poison tree ✴︎ - perseus jackson

016. the deal breaker of the underworld.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐒 𝐏𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄 was eerily scary, the darkness that casted over it topped with the fog everywhere, Hope was actually glad to be sandwiched in the middle of both Percy and Grover.

This was the last bit of their quest before heading up to Olympus; to retrieve Sally Jackson. The outcomes of what Hope would have to do was still in the question, and with both Percy and Grover not on the same course of Hope becoming ruler with her uncle if he doesn't let her get out of the Underworld, it was only a last resort.

When they arrived to the top, the two statue like guards moved, making a thudding sound as they turned their way. The stone like door opening in response to the loud thud that made Hope flinch.

The trio walk through the stone door, Hope feeling weary as she felt her anxiety start to creep in. If not, the inside of Hades palace was darker than the outside, more grey fog covering the ground as what looked to be stone seats were scattered all across the room they were in.

Then they started to feel as if they were going up, the tree looking down to the big stone they had stepped on was indeed levitating up. Just great.

Hope moved closer to Percy, her fear of heights creeping in once again starting to take over as they only went higher. If Hope was as terrified of spiders as she was heights, heights would be at the top of her list.

"It's okay." Percg whispered to the frightened girl, nudging her slightly; which she did not appreciate. "It'll be over soon."

The higher they went, the more scared Hope got until they finally reached the top where Hades resided. The tree looked around, a loud thud below them made Hope's heart drop to her stomach, thinking they were about to fall, but then shook her head as the stayed in the same spot.

"Is this our stop, or...?" Grover asked, then faint footsteps were heard, as if someone was wearing heels.

Soon the footsteps grew louder and louder until it revealed to be Hades, which slightly made Hope smile upon seeing her favorite uncle.

"Hey, fellas. Welcome! Hope, sweetheart! How're you?" Hades greeted, a toothy smile on his face upon seeing Hope.

"Sorry about all the...Oh...Anyways, it's great to meet you. I know who you are, and you know who I am, so we can just skip right past that part. Can I get you anything? Fresh pomegranate juice, a snack? Hope, I already ordered you your strawberry lemonade." Hades said, smiling at Hope, to which the girl smiled softly back at him.

"See, he'd totally want me as Underworld princess." Hope whispered to Percy, to which he only rolled his eyes.

"Actually, if—" Grover was about to request something but Percy cut him off.

"My mother."

Hades looks slightly appalled on how quick Percy got straight to the point. "Boom, Straight to business. I admire the cut of your jib." Hades said, smiling, but Percg jsut gave a straight face. "Little nautical reference for you. Hope would know"

Hades sighed, nodding, "I see you."

"Where is she?" Percy asked impatiently.

"Right." Hades only nodded, seeing as Percy was dead serious about his mother. "Okey-doke. Let's get to it. Your mom's just over here." Hades said, pointing behind him before turning around and walking to where he said Sally Jackson was, the three slightly weary.

  "You've come all this way, don't be shy." Hades said, the three then following in pursuit.

"Are you sure you don't want anything?" Hope asked quietly to Grover as Percy went ahead of them, eager to finally see his mom again after what felt like forever.