Unlikely Heroes

Chapter 27: The Beginning

A quick note:

I am very happy about the comments. As someone who writes these stories, I love to read about what people think. And also just to converse with some of you. So, thank you for that. In any case, I hope you enjoy the chapter.

~

I knock on the door. It has been such a long time, I hope Marie is doing fine. Things have been rather hectic with Percy. His presence has invoked more murmurs and whispers than me. If that is even possible. I have the feeling that something big will happen very soon, which is why I went to Richmond for a visit. In case something happens that caused me to be away for a long time, but more importantly. Introducing my lovely girlfriend. As if on cue, Annabeth snakes an arm around me and leaning slightly into me.

"Are you sure you want to tell her?" she asks shyly. "Why wouldn't I?! You are literally my world, Annabeth! Of course, I would announce us as an item to her," I say with a voice that may be a little louder than intended. "T-that is nice to know..."

The door opens as Marie stands there smiling brightly at us. "Oh my! Come in! Aren't you two cute, clinging to each other like that!" She practically squeals in joy. Annabeth groans with red cheeks as we walk in. I am just smiling like a fool the whole time. It certainly makes Annabeth's cheeks redder.

"Oh, the moment I saw you two all those years ago, I had a feeling! Call it my mother's instinct, but I just knew. I am so happy for you two!" Marie continues to say as we sit down at the dinner table. "Thank you, Marie..." Annabeth says with a soft smile.

"You're very welcome, Annabeth. I mean look at you two, you look like an old married couple," she says with a chuckle, "How long have you been together?"

"Almost a full year!" I say with pride while pulling Annabeth closer. A soft, content sigh leaves her as she smiles. Marie only smiles wider and wider. "Ah, it's nice to see you two so happy. Better plan something good, Aileen! She is a keeper."

"Oh, I have! She'll love it, I am sure of it," I say confidently. "Oh? What have you planned, Aileen?" Annabeth asks curiously, looking up from her cuddling position.

"For me to know, and for you to find out! But make sure you have a dress ready like the one you wore in the restaurant. There is a dress code," I explained. "It sounds expensive... You shouldn't bankrupt yourself, Aileen." I stroke her arm as I sit with her at the table. "Well, I did promise to make it special! And I had help, so it didn't cost me much," I reassured her.

"As much as I am enjoying this, why the visit? Is something going to happen?" Marie asks. "There may be something going to happen, something big. Unfortunately, we do not know what. We'll make sure to come back alive. It is just that we may not be able to send many letters or visit often. Plus, I wanted to let you know that we are together! I promised to do so when I 'snatched' myself a good lady."

Marie chuckles softly. "Very thoughtful of you, Aileen. Well, I wish you all the luck Tyche can give you," she says. Both me and Annabeth looked with surprise at her. I did not know she was aware of the Greek Gods, at least not of all. Marie just shrugs.

"Better believe in something that I know is real, right? I still wish to meet a God someday..." she says wishfully. "All you need is to have faith, and who knows, you may meet one someday," I say encouragingly. "Yeah, I guess so. Good luck on whatever it is you're going to do!"

I stand back up and walk towards a lamp to turn it off. "Thanks, Marie. I'll try to keep in contact. Shall we, Annabeth?" I ask, holding a hand out. Soon enough, a hand takes hold of mine.

"Uhm, what are you doing?" Marie asks curiously. "Going back. By using the shadows, it is the fastest way. It is also how we got here," I explained. "Amazing... I am really missing out," she says with a sigh. I chuckle and step into the shadows.

...

When we returned to camp, we saw Percy and Chiron talking about something. It was a tense conversation and we both knew that something was about to begin. A quest, most likely. I wouldn't be surprised if that is the case. When we reached them, we heard that it was about Zeus' Master Bolt...

"It is you who must retrieve it to ease the tension between the Gods. It is hard to know who has it, but I suggest seeking out Hades. Her relationship with Zeus is not good. She could have done it or knows who did," Chiron says as he speaks to Percy.

"How dare you, Chiron. My mother is not a thief," I interject with slight anger. "It is unlikely, but I can't overlook that she has the best motive. I am sorry for saying it."

I find it hard to believe. It is the same over and over again. Hades is blamed for all that goes wrong, at least that is most often the case when something happens to Zeus. This blaming has to end, or the Gods wish they have done something about it earlier.

"We will see what Hades knows, but how do we get there?" Percy asks. "Well, the entrance to the Underworld is located in Los Angeles. However, I am uncertain where to go from there. But I think Aileen will know."

"I can probably feel its pull when we're close enough. Who else is going on this quest?" I ask. Chiron clear his throat a bit. "Percy went to the Oracle to seek guidance, but... she asked for you as well. It's very uncommon for her to do so. This means you'll go with Percy. And I think Annabeth and Grover will join you on the quest."

Annabeth nods almost immediately. "Of course I will. A hero has to he tested in the mortal world." Grover also reluctantly agrees. "I will help my friends. This may also prove I am qualified to be a searcher or this quest may give me clues on the whereabouts of Pan," he says. Even if it was with some reluctance, he was quite confident and brave while saying the words.

"Good. You'll be dropped in the city, where you can take a bus, by Argus. Good look, young Heroes."