Percy Jackson - Bane of Tartarus

Chapter 17

Artemis' POV

"Anything Lord Chaos"

"I wish that you would take care of Perseus when he returns to the world above. He will be very important in the upcoming war. "My eyes were wide at his request. What does he want me to do?

"But he is a boy and he can take care of himself. Even if he needed help the Athena spawn will be there to help him." He nodded in understanding and I was relieved.

"Let me show you something" He flicked his wrist to materialize a screen showing Perseus standing in darkness talking to a dark figure that I wouldn't have recognized if it wasn't for his eyes. It was Chaos.

"....I am here to offer you a way to escape Tartarus" Chaos spoke.

"And what's the catch? I mean no disrespect but I don't believe a higher immortal like you would just help me out just out of the good of their heart" Perseus replied with complete and utter disregard to the creator

"Although there is a catch it's not me who wants something. I am here just to offer you a choice, you can take me up on my offer and escape alone or you can stay here and help Artemis escape."

"If I wanted to escape alone why would I ever come to this damned pit in the first place? I am here to rescue her and I am not leaving her alone"

"Listen carefully young hero, there will be repercussions to both choices. If you leave Artemis and escape she might fade but if you don't return the life you have worked so hard to build will crumble. Your loved ones might die. The choice is yours."

"No! I will not leave Lady Artemis alone. I came here to save her and will see it through. I will try to leave the pit early and save everyone" There was a strong determination in his eyes.

Chaos flicked his fingers and the screen dissolved into thin air. My eyes were wide in awe of the demigod. He just might have risked a chance at normal life which is rare for a demigod to save me when I probably would not have done the same. "I understand both your decisions" he said, "Someday he will have a responsibility heavier than the weight of sky itself on his shoulders. He will either rise from it or he will be crushed under it. I can only hope that you are there for him to return the favor" What does he mean by that? What kind of responsibility? Before I could ask him his expression changed and he was grinning again.

"Well, that concludes our talk today. Just a few things before I go. You might need a change of clothes, a bow, a quiver full of arrows and a pair of hunting knives" Before I could say anything he flicked his hands and a sliver bow appeared in my hand. I felt the weight of quiver on my back and something strapped to my hips which I looked down to see were a pair of silver hunting knives. As I looked down I also noticed that I was wearing a jeans very similar to Chaos, just less dark. I had black hunting shoes on, on my torso I was wearing a silver jacket tough as an armor and I could feel a tanktop beneath the jacket. My hair which was a mess, was now tied neatly in a ponytail. All in all I looked ready to take on the enemies outside. Before I could thank him he spoke again, "You're welcome and don't reveal anything about our little chat to anyone, not even to Perseus. Not until the time is right." With that he was gone and the room was back from intimidating dark to just depressing dark. I ran outside the room to see Perseus about to reach the cave exit.

"Perseus wait a moment, we need a plan" I spoke in a hushed tone while running towards the exit. He must have heard me because he stopped and turned towards me.

Percy's POV

As my surrounding turned from space to Tartarus in a blink of an eye, I stood there for a second to readjust before walking to face whoever was outside with a renewed confidence. I was about to step outside when I heard a faint voice coming from behind. I couldn't understand what the voice was saying so I turned back to see Artemis running towards me. She wasn't able to stand a minute ago and now she is running, how? Where did she get a bow and a change of clothes? Can she use all her powers here? As I was looking at her all confused she stopped and stood beside me.

"There are more important problems here than how I was healed". That definitely brought me out of my stupor and I nodded.

"We will be facing atleast Orion and Perses outside. I will take on the giant. Will you be able to hold of the titan?" After two wars she still treats me like a newbie.

"Yes, I think I can manage that" She frowned as she caught on to my sarcastic tone.

"Look boy, I know you have fought titans before but this is Tartarus and they are even powerful here. So, try to keep your overconfidence in check" There she goes again forgetting that I've been here before. I am also more powerful than before but I can't tell her that.

"I am sorry, Lady Artemis" I tried to end the conversation.

"Okay then, let's go and don't get killed" She spoke, more like muttered especially the last part while walking past me towards the exit. I quickly followed.

As we got outside the place held no sign that I just fought an army of monsters here. On the hindsight I guess it was better as the littered monster dust would have arose suspicion and I would have gotten a one way ticket to the underworld. As soon as we got out I saw Perses charging towards me and Orion aiming his bow at me with an arrow already notched. Looks like they must have smelled me but I bet they didn't expect Artemis at her 100 percent. As expected a walking Artemis seemed to have created a confusion but she did more than that. She notched an arrow on her bow and fired at Orion who was a bit late to dodge resulting in an arrow impaled right shoulder bleeding ichor profusely. The giant growled in anger.

"I do not know how your wounds healed Artemis but today is not the day you escape Tartarus. You were brought here to be my bride and my bride you shall be." I remembered his voice from my dream. I don't know about the bride part but we are definitely not leaving Tartarus today, not that I'm gonna tell him that. His tunic which was dark green now glittered gold on the right side. The anger and hate was pouring from his eyes as he shot the notched arrow towards Artemis. I don't understand that if that guy hates her so much then why make her his bride, I mean that just doesn't make sense. As I was lost in thought Perses let a war cry and once again charged me with his sledge hammer held high.

Sorry for the delay guys, I'll try updating more often. Leave your remarks to improve the story. Anyway, have a very Happy New Year guys!