Hey guys im back, ive now got this story planned till the very end. The next 16 chapters have notes for each of them so you may see regular updates. So hope you guys still enjoy this. Also to ThunderOfDeath who left comments on both my stories bitching about something. You good mate? if you dont like one of my stories dont go onto another one and then hate on that one. And you say Percy wouldnt act like that, imagine losing all your best friends and then your dad seems to turn his back on you. id be pretty annoyed. Also Poseidon is not the perfect dad by the way, he cheats on his wife a lot, he ignored Triton a lot, and only sees Percy on either his birthday or when hes done something for him. So ease up, and if you dont like the story then just move on. I dont mind negative comments if their productive and help me write a better story though. Now thats out of the way, I hope you guys are still enjoying the story and ill hopefully have an another update in the next week or so. Enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 19
(Percy)
Training this Hades was a weird experience. In Percy's first lesson he was well and truly freaked out by the aura of Hades, not because he's the god of the dead and everything, but far worse. He was happy.
Upon Hades request, Percy was flashed to the underworld by his adopted mother Diana, who was opposed to the idea at first until Vesta had assured her that Hades could well nad truly be trusted. Now he was no longer bitter about being cast out of Olympus, Hades had returned to the person he was before he became the god of the underworld, who was apparently fun? Percy had his doubts but he would wait and see.
He walked past Cerberous giving him a pat on the head who for some reason saw no reason to oppose Percy. Maybe it was being the champion of the underworld thing.
The training arena in the Underworld was a dimly lit, but as opposed to the first time he was here, Hades seemed less stern. Percy stood ready, and the god of the Underworld began the lesson with a surprisingly warm tone.
"Percy Jackson welcome to the underworld, today, we explore the depths of your unique powers," Hades said, his usually cold demeanour softened.
"I blessed you for a reason nephew, now that Nico brought glory to the house of Hades, I entrust my son and nephew to carry the my name with pride. You as my champion, and my son as my heir."
Percy stood and smiled,
"Nico is an official prince of the underworld? I'm so happy for the little emo."
Hades chuckled slightly before turning serious,
"Not officially just yet, I would need for him to become a god for that to become official, but unfortunately the gods of Olympus would have to put that to a vote and I need to Nico to do something to earn that title, at least in their eyes, I feel like he is more than deserving."
Percy nodded in understanding, well mostly, because he already thought Nico deserved to be a god already.
Hades suddenly disappeared into the shadows, explaining, "First, shadows are not merely darkness. They are the fabric of the unseen, the essence of mystery. Embrace them, and shadows will become an extension of yourself, a tool for both stealth and surprise."
Suddenly a shadow slightly slapped Percy who jumped and Hades chuckled,
"Treat the shadows like how you treat fire and the sea and practice."
As Percy practiced manipulating the shadows, Hades continued, "Now, the spirits of the dead. They are not just lost souls; they are repositories of knowledge and experience. Once you have gotten better with shadows , you may learn to summon them, Percy. They can offer guidance, share their stories, and even lend their strength in times of need. However I will warn you, you will not have ultimate control over them like Nico does. The dead may be influenced by a champion of the underworld, but you must keep an extremely tight leash on them when you eventually get there."
Percy understood and continued to practice manipulating the shadows. Him and Hades carried on the chat for the next few hours as they trained. Eventually, Percy was able to turn the shadows solid as he manipulated them.
Hades nodded approvingly, "You have a unique destiny Percy and you will need all of the power we have given you. Even I know that and I am not your patron of prophecy, I have a feeling about you. Another thing that I have noticed is that the boundary between the living and the dead seems weaker for you and I do not know why."
Percy started to thinking about all the death he had witness he had seen in his life and wondered if thats why.
Hades put his hand on his nephews shoulder,
"You have done well today, im proud of you, but Im pretty sure there is someone nearby who wants to see you."
Percy nodded and smiled, knowing exactly who Hades was on about.
He started walking away and heard Hades call from behind him.
"Remember, Percy, the Underworld is not only a realm of shadows and death. It is a realm of potential and change. Embrace it, and you will wield powers that surpass the gods themselves."
As Percy left the Underworld training arena, he felt someone jump at him and embraced him.
"Nico, its great to see you, ive missed my little goth cousin." Percy said excitedly as they hugged each other.
"I'm so sorry about what happened after the war, but I heard about the aftermath from my dad, so thank you for that, he even made an unofficial prince of the underworld"
"Percy looked sad for a second remembering the day before putting on a smile,
"Im really happy for you, you deserve it."
"Yeah I suppose so..."
He looked down for a second and Percy got concerned.
"Hey, Nico. What's going on?" Percy asked.
Nico sighed, his usually brooding demeanor softened. "It's just... Dad's been acting strange lately. Like, really nice. It's weird."
Percy raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I mean isn't that a good thing"
Nico shrugged, "I don't know. He's been more patient, actually teaching me stuff instead of just leaving me to figure it out on my own. It's almost like he's trying to be a real dad or something."
Percy chuckled, "Maybe he's having a change of heart. Hestia mentioned that after he got his throne back he now acts like he did before he was banished from Olympus?"
Nico shot him a skeptical look, "Yeah, right. Hades having a change of heart? I never thought I'd see the day. But I guess i've got to thank you for something else now."
And his smile returned.
Percy nudged him playfully, "Stranger things have happened. Hey you just owe me massively."
Nico nodded, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips, "Maybe you're right. But it makes me happy. He even apparently has a way around the ancient laws to actually raise me, he hasnt exactly told me what it is though"
Percy leaned back, looking up at the sky. "You know, even the gods can surprise us. But im glad that your dad is realising that he has an awesome kid and wants to be a part of your life. It's not such a bad thing, is it?"
Nico sighed again, this time with a small smile. "I guess not. It's just going to take some getting used to."
Percy grinned, "Well, if Hades is feeling generous, take advantage of it. Learn everything you can. Who knows, maybe one day you'll be the coolest son of Hades to ever walk the Underworld."
Nico rolled his eyes, but there was a glint of amusement in them. "Yeah, right. Coolest son of Hades. That's a title I never thought I'd hear."
Nico looks down sadly,
"I just wish that was Bianca was here, I miss my sister."
Percy hugged him,
"I know you do, I miss her too. But I bet she's proud of you."
"Yeah I know, I just miss having a sister..."
Then suddenly he looked towards the fields of asphodel...
Thats weird Nico muttered.
"Whats up" Percy asked confused.
"I dont know how i've only just noticed, but theres a child of hades in asphodel... which is weird because all of my siblings are in Elysium, well except for one but he caused world war 2."
"Shall we go check it out?"
Nico nods and they start walking to the child of Hades.
"Nico... if you can speak to your sister, is it possible for me to speak to my mum?"
He looks at Percy sadly,
"I'm sorry but the ancient laws dont allow it, i'm only allowed because im the son of Hades, Im really sorry Percy"
Percy sighed,
"It's okay, I was just hoping that it was possible."
They carry on walking for a while before approaching a young girl. She was about 13, had curly caramel hair and dark skin, She looked up and seemed to recognise the alive demigods in front of us.
"Thats weird, normally the spirits aren't that clear, either you're a child of Pluto or alive."
Both demigods looked shocked at the sight in front of them,
"My name is Nico... are you a child of Hades?"
The girl cocked her head,
"No. I am a child of Pluto."
Nico looked confused but Percy piped in,
"Nico speak to your dad about that, for now... I think this is your sister."
Both children of the underworld's eyes widened and they embraced.
once the pulled apart Nico,
"My name is Nico, and this is my cousin Percy, he is a son of Diana. How are you here? Shouldnt you be in Elysium?"
The girl looked sad for a second.
"It's... a long story. My name is Hazel, and I can tell you my story if you'd like?"
The boys nodded and then they sat down and listened to her story.
Nico hugged her once more,
"Im sorry Hazel, you didnt deserve that. I'll make sure to visit you so you're not lonely, but we cant stay for too much longer, my cousin here has to get back to his mother."
They smiled and said goodbye, but Percy had a feeling that he would see her again eventually.
Nico left not knowing whether he was sad or happy to have a sister who was just a spirit.
"It'll be okay Nico, I dont know if its the prophecy blessing kicking in, but I think that she will have another chance."
He offered a soft smile which Nico appreciated before getting to the palace of Hades.
"Father did you know about Hazel?"
Nico asked as they got to the throne room.
He let out a sad smile,
"Yes I did, its a sad story and one i am hoping will fix itself in the future as I am no longer allowed to. I would have told you sooner, but theres a lot you have to learn and it involves the roman gods. I will explain to you later"
Nico looked slightly shocked but the boys nodded.
"Now nephew I believe that your mother is asking for you back so I am going to send you back to the hunt. I can get really busy do it will most likely be Nico helping you practice and then I will teach you new things."
Percy smiled, "That sounds great uncle, but how will I get to the underground without being flashed here?"
Hades smirked, "Nico, how about you show Percy what he is learning next."
Suddenly, Percy felt himself fall into the shadows and appear back at the hunters camp.
"Do that again and I will hurt you." Percy says threateningly.
Nico just laughs along.
The moon cast its silvery glow over the camp of the Hunters of Artemis as Percy and Nico approached. Thalia stood at the entrance with a raised eyebrow as she spotted the duo.
"Well, well, look who decided to grace us with his presence. Death breath kelp head. What's the occasion?" Thalia smirked, crossing her arms.
Nico shot Thalia a mock glare, "Really, Thalia? Death breath? Can't you come up with something more original?"
Thalia chuckled, "Original or not, it suits you. And Percy, you bringing death breath to our camp? Artemis is going to have a field day with this."
Percy rolled his eyes, "Come on, Thalia. He's not here to cause trouble. Plus im sure mum will be okay with Nico being here. I just knew you guys may want to see each other again.
Thalia eyed Nico with a mix of amusement and skepticism, "Okay maybe you're right, I have missed my little cousin."
Nico grinned, "Thank you very much Pine Tree."
The other Hunters, who had been quietly observing, exchanged glances at Thalia's nickname for Nico. Phoebe spoke up, "Death breath, you say? Well, that's a charming introduction."
Nico sighed, "You all are relentless."
Then from the trees Artemis stepped forward, her silver eyes narrowing. "Alright Nico, you can stick around as my son has vouched for you, but one wrong move, and you're out of here. Got it?"
Nico nodded, "Got it. No wrong moves. I promise."
Artemis turned to Percy smiling before changing to Diana, "And hey son, you vouch for him. How did training go?"
Percy grinned, "It went great thank you, I learnt a lot. But Nico will be helping teach me so is it alright if sometimes with your permission he comes to camp?"
Diana looked the boy up and down before nodding,
"Thats fine but do not stay for longer than is needed Nico, otherwise I will turn you into a jackalope.
He paled and nodded quickly,
"Well it looks like i've got to run now, it was great to see you Perce and Thalia, thank you Lady Artemis."
He shadow travelled away and Percy turned to his mother.
"Did you really have to threaten my best friend?"
She laughed, "Of course I did, but if it makes you feel better, I do like the boy and i trust you to make sure he treats the hunters well."
Percy smiled and hugged his mum,
"Thank you mum" They joined the hunters at the campfire and started to eat dinner.
That night Percy noticed his mum looking particularly sad and he approached her.
"Whats wrong mum? You look really down, is everything okay?"
Diana looked at him with a sad smile,
"Percy I am so proud of you, and i'm so glad to call you my son, but once we get to Camp Jupiter, you will not be able to stay with us anymore."
Percy felt almost heartbroken, he had really learnt to get along with everyone in the hunt over the past couple of months and they were like a family to him. Why would he have to leave?
"But why mum... have I done something wrong?"
Diana pulled her son into a hug and comforted him.
"Not at all Percy, but the thing is that my hunters swore an oath, stating that they would turn their back on the company of men."
Percy looked back in sudden understanding,
"So if I were to stay with the hunt they would technically be breaking their oaths and have to leave the hunt."
Artemis smiled sadly and nodded,
"Thats right, but just know you can still stay every so often, you just cant travel with us permanently so i will still see you every couple of months at least where you can join us on a hunt for a bit."
Percy's worry that he would not see his mum anymore passed and he settled comfortably knowing that he would not lose his family.
Hey hope you enjoyed that, my chapters may be a lot longer from now on, now i've planned out the story, theres a lot more in each chapter. And the next chapter is the Camp Jupiter chapter which ive looked forward to writing for many years now. (Just realised I started this like seven years ago). Please review if you'd like, id love to hear feedback. And I will see you all in the next chapter.