Chapter 51 – A Plan Before Departing
The chaos from Hades' dramatic appearance still hung in the air of the dining pavilion scorched grass smoking faintly, campers whispering in shock as they slowly returned to their seats. The magical torches flickered nervously, casting long shadows across the marble tables still laden with half-eaten meals.
Percy walked determinedly toward Chiron, his face set with resolve amid the lingering tension. He then looked at him and said urgently: "I have to go after her now."
Chiron said calmly but firmly, his ancient eyes steady: "Percy, you don't have the Master Bolt."
Percy said stubbornly: "I told him the truth. When he realizes I'm not the thief, he'll release her. He has to."
Dante, overhearing from nearby where he stood protectively near Annabeth, started laughing a low, incredulous sound that cut through the murmurs.
Percy looked at Dante sharply and asked: "Is there something wrong with what I said?"
Dante looked at Percy with a mix of amusement and pity, shaking his head slightly, and said: "My dear uncle, are you really expecting rationality from a Greek god? They're not known for being very kind or logical when angry. Just the fact that they sent a Minotaur to kill you when they're not even sure you're the thief they're looking for shows how little they care about others' lives and only care about things that have value to them. In simple terms: as long as Hades thinks you have the Master Bolt, you and your mom have value to him—as leverage. But the moment he discovers you don't have it, then your mom becomes useless to him. And you don't want to know what he'll do to her in that situation, right? Gods aren't famous for mercy."
Chiron said gravely, nodding in agreement: "Dante is right, Percy. The fact that Hades believes you're the bolt thief is what's keeping your mother safe for now. If you go and talk to him and tell him you're not the bolt thief, you and your mother will be killed without a second thought."
Percy said desperately, clenching his fists: "So what should I do? Not go save my mom and let her die? I'll never let that happen. This is her only chance—I can't just wait."
Chiron said reassuringly yet firmly: "No. Stick to our original plan. With Dante, find the bolt, take it to Olympus, and prove your innocence. When that happens, we'll do what we can to bring your mother back safely negotiate or force the issue if needed."
Percy said worriedly: "But that will take too long. By then he might get impatient and kill her anyway."
Dante said confidently, stepping forward: "Well, I have a way to save your mom faster and cleaner."
Chiron said cautiously, his tail swishing: "Dante, the last thing we need is a fight between you and Hades that could escalate into something catastrophic."
Dante said calmly: "My plan isn't that stupid. But it's better if we talk about this somewhere that isn't the middle of a crowded dining pavilion too many ears."
Annabeth looked around at the curious campers still glancing their way and said: "Well, that's true. We can't discuss plans here with everyone listening."
Chiron said decisively: "Then let's go to my office to discuss this properly away from prying eyes."
They then walked to Chiron's office in the Big House, the path quiet under the starry night sky, the camp settling down after the scare.
Arriving there in the familiar room filled with ancient maps, scrolls, and the faint scent of old books Dante sat casually at the large table.
Annabeth sat on his lap without hesitation, settling comfortably.
Dante smiled up at her and said teasingly: "There's a chair over there, you know."
Annabeth smiled back and said: "I prefer this one. Any problem?"
Dante smiled warmly: "No problem, miss at all."
Percy said impatiently, pacing a bit: "I really don't want to ruin the mood, but can you save that for later when it's not a life or death moment? We're kind of on a clock here."
Dante held Annabeth securely in his arms and said apologetically: "Sorry. Won't happen againfocus mode on."
Chiron said, clearing his throat: "And the plan? What will it be?"
Dante said straightforwardly: "The plan is simple. I have teleportation power, but I've never been to the underworld, so I can't teleport there directly no anchor point. So the situation is simple: we find the entrance to the underworld, sneak in without Hades noticing, find Percy's mom, I get everyone out of there before Hades realizes what happened."
Percy said hopefully: "That could work. If we manage to get my mom and leave before he notices, he doesn't even need to fight no big confrontation."
Chiron said, looking at them with concern but resignation: "This is a risky plan very risky. But I know that even if I tell you not to go, you'll end up going secretly anyway. So do it. Just follow the plan carefully no deviations."
Grover said loyally: "If Percy goes, I'll go too. As his protector, I have to help him on this journey no question."
Annabeth said thoughtfully: "If we plan to find the entrance to the underworld, then I have a friend who can help us on this quest the knows things about hidden paths."
Dante, hearing that, felt a bit uncomfortable a twinge of jealousy or awkwardness and thought: Well, even knowing she didn't have anything romantic with him, it's still kinda weird meeting my girlfriend's first crush. Well, let's hold back so I don't blast a black dragon king roar in his face by accident. After all, the quest is finally starting. He's finally going to expose himself—and play his part.
Annabeth looked at Dante uncomfortably, noticing his brief silence, and asked: "What is it? You okay?"
Dante smiled reassuringly, kissed her lightly, and said: "It was nothing. Well, then take us to this friend who can help us no time to waste."
Dante then looked at Percy seriously and said: "So, are you ready? This is it."
Percy said with determination hardening his voice: "Yes, I am completely."
Dante looked at them all—Chiron watchful, Grover loyal, Annabeth by his side and said: "Then let's go. The quest has already begun