Unlikely Heroes

Chapter 79: The Olympian Council

Annabeth Chase

Hades sits cross-legged in a comfy black leather seat. Her arms crossed just under her bosom. She looks as beautiful as ever. Aileen must have gotten her beauty from her. I can definitely say she got the hair of Hades. Beautiful black like the night.

Zoe sits uncomfortably between Aileen and Thalia. I can see she is nervous. Her eyes avoid looking at Hades out of fear she will be cursed by Hades or be punished just by some sort of unintentional insult. If it wasn't for the fact she looks downright sad, I would have found it funny. Thalia has it easier, a lot easier. She fell asleep as exhaustion hit her from facing Luke on a physical and emotional level.

Aileen has been sleeping for now too as her head lay on my lap. My hands went through her hair at a soothing rhythmic pace. Every so often she stirs, but she quickly went back to sleep. I wouldn't be surprised if she will only wake up when we arrive at Olympus.

"Wasn't the irritating boy with you? Where is he?" Hades asks.

"He was struck down by Atlas. Artemis was not able to heal him, so thy children offered to try and heal the wound," Zoe explains softly.

"They have grown considerably in the last few days. It was a wise choice to try it. Success will depend on Perseus this time. He better be grateful and honored that my children are helping him," Hades says, clearly taking pride in her children and how powerful they are.

"I hope they succeed..." Zoe says softly.

Hades raises an eyebrow, but didn't say anything further. She knows. Come on, raising an eyebrow out of nowhere? Unlikely when the person that does it is Hades. She knows about her feelings. And not being a hunter anymore gives a huge clue as well. I wonder though, what is it that they are trying to do?

"What is it they're trying to do? Aileen never showed any abilities with healing," I ask.

"Aileen is not able to use all of the powers associated with my domain. Her body is growing towards a different domain completely. She is only able to use shadows so effectively due to her parentage meaning me and by accident Lady Night. I have divine and absolute control over it, but even I could not match Lady Night when night comes. And she is a frightful sight when angered. Fear and shadows are two aspects coalescing in Aileen which makes her so powerful when using it," Hades starts to explain.

Zoe leans in more and more to hear the answer to the question. Curious and interested to hear what the siblings are trying to achieve. Or where they even are. I know of one thing that could work; the Curse of Achilleas.

"Nico and Bianca are different. They are delving deeper and deeper into the aspects of my domain. Nico has a deep connection with ghosts and spirits while Bianca is in shadows and the earth. Unlike Aileen, her shadows are able to transfer certain energies. They are trying to heal Perseus with the power of the dead. It will work, but it depends on how much of Perseus remains after the process," Hades finishes.

"He could lose himself?" Zoe asks softly.

"Yes. Ghosts and spirits are not just energy, they hold memories and personality. It could overwrite those of Perseus," Hades answers, "Why are you so interested in him? In a boy?"

"He asked me out on a date," a very soft smile forms on her lips, "I never went on one before. It is something I like to experience."

"Not a Hunter anymore then. Good. I never liked them. Too much pride in that girls' group. But Perseus...?" Hades mused, leaning against her armrest. I guess she is trying to see the appeal in the boy but doesn't manage to get many "positive" points by the looks of it. From Zoe's look, I think she has to think deeply about it too with mixed results.