THE GROUP OF 5 STAND OUTSIDE DOA RECORDING STUDIO. Behind the desk, is a big man with sunglasses and an earpiece. Alex doesn't really want to go up to him.
"Okay. You remember the plan." Percy asks, turning to look at the rest of the group.
"The plan," Grover nods. "Yeah. I love the plan."
Annabeth fumbles with her sleeve, "What happens if the plan doesn't work?"
"Don't think negatively." Percy mumbles.
"Right," She nods. "We're entering the Land of the Dead, and I shouldn't think negatively."
Percy takes the pearls out of his pocket. Annabeth frowns, "I'm sorry, Percy. You're right, we'll make it. It'll be fine."
Grover nods, "We got this far. We'll find the master bolt and save your mom. No problem."
Percy looks at his sister who stands in between himself and Griffin, "Al?"
She sends him the most convincing smile she can muster, "It'll be fine."
"Okay. Let's whoop some Underworld butt."
They walk through the door, immediately met with classical music... and a weird smell. Alex makes the conscious effort to breathe through her mouth. The carpet, walls and ceiling are all the same dull, depressing grey. All the furniture is black leather and there is not one empty seat in the room. 50 people stand scattered throughout the room and they all have the same depressing aura as the paint colour.
The man sitting at the security desk looks like every school principal that Alex has ever had to sit in front of. He looks like the type of man who commands respect (and gets it.)
Percy stares at his name tag in confusion, "Your name is Chiron?"
"What a precious young lad. Tell me, mate, do I look like a centaur?"
"No?"
"Sir."
"Sir." Percy repeats.
"Can you read this, mate? It says C-H-A-R-O-N. Say it with me: CARE-ON."
"Charon." Alex stifles a laugh at her brother.
"Amazing! Now: Mr. Charon."
"Mr. Charon," Percy rolls his eyes.
"Well done." He sits back in his seat. "I hate being confused with that old horse-man. And now, how may I help you little dead ones?"
Percy looks to Annabeth for support. "We want to go to the Underworld."
Charon smiles at her words, "Well, that's refreshing."
"It is?"
"Straightforward and honest. No screaming. No 'There must be a mistake, Mr. Charon.'" He looks them up and down. "How did you die, then?"
"Oh," Grover says. "Um... drowned... in the bathtub."
"All five of you?" Charon asks.
Griffin sighs, "It was a hot tub."
Charon nods. "I don't suppose you have coins for passage. Normally, with adults, you see, I could charge your American Express, or add the ferry price to your last cable bill. But with children... alas, you never die prepared. Suppose you'll have to take a seat for a few centuries."
"You take debit?" Griffin asks.
Charon looks shocked. So does Alex, Percy, Annabeth and Grover. Charon nods, "Yes."
Griffin pulls out his wallet, offering him a green card. Charon reaches forward to take it but pauses, looking at Percy, "You couldn't read my name correctly. Are you dyslexic, lad?"
