-o-o-o-o-o-

As we descended down, we walked through the gates and I had an uneasy feeling already. "Nico, we're going to Hades' palace aren't we?" He sighed and nodded his head. "I'm sorry, Percy." he flicked his hand and the shadows around him moved towards me. They grabbed me but then stopped and retreated back. Nico was confused. So was I.

"W-What?" He turned around and saw Hades standing there. The Lord of the Underworld snapped his fingers and Nico vanished. He opened his palm and blew that dust in his hand. I'm pretty sure I've seen it before. Before I could say anything, I stumbled and someone caught my arms. I looked up and Dad sighed in relief. I hugged him tightly. "Dad." He chuckled and hugged me back.

He let me go and placed both hands on my shoulders. "Come, we haven't got much time," he said and we walked out of the gates. "Where's Nico?" Hades smiled, "He's in his room. He won't remember what happens. Now, I heard that you were going to bathe in the river of Styx," he said and crossed my arms.

I chuckled nervously and ran a hand through my hair. "Dad, I have to. Kronos is coming. He bathed in the river of Styx. If he becomes any stronger, we'll never beat him and he'll destroy you all," my voice cracking. Tears threatened to fall. I didn't realise that my heart, mind and body were tired until now. Everything had been happening that I was processing much. I didn't realise I was afraid until now. It was worrying really.

He wiped them away and sighed. "I know, kiddo. I know."

"I won't stop you. But be careful. Hecate helped me. She was able to make this last a little longer," he said. Holy shit. "Thank you thank you thank you!" I hugged him. He laughed, "You remember how to use your powers?" I nodded my head. I waved my hand and the shadows moved following my hand. "Kick some ass, my boy." I smiled and hugged him one last time.

"Thank you."

He snapped his fingers and Nico appeared. The son of Hades stumbled and Percy caught him. "I'm fine. We have to hurry before Hades realises," he said. I raised an eyebrow.

"Okay?"

We arrived at the River of Styx.

"So . . . I just jump in?"

"You have to prepare yourself first," Nico said, "or the river will destroy you. It will burn away your body and soul."

"Sounds fun," I muttered.

"This is no joke," Nico warned. "There is only one way to stay anchored to your mortal life. You have to . . ."

He glanced behind me and his eyes widened. I turned and found myself face-to-face with a Greek warrior.

For a second I thought he was Ares because this guy looked exactly like the god of war—tall and buff, with a cruel scarred face and closely shaved black hair. He wore a white tunic and bronze armour. He held a plumed war helm under his arm. But his eyes were human—pale green like a shallow sea—and a bloody arrow sticking out of his left calf, just above the ankle.

I stunk at Greek names, but even I knew the greatest warrior of all time, who had died from a wounded heel.

"Achilles," I said.

The ghost nodded. "I warned the other one not to follow my path. Now I will warn you."

"Luke? You spoke with Luke?"

"I have to," I said. "Otherwise I don't stand a chance."

Achilles lowered his head. "Let the gods witness I tried. Hero, if you must do this, concentrate on your mortal point. Imagine one spot of your body that will remain vulnerable. This is the point where your soul will anchor your body to the world. It will be your greatest weakness, but also your only hope. No man may be completely invulnerable. Lose sight of what keeps you mortal, and the River Styx will burn you to ashes. You will cease to exist."

"I don't suppose you could tell me Luke's mortal point?"

He scowled. "Prepare yourself, foolish boy. Whether you survive this or not, you have sealed your doom!"

With that happy thought, he vanished.

Nico looked hesitant, "Percy, maybe he's right." I stared at him.

"This was your idea."

"I know but he—"

"Just wait on the shore. If anything happens, then you're going to be the child of the prophecy," I said. He nodded his head, "Goodluck."

Before I could change my mind, I concentrated on the small of my back—a tiny point just opposite my navel. It was well defended when I wore my armour. It would be hard to hit by accident, and few enemies would aim for it on purpose.

I walked into the river and my knees felt like jelly. They gave way and I fell into the river. I face planted into the river and submerged. For the first time, I felt what it was like to be unable to breathe underwater. My lungs were burning and I knew that I was drowning.

"I'm Percy."

"Mrs O'Leary! We have a new friend!"

"And fire," Artemis said. The arrow sailed past and the image changed again.

My memories were fading. I was starting to forget who I was. "Kiddo!" I turned around and saw dad grinning at me.

"You have many adventures ahead of you," he said. Mom was beside him too. "You will always be a hero," she said and kissed his forehead.

Everything came back to me. Until finally, I was left tin an empty void. Everything around me was a mix of pitch black and red. After a moment, I realised that I was in the River of Styx.

"That is correct, Perseus."

I turned around and standing there was a lady. She had long flowy black hair and brown eyes. As if something clicked in my head, I knew who she was.

"Lady Styx."

She smiled and nodded her head. "What are you doing here? Not that I'm being disrespectful or anything," I said and quickly added the last part. She chuckled lightly, "I am here to give you my blessing." I was bewildered.

Me?

"Yes, you."

I raised an eyebrow. She shrugged her shoulders. "Why me?" I asked.

She placed her hands on my shoulders and looked at me. "You are about to face dangers no other heroes have or should face. Many things await you. You are powerful. One day, you will understand," she said. She stood back and waved her hand.

A rush of air swirled around me. I felt a lot more powerful. I could hear screaming and promises from different people. "You have the blessing of the River of Styx. You will be able to reign chaos onto the world and the River is where you are always welcomed," she said. I raised my eyebrow at her.

"Is it because one of my patrons gave me control over Order?" She smiled and nodded her head.

"Very good, Perseus."

"Percy."

She laughed. "You best return to the surface. Your friend is anxious," she said and flicked her hand. I was shot out of the River and landed on the sand. I gasped and coughed. "Percy!"

I laid down on the sand and took in deep breaths.

"Are you all right? Did it work? Do you feel more powerful?" He asked. I flicked my hand and the shadows at the sides started to move and form into a black portal. Nico gaped. I smirked slightly at his reaction as I stepped through.

-o-o-o-o-o-

A/N: Hi. I'm back peeps.
........
And I'm sorry for not updating. If there are any errors please correct me. Thanks.

Edit: I just remembered Nico doesn't follow him into the battle. Not yet at least.