Percy Jackson - Bane of Tartarus

Chapter 3

Percy's POV

"Apollo, what...how..you look different. Percy told me about your 'condition' but I never imagined this", Annabeth said recovering from the shock. At this Apollo gave a painful laugh. Something was seriously wrong with him and I should ask, I thought.

"So, Apollo. My question remains what made you break your promise and come to me when I specifically asked not to be disturbed by matters of Olympus." I asked him trying to balance my annoyance and concern for him. He tensed quickly and his face turned pale.

"Olympus doesn't need your help, I do." he muttered looking at the floor.

"Why me Apollo? Have I not done enough for you Gods? Everytime I try to get out of your mess of a family I am pulled back. Give me one good reason why I should help you when you don't know how to keep a simple promise and isn't it supposed to be your quest?" I lost my composure. I stopped when I saw Annabeth glaring at me.

Annabeth put her hand on Apollo's left shoulder and spoke gently, "You know very well Apollo that we have and would jump at a chance to help you or any God for that matter but we aren't the same people we were a year ago. Things have changed, we have life here. I'm really sorry but I'm not sure we would be able to help you."

Apollo looked up at Annabeth first then at me. He looked as if he was on the verge of crying, then he spoke in a cracked voice, "I know you have no reason to believe me Percy but please believe me when I say that I fully intended to keep my promise, that is why I first prayed to all the Gods and then asked every demigod I could find in both the camps. You are my last hope Percy, but do not think for a second that I need your help with my quest. I do not care if I complete my quest or even I live or die. I need your help with something else."

This peaked my interest. Although I could see Annabeth also interested in the matter she seemed like she was trying to put some distance between her and Apollo by laying back on the chair. I asked him then, "what is it if not your quest?"

He started looking at floor again then spoke, "have you spoken to Thalia lately?"

That was an unexpected question, wait I haven't spoken to Thalia for more than two months, it is hard to make time for everyone with the busy college schedule, oh Gods did something happen to her? "No, I have been busy with college. Why, did something happen to her?" I tried to stay calm.

"Don't worry, she is okay physically. Emotionally not so much. That is why I'm here" Apollo replied.

Something wasn't right. Why would Apollo come all the way here to inform me of Thalia's emotional state? And since when did Apollo care how Thalia felt? Why would Apollo cry over Thalia's emotional health? I knew I didn't have all the facts, so I stayed quiet and continued to listen. Annabeth would be proud of my deduction skills, she has rubbed quite a bit on me.

Apollo continued, "About a month ago, the hunters' camp was hit by an army of about 100 monsters. The hunters fought and won but that attack left them drained and vulnerable to another assault. As the hunters were catching their breath after the battle, Gaia got hold of Artemis. Artemis fought with every ounce of strength she had but was dragged to Tartarus."

I was looking at him with my eyes wide. Gaia, that name sent shivers down my spine. We had defeated her. She should have been in slumber. How could she have the power to drag an Olympian down to Tartarus much less Artemis a warrior Goddess? "I am sorry Apollo, but how is Gaia still awake?" I genuinely felt sorry for him but I had a lot of questions like what can I do to her and why doesn't he help her?

"Gaia is a primordial deity. She didn't awake abruptly and she won't sleep as such. Although her strength is waning fast, she can still plot and scheme and pull minor stunts like that. Just not for long. Artemis would have survived the attempt had she not been tired and bruised from the fight with the army of monsters that Gaia sent." Apollo explained.

"What can I do that you and the Gods can't?" I had an idea about what he was going to ask me and I had my answer ready. No one is going to drag me to that pit again.

"Gods have refused to interfere as usual. I can't as I am bound to servitude to a demigod who has been warned by Zeus himself. Zeus has also instructed the camps not to venture into Tartarus in search of Artemis right now. He had ordered to wait till Gaia falls asleep completely. So, you see Percy Jackson how you truly are my last hope of saving my sister. I'll beg if I have to but please save my little sister. She won't survive that long." He started crying as he finished and I couldn't help but feel sorry for him and angry at the Gods who have shown their true color this time. They would abandon their own daughter and family to save their skin. This was a new low even for Olympians. I looked towards Annabeth who gestured me towards bedroom, I nodded and left to the bedroom saying I needed a minute.

So, this was chapter 3. I would really love some reviews and remarks seeing as it's my first time writing a fanfic or any story for that matter. So help me out will ya!