The rise of Tartarus

Chapter 7

Hazel POV:

As dawn broke over the horizon, casting a golden glow over Camp Half-Blood, the air buzzed with anticipation and tension. The Hephaestus cabin had been working tirelessly overnight, their mechanical genius manifesting in the form of a sleek ship designed for our dual quests. The vessel gleamed in the morning light, its hull crafted from enchanted wood and reinforced with celestial bronze.

"Isn't she a beauty?" Leo Valdez grinned, wiping sweat from his brow as he stood beside the ship. The air around him crackled with energy, a reflection of his enthusiasm.

"She's incredible," I breathed, taking in the intricate details—the wings that folded neatly against the sides, the propulsion system powered by the heart of a cyclops, and the shimmering sails that seemed to ripple like liquid silver. "Will she hold up against the Underworld?"

Leo nodded confidently. "Trust me, this baby can take us anywhere. She's built to withstand both the sea and the depths of the Underworld. Just don't let her get too close to Tartarus; it might be a bit too... chaotic."

I smiled at Leo's usual bravado, but my heart raced at the thought of what lay ahead. Frank stood beside me, his expression serious. "We have to make sure we're ready for whatever we face," he said, gripping my hand tightly.

Once everyone gathered at the docks, Chiron stepped forward, his presence commanding silence. "Listen carefully. The prophecy speaks of two paths. One group will seek the Obsidian Mirror in the Fields of Punishment, while the other will venture into the heart of Tartarus to confront his son."

Percy, Annabeth, Jason, and Piper were all present, their expressions reflecting the weight of the decision we were about to make. "We'll need to split into two teams," Annabeth said, her voice steady. "Those who seek the Mirror must be prepared to face their fears, while the rest of us will draw Tartarus's attention away."

Chiron nodded. "You have to be aware that Tartarus is cunning. He'll do everything he can to manipulate and divide you. Trust in each other, and remember the bonds you've forged. They will be your greatest strength."

Frank and I exchanged glances, the determination in his eyes matching my own. "Hazel and I will go after the Mirror," Frank declared. "We need to confront the darkness of our pasts to move forward."

"I'll go with you," Nico said, his voice low and resolute. "I know my way around the Underworld, and I can help you navigate through the shadows."

Percy stepped forward, ready to take charge. "Then that leaves us to take on Tartarus. Annabeth, Jason, Piper, and I will keep him occupied. We'll distract him while you find the Mirror. Mexico here we come."

A ripple of unease spread through the group. This wasn't just a quest; it was a battle for our lives, and the stakes had never been higher.

With final preparations made, we boarded the ship. As the Hephaestus cabin's engineers made the last adjustments, I felt a surge of hope mixed with fear. Would we really succeed? Would we come back?

As the ship set sail, I glanced back at the shore, the camp fading into the distance. This was it. We were stepping into the unknown, facing the horrors of our pasts and the terrors of Tartarus.

"Stay strong," I whispered to Frank as the wind filled our sails. "We can do this."

"Together," he replied, squeezing my hand.

As The Wanderer glided through the water, I couldn't shake the feeling that the weight of the world rested on our shoulders. The prophecy was clear, but the path ahead was shrouded in uncertainty. The storm was brewing, and we were sailing straight into it.