The Earth Monarch

Chapter 27: Changes

We exited just outside the Palace of Hades and the Garden of Persephone. "Good Gods, look at this place. It's a whole lot bigger than I remember. Asphodel got a renovation. Elysium seems to have some newer houses. I see new faces in Punishment. Security looks upgraded as well...are those Airport Security Terminals?" I asked aloud.

"They are, Lord Perseus. A pleasure once again to welcome you to the Afterlife. Special Souls, I presume?" Alecto greeted, lowering with her sisters. "Alecto, Tisiphone, Magaera, always a pleasure. And yes, they are special, but not in the way you are implying. Meet Bianca and Nico di Angelo, Children of Hades," I announced.

"...We've met. Are you sure it was wise to bring them in the Winter?" Alecto asked worriedly. "I'm here. Persephone won't try anything. If she does, again, I'm here," I replied. Alecto nodded, and they flew away.

We moved quickly through the Garden and Palace, as Hades can give a more proper tour later. I knocked on the door to the Throne Room, awaiting permission. "We are in a private discussion! Whatever it is, begone with it and your undead life!" Persephone howled angrily.

"Got it, coming in!" I replied, and pushed the doors open. The 2 were in the thrones, Hades was shrunk in his throne as Persephone glared at him. "I said NO!" Persephone roared, turning on me. As soon as she laid eyes on me, her anger sizzled out, replaced by fear.

"Lord Perseus?" She squeaked in surprise. "Hello, Persephone. Can I speak with Hades?" I asked. She nodded silently, and Hades slipped into the other room, me and the kids in tow.

"Thank you, Perseus. I do advise that you didn't bring them here, but I can't change the past," Hades greeted. "Persephone won't try anything. As much as I hate bragging, my reputation is quite formidable," I replied.

"Yeah...I know. What can I help you with?" Hades asked. I looked at my watch, my eyes widening. "I am going to leave our kids here for a few hours, so they can get to know you, build up relations, and so they don't annoy me with their millions of questions," I said. "What of Persephone?" Hades asked.

I snapped my fingers, a indignant 'Hey!' was heard in the other room. "Persephone has a brace on her arm, that will alert me if she tries to harm them. Now, I must go. Take care, and try to have a good conversation. I know how awkward you can be," I said, and disappeared into the air.

Above:

I reappeared in the gathered group, just as the Sun was starting to rise. "He's so lazy in the winter," Artemis grumbled in annoyance. "I've noticed," I agreed, causing everyone to jump. "Gods, your like Hades," Artemis stated, shivering at the thought.

"Don't look while he parks," Artemis ordered, as the Chariot drew closer. "I've seen brighter. For instance, the creators smile when excited...it can blind even the Primordial," I said, saying the last part quietly in remembrance.

"Lil' Sis! You never call, you never write!" Apollo exclaimed, stepping out of his red Maserati. "I have business to deal with, and don't call me lil' sis. I need you to take some of Chiron's Campers, and my hunters to Camp Half-Blood," Artemis ordered.

"Mmhmm, all good," Apollo said, then began inspecting the group. "Thalia Grace...heard you were a tree. Glad you're no longer one, hate it when pretty girls turn into trees," he greeted, a pained look flashed across his face at that, too fast for anyone else to notice.

"Perseus Jackson. Heard a lot about you. You know, I used to know a Perseus," Apollo said, smiling in fond remembrance. He then spotted me, and froze in surprise. "He wouldn't happen to be the Perseus you knew, would it?" Percy asked.

"Master Perseus?" Apollo asked tentatively. "Phoebus Apollo. We have much to discuss about, but first; we require a ride to Long Island," I replied. He stood straighter, and nodded seriously.