Chapter θ A Talk with Hades

Oct 14th 1939

"This is tough. Hey Claire, back me up," I said.

"Yes. On my way," said Claire.

"Claire, what the heck are you doing here?" asked Chris.

"I am here on my score, so that is that," said Claire.

"Claire, let us go," I said.

"Yes, let us go," said Claire. They started to move towards one of the giants.

"They do seem very close to one another," said George.

"Yes, it does seem that is the case," said Daisy.

"What are you going to do about it?" asked Jace.

"I am not going to do anything. Okay, if that is the case," said Daisy. The group subdued the giants.

"That was a tough one," I said.

"Yes, that was a tough one. That said, what are we going to do right now?" asked Jace.

"What are we going to do, you ask? We are going to get that bolt back," said Sara.

"Yes, that is the plan. That said, where do we start to look?" asked Jace.

"That is a brilliant question. How about we start at the entrance and walk our way to the palace?" said Claire.

"Then let us start there," said Daisy. The group started to go to the entrance of the Greek underworld.

"So we are in. Where do we go from here?" asked Jace.

. "Just follow me and I will get us there," said Claire.

"We will follow your lead on this," said Daisy. As we walked towards the palace.

"Are you sure that this is the right direction?" asked Sara.

"Yes, that is the right direction," said Claire.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let us go," I said.

"Yes, then this way, please. Watch your step. It is a deep fall down there," said Claire.

"We will watch our step," said Daisy.

As we walked, we almost ran into more guards.

"Well, that was close. We almost got caught. We need to be careful," said Jace.

"Yes, that is the case. Well then, let us get a move on," said Daisy. As a group continued to move down the levels of Tartarus.

"Does that look like a palace?" asked Sara.

"Yes, that is the palace," said Claire.

"It is all black. Is that normal?" asked Daisy.

"Yes, that is normal. It is always like this," said Claire.

"That is interesting I guess," said Jace.

"Yes, it is interesting. Do you know where it might be?" said Daisy.

"Maybe. That said, my brother might be on high alert after what happened at the entrance," said Claire.

"Yeah, that would not be great at all," I said.

"What are we going to do?" asked Daisy.

"Follow me. There is a way to get into the palace," said Claire.

"We will," I said. The group followed Claire.

"Where is the bolt?" asked Daisy.

"It would be close to my father," said Claire. As they climbed the back of the palace.

"I see that is where it is. That said, we should prepare for anything," I said.

"Agreed we should do that," said Jace. As the group got to the first floor of the palace.

"What was that noise?" asked Chris. As he started to look around the palace.

"Everyone, get down and be quiet," said Claire. As she raised a finger to her lips.

"We will," said Daisy. As the group went to go and hide. Will still be able to see each other.

"Oh, come on out and let us play a little," said Chris. Looking around the first floor of the palace.

"I see then. I guess it is hidden, and I am the seeker then," said Chris.

"What do we do now?" asked Daisy. Looking in Chris's direction.

"That Daisy is a brilliant question," said Claire. As she moved a bit forward toward Chris. Then moving her hand in a keep-moving fashion to the rest of the group.

"Then let us keep moving then," said Jace. As he moved to another pillar.

"What was that movement?" asked Chris. Looking around to see what that was.

"Must be nothing. I will go back to the portal of the palace," said Chris. As he walked away.

"That was close. Do we continue?" asked Daisy.

"We need to get to the stairs," said Claire. Moving to go to the staircase.

"Then let us get a move on," said Daisy. Walking with Claire to the staircase. Everyone followed behind.

"Hercules, what do you see?" asked Chris.

"I do not know what you mean by that," said Hercules.

"Is there anything that is out of the ordinary?" asked Chris.

"Not that I see, so all is great," said Hercules.

"Then give me an update if you see anything Okay," said Chris.

"I will tell you if I see anything," said Hercules. Turning back to look at the surrounding area.

"Claire, who is that?" asked Daisy.

"That is Hercules. He guards the palace," said Claire.

"Is that the case?" said Daisy.

"Yes, what about it?" said Claire. The group eventually got to the top of the palace.

"I knew that there was someone or people in the palace," said Chris.

"Sir, I am sorry I did not see them at all," said Hercules. As he ran up to meet Chris.

"That is okay. You did your best," said Chris. Looking at the group.

"Did you think that I would let you walk around here without noticing?" said Chris?

"Then what do you want?" asked Daisy.

"I want you out of my picture. You have been a thorn in my side for a while now," said Chris.

"What do you mean?" asked Claire.

"Oh not much," said Chris. looking around at the group.

"If you are just talking, then that threat is nothing," said Daisy. "Oh, it is not a threat it is a warning. That said, if this palace I do not know blows up Hades will curse you forever," said Chris.

"Do you think that you would not be cursed?" asked Hades. As he walked up to the group.

"Father, what do you mean?" asked Chris.

"If you blow that up. I will toss you into Tartus," said Hades.

" But I am your son, right?" asked Chris.

"That is the case. That said, what did you do to my palace?" asked Hades.

"Nothing," said Chris. As he turned towards Hades.

"I do not believe that answer will come with me," said Hades. As he turned.

"Will you come with me to the throne room," said Hades. To the groups as he started to walk.

"Do we follow?" asked Daisy.

"I guess that we should go with," said Claire. The group started to move. Clang. Crash. A prison cell came crashing down to the ground.

"Ha ha ha. I hope you can not escape now," said Chris.

"Chris, what was that noise?" asked Hades.

"It was nothing. Father, let us go," said Chris. As he started to walk, when.

"That is not what I see. Why are they in a cell?" asked Hades.

"What do you mean they are prisoners now? We can feed them to the dog," said Chris. Hades turned to Chris.

"What did you just say? I told you to bring them to the throne room. I will deal with you later," said Hades.

"What I thought that is what you wanted," said Chris.

"No, it is not what I wanted. I wanted to talk to them. I can not do that without them, not in a cage," said Hades.

"I will let them out. I just thought that is what you wanted," said Chris.

"No, it is not what I wanted," said Hades. Chris let us out of the cages with I do not want to do this face.

"That was worrying. "I said.

"Yes, that is worrying," said Daisy. As the group walked toward the throne room.

"So this is the throne room of Hades," said Sara.

"Yes, this is the case," said Claire.

"What are we going to do here?" asked Daisy.

"Just pay attention to what my father needs to say," said Claire. As they looked up at Hades.

" First of all sorry for Chris's meddling," said Hades.

"Why are you sorry?" asked Claire.

"I am sorry because of Chris as I said. Furthermore, what do you want?" asked Hades.

"Well, if it is okay. I was wondering if the bolt is here?" asked Daisy.

"Oh, are you talking about Zeus's bolt?" asked Hades.

"Yes, that is what we are talking about. All that we know is that the bolt was taken," said Daisy.

"Oh, that is what you are wondering. Also sorry for getting you thrown out of camp," said Hades.

"That is okay with me. That said, what about the other thing?" asked Daisy.

"Oh. Here you go," said Hades. Handing Daisy the bolt.

"Thank you for talking to us," said Daisy.

"Yes, that was quite enjoyable," said Hades. As he prepared a portal back to camp.

"What is this for?" asked Daisy.

"To take you back," said Hades. As the last of the portal was put into place.

"Do we just step into the portal?" asked Sara.

"Yes you do," said Hades. As they stepped into the portal.

"Father, where are they going? What are they doing with the bolt?" asked Chris.

"They are going back to the camp. Also, I gave them the bolt," said Hades.

"That cannot stop them right now," said Chris. As he ran toward the portal. They disappeared into the air.

"Why did you let them get out of here?" asked Chris.

"I do not need to tell you why I am a god after all. As for your punishment, one hundred days is Tartus for you," said Hades.

"But that is not fair. You cannot do that to me," said Chris.

"I can and I will. Now leave me," said Hades. Chris bowed his head and left the throne room.

"It has been a while since Daisy, Henry, and the others left," said Ben.

"Yes, that is the case," said director Sid. Just as he said that a portal opened.

"What the heck is that noise? What is a portal from the underworld doing here?" asked Ben. Just as he said that.

"We are back with the bolt. What do you want to do with it now?" asked Jace.

' "What are you back already?" asked Ben.

"Yes, that is the case," said Daisy.

"Now that we are back I do not think it will take that much longer for Zeus to figure out where his bolt is," said Claire. Looking around the camp.

"It looks the same as when I left here," said Claire.

"What do you mean by that?" asked Daisy. Looking at the camp.

"Did more cabins get put in the camp?" asked Daisy.

"Yes, the minor gods and goddesses get a little recognition. Well, at least two as of right now," said director Sid.

"What minor god of goddess got to get into the camp?" asked Jace.

"Hebe Goddess of Youth and former Cupbearer of the Gods, and Nemesis Goddess of balance, retribution, revenge, and vengeance," said Director Sid.

"But why those two gods and goddesses?" asked Daisy.

"Your quest is not done quite yet. You still need to get it to Zeus," said director Sid.

"Where is Mount Olympus right now?" I asked. Who at that moment looked like he was ready for anything.

"It is in London right now. That said, the way to London is cut off at the moment," said director Sid.

"What or who is blocking the way to London at the moment?" asked Daisy. A Bit annoyed that they still need to do more.

"It looks like Ares is trying to stop you from getting to your goal. That said, even if you get to Olympus, that does not mean you can just go up there," said Chiron.

"What are you doing here? We thought that you might have died," said Jace. Confused as ever.

"Well, you need to train, right? "asked Chiron.

"Well, yes, that is the case. That said, that is not what we are talking about," said Daisy.

"Oh, I see. That makes sense," I said.

"What kind of training are we going to get from you, Chiron?" asked Sara.

"The practice will be combat training," said Chiron.

"Why is that? What if we are not good at combat?" asked George.

"That is a brilliant question, George. I will get to your question after I start ours on their training," said Chiron.

"Then for the time being can I go back to my cabin then?" asked George. George left for the Apollo cabin.

"Now that George is gone for the moment. Time to start your training," said Chiron.

"What are we going to do for the training?" asked Claire.

"That is a brilliant question, Claire. If you would follow me, I will show you what we are going to do," said Chiron. As he galloped to the training area.

"I guess that we will follow him then," said Daisy. As the group started to move toward the training grounds.

"What do you think Chiron wants to train us on?" asked Sara.

"I do not know. I would like to see for myself," said Daisy.

"True that Daisy. Let us see for ourselves what Chiron has in store for us," I said.

"I bet it is such hard training. Like can you balance on a pole and fight over attackers?" said Jace. Looking on at the battle area.

"You always think with your head don't you?" asked Sara.

"What? I just like to train and battle. What is wrong with that?" asked Jace.

"What is wrong is that you are going about it the wrong way," said Chiron.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked.

"Follow me and I will show you what I mean," said Chiron. The group then followed Chiron to where he was trying to get them to go.

"What is this place?" I asked.

"A place to unlock your true potential. That said, can you? We will see," said director Sid.

"You do not need to scare them, Sid," said Chiron.

"True, but if they are comfortable they might die," said Sid.

"That is why I trained them when they were in Greece. That said, they were not facing a god," said Chiron.

"Then what are you going to train us in?" asked Jace. Getting a bit annoyed.

"Easy there Jace. I think he is getting to that point," said Daisy.

"I will ease up a bit and see what Chiron has to say," said Jace.

"Now that's settled. On to the matter at hand. Training to fight a god," said Chiron.

"What, we cannot do that!" Exclaimed Henry. As he started to get worried about what will happen next.

"This is why we are training. To make sure that we do not die," said Claire.

"That is right. As it stands right now, you will die if you are not trained correctly," said Chiron.

"I have a question: how many days do we have to train for?" asked Jace.

"That is a brilliant question, Jace. It just depends on what kind of training you are doing," said Chiron.

"That makes sense I think," I said. As he finally started to relax.

"Now that is out of the way. Let us see how we are going to start the training," said Chiron.

"I will split you up into groups," said Director Sid. As he looked around at the group of now five people.

"In the first group, it is Henry and Jace. Go to the arena and battle one another," said director Sid.

"You got it, director," said Jace. As he and Henry walked off to the arena.

"Now that they left the group, which is now for you two," said Chiron.

"What do you want us to do?" asked Daisy.

"What I want you to do is train Sara in strategies," said Chiron.

"I will do that," said Daisy. As both of them left the area.

"What about George? What do you do with him?" asked Chiron. look at Sid.

"Let us go and get him," said director Sid. Both of them left the area to go and see George.

"What do you want to do? Will we train?" I asked.

"That is a brilliant question," said Jace. As he struck his sword against Henry's shield.

"Hmm I guess we need to figure out what Chiron means by extra power," I said.

"I have an idea," said Jace. As he stepped back away from Henry.

" Do you want me to get the dummies set up?" I asked. As he ran around and got the dummies into the right places.

"What are you going to do with these Dummies?" I asked.

"You want to know what I am going to do?" asked Jace. As he pointed his sword at one of the dummies.

"Let us do this," said Jace. As he started to channel his lightning into his blade. It started to glow white.

"And let us do this," said Jace. As he struck one of the dummies, lighting surged around the dummy that was struck.

"Wow, that was amazing," I said.

"What was that noise?" asked Daisy and the others. As they ran into the arena.

"Oh, I was just trying out an unknown attack. Where is Henry?" asked Jace. Looking around the arena.

"I am right here," I said. Looking around at the group.

"Why are you behind the wall?" asked Daisy.

"The noise from the lightning scared me a bit. That is all," I said.

"Why did that scare you?" asked Sara. As she laughed.

"Hey if you were next to… Well, what happened would you get scared," I said.

"I guess you are right in saying that," said Sara.

"Now that we know what happened, what are we going to do? asked Chiron.

"I do not know, but it does look like Jace did level up," said director Sid.

"Still, we still need to level up as well," said Daisy. As she turned around and headed out.

"Sara, come on, let us go. We still need to train," said Daisy.

"I will follow you out of here," said Sara.

"Now that you have leveled up it is my turn now. That said, I do not know where to start," I said.

looking around the arena.

"How about inventing a useful item or two?" said Jace.

"Then let us see what I can think of," I said. Henry started to think of some items.

"Is there any parchment paper anywhere?" I asked.

"Yes, I think there is around the Hephaestus cabin I think," said Jace. As they left the arena.

"Do we go to the Hephaestus cabin? Let us go," I said. We went to the Hephaestus cabin.

. "What are you looking for here?" asked Jace. As he looked around the forge.

"Hey George, are you here?" I asked.

"Yes, I am in here," said George.

"I need some materials," I said. Looking at George.

"Let me see what we have around here and meet me at the forge," said George. As he started to pick up a black piece of parchment and other materials.

"We will meet you at the forge," I said. As they walked over to the forge.

"Looks like I have everything that I need. Now I just need to get over to the forge," said George.

"You got my interest. What are you going to make, and will it help us in the fight?" asked Jace.

"Be patient and wait for George to arrive," I said.

"But what if he does not show like that at all?" asked Jace.

"He will just need a little faith in him," I said. As he got a pencil ready.

"Sorry I was a bit late and needed to grab a few things," said George.

"That is Okay with me. What did you bring over here?" I asked.

"Some parchment and some materials. For you to use," said George. As he handed it to Henry.

"What are you going to do with this?" asked George. Looking at Henry with a curious look.

"Let me see if there is anything that I can think of," I said. As he grabbed a piece of parchment.

"Where is a pen or pencil?" I asked.

"Right here," said Jace. As he handed a pen to Henry.

"Thanks, Jace now, for what I was going to do," I said. As he started to sketch a design on the parchment.

"What are you planning to make?" asked Jace. As he looked on.

"Yes, I am curious as well," said George.

"You will see how this goes here, and that goes there," I said. As he drew on the parchment.

"I see the design of it. That said, what is the function of this?" asked George.

"Well, I am glad that you asked. The function is that when it gets hit by an attack, it has a chance to repel the attack," I said.

"That is insane. Let us see the design of this contraption," said George. As he was looking over the design of it.

"Let me see what the image is as well," said Jace. Looking at it. It was a gauntlet that the user can use to climb around with.

"This is interesting to see," said George.

"Do you think that it could be made?" I asked.

"Yes, I do believe so. I will see what I can do," said George. As he started to work on the item that Henry designed.

"Henry, what are you asking George to make you?" asked Daisy.

"You will see for yourself what he is making for me soon," I said.

"then we will wait and see what is going to be made," said Daisy. As she stepped back and watched what was going on. Hammers hit metal. Sparks flew around the forge.

"I see a gauntlet of some kind," said Daisy. Bit of a worried look on her face. That worry turned to aww as she saw the pieces of the gauntlet get put into its place.

"That is cool, but why do we need that?" asked Daisy.

"You do not know when you might need it," I said. As he put the gauntlet into his right hand.

"That looks amazing on you," said Claire.

"Thanks. That said, what did you train on?" I asked.

"Just controlling the dead that is all," said Claire.

"That makes a lot of sense that you would train in that. That said, we need a plan of attack. If we are going up against Ares, god of war," said Jace. Looking at Daisy and Sara.

"What are you looking at us for?" asked Daisy.

"As I just said we need the plan to go up against Ares," said Jace. I'm a bit annoyed now.

"Oh, right we do have a plan of attack if you want to hear it," said Sara.

"Yes, that is what I was trying to say, but someone was not listening," said Jace. As he looked at Daisy.

"Then this is the plan that Sara and I thought up," said Daisy.

"We are listening," said Claire.

"We all know that Ares is blocking the way to London at the moment. So we need scout to go and see what we are up against," said Daisy.

"That is the first part of the plan. The rest will be told after the scouts get back to camp," said Sara.

"That leaves who will be the scouts then," I said. Looking around the group.

"Does anyone want to go and scout the area?" I asked.

"No, not that I can see," said Daisy.

"Then I will go alone and see what the enemy is like," I said. As he set off alone.

"Do you think he will be alright?" asked Jace.

"No, I do not think he will be alright," said Daisy.

"Then why did you send him by yourself?" asked Sara.

"Well, I was not the only one not saying anything," said Dais."What if he dies?" asked Jace.

"Well, I did not think of that. Hey, where is Claire? I can not find her here," said Daisy. Looking around at the group.

"I saw her following Henry as he left," said George.

"What do you mean she left him?" asked Daisy. As she looked around.

"She did not want to leave him by himself. Hope that will not bite us in the but later on," said Jace.

"That is true. That said, we can not do anything about it at the moment," said George.

"Stop arguing with each other!" Yelled Chiron. Everyone stopped talking.

"Where are Henry and Claire?" asked Chiron.

"We told Henry to scout on his own. Claire just followed him, "said Daisy.

"I still need to talk to him and you did that!" Yelled Chiron.

"Sorry for that," said Daisy.

"If they die because of this it is on your Daisy," said Chiron. "What do you mean?" asked Daisy.

"I already sent out two people to scout that are more trained than I thought they were," said Chiron.

"When did you just do that?" asked Daisy.

"I did that ten minutes ago," said Chiron. Everyone looks at one another.

"Then I did not need to do that?" asked Daisy.

"No, you did not need to," said Chiron.

"We need to get Henry and Claire back here then," said Jace. The group started to move when.

"One second I am not done talking," said Chiron. Everyone stopped walking away.

"What do you want to talk to us about?" asked Daisy. "Will you follow me and I will show you," said Chiron. As he galloped away for the group.

"We will follow you," said Daisy. As the group ran after Chiron. "We are here. "said Chiron.

"So why are we the Oracle?" asked Jace out of breath.

"Well, that is a good question. One of you needs to go in and see what we need to do," said Chiron. The group of campers looked at each other.

"I will go in and see what the Oracle has for us to do. I only hope that we are in time to help out," said Daisy.

"You got this Daisy," said Jace. As Daisy walked into the big house.

"See you all soon," said Daisy.

"What do you think the Oracle will say?" asked Sara.

"What do you mean? What do I think?" asked Jace.

"What I think is that we need to wait and see what Daisy says after talking with the Oracle," said Sara.

"Oracle, are you in here?" asked Daisy.

"Come over here child," said the Oracle.

"You wanted to talk with me?" asked Daisy.

"Yes, as you know Ares is blocking your way. You need to get past it," said the Oracle.

"Thank you. "said Daisy. As she left.

"What did the Oracle say to you?" asked Jace. As Daisy walked out of the big house.

"She said to get past Ares. That said how," said Daisy. As she thought.

"What is it? What is wrong?" asked Sara with a concerned face.

"Well, it is this. If the plan works, as Claire told us either I or Henry will be locked in time," said Daisy.

"Why is that? Is it like a treat of some kind?" asked Jace.

"I think it was a warning or something," said Daisy.

"What a weird thing to say. Hmm, what to do about that?" said Chiron.

"Do you know what that means? Since I do not know what that means," said Jace.

"Let me think. Let me see, ah I know, but for this to work I think it would be BOREAS for the north wind," said Chiron.

"Boreas of the north wind, who is that?" asked Daisy.

"The Ice god, of course," said director Sid.

"Do you know why there is an ice god for the Greeks?" asked Jace.

"It is just how it is. That is all I can say on the matter," said Chiron.

"But where is the coldest? That is not the Antarctic," said Sara.

"New York is cold," said George.

"How do you know that?" asked Jace.

"I am from the colonies that is all," said George.

"Oh, is that right? That is interesting to hear. I wonder how long that colony is going to stay under British control," said Jace.

"Jace, that will be forever. The colonies will never be out of British control. "said Sara.

"I am not too sure. That said, I am not going to worry about it," said Jace.

"Now, to the matter at hand what to do about Ares? He is not someone that is to be trifled with," said Chiron.

"Then what are we going to do about him then?" asked Daisy. Just as she said that.

"We are back. We also ran across Meg and her dad I think," I said.

"What do you want to do, or have you already figured that out?" asked Claire.

"We have figured out what we need to do," said Daisy.

"Remember Daisy? Me and Claire were not there at all," I said.

"Oh yes that is right, my bad," said Daisy.

"The plan is this. It is a pincer attack between two groups. One group from the right and one from the left," said Chiron.

"What about the middle? They can just surround us and we would be done for," said Claire.

"Yes, I do see your point," said Chiron. As he thought.

"What do you think about Chiron?" asked Daisy.

"How to make sure that we do not get surrounded," said Chiron.

"That is a tricky thing to figure out," said Claire. As she started to think.

"How about this? What if we had a third group?" asked Daisy.