Getting the First Piece...is that much Harder

Hey guys! How's life? Mine's been pretty hectic, but it's been good. I've been juggling a lot of writing and homework, but it's fine!

Anyway! Here's the psych fact of the day: Your favorite song is your favorite because you associate an emotional event with it.

Okay! I've experienced this one multiple times. Every time I listen to a specific song, I always have an emotional attachment to it. I mean, I once had this whole "Lost Boy" phase. I felt alone, and that song made me feel so good. It just made me want to fly away to Neverland, make endless memories, and stay young and happy forever.

But yeah. I agree with that fact. So, are you guys ready for a new chapter with Percy and the others? Yeah, me too! Let's go!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Percy Jackson P.O.V (First Person)

We walked through the doors of DOA records and were immediately met with the frigid air and the new decoration. Everyone stared at Nico, who looked right at home. He shrugged, "Decorating isn't my forte. Besides, the entrance to the Underworld has to look gloomy. It's part of the aesthetic."

Nico had helped decorate the so called 'lobby' of the record company. It was mainly just a damp, dimly lit hallway. The walls were made of crumbling, black bricks that were encased in vines. The roof was dripping water onto the floor, making an odd splash noise that sent shivers up my spine. I shuddered and Nico smirked, leading the way.

Natasha and Clint followed close behind him, claiming they would protect him in case of any monster attacks. But, I had a feeling that the place brought back too many bad memories for them. I looked to Thalia, who was too busy fiddling with a particular silver arrow. It didn't look like one of her own, so I wondered where she got it from.

Steve was looking around in awe. As a Christian, all this talk about ancient Greek gods had been taking a toll on him. He looked like he wanted to question all his beliefs, but thought against it. I walked up to him.

I studied him, "You know, even if your Christian, that doesn't mean you can't believe in other gods. I mean, Nico's a Catholic, and just look at him."

Steve watched Nico answer questions about the Underworld as Nat and Clint pestered him. He looked quite annoyed, but I saw a smirk play at his lips. Steve sighed, "It's a lot, I'm not going to lie. All my life, I've believed that there was only one god. And here I find that there's whole pantheons of gods that exist. And I'm related to the king of them all!"

I chuckled, "It's fine. It can be a lot, but you learn to get used to it."

He kept looking around, "I hope so."

I smiled and walked over to Loki, who was trying to get his magic to work. He groaned, and I raised an eyebrow, "What's going on?"

He glared at me, "The Underworld shuts down my powers. Courtesy of my daughter, Hel. She holds quite a grudge - especially when you win a game of charades."

I blinked, "What is with everyone and games? Honestly, you should play normally for once. Without stakes." I shook my head. "What does the game have anything to do with your powers?"

He sighed, "She made my powers null in the Underworld. Or anywhere where the dead reside. The only spell I can use is a shield, and we already have someone who uses an oversized dinner plate. So, I'm basically useless here."

I looked down in thought, "Well, Cap can only protect one person at a time using his shield. But your daughter never said anything on how big the shield you create can be, right? You can protect everyone using it."

He nodded, "A worthy loophole. Useful. I'll try and get the shield working, and we'll be set."

I nodded and jogged back over to Nico. He seemed to be growing anxious of all the questions, so I barged in, "How much longer, cuz?"

He sighed in relief, "Thank the gods. Just a few seconds. We should be there..." He looked ahead, listening for the rush of water, "Now."

I looked in front of us, and there was the River Styx in all of it's horrific glory. I scowled at the memory of swimming in that water, and the pain felt like it was coming back all over again. I flinched, and Thalia put a hand on my shoulder. I gave her a grateful smile.

She just smirked and turned to the river, "So, are we gonna have to swim this, or..."

"No! Never again!" I yelled, glaring at her.

The Avengers looked at me, concerned. Steve tilted his head, "What happened here, son?"

"I'm not your son," I pointed out. I looked at them, "Swimming in this river gives you invincibility. But to an extent only. You have to concentrate your life force in one spot. If that spot gets hit, your dead."

Natasha's eyes sparkled, "Sounds great. But what's the catch?"

"The pain feels like you're being stabbed with trillions of needles. And you feel like your skin is being turned inside out and seared off," I said, playing with my nails.

Everyone stared at me, horrified that I described it that way. I just shrugged, "I'm telling the truth. It hurts like Hades."

The ground shook, and my cousins sniggered. I stomped my foot, "I don't care if he doesn't like his name used as a curse! It's a force of habit, and I will not stop!"

Nico checked the watch that Leo had given him, "Charon should be arriving-"

"Now. I'm here, on time. As usual, adults are charged-" Charon stopped in the middle of his sentence when he noticed who was waiting for him. He bowed when he saw Nico and scowled when he saw me, "Sea spawn."

I grinned, "How's life Charon? Oh right, you work with the dead, you don't know what life feels like."

He grimaced, "Yes, well, it's better than constantly avoiding death. I don't suppose you're dead yet?"

Nico shook his head, "They're with me, Charon." He pulled out a pouch of drachmas, "This should be more than enough. I'm paying triple for each person. So we want a ride into the Underworld and out of it, understand?"

Charon made grabby hands as he took the pouch of coins. He grinned, "Right this way, Prince Nico and friends. All are welcome."

I rolled my eyes but didn't say anything as we all made our way onto the ferry. Charon rowed us across the Styx, talking about how his boat was the newest model and that he still didn't get his raise. Nico was tapping his foot impatiently, and we couldn't wait to get off.

When it came to a stop, we all hopped off as quickly as possible and steered away from Charon. I sighed, "Man. That guy knows how to bore the daylights out of people."

Nico nodded, "You haven't even seen the worst of him, yet."

I chuckled as we walked over to the gates of the Underworld. Cerberus was inspecting every soul that made its way inside. Its three headd were drooling and snarling, and I really didn't want any dog slobber on my head, so I did the next best thing.

I stopped everyone in their tracks and let out a whistle. In no time, my trusty hellhound made her way to us. She didn't tackle me like she usually did, but she still nuzzled me. I laughed, "Okay girl. Time for a playdate. Cerberus there needs a break. Think you can help take care of him for a bit?"

She barked loudly, and I was sure that I wouldn't be able to hear anything for next few hours. The others looked the same way, but I'm sure everything was okay. It wasn't like my eardrums were about to start bleeding or anything.

She ran over to the guard dog and effectively distracted him as we all made our way past them. Nico smiled affectionately, "Cerberus hasn't been that energetic since...ever. Mrs.O'Leary really makes him happy."

Thalia snorted, "Expect puppies."

The Avengers laughed, and I grinned, "This quest isn't so bad. We might actually get through this."

Suddenly, I heard screeching in the distance, and it was most certainly coming closer. My cousins and I groaned. That screeching was way to familiar. The Furies.

"Perseus Jackson, you will pay," Tisiphone screamed.

I turned my pockets inside out, "I'm broke. I don't suppose you'll take an IOU?"

She screeched again, and Thalia hit my head, "You just had to jinx it didn't you?"

I shrugged, "What? I though that the Fates would take pity on me."

Nico and Thalia stared at me before we burst out in laughter. Nico doubled over and spoke in between laughs, "You've got to be kidding me."

The Avengers stared at us with concern before getting into fighting positions. My cousins and I calmed down before getting in the same stances.

Natasha smirked, "Let's dance."

We charged at the flying hags. I went towards Alecto, or Mrs.Dodds. I grinned, "Didn't think I'd come back from The Pit did you?"

She snarled, "What did you come back for, honey? Death?"

I rolled my eyes, "Oh c'mon! You really need better threats before I start giving you classes."

She flew at me, her talons outstretched. I sidestepped and slashed riptide down her left wing with ease. She screamed before disintegrating. Nico and Thalia were doing fine, trying to beat up Tisiphone. The Avengers, on the other hand, were having a hard time with Megaera.

She was faster than lightning, but the Avengers were still getting used to their new weapons. And without Loki's combat magic, they were sure to come out this battle with multiple scars. I ran over to them, stabbing my sword right through the Fury's heart just as she was about to attack Clint.

I looked at the Avengers, who were breathing heavily. Natasha looked at me, "How did we not kill that thing?"

Clint nodded, "I never miss my mark. How-"

I held up my hands in a placating gesture, "You guys still have to get used to your weapons. They're not as lightweight in battle as you thought they were. They're a little difficult to use when in combat. That's the magic of weapons that are crafted with godly metal. It's so that clear-sighted mortals won't be able to use them. If mortals try to use demigod weapons, the weapon immediately becomes too heavy to pick up. You guys are almost mortal, thus the weapons being heavier than they would be for a demigod."

Loki sighed, "The lower we go, the worse my magic gets. Even if it is the shield magic. The moment we reach Hades' palace, my powers will be shut off. I'll be of no use."

I thought about it, "Stay with us. I picked you for a reason, out of gut instinct. My instincts won't go wrong when I need them to be right. It's how I always know I'm in trouble."

I looked at Cap, who was wiping his scuffed shield, "I felt like a powerless kid again. It was both nostalgic and terrifying."

I nodded, "I don't blame you. Quests are hard, especially the first ones. But, you just gotta learn how to be vigilant and think on your feet. Never expect mercy from the Fates."

My cousins walked over to us, Nico leaning on Thalia for support. She looked at me with worried eyes, "Nico just found out that he can manipulate shadows."

I raised an eyebrow, "Doesn't he already do that with shadow-travel?"

Nico staggered as he stood up on his own, "I mean, I can control shadows Perce. Manipulate them to turn into things I need. I can physically hold the shadows and use them to do things. Like- like puppets. It's more than terrifying."

I put a hand on his shoulder, handing him some nectar and normal ambrosia, "You'll be okay. I know how it feels to be able to control things you shouldn't be able to."

Nico gratefully took the food and downed it in less than a few seconds. Color immediately returned to his face, and he looked a lot better, "It didn't drain me as much as my other powers, but I felt evil, Percy. I felt...wrong."

I nodded, "I know. It felt the same way when I controlled poison. I felt like a monster. I felt powerful, but it didn't drain me as much as I thought it would. Trust me. Just control yourself, and you'll be fine. Don't use the power unless completely necessary."

My cousin nodded to me, fear still present in his eyes. The Avengers, minus Loki, looked at me with worry before Cap stepped up, "What liquids can you control, Perce?"

I tilted my head, "Didn't I already tell you guys this a while ago?"

He nodded, "Tell them to us again?"

I sighed, not wanting to say anything. I looked to them, "Any liquid. Including poison and..."

Clint pushed me, "And?"

I groaned, "Blood. I can control blood and poison, okay? I control myself, though. I'm never doing it again. Ever. I'm not a monster."

I gripped my head, a splitting ache going through it. Loki immediately put a hand to my head, sending a cool pulse through it. My headache died down, and I sent out a sigh of relief, looking at Loki, "Thank you."

The Avengers looked at me apologetically. Clint looked down, "Sorry, Perce. Didn't mean to push you."

I waved him off, "It's fine. I've dealt with worse. Can't go weak now." I grinned at him. He smiled back, still not willing to look directly into my eyes. I sighed, running a hand through my hair, "Well, we still have to go to my dear old Uncle, grab the piece, and get out."

Nico scowled, "They weren't supposed to attack me." Everyone turned to him, and he just looked down, "I'm a son of Hades. The Furies were supposed to follow my command and stop attacking. But they didn't."

Thalia set a hand on his shoulder and looked at everyone, "It's gotta be something to do with the Pit himself. He's more powerful than your dad. He could be manipulating them somehow."

Nico nodded, still not fully convinced. Thalia just used an arrow to point forward, "But we can worry about the Kindly Ones later. We're already at the palace."

Nico walked ahead of us, taking the lead so that he'd be able to guide us through the palace safely. At least, that's what we thought would happen. But, ya know. The fates are some real pieces of work, so we found ourselves face-to-face with the Lord of the Underworld himself: Uncle Gloomy.

Nico bowed his head, "Dad. Good to see you."

Hades scowled, "You saw me a few days ago. You left saying something about an annoyingly handsome son of Apollo - don't know what that was about, but we need to talk about it. Anyway, what are you doing back in the palace so soon?"

Nico shrugged, "I don't know. I just wanted to show my friends around."

Hades looked to us, finally acknowledging our presence. The Avengers and Thalia were already bowing their heads in respect, knowing fully well what Hades would do to them. I just waved, "What's goin' on, Uncle?"

My dear, old uncle just dragged his hand over his face, "I'm not going to ask about, Jackson. I've had enough of him to give me a severe migraine for the rest of my immortal life." I grinned, and he continued, "But, the mortals? Cerberus should have killed them even before they got through the gates."

Nico was about to answer when I butted in, "He's playing with Mrs.O'Leary. Poor guy looked like he needed a break."

Hades shook his head, "I need to have a serious talk with that dog." He looked at me, "Why are you here? All of you?"

Everyone stopped bowing, expecting me to answer. I shifted, "A new prophecy was issued. We need the first piece of Pandora's pithos if we want to win an upcoming war."

The ground shook slightly, and Hades looked pained, "Who told you the piece was down here?"

Nico looked straight into his dad's eyes, "I did." Hades looked ready to explode, but before he could blow his top, Nico kept going, "You can punish me as you wish after we win the war, but it's necessary for the demigods' survival. You either help us and punish me later, or you make us take it with force and face the consequences."

Everyone paled at Nico's tone. He'd never talked to his father like that - especially not with a threat. Hades sighed, "Fine. You may take the piece."

The Avengers let out breaths of relief, and Hades held up his hand, "But it won't be easy. I have the most trained guards looking after it. You may recognize them Perseus, but I assure you, they won't go easy on you. To take the piece, you must fight them to the death."

I waved my hands in the air, "HOW IN THE UNDERWORLD AM I SUPPOSED TO FIGHT DEAD PEOPLE TO THE DEATH?!"

Hades just shrugged, "I'm not the one fighting them. Good luck, and don't die. Poseidon and Zeus will be at my throat. And I don't want that so-called 'annoyingly handsome' son of Apollo to come down here screeching like a harpy because my son died."

He walked away, leaving us to contemplate all terrible life decisions we made to bring us here.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I know, I know. Not the best. But, to be honest, I've been trying to update whenever I can. The long chapter hopefully makes up for the late update, but I'll definitely update soon.

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! I'll see you soon!