Hades and Percy talk and so do Hades and Thalia, Yay! And once more I am super busy- mostly because you know Christmas is coming so I can't take the time to reply to all of the reviews but I love you all so much and yall mean the world to me. Every time I see I have a new review I get the goofiest smile in the world.

Percy and Hades went into a private room- out the back of the throne room- it was a simple room, with a few couches, a fireplace and an almost cosy air- not the most common thing in Hades realm but she doubted many people saw deeper than the outer façade. Percy knew she was lucky to get that chance.

Percy moved to the couch, dropping onto it quickly. "So. What's this about my father?" She tilted her head, "I assume you're talking about my bio father and not my dad."

"Yes." Hades moves to the other couch and sat down, watching her carefully, "I told you once that I assumed he had become so withdrawn because he didn't want us suspecting that he may have a child. Now… now I think differently."

"You do-" Percy paused, remembering Chiron's words- about the god who'd given him the sword changing his mind, about how the person it had been meant for was likely dead and she felt a tightness in chest. "What do you think uncle?"

"He hasn't visited Olympus in years. Not even for the Solstices. He's refused all summons and Zeus has left him be to a degree. Looking back I feel like a fool for not realising it. There was anger there last time I saw him. I thought it to be an act but.. but now I think not. Zeus demanded his presence at the Solstice again- to prepare for what's to come. He's finally admitting that there is a threat from father."

"And. No offence uncle H but I don't see why that's that big a deal-"

"Because your father's pushing back even now. Even knowing that Father is trying to rise. And as petty as we all can be he wouldn't keep the act up in such a situation. Which means that he truly has been angry with us and not pretending for the past years. And his anger is growing Percy. Storms ravage most coasts- it started last night, after Zeus sent Hermes to Poseidon once more with threats of what will happen if he doesn't come. Poseidon is furious. And I believe it's because he believes that you're dead." And yep. Yep there it was. Percy felt sick to her stomach when her uncle said that.

Her father thought she was dead? He'd been grieving for her. Probably since she was five, since she'd been whisked off into a better life and hidden from all things Greek.

Fuck.

"He's blaming you or Lord Zeus." Percy realised, her eyes widening "That's why he's so angry."

"Made worse by the fact that neither of us have confessed. Neither of us knew what he wanted us to confess to but-" Hades shook his head, "Now it's all far too clear."

"Well fuck." Percy blinked, "If he does go to Olympus on the Solstice-"

"I have no doubt that he'll be demanding answers for once and for all."

"Well that could be awkward." Percy leaned back into the couch. "I- how angry is he? You said there were storms."

"Bad. If you want to see how bad I'm sure you can visit the beaches here." Hades shook his head, a tired look in his eyes. "Which will mean I'll have even more souls here. Just what I need." His voice was thick with sarcasm and exhaustion.

"I can at least try and calm the seas near here." Percy offered, "But- I don't have the time to go deep and tell him that I'm alive. We're on the clock."

"I know." Hades waved a hand, "I wouldn't ask you to fix your fathers mess. I just wanted you to be aware of the situation."

"Thank you." Percy let out a little huff, "I- I appreciate the warning." She paused, "While we're here uncle I think there is one thing you need to do. And it's got nothing to do with me or Bianca."

Hades sighed, "I am aware niece." He didn't look pleased, "I haven't forgotten our discussion on the matter last summer. I know that Thalia was not to blame for her fool of a father's crimes." He shook his head, "As much as it pains me I will apologise to the girl. Something we gods likely don't do enough I'm sure."

"She'll appreciate it." Percy gave Hades a soft look. "I know it's hard for you especially uncle. When everyone always thinks the worst but… you're not what they think and you can prove that. All you have to do is be the better god."

"I appreciate your eternal faith Percy." Hades gave a small nod, "Fetch her if you would. Bring her in here so I can talk." He paused, "If she wants someone present I will understand. Given what I did."

"Good. Because she's scared of you even if she won't want to admit it and she has every right to be." Percy rose to her feet. "I'll be back in a second uncle."

She moved quickly, heading to the door and peering out into the throne room, and she resisted the urge to laugh at the awkwardness that was waiting beyond the door. Her small group was practically huddled together, eyeing the door and Persephone, clearly uncomfortable, and Persephone was watching them, an almost amused gleam in her eyes.

"Thalia." Percy called- which made the daughter of Zeus startle slightly.

"Yeah?"

"Come here. Uncle Hades wants to talk to you." And Percy saw Thalia bracing herself, saw her expression shifting from fear to determination.

Then the daughter of Zeus was striding forward, and Percy led her into the back room, laying a hand on the girls shoulder as the door shut behind them and Hades rose to his feet once more.

"Thalia Grace." He gave a small nod, almost respectful and Thalia blinked.

"Lord Hades." And Percy was impressed. The uncertainty in her tone was barely detectable. "Do you want to talk to me or something?"

"Yes I do." Hades straightened. "I have since you woke but I could hardly invite you here to speak to you. But now that you are here… some time ago Percy here came to me to ask me about what I did to you. I told her why I behaved in the way I did. And she made some very good points. My anger was justifiable but it was directed at the wrong person. You were not the hypocrite. You weren't the one who did me harm. Who almost killed my children. I thought I should kill you- an eye for an eye. But as Percy helped me understand it's not fair to blame the child for the parents actions. And so I would like to apologise for what I did to you. It was cruel and undeserved and I am sorry."

Thalia looked stunned. Sure Percy had told her Hades would apologise but still, it wasn't exactly common for gods to keep promises like that. Or to acknowledge that their actions had been wrong.

"I-" Thalia swallowed hard, "I accept your apology."

"Good." Hades nodded- and Percy wanted to cackle with laughter at how uncomfortable he looked. Honestly gods were just useless with people weren't they?

Then he surprised her by adding, "I cannot give you back the time that you lost or the life you would have had if it wasn't for my actions but I can at least help you survive the next time you're attacked." He moved towards her, snapping his fingers- and Thalia's black leather jacket changed. It had looked worn, scuffed at the elbows from long wear. Now it looked new once more. On the cuffs at her wrists was a silvery blew pattern that seemed to move almost- lightning strike patterns.

Thalia gasped when she realised that her jacket had changed- and she grinned as she examined the cuffs, "Okay they look pretty cool but- how does that help me survive Lord Hades?"

"The jacket is now enchanted. It should be able to withstand almost any blows. Certainly it will be stronger than most armors."

"Holy shit." Thalia's mouth dropped open and she stared at Hades. "I- thank you. Holy shit thank you l-" she faltered, "Thank you uncle Hades. I- I really, really appreciate it."

"Don't mention it." Hades waved a hand, "I would rather my brothers didn't think I was weak. Now you children should be leaving if you want to get to Mount Tamalpis before the deadline. I hope that you'll be able to stop my father from rising. And I will see you on the Solstice if you do."

And with that their meeting with Hades was over and Percy pulled Thalia out, grabbing the others and exiting the throne room with them, waving back over her shoulder at Hades- Bianca calling a goodbye as they went.

Once they were outside of the palace once more Zoe and Grover turned to her, Grover speaking first. "Dude. Dude you did not mention that you were- I mean-"

"Does Lady Artemis know that thy's father is Poseidon?" Zoe's voice was accusing, "I am right, am I not? Your father-"

"Yes." Percy nodded, "Yes my father is Poseidon. Bio dad anyway. And yes I am in fact the oldest of the big three kids and yes I am probably the one the Prophecy is about. And… as for does Artemis know… I mean, I'm pretty sure she does. If not she strongly suspects but either way-" Percy gave a small shrug. "She's definitely not likely to be blindsided by the fact that I'm Poseidon's kid."

"Holy shit." Grover blinked, "This… this is-"

"Big. I know." Percy gave a small shrug, "And it gets even crazier. Apparently Poseidon? My father? Yeah, yeah he thinks I'm dead. I just figured he was keeping away because, y'know. Safer." She let out a little huff, "But nope. Nope for some reason he thinks I'm dead which is really gonna complicate things."

"No wonder Lady Artemis suggested that sword." Zoe murmured the words, "It draws it's power from the ocean."

"Huh. No wonder it feels so natural for me." Percy hummed thoughtfully, "Well, I'll do my best to wield it well."

"Did you know?" Grover turned to Thalia. "You didn't look shocked."

"We fell from above cloud level into lake Michigan without so much as a bruise, and when we were underwater Percy summoned up bubbles of air so we could breathe. I'd be ashamed if I didn't know." Thalia's lips twitched, "I'm cool with it. Takes the pressure off me." The grin she shot Grover was one of relief.

"I knew from the start." Bianca volunteered, "Right at the start I knew I was being sent to my cousin for safety so I mean…"

"Everything is making so much sense." Grover paused, "Other than the whole Hades not hating you thing. And like- he was surprisingly cool. I didn't expect him to be so… so…"

"Reasonable?" Percy snorted, "Yeah, he gets a bad rep for no reason. Just because people fear death and what comes after. If you don't treat Hades badly he doesn't treat you badly it's pretty simple. When I first came here to return his Helm he was confused and annoyed but when he realised that I wasn't judging him stupidly or trying to make demands of him he chilled out a lot."

"I guess he's not so bad." Thalia admitted, tugging at the cuffs of her jacket. "He apologised for killing me. Which is so weird to say but I mean-"

"Most gods wouldn't bother." Grover finished. "Did he give you-"

"Yeah. It's enchanted. Should protect me." Thalia declared proudly, doing a little twist to show off her new jacket. "I like it. Think it looks cool."

"It does." Bianca gave Thalia a bright smile. "I'm glad that my father apologised. What he did to you wasn't right."

"Yeah, well, from the sounds of it he does have a good reason to be pissed at my dad." Thalia frowned, brows furrowing. "The more I hear about my dad the less I like him."

"Well." Percy gripped her shoulder, "If he's as bad as I kinda think he is I'll give him a good talking too. If I can win over uncle H maybe I can win over uncle Z too." And the laughter that filled the air at her words buoyed Percy.

They could totally handle whatever was coming next. She was sure of that much.