Heroes of Olympus: The Aftermath of War

APOLLO

*Rick Riordan owns all of the characters*

APOLLO DECIDED TO LURK INTO the shadows quite poetically, which was, mythologically speaking, a very hard thing for a fabulous Sun god such as himself to achieve in times of crisis. It required self control and lots of training, and Oreos! This had taken him almost 4,000 years to master, yet he still had had his doubts, in some situations. The tune of the current event was not, by all means, melodic to his ears. And he was the god of music. He knew a heart-wrenching piece when he heard one.

Percy Jackson swore to unleash horribly made poems and haikus and off-key songs if he wouldn't shut his mouth. That demigod. He and his father were so dramatically annoying. Poseidon could get into his nerves easily, so to speak. Especially when he turned one of his very talented students, Veronica Gala, into a dolphin. Did you ever know who the supposed-to-be infamous Veronica Gala was? Oh, right. You didn't, because Poseidon made things tricky by doing the 'magic' before her debut. What a guy.

The three unidentified Minotaur-like monsters stood eerily before them, being responsible Tartarus citizens through passing on a dreadful message which even Apollo himself did not want to remember for an entire millennia. His father was obviously brewing up his punishment delightedly. If he got back to Mount Olympus, Apollo would surely be taking a hundred-year nap. [Dear reader, let me assure you, it wasn't a big deal for gods.]

Annabeth, Hazel and Piper were already taking their aims at the monstrous creatures, studying their sizes and taking it to account, before throwing their hardcore daggers (plus one Cavalry sword) at them. As if by some outstanding miracle, the beasts immediately caught it with one hand and tossed it back at the demigods---harshly. Rachel Dare barely had time to duck when it almost hit her head, now sitting awkwardly on the ground after necessary measures to ensure life safety. Frank, son of Mars, had the other dagger and the blade shooting towards him, morphing himself into a hamster in panic (the said rodent was too small to be the two weapons' target).

"And now I know never to trust Artemis with 'favors'." Hazel said, seeing Frank transform back into a human. "Her definition doesn't fit my standards."

"It's not her fault!" Apollo argued, still trying to keep a low profile (he didn't want to be eaten alive by monsters). "By all means, get my blessing and blame Father for once!"

"We don't want your blessing!" the demigods snapped back.

The deity felt like the character who played Faithful Johannes. Everybody doubted him at the moment, as if he were some person who turned out to be worthless. Back then, the Greeks always yearned for his abundant blessings and fabulous gifts. Even Frank Sinatra seemed nice.

"Apollo, listen." Percy said, gesturing at the monsters. "They have a message for you."

"Fine," he rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. "What?"

Annabeth put a finger over her mouth, glaring at him. Great. Why did Athena's daughter hate him so much? Perhaps she didn't, and he was overreacting."Quiet down," her index finger seemed to say.

Yep, let's settle with that observation.

"The Sun is soon to set,

Upon half blood and its nest.

Good riddance is what's best,

For the teenage god and his guests.

Turn the other way around,

To ensure a healthy sound.

Monsters best left to be,

If victory is to come and agree."

As if on cue, the creatures disappeared, leaving patches of black, goo-like substance on the ground. He felt the need to puke. Now that was just disgusting. Do they even have manners and good breeding? Apollo should really talk to Hades concerning the beasts' attitudes. Maybe he'd even have the heart to suggest etiquette lessons being taught in Tartarus. Yes, it was a great idea! He'd gain recognition afterwards!

"I hate ridiculously hard prophecies," Piper shook her head. "What are we going to do now?"

"Get out of here, obviously." Annabeth sighed, giving the dagger back to Piper. "Er, do you have a place in mind?"

"I've never witnessed monsters---whatever those were---give prophecies before," Jason said, apparently surprised. "I mean, it's not normal."

"Believe me," Percy replied, staring at the sky, "Demigods never know what 'normal' or 'sane' is, man."

Nobody argued with that.

"I know a place," Rachel squeaked. "Just...follow me and my pegasus."

"Oh, no problem." Percy grinned, whistling. "I'll call Blackjack."

"Game on," Jason smirked. "Tempest is on his way."

"Seriously, guys?" Hazel laughed, leaving all of them stunned as Arion appeared in a snap. "You can do better than that."

Dionysus's wine, these kids had awesome rides. He desperately wished he had his Sun chariot today, since now would be the perfect time to boast about it. Apollo'd jive to see the look on their faces. "Oh, boo." the Fates seemed to reply. "You're Lester, and riding the chariot will dispose of your mortal body. Sorry, request not processed."

Sometimes, he hated those three. Apollo didn't know what Hades could see in them. Potential?

"And what are we?" Piper rolled her eyes in an amused yet slightly annoyed way. "Damsels in distress?"

"If you want to be..." Percy murmured, earning him a playful smack from Annabeth.

"Sorry to cut the conversation short, but," Apollo paused. "Where will I ride?"

"Compliments from the pack, Your Highness," Percy replied, mounting Blackjack and helping the daughter of Athena get on the pegasus. "You'll be riding Mrs. O'Leary over here."

"Our pleasure," Jason added, looking pleased with himself as a ventus who appeared to be Tempest showed up. "Be comfortable throughout the journey!"

"Hey, you and I will be sharing her together!" Tyson grinned, pulling Apollo closer to the Underworld hellhound until he got on its back. "I'm delighted!"

The 'sharing' thing was starting to sound like Aphrodite and Persephone's label on poor Adonis. Except, he didn't take care of Mrs. O'Leary when she was just a newborn, I guess.

"Bob and Small Bob will ride Damasen's Maeonian drakon," Bob announced, eyeing Leo and Calypso. "You'll be with the metal dragon, I assume?"

"Yep." Calypso nodded. "But I think a game of 'Finish Line' doesn't suit our current situation."

"Race to the finish line?" Leo asked, grinning wickedly. Calypso facepalmed.

"We're in," Percy, Jason, and Hazel replied, apparently hyped. Apollo made a mental note to hold on tight.

"So are we," Damasen, Bob, and Tyson added. He definitely needed to hold on tight now. Gulp.

The deity reminisced on what they, the [not-so-acquainted] Olympian family, had done over the past thousand years. Pick a fight on each other? Punish their fellow god or goddess into becoming mortal (*cough* him *cough*)? Hestia was a way of bringing them together, but even she seemed to be holding back. And now, seeing the demigods, he thought about it. When was the last time they played UNO? Did he ever share his Oreos with them? How would---

"Go!" Leo shouted, sending him to hold on for dear life as Mrs. O'Leary ran swiftly away from Central Park.