Chapter 2
I took a half step back in shock.
What had Hades just said? His children?
From what I understood, the big three weren't aloud to have kids, and when they did it was a huge deal.
I'd heard about the last one, a son of Zeus I think.
Even to this day Hades had talked about them with clear disgust.
He hated the fact that his brothers had broken their sworn agreement, so to think he too had done it…
"You have kids?" I blurted out despite myself, part of me wondering what mortal could be insane enough to have kids with the god of the underworld.
The god furrowed his brow, glaring daggers at me. "I do boy, and what about it?"
I simply shook my head. I realized that Persephone's reaction made more sense. Who would want to hear about the result of their husbands disloyalty.
"Nothing." I said gruffly, and Hades continued.
"Then I shall continue.
As you can see, the two in front of you are my children.
Bianca and Nico Di Angelo." He said, giving me a name to match with the faces.
"There mother was struck down by Zeus in his madness. I've been monitoring their growth from afar, but I don't want to leave them unattended for any longer.
With the recent monster activity and my past actions taken against Zeus's own demigod child, I worry for what my brother may do to my own children.
That's why you must bring them here, safely of course."
"And your sure about this? This seems like a job more fit for Thanatos." I said, nodding my head in the man's direction.
Hades shook his head with a look of annoyance.
"You are right, I would much rather send your father to handle this as opposed to a simpleton such as yourself, but I'm afraid of attention it might bring to them.
Even Alecto would be preferable over you, however I'd like to avoid conflict with all of this, and she may not be the best choice for that.
So do you understand?" He asked irritably.
I only let out a sigh. I wasn't known for complaining about what Hades assigned to me, but this was undeniably something different.
However, today wasn't the day I would try my luck and actually try and deny the god.
After all, I had never once failed a mission, and today wouldn't be the start.
"I do."
"Then it is settled." He said.
"I'm putting a lot of trust in you with this, Percy.
Do not fail me."
The man rose from his throne. "Return in 3 hours, and then I will send you on your way.
Now begone, brat."
He said, and with a wave he disappeared in a column of black flames.
That left me alone with Thanatos.
"You can not fail this mission, boy. It is of upmost importance."
I scowled at the man.
"Good think that was never my intention, to fail, right?" I said angrily as I turned my back.
I was slightly shocked to find the man had already appeared a few steps in front of me, his black wings spread outwards.
"Your performance has decreased gradually every time you have left the underworld on a job these past weeks.
I'll tell you now, this is not the time to decline.
If you fail Hades now, then I suggest you prepare yourself for your life of leisure here to change drastically.
So advice from a father to his son….
Do not fail."
I had no chance to reply as the man disappeared in a cloud of black smoke.
I snarled.
I truly did hate every time I was even reminded that the man was even related to me, much less my father.
Even after talking to Hades though, I couldn't deny that a conversation with Thanatos had me the most on edge. I guess not even Hades was more unpleasant than death itself.
At least with Hades, he would talk with some kind of normality, however Thanatos spoke like an emotionless robot, being the most blunt person I knew, even more so then myself,
I tried to ignore the goosebumps the god had given me that lasted all the way until I finally was back at my room, opening my door inwards.
I was met with a familiar sound as I glanced at my bed.
A purr came from my miniature roommate.
The cat that had somehow made its way into the underworld and decided it would make its home here with me stared at me intently before rolling onto its side, exposing its stomach.
I say staring sparingly, however.
The truth was that quickly after meeting the cat, I realized that it was in fact, blind. It was hard to tell before getting up close as it apparently had no struggle navigating around the place, even though the spot where her eyes would've been were empty dips of fur.
It was honestly strange to see the cat stroll around the palace with ease while it shouldn't have been able to see anything.
I had quickly determined that it must've been a spirit of sorts, but had no real way to prove it.
I watched as it swayed slightly as it waited for me to come forward and pet it, but I frowned as I didn't plan on doing so just now.
My focus was instead on the note I noticed left behind on my obsidian desk.
"Not today little friend." I said as I walked past the bed.
I heard a disappointed meow come from behind me as she got up.
It may have seemed strange to not call the creature by its name, but the truth was she didn't have one, or at least I didn't know it.
Though I could tolerate the feline, I had never planned on getting attached, the exact opposite actually. Naming her seemed like a step in the wrong direction.
I grabbed the note that had been left behind and lifted it to my face.
As I did so, I felt the cat climb up my leg before perching itself around my neck and on my shoulder.
I grumbled slightly, but didn't remove her.
"Your equipment has been left in the training room. It shall provide much more practical for what is upcoming.
I insist you use it.
-Lord Hades"
I shook my head before I discarded the paper to my side.
At this point I was used to the lord trying his hardest to decide what I would wear, but time after time I had always opted to use my own cloak and Timoria every time.
They had never failed me before, so I wouldn't turn on them just yet.
However, I would still at least look as this time it looked like Hades was especially insistent.
It didn't take me long to reach the training room as it was intentionally put close to my room as I was there often.
I entered and eyed the equipment used to make me better every day. To an outsider they would look more like torture devices than something used to workout with, but I didn't mind.
My little friend squirmed slightly on my shoulder, and I couldn't blame her for feeling uncomfortable.
I stalked to the end of the room and eyed the clothes rack, a new pair of gear waiting for me as usual.
However this time what was waiting for me didn't seem too bad.
Directly in the middle was a cloak that was similar to my own, however this one was slightly thicker and fitted with more different materials then my simple black one.
There were some rune-ish marking along the edges, but it was nothing to extravagant.
To its side was a full suit of leather armor, again looking like something I might wear as it was all black, and appeared to be able to provide some warmth that would help with the cruel weather present where I was planning on going.
However, what I would definitely not be using on this trip was the weapon provided.
A black sword that seemed eerily familiar, leaning against the wall.
I picked it up hesitantly, and waved it around lightly.
It felt surprisingly good in my grip, and besides my own sword it was probably the best weapon I had ever picked up.
However, I couldn't shake the funny feeling that I had seen it, or possible even used it before.
I placed the sword back where it was, slightly conflicted as I noticed the last thing left behind for me.
A simple roll of bandages, however after picking them up I felt that they were much more.
As soon as my purple left hand shared by me and Elaine made contact with the bandages, I felt a reaction, giving me an almost numbing feeling in my finger tips.
"What is this?" I breathed as I fiddled with the roll, unwrapping some of the bandages slightly.
"A mask, boy.
You should be familiar with it." Said the voice of Plutus, surprising me slightly.
"What?"
"The bandages were made to suppress the aura of power that Lady Elaine's emits through you, something you are not capable of.
The same kind of bandages were used before to control the power of that god Orcus left behind on your arm after he had originally severed it.
They shall serve useful if you are to be traveling with others, at least I believe so."
Hmm.
I didn't reply, but took the man's words into consideration.
With slight reluctance, I came to a decision.
Within the next two minutes, I had undressed and changed into the clothes provided for me, replacing them with my clothes on the rack.
I tucked the bandages in the biggest pocket I could find in the cloak before looking to my right.
With a sigh, I even picked up the sword, attaching its sheath to my hip.
I turned around quickly to get a feel, and was surprised to find that even when sheathed the weapon felt good.
Maybe Hades knew what he was doing.
I started to leave the room as "little friend", made its way back up to my shoulder, but after feeling the new cloak, she had decided that inside my own shirt was the most comfortable place to be, much to my annoyance.
I had only just barely turned the corner as I walked into what felt like a stone wall, forcing me back a few steps.
I opened my eyes with an angry look to see what exactly it was, but was forced to raise my gaze to make eye contact with the one in front of me.
Milon, a hand stroking his beard as he looked down on me with a certain glint in his eyes.
"Percy boy, I heard you were leaving.
Would you mind spending some time with this old man before you do?"
-Line Break-
I glanced down the infinite void, sipping slowly on my drink as I simultaneously stroked my cat.
I placed little friend down on the ground to my side.
She seem startled as Milon let out a guttural laugh as he cast aside his sixth drink of the night, sending it barreling down the darkness.
At first I wondered what exactly Milon could want, bringing me to the seemingly bottomless pit, but I knew very well where it led.
Tartarus.
It was a strange place for a meet up, but it became quickly apparent that wasn't the man's real intentions in bringing me here.
I too threw my drink down the void.
Milon cracked his knuckles.
My hand hovered over my sheathed sword, but I ultimately decided otherwise as I summoned my scythe.
"You really want to do this, old man?"
He got lower in his stance.
"You know, Percy, long before I became your teacher, during my life, I never was known for my swordsmanship." He said.
"Actually, I never used weapons at all.
That's what makes different from the heroes you all grew up idolizing.
Those men needed their fancy magic or their mythical swords to make them great.
That's why training you seemed like fun to me.
A chance to develop a warrior greater then what they ever used to be?
I couldn't imagine better." He said.
As soon as the last words left his mouth, he charged forward.
I removed my ring as I prepared to fight.
It wasn't uncommon for Milon to randomly force me to fight him to "test my strength", but I didn't know if now was the best time.
However, I was never one to reject a challenge.
I tried to process the man's words as I watched him advance.
He had never before talked about his past life or why he had decided to train me, and though both points were still somewhat of a mystery to me, this was the most I had ever gotten.
However, now was not the time to be distracted.
I swung directly for the man's neck, but it was easily evaded as he ducked underneath.
While low, he took a step closer to get directly into my guard, making my scythe useless.
He punched me once in my gut, making me spit out a chunk of my fluids from my mouth, but I recovered quickly, grabbing his other hand with my own left, holding him back from following up.
He smiled wildly.
"This is exactly what I speak of.
A whole arm given to you by a spirit? At this point they're handing power to everyone!" He said , his voice getting louder as he swatted my hand away to become free, jumping back to create space.
I didn't want to give him time to recover, charging him before he could gain his balance and swinging wildly.
The man yet again dodged the first attack, but was forced to raise his bare forearm upwards to come in contact with the flat of my scythe, saving himself from being cut but forcing him to absorb the force.
I sent my foot flying quickly afterwards to knock the man off balance, but quickly regretted it as it was snatched by the man's free hand.
I tried to bring it back but he doubled down, grabbing me with both hands and swinging me over his shoulder, making me drop my scythe.
As this was happening, I unsheathed the weapon at my hip before I could be thrown into the floor, cutting the man's palm slightly and forcing his hand open, sending me flying behind him as opposed to into the dirt below.
He smiled as he looked up, his hand slightly bloodied as he eyed my sword.
"I suppose that new weapon was more then for show.
To think that even a stubborn bastard like yourself would even use it, is impressive enough, but like that? Mid air while damn near upside down?" The man let out a laugh.
"You know, Percy, as a person you may be one of the worst I've ever met. You lack charm, your rude, unapproachable, cruel, and borderline evil!" He said as he stood upright.
"But one thing no one can call you is weak.
You know that, and that's what I like about you.
But as your teacher, I'm afraid that it may get to your head, so I personally take it upon myself to humble you boy, right now!" He said, sounding obviously drunk in his voice.
However, drunk or not I wasn't going to hold back. The man was much to strong to consider going easy on.
I said nothing as I ran forward to meet the the man as he too charged.
Before we could ever even get close to making contact though, a being appeared before us, stopping us both in our tracks.
I scowled as I felt myself suspended in the air by whatever this power was, and Milon seemed confused as he too was unable to move.
I was even more annoyed to find the being behind this intervention.
Thanatos gracefully floated down to the floor, and as soon as he made contact with it, me and Milon were freed from his restraint, both of us dropping.
"I'm sure you were told to return long before now." He said.
I glared at the man.
"Tardiness like this cannot be excused more than once." His cold voice said, the lack of emotion making wonder if it was a threat or not.
"Milon." He said, turning to he man.
"It is not training hours. What business do you have fighting with the boy?"
"Ehhh, s-sir? He said drunkenly. "Ohh, my apologies. I simply wanted to test the boy one final time before I sent him on his way."
Thanatos stared at him for a moment before turning back to me. "Very well." He said, not minding the man's current state and his blatant lie.
"Come boy. Time is of the essence, and the lord Hades is waiting." Was all he said as he swiftly summoned a portal and stepped through.
I hated how he didn't wait for my input, speaking to me as if I was a mere employee of sorts, but we didn't have time to argue.
With one final look towards Milon who was now cupping the cat in his hand, I gave a nod before following the man through the gateway.
As I stepped through, I stumbled a bit as I tried to regain the balance lost from the teleportation.
My eyes finally raised to find myself back in the throne room, and looking down on me was none other then Hades yet again, this time without Persephone to his side.
"Your late, boy." He said, thought he didn't sound too mad.
"I see you actually chose to wear what I provided for you? About time." He said with a scoff.
"Though I do suggest you use the bandages to wrap that arm of yours.
Purple isn't exactly the most conspicuous of colors on a mortal body."
"Conspicuous? When has that ever been a worry." I asked.
"Oh?
It seems like I forgot to tell you since you decided to miss the briefing." He said pointedly.
"I've had Alecto scout the area, and she has returned with quite the news.
At the school my children are staying at, not only is there a powerful monster staying guard, but also what appears to be a satyr and some demigods, most likely with the intentions of recruiting the two to that dastardly camp.
You are not to let that happen." He said with a serious look.
"Obviously your main objective is to bring my children back, but their are some tweaks to how you are to go about it.
I don't care what you do with the monster, but when it comes to those demigods?
Do not let yourself be identified, by any means."
He said.
It was my turn to scoff.
"Your acting like any of them would know me."
He shook his head.
"That's not my point, stubborn boy. I don't want anyone even knowing of your presence there.
You are to limit contact with those demigods, and by no means do you let them know your intentions with my children.
The cloak is enchanted.
It will alter to your voice to all but you, as well as keeping your face veiled in shadows as long as the hood is pulled over your head, no matter what light is shown on it."
I glanced down at the piece of clothing being talked about. Not only was it impressive, but it actually served a purpose to.
I let out a sigh.
"And what about this sword?" I asked as I placed a hand on the hilt.
"Don't be foolish boy. Your scythe is a unique weapon. Wether or not someone knows you would not stop them being able to trace Timoria back to you, or your father, which ultimately would lead back to me.
That would be unacceptable.
You are too use that sword unless it is absolutely necessary to use otherwise, though I doubt you will truly have much trouble when it comes to fighting.
Naturally, you will also be unable to use your stone in any sort of capacity."
I groaned slightly.
"So you send me on my most important mission yet, and limit me to a random sword?" I asked.
"You'll be fine, brat." Said the god getting annoyed.
"You should be grateful for me providing you that weapon specifically. Don't tell me you don't recognize it due to a simple color change?" He said, and I looked at the weapon yet again confused.
It was only after he brought this up was I able to realize why the sword was so familiar.
"The weapon given to you by the lieutenant of Artemis.
Obviously it was destroyed, but I had it repaired and recolored of course, in our forges." He said.
I only nodded, slightly still in awe.
I didn't even want to think about .. her, right now, but to be using her weapon brought out a reaction I didn't know I would have.
"You've wasted enough of my time boy." Hades finally said, snapping his fingers.
A black portal appeared in front of me, releasing cold winds and allowing slight snow to drift into the room from the other side.
"It's about damn time for you to be on your way.
Do not fail me, Perseus. Not this time."
I have the god one final nod before glancing at Thanatos.
The same cold expression.
It made me angry for some reason, but I ignored it as I stepped through the freezing portal, immediately taking me away from the throne room.
The real world.
It hadn't been too long since I'd been up here, but I could say it confidently that it was since to be here, even if I was stranded in some icy woods. I let out a shaky breath as I eyed the glowing building to my right, the familiar Westover Hall Hades had shown me just earlier.
I spent this time by myself to completely wrap my arm in the bandages given to me by the god.
I decided he was right. I didn't know how the mist would exactly mask my hand to demigods, but I wasn't going to test it out right now. Better safe then sorry.
However, my hand being completely wrapped up in bandages would draw attention from mortals and demigods alike, meaning I would just opt to keep my wrapped left arm underneath my cloak.
It didn't take me long to reach the school entrance, and I casually strolled in as the door was strangely already open.
I contemplated putting on my hood to put its stealth capabilities to use, but decided it wouldn't be needed, at least not right now.
Until I figured out who the demigods and monsters were, there was no point drawing attention to my self.
I sulked forward through the quiet school till I located the gym, and heard what sound like a party going on from the inside.
As I entered, I quickly realized there was what seemed like a dance taking place.
I groaned.
I also felt the presence of what I assumed was a monster.
After all, I had never met a half blood before who's power I could feel simply from entering a room.
To avoid seeming strange, stalking around the edges of the gym, I made my way down into the crowd, quickly becoming just another student at the school.
I avoided people as best as I could, and gave death glare to those I had ended up bumping in to.
I honestly hated this environment.
I was definitely the oldest kid here, probably by at least a year or too, but even ignoring age I didn't generally like spending time around kids, or anyone really.
I was contemplating simply leaving the dance all together and coming back later to find the two kids when I bumped into someone from behind, sending a shock through me.
I turned around slowly, slightly annoyed but intrigued.
The person, a girl I had bumped into, had black hair that dropped to her shoulders, but besides that I could see nothing as he back was turned to me while she talked to someone out of my view.
I heard her say something about dancing, but only fully heard what the other guy responded with.
"I can't dance! And even if I wanted to, would it be best if watched over them? I'm the least likely to draw attention." Said a voice. I cringed slightly as I heard him talk. Something about the unsureness in his voice.
The girl thought a bit before responding.
"I guess your probably right.
I'll find someone else to dance with, but let me know if you need me." She said. Her voice was confident and stern.
The boy she was talking to said a quick agreement before I could see movement as he made his way out of the crowd.
As he disappeared through the sea of bodies, she finally turned around, giving me my first look at her face.
She immediately locked eyes with me, being forced to look up to meet my gaze. I only now realized how strange I probably looked sitting there and staring as she was talking, but ignored it.
I studied her eyes.
For a mortal, they were fierce. Especially so, actually.
I found myself slight off put by the electric blue eyes looking back at me. They were so out of place as the girl wore all black, similar to me, matching her dark hair.
To see such a scary look on a pretty face was strange, especially when her staring didn't falter as I gave her my best glare.
In fact, she smiled.
"Do you need something?" She asked, looking as if she found something funny.
"Ehh, what?"
"I mean your standing here, looming over me all menacingly.
It's almost scary." She said with mock fear.
I immediately scowled.
"To be honest, kid, if you wanted to ask for a dance, you should try talking first."
She said as she started walking away.
"You think I wanted to dance with you?" I asked, my tone still cold but a little shaky as I was caught off guard.
"Oh? So you just watch over girl's backs for fun then."
I rolled my eyes. "Hardly that, kid, I just thought I knew you. Nothing more." I lied.
"I can assure you then, you don't. Last I checked, I wasn't friends with any one too scared to ask for a dance."
"You still think that?" I asked, for some reason getting annoyed at this simple conversation.
"Actually, you know what?" She asked as she walked closer.
"I think I'm the one who wants to dance with you." She offered her hand with a clear smirk on her face.
I eyed her warily.
"What are you trying to-
Ah!" I called out, drawing a few stares as I felt a shock go through my hand as soon as I made contact with the girl.
Why the hell had I even tried touching her?! I asked myself this as I gripped my hand, still in pain, trying to ignore the girls laughs.
"Man that was too good!" She said, enjoying this too much.
"I'm sorry kid, I had to.
You know, if you still want I wouldn't mind-."
The girl was caught up as her name was called by another girl, this one with blonde hair.
She was out of breath as she reached our side.
"Thalia!" She said, catching her attention and making her immediately turn serious.
That was her name, huh.
"The Di Angelo's. They're gone!"
She said, half out of breath.
Immediately my ears perked up, slightly surprised.
Di Angelo? As in Bianca and Nico Di Angelo?
That's when it clicked.
That what's was so different about this girl.
She wasn't a mortal. She was a demigod. And it appeared to me like they were after the same thing as me.
"And where is he?" Responded the girl named Thalia.
The other girl shook her head. "I think he already went after them."
"That idiot!" Said Thalia, apparently mad at the unnamed boy. She wasted no more time, running off towards the gym exit, the blonde following suite, neither paying me any mind.
I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
My hood quickly found its way over my head.
It was time to make my move.
I had already wasted much to time idly being here, so the opportunity was appreciated.
As I exited the building and made my way through the snowy woods, I couldn't have felt more prepared.
"Plutus."
I called on the god.
"Direct me towards the kids."
I demanded as I already starting walking towards a certain direction, one that I felt a strong tug towards. I didn't know if was the demigod, the monster, or both, but I decided it'd be best to follow my instincts.
The man didn't reply at first, but I felt his presence strengthen as he soon began calling out directions, and I swiftly followed.
I could feel myself getting closer to my targets.
I kept pace as I continued in the same direction, but stopped abruptly.
I clutched my chest as I faltered in my movements, nearly falling to the snow.
"Boy?" Asked Plutus after a moment, probably confused on to what had made me stop.
"It-it's nothing." I got out as I recovered to my feet.
I felt myself shiver, however it had nothing to do with the snow.
I didn't know what it was, but I had suddenly got a sickening feeling, one strong enough to nearly knock me off my feet.
I hadn't been attacked, had I?
I didn't know what it was, but it put me on edge.
Even with the severity of this mission, I had never once doubted wether or not I was capable.
Even though that was still the case, I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling I had gotten.
As I got closer to what I assumed to be the demigods, the feeling only grew.
I could only take a deep breath.
Even though part of me wanted to ignore it, I couldn't lie to myself.
My instincts had never failed me, and right now?
They were telling me to do everything in my power to turn back.