Seeking Happiness

I thought Leo was annoying but he was nothing compared to Nico. He was waiting for me every morning by the forges. I should have never told him I had a plan to break out. The truth was I didn't really have a plan. I had an idea, that may or may not work. It was more of an improvised suicide mission than anything else. Even if I did break out I wasn't returning to the surface. But he was desperate to get out of here. Not that I don't blame him. Being dead sucks. But what I really didn't understand was that he is the son of Hades, shouldn't he be able to just snap his fingers and leave this place. I know he already shipped two people up to the surface why not do it again.

I sat there pounding on metal, working on my never ending project. Nico sat in the corner reading some creepy old book, glancing at me every few minutes. Finally I dropped my hammer, creating a noise loud enough to cause Nico to fall over. I crossed my arms and faced him,"Alright short stuff heres how this is going to go. I will be in here... every day. Working on a way to get out. You will be somewhere else, also working on a way out. You have some undead mojo right? Well how about you go focus on that and leave the building stuff to me." Nico screwed up his face, "I am working on my "mojo" what do you think this book is for. Im trying to remember what I did that worked the last time! And I rather be here because other than you, the only person I know is Percy. And he is in an emotional black hole right now. The guy loves water yet it looks like he hasn't bathed in weeks. So if you don't mind I'm going to sit here while you hammer away and I read."

He shoved his nose back in his book effectively closing the topic. I sighed as I washed my hands. It may be Elysium but that didn't mean you didn't need to eat. I sat down next to Nico with a sandwich and an apple. The only sound between us was my chewing and the occasional turn of a page. After a while he peaked over the top of the massive book. "So... what is your plan? If you don't mind me asking?"

I thought about it for a little bit, what was my plan? Did I even know? I put my sandwich down, "There's someone I love, a girl named Silena. She's in the fields of Asphodel. It is my mission to free her so we can be together again. As you know Elysium claims our souls and absorbs us into her paradise. It seems nearly impossible to leave. But there is a way out, but I must warn you, It is not easy. It is more than likely impossible, well everyone except Percy Jackson."
Nico's eyebrows knitted together, "I know Percy's like some never say die, badass. But he isn't immortal. If it's so hard then I would assume it would be nearly impossible for him as well."

I laughed, "Oh Nico, I would normally agree with you on the subject. No Percy is not invulnerable, he is not perfect. But... he is the son of Poseidon, and our way out... is through the water." Nico dropped his book losing his place. "It's what? The water? This is good news right?" I put up my hand to stop him. "There is a wall surrounding Elysium. But If one were to go to the beach they could possibly swim out into the ocean and go underneath it. The only problem is the wall is very far away and very deep. I have been trying to build a submarine strong enough to make the journey since I came here. As you can see its been slow progress."

His face lit up, his eyes showing more happiness then a child on his birthday, "Why didn't you tell me that earlier? This is awesome! Percy will be so excited! I have to g find him. I have to tell him. I have to , I have to..." I put my hand on my shoulder, "You have to keep reading your book. There is no guarantee it will work. Not only that, but when reach the other side of the wall we will still be in the underworld. Im sure you know your way around well enough to make it to the surface. But if you return the surface when you are supposed to be dead Thanatos will find you and bring you back. You must use the balance to secure safe passage for Percy and yourself."

He gave me a quizzical look, "What about you? Aren't you coming with us?" I shook my head and returned to my lunch, "It's going to take me a long time to find Silena. I would never ask you to wait for me. I'll work faster if I'm by myself." His eyes that were previously so happy, now looked like they were about to cry. "Yeah I've been in the Asphodel meadows before. Lots of people wandering around. I tried to find my sister in there once, but instead I found Hazel. I don't think you know her, but she's really sweet." He looked up at me with those teary eyes, "If you see someone named Bianca... tell her I said Hi."

He stood up with his book and his staff and made a quick exit. I could only assume he was off to tell Percy about the news. My heart sunk as I watched him go. I had given this by so much hope. When in reality the chances were that if anyone survived this it would be Percy, and even then it would be cutting it pretty close.

Notes