Ch.6 Small talk with Hades

Not being able to follow my own advice tonight I did not sleep, or well, I DID sleep, but a "demigod dream", if you define it as one, counts as basically being awake all damn night. It just took longer than I guessed, but the ripples of that minotaur event were starting to show.

"I received your message young demigod" immense pressure started weighing on my shoulders but I was already kneeling. A throne full of skulls, darkness, a middle-aged man, and so much power to make one tremble just by looking. The difference in sheer power between gods and demigods is insane, however, demigods, being humans, can improve and get very close to the power or skill a good possesses.

"Lord Hades" I started but was immediately cut off

"Yes I do know my name." there was a small pause before he continued "I will be clear if you won't give me satisfactory answers I am going to blast you into pieces, the only reason you are still alive after what you said is because of the oath present in your message, and I value oaths. You already know what I am going to ask. Answer"

"Yes sir. To be completely honest I realized the minotaur was sent by you only later, when I sent the message I thought it was Zeus who sent the monster probably trying to retrieve his missing bolt but from a clueless guy, who couldn't even use his powers to defend from a minotaur." at that last bit Hades widened his eyes, he was smart, he probably realized that Percy couldn't have had his symbol of power.

"Mmh, interesting, go on" he gestured for me to continue this time way calmer.

"When thinking back I realized that Zeus couldn't have sent the monster since it resides in Hades and either he asked you to send him, which he would never do because of his useless pride, and probably send Echidna like he always does to prove Heroes, or you sent him yourself."

Narrowing his eyes he asked me "And why would I do such a thing in your opinion?"

"Well it all comes back to Zeus Bolt" I gave a bit of a dramatic pause

"When something happens and you cannot understand the 'Hows and Whos' you have to start from the 'Whys'. Why was Zeus' symbol of power stolen?" I paused again to which Hades nodded his head, he probably liked my way of thinking, the pressure lessened considerably, he probably believed me, that was a good start.

"The reason is probably to create instability in Olympus, probably a war, I don't believe someone like Poseidon or you would do it so that only leaves outside intervention"

"Oh? And why wouldn't I do it?" he asks with a raised eyebrow "Why wouldn't I try to start a war?"

"You don't need to" I answered

"Elaborate"

"There is simply no need for you to resort to such schemes to start a war, you would just need to rally minor gods to fight for you, and, as someone cast aside from Olympus for stupid reasons, everyone would follow you like a banner. But you are also not the type to betray; based on the myths not only are you the one always blamed for things you do not do, but not once, and I repeat not once have you ever started a rebellion or done something to harm your brothers and sisters. Why start a war now knowing that will cause your realm to be the busiest? No, if someone wants to start a war they would need to put Olympus against itself, and what better way than steal symbols of power? If I have to take a guess based on facts and context I would guess that someone probably stole your own symbol and you are trying to get it back before other gods find out. That's why you attacked Perseus, you think Poseidon actually wants this war and thought that his son, someone nobody knows about, would be the perfect tool for that."

Silence permeated the whole room (dream?), is this going to be a returning gig?

A melodious voice suddenly interrupted us "Eheheh, seems like someone got this whole gig figured out"

"Persephone, what are you doing here?" asked an annoyed Hades

"Uff, I was always here, I thought you wanted to kill this guy so I was ready to intervene at any time" huffing and puffing the Queen of the underworld who had an affair with Adonis created a throne for herself- wait, is the reason why Hades cheated on her once with Di Angelo because she cheated once herself? HOLYYY

"Lady Persephone, an honor to meet you" I decided to cut in

"Yes, yes, now worries, no worries. Are you a child of Athena perhaps?" she asks me curiously

"No Milady, I'm unclaimed"

GASP

"No way... I'm so sorry," she said with genuine concern

"Do not worry about such things, sometimes it is better to not have a latent than having one that doesn't love you" silence followed yet, fucking again... is this some weird ass power I don't know about?

"Let's get back on track" cut in Hades "That was a very convincing argument, I sense some things you don't want to say but we all have secrets, what surprised me is that you figured out Perseus was a child of Poseidon, and I also know you know his mother is fine, Athena would have loved to have a son like you. Anyways, you swore to help me, even if you thought it was Zeus, retrieve my Helm. Do I still have your word?"

"Well...If I don't want to get annihilated by Lady Styx, I think I will have to" I chuckled a bit "She is probably itching to evaporate me"

Persephone laughed a bit, Hades shook his head knowing I said the truth

"Well then, a quest will probably be issued soon, I will make my own arrangements, you better maintain your promise, goodnight demigod, and don't fail me Styx will not be the one to punish you after death"

I only had time to lower my head before waking up

...

Persephone could be seen looking at her husband

"You finally found an ally, you do realize that right?"

"I do"

"Mmh, you should help when you can, he is probably the only demigod willing to do anything for you. Everyone fears you, they just don't understand."

Hades sighed

"First he has to prove himself and-"

"Bla, bla, bla, nobody cares" she places a hand on his shoulder and kissed his cheek "He is alone. Like you were"

Hades looked straight ahead, thinking of something

...

On another plane of reality

"HEYYY, how did he know I was itching to smite him doooown? Ufff"

"Styx keep your voice down will you?"

"Like hell, I will Mother! People are here belittling me at every turn, I can't do this anymoooore"

"STYX"

"Yes mother..." she pouted hard, that demigod will feel her wrath someday for she is Styx the lady of the river.

...