Demigod Diaries

Highway to Hell

Elsa's POV
As we were walking through the dark woods behind the cabins in order to get out, Nico was holding my hand. I was kind of nervous about the gesture because I don't want anyone to think I'm weak enough to need comfort.

I guess Nico noticed and let go as we got to the part were we had to part through a lot of bushes. I looked over at Grace and she was holding Percy's hand while Annabeth was just walking along side Grover. She seemed like she needed it so I held her hand instead. She seemed surprised at first then she appreciated it.

"Thanks. I needed a friendly gesture like that. I felt like I was a third wheel with you guys. And I'm pretty sure poor Grover does too."
"Yah. poor guy." I replied. Enjoying having another friend other than Grace.
As we parted through another bush, we saw a figure in front of us.
"Caught in the act huh? I thought it was only 3 people going with you."
"Look who I take and when I go is none of your business so I suggest you take a hike. " Percy replied.

"Oh well then I just thought you might like some gadgets to help, but if you want to go to Hades unarmed then great idea." He said. He was cute, and I guess I was smiling too much so he noticed too and smiled back. Then I smiled wider because I noticed Nico's face and how it was turning 50 shades of RED.
"Okay smart guy whatcha got?" Percy asked.
"Well then come in!" He said, smiling. Totally out of character.

When we walked in, the place looked like a mess. The guy probably hasn't seen his bed in years! But his desk and work area was spic and span.

"I try to keep my room clean, especially my work area, my roommate likes 'everything were he can see it', stupid." he answered, reading my mind.

"So what were some of the weapons you have for us?" Grace asked.

"For starters, I have these." He announced proudly, before handing Percy a dusty old box.

Percy blew the dust off the dust and I swear it smelled like my old piano. When I was little, while Grace was singing along, I would close my eyes and dream that it was Mom singing to me. Dad said it was her old piano and that whenever I played, he'd hear her laughing and gently correcting my mistakes. I did too. I don't know whether to believe if that piano really belonged to her.It was old and made in the 1920's but now that I've been told my mother is "Aphrodite" I can't help but think. Why would the goddess of love, beauty and (mostly) sex have a piano from the 1920's or be gentle and kind or make us as happy as we are? For one thing she probably made Dad really, really happy.

"Hahah! No. These sneakers can make you fly. They're what Hermes used to deliver messages to the gods faster. But be careful with them. They have a mind of their own, so you have to tame them." I snapped back to reality just to hear this ridiculous remark.

"How do we tame..shoes?" I said. seriously, this guy must've had too much champagne at the campfire celebration or something.

"You believe you can." he said looking me in the eyes. Gods he's so cute! I blushed and looked away.

"Anything else?" Percy asked.
"The other things I'm going to give you will mostly be thing to keep up here." He replied, pointing to his head. "But here's a map that you'll also need."