The four of us strained as hard as we could, but the wind kept dragging us back. We were getting further and further away from the end of the path. My face set and I urged the wind behind me again. Suddenly, my gut twisted painfully as the wind lessened. I staggered slightly, stomach clenched in agony. Percy, Annabeth and Grover were moving forward, but I was too concentrated on the wind. Annabeth caught on quickly, her face pale and worried.

"Guys, she can't do both!" she insisted, tightening a hand around my arm and pulling me forward. Grover did the same on my other arm, as Percy pushed my back forward.

"What do you mean both?" Percy exclaimed, confused. Annabeth didn't answer, her face set. We were just a few metres from the end and my gut couldn't feel anymore numb. With that thought in mind, I pushed myself harder and the wind pushed against us. We stumbled forward and around the corner.

I went limp, collapsing to the floor and gasping for breath. Annabeth and Grover let go off my arms and I knelt up, tightening my arms around my stomach. My lips pursed tightly as my eyes burned with pained tears. Gods, I thought my gut couldn't feel any worse. Apparently, I was wrong.

"Acacia?" Percy said slowly.

"One second," I choked in a hoarse whisper, folding my body as close as humanly possible.

"What's wrong with her?" he asked.

"She just fought the wrong thing too hard," Annabeth gulped, still crying.

"The wrong thing? What thing? You mean whatever was in that pit?" Annabeth nodded, tears streaming even faster. "And what do you mean, fight it?"

"It was using the wind to pull us over the edge right?" Annabeth mumbled. Percy nodded, frowning as he tried to keep up. "Well Acacia was trying to control the wind, like she usually can. That's how she ran so fast to catch up to Grover just then. She was fighting against its pull. Any longer and it could have killed her." There was an awkward silence, in which Percy's hand tightened around my shoulder. I took a deep breath, my stomach burning. Slowly, I staggered to my feet, wincing loudly.

"Hey, don't rush," Grover said softly.

"If you hadn't noticed," I grimaced. "A war is about to start. We haven't got much time."

"Acacia, you could have killed yourself!" Annabeth whimpered, her eyes shining. "You can't rush into anything. Do you have any idea-"

"Yes, Annabeth, I do have an idea. Unless you've not noticed, it's my gut that feels like it's trying to haul itself out of my stomach. Now I don't know about you, but I'm going to get my father's bolt back."

I straightened out, flinching but starting down the corridor. Annabeth, Percy and Grover hurried after me, all giving me concerned looks every now and then. But I was the least of their worries. As we closed in on Hades's palace, I couldn't help but wonder what might happen if we figured out he hadn't got it. We needed to get back to New York by nightfall or we really would be fighting a war. And it would be against half of our family. I glanced across at Percy, gulping.

"What?" he asked, raising his eyebrows.

"What if we're wrong?" I asked in a small voice. "If we don't get the Master Bolt now, there's no time to check anywhere else. Our fathers will be at war. I don't know if..." I trailed off, gulping again. "Percy, I know you and your father didn't take the bolt, but-"

"You'll fight for your father, I know," he said grimly. I fell silent, unable to look anyone in the eye. Percy and I had been through so much. We had saved each other's lives, more than once. How could I stand against him in a war? The answer was simple. My father had saved Thalia from the Underworld, something that mattered much more to me than my life. He had shown me he did care for us, whether it was easy to see or not. I owed him too much. Oh, and the fact he was my father.

We walked straight down toward Hades's palace. Well, I say we walked. The others did. I sort of hobbled, trying not to move my stomach too much. Percy stayed by my side, as faithful as ever. Every time I staggered or stumbled, he caught my arm and steadied me again, even after I told him that I couldn't turn my back on my father for him. Part of me wished that he would leave me alone, hate me even. That way, I wouldn't feel so bad for sticking by my father. I had always tried to stand by my family, but this was something else. Percy, and Poseidon for that matter, had done nothing wrong. And both of them were two of the nicer members of my family. So how could I fight against them?

The worry only made my stomach worse, making me stagger and stumble more. Maybe Annabeth and Percy noticed. They inched closer to me, straightening out protectively. I gulped and took a deep breath. If there was one thing I was sure about, it was that we had to find that bolt. I couldn't go against Percy. I just couldn't do it. Straightening out, I moved faster, leading the way into Persephone's Garden.

It looked so out of place here, with the green grass and the rose bushes. Of course, in the centre of the garden, a pomegranate tree grew. Each of us faltered, but I shook myself, pressing on. I wanted so much to stay in Persephone's garden and never take a step inside Hades's palace. But I knew we had to. We had to get the bolt.

"Come on," I urged, face set as I headed for the door.

"Acacia, would you try and take it a little easier?" Annabeth pleaded.

"We are going to get that bolt Annabeth," I frowned. "I can't... there's no way that I..." Percy frowned, his jaw locking and hand tightening around the backpack. His face fell into a confused expression for a moment, shifting the backpack. "What's up?"

"I guess I've just been carrying it awhile," he shrugged.

"What?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Hey, didn't you get rid of that bag at the Lotus Hotel?" Grover asked absent-mindedly. Annabeth and I stared at him for a moment, then glanced at Percy, blinking. He frowned, casting his mind back.

"Erm, yeah actually, I did," he muttered.

"That's the bag that Ares's gave you," I said bluntly.

"Acacia," Annabeth warned, as though the god was stood right behind me. "You already have one god out to kill you. You can't go accusing another without proof."

I hesitated. "Hand me the bag," I said. Percy blinked. "Percy, just hand it over. It isn't like I'm going to do anything drastic, I promise." Frowning slightly, he pulled the bag off his shoulder and held it out to me. I paused, then stepped forward and tightened my hand around the strap. There was a moment where nothing happened. Then Grover suddenly started.

"What's that smell?" he asked cautiously, sniffing the air. "It's like..." I breathed deeply. My eyes opened wide, my lips pursing tightly. Slowly, I pulled the bag closer toward me. Annabeth gasped; Percy leapt back, scowling.

"What's that?" he demanded.

I pursed my lips tightly, unzipping the bag. "Oh for the love of the gods," I breathed.

"What?" Percy demanded. Carefully, I slipped my hand into the bag. Slowly, I pulled it back out. Percy's eyes couldn't have been wider. In my hands, my father's Master Bolt cracked with the smell of ozone.

"Perfect!" I almost leapt out of my skin, the Master Bolt cracking more dangerously as it reacted to my nerves. Lord Hades, the ruler of the Underworld, smirked down at me. "That bolt always did work better with one of my brother's lovely children."

The bolt was almost ripped from my hands as the four of us were restrained and hauled into Hades's throne room. Of course, everything was black and depressing. Monsters lined the edge of the room, jeering and snarling as we were dragged to the centre. Hades moved for his throne, a seat made entirely of human bone. Beside him, there was an empty, flowery throne. I found myself wishing Persephone was here. After all, not only was she my half-sister, she was said to improve the Lord of the Dead's moods. But at Hades's feet, encased in a bright, golden glow, was Mrs Jackson. Percy struggled immediately and Hades's snorted, smirking.

"Struggling will not help, Perseus Jackson. It will only get you killed faster." Hades had long, black hair and incredibly pale skin. His eyes were dark and depressing, in keeping with his surroundings. His clothes seemed to be covered in human faces, all scared and trying to get away.

My jaw set and my eyes narrowed as he turned to me. He snorted again. "So angry, young half-blood? Still bear a grudge against me for kidnapping you? It wasn't anything personal, merely a trap to try and take your sister."

"Want me to thank you?" I scowled. "I'd have rather you lied and said it was personal." Hades laughed cruelly.

"Ah yes, you're the self-sacrificing one!" he laughed. "I'd almost forgotten. Didn't happen to run into Mummy on the way in, did you?" I froze on the spot, my face falling. Percy, Annabeth and Grover immediately closed in on me, trying to separate me from the god before he succeeded in goading me into a fight. Hades just smirked at us.

"Why are you doing this?" Annabeth frowned. "It's causing a war!"

"Poseidon's mad at Zeus for blaming him, Zeus is mad at Poseidon for stealing it," Hades shrugged. "They'll attack each other first. They weaken each other, makes my job easier."

"And here was me thinking there was enough dead down here," Percy scowled.

"But that's what you want, right?" I snarled. "The more people that die, the higher your numbers get."

Hades's eyes flashed with anger. "You think I want more down here?" he boomed furiously. "Huh! And why shouldn't I be annoyed? One of you brats has my helm! I want it back!"

All four of us stopped struggling, face falling in shock. "Your... your helm?" Grover questioned, letting out a nervous bleat.

"That is what I said, satyr," Hades spat. "Hand it over and I may let Sally Jackson live." Percy struggled again, face set.

"We don't have your helm," I said.

"Don't play with me Acacia Grace!" Hades warned. "Hand me my helm!"

"We don't have it, I can promise you," I scowled. "I didn't even know we had the bolt! You think I'd be here if I did?"

"You will never get out of here alive, half-blood," Hades spat. "Not with the helm, or the bolt. Gave in and I might even make it quick."

"We haven't got it," I snarled through my teeth. Hades's eyes flashed and his fists clenched. Before I could change my mind, I ripped myself out of the monster's hold and kicked them back, drawing one sword. Percy and Annabeth mimicked me instantly, backing up into me.

"Bravery will not save you now," Hades snorted. I fished into my pocket, pulling out the pearl Percy had given me. Hades let out a short laugh. "Poseidon's little tricks? Let me guess, he only gave you four?" With another short laugh, he clicked his fingers. Mrs Jackson suddenly gasped and fell to her knees.

"Mum!" Percy exclaimed, leaping forward. Annabeth and I restrained him quickly, both of us staring across at Mrs Jackson in worry.

"Come on, young Acacia Grace," Hades smirked. "Can you save them all? Risk everything again?" My chest was heaving as my mind raced. I could tell Annabeth was trying to follow my line of thought, my very impulsive line of thought. There was a small chance... a very small chance. Around the Master Bolt, I had more strength. I was stronger, even more powerful. I remembered what Apollo had told me, remembered that he had said we were stronger than he remembered.

Slowly, I lowered my sword and let Percy go. He struggled, but Grover took my place beside him as I started forward, dropping my sword to the floor. Hades scoffed, watching me with an amused expression. My steps echoed loudly around the room as I got closer and closer to Mrs Jackson. She glanced up and met my gaze, silently urging me to turn back to her son. I pursed my lips tightly, gulping. I didn't hesitate before I knelt down to Mrs Jackson and took her by the elbows, pulling her to her knees.

"Please," she pleaded, her eyes glistening with saddened. "Please don't. Leave me here, I-"

"Mrs Jackson, I will not leave you here," I whispered, so quiet she could hardly hear me.

She let out a small whimper, shaking her head furiously as a tear slid down her cheek. "No, you can't! Percy needs you, he-"

"I do not intend to stay here Mrs Jackson," I cut her off, grimacing. Her eyes widened in worry and fright, stunned. I almost smiled. "I got out once, I'll do it again. Take this." I slipped the pearl into her hand, pushing it into her palm.

"No-"

"Yes," I said firmly. Her eyes widened at my firm tone and I was all too aware it was easy to see I was the daughter of the ruler of Olympus. "Please, you have to trust me." She just blinked. "Can you stand?"

"Erm, yes, I think so," she muttered.

I nodded, helping her to her feet. "Walk to Percy," I muttered. "Follow his instructions. Don't hesitate and don't try and help me. Understand?"

"But-"

"Mrs Jackson, please," I urged. "I know what I'm doing." She blinked and before I could move, she wrapped me tightly in a hug, her tears soaking my shoulders. I gulped as she let go and moved for Percy slowly.

Hades laughed loudly, clapping his hands together in amusement. "Of course! So, decided to stay, young Acacia?" he sneered. "I thought you'd have learnt after the last time."

I turned to him, my face straight as I took a deep breath. "I am not staying," I said confidently, taking a deep breath. Hades's smirk faltered slightly. "You will get your helm back."

"You are not going anywhere Acacia Grace," he snarled.

"Percy!" I called.

"STOP THEM!" Hades yelled. There were four smashes and before I knew it, the four were gone. "YOU-"

The temperature dropped drastically and the wind stirred around me, harsher than I had ever managed before. My hair swirled around my face and I felt my gut clench tightly. My stomach was burning again, a roaring pain I hadn't counted on, but with a sharp tug, the wind caught the Master Bolt.

"NO!" Hades yelled, jumping to his feet.

It flew across the room, cracking every time it came close to monster. Each burst into a cloud of yellow dust. I felt my entire body fill with such energy, it terrified me. The Master Bolt slipped into my hand and at that point, I swore to myself that whenever I got it back to my father, there was no way I was ever touching it again. The sheer power... the thought made me shudder.

"ACACIA!" The many voices that were suddenly yelling my name shocked me. I spun around, the Master Bolt calming in my palm for a second. My eyes widened as the wind picked up its pace.

At the very back of the room, I could see an image of a throne room, the same throne room I had seen in my dreams days ago. And when I thought the gods were watching me, I never thought it would be quite this closely.

Athena had one eyebrow raised, her arms folded. Ares was smirking, his eyes fixed on the Master Bolt in my hand. Hermes was gawping slightly and behind him, Hera blinked blankly, as though she had just forgotten everything. Artemis had her lips pursed tightly, her eyes sparkling with hope. Beside her, Apollo stood with his jaw hanging and a pale face. Next to them, Poseidon watched cautiously, his face unreadable. The only face that had any effect on me what so ever was my father's. Zeus seemed half way between anger and worry. I knew as well as he did that if I tried to control the Master Bolt, I would probably kill myself. But he also knew I had no choice.

"NO! GET HER!" Hades shouted furiously. I didn't move for a second, eyes fixed to my father's. He nodded ever so slightly, barely enough for me to notice. I had a scary suspicion I knew what that meant. The Master Bolt sizzled and cracked loudly. The monsters stumbled to a halt, eyes wide and terrified. In the image of the gods, Zeus's face was set and determined. Hades didn't miss it. "YOU! INTERFERENCE!"

"Not at all, brother," Zeus said flatly. "I am merely making sure my own property is returned."

The Master Bolt struck.

I felt like I was being electrocuted and burned from the inside out all at once. Every inch of my skin was on fire, as though it was being stripped from my bones. My heart raced and thumped loudly in my ears, my head rattling. I could feel the power of the bolt radiating through my entire body and it scared and thrilled me all at once. And I hated it. There was a flash of light and a thunderous crack. The next thing I knew, my knees buckled and I hit the ground.