Disclaimer: All characters belong to Rick Riordan
Chapter 2
The last time he was here, it was with Annabeth. That was two years back, when they still loved each other. It took him an entire year to finally come back. He was still afraid of this place but he needed Riptide back. And this was the only person that could have given him Backbiter. This was the only person that would have. Tartarus.
'I never thought you would be back. What do you want?' Tartarus licked his lips like this was what he had been waiting for. He probably had been waiting for Percy to show up.
'I want two things. I want Riptide back. I also want answers.'
'Why? Riptide is something Percy Jackson would use. The person who you used to be. So why do you want to keep something of your past?' Tartarus looked like he already knew the answer but he just wanted to hear it.
'Riptide belongs to me. Blackbiter is something Luke would use. I'm not Luke.' It wasn't a lie. But it wasn't the truth either. He wasn't Luke but he was starting to understand him.
'Really? Because I certainly see Luke Castellan in you. You both have the same goals. For the exact same reasons. So tell me, Jackson. How are you different from Luke Castellan?'
Percy was tempted to list out the physical differences between them but decided against it. 'Luke followed Kronos. I don't want to follow anyone. Luke wanted followers. I don't want followers. I am very different from Luke in many other ways and you know it. Same goals or no, I am not Luke Castellan.'
Tartarus laughed. He laughed a very cold and evil laugh. 'I may not be the god Apollo or the Oracle but I can promise you that soon you will follow me. Soon you will have no choice but to follow me. And that is exactly what will make you like Luke Castellan. And that is exactly what will make me like Kronos.'
And Percy knew that one day the promise would come true. He could already feel it. But he denied the truth. It was much easier than accepting it. 'Well then, when that day never comes, you can tell me. Now I want what I came here for. Riptide and answers.'
Tartarus grinned. It made Percy uncomfortable. 'I already gave back Riptide. I gave it back from the beginning. As for answers. It depends on the questions.'
Percy didn't even need to think about the questions. They came right out of his mouth. 'Three questions. Why are you so eager to overthrow the gods? What have they ever done to you? Why do you want my help?'
'Ah Percy. I want to overthrow the gods for pleasure. For torture. To avenge my wife's death. Now my wife cannot wake up ever again and it's their fault. They have done nothing good for me so I decided to return the favor. But I know I can't do it alone. I need help. I need your help. You see Percy, the gods used you too many times because of your powers. If we could just use your powers against them, they would never even think about interfering with your life. You and me, we would make a powerful team. An immortal team. We couldn't die because I have the power to make you immortal, Perseus Jackson. I am a primordial god. Higher than the gods. Stronger than the gods. And I can make you stronger too.'
'Thanks for the offer and all but no thanks. I got what I needed so excuse me if I leave. I have some unfinished business to attend to.' Percy said leaving as Tartarus opened the Doors of Death for him. It was only the next day that Percy wondered why Bob and Damasen weren't there. Percy felt guilty and ashamed for not thinking about them sooner but he wasn't going back to check where they were. Tartarus had said enough. Percy was sure if he went back, Tartarus wouldn't let him leave until Percy joined him. And Percy didn't want to join him. He wanted to do this on his own.