Responding to reviews

Skyler; Thank you, there is a vitally important detail that I purposefully left out. I wonder when people will figure it out lol. And no it's not Nico, however, I may include him in the storyline.

OGkush; Thank you, and height's not that important to me unless it directly affects the storyline.

Symbylosis; Thanks for the review, and while it confuses me as well I'm attempting to lik=nk them together as well as possible.

NinjaFang; Thank you

Chapter 11.

Disclaimer, direct quotes from the Avengers movie. I own nothing except the plot, everything else is owned by Marvel and Percy Jackson.

(A few days later.)

The blue cube pulsed within its metal casing, the equipment attempting to direct the plethora of energy the Tesseract produced. Director Fury watched, intrigued at the upsurge of activity. The cube pulsed and sparked, releasing massive spikes of raw energy as it steadily grew brighter.

At the peak of its glow, the energy seemed to suck in on itself, compacting into the cube before shooting outwards. Focussing on the energy, Fury could tell something was happening, something unforeseen.

An iridescent orb was forming, a glowing cosmos within these very walls. As the blinding light slowly dimmed, Fury could just make out something crouched within. A figure of some sort, with... a spear? Sceptre?

Fury watched as the strange man stood before them, seemingly unconcerned with the weapons directed at his chest.

"Sir, please, put down, the spear." the strange man gazed at Fury, a lost expression appearing on his face. Though, mentioning the spear proved a momentous mistake.

The stranger gazed down at his spear for a moment, almost worshiping. Before unleashing a powerful blast from the tip of his weapon, the glowing blue explosive devastating the mortal technology.

He made quick work of Fury's agents, killing each one but sparing a few. The stranger stood among his fallen foes, breathing heavily even after such a short exchange. His breathing was labored, animalistic even as he surveyed the room like a caged viper ready to strike.

As quick as one too. Launching at Hawkeye, he wrenches his wrist as he forced the bowman to face the god of mischief. "You have heart." The stranger stated, gazing into Barton's brown eyes. Fury watched helplessly as the stranger pressed his spear against Hawkeyes chest, it didn't take long as Barton's eyes glowed as black as obsidian before being replaced with a lightning blue.

Fury gazed in disbelief as his agent stood before their enemy and holstered his pistol. Acknowledging the uninvited guest as his superior.

Quickly and quietly, Nicholas Fury extracted the Tesseract while the Alien continued to brainwash his agents. Just as he was sneaking away, a smooth voice cut through the air, crisp and sharp as it brokered no argument and commanded obedience. "Please don't." It sounded like a request, but Fury knew differently, he could hear the unmentioned threat carried by those words.

The stranger finally turned to face the director, "I still need that."

"This doesn't have to get any messier," he stated, back turned to the strange man who had enslaved his agents.

"Of course, it does, I've come too far for anything else." The stranger really was rather gaunt, his eyes sunken and his figure as frail as a twig. It's as if he had been captured and broken, broken to the will of someone stronger.

Meeting the Directors eyes, he introduced himself, "I am Loki, of Asgard." Eric Selvig glanced up at the Alien, confused comprehension dawning, "And I am burdened with glorious purpose." he continued.

"Loki. Brother of Thor." Eric spoke up. Loki glared across at the scientist, seemingly tempted to blast him once more. Apparently, he wasn't all too fond of his brother.

"We have no quarrel with your people." Fury attempted to placate; hand raised as he measured the Aliens deadly glare.

Meeting the Directors eyes once more, Loki easily refuted the silent message, "An ant, has no quarrel, with a boot." Loki conveyed his intentions to the Director in such a measured and precise tone, that it could be compared with the purest of truths.

Casting Loki an icy glare, he ground out "You planning to step on us?" They continued through this vein for the next few minutes. Loki blasé in his pursuits, observing his surrounding with utter disdain. And the Director stalling, determinedly avoiding the desire to gaze towards the growing point of implosion.

Hawkeye, who had remained quiet thus far spoke up, "Sir, he's stalling. This place is about to blow."

oooOOOooo

Its time, it's finally time. The time has come, the weapons ready, the time has come. Nothing shall hold him back, he will destroy them all, he will destroy them all. They can't fight him, no no no. He is too strong now, he outsmarted them, he played them. They can't protect themselves anymore. A wolf in the sheep pen and he shall slaughter them all. Nothing shall stand in his way, nothing.

Just a little bit longer, it's not far now. He will come from the darkness. He shall consume all.

oooOOOooo

(Dream/Flashback.)

Breathing labored, Percy and Annabeth quickly scaled the mountainside. Their hands were bloody as they feebly clawed for the smallest of cracks and crevice's, desperate to reach the bottom of the steep cliff face. They had been forced to quickly scramble down this treacherous path to escape a pack of hell hounds. Their dust now littered the ground below them, having fallen past them as they attempted to latch onto the tasty demigods. Percy hoped to avoid the same fate as his feet scrambled for purchase.

"You alright, Annabeth?" Percy gasped out, his chest aching as he pulled more of the acidic air into his lungs.

"I'm fine, Percy. Now shut up and don't distract me, do you want me to fall to my death?" Annabeth snapped back, her clothes shredded, and her hair was a mess. But she was still beautiful all the same, his Wise Girl. Smiling fondly despite himself, he continued down the mountainside.

He could hear the booming roars of monsters reverberating all around, no doubt they had picked up on their scent once more. Reaching the bottom, he took hold of Annabeth's wrist as he pulled her behind some boulders. She knew better than to resist, having learned that the hard way when a band of cyclops's had attacked.

They had escaped, of course, but they were forced to carve through the hunting party to do so. With no water in the air, he had been forced to rely upon his waning strength and it was barely proving enough.

Tentatively, Percy glanced around, careful to not expose himself too much. Breathing a quiet sigh of relief, he sunk down behind the rocky outcropping as he used this time to rest and recover whatever strength he could. What he wouldn't do for a burger right about now. Shaking his head, Percy glanced sideways at Annabeth. He could tell she was struggling, but just like him she was attempting a brave face, and just like him it was proving to be more of a grimace than any way reassuring.

Reaching out with his left arm, Percy pulled her into his side and allowing her to rest her head upon his shoulder. "I'm going to get you out of this, Annie. You will survive, no matter what."

"You don't seem to be including yourself in that equation, Percy," Annabeth whispered softly; her head once more rested against his chest. He would lay down his life for hers, and he will defend it to his dying breath.

"Just promise me, Percy," she leaned away from him, meeting his eyes properly as she continued, "Promise me that should I die, should I not make it out of this place, that you live your life and not end it early." She said earnestly.

"Annab-" He tried but was cut off.

"Promise me, Percy. That you will not do anything stupid, and that I won't see you in Hades realm any time soon. That you will move on and live your life. Please, Percy." She refused to yield as she stared him down, every time he moved to protest, she batted them aside. Finally, he conceded.

"Fine, yes. I swear to you, Wise girl, I won't do anything to endanger or end my own life with the intention of joining you should the event that is never going to happen, happens." Annabeth sighed, relieved yet still she gazed at him sadly. She had long since lost faith that they were ever going to escape, let alone unscathed.

Shaking his head, Percy sighed once more. They needed to move, they had stayed in one location long enough as it is, no need to allow the monsters any more time to catch their scent.

"Come on Annabeth, we need to move. The rivers presumably lead to the center, right?" Nodding, Annabeth leads the way as they slowly navigated their way through the treacherous terrain. The rocks providing ample cover and only requiring them to slay a few of the smaller monsters that could squeeze through the openings.

Soon enough, however, they encountered a problem. Crouching near the gap in the wall, Percy gazed across the land. A barren plateau lay before them, the nearest cover lay far beyond their view. There was no way they would make it across there without encountering resistance. Already Percy could pick out a few monsters; Hell Hounds, Dracaena, Empousa, even a lone titan wandered across the plain.

"Damn," Percy cursed, sharing a grim look with Annabeth they both knew this would be difficult. Neither of them was in the best shape, and definitely not up for fighting a Titan. But Percy knew, no matter what, he had to get Annabeth through. That was his goal, his personal oath. And damn the fates should they take this from him.

Glancing once more at the distant monsters, he could tell that they had acquired their scent. The Hounds, in particular, were shaking their heads, aggressively jumping around as they followed Percy's scent. Even the titan, resting upon his spear had raised his head. Following the path that the Hell Hounds had tread.

"Are you ready, Wise girl." He stated grimly. Already preparing to draw Riptide, the sword proving to be a magnet for monsters so far.

"Am I supposed to be?" She returned equally grim, her dark grey orbs scanning the oncoming challenge, analyzing the threat and possibly strategies they could employ. "Just remember your promise, Percy." He nodded grimly yet remained stubborn that it shall never come to pass.

"Reveal yourself, son of Poseidon. I know you are nearby, these mutts will find you eventually." The titan's deep voice boomed across the open plain, challenging and undeniable.

Glancing at Annabeth, she shook her head in response, telling him no. Peeking back around the corner, Percy could tell that they would be found within a minute at most, something had to be done. "Try to sneak around or something." He hissed to Annabeth, before quickly kissing her on the cheek and rounding the corner.

"Ahh, there he is, the savior himself." The titan boomed smugly as he leaned casually upon his spear. Percy could just make out the doors of death in the distance, taunting him with their inevitability.

"Hey jackass, I don't believe we've met," Percy replied, feigning casual as he approached the monster hoards. He wasn't moving fast, but just fast enough to get a good measure on the challenge before him.

The titan grunted, amused if anything by his choice of introduction. "Your quite notorious around here, you know that?" The titan queried, clearly not in any rush. And why should he be? He had all the time in the world.

Shrugging, Percy replied, "I've killed a fair share of monsters, not that hard to put two and two together." The titan laughed once more.

"Interesting, not sharing any concern for the thousands of monsters currently hunting you down. And if I'm not largely mistaken, giants and titans as well." The titan laughed quietly, shaking his head. "The names Coeus, the titan of inquisitive minds and intellect."

"Perseus Jackson and I'm not even going to begin listing my titles. You probably know the gist of them from the monsters wandering around this hell hole." Percy stated, bowing theatrically as he did so.

"Indeed, you seem to be the main fixation for much of the ire stirring around this wretched place. Many of them have even sworn blood vengeance upon you, a serious oath for a monster to make and one that shouldn't be taken lightly." The titan returned, equally theatrically. Though Percy could see the distaste the titan held for his surroundings. Clearly, the titan didn't appreciate being stuck in the pit all that much.

"And where do you stand, Coeus. Can I pass? Or do I have to carve my way through you as well?" Percy stated, standing his ground as he analyzed the threat before him.

The monsters laughed, enjoying the byplay as they waited for the titan to strike the exhausted demigod down. Coeus himself laughed heartily, disbelieving that such an obviously exhausted demigod -no matter how powerful- could defeat him.

"Even if you could, Perseus Jackson, you wouldn't get far. My brethren are closing in as we speak. Besides, while those same brethren have been galivanting upon the mortal soil, what have I to do except twirl my spear and refine my abilities?" The titan laughed, deftly handling his weapon with exceptional skill. The smooth arcs proving deadly and efficient, without any wasted movements nor were they overly exerting. "I've spent a thousand years within this wretched place, perhaps killing you will earn me the respect I need to see the sun once more."

Percy sighed, he knew it would come to this, it always does. Though he was not looking forward to the fight ahead, the Titan certainly knew how to wield that spear.

Taking that as a sign, the monsters charged. Rage clouding their minds as they closed in upon the single demigod. Annabeth leaped from the rubble, taking an Empousa by surprise as she slit its throat before she began carving through its friends.

Spinning to the side, Percy dodged a hell hound as it pounced, barely missing him. Slicing its side as it passed, Percy was forced to roll away once more to avoid the other monsters savage swipes. From the corner of his eye, Percy could see Annabeth doing her best to combat the monsters that had targeted her. She was holding her own, easily slicing through the ranks of the monsters. Though he could tell she was tiring, as was he.

Refocussing on the battle before him, Percy began carving through their ranks, aiming to arrive by Annabeth's side as he refused to allow her to fight alone.

"Oh no, you don't." The wind was knocked from his lungs as a massive shaft buried itself in his gut, sending him sprawling. The titan straightened once more, having prevented Percy from achieving his goal.

"Let her fight, young demigod. Should she prevail, then perhaps she can assist you in this battle." The titan stated, bringing his spear down upon the demigod.

Deflecting the spear into the dirt, Percy was forced to jump the avoid his feet from being swept out from under him. Rolling away, Percy dodged the blunt end of the titan's spear while attempting to form a plan. Coeus was good, there was no doubt in his mind of that fact. He was extremely skilled and used his intelligence to outmaneuver his enemies. He would be a difficult foe to combat for anybody.

The titan struck with a downward sweep, an attack he barely avoided before Percy was sent sprawling once more when the other end of the shaft connected with his gut. Heaving upon the ground, he desperately pulled air into his lungs, acidic or not. Rolling to the side, Percy once more avoided being impaled as the titan's spear embedded itself in the ground, having vacated the spot mere moments before.

Rolling to his feet, Percy dived over the incoming jab and landed near the titan's legs. Slashing through the titan's thigh, Percy was satisfied by the bellow of pain as he stole one more slice before being thrown back once more.

Rising to his feet, Percy eyed the limping titan who stood injured yet unyielding, meeting the demigod's gaze with his own. Stealing a glance, Percy could see that Annabeth was still fighting, if barely. Wading through the monster dust, Percy watched as she deflected an Empousa's blade and embedded her blade into their abdomen. Unfortunately, that left her open and another Empousa struck. Slicing through Annabeth's calf, Percy watched in horror as blood poured from her wound, drenching the dust-laden floor.

Refocusing, Percy sought to end this fight quickly because he knew that the titan would prevent him from fighting alongside Annabeth. No, he would need to end this himself.

Fighting with new vigor, Percy engaged Coeus in a dance of death. Their blades singing as they sliced through the musky air, the clang of metal upon metal ringing through their ears. Over and over they struck, each attempting to claim an edge as they used their considerable skill to the best of their ability.

Diving to the side, Percy deflected Coeus's strike before using the spears momentum to fling himself upwards. Swinging his sword at the titan's exposed neck, he wasn't expecting to be backhanded as Percy crashed to the ground.

Standing slowly, he wiped away the blood coating his face. Casting a quick glance to Annabeth, he was relieved to see she was still standing. Though they would need to bind that wound quickly.

"Fighting is futile, young demigod. Every breath you take, make you weaker. The acidic air makes you weak, allow me to make it quick, I can't say the same mercy would come your way should you encounter my brethren." The titan stated, even winded. While not stronger than Kronos, this Titan was almost on par with his ability to wield a spear compared to a scythe.

Growling, Percy attacked once more. Fighting desperately, Percy ran straight at the titan. Their strikes were deadly and devastating as they each attempted to gain the advantage. Twirling under a jab, Percy spun around, striking the titans left wrist. Growling, the titan withdrew, allowing the wound to heal. Fending off the demigod with the spear held in the other hand. Percy could hear the hunting party closing in, the giants unmistakeable as their booming shouts filled the air.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Percy rolled through a strike and sunk his blade through the titan's knee. Pulling with all the strength he had remaining, before embedding Riptide in the titan's chest.

Coeus grunted, feeling his body dissolving. "You fought well son of Poseidon; I commend you." Gritting his teeth, he gazed at the demigod, "But they are here, run." Were his last words before collapsing at Percy's feet, and fading to dust. At that moment, Polybotes crested the flatland with a triumphant cry.

Following the giant, were titans, giants, monsters. They bled upon the flat land, more monsters appearing as they closed in.

Desperately, Percy grabbed Annabeth as they bolted towards the doors. He was forced to carry most of Annabeth's weight as her wound hindered her movements. They would never be able to defeat that armada.

"GET THEM!" Polybotes roared, directing the hell hounds towards the demigods.

Cursing, Percy glanced over his shoulder then at his Wise Girl. "Get those doors open, GO!" He shouted, shoving her towards the looming exit. It wasn't far, maybe half a football field.

Hobbling, Annabeth nodded, her grey orbs dark and fearful as she moved to inspect the doors.

Rising Riptide once more, he faced the incoming hounds. Dodging claws and savage teeth, Percy dispatched a few of the Hell hounds as more closed in. Dodging their claws, Percy went on autopilot as he combed through their midst. He could tell Annabeth was distressed yet resigned as she cut through the chains that held the door in place.

Having dealt with the hell hounds, Percy glanced at the oncoming hoard. The Titans and Giants didn't seem to be in any rush, moving slowly, leisurely towards them.

He bolted to Annabeth's side, "How do we open the doors." Glancing around he spotted a button but was stopped by a hand that grasped his softly. Glancing at Annabeth, he saw tears form as she gazed into his sea green.

"Percy," she halted, "One of us has to stay behind, the doors require someone to hold the button." Percy's eyes went wide, before glancing at the monster hoard. "That's why they aren't in any rush, they don't need to be."

Shaking his head, Percy glared at Annabeth. "Get in the elevator Wise Girl, now. You are going to live."

Shaking her head, she sadly replied. "No Percy, our friends need you, more than they need me." She sighed, "Get in the elevator Percy, I'll hold the button."

"NO! Don't you get it? I need you to live, Wise girl. You are everything to me, I could never leave you behind." He refused. "I love you; I could never leave you in the wretched place." He continued quietly.

Shaking her head, "You always were an insufferable hero, too loyal for your own good." She smiled ruefully, pulling him into a fierce embrace as she kissed him. "But I need you to live, the world does. Don't you get that? You can win this war; you could save millions. Me? No, you were always more powerful. What could I do? My mother dwarfs me in every domain, they don't need me. But you, Percy?" she cupped his face, staring deeply into his eyes. "They need you; your father is limited. But you're not." She stated quietly, kissing him once more.

"No, I can't live without you Annabeth. Please, I need you to live."

Glaring at him, she refuted his statement. "The WORLD needs you to live, Perseus Jackson." She sighed, "Please Percy, get in the elevator. Don't sacrifice the world, not for me."

"I won't allow you to die, Annabeth. Not going to happen, I refuse to leave you at the mercy of these monsters." He could tell she wouldn't listen to him, and the monsters were closing in. Pulling her into a fierce embrace, Percy whispered into her ear, "I'm sorry." Before throwing her into the awaiting elevator and quickly moving to hold the button. Percy could see her scrambling to grab the doors, to prevent them from closing. He screams of frustration as she cursed the stubborn son of Poseidon.

"You're not going anywhere." A spear descended from the sky, embedding itself between the closing doors.

Cursing, Percy glanced at the monster hoard. The spear was far too large to dislodge, clearly, it was a giant's weapon. They had nowhere to run.

"We have hunted you two far too long, you can't just leave." Polybotes grinned wickedly, "After all it would be rude to not greet your hosts."

"Polybotes! Hi! I'm flattered, honestly, but you see. We really need to go, deadlines, you know. We accidentally left the back door unlocked; we can't just allow anyone to break in." Percy replied, "You have deadlines? I assume, so you know what it's like. And we can't miss these deadlines so you may as well just allow us to leave, um, unharmed." The giant laughed, his voice deep as he mocked them.

"No, no. Im, sure it can wait. After all, we haven't even been reacquainted yet." Polybotes replied, reaching through the doors and grabbing Annabeth. "Hello, daughter of Athena I've got a few friends who would kill to meet you." Casting her to the ground, she landed heavily as she glared at Percy for attempting to send her away.

"Now, whatever shall we do with you two." Polybotes grinned wickedly.

"You could let us live? You know, prolong the suffering. Force us to fight your monstrous forces under the sun and open sky? Crush us with the desolate hope of ultimate failure as we watch both Roman and Greek demigods die one by one." Percy attempted, playing upon the monster's desires.

Laughing, he replied, "As tempting as that is, it's not going to happen, young demigod. We plan on eradicating the human race, we can't allow anything to ruin our plans."

"Grab them." The giant ordered, and Percy and Annabeth were wrestled to the ground, their struggles futile against the titan's superior strength. Grinning smugly, the giant crouched down. "Now, how shall we do this, the quick way? Nah, that would be too easy, plenty of fine gentleman behind me hold a distinct grudge against the two of you."

Gritting his teeth, Percy struggled against their grip. "Just finish it already, end her life quickly but drag my suffering out. I have caused you far more pain, and annoyance. Punish me, not her."

A Titan -Krios by the look of it- approached, his eyes flashing an ethereal blue before whispering something to Polybotes. "Thank you, demon. You still baffle me, but your cunning inspires."

Krios shook his head as the ethereal light faded. "Stay out of my head."

"Oh, don't be like that, Krios. It about time someone with a brain resided upon those shoulders." Krios grunted, seemingly tempted to impale the giant where he stood.

"Now," the giant turned back to the demigods. "Kill the girl, slowly and deliberately." As they began, Annabeth's screams of agony filled the air, her tears flying free as the monsters descended. Percy struggled, fighting desperately against their iron grip, but nothing could prevent the suffering that would be inflicted upon the blond hero.

Percy yelled, tears streaming as rage overwhelmed him. Summoning his strength, Percy exploded from the giant's grip as he carved his way through the monstrous hoards. His sword forming an arc of death and destruction, liquid formed around him as he continued to carve through their ranks. He noted that the milky substance burned monsters upon contact. The River Styx. He realized, casting it all around him, singeing and destroying monsters upon contact.

Polybotes sighed useless monsters. Mere chattel, they can never get anything done. Retrieving his spear, he shoved a Cyclopes between the doors to keep it open. With that he engaged the demigod, him and Krios working together to take down the vengeful demigod, there were no gods in the pit so the battle ended quickly.

He sighed, the girl was dead, having succumbed to her wounds and the demigod was down.

Polybotes eyed the downed son of Poseidon, absently noting the ethereal blue glow had returned to Krios's gaze. Nodding to him, "We shall fulfill your plan, put him in the elevator with the girl's body. Destroy him, in body and soul."

"It shall be done. When the time is right."