Turning of Tides

17. Train Rides

I explained to Allora how nobody at Camp knew of my full past except Chiron and Mr.D and promised I would tell her the complete story when I completed this quest. Having someone other than the Gods to know my secret would be amazing and I trusted her. Who knows, maybe everyone would know by the time I came back. Hermes assured me she would get there safe and told me to hurry back to the Quest so I bid them both goodbye before running out into the woods.

Running through the trees I arrived at the station with about 15 minutes to spare and found that Percy had already bought me a ticket. And with that, we were back on our mission to find Zeus's master bolt.

Two days. Two incredibly boring and tedious days we've been on this train. The only good thing about it was I got to see a little more of the mortal world's scenery and I learned more about my travel companions. At one point Grover's fake foot fell off and the other two hurried to put it back on while I continued gazing out the window.

"So," Annabeth started while looking at Percy."Who wants your help?"

"What do you mean?"

"When you were sleeping earlier, you mumbled, 'I won't help you.' Who were you dreaming about?"

At this point I look to my brother confused since he hadn't told me about the visions yet. I was hoping he was just having nightmares about his mom, sad as that may be. He seemed reluctant to answer, glancing at the both of us before telling us about a black pit pulling him down while a dark voice taunted him.

I knew exactly what the dream was. I had it myself a long time ago before it stopped. Never knew why but I had my suspicions. Deciding to stay silent on the topic I let them continue while making a mental note to talk to Zeus and Hera or maybe Chiron about it once I got back. Wherever that might be.

"That doesn't sound like Hades. He always appears on a black throne, and he never laughs."

Not true. I've met him a few times in person but he came to me in my dreams when I was with Artemis about two years ago. He tried to be stoic and mean but I had made a sarcastic comment and he laughed before he could stop himself. After that whenever he visited he became just like any other Uncle. I felt bad he was only welcomed on Olympus one day a year and was glad to offer him company. Sometimes Persephone would be there too. And Cerberus. I promised if I ever visited that I'd bring him a chew toy so I guess I'll get to fulfill that soon.

"He offered my mother in trade. Who else could do that?" Percy said pulling me from my thoughts. Wait he offered Sally? I might get to meet my mom then...

"I guess ... if he meant, 'Help me rise from the Underworld.' If he wants war with the Olympians. But why ask you to bring him the master bolt if he already has it?"

Percy shook his head just as confused about this as I am. I wasn't sure who turned but I don't think Hades has the bolt but I know he has Sally. He likely thinks Percy has the bolt. Why can't Gods use diplomacy rather than extortion? It's exhausting.

Grover shifted in his sleep, muttering something about vegetables and turned his head.

Annabeth readjusted his cap so it covered his horns. "Percy, you can't barter with Hades. You know that, right? He's deceitful, heartless, and greedy. I don't care if his Kindly Ones weren't as aggressive this time- "

"This time?" Percy asked. "You mean you've run into them before?"

Her hand crept up to her necklace. She fingered a glazed white bead painted with the image of a pine tree, one of her clay end of summer tokens. "Let's just say I've got no love for the Lord of the Dead. You can't be tempted to make a deal for your mom."