Ch7

Getting the shield and scarf back was a piece of cake for Alabaster. Just a few spells and the traps were disarmed and they were able to get Ares' shield and Aphrodite's scarf without any problem. Just what were you playing at Ares? Something deep down was telling him to be cautious.

Ares smirked at them as he threw his belongings at him. "Good job kiddos. Here's a little something from here." The god threw a bag at Percy. "Good luck." The god then turned to him. "You are lucky that you are chosen boy, I bet most people don't even know who your mother is."

His brow twitched. "I hope to change that."

Ares laughed. "Good luck with that. Who knows maybe she could do a few magic tricks to impress my father, then maybe he could honor her."

His blood boiled just being in Ares' presence, his condescending glare and demeanor made him want to reach for his cards and blast him with magic. It's gods like you who treat her like shit.

Once the god disappeared they breathed a sigh of relief. "Why did he want us to get something for him?" Percy asked.

He frowned. "Lets just go." Something isn't right I can feel it. After double checking that the car hadn't been tampered with, he cast another layer of concealment and they drove off. "Percy what's in the bag?"

Percy sifted through the bag. "Just some ambrosia, clothes and Oreos."

"This car is covered by a strong layer of magic. If it's fine with you both I say we don't stop until we reach LA."

"Will we need gas?" Grover asked.

He shook his head. "The tank is full, and the mist is helping it run we should be fine. Unless you guys want to take a stop?"

Percy shook his head. "No keep driving until we reach Santa Monica Pier. The sooner we get there the better."

With that the car raced out of Colorado at an unholy speed. Who would've thought a child of Hecate would be on a quest like this. The hope in Lou's eyes and those of his siblings gave him the determination to complete this quest and see it through. I'll show the gods what a child of our mother can do. He shuffled his cards as he thought of how this quest could end.

"Hey Alabaster can I ask you something?" Percy asked.

"What is it?"

The son of Poseidon scratched his head. "Don't you have a father?"

He frowned. "He's no longer in my life. I've been alone for a few years now."

"Oh," Percy said. "Don't you have a home to go to?"

"It's just how it turned out," he said. "For me home was wherever my family was." Looking down at his cards he shuffled them. "Settling down was never an option for me." He paused and looked at one of his cards. "My father was strict and at times overbearing but mom loved him." He shook his head. "My mother was always there behind the scenes, training me and watching over me even when I didn't know."

Percy looked at him with his deep sea-green eyes. "Was it hard being alone?"

He sighed. "You get used to it. My mother was always there to guide me."

Looking up at the scenery in the window he remembered his first lesson of magic with her. How she guided him and taught him the basics with a firm hand. "My mother wasn't appreciated by the other gods even after she helped them. A shame really, among the mortals she's pretty popular."

"Really?" Percy asked.

He nodded. "Modern paganism, Wicca, and things like Tarot cards. My mom has influenced mortals who want to reconnect with nature and the supernatural. Most of these mortal so-called fortune tellers pray to my mom and beg for a tiny bit of her power but they cannot comprehend her magnificence."

"Wow sounds cool. Can you see the future?" Percy asked curiously.

He frowned. "Not really. My siblings can do it better." Resting in the seat he looked out the window. "My mom has a bit of influence in the world of mortals. Many of them give her more respect than the Olympians do."

"I'm sure she's just as amazing as you say she is," Percy said. He looked up at Percy through the mirror and nodded as they enjoyed the car ride to California.

The mist worked its magic around the car as the surroundings melted around them as they flew through the hell hole that was Utah and into Nevada. They slept in the car as it drove through Vegas and by late afternoon the next day they arrived at Santa Monica Pier. The smell of the ocean hit his nose as the sound of seagulls filled the air.

His body ached as he got out and stretched in the California sun. "Alright I'll be back," Percy said as he jumped into the water.

Looking out at the waves he took a deep breath as he took in the cool air. "Now comes the tricky part," he said as he gripped the torch his aunt gave him.

Grover nodded, his face pale. "How are we going to get into the underworld?"

A smile spread across his face as he grabbed his torch and a few drachmas. "My mother was often associated with the underworld. I've never been there personally but we can manage." Mother please guide our path. Personally he was charting into unknown territory but he wasn't going to give up here, he would see this quest through one way or another.

After a few minutes Percy leaped out of the water clenching something. "My dad gave us three pearls and said to use them wisely."

He twirled his torch in his hand. "Our parents are both on our side, lets go see Hades." He'd rather not run into any monsters or Disney executives.

His mistform drove them through the city to a large gloomy building. They entered the building cautiously, the lobby was full of people with gloomy faces resting in chairs.

Percy and Grover followed him up to the front desk. He cleared his throat and placed a few drachmas on the table. "Hello Charon we need to see your boss."

Charon looked at him and frowned. "You're all alive get out of here."

He placed a few more on the table. "We'll make sure you won't get into any trouble and if my Aunt Medea gets into another one of her fits I'll make sure she doesn't try to storm this place again."

Upon seeing his torch Charon's face turned three shades whiter. "You're a child of Hecate aren't you?" Charon shivered. "The last time Medea came to try to capture Jason's spirit Lord Hades was furious at the damage she caused. Please I don't want to clean that up again."

He placed another coin and smiled at him. "Well I can get her if you want or you can let us through."

Charon shivered. "Fine but don't say I didn't warn you."

The man led them downstairs to a dark underground tunnel. As they got into the boat a sense of unease was building up inside of him as Charon conducted them over the river. They saw many things in the waters; diplomas, wedding rings, all of the hopes and dreams the dead left behind.

He anxiously gripped his torch and hit the button. A green flame sprouted up and emitted a comforting glow that dispelled the negative energy.

Charon parked the boat and they got off. "Good luck heroes," Charon said before disappearing into the mist.

"Wh-Where now?" Grover asked.

The flames of the torch flickered as they turned into arrows and pointed up ahead. "This way I guess," Percy said.

The sound of a low growl came up ahead as a three headed dog emerged from the shadows. "Uh guys he says we have ten seconds to pray before he kills us," Grover said his legs shaking.

"Don't worry all dogs love to play," he said as he picked up a small rock. "Mitescere! Mutandum!" The first spell hit the dog causing him to calm down while rock in his hand turned into a ball. He waved it and the three heads eyed it curiously. "Here boy fetch!"

He tossed the ball and Cerberus followed it down the hall. Gripping his torch the arrow pointed forward. "Lets go."

Percy nodded and they continued their way through the underworld. Looking at the various punishments he wondered whether his father was done there somewhere or better yet was Jason being rightfully punished for what he did to his aunt. I really hope that bastard gets what he deserves for what he did to her.

They were passing by a large pit when Grover suddenly let out a scream. "Help!" The satyr yelled as his shoes came to life and flew through the air.

"Grover!" Percy yelled as they raced after him.

He swore. "Tardus!" The satyr's movements slowed down but the shoes kept pulling him. He swore as he felt a powerful presence resist him and counter his spell. What the hell is Hades doing? "Get him quickly!"

He tried to cast a few more spells to remove the shoes but something was blocking them. Is this an attack? Scanning the area he saw no threats. They managed to grab Grover's hands just as he was about to get thrown into the dark pit.

"Try and get the shoes off!" Percy yelled as they both tried to pull him up.

Tartarus is down there. He glared down at the pit, a sense of dread washing over him as Grover managed to kick them off. Something is off about this.

They managed to pull the satyr up without any trouble. "Are you ok?" Percy asked.

"Yeah thanks for saving me guys," Grover said. "I nearly was a goner."

He frowned as he looked at the pit. "Good thing you weren't wearing them," he said looking at Percy. "You would've died." Luke gave those shoes to him, something isn't right. "Something was interfering with my spell, someone strong."

Percy looked to the ground and nodded. "Come on Hades is waiting for us."

His heart pounded in his chest as they made their way to the throne room. They found Hades sitting on his throne with a bored expression on his face. The god looked bored as he stared at them.

Hades had a powerful aura his piercing gaze reminded him of various warriors he read about. "You've done well son of Poseidon," Hades said before turning to him. "You as well son of Hecate. Do think you both would come here and threaten me like this."

"Threaten you? We aren't here for that," Percy said in surprise.

"Silence!" Hades roared causing the room to shake. "I know why you are here Percy Jackson," the god snapped his finger and an unconscious woman in a golden sphere appeared next to the god.

"Mom!" Percy yelled.

"That's right Percy Jackson return to me what you stole, and I'll set her free," Hades said. "I know what you have give it to me now."

"We won't give you the bolt," Percy said.

Hades' gaze hardened. "I don't mean the bolt. I want my helm back, return it now."

"Helm? Are you saying we took your helm of darkness?" He asked. His heart raced in his chest, something wasn't right and he could feel it.

"What are you talking about Percy didn't take anything," Grover said.

He noticed Percy frown and reach into his backpack. The son of Poseidon's eyes widened in shock as he pulled out a metal canister. "What the hell?"

"Percy that's the master bolt," Grover said his face white. "But how?"

Hades laughed. "My brother always has his schemes."

He swore. "We've been played."

But he didn't have time to formulate a reason as the god turned to him. "Son of Hecate out of respect for your mother who I get along with I promise I'll give you a proper burial and your soul shall rest in peace."

"This is a mistake," Percy said his eyes wide as he took out the pearls. "We have to get out of here."

Hades laughed. "There are only three, save one but either way I'll get my helmet back."

"Come on we can do this," he said as they each grabbed a pearl.

A thousand dead soldiers appeared around them yet Percy stared at Hades defiantly. "I promise I'll get your helmet back."

"Kill them!" Hades yelled.

He pressed the button of his torch and green flames formed a protective circle around them and repelled the advancing skeletons. "Lets go!"

They smashed the pearls just as the dead charged at them. The next thing he knew he was wrapped in bubbles and floating in the ocean. Percy willed them all above the water and they quickly swam to the shore.

"How did you get that?" Grover asked.

Percy glared at a figure in the distance. "I have an idea."

He frowned as the water fell off them. "This was a setup."

"You all were supposed to be dead," Ares said with the helm of darkness in his hands.

Their eyes widened. You bastard this was all your doing.

"You're the thief," Percy yelled.

Ares laughed, "Guilty as charged punk. Now give me the bag or I'll stomp you both like cockroaches."

Percy handed the bag to Grover and drew Riptide, "If you want it you'll have to go through us."

"Percy are you crazy he is a god!" Grover said.

Gripping his torch he drew his sword from one of his cards. "I'll help. You chose me and now I'll see this through with you."

Percy looked him in the eyes his gaze full of fiery determination. "Thanks."

He extended a hand. "For our mothers."

Percy smiled. "For our mothers."

Ares laughed. "You dare challenge me? Fine if you win you get the helmet if not I'll have your heads on a spear." The god summoned a sword in his hand.

He snapped his fingers. "Ignis!" A ball of green flame flew at the god but he swatted it to the side. Percy charged but the god effortlessly blocked the attack.

Damn this I can't beat a god. He went to assist Percy, they both tried to land a hit but the god easily blocked their attacks. "Thadal undam!"

The water behind them became agitated as a wave crashed down on them. Percy willed the water to try and ensnare the god but Ares blocked the attack.

"Your little magic tricks won't help you," Ares snarled. The god slashed at Percy but he pushed him out of the way and blocked the attack. "Just like your mother you can only do cheap tricks."

He gripped his torch tightly its green flames offering him comfort. I'll show you what I can do. His hand moved through the air and quickly drew a symbol in the air. "Fortificare!"

The symbol hit Percy who stood rigid. "Thanks."

Ares laughed. "Witch boy it will do more than those tricks to stop me."

He began to chant in a mixture of Latin and Greek. The waters around them became agitated as a green mist enveloped the area. A line of fire flew at Ares as Percy charged at him. The god easily blocked the flames and blocked Percy's attack.

Snapping his fingers a rope made of green energy flew from his hand and latched onto Ares. Pulling with all of his might he tried to distract the god but Ares merely cut it with his sword.

"Go back to your mother for these parlor tricks boy," Ares sneered. "That's all your kind are capable of going."

His blood boiled. Gods like you have always looked down on mom, now you'll pay. The sky darkened as a cold wind passed through the area. Percy and even Ares looked around the area in unease. "Ignis tempestas"

A stream of fire flew down at the god as Percy charged with his sword in hand. Forming a mudra in each of his hands he tried to restrain the god, he debated throwing him into another dimension but he knew he didn't have that much power.

Suddenly the sound of gunshots caught his attention. "Freeze!" Various police officers said as they fired at Ares.

He landed next to Percy, the waters around them became agitated with a green glow as they charged at the god. He swung his sword and Ares blocked it just as Percy took the opportunity to slash him on the leg. The god hissed in annoyance, at the bullets and wounds. "You'll pay for this," Ares said as he looked Percy in the eye. "I curse you that your sword will fail you when you need it the most."

The god tossed the helmet as his body began to turn bright. "Close your eyes!" He grabbed Percy and activated a protection spell as the god's presence blew them a few feet away into the water.

When they swam back a fury landed in front of them. "You weren't the thief," she said as Percy tossed her the helmet.

"Let Hades know the truth," Percy said.

The fury nodded. "We will follow through on our end of the bargain." With that she flew off into the sky and back to her master.

"Guys we did it," Grover said.

Percy nodded as he took the back with the master bolt in it. "Now one more thing left to do."

"Lets finish this quest," he said.

Percy looked him in the eyes. "When I see them I'll let them know about your mother. I don't know if it will change but I promise I'll make sure to bring it up. I promise."

A smile spread across his face, he could feel the intensity in Percy's words. "Thank you Percy." His hand glowed as he felt the rune he placed on Ms. Jackson so long ago respond. "We have a lot of work to do."

Ethan sat by the firepit alone looking into the flames. Mother whoever you are I wish I could at least know your identity.

Yet as always, there was no answer. He sighed as he rubbed his face. "Am I just meant to be forgotten?"

"Marshmallow?"

He jolted up and saw a girl with black hair offering him a marshmallow on the stick. She gave of a warm and inviting vibe that washed away his self pity and sorrow.

"Thanks," he muttered taking the marshmallow.

As the fire crackled he looked up at the girl who was taking care of it. "Whose your parent?"

The girl sat back down. "I don't speak to them often."

"Yeah I get that," He muttered. "My father rarely of my mother and here she hasn't even claimed me."

The girl looked at him her gaze warm and sympathetic. "Well I'm always glad to have company here, there is no cabin for me either."

He looked at her trying to figure out where he might have seen her. There were so many unclaimed children he couldn't recognize her off the top of his head. "Don't you just wish you had a place of your own."

The girl poked the fire with a stick. "My place is wherever there is good company, like you or others who want to spend time by the fire."

At least you have a positive outlook. He ate his marshmallow the food seemed to warm him up. "I don't want to live in that cramped cabin like a worthless rag doll anymore."

The girl looked at him and nodded. "Maybe you should find happiness on your own. Then when you meet your mother she'll be even more proud of you."

He looked down and thought of her words yet as he was about to respond he found that she was gone leaving only him and the flames.

Suddenly a hand grabbed his shoulder, he jumped up to see Luke. "Hey what's up?" The son of Hermes looked agitated as if he were caught in something was bothering him.

The son of Hermes gripped him tightly his gaze cold as ice. "We need to talk," Luke said his voice a low growl.