Unlikely Heroes

Chapter 34: Entering The Underworld

Los Angeles is certainly a beauty of a city. A nice and cooling breeze comes from the ocean. The building and neighborhoods contain such diversity, one could walk around for hours to see what is hidden in some of these streets. For most, which includes me, the most recognizable feature of Los Angeles is the large white letters of Hollywood. The sign does not look clean, though.

All that is left is finding the entrance to the Underworld. It is just as Chiron said, I feel a certain sensation in this city. The feeling of something that is part of me and beckons to me. It makes me even more excited to meet Hades again. Her last visit was months ago. Also, Zagreus should be there, who I haven't seen in years. I hope to speak with him again. His advice truly has become one of my guiding principles.

However, I am also afraid to meet someone while I am there. Persephone. The wife of Hades has a reputation of hating the Demigod children of Hades. I hope my offerings to her has softened her heart to me at least a bit. One can hope...

"So, where do I need to go?" I ask while I drive into Los Angeles proper. "The entrance is in a place called 'DOA Recording Studios'. I think we will find it in the Hollywood district. Many studios are there, I think," Percy says.

"Sounds reasonable. I can feel it, by the way. The presence of the Underworld is not something I can miss," I say while driving in the direction of the Hollywood neighborhood.

"Hopefully Hades will not be surprised by our presence. I can imagine she would not be very happy to see me," Percy says with a sift sigh.

"She always knew where we were, Percy," I answer while driving around a corner. "What!? That can't be good..." he says with worry.

I chuckle as I see him becoming more and more worried as he looks through the window. It is as if he expects an attack at any moment. Perhaps he is imagining the Furies again. Alecto would probably be all for it. She looked very eager to say the least when she attacked him in the bus.

"The ring that Annabeth carries makes Hades aware of our location at all times. As long as we are on Earth, that is," I explained to him. "I wonder if she will let us in... if she already knows we are close to the entrance, she may just keep us out," Grover says with a sigh.

"And lose one of her best leads? Seems unlikely. Hades is no fool. She knows we are her best chance at finding her helmet," Annabeth counters. "In any case, I am sure, as her daughter, I can convince who ever guards the entrance to let us pass."

"I am wondering, though, if she knew where we were all this time. Why not attack us again?" Percy asks as he thinks about it.

"Why would she bother? If we are going to her, then why bother sending her minions? We are going straight into the heart of her domain. We will be at her mercy," Annabeth says with a shrug.

"And you're not worried at all? I am scared shitless!" Percy says, his hands moving through the air to emphasize his feelings.

Annabeth smirks a bit as she turns to look at him. "Perks of being the girlfriend of her daughter. Hades loves her children and will not kill someone that is dating her daughter. And she is pleased with my effort. So, I am good!" Annabeth says proudly.

I smile brightly as I hear the words. When I stopped at a red light, I quickly place a kiss on her lips. Annabeth hums as she cups my cheeks while kissing me, approving of my action it seems.

"You will be safe, my love. Hades will indeed do nothing to harm you," I say.

Percy mumbles something under his breath as he looks out of the window. He certainly is not appeased by the explanation. Percy is probably worried about what is going to happen. He soon enough jerks up and points out the window.