Annabeth's pov

-So what do we do now?

Percy asked. Grover and Percy had woken up a few minutes ago. I gave them a quick rundown. Pherusa and Dynemene had gone off to do some sort of sale, no matter how old you are, it's not unusual to like shopping, right? Although they looked down on us.

-I dunno, I've been thinking since I woke up. All we have is one Drachma, all our weapons were taken.

I said, shrugging my shoulders.

-Can't you teleport?

Percy asked, his voice curious and somewhat helpless.

-It's called Shadow Travel and it's basically a form of shadow travel from one place to another. How am I supposed to do that when I can't even move my legs?

I said, explaining Shadow Travel in the most understandable way.

-Really? Can't you teleport multiple people at once too?

Percy asked. I had a feeling he had wanted to ask this question for a long, long time but had only just gotten around to it now.

-No, I'm already exhausted by myself. Adding you guys would probably make me faint on the spot. And besides, it could go wrong, and if it does, it's extremely dangerous.

I said. That's right, Shadow Travel, you don't want to accidentally go to a strange place. Worse, into places like a volcano, the ocean, or something.

-So there's no other way or what? I can't burn the rope, you can't shadow travel. And according to you, we'll have to face a sea god later??

Percy said, if he could cross his arms, he would definitely do that.

-I remember you can control earth and rocks, right?

Grover asked me. When I first came to camp, I caused a few earthquakes due to my mental instability, so he probably remembers this.

-Yeah, but I have to move my legs to control them as I want. With my legs tied like this...

I said.

-Hic, I'm not ready to be grass yet..

Grover said.

-I'm not ready to be ash either.

Percy said. Then both he and Grover looked at me.

-You guys were expecting it to continue... Well, I'm not ready to be my godly sister's domain??

I said. I'm not good at this kind of stuff.

-Actually, we were expecting you to say that you have some kind of supernatural power that can save us like the main characters in comics when they're pushed into a corner.

Percy said.

-I'm not sure I have any powers I don't know about. Training in hell, literally, isn't just for fun.

I said. I don't know if I have any powers I don't know about. Hades would have to tell me, right? He looked desperate enough to tell me all about my potential and train it, after all he was expecting a skilled hero, not a weak little girl who wouldn't know what to do when faced with monsters.

-You did mention being down in Hades' castle.

Grover said, none of them had really thought about it when I said it, other than whether there were any electronics down there.

-Hey, do you guys want to bet?

Percy asked us. Before I had time to think about it, then..

-Wait guys..! Someone's coming!

Grover exclaimed quite softly. Pherusa and Dynemene must be back.

-Oh?

Percy said.

-Come on, you guys pretend to be unconscious.

I told the two of you.

-I can't believe we got that deal.

Dynemene said, sounding quite excited.

-But having to order it and have him deliver it is such a hassle. Ugh, if only mortals could just throw it into the ocean without asking!

Pherusa complained. It was true, when you ordered things online in the Underworld, you had to go all the way to the mortal world to pick them up, which was tiring even though I had never ordered anything online before.

-Heh..

Percy smirked a little. I didn't understand why he did that. But then I soon understood, he spat a large flame from his throat. He could do that?? I didn't think of that! He's like a dragon..

-So we still have to use fire in the end??

Grover complained. Fire is not good for plants.

-What the hell??-

I asked him.

-Shut up and pretend to be unconscious! Didn't you say that??

Percy said. He told us to pretend to be unconscious. I immediately understood his plan. I pretended to be unconscious.

-Fire!? Where did it come from!? Oh right, and those demigods! It's no good!!

Dynemene screamed and ran straight into the cave. I didn't know if she meant us or them by "it's no good".

-Calm down you idiot! Water! Water! We have to put out the fire first and then see if those kids are still alive!!

Pherusa shouted. I could see that she was losing her temper just like her sister. Yes, she had fallen for it, logically speaking, this fire was clearly a trap that anyone could see through, but in a panicked state, it was hard. This was really a bet, if Pherusa and Dynemene stayed calm, we lost, but if they panicked, we won. And we seemed to be winning.

Then I felt the humidity in the air increase. And water.. I tried to wiggle my hand, put the Dramach in my mouth while Pherusa and Dynemene were still focused on the fire and spit it out of my mouth (okay, I know it sounds unhygienic but I can't throw Dramach with my hands tied, understand?).

-Hades, Hades's castle, The Underworld, Los Angeles! I Beg the Goddess Iris to grant!

I cried out. From the flickering screen of the rainbow, my father's gloomy face appeared. This also attracted the attention of Pherusa and Dynemene. Their faces were blank, realizing that they had fallen into a trap.

-We were kidnapped by um... Triton? In some cave, it seems to be near Colorado.

I said, to be honest, I didn't know what to say. Hades and I had always had a certain awkward distance.

Hades nodded, seeming to understand. I figured I probably didn't need to tell him where I was because Hades could basically locate my life source and come looking for me. Or wait for him to check my condition with his divine powers, but I was afraid I would be fish food by then.

Then the rainbow screen disappeared. I guessed it was because Pherusa and Dynemene had stopped releasing water. I gulped. Would I survive until Hades sent Alecto or someone else?

-Ha, I should have known that fire was just a trick of that brat Haephatus, right? Well, you're lucky I haven't seen this trick in centuries, otherwise you wouldn't have fooled me.

Pherusa shouted. Percy had stopped breathing fire, and now he and Grover were sweating profusely. I don't know if it's the tension or the heat of the fire or the water droplets, I don't really care.

-What do we do with them now? Lord Triton is still nowhere to be seen.

Dynemene asked, she didn't seem as angry as her sister but she clearly wouldn't object if Pherusa suggested to torture us.

I now took the time to look at both of their appearances. Needless to say, they were the color of the sea. Dynemene had long black hair that reached her chest and Pherusa had short brown hair. Their eyes were the blue of the vast ocean. Dynemene was the woman I saw in the river.

- Normally, I would have crushed these guys. But you should feel lucky, the lord of the sea wants the goods alive and intact.

Pherusa said still annoyed. I guess that was the silver lining in all this bad luck, though it didn't make things any better.

-Hey, Hades brat. Do you know who I am?

Pherusa asked me. I didn't want to piss her off.

-You're Pherusa one of the 50 Nereids and the other girl is Dynemene, right?

I said. Even though that sounded too general.

-That's too general. Geez, it's annoying, every time we're mentioned it's "Thetis's sister", "Amphitrite's sister". Your father doesn't like my sister.

Pherusa said irritably, I think she's seen this too many times. I tried to search my memory. I had read Greek mythology and stories related to the Underworld a few years ago when I was at Camp Half-Blood. But most of the time I'm not really interested in them so it's quite difficult.

"Your father doesn't like my sister"? Dynemene? Hades doesn't like Dynemene? Wait? I suddenly remembered a story that someone in Underworld told me, at that time I didn't really pay attention but now the memory suddenly appeared in my mind.

-Dynemene! She was the sea goddess who committed suicide because of her dead mortal husband and took her close maid with her! But then she escaped from hell..

I exclaimed. I suddenly remembered this story, it's not famous. Dynemene and Pherusa.. I remember now, they are the Nereids sisters whose strength and power are linked to the strong waves of the sea.

-It seems like i am still the more famous one between the two of us? Even though that story isn't very interesting.

Dynemene said, her mouth slightly curling up. Actually, I think fooling hell is a pretty cool accomplishment. Now that I think about it, Pherusa did say something about Dynemene's obsession with her dead husband and how Dynemene thought death was scary and humans were fragile.

-Going to hell to find someone you love..

Percy whispered softly. It seemed like he was judging Dynemene for literally going to hell for her husband. Even though she had failed.

-You're the first person this century to recognize me, you know?

Dynemene said, her anger at being tricked seemed to have dissipated because she was recognized. I was secretly pleased.

-Since I'm quite happy, I'll tell you something, okay? I threw all your weapons into the river.

Dynemene said it as if it were as natural as eating. Not that I hadn't guessed it but ugh, the Stygian sword I was planning on naming...

-That's not very good news huh..

Percy said. Grover nodded. Suddenly there was the sound of monsters outside the cave, creatures from hell. I could feel them. This distracted the Nereids.

-I'll go deal with the monsters! You stay there and try to contact Triton and keep an eye on him.

Pherusa exclaimed and ran towards the cave entrance. Dynemene immediately tried to contact Triton with Iris Message but it didn't seem to work.

-Damn, why can't I?

Dynemene complained, running her hand through her black hair, scratching it.

-Sorry, Chase. It's going to be hot.

Percy said and blew fire to burn the rope on my leg. But he didn't seem to be used to it so my pants started to burn too. Even through a layer of jeans I could feel the heat (I had focused the cold air on my legs if you ask, had been doing it since Percy started breathing fire). I understood why he did it. He had no other choice, if he burned the rope that was tying the three of us together, Grover, I would be in much more danger than if I just burned the rope on my leg and a bit of my pants. Even though I loved these jeans very much, there was no other way.

-Burn that girl's leg!? Are you crazy!? Are you trying to kill yourself and all of you!?

Dynemene said in panic, then sprayed water on my leg to put out the fire. But that was enough to weaken the rope to the point that I could break it myself. My leg was freed.

I used my foot to kick the ground hard. A sharp and sturdy rock appeared between Percy and me. The three of us tried to use all our strength to create friction between the rope and the rock to cut the rope.

-Wha- these brats!

Dynemene walked towards us. Suddenly we heard Pherusa outside, struggling with the monsters. This made Dynemene lose focus.

-Pherusa?!

Dynemene cried out, her face looking towards the cave entrance, worried. I didn't know what kind of monster Hades had sent, but it was really effective. After a minute, we had cut the rope.

After escaping. I grabbed the two boys' shoulders and Shadow Traveled to about 500m away from the cave. I felt my limbs go weak immediately. My whole body felt like it was being sucked out of life. I almost fell to the ground if Percy and Grover hadn't supported me.

-Where are we!?

Percy asked, looking around, observing everything. It was almost noon. We were in a forest surrounded by trees. I don't know if there are forests in Colorado or if we're even in Colorado. Because judging by the time we've been kidnapped for about 13-14 hours. But the clothes only stayed dry for about 3-4 hours? Um, did they transport us in a fish tank or something?

-500 meters to the cave..that's the furthest I can get us without passing out..And the most detailed distance I can give.

I said, panting quite heavily. I was taller than both Percy and Grover so they both had to put their arms around my shoulders to carry me.

-Grover, can you navigate the forest? At least to the main road or somewhere we can rest??

Percy asked. His face turned to look at Grover.

-I'm not that confident but I'll try.

Grover smiled reassuringly at both Percy and me. Our situation was dire, our bags, weapons, Alisk were all gone and we were lost in the forest. Even the most optimistic person would have trouble being optimistic in this situation.

-------------

We walked around the forest for who knows how long but I was getting more tired with each passing day. I wished there was Nectar or just a normal mortal energy drink would be fine.

This could have been a great picnic with the green trees, the beautiful sky, the sun not too harsh, the birds flying in the sky singing. But unfortunately, we are demigods, how can we have a moment of peace.

While I was dreaming about water, suddenly we heard arguing.

-Why?! Dad!?

Triton's voice shouted from the right about 200-300 meters away from us. It seemed like he was calling IM with Poiseden.

-Hey don't tell me that's..

Percy asked. Grover nodded to confirm Percy's question. Percy gulped. A child of fire facing a sea god?

-I know someone is there.

Triton said. The three of us jumped back.

-Hey, can we run?

Percy asked, his voice shaking.

-We can't run.

Grover said. We just escaped Pherusa and Dynemene and then we ran into Triton? What kind of fate is this?? And it seems Triton called Im with Poiseden? I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

Triton turned off IM and headed straight for us. The three of us couldn't move our feet, partly because we were shaking, and partly because even if we ran, we knew we wouldn't be able to escape.

Triton had black hair tied in a ponytail and green eyes the color of the ocean. He looked young, probably in his mid-20s, even though he was over 3,000 years old. Hades had said that the sea gods were half-fish, half-human, but perhaps because they were on land, Triton had legs.

-I knew Pherusa and Dynemene would get through you! Huh, you brats!

Triton said, his face showing anger and displeasure. He was walking very close to us. A trident appeared in his hand, though I had no idea where it came from, but he was a god.

-What kind of day is it today? The Arizona base was raided and they let these brats escape.

Triton said, sighing. So we're in Arizona or what? Oh no, I can't fight, Grover and Percy certainly can't even hold Triton back for more than a second.

-Can we make a proposal? Doesn't Poiseden have a demigod son? What if I shout it to the world?

I said.

-Ha? Do you really think I care about that brat? Just be ridiculous.

Triton said, he chuckled.

- You don't care about that demigod kid, but surely you care about the honor of the sea and Poiseden, right? Poiseden's honor would be greatly diminished if the story of the sea lord having a demigod, breaking his oath, was revealed, wouldn't it?

Percy said. We were desperate enough to try to convince Triton.

- Huh... You... think that will scare me? I just need to kill you before you can do anything.

Triton said, he smirked a little. I had a feeling he had just had an argument with his father and was angry, and we were unlucky enough to be the place to satisfy his anger. Even though I had to keep myself alive, looking at Triton's face and his question right now, it was hard to do so...at the very least, we were about to be beaten to a pulp.

-What if we help that demigod? You can't guarantee their safety, right? What if we help them survive? You saw how Annabeth suffered, right? You wouldn't want your child to suffer the same, would you?

Grover said. What was he talking about?? Triton didn't care about that demigod at all? He might even be happy if he died!

-Enough of your nonsense, Ridiculous! What are you trying to tell me? Are you going to compete for comedian of the year? Then I'll fail you in the first round.

Triton said. He was clearly surprised, but quickly put it aside.

-No, I'm not talking to you..I'm talking to Poiseden..

Grover said. I see, he wants to exchange our help with that demigod for our safety. Offer help instead of threatening?

Suddenly behind Triton appeared a 2.5D illusion of Poiseden. Speaking of Poiseden's appearance, he had the same appearance as Triton but was much more mature and older than Triton. And he also looked more relaxed than his eldest son.

-Are you making an offer to me? Young Satyr?

Poiseden said. He rubbed his chin as if thinking. But his presence even through the illusion screen was extremely overwhelming. Not like Hades, Poiseden was the type that no matter how relaxed he was, you would still feel an invisible pressure on his shoulders.

-Yes, sir.. Think about it. If Annabeth helps, wouldn't Hades spare your son? Do you know how angry the god of the underworld would be when he hears about you..um, breaking your oath?

Grover continued. Normally, Grover was a very shy and easily frightened boy, but today, when he spoke so clearly in front of the sea king, I was very surprised. And the offer actually sounded pretty good, coming from someone who was also a Big 3.

-And Annabeth, Percy, and I would be more than happy to help! Right?

Grover then turned his head to me and Percy. Well, I can understand how stressful it is to look at a god's face for too long.

-Yes, yes, of course!!

Percy said and nodded very quickly. It seemed like he was overwhelmed but then he was suddenly pulled in and startled.

Suddenly, everything I had experienced as a daughter of Hades played out in my head. The monster hunt, the loss, the alienation, the guilt, the wounds, the scars all over my body... But the laughter, the crying... All of them. They were painful memories that I feared would haunt me every night. The selfish and childish part of me felt extremely angry and wished that someone else would go through everything I had gone through, everything I had gone through.

It was a terrible thought, a very terrible thought. I understood. It was not the thought of a hero that everyone wanted. But was I a hero? The answer is no.I couldn't stop the thoughts and feelings that were rising in my heart.

I looked up at Grover again, as a solution to escape the dark thoughts in my head. My heart stopped, Grover was shaking so much, it wasn't hard to guess but it hit me hard in some way. I remembered Thalia, Luke, my dad, Hades, my stepmom and Bobby and Matthew.

-Of course!

I said in a breathless voice.

What the hell was I thinking? I couldn't let these ugly feelings and thoughts get to me. I didn't want anyone to be affected by me anymore? Was I going to throw away my life and go back to being a selfish child? I couldn't forget the promise I made. Never!

Damn it...why do I still feel so bad? I'm not a hero, I'm far from the definition of a good person...I'm hesitant to protect someone from what I've been through...what kind of person am I? This is the journey to becoming the person I've always wanted to be...

Not to mention, if I say no, Poiseden might call the fish and take us away. Tsk, I'm such an idiot...looks like I need to learn how to control my emotions again. And how to be a human. Feeling like this isn't right, right?

-I'll accept your offer. If you promise to bring Zeus' lighting back before the solstice.

Poiseden said.

-Okay, we'll definitely bring it back!

Percy said. He had been sweating for a while now.

-Then let's make a deal.

Poiseden said, smiling.

-Okay, let's do it..

The three of us said in unison.

-But, Dad?! Obviously..!

Triton exclaimed, clearly against this.

-Triton, as the future king, you shouldn't interfere in other people's business. You still have a lot to learn.

Poiseden said and the 2.5D illusion disappeared. Triton cursed in ancient Greek and glared at us with murderous eyes before disappearing.