Percy fall into Tartarus Alone

Chapter 4

Percy Pov:

As I tightened my grip around the handle of the Pentadent, my fingertips traced the intricate contours of the engravings etched upon its surface. The engravings seemed to follow a mesmerizing pattern, running from the top of the handle down to its very base. Each stroke seemed to tell a story, an ancient tale preserved within the metal itself.

The composition of the Pentadent appeared to be an extraordinary blend of mythical metals—Charichalcum and Stygian iron. Charichalcum whispered to be sourced from the fabled depths of Atlantis, possessed the power to repel monsters while leaving mortals unharmed. On the other hand, Stygian iron was a dark, malevolent metal said to consume the souls of those who touched it, showing no discrimination. However, as I held the Pentadent in my hand, it emanated no such malevolence or soul-sucking presence. Perhaps its alloyed nature granted it both advantages and disadvantages, combining the properties of its constituent metals.

The Pentadent itself was adorned with intricate engravings depicting a myriad of aquatic creatures, brought to life beneath an ebony night. These creatures seemed to dance and swim across the surface of the Pentadent, their forms captured in astonishing detail. I marveled at the craftsmanship that had breathed life into these engravings, each stroke capturing the essence of the sea's mysteries.

As my gaze shifted to the underside of the Pentadent's prongs, I noticed the prominence of serrated edges, a stark contrast to the smooth exterior. The prongs connected to the handle through a unique double-helix structure, both spiraling patterns emerging from a single point, forming a striking and symmetrical design. At the bottom of the Pentadent, I beheld a harpoon-like point, its end turned inward

As my fingers caressed the Pentadent, an ethereal transformation occurred before my eyes. The Pentadent began to radiate a golden hue, contrasting with the deep black that resembled a shade of purple. The interplay of colors captivated my senses, and I couldn't help but be drawn into the mystique of this otherworldly artifact.

Amid my awe, an ancient Greek inscription materialized in the center of the handle. It read, "The sea and Night have secrets deep beneath and above them." Those words resonated with me, hinting at the hidden knowledge and enigmatic realms that lay beyond the surface of the oceans and the depths of the night sky.

Suddenly, a torrent of memories flooded my consciousness, overwhelming me with their intensity. The flashes of images came at an unrelenting pace, straining my mind to its limits. The sheer volume of information caused unbearable pain, and soon blood began to trickle from my eyes, nose, and ears—a physical manifestation of the mental strain I endured.

In that transformative moment, as the memories surged within me, a profound realization dawned. The Pentadent was not a mere relic but a vessel of ancient wisdom, carrying the secrets of the sea and the mysteries of the night. The images that flickered before my eyes unveiled a tale of divine lineage, of a god born from the union of Poseidon and Amphitrite.

The memories unveiled how Poseidon and Amphitrite had kept the birth of their son a secret from Zeus, fearing the wrath of the Fates and the uncertain fate that awaited their child. Little did they know that the true peril would come from Zeus' daughter. Enraged by the revelation, Poseidon, in his fury, submerged the once-great Atlantis beneath the unforgiving waves of the sea.

Yet, the memories revealed a desperate plea from Poseidon and Amphitrite to the primordial entity Chaos, beseeching the creator to revive their son and grant him a new lease on life. The depths of their love and sacrifice were laid bare, their determination to protect their child resonating deeply within me.

As the memories unfolded, my birth came into focus, and the truth emerged that I was the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite, destined for a life entwined with both the sea and the legacy of gods. The recollections showed the trials and tribulations I had faced, the challenges that shaped me into who I had become.

One vivid memory showcased a painful moment—a queen of the sea, my mother, Amphitrite, being subjected to the cruelty of a drunken individual to protect me. The injustice ignited a fierce fire within me, and the Cocytus, the river of wailing souls, responded to my anger, vibrating with my powerful emotions. A surge of ethereal energy enveloped my body, emanating a radiant glow as my true nature awakened.

The memories continued to unveil my heroic quests, my valiant efforts to protect the innocent and uphold the legacy of my divine lineage. Yet, amidst these accomplishments, the bitter memory of betrayal emerged, revealing the pain of Annabeth Chase, my companion, and love, straying with the son of Jupiter. The hurt and anguish of that moment resonated deeply within me, and the waters of the Cocytus erupted in response, vibrating with my simmering anger.

In that decisive instant, my gaze turned toward the Pentadent, the conduit of ancient wisdom and power. With unwavering resolve, I directed my attention towards the heavens, a resounding roar escaping my lips. The sheer force of my outcry caused my vocal cords to rupture, blood trickling from my mouth, symbolizing the depth of my emotion and the sacrifice I was willing to make. Within that crimson flow, a tiny drop of gold shimmered—a testament to my divine heritage.

As the blood gurgled from my throat, I let out a resounding shout that pierced the air, carrying with it the weight of my newfound identity. "I am back!" I proclaimed, my voice reverberating in with a potent blend of determination and divine authority. The words echoed through the expanse, reaching the farthest corners of Tartarus and beyond.

"I, Perseus Apollyon, once a god of Night and Sea life, now rise as the god of Night, Life, and the Deep Seas, bestowed with the sacred blessing of Pan god of wild himself!" The power of my proclamation ignited a resplendent spark within me, infusing every fiber of my being with an ancient energy that had lain dormant for far too long. It was a fervent declaration of my triumphant return, a testament to the indomitable spirit that resonated within the very depths of my immortal soul.

As I lower my quindent, a surge of relief washes over me. The bleeding from my orifices ceases, and the agonizing pain subsides as my ruptured vocal cords begin to heal themselves. With a deep breath, I close my eyes, immersing myself in the embrace of darkness. In this abyss, my senses heighten, attuning to the subtle nuances and energies that permeate the depths. It is within this realm that I find solace, where my connection to the primordial forces of the night strengthens.

Embracing the darkness, I let it seep into my being, fueling me with its power. My body absorbs the essence of the shadows, granting me a surge of vitality. As the sulfur-rich air of Tartarus fills my lungs, I notice a newfound ease in my breathing. Perhaps it is the domain of life that resides within me, shielding me from the harshness of this infernal realm.

With resolve in my heart, I turn my gaze to the right, piercing through the darkness with my enhanced eyesight. I can discern the faint glimmer of a path leading toward the gates of death, a treacherous journey that lies ahead. Gripping Riptide tightly in one hand and the Pendadent in the other, I begin my stride, slowly, then breaking into a steady jog, and finally transitioning into a full sprint.

Tartarus presents an unforgiving terrain, with its jagged cliffs, shards of broken glass, and molten lava oozing from the crevices. Each step I take requires careful precision, my instincts guiding me through the treacherous landscape.