To the underworld they go! Whoo. No replies today as I have a pounding headache and can barely focus enough to type this but know that I do read and appreciate them and please keep them coming.
The journey to the Underworld was simple enough. For Percy anyway, she always enjoyed the sensation. It wasn't too rough but there was a certain thrill to it. Though she could concede that not everyone would feel the same. Thalia, Zoe and Grover looked a little sick as they staggered to regain their balance at the gates outside of Hades palace. And Percy felt some of the tension easing automatically as her gaze focused on the night black palace. She was safe in the Underworld.
"That-" Thalia looked pale, unnaturally so. But of course she did. She was undoubtedly and understandably terrified despite the brave front she was clearly trying to keep up. She'd come very close to taking a permanent trip here and the god responsible for it was the one they were heading towards.
Percy would keep an eye on her, make sure she was okay. And she'd ensure that Thalia got what she deserved from Hades. A genuine apology. The god could do that much or Percy would kick his butt. Though she doubted she'd have a problem. He might still resent his brothers, especially Zeus but he'd mellowed somewhat since Percy had showed up and started irritating him. She had that effect on people. And she hoped that it would be a long term effect. Though she knew that could be tricky to judge with the Gods.
"It's imposing." Percy shot Thalia a small reassuring smile, "Relax Thalia. You're with me. Uncle H-" she saw Zoe's eyes widen and Grover twitched, eyes widening, Grover practically choking on air, though neither of them were able to voice their shock. "Wouldn't hurt you if it would make me sad."
"Besides." Bianca grabbed Thalia's hand and squeezed, "I'll make sure he won't." and that made Percy smile. Bianca was clearly feeling her own nerves- and she had just as good a reason as Thalia in a way. She'd actually get the chance to really meet her father for more than just a quick drop in to give Percy her birthday present. This was her father's domain and it was her first visit. Plus it was winter so it would also mean that Lady Persephone would be with Hades so it would be Bianca's first time meeting her.
Percy at least had met the goddess a few times and they got along okay. There had been the whole issue the first couple of times but once Persephone was used to the idea that Hades was actually fond of his niece she seemed almost pleased.
They weren't close but Percy thought that the goddess might be glad that her husband was getting some respect and care from at least one of his family members. And Percy was a bright spot that deep down Hades desperately craved when he didn't have the warmth of his wife.
Percy's gaze shifted again, to Zoe and Grover. Neither of them looked entirely comfortable- understandable if a bit silly to her mind. The Underworld really wasn't that scary unless you did bad things that earned punishment.
"Right." She pulled all of the focus to herself, rubbing her hands together, "Let's head to the palace. You guys just follow me I know the way."
"How often do you come here?" Thalia's voice was almost curious.
"Well I visit a couple of times a month at least." Percy shrugged, "I love seeing Cerby and Hades likes me visits even if he grumbles about them. Especially since lately I've been telling him about Bia and Neeks. He likes updates." She shot Bianca a small grin and Bianca flushed, a smile on her lips.
"Do you think he'll be happy to see me?"
"Of course Bia." Percy gave her most reassuring grin, "Now come on." She turned her gaze from Bianca and forged forward, guiding them through Persephone's gardens- slapping Grover's hand down when he tried to reach for one of the juicy tart smelling ruby pomegranates that hung so invitingly in the centre of the garden. The girls at least seemed to have more restraint, though they were still looking around with wide curious eyes, Thalia's gaze lingering on the stone statues dotted around the gardens. Which okay, Percy could understand that.
She hated the statues too, she'd been furious when she'd found out they were victims of Medusa and she knew Persephone no longer brought them. Percy may have gone on a very long winded rant. But hey it had worked.
Soon enough they were at the doors of Hades' palace, and the skeleton guards gave low bows and swung the doors open for her and Percy practically skipped into the huge throne room- with it's black marble walls, bronze floors and- since it was Winter, it's two thrones, proud and tall- and Hades and Persephone were sat in them.
Hades rose to his feet quickly, and he couldn't hide the flash of relief that crossed his face before he managed to conceal it. "Niece. I had heard you were missing, your father contacted me to ask if you'd been sent to my domain. I'm glad to
see that while you're here it's not because your life is ended."
"Uncle Hades." Percy nodded her head respectfully, glancing back over her shoulder as she heard the others filing in behind her, before she turned her gaze back to the two gods, "And Lady Persephone. I'm glad that I'm not dead too. I hope you don't mind me bringing some friends. And Bianca." Because Percy could see Hades' gaze shifting, focusing on Bianca, saw the way his eyes widened, the way his lips parted slightly in a breathless little exhale.
Persephone didn't look quite so pleased as Hades did, Percy noted, but she wasn't glaring. She was eying Bianca appraisingly.
Well, that would work. As long as she wasn't mean to Bianca Percy could let it be. She could understand that seeing her husbands affair children would be awkward.
"Hi." Bianca's voice was slightly shaky, "L-F- uh… what do you want me to call you-"
"Father." Hades didn't hesitate, "Or dad if you feel comfortable enough. You've grown well my daughter." Which made Bianca's back straighten almost unconsciously, a proud smile on the girls lips.
"I've been doing my best father. Percy's been training with me."
"Yes." Hades nodded, "She's been giving me reports of your progress. And Nico's of course. She says Nico's more skilled with controlling spirits and bones but you have a gift with draining lifeforce?"
"I do." Bianca clasped her hands in front of herself, taking a few steps forward so that she was stood beside Percy. "I'm learning how to control it. And I can shadow travel too. Though I can't do it often."
"That's understandable." Hades nodded, "The power can be quite draining. I'm glad you're being cautious. Pushing yourself past your limits could turn your own soul into a shadow and I wouldn't want that. And your combat training?"
"I love the daggers you sent for me." Bianca practically lit up, a wide smile on her lips, "I was able to fight off quite a few magicians who decided to attack Camp Halfblood. And I can actually land blows against Percy now."
"Impressive." Hades nodded, an amused look flicking across his features again. "I am well aware of your cousins talent with weapons. I'm pleased to hear that your education is going so well. What of formal schooling?"
"I'm doing well in most of my classes- not English but the school is really good about the dyslexia."
"And you're happy?"
"Yes." Bianca's smile turned a little watery. "Yes I am father. I really am. Sending Nico and I to Brooklyn House was… I just.. thank you. Thank you for doing what was best for us."
"I'm glad to see that I made the right choice." And some tension seemed to ease from Hades shoulders, there was that warmth in his eyes. Love Percy knew. He loved his children. "And your brother's doing well too I presume?"
"Yeah. I've never seen him so… so comfortable and secure as he is now."
"Good. Good." Hades closed his eyes, taking a breath before opening them again. "It does my heart good to see you daughter. Though I'm afraid that this reunion can't be the main focus of this visit." His gaze flicked over Zoe and Grover, focusing on Thalia for a long moment before zoning back in on Percy. "I assume you came to see me for a reason Percy?"
"I mean-" Percy's lips twitched, "I do enjoy just visiting you uncle Hades but… yeah, yeah this time I have a reason." She took a deep breath before launching into her story- telling him of the attack at the school, of her kidnapping. Of the events on Mount Tam, of the plan, the trip to Mykonos, her confrontation with Atlas. She told him of the rush to camp. Of what she'd been told by Bianca. Of the attack during their trip to San Francisco.
By the end of the story Hades was pinching the bridge of his nose, head tilted back slightly.
"You know Persephone." His voice was deadpan. "Of all of my nieces and nephews I don't think any of them has ever caused me quite the headache you seem to."
"I can't help it." Percy gave her best innocent grin, "It's in my nature."
"Is it now." Hades gave her a look. "The situation is indeed serious. I would intercede on your behalf but I won't be allowed onto Olympus until the Solstice day. And my wife doesn't leave the Underworld without me during the Winters so she can't leave and send a message to my fool of a brother."
"I understand. That's not what I was hoping for."
"You wanted to pass through the Underworld to Los Angeles, which is much more convenient for getting to Mount Tamalpis in such a short time." He steepled his fingers together in front of his face. "That is, of course, fine by me my niece. As I've told you before you are always welcome in my domain. You know the way to the exit. And Charon knows that he's to carry you free of charge back across the Styx. Though Cerberus will likely sniff you out on your way out."
"I never mind saying a quick hello to Cerby." Percy gave a bright little grin. "He's a good boy."
"I would warn you that he may try to eat your friends but I'm sure you can control him better than I can at this stage."
He rolled his eyes- rather dramatically to Percy's mind. For some reason she doubted he minded it that much.
"He does enjoy your visits." Persephone spoke up for the first time, clearly choosing to ignore Bianca's presence. "He keeps the ball you summoned for him on your last visit."
"What can I say. Doggies love me." Percy gave a bright sunny grin. "And thank you uncle. I know you wouldn't mind me passing through but it would have felt rude to not come and see you."
The smile Hades gave her was a soft one.
"I appreciate that Percy. I do." He sighed, "But you will need to be leaving fairly swiftly I assume. You don't want to waste too much time." He paused, "But first- I want to talk to you in private."
"I-" Percy blinked. "Okay. What about?"
"About the situation with your father." Hades grimaced, "I believe I may have misjudged the situation with him somewhat and I want you to be prepared."
"Okay…" Percy blinked before shrugging. "Let's talk then uncle H."