The Heroes Of Olympus

Chapter 32

'Hazel, you're up next.'

Hazel looked up, clearly nervous. Some diamonds rose from the floor.

'Oops.' Hazel said and followed Pluto.

Pluto took her to his throne and looked at Hazel in the eye.

'Hazel, I have always been the neglected and ignored one among the Gods. So have my sons and daughters. They have always been underestimated. In Roman and Greek camps both. Which is why most of my children have always hated me.' Pluto lowered his eyes.

'My children had to suffer because of my doings.'

'Um- dad. I think you are getting carried away.' Hazel said, confused.

Pluto smiled. 'That is why I love you so much. I know that seems like a lot, coming out of me. But, you have been such a proud warrior. I am proud of you.' He leaned forward and kissed on her forehead.

Hazel smiled. 'But, there have been other children of yours who have been so brave... Bianca! She was so brave. She died a hero.'

'Yes. But in place of Percy! She chose to go instead of him.'

'That was brave!'

'It was a sacrifice.' Pluto said. 'And, nobody remembers a sacrifice.'

'B-but' Hazel stammered, 'Nico Di Angelo! He...'

'I know kid, he was brave too. But not the kind the Gods want. You were the only brave child of Pluto in their eyes.'

'How can they be so unfair?' Hazel was getting teary eyed and furious at the same time.

'It's- it's not fair! The way they treated you for so many years! I-I...they-they...Urgh!' Hazel was really mad.

'Now, now. Don't get yourself so worked up. Look, the Gods had every right to be angry with me. You have no idea about the mistakes I have made in the last centuries. Don't be angry with the gods.'

Hazel looked at her father. 'What do you mean?'

'Kid. Your father hasn't been exactly good to the Gods, ever. As much as I hate to admit it, I do deserve this. But, I am the God of the underworld, of death. I am allowed to be bad. And that is one thing that I really enjoy doing. My life isn't such a big disaster. I have got Persephone.' He grinned. 'If I will ever need revenge from the Gods, I will get it myself. You do not need to worry.'

'Fine.' Hazel said angrily and started to walk away. Pluto stopped her and said, 'Remember kid, the good things take time, but really bad things happen in the blink of an eye.'

'Um, isn't the word 'great', and isn't this a Miley Cyrus song?'

'Yeah, she is my favourite singer.' Pluto said, smiling idiotically.

'Oh, dad.' Hazel laughed and hugged her father.