Love the Impossible

Chapter 27 - Rachel's P.O.V.

It hurts.

It literally hurts to be away from Octavian.

I don't care for the pain right now, as Nico is leaning against a wall of his Father's place, because the shadow-traveling was too much energy-consumed. I know I should had suggested going through Central Park or Los Angeles, but I didn't want to waste time, that I'd probably waste arguing and begging with the Lord of the Underwold.

"Thanks, Nico" I thanked him, when he got up.

"Yeah, well... Try that the negotiation last the time of a cat nap, because I won't be taking you back in this instant" he advised me. I nodded, knowing he was my only ticket out. Nico guided me through the palace and he stopped at the door of the Throne Room.

"Should I knock? Or should I barge in?" I wondered, mostly to myself, but I could use Nico's opinion.

"If that was me, I'd barge in... But that's because Persephone can't stand me" he admitted. I nodded again and decided my choice. I quickly hugged Nico before he left to his room and I took a deep breath.

I barged in.

"Lord Hades!!" I called, making me hear through the hall. A bunch of skeletons with different uniforms and weapons came to me, with the intention of stop me.

"What is the meaning of this?!" A female voice was heard and I knew there and then, I was being greeted by Persephone, Queen of the Underworld. And, according to Percy, Nico or Thalia, a real and gigantic pain in the schist. I won't curse, she doesn't deserve it "Who are you, mortal?!"

"I demand to see Lord Hades" I repeated his name like a mantra. I came to see him and talk to him only. If someone else wanted to be present, that was not my problem.

"I asked you a question, mortal!!" Looks like Persephone is not used to being ignored. Or, at least, respected.

"All my answer will be deliver to Lord Hades" It was like if I was some kind of soldier when capture. Repeating information that is not useful to the captor over and over again.

"Someone wants to see me? That's a first!" A male voice joined us, taking the shape of Hades. I relaxed a little bit, but I couldn't much since I was surrounded by skeletons "Ah, the Oracle of Delphi..." he greeted me, smirking. His smirk resemble more of an evil smile than anything, but I'm sure it's not his fault being this creepy, right? "What can I do for you, mortal?"

Why everyone think the word 'mortal' is an insult?!

"Lord Hades, if you may..." I gestured the skeleton soldiers that weren't leaving my side. Hades rolled his eyes, but dismissed the skeletons back to their usual spots "I'm here for information... and a possible cure"

"What are you talking about?" Persephone butted in. I ignored her and focused on Hades, who I was kneeled in front of.

"One- one of your souls that escaped the Underworld..." I began, completely afraid this will backfire for me "...I- I had the chance to meet him and-"

"Let me guess, you want him to still live, don't you?" Persephone owed the conversation again. I was shocked at how much Hades will allow his wife to step on him, but I kept quiet.

"The soul of the dead belong to the Underworld, not Zeus' realm" Hades emphasized. I nodded, breathing again.

"Sir, if I may say this... Do you understand that all of the souls that live above, in one way or another, will be yours eventually?" I pointed it out, being polite and respectful. Hades studied me for a few seconds, before nodding to continue "This soul, I don't care how he found a way back to the living, but it seems like his brain is not adapting to the body... I believe is a consequence of being dead..."

"And you wish to save him?" Hades questioned me. I nodded, still with my head down "It doesn't work like this, are you aware of that?" I nodded again.

"I'm willing to sacrifice my own life for him..." I admitted, a lone tear running down my cheek. I'm never seen him again... "If that's the price to pay..."

"But, as you pointed out, one way or another, I'll have your soul..." I looked up, surprised of what I was hearing "Which means you'll have to give me something else in return..."

"And, what that will me?" I sounded hopeful. Maybe, I'd have to do a quest or something like it...

"Looks like Persephone here is jealous of your mortal beauty-" I frowned at this, looking down at myself: I was wearing tattered jeans and T-shirt, with paint all over it. My sneakers weren't better. My hair was a mess and I had to tied it up in a high ponytail "-so, that's what I'll ask in return"

"My- my beauty?" I checked, not sure I heard right. Hades nodded, drumming his fingers on his throne. Inside my head was the ultimate question. What is Octavian doesn't like me anymore, because I'm ugly? No! That doesn't matter to him! "How does that work?"

"Well, you simply have to give me your beauty" Persephone spoke up. Gods, conceded much? "Then, once Hades' spawn-"

"Persephone, I forbid you to speak like that" Hades interrupted her, in a warning tone.

"Once, he wakes up, you'll leave"

"That's it?" I saw them nodding, both with smirks in their faces. I didn't like it, but I had to do it "And you'll stop trying to claim his soul? Swear it on the Styx" I added when Hades opened his mouth.

"I swear on the Styx that I won't be after the soul you're trying to save until you two grow up to an advance age" I sighed, more relaxed.

"Then, Queen Persephone, my beauty is yours"