A/N: A little more story from the diary. Not much. The backlog is getting shorter as I have been stuck in... Card game hell as of late. I'll still try and put out chapters, but it might not always work out. And I'm still working on the title page, which is getting delayed because of my terrible work habits. It will get done...one day.

~Storm

Disclaimer: I don't own PJO or KH. My characters, however, are mine.

Chapter 5

A Tied Fate

It was storming. A raven was following a boy as he watched two men fight. Every attack that connected, the weather seemed to darken, almost ripping the raven from its tree perch.

'Stop it!' the boy was yelling, slowly approaching the two fighting men. Then the earth shook, a ravine forming in its wake. It swallowed up the boy, a voice like knives laughing from inside chasm as the dream faded to nothing.

_|-w-|_

Entry#4

I hate my luck. My bloody frickin' luck.

(A black splotch of what first appears to be ink covers most of the pages. Odd.)

Entry #5

I got a leather gauntlet from a moogle, a little overpriced if you ask me. Eraqus gave us a break today. Saki went back to enchanting this, Kage to his smithing room. The three of us still haven't forgotten about our island, the darkness that swallowed it and the probability that it will return, which is none at all. I guess I'll go back to my piano, that's a better distraction then this.

Entry #6

Xehanort, Eraqus' old trainee partner, came to visit today and may have noticed my condition. That or those gold eyes of his had seen potential. Finally, someone who recognizes my greatness! I wonder why Eraqus is so tense around him though.

Entry #7

I guess he really did see potential. Or just a nice way to take weight off of Eraqus' shoulders. I'll be travelling with him as of tomorrow, but I don't think he talked to Eraqus about this arrangement… that worries me a bit, after all, he did look out for us. If I do go, Kage and Saki will worry… Whatever.

Saki's Letters #1

Tempest frowned. The ink is smudged beyond recognition. Like someone was crying while reading or writing it. It's kinda depressing.

It's been a few days since the incident with the Possessor and the hellhound. Percy was moved to cabin three, Annabeth won't shut up about the Keyblade and whatever quest. The Heartless were taken care of, the tree had evolved to block them out too, negating any reason to prolong Tempest's stay.

He puts all the pages in their rightful places inside the leather diary, the envelope with the other one in the sleeve.

He was sitting on the bed, the pages were found neatly placed on the ground beside the bed frame.

'I wonder who put this here…' Tempest thought, closing the diary and putting it away.

He descended down the stairs and exited the building, finding the centaur and satyr standing around a table as if they were waiting for someone. Annabeth was there too, only her cap was on. Tempest only glanced at the shimmering form for a split second before Chiron grabbed his attention.

"Ah, Tempest," He greeted, "You've come a bit late."

"...I've been thinking," Was all Tempest answered with.

"Oh, about what?"

"...Well," Tempest started, "Since the Heartless are no longer a threat… I was thinking of moving on."

Chiron nodded.

"Well, if you don't mind, I would like you to stay a little longer. Something tells me that Percy's quest will pique your interest."

Tempest cocked a brow from under his helmet.

"...Sure," And Percy came out of the Big House door.

"Well?" Chiron asked, watching as Percy slumped into a chair dejectedly.

"She said I would retrieve what was stolen," The boy said.

"That's great!" Grover was eating a coke can, weirding Tempest out a little.

'Goats are still goats.'

"What did the Oracle say exactly?" Chiron was pressing for more information.

"She…" Percy winced, "She said I would go west and face a god who had turned. I would receive what was stolen and see it safely returned."

"I knew it," Grover was really excited now.

"Anything else?" Chiron looked skeptical. Percy looked conflicted like he was hiding something. Tempest had dealt with enough falsified crimes from civilians to know about a lying face.

"No, That's about it."

"Very well, Percy. But know this: the Oracle's words often have double meanings. Don't dwell on them too much. The truth is not always clear until events come to pass." It looked like Chiron had noticed Percy's hesitation.

"Okay," Percy looked nervous as he said that, "So where do I go? Who's this god in the west?"

"Ah, think Percy. If Zeus and Poseidon weakened each other in a was, who stands to gain?"

"Somebody else who wants to take over?"

"Yes, quite. Someone who harbours a grudge, who has been unhappy with his lot since the world was divided eons ago, whose kingdom would grow powerful with the deaths of millions. Someone who hates his brothers for forcing him into an oath to have no more children, an oath that both of them have now broken."

"...Hades."

"The Lord of the Dead is the only possibility."

"Woah, wait. Wh-what?" Grover cut into the conversation.

"A Fury came after Percy," Chiron reminded Grover of something, "She watched the young man until she was sure of his identity, then tried to kill him. Furies obey only one Lord: Hades."

"Yes, but-but Hades hates all heroes. Especially if he has found out Percy is a son of Poseidon…."

"A Hellhound got into the forest. Those can only be summoned from the fields of punishment, and it had to be summoned by someone within the camp. Hades must have a spy here. He must suspect Poseidon will try to use Percy to clear his name. Hades very much like to kill this young half-blood before he can take the quest."

"Great," Percy looked even more dejected, "That's two major gods who want to kill me."

"But a quest to…" Grover shivered, "I mean, couldn't the master bolt be in some place like Maine? Maine's very nice this time of year."

"Hades sent a minion to steal the master bolt. He hid it in the Underworld, knowing full well that Zeus would blame Poseidon. I don't pretend to understand the Lord of the Dead's motives perfectly, or why he chose this time to start a war, but one thing is certain. Percy must go the Underworld, find the master bolt, and reveal the truth."

The room went quiet as they looked at Percy, waiting for him to say something.

"Look, if we know it's Hades," Percy finally said, "why can't we just tell the other gods? Zeus or Poseidon could go down to the Underworld and bust some head."

"Suspecting and knowing are not the same. Besides even if the other gods suspect Hades-and I imagine Poseidon does-they couldn't retrieve the bolt themselves. Gods cannot cross each other's territories except by invitation. That is another ancient rile. Heroes, on the other hand, have certain privileges. They can go anywhere, challenge anyone, as long as they're bold enough and strong enough to do it. No god can be held responsible for a hero's actions. Why do you think the gods always operate through humans?"

"You're saying I'm being used."

"I'm saying it's no accident Poseidon has claimed you now. It's a very risky gamble, but he's in a desperate situation. He needs you."

"...You've known I was Poseidon's son all along, haven't you?"

"I had my suspicions, Tempest here confirming some. As I said...I've spoken to the Oracle, too."

"So let me get this straight. I'm supposed to go to the Underworld and confront the Lord of the Dead."

"Check."

"Find the most powerful weapon in the universe."

"Check." 'In your world, salt breath. Even if you don't know how small this place is.'

"And get it back to Olympus before the summer solstice, in ten days."

"That's about right." Grover was eating the cards now, probably out of stress.

"Did I mention that Maine is very nice this time of year?" He offered weakly.

"You don't have to go," Percy said, trying to comfort the satyr, "I can't ask that of you."

"Oh…" Grover looked around nervously, "No... it's just that satyrs and underground places...well…" He dusted the pieces of leftover cards and aluminum shreds off his shirt. "You saved my life, Percy. If… if you're serious about wanting me along, I won't let you down."

Percy looked relieved now. Tempest was more then intrigued about his quest, a part of him worried if they took the Heartless into account.

"All the way, G-man." Percy turned to address Chiron. "So where do we go? The Oracle just said to go west."

"The entrance to the Underworld is always in the west. It moves from age to ages, just like Olympus. Right now, of course, it's in America."

'I now really need a map of this world…'

"Where?"

"I thought that would be obvious enough. The entrance to the Underworld is in Los Angeles."

"Oh. Naturally. So we just get a plane-"

'Sometimes, I question really how smart you are…'

"No!"Grover jumped, shouting the word, "Percy, what are you thinking!? Have you ever been on a plane in your life?"

"Percy, think," Chiron said calmly, "You are the son of the Sea God. Your father's bitterest rival is Zeus, Lord of the Sky. Your mother knew better than to trust you in an airplane. You would be in Zeus' domain. You would never come down again alive."

The lighting and thunder seemed to confirm that fact.

"Okay. So, I'll travel overland."

"That's right," Chiron leaned back into his wheelchair. "Two, or three depending on their willingness to follow, will accompany you. Grover is one. The other has already volunteered."

"Gee, Who else then Armour face would be stupid enough to volunteer for a quest like this?"

Annabeth chose then to make an entrance, taking her hat off.

"I've been waiting a long time for a quest, seaweed brain," Annabeth spat, "Athena is no fan of Poseidon, but if you're going to save the world, I'm the best person to keep you from messing up."

"Chiron," Tempest said quietly.

"Yes?" The old centaur looked at the armoured figure.

"Have you thought about the Heartless beyond the barrier?"

"I was hoping you would join their trio. I'm not breaking any rules if a mortal joins, yes?" Tempest mentally facepalmed.

'Of course. This is his solution…'

"Alright… I surrender, I'll go." He said a little too loudly.

"Okay, A quartet," Percy amended his previous statement of a trio. Annabeth looked skeptical as if this wasn't going to work.

"Excellent," Chiron smiled, "This afternoon, we can take you as far as the bus terminal in Manhattan. After that, you are on your own."

Thunder crackled and poured from the sky, pelting the meadows with harsh rain.

"No time to waste," Chiron said sternly, "I think you should all get packing."

Grover, Percy and Annabeth ran into the rain to pick up their things, leaving Tempest alone with Chiron.

"What made you change your mind about leaving?" The wheelchair-bound centaur asked.

"I am still leaving," Tempest said, "I'm just leaving with others." and he turned to go back into the Big House to grab some food.

_|-w-|_

Tempest put a hand on the single-edged blade sheathed at his side. Chiron had given him a few supplies; a bag, some granola bars, a cheap flashlight, and monster handbook. He had changed out of the camp t-shirt, leaving the shirt in the bag.

Percy had the least amount of things, only bringing a bag of toiletries and a change of clothes. The boy was loaned a hundred dollars and twenty huge gold coins. Drachmas.

Annabeth brought her cap, a book on classical architecture, and a knife that Tempest personally found distracting. The pulsing was pretty annoying.

Grover was dressed to deceive people into thinking he was human. A cap over his head and with his fake feet on, it was pretty convincing. That is if people could smell the goat. He apparently brought some tin cans in his bag too.

They approached the pine tree, the one creating the barrier, with Chiron waiting on top with the head of security with him.

"This is Argus. He will drive you into the city, and, er, keep an eye on things."

'The city… people… frick me. I should have thought this through…' the sound of footsteps running up the hill snapped Tempest out of his regret.

Luke was running up the hill, holding a pair of shoes in his hand.

"Hey! Glad I caught you." Tempest turned to face the scared boy. "Just wanted to say good luck. And I thought...um, maybe you could use these." He handed the shoes to Percy, who took a whiff.

"Maia," And the shoes sprouted white wings out of the heels which startled Percy so much, he dropped it. It fell to the ground where it flopped around before the wings disappeared entirely.

"Awesome!" Grover was oddly excited about the shoes.

"Alright…" Tempest eyed the shoes. He didn't really like them, he had his glider and that was enough.

"Those served me well when I was on my quest. Gift from dad." Luke explained, "Of curse, I don't use them much these days." his expression fell.

"Hey, man," Percy said, "Thanks."

"Listen, Percy…" Luke now looked uncomfortable, "A lot of hopes are riding on you. So just… kill some monsters for me, okay?"

The two shook hands. Luke patted Grover's head like a pet before giving Annabeth a hug. She started hyperventilating.

"Chill," Tempest said to Annabeth.

"You're hyperventilating," Percy said bluntly.

"What he said," Tempest thumbed Percy as he said that.

"Am not,"

"You let him capture the flag instead of you, didn't you?"

"Oh...why-"

"Nope," Tempest shut both of them up, "I'm not going to be this nice next time around."

Annabeth growled and stormed off the hill towards the SUV waiting for them. Tempest followed the girl, lingering behind her.

Tempest waited outside the car, staying there until Percy came down the hill. He got in the car after him, sitting in the middle row, placing the blade on his lap and looked out at the fields and rain as they flew past. No matter how calming the view, Tempest will never like cars.

.

.

.

Ten miles in, and Tempest had a massive headache. It started from a pressure in his ears before spreading to his brain. It was so bad that he had debated taking off his helmet.

"So far so good," Percy said. Tempest didn't feel like turning to see who he was talking to. "Ten miles and not a single monster."

"It's bad luck to talk that way, seaweed brain," Annabeth returned, a growl in her voice.

"Remind me again- why do you hate me so much?"

"I don't hate you."

"Could've fooled me."

"Look… we're just not supposed to get along, okay? Our parents are rivals."

"Parentage my ass," Tempest mumbled incoherently.

"Why?"

"How many reasons do you want? One time my mom caught Poseidon with his girlfriend in Athena's temple, which is hugely disrespectful. Another time, Athena and Poseidon competed to be the patron god for the city of Athens. You dad created some stupid saltwater spring for his gift. My mom created the olive tree. The people saw that her gift was better, so they named the city after her."

"They must really like olives."

"Oh, forget it."

"Now, if she'd invented pizza-that I could understand."

"I said forget it!"

"I regret this so much right now…" Tempest moaned.

Soon after, Argus dropped them off at the station, put the bags down and gave them their tickets. He drove away right after.

Percy looked longingly at the apartment buildings while Tempest leaned on the wall. Percy looked… sad as if he was missing something. Grover approached him.

"What was that stunt you pulled with the hellhound," Annabeth asked, appearing out of nowhere.

"Stunt?" Tempest lifted his head just a bit, "Oh, that. My...teacher... had a thing for acrobatics."

"No, the blade," She was slightly growling now.

"The blade?" She nodded hastily. "Just another weapon I use." Tempest shrugged. A moment of silence.

"I don't know where you came from, but I do know that you're not human. No one can grapple onto a hellhound and live." Annabeth said pointedly.

"Hahaha," Tempest forced a strained laugh, "I've been called worse." Annabeth left with a huff, leaving Tempest alone with his migraine.

.

.

.

The bus came later then Tempest would've liked. Too much time for their enemies to catch up. He sat down but made a point in keeping his bag, setting it down on the ground. When an old lady boarded, Tempest froze up and alerted the others with that very movement.

Percy shivered in seeing the lady, Annabeth's and Grover's faces showing a mix of fear and dread.

"She didn't stay dead long," Percy whispered to Annabeth, "I thought you said they could be dispelled for a lifetime."

"I said if you're lucky," Annabeth hissed back, "You're obviously not."

"All three of them. Di Immortales!" Grover was spooked.

"It's okay," Annabeth reassured the group, but to Tempest, it sounded more like she was trying to convince herself. "The Furies. The three worst monsters from the Underworld. No problem. No problem. We'll just slip out the window."

"They don't open," Tempest said quietly, fighting off the newly growing migraine.

"A back exit?"

"Nope."

"They won't attack us with witnesses around… will they?" Percy asked.

"Mortals don't have good eyes," Annabeth explained. "Their brains can only process what they see through the Mist."

"They'll see three old ladies killing us, won't they?"

"From what I understand, we can't rely on mortals to fend off a supernature beast," Tempest interjected.

"Maybe an emergency exit on the roof...?"

The bus hit a tunnel, the interior going dark. For Tempest, it took on a slightly green tinge.

"I need to use the restroom!" One of the brimstone smelling ladies announced, getting up.

"So do I," another one.

"So do I," and the last.

They all started coming down the aisle, closing in on their row.

"I've got it," Annabeth said, taking out her hat. "Percy, take my hat."

"What?"

"You're the one they want. Turn invisible and go up the aisle. Let them bass you. Maybe you can get to the front and get away."

"But you guy-"

"There's an outside chance they might not notice us, especially Tempest," She glared at him. "You're the son of one of the Big Three. Your smell might be overpowering."

"I can't just leave you."

"Don't worry about us," Grover chided, "Go!"

Percy hesitantly took the hat and put it on, turning into a shimmering form that left his seat and shuffled down the aisle. Tempest put a hand on his blade. The ladies approached and quickly transformed into bat-winged, hags with claws on their fingers. They were cracking their flaming whips now.

"Where is it?! Where?!" The bus exploded into pandemonium, screaming people everywhere.

"He's not here! He's gone!" Annabeth tried to dissuade them from attacking. Instead, they raised their whips and prepared to strike.

Tempest pulled his blade from its sheath partway, Annabeth drew her bronze knife and Grover took out a can.

Then the bus itself tilted.

'Damnit, salt breath!' Tempest cursed, grabbing hold on the seat with his free hand. The Furies were catapulted into the far window, then into the floor. It went on like that for quite a while, Tempest grabbing the seat for his dear life as the bus lurched every which way.

Then it stopped, and everyone went flying forward. The sound of crashing trees and screeching steel notified him of what had happened. They had crashed.

The door flew open and everyone tried to leave all the same time. Tempest fully unsheathed the blade and blocked a flaming whip as it came down at his head. Annabeth was shouting in greek and Grover was tossing tin cans at the Furies.

"Hey!"

"Idiot move, Jackson!" Was Tempest's first order of business. He was promptly ignored. The Furies stopped attacking, turning their attention to Percy.

"Perseus Jackson," the front Fury said, voice carrying an undertone of malice, "You have offended the gods. You shall die."

"I like you better as a math teacher!" Percy shot back. Tempest slowly moved behind the other Furies, waiting for a moment to strike.

Percy took out a ballpoint pen and uncapped it, transforming it into a full-length bronze sword. The Furies halted in their advance, their leader obviously has a history with the blade.

"Submit now and you will not suffer eternal torment," One of them hissed, looking more pissed them before.

"Nice try," Percy returned.

"Percy, look out!" Annabeth cried just as a whip end curled around Percy's sword hand.

Tempest when in and swiftly severed a hand, the whip and claw falling onto the ground in a bloody heap before turning into dust.

The Furies screamed as Tempest followed up with an impaled chest, the blade sinking into the rib cage like a hot knife through butter.

"Ow," Grover dropped the whip he had ripped from a Fury's hand, "Ow! Hot! Hot!"

"Zeus will destroy you!" The leader howled. "Hades will have your soul!"

"Braccas meas vescimini!" Percy shouted back. Then thunder shook the bus.

"Get out! Now!" the four tumbled out of the bus before lightning could strike it. The passengers were still outside the bus, screaming, taking photos or had fainted.

"Our bags!" Grover turned to the bus, "We left our-" And was cut off by the strike, the carcass of the vehicle going up in flames. Dark shadows lingered just out of sight in the woods, the angry screech on the inside of the melting bus signalling doom.

"Heartless!" Tempest shouted watching the dancing yellow eyes within the trees that were slowly approaching. Without another word, the four of them ran into the woods, leaving the smouldering wreak behind.

'Well, that went from zero to a hundred really fast.' Tempest mused.