Coughing and spitting out the fiery contents of the Phlegethon, Percy, drowning in and out of consciousness, made his way to the outer bank as quickly as he could. The pain was unimaginable, making his body go into shock. How he was even conscious, he didn't know. All he did know was that he needed to get out of the river now!
"Fuck!" The son of Poseidon coughed out as more of the water drenched him, getting in his eyes which felt like putting ghost pepper liquid in them. After a moment longer that felt like an eternity, he managed to grab hold of a glass shard that seemed to be embedded in the edge of the bank. It took all of his strength to pull himself out, his body feeling like wet concrete. Screaming out in agony as the glass cut his hand deeply, he did his best to ignore the pain and crawl out of the water.
Breathing inconsistently, he rolled onto his back and looked up at the foggy sky of Tartarus. How? That was the only word he could think of at the moment. How?! How in the world did he manage to survive something like that? Raising his cut hand sluggishly to his face, he watched as the deep, bloody wound began to heal itself thanks to the river's water still dancing on his skin.
There was his answer. The river's power managed to save him albeit almost killing him in the process. Checking his body, he realized that the water seemed to heal his broken bones and stopped the internal bleeding. Even the gaping wound from the sword Gaea drove into him was gone now.
"Holy shit." Percy exhaustedly laughed, groaning as he slowly got to his feet. He needed to take it slow. His body was still sore from basically being ripped apart and put back together again. Looking out at the river, he couldn't believe he actually managed to survive the fall yet again. He knew the Fates weren't going to allow him to die just yet. They loved to prolong his suffering. "I'm sick of being your plaything." He muttered out to the wind, having half the mind to just jump back into the water and end it all.
Shivering as the pain of the Phlegethon's power still vibrated throughout his bones, he decided against that action and instead began to check what all he had on him.
"Ripped jeans, shirt, and a pen…wonderful!" The son of Poseidon sarcastically said. No food or water just like last time. Except this time, he didn't have Annabeth. Seeing her face in his mind drove a stake of sadness into his heart. What was she doing right now he wondered. By now, the award ceremony for defeating Gaea must be happening. The demigods were probably all gathered in the throne room and Zeus was giving a long speech about the might of Olympus.
He mentally laughed at his uncle's dramatic flare. He hoped he could see it again. He hoped he could see all of them again. Looking out past the Phlegethon and to the vast plains of Tartarus that held all kinds of horrors that the human mind couldn't comprehend, he had a feeling that wouldn't be the case. It would take a miracle for him to escape again. The doors of death were closed now which meant no "easy" escape like that again. Monsters defeated from the war were back here too which meant this place was overcrowded with rage and wanting for revenge.
He just hoped he had some time before they all found out the person who sent them here was with them too. Hearing the screeches and howls fill the hot, humid air, he knew he needed to move positions fast. He had some experience here in hell now and if there was one thing he knew, it was to always keep moving. Deciding it was best to stay close to the river as he would need it for some time to stay alive until he could capture it with a water bottle or something, he began to follow it upstream.
And so that's what he did for quite some time. Taking breaks in between his mile upon mile trek to drink from the river as the air that filled his lungs was poisonous. He did this repeatedly until eventually, after walking for literal miles, he stopped in frustration.
"This feels like a time loop." He muttered to himself, looking to the cliffs surrounding him on all sides. He hadn't seen any familiar landmarks he had passed through the last time he was here and the river just seemed to go on forever. Safe to say he was totally and utterly lost. At least there hadn't been any monsters to bother him so far. He should've never thought that because the moment he did, a slight shift of rocks could be heard tumbling down the hillside, signaling that something was watching him.
"You and your big mouth, Jackson." Percy huffed, taking one last sip of fire water before pulling out Riptide. The glow of the weapon was a lot brighter due to just how dark it was down here, allowing him to see the light's reflection in the eyes of the monsters attempting to surround him. And boy was there a lot of them. "I see you. Come out!" He said, his sword pointed directly at them.
One by one they all came out of hiding, crawling down the cliff while staring at him like he was their next meal.
"Oh shit." The son of Poseidon whispered, watching as dozens of spiders came out of the darkness. They weren't as big as Arachne but they sure were her children considering the gleam in their eyes was most definitely filled with hatred for him. The hatred was mutual though. He hated these things just as equally considering what Annabeth was put through because of them.
"Son of Poseidon! You'll pay for what you did to her!" One of the bigger spiders hissed, presumably talking about what he did to Arachne the first time he was down here.
"If you don't want what I did to your mother to happen to you, I suggest you leave. I'm not in the mood to be eaten right now." Percy replied, twirling Riptide in warning. A warning that was not heeded. The first spider jumped directly at him from the cliff, using all eight of its legs to strike him at incredible speeds. The demigod was faster, however, and promptly cut its head off mid-air before letting it crash into the river behind him.
The monsters hissed at the loss of their sibling before charging at him all at once. They surrounded him on every side, using the darkness to their advantage to attempt to strike at him before hiding. The son of Poseidon was patient though. He didn't have the strength or energy to fight the way he typically did. He needed to fight slowly and methodically if he were to kill all these bastards.
One after the other came out of the darkness in attempts to hit him, sometimes two or three at once. The spiders seemed to be playing smart. They knew who he was and what he was capable of which was why they were using the advantage of their number.
One managed to get a lucky hit on Percy's left shoulder, its strength causing him to fly into the cliff in front of him. Seeing stars, he didn't notice the two spiders coming directly at him. It was only thanks to his instincts that he managed to move out of the way before a leg found its way through his skull. Quickly slicing the monster in half that was now stuck in the rocks, he weaved and dodged his way back to the river. He needed the water to his back so that way he didn't have to worry about getting hit from behind again.
Feeling the warm blood cascade down his skin and his lungs acting as if they were about to burst thanks to Tartarus's air, he knew he needed to win this fight and fast. It couldn't be prolonged any further or he would succumb.
"You cannot win, demigod. You are outnumbered!" The spider leading the group hissed, its fangs baring out of its mouth. Percy almost rolled his eyes. How many times had he heard that before? The monster was right, however. Even though he's managed to kill a few, there were still far too many left. He couldn't keep this fight up for much longer. His energy was sapped and sooner rather than later, he would make another mistake. A mistake he probably wouldn't come back from. Feeling the Phlegethon's water behind, he decided to take a gamble. It was a last-play resort but it might be able to keep him alive. Backing up to the edge of the shore, he could feel the river's heat radiate against his heels. He watched all the spiders begin to approach. They could sense that he was backed into a corner.
"There's nowhere for you to go, son of Poseidon. Drop your weapon and I promise you a swift death."
The green-eyed demigod glanced at his weapon in hand before shrugging and doing as he was told, dropping it to the ground. The spiders' eyes glistened with anticipation as they crawled closer and closer to their prey.
"Oh, what a foolish mortal you are! My siblings and I will surely enjoy feasting on your blood!" It said before leaping out at him. The son of Poseidon, despite the danger mere inches away from him, closed his eyes and began to concentrate on the Phlegethon's power. Although it was an ancient fiery river that didn't obey the laws of physics, it was still a river. It was under his father's domain and therefore under his jurisdiction as well. It will listen to his word and obey his command! If it didn't, well, he'll just have to make it do what he wanted by brute force. Raising his hands, he willed the water to form a large wave behind him.
Grunting in strain, he knew this was no easy task. The Phlegethon seemed to have a mind of its own and it certainly didn't like to be controlled. Just like the sea. The feeling in his gut was unlike anything he had ever felt before when using his powers. It felt as if every blood vessel in his body were on fire and about to pop. Opening his eyes, he watched the spiders all clamor back in fear at the sight and attempt to escape back up the cliff. Despite the pain he was feeling he couldn't help the insane smile split across his face as he sent the fiery water barreling toward the cliff with a mighty yell. The impact of the water hitting the rocks was strong enough to split the cliff in half, and certainly enough to kill whatever monster lay in its path. He could hear the spiders hiss out loudly in pain as the water touched them, boiling them alive and searing their flesh to the bone.
Falling to a knee, Percy released his hold over the water as he attempted to regain his breath. Coughing up blood, he quickly drank the river's contents, his spine shivering in pain at the feeling of fire going down his throat. No matter how many times he drank from it, he would never be able to get used to the feeling. Taking a while longer to gather himself, he was quickly on the move once again. The sounds of his battle against the spiders would've surely garnered attention which meant he needed to be far away from there as soon as possible.
"Where do I go though? Walking upstream isn't going to help me get out of here." He asked himself, trying to formulate a plan. He wished he had Annabeth here to help with that but he had a feeling she wouldn't want to be in Tartarus again. He was glad she wasn't because if she had to fight those spiders, she would've surely had a heart attack. Wiping the smirk off his face, he looked up the cliff that managed to survive the battle. Maybe if he got up there, he could see what all was out there. Maybe there would be some landmarks he could recognize. It was the only option he could think of at the moment which was better than nothing. Sighing, he ignored his aching muscles and began his trek.
-Scene Change-
The party on Olympus was still going strong. It was late into the night but that didn't matter to the Gods or the demigods. The music was playing, there were still drinks to go around, and nobody wanted to leave just yet. It was a reprieve from what they had experienced mere hours ago. They all knew that once they left these magnificent halls, the horrors and nightmares would come back. So no one left and instead indulged themselves, telling each other they deserved it, and rightfully so.
Poseidon, the only person who couldn't feel at least a shred of happiness at the moment, elected to sit on his throne and gaze off into nowhere, ignoring all the noise from the party. How could he celebrate with them? How could he feel enjoyment or relief? His son was dead. The person he loved most in this world was gone and he didn't even have a shrine to remember him by.
Tears welded in the sea God's eyes as he thought of his son. He wished he would have known that day they spoke last would be the last they ever shared together. There was so much he wanted to say to him. Now, he'll never get that chance. Feeling eyes watching him, he glanced over to find Hades looking at him with apprehension, something that his brother ever rarely expressed. Why was he looking at him like that? Sure his brother was a little socially awkward when being at parties such as this one but for some reason, he couldn't help but think it wasn't that. Getting up from his throne, Poseidon began to walk over to his brother, noticing that with every step he took, Hades seemed to be filled with more and more anxiety. By the time he was standing right in front of the God of the underworld, he could see the cup he was holding practically shaking.
"Why do you look at me like that, brother?" The sea God questioned, causing Hades to advert his eyes while desperately trying to put on a mask of indifference.
"You know me and parties, Poseidon." He attempted but the middle brother wasn't in the mood for lies. Sensing his younger brother's growing anger, Hades sighed deeply before gesturing outside. Whatever he wanted to speak of, it seemed he wanted it hidden from prying ears.
Walking to the ethereal gardens of Olympus that Hera so cherished, the two brothers stood in front of the water fountain that had a statue of Zeus holding his masterbolt. The two brothers stood in silence for a moment, basking in the cool night air and the stars that shined overhead.
"Tell me what has you troubled, Hades. I've rarely seen you like this." Poseidon broke the silence, noticing his brother's shoulders raise in tension like a cornered animal. The eldest brother was silent for a few moments, trying to figure out the best way to explain the situation without having his brother destroy every coastline on the planet.
"Brother, I don't know how to break this to you so I'm just going to give it to you plain." Hades replied, steeling his nerves. "I can't sense your son's soul in my domain."
Poseidon's heart dropped when he heard that. Turning his head ever so slowly to stare directly into his brother's eyes, he grabbed Hades's shoulders, holding them in a vice-like grip.
"What do you mean you can't sense my son's soul?" The sea God questioned, his eyes wide and laced with a mixture of emotions.
"I mean I can't find him. He's not in the underworld. The judges haven't seen him either."
"You-You mean to tell me that you, the God of souls, can't find my son's spirit?!" Poseidon stated, his voice gaining a dangerous edge of it. By now his knuckles were deathly white on Hades's shoulders, causing him to grimace in pain. Already he could feel the countless souls of mortals in danger as the storms on the coast began to rage. "Does that mean he's still alive?"
"I couldn't tell you, brother. I've never seen anything like this before. I'm lost on what to think at the moment. The demigods that were there said they saw your son die before he was swallowed by the Earth…oh…" Hades replied, his voice trailing off at the end when he began to realize what that might insinuate.
"What? What do you mean by "oh", Hades? Tell me!"
Sweat trickled down the pale God's brow as he made sense of the situation. It was the only explanation he could think of as to why he couldn't find Jackson's soul. Why he wasn't sent to the underworld straight away after he died.
"Tell me Hades now or sell help me I'll kill everyone that is dear to you!" Poseidon snarled, his calm persona being taken over by the vengeful rage that the ancient mortals knew him by.
"His soul wasn't sent to me because when he was swallowed by the Earth, it took him to the pit!" Hades yelled back, his own anger flaring as he slapped his brother's hands off of him. "I can't find your son's soul because Tartarus has it and I can't retrieve it because it's outside of my domain!"
It seemed as if the world had shattered in Poseidon's eyes as he collapsed on his knees, his hands holding onto Hades's shirt in desperation. Wailing out in despair, the sea God let out the most heart-wrenching sobs as he realized his son was truly gone. He wouldn't even be able to enjoy the afterlife. His son, his baby boy, will forever be tortured in a place that not even the Olympians venture.
"Why? Oh Gods why?!" Poseidon screamed out, the power behind his voice sending earthquakes and tsunamis raging across the globe. The only thing Hades could do was kneel down and hug his brother, hoping that it could offer some support. He wasn't used to showing affection, often finding it an area outside of his expertise. But this…Poseidon needed someone by his side right now. Feeling a flash of golden light by his side, the God of the underworld turned his head to find his older sister, Hestia running up to them.
Bearhugging her sobbing brother and sending beams of calming energy through him, she tried her best to calm him down. Storms and earthquakes were sending the Earth into a frenzy, killing thousands of mortals. She needed to stop before the world was destroyed.
"I got you. I got you." Hestia softly whispered into his ear, rubbing the back of his head as he continued to cry.
The three siblings stayed like that for some time. Long enough to where the sun was just beginning to peak over the horizon. Watching the rays hit the New York skyline, Poseidon rubbed his eyes as he got back to his feet. Shakily groaning, he thanked his siblings for being there for him. They offered to stay with him for as long as he needed but he declined, stating he needed some time alone. The elder siblings were a little apprehensive about leaving him but decided to listen to his request. Watching them disappear in a golden flash, Poseidon walked over to the edge of Olympus, staring at the sun that was continuing its ascent. The city was beautiful in the morning he had to admit but it reminded him to much of his son. After all, this was where he grew up. Using his Godly vision, he zoomed in on the apartment Percy used to live in with Sally. His heart sunk as he realized that she didn't know about her son's fate yet. Something he would have to deal with when he wasn't in shambles.
"I'm so sorry, son." He whispered shakily, rubbing a hand down his face. Hearing footsteps approach from behind, the green-eyed God did his best to steel his emotions. Turning around, he was greeted by the sight of Athena's eldest daughter, the woman that his son loved dearly. Just the sight of her almost broke him again but somehow he stayed his sobs. Annabeth didn't look much better, however. Her grey eyes were just as bloodshot as his ethereal green ones.
The two remained silent for a moment. Both understood what the other was going through at the moment.
"I want statues in his honor." Poseidon broke the silence. "I want them across the entirety of Olympus and the camps."
If Percy couldn't enjoy the fruits of his labor in the underworld, then by the Gods he was going to make sure that everyone knew what he had sacrificed. Annabeth nodded her head, giving Poseidon a tearful smile. Now that she was a God, she could deliver on his wish. She could make the most beautiful commemorations in Percy's honor.
"I want everyone to know his story. I want everyone to know the name Percy Jackson." Poseidon said, looking back at the sunny New York skyline before disappearing in a green mist.
A/N - Hey guys, thanks for reading chapter two. I hope you all enjoyed it. Once again I'm a new writer so if you all could offer a review about what I could do better then please do. Until the next time!
-Sleepwalker-
