CHAPTER XXV:Next Stop! The Shore Of Death!

The guards weren't to crazy to see mortal demigods in what is normally a heavily restricted area in the Underworld. They gave us glares that would kill, if they could manage it.

There were two guards there. One of them carried an M16, and wore ragged field green U.S military fatigues from the sixties. The other soldier wore torn Athenian armor, and carried a spear that was still as sharp as they day he probably died with it.

They walked closer suddenly alert, "Names and passes." The man in the US uniform said holding his gun up.

Seth went first, he showed his necklace and said "Seth Riley and guest Adam Flores." Seth pointed at Adam.

The guard nodded and let them through. I stepped up next with Penny.

I showed my four rivers necklace, and said "Mary Riley and guest Penny White.".

The guard nodded again and let us through. I boarded the old rickety boat, and took a seat. Penny sat next to me and set her pack down. Seth and Adam sat across from us.

I watched Olivia show her guest pass and say "Olivia Neptune." and like always the guard nodded and let her through.

The Athenian got on the boat, and cursed in a language I could only assume was Greek as Olivia took her seat behind me. The boat was old, and rotted, it was an honest miracle that it was still in one piece. The Athenian grabbed a long stick, and slowly rowed us down the Styx.

The boat ride was quiet. No one wanted to talk for fear of upsetting the guard. The smell of death and decay overwhelmed my senses, and helped me relax. It did the same for Seth to. Penny leaned over the side of the boat and vomited.

"You okay?" I asked concerned.

Penny quickly shook her head, and I rubbed her back a bit. I whistled a Mozart song I was familiar with as the boat ride to hell continued. My whistle echoed off the walls, and rang with a deathly chill all throughout the tunnel. It seemed to help settle her down so I continued.

The boat ride continued with the eerie lighting and whistling continuing throughout the tunnel. When the boat stopped I saw an old palace. It's blackened stone stood withered, and the marble columns were on the ground and destroyed. It had deteriorated greatly since I last saw it in my vision. The overall feel of despair and sadness was enough to drag even Apollo down.

We all got off the boat, as the Athenian sat down. I looked at Penny to make sure she was ok, but then I realized her weapon was drawn and she was alert. I drew my weapons, and everyone followed suit.

The walk to the throne room was saddening. Corpses and skeletons were littered throughout the courtyard, and some were even left on the steps to the palace's throne room. We entered the room cautiously. I didn't feel any impending threat, which was weird since I could feel an impending danger easily, but I kept all of my senses on alert. Skeletons laid about the room, and I looked up at the broken down throne with the mark of Hades. A god sat in it, and I knew exactly who it was.

"Thanatos." I hissed under my breath.

He smiled, and stood up. He shrunk down to his mortal form, and walked to my group. His smile radiated warmth, and I quickly became mesmerized by his appearance. He looked absolutely gorgeous. Black flowing robes, pale skin to contrast, and all black eyes and spiky hair. His robes twisted about with scenes of anguish and despair, and it was oddly charming. He drew closer and closer.

My heart skipped beats, and my stomach fluttered a bit. A pure image of death was in front of me, and I was stunned. He smiled at me, and held his hand out. I took it against my better judgment as he led me away. I heard chaos ensuing behind me, but I couldn't look back no matter how hard I tried. I could faintly hear my team calling me name, but I didn't care at all. No one in my life had ever made me feel this way, and I wanted more. Thanatos was an intoxicating drug, and I wanted more of him. His presence of death was calming, and it felt amazing.

"You look lovely, even with your curse." Thanatos said.

His voice was quiet and charming. Yet loud enough to drown out the shouting of my name. My face felt hot, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Let death carry you, and you'll be free of all burdens Mary." He said.

He slowly pulled me close, and I felt my heart skip a beat or two immediately. I was hopelessly his, and he knew it. I could tell in his smile. He slowly moved a hand down my cheek and neck, and I gratefully leaned into his touch. He got to my charm necklace, and flipped it to Aphrodite's charm. I melted at his touch, and obeyed his deathly charm to the word.