Percy Jackson - Bane of Tartarus

Chapter 10

Percy's POV

A couple hours later I was in front of DOA studios. I had to talk to Nico before I go, so I summoned some water and sprayed it to make a small rainbow. I threw a drachma in it and prayed to Iris to talk to Nico. Mist rose and began forming a screen to show a pale boy.

"Hey, Nico"

"Percy!" he looked surprised "h...hi, how have you been?"

I smiled. "I'm fine Nico, just wanted to talk to you before I leave"

"Leave? Leave where?"

"Oh you know, my favorite vacation destination, Tartarus"

"What?" he practically screamed, his eyes wide. "Where are you right now?"

"Outside DOA stud.."

"Wait there" He interrupted and disconnected. After a couple of seconds I saw him jump out of a shadow of a building a few feet away from me.

"Why would you ever go back to that place?" Nico asked without wasting any time on pleasantries, anger and confusion evident in his eyes.

"Well, there is a Goddess in distress there I need to save."

"No you don't NEED to save her, she won't save you given the choice. Turn back and live your wonderful life or have you forgotten how horrible that place is. That place makes Asphodel look like Elysium."

"So, I've been told but I do need to save her as I promised Apollo I would"

"Enough with the 'need' bullshit. You know as well as I know that you don't need to do anything, Percy. You have done enough."

"He has been forbidden to save her, no one else is helping him Nico not even his father. Won't you do the same if you could save Bianca? I know I would do anything to save Estelle from any harm." My reply left him speechless as a familiar pain crawled on his face. I probably shouldn't have brought-up Bianca's name, I thought.

"I still don't want you to go Percy. This is suicide. She'll be back in a couple of years if she dies but you won't Percy" I hated getting Nico sad, I mean the guy had enough bad luck as it is. He didn't open up easily and certainly not to anyone. He is one of my closest friend and I am pretty sure I'm his. I would be more worried about leaving him alone but after he started dating Will Solace of the Apollo cabin he has been, well less Nico.

"Hey, don't worry. I'll be back in 2 weeks." I said keeping my hand on his shoulder. "I'll see you when I get back, okay?" He nodded. I turned back and entered the studio. As usual a few ghosts waiting in queue in front of a wooden desk. Behind the desk sat a man in a bright white suit, eyes fixed on the desk doing some paperwork.

"Hey Charon, nice suit. Too bright for underworld, isn't it?" I chuckled.

He looked up and replied smirking, "Well thankyou Mr. Jackson, still too alive to be here I see". I burst into laughter at this.

"Touché Charon, Touché"

"So, what brings you here Mr. Jackson? Certainly not death I see."

"I've a date" I smirked.

"Don't you have a girlfriend? Scratch that where in Hades did you find a date?"

"Oh come on, it's not that kind of date and more like Tartarus. I even got permits and everything from the people above."

"For all you have done Perseus Jackson for Olympus and even us small gods your last ride will be free. Let's go" He said standing up from his chair.

"Oh don't be dramatic Charon. I'll be back in a couple of weeks", I tried to convince myself as I followed him towards a door.

Rest of the journey was quiet. We were in a horizontal lift kind of thing. After a minute or so the doors opened and Charon said, "We are here. You can find the doors to Tartarus from here."

"Thankyou Charon" I said turning back after a few steps. He nodded and the doors closed. I could see a pair of giant black doors and decided to walk towards it. There were 8-10 skeleton warriors guarding the doors, I didn't pay much attention. As I approached the door they blocked my way with spears and swords at the ready.

"State your purpose mortal"

"My name is Percy Jackson. I have permission from Lord Hades to walk through that door". Immediately they cleared a path for me and I walked into the place that gave nightmares to even my nightmares.

So, this is the end of tenth chapter. I hope it inspired you to read the next chapter. Although I have the entire story figured out I would love to know your expectations.