13 Chapter 12: Ready for Death
Edit: I have created a discord server for this fic. It's basically for providing updates, providing feedbacks, chilling etc.
h t t p s : / / d i s c o r d . g g / P Z P b B 5 S f 7 2
(remove the spaces ofc)
Disclaimer : I do not own PJO or any of its characters.
x.x
Chapter 12 – Ready for Death
*Poke*
No response.
*Poke*
No response yet again.
*Slap*
"Wha?" Percy asked still half-asleep while he held his cheek.
"About time you woke up", Annabeth huffed. This boy sure could sleep like the dead. She had been trying to wake him up for the past five minutes but to no avail. She then turned around, only to find him asleep once again.
"Perseus", she growled as she lifted her fist in righteous anger.
*Whack*
"Sorry", Percy apologised while he massaged the bump on his head. Annabeth sure could hit. He vowed never to get on her bad side. He could only imagine what would happen to the poor soul who ever did.
"We've almost reached Los Angeles. From the station, we will head over to DOA Recording Studios and make our way to the Underworld. I haven't had much time to research on it so I just have a vague idea. We will just have to make the best of the situation we find ourselves in", Annabeth said.
"Are you sure?" Grover asked nervously.
"We don't have any other option. It's just us unless you find someone who is willing to guide us through the Underworld", Percy replied dejectedly. Just then a metaphorical bulb went off on Percy's head. Someone who could guide them! Of course! He had Alecto who lived there! He just needed to speak to her now in the Alternate Dimension. Calling her here would be a huge risk that he was not willing to take.
"Percy, go and grab a few snacks in case we need it. We just have nectar and ambrosia with us", Annabeth said.
Percy nodded happily and skipped off to find an empty cart where he could meet Alecto. As he walked, his thoughts drifted to the time he had spent in Magnesia. He still didn't know what to make of it. The people were good but his experience at Mt. Othyrs was something else altogether. Percy shivered unconsciously when he recalled Kronos' appearance and the potent aura he radiated. He was lucky that the Titan King had decided not to use his powers over time otherwise Percy doubted he would be back here. He then recalled the conversation Kronos was having with Atlas. They spoke of a prophecy about how Kronos' rule would end the same way as Ouranos' did – by one of his own children. Moreover, Rhea was pregnant with Hestia at that time.
Percy's eyes widened as he realised what the Titans were going to discuss next. Kronos would start eating his children just to avoid the prophecy altogether. Immediately, Percy's anger flared momentarily as his eyes burnt with sea-green flames but Gamer's Mind clamped it down and his eyes returned to their normal state. How dare Kronos swallow his patron – Hestia?! He would get stronger and have some 'kind words' with 'grandpa dearest' whenever he got to meet him next. The Fates had already told him that Kronos was rising again during one of their talks. While he didn't want that to happen, a part of him was okay with it since it would be a good opportunity for some revenge.
Speaking of which, he first needed to come out alive from the Underworld. He was nervous and scared, rightfully so. Earlier, the fact didn't hit him hard but now that he was nearby, he knew that his chances of survival were small. However, he was going to come back. He had a lot of people to return to especially a certain brunette with flaming eyes who had been his source of comfort and support ever since he stepped into this crazy world. With eyes full of determination, Percy blinked from existence.
x.x
~Artificial Dimension~
Percy summoned his Resurrection Ring and called Alecto.
"Ahh, we must be reaching the entrance to the Underworld. I can feel the path of the dead", Alecto said as she looked outside the train.
"I need help with navigating the Underworld and how to get out of it – alive", Percy said.
"Of course. I just hope you are mentally prepared for it because it is not a place a 12 year old should visit. Even grown adults loose it as soon as they enter the realm."
"I have no other choice. Its ruler has my mother and I intend to get her back, no matter what the cost."
"Well then, let's start. Shall we?"
~A few minutes later~ (A/N : Not adding the description since everyone knows about the Underworld)
"Thanks Alecto, I don't know what I would do without you", Percy said sincerely. She had already done so much for him, Percy could hardly think of a way to repay her but he vowed that he would.
"Probably died in Magnesia. But don't worry about it. You're my master after all", she said as she disappeared in a poof of smoke.
Percy smiled as he left the alternate dimension. He then purchased some snacks and returned to Grover and Annabeth.
"Took you quite a while, we were about to come and find you", Annabeth said.
"There was a bit of rush, couldn't do much about it", Percy lied.
"We have almost reached Los Angeles. Let's ask around once we get off the station and head to the Underworld straight away. We are fairly rested so it should be fine."
Percy nodded and turned to Grover who was sitting quietly. Nervousness oozed out of him as the Satyr devoured apple after apple. Sensing his friend's unease, Percy moved to ease Grover.
"Hey G-man, if you want, you can stay up and wait for me and Annabeth. We will handle things down there."
Grover looked at Percy and flashed a smile albeit, a forced one.
"It's just that Satyrs and underground don't exactly mix. Moreover, the Underworld is not particularly lively. However, I am your protector and best friend Perce, I can't let you do this alone."
"Thanks G-man", Percy said with a small smile on his face. He was truly grateful to have Grover and Annabeth with him. Even though the quest had been smooth sailing so far, one could never know. Moreover, something told him that he would be needing all the help he could get in the Underworld.
The train soon pulled up in Los Angeles as the trio disembarked with their camp issued bags.
"Let's head to the main strip. We can ask around for locations there, someone is bound to know the way", Annabeth suggested though she sounded unsure herself. Percy, on the other hand, already knew the directions to DOA Recording Studios since he had spoken to Alecto about it. However, he did not want to raise any suspicion so he followed along.
Soon, the trio were walking along the strip, trying to find a way to get to DOA Recording Studios but to no avail. No one had heard of the place and some mortals even used their phones to check the directions but it didn't show up. To say Annabeth was annoyed would be an understatement. She didn't like not being able to solve things and so far, the measly entrance to the realm of the dead was nowhere in sight.
As they walked around, they soon found themselves at a dead-end with the entrance to a hotel in front of them. It read 'The Lotus Hotel and Casino'. It was just like any other hotel but there seemed to be something different about it. It was as though the hotel was pulling them towards itself. Annabeth and Grover had already taken a step or two. Percy quickly decided to use Observe before things went out of hand.
...
The Lotus Hotel and Casino
The Lotus Hotel and Casino was created by the Lotus Eaters. The addictive food and atmosphere makes the person never want to leave. Time dilution is used in this hotel so that the occupants age slowly. Avoid at all costs.
...
Percy gasped. This was not looking good. Grover and Annabeth were already halfway through. He immediately ran after them, grabbed their hands and started tugging. However, both were adamant on walking regardless of how much Percy tried. So, he did the only logical thing he could think of – he summoned some water and dumped it over their heads. This caused them to snap out of their stupor momentarily which was what Percy needed. He got a hold of them and raced back to the direction that they came from.
x.x
~Inside the Casino~
A person clad in darkness sat on an ostentatiously decorated throne. The person was looking at the events outside with interest with a faint smile forming on his/her lips.
"Oh? This was interesting. I hope we meet soon Perseus Jackson", he/she said.
x.x
~With Percy~
Percy sneezed. Did he catch a cold? As far as he knew, demigods couldn't fall sick since they had godly immunity due to their heritage. He shrugged and ignored it. He then turned his attention to Annabeth who was glaring murderously at him.
"I still haven't forgiven you for drenching me in water", she said.
"I told you Wise Girl – it was either that or you spending time with the Lotus Eaters", Percy replied. He had been having the same conversation since the past fifteen minutes already.
"There are more ways than one Perseus Jackson", Annabeth said in a demonic voice.
Percy squeaked and unconsciously gave her his signature baby seal look. Annabeth, on the other hand, tried her best to ignore it by turning her face around but in the end, she lost. A light blush adorned her face as she scowled at the green-eyed demigod in front of her.
"F-F-Fine, I forgive you this time. Don't you dare repeat this", Annabeth managed to say and turned around to avoid looking at the son of Poseidon again.
Percy whooped when he suddenly noticed a notification pop up.
...
New skill unlocked!
Akachan shiru no me (Level – Max) (A/N I used google translate here so in case there's a fault, hmu)
One of the deadliest skills developed by Percy. The target's anger immediately decimates and is replaced by absolute adoration by just a look from Percy. However, the range is limited only to allies.
...
Percy sat silently whilst he regarded the screen in front of him. Was his life that big of a joke to the Fates now? He simply did not know how to react so he just ignored the window and looked at his two friends.
"I managed to find a way to DOA Recording Studios", Percy said.
This caused Annabeth and Grover to perk up and look at him expectantly.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Go on", Annabeth urged. She wanted to know how exactly Percy was able to find the way before she did.
"I asked someone", Percy quipped.
Annabeth, who had been staring at him intensely, immediately fell on the ground at the answer. She then proceeded to whack Percy on his head for pulling this off in the first place.
"Idiot", she said. At least Percy had the brains to look apologetic for it otherwise gods knew what she'd do to him. He was truly annoying. At one point, he could be downright charming and on the other, she wanted to strangle the life out of him. To say Annabeth was confused about her feelings towards him would be an understatement. She shook her head and looked at him.
"Let's go", Annabeth finally said.
Percy took the exact directions that Alecto had given him. As they walked, the lively sounds of chatter and music that filled the streets, slowly started dying down until it was silent all around. A mist had also fallen in the area and the sun blocked out. It was as though they had been transported to a dark world. They were still surrounded by buildings but not a person was in sight. Percy tried using Observe but nothing came up.
Suddenly, the darkness in front of them swirled and turned into a vortex which soon disappeared, revealing a figure clad in dark robes.
"Greetings demigods", she said. She had a sensual and silky smooth voice that could leave men in a daze.
This set the trio on the edge. This stranger was no ordinary person since she was able to decipher who they were so quickly. Percy used Observe yet again only to be disappointed.
...
Hecate – goddess of magic, mist, ghosts and night
HP : ?
MP : ?
...
Before anyone could say or do anything, Percy gently bowed his head a little in respect and said, "Hecate".
Annabeth and Grover widened their eyes in surprise and first turned to Percy to make sure he wasn't joking. They then looked at the goddess before bowing their heads in respect too.
The now named goddess looked at Percy intently for a minute before she finally said, "I am not here to cause any harm. I just wish to speak to you – Perseus Jackson."
"Percy", Annabeth growled, "what have you done now?"
"I swear I didn't do anything!", Percy replied as he waved his hands in front of him.
Before their bickering could start, a light laughter filled the silence. The duo turned to the source only to find Hecate laughing.
"You sure are an interesting one, son of Poseidon. Come, we don't have much time before others notice", Hecate said with a hint of urgency in her tone.
Percy was filled with questions but decided to go ahead and listen to what the goddess had to say.
"I'll be back guys", Percy said and walked towards the goddess.
"Yes, I know you have questions Perseus but there's something more important that I need to talk to you about. It's about your trip in the Underworld".
This set-off Percy as he disregarded all other thoughts and gave his undivided attention to the Queen of the Witches.
"Hades knows you're coming to him. Don't look surprised, we gods have our ways of tracking others. Anyway, he won't be making your journey easy for, he wishes to test you. If you're able to meet his expectations, he'll grant you an audience if not, well", Hecate left the ending for Percy's interpretation.
"But why does he want to test me? And why did you come here personally to tell me about it? Surely, you could've sent someone."
Hecate smiled before she said, "the reasons for testing you cannot be revealed by anyone save for the elder gods or Olympians if they deem fit. As for your second question, I just wished to see the son of Poseidon who has caused such an upheaval in Olympus."
Percy narrowed his eyes. He did not believe the second part at all. However, he was smart enough to not call out the goddess on it. His first priority was his mother so he had to stay alive. Instead, he opted the easy approach he had seen Annabeth use against Ares.
"Thank you Lady Hecate for this. Is there anything else you wish to speak to me about?"
"Keep your guard up in the Underworld. We will speak again if you're able to make it out and finish your quest", she said.
With the conversation done, Hecate snapped her finger and everything dissolved. Percy found himself standing beside Annabeth and Grover right in front of DOA Recording Studios.
x.x
~With Hecate~
Hecate stared at the boy from a rooftop. At first glance, he was scrawny and didn't seem to be a threat. However, that wasn't what she was looking for. No, what was underneath was far more potent than she had ever felt. He was kind, caring and humble – a trait not found in children of Poseidon or the big three. He had a good heart. Moreover, there seemed to be a massive reservoir in his body capable of holding power equivalent to that of an Olympian maybe the big three as well. He was going to be perfect for her plans. Of course, he needed to prove himself first before she would do anything.
With that done, before she teleported, she felt a brief surge in her power. She looked at the boy yet again and smiled. He was already impressing her and things seemed lively with him. She hoped he would not disappoint she thought as she disappeared.
x.x
~Percy's Group~
The moment Percy saw the board in front of him, he knew it was Hecate who teleported them there. He quickly sent a quick prayer and a small offering to show his appreciation.
"What did she want with you?", Annabeth asked right off the bat. She was as curious as ever.
"Nothing really. She just warned me about our journey to the Underworld. Apparently there's going to be some kind of test for me if I am to meet my 'uncle'."
"It can't be as simple as that", Annabeth said as he grey eyes bore into his own sea green ones.
"She also said that she wanted to meet me."
Annabeth narrowed her eyes and looked at Percy. It looked like she didn't believe him for a second but then she nodded her head and accepted his word.
"Nothing is ever as easy as that when it comes to the divine Percy. I'm sure she must've something else in her mind. Why would she bother teleporting us here as well?"
"I know but all we can do is go ahead. It's not like we have any other choice", Percy pointed out.
Annabeth nodded and the trio walked inside. The doors in the lobby said 'NO SOLICITORS. NO LOITERING. NO LIVING.'
"Peachy", Percy said.
"Just keep walking", Annabeth growled from behind him.
"Yes ma'am", Percy replied as he marched forward. As of now, he would rather face Hades himself than an angry Annabeth.
Inside, muzak music played and the carpet and walls were steel grey. There was black leather furniture and an elevator. However, what stood out the most was the person sitting atop a raised podium.
The man was tall, elegant, and handsome, with chocolate-colored skin and bleached-blond hair, shaved military style. His eyes were empty, full of death and despair. He wore tortoise-shell shades and a silk Italian suit that matched his hair. A black rose was pinned to his lapel under a silver name tag.
Percy didn't have to use Observe to find out who this person was since he had already been briefed by Alecto for this.
"Let me handle this", Percy whispered to Annabeth. She looked like she wanted to protest but seeing the look on his face, she complied.
"Charon", Percy greeted.
The man in question put down the magazine that he was reading and looked at Percy.
"First time in a while since someone was able to recognise me perfectly instead of confusing me with that Centaur", he said.
"I know right? It is easy to distinguish between the two of you", Percy replied cheerfully.
"Yes, but people don't understand only. I miss the old days when we were feared and worshipped amongst the mortals. So many offerings for safe passages across the Styx. Alas, people have forgotten now. Earnings have also gone down because of that. I have to resort to cheap suits now."
"Didn't you used to wear robes?"
"Times change boy. I've been alive for more than two thousand years, do you expect me to keep wearing the same clothes? Give me a break."
Annabeth and Grover shared a glance. Out of all the things, they had never expected such a casual conversation develop between Percy and Charon. Times were truly strange.
"Why don't you get yourself a new suit?" Percy asked.
"If only it was that simple. Hades pays me so less, it's not even funny", Charon whined.
"How much?"
"1 drachma a week. Can you believe that? I mean the mortals have also got laws for minimum wages and here I am stuck with the same amount for the past thousand years or so."
"It must be quite troublesome", Percy said. He knew where this conversation was now going and was ready to deal with what was going to come next.
"You have no idea."
"So why don't we make a deal?"
"What can a demigod offer an immortal?"
"You ferry us to the Underworld and in return, we can pay you for the trouble. I will even put in a word with uncle about your pay", Percy replied slyly.
This got the Ferryman thinking. Whilst the living weren't allowed as a rule, this was quite an opportunity. Moreover, Hades had already informed him about the three brats and asked him to let them enter. This was going to be icing on the cake.
"You've got a deal. You'd better put in a good word."
"Of course", Percy replied. He then magically summoned 10 drachmas from his inventory and handed it to Charon.
Charon inspected the coins and then pocketed them.
"Right this way", he said as he led the trio to the elevator.
Several ghosts rose and started crowding around the elevator as soon as Charon rose from his podium. The ghosts then started blocking the group's path to the elevator but Charon just shoved all of them aside.
"Make way, VIP guests coming in. No tours for today. Wait for another year or so before asking", he shouted.
Immediately, the ghosts scattered in fright and made way for the group.
Charon pressed the button of the elevator and beckoned his passengers to come in. He then pressed another button and the lift started descending. Soon, before the trio knew it, the lift had turned into a boat and they were surrounded by darkness.
"Welcome to the Underworld."
x.x
Percy's Stats
Perseus Jackson
Species : Demigod
(gives +2 STR and +2 DEX)
Title : Son of Poseidon
Perseus is the son of Poseidon and Sally Jackson. Blessed by Elpis, the spirit of hope, he has a natural affinity with water due to his heritage which grants him control over water, horses, storms and earthquakes. He is also Hestia's champion which grants him control over fire and lets him summon meals.
...
Level - 14
Exp – 1,375 / 4,218
...
HP : 750 / 750 (+ 2,000)
MP : 850 / 850 (+ 2,000)
...
STR : 23 (+ 2 + 20) (Bonus : Weapon damage - Damage + STR | Unarmed damage - STR * 2)
VIT : 18 (+ 20) (Bonus : 50 HP per 10 levels)
DEX : 18 (+2 + 20) (Bonus : +10% HP regenerated / min)
INT : 22 (Bonus : 50 MP per 10 levels)
WIS : 18 (Bonus : +10% MP regenerated / min)
LUC : 14 (Bonus : +14% chance of better loot)
Points : 16
Money : $27,200 / D20
...
Status : Demigod
...
Skills
...
Combat :
Sword Fighting (Level 15)
...
Inherited :
Ancient Greek (Max)
Tongue of the Old Times (Max)
Modern English (Level 25)
Swimming (Level 7 - 9 km/hr)
Breathe Underwater (Max)
Running (Level 7 - 34 km / hr)
Storms (Level 3)
...
General :
Observe (Level 4)
Sneaking (Level 6)
Critical Strike (Level 4)
Taunt (Level 1)
Mark of the Furies (Level 8)
Mage Armor (Level 5)
Summon Meals (Max)
Makarios tis Elpis (Level 1)
Battle Strategy (Level 4)
...
Chores :
Cleaning Dishes (Max)
Passive :
Gamer's Mind (Max)
Son of the Sea God (Gives +20 STR, VIT & DEX as well as +2000 HP and +2000 MP when in water)
Battle Instincts (Max)
...
Abilities :
Water Control (Level 17)
Water Spikes (Level 4)
Blood Control (Level 1)
Water Spear (Level 3)
Dimension Create (Max)
Ice Control (Level 4)
Steam Control (Level 3)
Fire Control (Level 8)
