God of the Hadal Seas

Chapter VI

We stood just outside the entrance to the junkyard. The area was a mile long and a mile wide, making it far easier to go through than around. From what we saw from the town, the 10ft piles of junk formed a labyrinth. We didn't bother making a map, given that this was a Junkyard of the Gods, owned by Hephaestus. As far we knew, the pathways could be interchangeable; like the actual labyrinth.

"Remember, don't touch or take anything. These were tossed out by the gods, making them cursed or severely damaged. And even if the gods don't want them, there's no telling how dangerous they could be to mortals," I warned, probably for the tenth time.

"We know, Perseus!" Zoë complained, stepping in and we all quickly followed. "We have to be careful. No matter how small, no matter how insignificant you think it is, taking something could lead to dire consequences," I retorted, watching them closely.

"Question: why aren't you watching Theo as much as the rest of us?" Grover questioned, annoyed. "Tell me? How good is Theo at being a thief?" I asked, arching an eyebrow. Understanding expressions passed between Annabeth and Grover.

"I know my siblings, we all share few things. We're rebellious, sure, but we don't do the wrong thing. I can count on one hand the children of Poseidon that I'd have to watch extra closely in this situation," I added, ushering us along as they stopped to look at some things.

"Well, what about me? You're also the son of Persephone, right?" Bianca retorted. "Hades rarely ever has demigod children, Bianca. I haven't met enough to get a good look at their shared qualities, except for their flaw of holding grudges. And from what I hear, the last child of Hades was a man named Adolf Hitler," I answered. Everyone around me instantly cringed.

"Understood..." she replied quietly, scooting very close to me. After a half hour of silence, we made it to the exit, where a white pickup truck was waiting. I arched an eyebrow, and looked to sky briefly.

We were about to step out, when a metal wall blocked our path by erupting from the dirt. We heard metallic groaning behind us, and everyone turned to look at it. I instead extended my senses through the darkness, searching for any unusual object on the party.

Frowning, I reached into my back pocket, pulling free a miniature statuette of Hades in his throne. I whipped my head to Bianca, who was looking down sadly. "It was the only one Nico didn't have yet," she whispered apologetically.

I groaned, tossing the object away while making a mold in my mind, sending the blueprint to Hephaestus. I turned towards the sounds of scraping metal, looking at a 50ft tall automaton.

"Talos," Zoë muttered fearfully. "No, much smaller. Get to the car, I'll meet up with you," I ordered lazily, walking towards the robot at a slow pace. I flicked my hand at the wall, turning it into molten puddles. "No, I'll deal with it. It was me who woke it, I should..." Bianca argued, but her voice faltered upon seeing my glare.

"You made a mistake, one I now have to clean up. You will not be sacrificing yourself over this. You will get in the car with the rest of the party, and you will learn from this. Will you continue arguing, or will you get in the fucking car?!" I ordered angrily.

She stepped back in fear, before lowering her head and returning to the party. "Grover, give them a heading. Once I'm done with this giant pile of scrap metal, I will meet up with you again. Now, go!" I ordered stiffly, glaring at them harshly.

Like animals, their instincts took over and they scrambled into the truck. I turned back to the automaton, as the truck sped off. The robot stared down at me emotionlessly, taking out a giant bronze sword from its side.

I glared my aura angrily, making slight fear appear on the giant's face. My flesh started to melt, along with my muscles. My red-stained white skull quickly came into view, my eyes melting as they became replaced by white-hot flames. Boar tusks jutted out from my upper jaw, and my musk ox horns extended from my head.