Abducted

Percy walked with his shoulders hunched against the wind, hands shoved deep in his pockets to protect them from the early autumn chill. His teeth were on edge not from the biting wind but rather the itch under his skin that warned he was being watched.

The only question was by whom.

He first became aware of the sensation three blocks back, but no monster had jumped him. A small part of him had hoped it was Triton come to steal him away again (school was dull and the air was cold and Annabeth loved her new classes, a few days under the sea wouldn't hurt anyone).

But his brother wasn't the patient sort, nor was he the sort to put Percy on edge just for a joke. So, someone else had been watching him for the last three blocks, and frankly, the suspense was starting to grate on Percy's nerves.

"Would you just get it over with it?" Percy snarled at the fourth block mark, whirling around to scan the shadows as he pulled Riptide from his pocket.

"If you insist."

Percy, who had been expecting a flash of teeth and claws, was wholly unprepared as Hades, Lord of the Underworld, materialized from the shadows.

Oh Styx, he barely had time to think before the world tilted and was engulfed in black. In the blink of an eye, they were standing in Hades' throne room in the heart of the Underworld.

"Um," Percy said, Riptide still uncapped in one hand.

Hades didn't pay him any mind. In fact, the god actually turned his back on Percy and strode to his throne. Percy watched, struck dumb, as his uncle settled on the throne, setting his helm of darkness at his side.

"Um," Percy repeated. He still wasn't sure if he should be uncapping Riptide or not.

Just when he thought he was starting to get the hang of this whole demigod business, weird things like the lord of the underworld kidnapping you in broad daylight without so much as a how you do went and happened.

Were Hades and Dad fighting?

"Can I help you?" Percy finally asked when it became clear Hades was more interested in staring at the wall than offering any explanation.

"No."

"Okay...is Nico in trouble?"

A frown. "No."

"Cool. Are you fighting with Dad?"

"Generally, but nothing specific at the moment."

"Right, that's not vague or confusing at all," Percy muttered at the typical not-answer.

Hades' jaw was clenched so tight, Percy was impressed he hadn't broken anything (if gods could break teeth?). As weird as the whole ordeal was, Percy felt reasonably certain at this point that Hades wasn't out to hurt him. At least not at the moment.

"Your father asked me a favor."

"Huh?" Percy's brow furrowed as he stared at Hades' stony face – then realization hit. "Oh. Oh gods, he asked you to kidnap me."

Hades' eye twitched, which was all the confirmation Percy needed.

"Oh gods, he did." Percy couldn't stop the disbelieving, half-hysterical laugh that bubbled up in his chest from spilling out until he was laughing uncontrollably.

What had Poseidon been thinking?!

His father was mad, and Percy must be too because he could have sworn the corner of Hades' mouth turned up just a smidge at Percy's nervous breakdown.

"He bid me keep you here for a day, then his heir will collect you."

Percy wanted to know what Poseidon had traded for this favor but quickly thought against it. He didn't want to know. He pressed a hand against his mouth to stem the tide of nervous laughter. Hades was still staring avidly at the wall as though it contained all the secrets of the world, but oh gods that definitely an almost-smile on his face.

How was this Percy's life?

"Um, okay, got it, yeah sure," Percy said, trying to keep his voice even and level. "Cool. So just…chilling in the underworld until Triton comes to pick me up."

"…essentially."

"I don't suppose Nico is here?" It seemed too good to be true—

"No."

Of course, he wasn't. "Yeah, that sounds like my luck."

Hades heaved a sigh, finally looking at Percy instead of the back wall. "Indeed."

This was going to be a long afternoon.

A/N Alternate title: "How many Olympians can Poseidon convince to kidnap Percy until Zeus notices?"

Shoutout to thehauntinghour over on AO3 who suggested another chapter with Uncle!Hades. Hope you guys are all doing well and staying safe/healthy. Thank you so much to everyone still reading, favoriting, and leaving reviews. I love you, you guys are the best. As always, hope you enjoyed ~ *