In Between Two Worlds (HP/PJO Crossover)

Chapter 12: We Destroy A Perfectly Good Bus.

"So let me get this straight," I said. "We're supposed to go to the Underworld and confront the Lord of the Dead."

"Check," Chiron said.

"Find the most powerful weapon in the universe."

"Check."

"And get it back to Olympus before the summer solstice, in ten days."

"That's about right."

I looked at Grover, who gulped down the ace of hearts.

"Did I mention that Maine is very nice this time of year?" he asked weakly.

"You don't have to go," I told him.

"Oh ..." He shifted his hooves. "No ... it's just that satyrs and underground places ... well..."

He took a deep breath, then stood, brushing the shredded cards and aluminum bits off his T-shirt. "You saved my life, Percy and Karlee. If ... if you're serious about wanting me along, I won't let you down."

"All the way, G-man." Said Percy and then turned to Chiron. "So where do we go? The Oracle just said to go west."

"The entrance to the Underworld is always in the west. It moves from age to age, just like Olympus. Right now, of course, it's in America."

"Where?"

Chiron looked surprised. "I thought that would be obvious enough. The entrance to the Underworld is in Los Angeles."

"Oh," Percy said. "Naturally. So we just get on a plane—"

"No!" Grover shrieked. "Percy, what are you thinking? Have you ever been on a plane in your life?"

"Percy, think," Chiron said. "You are the son of the Sea God. Your father's bitterest rival is Zeus, Lord of the Sky. Your mother knew better than to trust you in an airplane. You would be in Zeus's domain. You would never come down again alive."

Overhead, lightning crackled. Thunder boomed.

"Okay," I said, determined not to look at the storm. "So, we'll travel overland."

"That's right," Chiron said. "You have already chosen your two companions. Where is Annabeth?"

The air shimmered behind Chiron.

Annabeth became visible while stuffing her Yankees cap into her back pocket.

"Athena is no fan of Poseidon, but she tolerates Apollo," I winked at her. "-if you're going to save the world, I'm the best person to keep you from messing up."

"If you do say so yourself," I teased. "I suppose you have a plan, Annie?"

"Of course. Athena a-"

"Always has a plan," I said with her

"A quad." Percy said, "That'll work."

"It's a-"

"Don't even try. It doesn't work."

"Anyway," Chiron said. "This afternoon, we can take you as far as the bus terminal in Manhattan. After that, you're on your own."

Lightning flashed. Rain poured down on the meadows.

"No time to waste," Chiron said. "I think you should all get packing."

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It didn't take me long to pack. I decided to leave my Minotaur horn in my cabin, which left me with only a few pairs of clothes and a toothbrush to stuff in a backpack Grover had found for me.