Chapter 181: Leaving The Underworld...

[Third Person's PoV] 

The tension was thick as Hades narrowed his eyes at Lucian, his gaze dark and piercing. "How… how do you know of my father's return?" His voice was low and controlled, but Lucian could feel the restrained power beneath each word.

Lucian scoffed, crossing his arms. "How do you think? He asked us to work together, obviously."

Hades's frown deepened. "And what did you say?"

Lucian raised an eyebrow, his tone incredulous. "What do you think I said?!"

Hades closed his eyes, exhaling slowly to steady himself. "Right," he muttered, rubbing his forehead. "It appears his return is affecting me more than I'd care to admit."

As he gathered his thoughts, Hades turned to face Nico and Bianca, a rare, sorrowful look crossing his features. "I fear I made a grave mistake in bringing you two here," he said softly. "Perhaps I should have left you hidden… you might have been spared from the fate that awaits us all."

Then, Hades returned his gaze to Lucian, his expression hardening. "What of my Helm of Darkness? If my father truly rises, I will need it back to stand a chance against him."

Lucian shook his head. "We don't have it. But I know who does. Ares. He's the one who stole it. I can't say if he's working with my grandfather directly or if he's just a pawn in his plans."

Hades's face twisted in fury, and the ground beneath them began to tremble. His eyes blazed, casting an eerie glow that sent shivers through the gathered demigods and mortals. Dust and small stones fell from the cavern ceiling as his power radiated outward.

Hades turned sharply toward Percy, who was standing silently, clenching his fists. "Then what of this 'Lightning Thief'? Why is he here, and why does he carry Zeus's bolt in my realm? Does he believe he can bargain with me, trading the bolt for his mother?"

Percy's voice was cold, defiant. "No. I'm not the thief. I didn't take the stupid bolt—I didn't even know it was in my bag until Lucian pointed it out."

Hades raised an eyebrow at Percy's daring tone but turned his gaze to Lucian, seeking confirmation.

Lucian gave a nod. "Percy's telling the truth. He's been set up. Ares put the bolt in his bag, hoping you'd see him with it and assume he'd taken your helm too. The idea was that you'd kill him on sight, enraged by the supposed theft, and keep the bolt, triggering Zeus and Poseiden's wrath. Then, with the three of you at each other's throats, grandfather could push forward his plans while you waged war against each other."

Hades' eyes blazed with dark energy, his fury almost palpable. The ceiling groaned under the pressure of his power, dust and small stones falling around them. "So that arrogant nephew of mine believes I am so easily manipulated?"

Lucian stepped forward, his tone solemn. "Father, allow me to retrieve your helm," he offered, voice steady and respectful.

Hades considered Lucian for a moment, studying his face with narrowed eyes. Finally, he gave a single nod. "Very well. As my son, it is now your duty to restore what was once stolen."

A faint smile appeared on Lucian's face, and he took a knee, his armor shimmering into existence as he transformed into his Curse Knight form. His black cape billowed dramatically behind him, a single red eye glowing beneath his visor. He turned his ring into a buster sword, which he rested upon as he knelt.

"As you command, Father" Lucian's voice echoed, deeper and more resonant.

Annabeth blinked in surprise, her brow furrowing as she observed Lucian's display. 'That's not the Lucian I know… the Lucian I know kneels to no one,' she thought, before realization struck, 'The acting Method! He's a Knight! He serves a King! Lord Hades is known as the King of the Dead, lord of the Underworld. Not to mention he's using the acting method towards a God which he tested and proven it helps digest the potion faster… Oooh that's smart'

Beside her, Nico looked up at Lucian in awe. "THAT'S SO COOL! YOU HAVE A HORSE AND A SUIT OF ARMOR!? CAN YOU GET ANY COOLER?"

Hades smirked, clearly amused. "Stand, Lucian. No need for dramatics—just do what needs to be done." 

Lucian, who had his knee literally a millimeter off the ground, smiled as he pushed himself up using his sword. Lucian nodded as he retracted his suit and sword. 

Percy cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "So… now that you know we're innocent, can I have my mother back?"

Hades turned to him, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "If what Lucian says is true, then I was wrong to detain your mother." He raised a hand, and with a snap of his fingers, Sally's spirit flickered and reformed into her living body.

Percy's face lit up as he saw her, but his smile faltered when he glanced down at the bag still slung over his shoulder. He looked back at her with an apologetic expression. "Mom… can you wait for me here a little longer?"

Sally gave him a warm smile, brushing a stray hair from his face. "Your quest isn't over, is it?" she asked gently.

Percy bit his lip and shook his head. "No, it's not. There's still something I need to finish. But after that, we'll go home—together."

Sally sighed, nodding with a soft smile. "I understand. Besides, I've made a friend during my stay." She gestured toward Medea, who was watching Lucian closely.

Medea's eyes narrowed as she studied Lucian's face. "So, who did it?"

Lucian blinked in confusion. "Did what?"

"Who cursed you? Don't play coy. I may be dead, but I can still sense it," she said, her voice full of motherly concern. "And I'm noticing the bags under your eyes."

Lucian chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "I did it to myself, actually."

While Medea chastised him, Nico looked up at Hades with wide, hopeful eyes. "Can we go with Lucian? See him complete his quest?"

Hades scoffed, though his stern expression softened when he saw Nico's earnest face. He turned to Bianca. "And you? What do you think?"

Bianca shrugged. "Someone has to keep an eye on Nico, right? I'm used to it."

Hades rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Very well. If Lucian agrees to take you, then I won't stop you."

Nico grinned and joined Lucian, while Percy pulled out three pearls from his pocket. "I think these are supposed to be our way out," he said, handing one to Grover and another to Clarisse.

Percy then turned to Lucian. "Can you bring everyone else using your shadows?"

Lucian nodded. "I'll stay linked to your shadow for a quick exit."

Percy glanced at the pearls in his hand, his expression filled with determination as he faced his mother. "I'll be back for you. I promise."

He smashed the pearl against the ground, creating a bubble that enveloped him and his companions, while Lucian's shadows wrapped around the others. As they began to ascend, Hades and Persephone called out in unison, "Lucian."

Lucian looked back, confused.

"Happy birthday," they said, their faces surprisingly gentle.

Lucian smiled, then transformed into a shadow and guided everyone under Percy's shadow, following them as they rose up and out of the Underworld.

When Percy opened his eyes, he found himself back on the beach where the water spirit had first given him the pearls. His shadow lengthened, and Lucian and the others emerged beside him.

Lucian tilted his head back, staring up at the moon glowing softly against the night sky. He gave a faint smile, the weight of their journey lingering on his shoulders. "Now," he murmured, "we wait."

They were confused at first and waited for a bit, they then soon heard the sound of a motorbike roaring in the distance. 

"I see, so we were waiting for him" Thalia nodded with a smirk, 'This is gonna be interesting'

When Ares appeared on his motorbike Lucian's eyes widened, while Annabeth and Thalia's face paled as Ares didn't come alone, he had brought a friend. 

Hercules, Olympus most famous and popular Hero. 

However their face didn't pale because of who it was, it paled because they knew exactly how Lucian would react. 

They snapped their heads to his direction and saw him slightly hyperventilating, his cheeks a bit rosy as his hand hovered over his mouth. 

Behind his hand they saw his smile widening turning slightly demonic as his eyes had nothing but pure battle lust. 

'Damn it… He's too far gone' Both Thalia and Annabeth thought simultaneously. 

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