Percy always thought Nico was right, even though he didn't want to admit it, he just made up an excuse for not going into the Underworld.

Now, he thought himself as plain stupid, knowing that going to the Underworld and meeting Hades was crucial to defeating Kronos. His denial of stepping onto the deathly grounds would put the lives of his friends in Jeopardy.

Nico paid the creepy ferryman, Charon, the nine drachmas out of his pocket, then led the demigod crew onto his ferry.

"So what is the point, actually,...for going to the underworld?" Charon asked as he pulled the anchor from the ground.

"Lord Charon, this is Hade's business that none of us know of," Nico replied, not even sparing him a glance.

Charon nodded without an answer and let them out of the ship. he held his hands out at the exit.

"Good luck with Hades, then," Charon murmured behind them, he chuckled and turned away.

"What does he mean?" Piper whispered.

"Charon is sometimes nuts, you know. We're lucky that Coach Hedge didn't come or he would've did a Chuck Norris roundhouse kick at him," Annabeth said. Despite the depressing mood of the environment, some of the demigods gave a small chortle at the vivid image of their favorite satyr wracking Charon with his club.

A huge wall was now looming overhead. "That's the wall of Erebos. The south is the entrance by the gate." Nico said, pointing south. "As you might know, there is something guarding it. Watch out for the Cerberus."

"Oh, great." Piper muttered. Percy could make out a figure of a large dog, sitting at the entrance.

Percy had met the Cerberus before. Mrs. O'Leary was the only one unfazed. She yapped, glad to be back home.

"She is always happy to see the three-headed dog." Percy said, rubbing the hellhound's ear.

As they traveled south, the huge Cerberus came into their view clearly. At the first sight, Mrs. O'Leary started to bark, and she ran towards the other dog. The Cerberus immediately got to its feet and rustled along with her.

"Hey, there really is a benefit of having Mrs. O'Leary her, right?" Leo said, "She'll keep the Cerberus busy, I hope."

Nico nodded, "That is the point," He replied. Percy and his friends were able to walk through the gates with no difficulty. After a couple more yards, they saw the figure of a huge tower that was standing sturdily overhead.

Before they could take another step, there was a gust of wind that distracted Percy.

They heard an hiss and a bunch of transparent figures flew in front of them, their forms beginning to glow until they were solid. Each spirit were holding a weapon.

"Ohhhhh!!!! They're tangible!" Leo exclaimed.

"KILL THEM!" A spirits shreiked, and they started charging at them.

Notes

Thanks to my editor/author, theteenagefandom, for making the story a good book!