Author's Notes: Hi. I'm sorry for taking so long to update this story. Between moving clear across the country and starting as a full time freshman in college, I have been more than strapped for time. Rest assured when I do find time I will be updating this story. Thank you for everyone who has read and reviewed. I love getting emails that someone has favorite or is now following me as an author or my story. On a side note, but totally relevant to my time consuming life is I am currently writing a young adult science fiction/fantasy novel. Which, if anyone is interested, will be available (upon completion of course) as an e-book on . I have also noticed I failed to give proper credit to Rick Riordan who owns the awesomeness that is the PJO and HOO series and I do not own any characters beside Dominic Ryder and the overall idea of this story. If anyone was wondering this is kind of Alternate Universe kind of thing for my creative purposes as a writer. Seeing as re-reading this story last night I realized both Jason and Percy were at Camp Half-blood with no mention of Camp Jupiter. Thanks again for reading and I hope my college courses have and will continue to help my writing improve.

CHAPTER 12

The three demigods walked in to Hades throne room taking in the god who looked down on them with contempt, but as his eyes fell on his son his eyes took on quality that wasn't so hard. Hades was imposing to say the least, dressed in black robes that seemed to shift with faces struggling to break free. Souls of the dead, Nick thought, but couldn't be sure. As they neared the throne Hades began to speak,"Nico."

Nico stepped forward nodding at God of the Underworld, "Father, we've come-". "I know why you've come, but what I want to know is why you decided to bring THEM with you." He didn't speak as if it was a question, but a command he knew would be heeded and answered promptly. Time to make an impression, Nick thought smirking as he too stepped forward. Nico glanced at Nick and shook his head almost imperceptibly. Of course he ignored Nico. "I have a name, as I'm sure you are aware, Lord Hades." He said this with just a touch of sarcasm. "We've come," he said smoothly continuing to address Hades, "to seek your permission to acquire the Scales of Justice."

Hades simply stared at Nick his eyes blazing with a barely contained fury. "Of course, a half blood wants my help…but as I'm sure you are aware, son of Nyx, I don't do things that don't benefit me." Hades sat back on his throne seemingly unconcerned by the demigods' dilemma. "And seeing as I don't particularly like you, my brother's brat or that stupid camp of yours, I find myself disinclined to help you." He said smiling cruelly. Percy's jaw tightened and he fought to keep his mouth shut. Nico began speaking again, "Father, please." Hades stared at his son, considering. "Very well, have it your way." Hades continued, "if you want my permission than you must do something for me." He stood abruptly, walking around his throne in a circle. "An old enemy has recently resurfaced, they are wreaking havoc and chaos here in the Underworld. They have taken over the skeletons of soldiers from various eras of human history. I need you to defeat them." He made it sound so simple a child could do it. "Well, do we have a deal?" He said staring at Nick menacingly. Percy looked between the other two demigods and Hades. Not understanding exactly what was happening here, but he didn't like it. "So…" Percy said suspicion coloring his tone, "All we have to do is kill some monsters for you and we can be on our way?" "But of course." Hades said delicately. Percy looked at Nico who nodded uncertainly. "OK, you have a deal Hades." Percy replied decisively. "Wonderful," Hades said as shadows swarmed from all sides washing over the demigods in a wave of darkness.

Percy and Nick were deposited just a few hundred yards from the small battalion of skeletal soldiers dressed in various uniforms that were from WWII, Confederate and Union Armies and other times and armies Nick didn't recognize. Behind them a river of black water churned and boiled like ink. Nick looked around for Nico and finally spotted him on the banks of the river, but on the wrong side. Percy cursed in ancient Greek. "I knew something was off with Hades." "Isn't it always?" Nick replied. "Heads up!" Percy said nodding at the advancing battalion as they charged us. "Great, just great. Can you I don't know control this river to allow Nico to cross? I mean you are the son of Poseidon." Nick asked as he prepared to fight summoning his Sais. Percy nodded grimly. "I have before, but you will have to keep them off me, it requires a massive amount of concentration, this isn't just any old river. "You got it, you'd better get started." Nick said striding to meet the small army advancing on them.