Annabeth gripped Percy fiercely, determined not to let him fall. She was probably hurting him, but better that than a trip to Tartarus. She wracked her brains for any possible way that she could pull herself and Percy back up. She thought of only the impossible things, like somehow managing to build a rope or discovering some type of new power of flight…She thought maybe Athena would help. Or Minerva, whatever the goddess was at the moment.
Annabeth's arm ached and she was strongly tempted to let go, but that was not an option. She had made it this far, and she was simply going to let a bit of pain in her arm destroy her and Percy's life? And there was no way she would let Percy fall. There had to be something.
"Annabeth," Percy muttered calmly. "Let me go."
The calmness of Percy's voice is what worried Annabeth the most. He sounded defeated and somehow peaceful, his voice echoing down into the dark place that he now accepted as his fate. He had given up.
"I'm not letting you go, Seaweed brain. I am not letting you go. As long as we're together, it'll all be okay," she said in a strained voice. The pain and tears were building up.
No, no, no. Calm down, Annabeth. Don't cry. I just need to find a way to do this. Gods. Mom, if you can hear me please, please help. Athena or Minerva…just…Please.
"Let go, Annabeth!" Percy said firmly. "We're both going to fall if you don't let go!"
Then a voice surfaced in Annabeth's head:
I understand you need my help. It was Athena. Or maybe Minerva.
Yes, yes, I need your help. Oh, gods. Thank you. Thank you.
I cannot help you.
What? What do you-?
The power of Tatarus is too strong. I can feel it's presence even now as I speak to you within your own confines. I can only offer you words of advice.
Okay, what?!
Let the boy go.
"No!" Annabeth said aloud.
You understand it is the most logical thing to do to ensure your own safety. You do know that it is the only way for you to live. Your fatal flaw is pride, not loyalty. Or perhaps you feel it your duty to save him.
I don't care about pride! That isn't why I want to save him!
Again, the goddess sighed. Another one of my children lost to unreasonable, illogical thoughts.
And what is that?
Emotions and logic do not mix. She stated and then she was gone from Annabeth's thoughts.
Annabeth looked at Percy. She knew, even if she didn't like to admit, letting him go was the only way to survive. Percy seemed to know what she was thinking and he released his fingers slowly only for them to be clung on to with Annabeth's nails.
"We're staying together," she promised. "You're not getting away from me. Never again."
Then Annabeth let go of her tiny ledge, and together, holding hands, she and Percy fell into the endless darkness.
