They were almost to the Doors. But Percy's gash was getting worse.
Ever since Bob offered to close the doors, Annabeth didn't think he could convince him out of it. The Doors were so close. They saw the first ray of sunlight, with the Argo II arriving in the distance. Annabeth could tell Percy's pain was getting more unbearable.
She tried to lift his spirits. "We're leaving, Percy. Can you imagine that?"
He suppressed a smile, but winced at the pain.
Bob said sternly, "You two get out. I'll close the doors."
"But…" Percy drowned off his words.
The Argo II landed, Festus spewing fire; announcing their arrival. Piper, Hazel, Jason and Frank came rushing out. At that moment Percy collapsed to his knees, sighing heavy breaths.
"Percy!" Annabeth gasped.
She pulled him by the underarms, trying to keep him alive. Piper and Hazel were already on the ground. Jason and Frank came close behind carrying ambrosia.
"Annabeth," Percy groaned.
She stroked the side of his face. He couldn't die here. A tear rolled from the corner of her eye.
"I suppose… if it's my last chance to say it, Annabeth…"
His eyes rolled to the back of his head. His eyelids shut. His breathing became more raspy.
His breathing stopped.
He died.
Annabeth sobbed into his scalp.
Jason broke through. "Annabeth we have to leave."
Her crying voice said, "We can't."
"We don't have a choice."
Jason turned more forceful. More… Roman. "Come on."
He grabbed her by the arms, while she was still trying to get back to Percy. "Stop it!" she sobbed. "Let me go!"
"Frank!" Jason yelled. "Help!"
Annabeth protested. "No! Get off of me!"
Frank grabbed her by the feet, she was still squirming, kicking to get Frank away and shaking her arms to get rid of Jason. They were up aboard the Argo II, Leo locked the doors behind them. Jason and Frank finally let go of Annabeth. She pounded on the door tried desperately to unlock it, as they got further away.
She sobbed.