed whatever she wanted to say. Her eyes gazed over the seemingly endless meadows of Asphodel, watching the masses of muffled whispering dead that stood between the clumps of black poplar trees. We marched on for a while in silence, before Bianca finally rejoined us.

"That took quite a while," I remarked as she fell in pace. "I think you were gone for a good fifteen minutes."

"And still it was fine, wasn't it?" She asked, smiling. "Though I do appreciate you missing me."

I blushed awkwardly and decided to instead turn my eyes on the horizon, if you could call it that down here, on that spot where Hades' palace was growing larger with every step we took towards it. I guessed it would only be a few more minutes before we would meet him, I was anxious. At least it couldn't end much worse than with the original Theseus, considering I wasn't planning on kidnapping his wife, not that she was here anyways at this time of the year.

As soon as it was clear where we were going I had started planning on how to approach him. By far the most successful hero to ever go to the Underworld had been Heracles, well and Dionysus.

But I'd rather stay here forever than take him as an example, so Heracles it was. What set him apart from other failed attempts were two significant factors, respect and obeying Hades' conditions. I planned on doing the sane thing and try to follow his example to the best of my abilities.

The goal I was trying to achieve was rather simple: secure his approval of moving through his domain and passage to the land of the Oneroi, or rather through it, they were his servants after all, if anyone could help us, it was him.

When the palace was close enough to truly make out its appearance and as I looked upon its black, obsidian-like walls, I instantly noticed something and as it seems Eleanor had the same thoughts.

"It kind of looks like-" She started.

"Othrys," I said, finished for her. "seems like he has inherited his sense of taste."

"A bit of tact please," Bianca said and jabbed me in my side lightly.

"That was a compliment," I insisted genuinely, as I had stated before, Kronos sense of taste was quite good.

"Just don't compare them, will you?" Bianca asked, exasperated. "I think that much should be obvious."

I nodded, she was right, I doubted he had all too good of a relationship with his father. Pointing out their similarities, even if in a positive manner, probably was not all that great of an idea.

"Speaking of, Ell, how is Othrys coming along?" I asked and she looked up.

"Too fast," She said uneasily. "It was almost complete the last time I was there, this winter. Luke has placed quite the garrison there and Kronos' throne is slowly building itself up."

"Already?" I asked wide-eyed at the last statement. "He's powerful enough for that already?"

"I fear so," Eleanor shuddered. "which makes us succeeding here all the more important."

"Yeah, if he already has power to spare for such investments..." I didn't need to finish the statement to get its meaning across as we came before the steps of the palace.

I swallowed and took the first step up the stairs, despite Bianca's cautioning I couldn't help but admire the masterful craftsmanship that went into every inch of the palace. Even the walls seemed to be works of art, heavily fortified and menacing ones, but works of art nonetheless.

Though I also couldn't help but wonder if he didn't overdo the whole terrifying and grim ruler of the dead thing. If you wanted people to like coming to you, perhaps engraving your front gate with scenes of death and destruction wasn't the way to go, but hey, it was his house, who was I to judge, that was after all already someone else's job down here.

Behind said gate was an eerie garden within a great courtyard. Rows of pomegranate trees, delicate roses made of pure, shining gold and silver in minuscule detail. But plants I couldn't place decorated the garden as well, luminous vines rose up some of the columns, bushes with deep violet leaves formed hedges.

It was beautiful, there was no doubt about that, serene even, partly thanks to the stream of clear water that ran through the garden, giving off calming splashing sounds. Though I wasn't eager to touch it, judging from the other rivers that ran through the Underworld it would probably cause some severe physical or psychological damage.

"Persephone's garden?" I asked, though I felt I already knew the answer.

"Yeah," Bianca confirmed. "I hope I don't need to tell you not to touch anything and don't even consider eating anything..."

"You know," I started and smirked. "you aren't exactly in a position to lecture others about not touching stuff."

"I made a mistake alright?" She said, throwing her hands up. "Now hush, before I sic the guards on you."

The various guardsmen standing at the various gateways leading out of the garden moved their heads to look at me, watching me with their empty eye-sockets. Despite the fact she was surely joking, I uncomfortably realized just how much power she held. Not just directly as a mighty demigod, but also as Hades' oldest and only demigod daughter, for all intents and purposes a princess, at least while we were down here.

"You know you will have to talk to him yourself?" Bianca asked and I nodded.

"Of course, I am leading the quest, I have not forgotten that." I told her firmly, despite how unsure I felt.

We climbed another set of stairs, and passed a portcullis into an entry hall with a floor of bronze. The ground was well polished enough to serve as a mirror, reflecting the green fiery light given off by the braziers at the sides, compensating for the lack of sunlight somewhat, though making all of it no less ominous.

As we walked down the hall it was clear what our goal was, the big pair of doors at the end, flanked by an, admittedly quite stylish, pair of skeletons in British world war one officer dress. Though there was no more time for any preparation as they pushed open the doors, before standing to the sides, politely tipping their caps.

My uncle was already waiting for us. This was my second time meeting him, technically speaking, but I was much more anxious this time. I felt his presence before I even properly saw him, it was oppressive, assertive. When I first met him on Olympus it wasn't as noticeable, with a powerful deity every few yards. But down here, there was only one god that truly mattered, Hades.

"Lord Uncle Hades," I greeted him, bowing as deep as I could, without seeming overly groveling.

"Lord Hades," I heard Eleanor say to my side, bowing just as deep as I did before finally Bianca spoke.

"Lord father," Bianca addressed him, and while she bowed, she did so ever so slightly less than we.

The god's intense dark eyes were focused on me, as cold and unyielding as the walls of Erebos. I couldn't help but notice how similar they were to Bianca's in appearance, but how different they still looked. Bianca's were usually kind if not concerned, though overall they seemed far warmer. Hades' eyes were perhaps best described as interrogating, if there was any emotion in them it was well hidden.

But I found it hard to tell whether his expression was truly neutral, or simply unreadable. I tended towards the latter and tried my best not to be unsettled by it, after all I was used to the masked expression from his father all too well.

"Speak, Son of Poseidon," Hades said, his voice commanding. "What has brought you to my domain?"

"Lord Hades, I will answer you, but before I do so there is something else I must do." I started, aiming to truly be as respectful as possible. "I have intruded upon your domain and I must apologize for that. Even if I may be a hero and can do so without breaking any laws. Nonetheless I would have gone about this in a different, less brash manner, but, alas, the prophecy has forced me to do as I did."

"You can save your coaxing for the more naive members of this family." Hades told me, his voice growing even colder. "What is it you want? Heroes always come to me to demand something."

"And you more often than not are willing to grant such requests are you not, lord Hades?" I said, trying to remain as diplomatic as I could. "But you are right of course, I have come here with a request, we need to pass through the land of dreams-"

"The realm of the Oneroi?" Hades interjected, narrowing his eyes. "What you are requesting is foolish, child. If you want my help on this matter, then heed my words when I tell you to turn and go."

"I fear that is not possible, lord Uncle," I said, shifting uneasily. "or at least it is not something I can abide by. Kronos, he is reforging his scythe, as the gods surely have expected him to. There is a chance to stop him, this quest here being it. It is not an opportunity I can let go."

"Who has put you up to this idea?" Hades asked, suspicious. "Was it your father, boy? Or perhaps my ever meddling sister? The idea is daring and brazen enough to be of her creation."

"I am not acting on behalf of Olympus or any god." I answered truthfully before attempting it again. "Lord Hades, please, we need to reach the land of dreams and you are the master of Oneiroi, are you not?"

"Do not insinuate my inability, boy," Hades said with a scowl, and I felt myself shiver as he looked at me. "Make no mistake, I could of course allow you passage there over the Styx. But neither do I see why I should help Zeus or your father in such a manner, nor can I grant such great aid without violating the laws."

"Lord Uncle Hades, as I have stated before, I am not doing this for any god, I swear that on the Styx," I declared and thunder boomed, even here that oath was sacred. "Nor do I intend to surrender the weapon to Zeus, my father, or any other Olympian, if you believe it necessary I am more than willing to swear an oath on that as well."

This time I dared to meet his eyes properly as I tried to tell what he thought, though I still was unable to. I wasn't sure whether I seemed brave and dedicated or much more likely, stupid and gambling.

The lord of the dead remained silent for a moment before answering. My heart was racing, I needed to succeed in this, without his help I could forget any chance of it.

"Such an oath is not to be sworn lightly, by hero or god," Hades said, his dark eyes glinting. "still it does not change anything, I simply cannot grant such aid, not so simply."

"Of course Lord Hades," I said, hoping I was getting his message correctly. "I am ready to fulfill any conditions you set for it, or any service if necessary."

"Any? You should be careful about what you say, son of Poseidon." Hades said, almost sounding... amused? It was hard to say.

"I take it is not presumptuous of me to trust in your sense of reason and honor," I said, managing to sound somewhat calm. "the conditions you set for other heroes were fair as well after all."

"The only thing possibly presumptuous of you, is to assume I have any need for your help," Hades said, his tone annoyed. "do you think I am not capable of solving my own problems? Of ruling my own kingdom as I should?"

I wanted to answer and, hopefully, calm him, or at least try to. Though I was unsure if Hades was genuine in his words, I had a feeling this was much more a matter of pride.

Hades could hardly have a son of Poseidon do something for him, not without a certain risk to his prestige that is. But the truth was, there simply were boundaries gods and their servants couldn't overstep, that only a mortal, or rather a demigod, could cross.

"Lord father," Bianca said, before I could speak, stepping forward and meeting his eyes. "may I speak with you, papà?"

Hades looked to his daughter and I saw his expression soften somewhat as he nodded, his attention no longer on me. He beckoned her forward with a gesture and with a slight smile on her lips Bianca approached the throne, coming to her father's side, opposite to Persephone's empty throne at his side.

She spoke with him in quick words, I couldn't understand what she was saying, and though I wasn't sure I could swear she was speaking Italian.

I wasn't even aware she could speak Italian, considering her whole memory situation. Whatever she was saying, it seemingly was taken rather well by her father, at least judging by the fact the more benevolent look on his face didn't fade.

Finally she placed a hand on the armrest of his throne, saying a few more words, judging from her tone, they were a request. Hades raised his hand, motioning her to stop, though he nodded and Bianca's smile broadened.

With a courtesy she turned from her father and started walking back towards us. I met her eyes and gave her a very grateful look, to which she nodded, still smiling, coming to a stop to my side.

Hades turned back to me, looking thoughtful. The tension was palpable, but I was hopeful, Bianca seemed to have her father's attention and favor at that moment. Finally Hades rose from his throne, now towering even higher, before finally speaking again.

"My dear daughter raised a valid point." The god stated. "And as a sign of good faith, I shall fulfill your request, though I have two conditions that will need to be met."

I wasn't sure if I was happy about that, but I nodded thankfully. Though I couldn't help but wonder just how Bianca had convinced him, sure, she had asked nicely, but I was sure there was more than mere charm involved. Hades leaned forward on his throne slightly before continuing to speak.

"The first condition is that you will do as you offered, and swear to not give the weapon to any immortal, unless I explicitly allow you to." He stated and I nodded, that wasn't a big problem since I was genuine about it, though I didn't know if I liked binding myself to Hades' whims. "as well as an oath, that, if you are successful, you will never wield the scythe against me, my allies or servants."

I nodded, though I felt much more uneasy about the last, it was reasonable of him to get assurances of course. He was already showing great trust for someone he barely knew, by even allowing my request.

A mortal seizing a symbol of power was a serious matter after all. However, still I didn't like it, not that I had any intention of going against him, but if for some gods-forsaken reason I had to it still could be problematic.

"I shall adhere to these conditions," I said firmly, trying to hide my hesitation. "I swear on the River Styx that if I am successful, I shall not give the scythe to any immortal without your approval."

Thunder boomed in the Underworld as I swore my second solemn Oath of the day, before I took a deep breath. I had to be a lot more careful about how I worded the next oath, since it could get me into a whole heap of problems.

"And I also swear on the River Styx that if I am successful, I shall not knowingly wield the scythe against you, your servants or allies." I spoke and again thunder boomed, before the first one had even faded, still echoing in the cave.

"I suppose that small alteration is acceptable," Hades said begrudgingly and I nodded gratefully, I didn't want to accidentally break an oath after all.

"As to the second condition," He started before elaborating. "perhaps you will prove yourself useful yet, not to mention you might even compensate for the economic loss I will have to take..."

This confused me somewhat, but I decided not to question the god unnecessarily, seeing as this was going rather well currently.

"Since a few weeks animals have started disappearing from my herds, only a few heads at first," He stated and my mind raced, trying to remember what I could about Hades' cattle, which wasn't much to be honest. "But recently it has grown into a serious problem."

"Hundreds of animals, gone without a trace and so far my servants' efforts have been fruitless," Hades said with frustration. "Go speak with my herdsman Menoetius, he will go into further detail and answer what questions you might have."

I nodded again, Menoetius, the name rang a bell, even if it wasn't a particularly loud one. I barely knew anything about him, he was Hades' herdsman and Heracles had once broken his ribs in a wrestling match, not exactly useful information.

"Now go, Son of Poseidon," Hades said, rising from his throne. "Find my cattle and whoever is responsible for their theft, return both to me and I shall grant your request and allow your passage. Now go, and take your friend with you. I wish to speak with my daughter for a moment."

"Lord Hades," I said and bowed once more, before turning to leave, Eleanor quickly following.

"How do you think that went?" Eleanor asked me as soon as the doors were closed behind us and we had gained some distance into the entry hall.

"It went alright," I stated unsurely. "though I don't think we would have succeeded without Bianca."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that..." Eleanor said and smirked. "It doesn't make sense for him to deny your request, he has as much interest in preventing Kronos from gaining his scythe as his other opponents do."

"You have a point," I conceded thoughtfully. "But why go through all that effort then, instead of agreeing from the get-go?"

"I don't know, nor do I pretend to understand his thoughts." Eleanor said with a shrug. "But if I had to bet, it was part of getting you to agree to his conditions without much opposition, make you uneasy, you know?"

"Are you saying what I did was wrong?" I asked, somewhat offended, though she shook her head.

"No, what you did was right," She said quickly. "if he was genuine about his opposition, you couldn't have risked losing his offer of aid."

"So you are saying that was planned and Bianca is helping him?" I asked, scowling at the accusation.

"Now, now, no need to get all defensive of her," Eleanor said, her tone conciliatory. "I am not saying anything, but he is her father, you should not forget that."

I wanted to answer when someone else entered the entry hall, from one of the side doors, which I found strange. I hadn't seen anyone else here except for Hades and his guards, though the latter were much more objects than individuals if I was frank.

"Theseus!" A happy voice called, one that I easily recognized, Nico.

The son of Hades came running enthusiastically, the annoyed shade of a woman following after him, though she looked much more lively and physical than those I had seen on the fields of Asphodel. Not to sound like your average adult relative, but Nico had grown quite a bit in the two months I hadn't seen him, or at least it seemed that way to me.

"Nico," I greeted him happily as he came to a stop, almost crashing into me. "I hadn't expected to see you."

"I could tell you the same," Nico said quickly and I chuckled, I had admittedly missed the hyperactive son of Hades.

"So how are you liking your father's domain?" I asked him and the boy's eyes lit up with joy.

"It's great, everything is so cool, I finally managed to summon a skeleton last week," Nico proclaimed proudly and I tried not to be disturbed with how lightly and joyously he announced his necromancy.

"Really?" I said, genuinely somewhat impressed, though also realizing I still hadn't asked Bianca about how her powers in that area were coming along.

"Yeah, though I almost passed out from it," He said sheepishly and by now the shade had caught up with him.

"Ahem," The woman said and I noticed I could actually understand her, though she was speaking ancient Greek. "young master Nico, must I remind you that we are still in a lesson?"

I noticed she was speaking in ancient Greek and looked at her. Dark brown hair, gathered in a bun, a long white gown of the same ancient Greek fashion and most prominently startling gray eyes. I would bet a hundred Drachmas that was a daughter of Athena simply by that, those eyes were indication enough.

"Sorry, lady Hypatia," Nico quickly apologized and I recognized who was standing before me, namely one of the greatest scholars and mathematicians of late antiquity and all of human history.

"Hypatia?" Eleanor said, just as surprised. "It is an honor."

"Yeah," I said, nodding in agreement. "truly it is."

"A daughter of Apollo and a son of Poseidon, I presume." She said with amusement and smiled lightly. "It is good to know my name is still not forgotten, though I would prefer for my works to have remained instead."

"You are teaching him?" I asked, nodding to Nico.

"I am," She confirmed and turned back to the son of Hades. "and we still are not finished for today, you still haven't finished the problem."

"Please, can't I simply turn it in later?" Nico asked, his dark eyes wide pleading. I doubted I could say no to that look from the son of Hades, he looked far too cute to do so admittedly, though I doubted he wanted to hear that.

"I think not," Hypatia told him, before smirking lightly. "that is unless you ask in Greek, Latin and Italian."

Nico considered a moment before asking again. The boy's Greek was quite good and I couldn't judge the Italian, but I noticed a few stumbles in the Latin, though mine was never too good. Hypatia of course noticed as well, frowning.

"I am afraid I can't give you full credit there, you'll have to work on your conjugation." She said and Nico's face fell. "But alright, there are only a few minutes left in the lesson anyways, so go ahead, but don't forget what you have to do, I want to hear the solution by tomorrow. Good night now, my student."

The scholar bid her goodbyes and moved to leave. Nico turned to me happily, though he clearly wasn't eager to deal with whatever mathematical problem she had for him later today.

"I see your father isn't slacking on your education," I remarked and he nodded.

"Yeah, and here I thought I was done with school," He muttered. "but enough of that, what are you doing here, Theseus and who is that?" He pointed to Eleanor, who frowned.

"It is not very nice to point at people," She scolded him, more amused than offended. "I assume you are Bianca's little brother?"

"Huh, yeah..." Nico clearly didn't like being recognized like that, though he brushed it off. "so what are you doing here? Did you talk with Father? Are you on a quest?"

"Whoa there, that's a lot of questions," I said and motioned him to slow down. "but yeah, I am on a quest and need to talk with your father."

"Really?" Nico asked excitedly. "What for?"

"Ah, I am not sure I can tell you." I said, unsure if ritualistic sacrifice and deadly weapon forging were appropriate for an eleven-year-old.

"Why not?" Nico asked and I shook my head.

"Perhaps when I'm done, it'll be a better story by then hopefully." I said, trying to dissuade him.

"Alright," Nico said, dissatisfied. "but promise me you will?"

"Yeah, I will," I agreed, which seemed to be enough for him.

"So how is Percy doing?" He asked and I chuckled, I had expected that question to come any moment now.

"Percy is doing fine I believe, " I told him. "doing just what you are currently, suffering in school."

"Oh, yeah, he is in school right now," Nico said and I nodded. "but he'll be back in Camp in summer right?"

"Yeah, I'll tell him you said hello," I told him and he nodded. "So do you miss Camp?"

"A bit," He admitted. "Well, more the campers than Camp."

"Anyone in particular?" I asked, although I knew well enough whom he meant. "Perhaps, a certain son of Apollo, curly blond mid-length hair, about this high?"

"Wait, are we talking about little Will?" Eleanor interjected and I nodded.

"Yeah, those two were near inseparable for the first week after they met, from what Bianca said." I told her and she smirked, Nico was not as amused.

"We only played Mythomagic once or twice..." He muttered and I chuckled.

"Sure," I said, drawing it out. "there is nothing wrong with having a friend. You don't have to become a solitary lord of darkness this fast."

"I am no-" He stopped as the doors opened behind us, he scowled. "sorry Theseus, but I better get going, I still have a task to do."

I frowned but nodded, turning to the opened doors and saw Bianca approaching. Her expression changed from neutral to sad as she saw Nico hurry off, with a sigh she came to a stop in front of me.

"See what I mean by avoiding me like the plague?" She asked, frustrated, and I nodded.

"Don't lose hope," I told her. "surely he will grow out of it if nothing else."

"I want to solve this, not just wait for it to go away," Bianca stated, annoyed. "and neither do I think it will be so simple."

"You'll manage," I encouraged her and she nodded.

"Now then my brave deputies," I said, putting on my heaviest southern accent. "we have a cattle rustler to catch and bring back, alive or, and down here much more likely, dead."

Bianca smiled and Eleanor turned to me with an annoyed look.

"I am the only Southerner here," She said, mock-offended. "not to mention the only cattle farmer, if anything I am the sheriff here."

"Is that so, Miss Warne?" I asked, slowly moving my hand to my hip, hovering near it.

"Neither of us have firearms," Eleanor pointed out before smirking. "not to mention, do you really think you'd outdraw a daughter of Apollo?"

"No, but with your aim I'd still hit first," I countered and she frowned.

Reaching into her pocket she pulled something with extreme speed and flicked it towards me. Surprised, I felt something bounce off my hand and winced in surprise and saw a golden Drachma drop to the ground in front of me. Eleanor and Bianca laughed, with the first barely managing to contain herself to answer me.

"You're disarmed, cowpoke," She told me, dusting herself off. "I am the fastest draw around, understood?"

"Alright," I said, rubbing my hand. "you've won."

"Good," She said and smiled. "You're alright, aren't you?"

"Of course," I stated. "Now let's go, it's time to become worthy of my name and beat some bandits..."

As always I would like to thank you for reading and hope you enjoyed, I hope this chapter will be as well recieved as the last one.

I would of course be highly grateful for a follow, favorite or especially a review!