Chapter 11

Interfectrix

I approached Tartarus, ready to deliver the news. He thought he controlled me, and that I was loyal only to him. We'll see about that. I am wise enough to appear as I am his loyal servant, because if I didn't, he would devour my existence.

Was the plan executed? Tartarus asked.

"Yes, Perseus Jackson believes his girlfriend is dead." I told him.

Will he tear those mortals apart as you promised?

"We have successfully brought out his dark side. There is nothing he won't tear apart." I said.

I do not think he has enough darkness in him.

"He has more darkness in him than you think, we just need to unlock it." I assured him.

This had better work. Tartarus threatened.

"Everyone has a dark side, Perseus just lets his control him." I cackled.

I flashed into the abandoned warehouse where we were keeping Annabeth Chase. I stalked up to the bars of the golden cage I had imprisoned her in. It was woven with magic, so only I and Perseus Jackson could open it.

Of course, Tartarus didn't know Perseus could release his girlfriend. I wanted him to be able to release Annabeth, so they could at least attempt to defeat Tartarus. If they did, I could finally enact my finally plan.

"Well, well, Miss Chase. What have you been up to?" I said, taunting her.

"It's none of your business." She spat. "Where's Percy?"

"Right down to business, are we?" I asked mockingly.

"Just tell me where he is." She growled.

"Now, now. No need to be nasty." I said.

"Tell me. Now." She demanded.

"I'll give you a hint. What's tall, angry, and running wild around New York?"

"What?" Annabeth said.

"Your boyfriend has a dark side, I'm afraid." I said as I chuckled darkly.

"W-What did you do to him?" She stuttered.

I love it when my enemies show signs of weakness. It makes things so much easier.

"He thinks you're dead." I said simply.

The daughter of Athena seemed to finally understand my plan, and stared at me in either fear, or determination.

"I'll see you later." I said sarcastically, and flashed out.

I flashed to a different universe, one where Tartarus never enacted his revenge, and the Seven were still alive. There, I would pay Hazel Levesque a visit. She's a strong girl, underestimated. It's a pity Tartarus killed her in this universe.

Percy

I only felt anger, well, anger and grief. I could have saved her. If I were faster, or stronger, or Hades, even wiser. I felt her cold blood on my hands, and pictured her lifeless face. It fueled my anger, and there was nothing more I wanted to do than avenge my Wise Girl. I would kill Interfectrix, tear her apart with my bare hands. I would make sure the person responsible for Annabeth's death would die- painfully.

So I ran. I ran as fast, and as far as I could. I had to get away from everything, and mostly everyone. When I ran into Steve Rodgers, let's just say I wasn't pleased to be found so easily. I struggled against his grip, but he was holding fast. I hadn't seen him since breakfast. Actually, I hadn't seen any of them since breakfast, and I was glad it was now night.

"I just want to talk to you." He said.

I finally conceded and stopped struggling. He set me down on the pavement and we sat in silence for a moment.

"It's not your fault, you know." Captain America said quietly.

His words only fueled my hate fire. I remembered how they knew where she was, but they didn't tell me. Her death is their fault. We could have saved her, but because of them she was dead. I felt raw anger at the sight of one of them, one of the people who had a part in her death.

I didn't mean to, but I felt a wave roaring in my ears, and suddenly Steve found himself sputtering on the ground. I tried to run away while he was still dazed but he got up quicker than I expected. My instincts reacted quicker than I could. Water formed into ropes and restrained Steve.

"Don't follow me." I growled out, harder than I meant to.

"Percy-"

I cut him off. "You aren't forgiven. Do me a favor and leave me alone!"

With that, I ran into the darkness leaving him restrained and alone. I knew that running away would mean I was running away from everything I had. I didn't care. All I cared about was avenging her. I would do anything to make things right. I would be strong for both Annabeth and I.

I would punish those Avengers. They could have saved her. Instead, they left her to die. I would make them pay for what they did to her, for what they did to me. The old Percy Jackson had died when Annabeth did. Now I was someone new, and I wasn't sure exactly who I was yet. All I knew was that they would be sorry they didn't tell me where she was.

As I ran I realized I had nowhere to stay, and I sure as Hades wasn't going to sleep on the street. I went to my mom's apartment against my better judgement. Luckily, my mom wasn't there and I was able to actually sleep. For once I had no nightmares, but a dreamless sleep. That was a luxury for demigods like me.

When I woke up, I made sure I got out quick in case my mom came home. I didn't want her to see me like this, whatever- whoever I was. Maybe in time I would be able to face my mother, but for now I was content to not see her. On my way out I grabbed a few pictures. They were of happier times, and now the memories were bittersweet. They made me sad looking at them, but nevertheless I stuffed them in a backpack.

Today it was time to start my new life, for better or worse. No matter what, though, I will avenge her. Annabeth may be dead, but I know she would want me to live for her, which is the only reason I didn't go to my uncle. Besides, I had some revenge to serve out first.