Purpose (Percy Jackson)

War, Aftermath, And Sorrow

Percy's POV

I was trudging through Tartarus, Annabeth by my side. Neither of us speaking, wanting to save what little bit of energy we had left. Following the River Styx, we were making our way to the heart of Tartarus. That's when suddenly, I was thrown forward. I hit the ground hard, pain searing through my back. 

Annabeth screamed and ran to my side. I got up wearily to see something I wish I didn't have to in this place. Standing over where I was thrown from was Perses. He had a cloak that covered most of his face but I could see a vicious grin on his face, he laughed darkly,  his voice resonating throughout the cavern loudly,"If it isn't the mighty hero of Olympus. I must say, I never thought I'd see the day you were stuck here. Too bad this will be your last day."

He then charged me at alarming speeds, I had barely enough time to block it. He then went into a flurry of attacks, throwing me onto the offensive. He feinted a blow towards my head which I went to block but he kicked me in the chest. I went flying back and landed in something that somewhat cushioned my fall. Unfortunately, it was the Styx.

Pain seared all throughout my body as the Styx burned away my soul and body. I tried to think of a mortal point and what would bind me to mortality but I couldn't. Suddenly it all stopped. I looked around and saw Lady Styx glaring at me."So, you got my blessing once but you lost it, and now you try again? You dare insult me?" She said deadly calm. 

I gulped, thinking about what to say next, knowing very well my next moment could be my last. "L-Lady Styx," I studdered out,"I mean no disrespect. I was, well in simple terms, Sparta kicked into your river. I had no intention of getting the blessing again. I do not need to get it, just let me live. Please." I begged.

She seemed to ponder this for a second."I will, but you will carry my curse. On one condition." I groaned inwardly but nodded nonetheless. "You will not know where you're mortal spot is. Now leave!" She ordered and before I could argue I was spat out of the river.

I landed on the bank of the river, my skin red and steaming. I looked up and to my horror, saw Annabeth fighting  Perses one on one. I sprinted over, drawing Riptide and jumped up, stabbing him in the back and severing his spinal cord. He screamed in agony, falling to the ground. I stabbed him in the chest repeatedly, and his image started fading in and out. 

Once he was fully gone I felt a surge of power in me. I didn't understand so I just focused on the spoils he dropped. It was a sword, that I found out after a few minutes of playing with, could change into any weapon I wanted. 

I looked to Annabeth and she gasped.  "Percy, your eyes." I have her a confused look and looked at myself through the reflection on Riptide. I myself gasped. Red streaks swirled through my sea green eyes, making it look almost like lava.

After getting over my initial shock I returned Riptide to its pen form and my new sword turned into a black band with red streaks on it on my left middle finger. We started walking again, but more alert.

--------------------------

We were stumbling along the banks of the Styx when we saw an old man. He had long white hair and a white scratchy beard. He had horizontal lines going across his body. Scars. Annabeth inhaled sharply, a sign she knew who this was. After a minute though I too realized, and drew my new sword. 

"Kronos." I spat. He smiled weakly. "Grandson," he said,"I have a proposition for you." I kept my sword hilt tightly in my grasp, ready to run him through at a moment's notice. I nodded, motioning for him to speak. "I am sorry for what I did. I feel terrible about everything. I shouldn't have done that to my own kids. I deserve what I got. But I want retribution. And I need someone to give it to me. I want you to be the new time Lord." My jaw dropped.