Unlikely Heroes

Chapter 36: Confronting Hades

As we entered the courtyard, I was a bit stunned by a beautiful garden that is present just before the gates. Large and beautiful pomegrate trees dot the area. Large swats are filled with colorless flowers and fungal structures. It is one of the most beautiful gardens I layed my eyes on, but also the most dangerous one.

The others walked around with equal surprise to the beauty of the garden. Percy looked around with a soft smile as he appreciated the environment. Not only that, he was reaching up to one of the pomegrate trees to pluck a fruit.

"I wouldn't do that, Percy. Unless you would like to have the eternal hospitality of Hades," I warned him. His hand almost immediately goes away from any fruit. "No... I think I am not worthy of such good company for eternity," he mumbles out, continuing towards the main entrance of the palace proper.

"True, it is an acquired taste, I suspect," I say with a chuckle.

The inside of the palace is gorgeous and pristine. Large halls with decorations that must be so expensive, one could buy three villas with one furniture piece alone. Even to the trained eye, which is Annabeth, one could hardly see a fault in the style or construction. This palace is the epitome of wealth and power.

At every corner and after every meter or so along the walls stands a guard. Each from their own era or warfare. Some were from the Afghan war, while others are from Roman times. They all watch us carefully and basically 'leading' us to Hades. We could only follow one route, or we would be stopped by one of the guards.

After walking through numerous hallways and corridors, we enter the throne room. Two large obsidian thrones are set up in an extensive throne room. Each throne is massive and designed to command respect to whoever sits on it. The floor is made of bronze, and it seems to shimmer with fire as torchlight falls on it. Only one throne is occupied.

On the throne, Hades sits in a cross-legged position. Her black dress is flawless as it highlights her beauty. Black hair that highlight her face that does not look happy. I would run to her to hug her, but she is not in a pleasant mood. Burning orange eyes simmer hot as they watch us cross the large room towards her. We all bow in front of her to show her respect, but it seems it does not help our case.

"You are either brave or foolish, Persues Jackson. After what you have done to me, very brave indeed," Hades says, her burning eyes piercing the young boy to its core. Her voice is stern and unforgiving.

Percy swallows thickly before he answered. "I have done nothing wrong, my Lady. We have come to you with a request." A request? More like a plead, Percy.

"You dare ask something of me, thief? Speak then. It will at the very least amuse me before I smite you down, arrogant child," she says bitterly.

"The war among the Gods needs to be averted. It would mean the death of many more innocent lives," Percy says. The ground rumbles as Hades looks to be angered by the subtle suggestion of Percy.

"You think I want war, Seaweed?" She asks, her eyes even brighter and more intimidating than before. "Wouldn't it mean more power to you? Your kingdom would grow more powerful as more subjects will be added," Percy asks.

I wanted to facepalm myself as I hear his stupid statement. He is an idiot. It would be a wonder if he survived till his adulthood. Trouble does not just follow him. He creates the trouble himself. Annabeth also looks very disappointed at the stupidity of Percy.

"Have you not seen the Fields of Asphodel? Or the sprawl outside the judgement pavilion? You mortals die like flies! Do you have any idea how many problems my realm faces?" She yells angrily at Percy. The ground is shaking heavily from the burst of anger. I wonder how badly damaged Los Angeles will be.