Return of the Goddess

Chapter 10

Charlie woke up sweating. A goddess was after Genna and the dream was a warning to get out of the safe house quickly. He ran to Sage’s room and knocked feverishly on the door. Sage opened the door, but not her eyes.      Suddenly, Chelsea ran out of her room and stopped in front of Charlie and Sage. Her face showed a frightened little girl who must have just had a nightmare, and she was completely awake from it.

     “You too?” Charlie asked.

     “I’m scared Charlie. She’s looking for Genna and if she realizes we have her…she’ll kill us all,” Chelsea was shaking.

     “What are you guys talking about?” Sage was finally awake.

Charlie and Chelsea exchanged a glance, “You didn’t have a dream?”

     “No! I was having a nice dream about…oh my Hermes!” Sage stepped out of her room and paced. Her mind on a role, “Hera was blocking my mom from warning me by sending me dreams. She’s the goddess you two are talking about,” Sage realized.

     “She wants Genna, Sage,” Charlie was panicky. “We have to get her out of here!”

     Cole ran upstairs, “Hera’s downstairs. I will not be able to protect you from her. I must go. If she found out I was aiding Genna I will lose my throne.” He ran and woke everyone up then disappeared.

     They all huddled in the hall. The Ares brothers and Megan were in the front with their swords with everyone else behind them ready to defend Genna. Chelsea ran up to the front to held hold her off while   Sage and Charlie ran around franticly looking for Genna.

Cal was terrified and didn’t know what to do. He ran up to Sage,          “What should I do? I can’t fight.”

     Sage was still trying to find Genna, “Find Lucy and Lauren. Lauren needs to get up front with Chelsea and tell Lucy to find me.”

     They found Genna balled up in the corner of the uncertain room. Lucy was already trying to comfort her. Seth, Charlie and Sage surrounded Genna and Lucy put her arms around Genna. Sage took control immediately, “Charlie, Seth, and Cal go up front and help Chelsea distract her. I’ll be there in a minute. Lucy and Genna you guys are leaving.”

     “But Hera has blocked the exits and if I play my flute she’ll know,” Lucy stood and helped Genna up.

     The goddess Hera was upstairs now and scanning the crowd. Sage grabbed the two pearls out of Genna’s dresser and packed the rest of the things in the purple backpack. She handed one pearl to each girl, “Go, we’ll have her out before the hours up…get answers.” Sage ran out of the room.

     “Squeeze this in your hand. Close your eyes now but when you open them whatever you do, don’t scream.” Lucy instructed. Genna did as Lucy said and when she opened her eyes she saw the most gloomy and dark place in the world, “This is the Underworld. My second home. Time to meet daddy.”

     Genna walked along side Lucy slowly and quizzically. She was surprisingly calm and thought little of the Underworld. Maybe she has been here before? She glanced at the fields of Punishment and Elysium, but couldn’t get herself to look past the gates of Tartarus. Lucy explained that if you’re a demigod you are automatically placed in Elysium and mortal are placed in the fields of Punishment. She also said that mortals can be in Elysium and Tartarus depending on the deeds you have done. Hades’ palace was at the center of the Underworld. It was completely composed of human skeleton bones with no windows just open balconies. As they came up to the entrance Genna met the big three headed dog Cerberus. Lucy ran up to him and patted his paw.

     Lucy summoned Genna forward, “It’s o.k. He won’t hurt you.”

Genna hesitantly sauntered past him. He sniffed her purple tank top then resumed his guard like position. Lucy knew her way around the castle and quickly they made their way to the throne room where Lucy said her dad spent most of his time. Inside the castle was no lighter than the outside. Lucy opened the big skeleton double doors to the throne room. Two thrones were situated on the far end with a large red carpet flowing up to hit like in movies. In an ox bone throne sat a tall man in a black suit. A gorgeous dark skinned woman sat beside him in a throne composed of sweet smelling flowers.

     “Lucy? Genna?” the god squinted.

     “Hi, dad. I just came to say hi. Do you know Genna?” Lucy spoke softly.

     “Oh! We go way back, right Gen?” Hades sighed reflexively. Persephone scolded then kicked him.

     “You know me?” Genna asked.

     “I might…” Hades said mysteriously.

     Lucy looked questionably into her father’s black eyes, “You do know her. I can tell.”

     “Lucy…” the god stared at his daughter for some time, “I know Genna, but Athena, Zeus and Poseidon have sworn me to secrecy.” Hades shifted in his seat.

     Genna was impatient, “Please, Lord Hades, can you tell me who I am and why is Hera after me?”

     Hades’ eyes widened, “You met Hera?”

     “No, she came to the safe house looking for Genna, but I took her here.” Lucy said.

     “That was wise. I am very proud.” Hades smiled. “Genna, the truth about you must not be told for your safety. Be careful through. Do not run into Hera again or your chance of survival will be slim.”

Genna thought, “What if my mother or father told me? Where is Olympus?”

     “Mirrors aren’t just good for looking at yourself.” Hades looked over to his wife.

     “Their time is almost up.” Persephone said to Hades. He walked over to Genna and Lucy.

     He stared at Genna and grabbed her shoulders, “I wish you could remember me. We use to have a lot of fun.” Hades smiled in remembrance. “Lucy, she is a great friend to have. Oh, and tell Charlie he should visit me. Maybe we can talk about is issue some more.” Lucy’s hair turned bright red. “Calm down sweet heart, now your time here is up.”

     Hades waved goodbye and Lucy told Genna to close her eyes.