When Things Fall Apart

Chapter Seven

"Here you go boy, ehr, boys," Percy said, reaching into his backpack. He pulled out a big, red ball for Cerberus, who jumped up and down eagerly. He threw the ball as far as he could. The dog chased after it with delight. Percy smiled for a quick second, remembering the last time they were in this situation. Annabeth was able to tame him when all he saw them as was food.

Rather than just leaving right away, Percy ended up playing fetch with the dog for a couple minutes. It became a contest between the three heads, who could get the ball. Then, when he decided to leave, he pet them for a bit, and left through the dead lines. The dogs didn't even try to stop him, they just whimpered at the sight of him gone.

"Oh yeah," he remembered. He threw out two more balls so they didn't have to share. He waved goodbye, and they wagged their tails so much, the stalactites began to fall from the top of the ceiling.

Percy walked past the Fields of Punishment, where all he could hear were the screams of agony from those inside. He then walked past the Fields of Asphodel, and was soon looking at Elysium. His heart began to sink in his chest. Annabeth was there. For more than anything else, he just wanted to see her one last time. But then he reminded himself that after his mission, he would hopefully be there.
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"Hermes" Artemis called out of the Iris-message. He was taking a phone call and didn't seem to notice her in front of him. "Hermes!" she shouted.

"Oh, uh, Artemis, hello. Wow, this is weird, you never bother to call me. Honestly, I didn't exp-"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Listen, I need you to do me a favor."

Hermes noticed the tinge of desperateness in her voice, but he knew it was best not to comment on it.

"What can I do for you, cousin?" he asked, tucking away his George and Martha cellphone.

"I need you to get me into the Underworld. I would do it myself, but the Ancient Laws make it quite difficult."

Hermes gave her a confused look. "And why do you need to go there?"

She shook him off. "It doesn't matter, but please, do this for me."

Hermes understood that she was not in a mood to be reckoned with.

"Alright cousin, but it's gonna cost ya."
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Percy was almost to his destination. He neared Hades' palace. He knew it was best not to be noticed, so he tried to vaporize past. But it didn't work. His powers weren't as strong away from the seas. Now he had to think of another way to not be seen.

"Nephew." Percy turned around to see Hades in his chariot. So much for hiding. He looked the same as the last time Percy came down here. Although this time, his robe was blood red. Percy noticed the faces of the damned trying to escape the fabric, but Hades didn't seem to be particularly bothered by it in the slightest.

Percy bowed. "Lord Hades." A smirk started to appear on the god's face.

"You know, I always considered you an interesting creature. But I never took you for a fool. Did you really think you could just, uh, 'walk by' my palace, in my domain, and expect me not to notice?" He gave Percy a scrutinizing look.

"Listen, Lord Hades, I-"

"No, no, no, that isn't all. Not only are you here, but I sense that you have no way to escape this time." He paused. "What?" he asked rhetorically. "Thought you were just gonna teleport back to the Overworld when you finished whatever shenanigans you are up to? It's not that simple, boy," he sneered.

"Uncle, I have no reason to change your assessment of me. But your judgment is slightly off. I don't plan on leaving this time," Percy replied with no emotion.

Hades looked at him, confused. "Well, you did add some respect to my name with the wish you made after the war, so, very well. I will let you pass. I don't even care where you are going. But Perseus Jackson, if you are trying to pull off something so egregious that it goes against the Ancient Laws and Fate, I will have to stop you. This is my domain, after all."

Percy bowed again. "Thank you, Lord Hades. You have nothing to be concerned about. I will not be a bother to your kingdom."

Hades nodded his head, and Percy kept on walking.
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"Would you look at that. Two unwelcomed visitors in one day. Wow, things haven't been this odd in centuries," Hades commented. In front of him stood Artemis, who presented herself in his castle. She knew it was best not to hide from her uncle. He would have no trouble sensing her here.

"If that is what you say, Hades."

"And what brings the virgin goddess here?" he asked, on the edge of his throne.

"Have you seen Percy Jackson?" she asked him. "Olympus has been searching for him weeks, and I believe he is somewhere in your domain."

Hades nodded his head. "Well, it turns out that you are a little too late for me to know his whereabouts. I had just caught him sneaking around my palace."

Artemis' eyes widened. "Where is he going?"

"He didn't say, but if I were you, I would check the worst scenarios first. When I saw him, it appeared that he was on a kamikaze mission. He doesn't even have a way to escape. Come to think of it, neither do you." He chuckled at the thought of that.

"That isn't important. Hermes offered a round trip. But I will follow your advice. In the Overworld, he was causing massive chaos after the death of Annabeth Chase. It appears that wasn't enough for him to let go of her."

Hades chuckled. "Oh boy, do I miss the drama of the mortals. They would do anything for what they put their values in. So much, in fact, that they always ended up here. And here, their lives are just stories. The irony! Percy Jackson ended up here alive, probably to accomplish something in the name of revenge. But if you don't find him quick, I'm afraid that he will be a permanent resident sooner or later. This place isn't meant for the living. It corrupts their very fibers of existence. They put too much emotions into this place, being distraught, as if the lost souls who are suffering don't deserve their fate. I don't know why Percy is here, but you better find him quick. Or the boy will die. That is for certain." Artemis gave her uncle a slight bow, and he motioned her to leave.
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Artemis took the advice of Hades, although she hoped that she would never find Percy in some of the worst areas of the Underworld.

She sprinted around the shore of the River of Lethe, following the freshest footprints. She took a corner in the cave, and what she saw terrified her.

At the edge of a cliff stood Percy Jackson. He looked back at her, and his stern expression broke. It was like the old, naive Percy was still inside of him.

Artemis just stood at the far end of the cave. "Percy, please, come here. I've been looking for you for weeks. You've caused quite the storm across the Atlantic."

Percy gave a slightly confused look. "What do you mean?" he asked.

She replied, "After Annabeth... left... you caused an earthquake in New York, and the seas went into disarray."

Percy just looked at her. He wasn't aware of any of the damage he caused. He noticed that she was back into her older form, matching his age. He never noticed how beautiful she was. Her silver eyes were filled with the blue lights from the crystals in the ceiling of the cave. Her auburn hair was braided, sitting down her shoulder.

He frowned. "You shouldn't have came here Artemis. I didn't want anyone to go looking out for me."

She frowned. "Percy, please, just come back with me to the Overworld. Annabeth's life has passed, but you do not have to devote the rest of yours just for whatever you are trying to do."

Percy frowned as well. "I'm sorry Artemis, but I need to do this." He turned around.

"Percy, stop it! Don't do it," she yelled out at him. But it didn't work. It was too late.

Percy Jackson was falling into Tartarus.