House of Hades
Percy
Falling.
I never imagined how terrifying it could really be. Sure I fell off the Gateway Arch in St. Louis when I was twelve, but that was nothing compared to this. Back then I could actually see the bottom. Now, well now there's only blackness. I've never been afraid of the dark before either. But now I'm terrified. The only thing keeping me from going completely insane is Annabeth, who is currently laying on my chest. Laying extremely still.
"Annabeth?"
Oh gods, she isn't responding. What do I do? What do I do? I was starting to panic.
"Annabeth!" I shouted, louder than the last time.
Still no response. I move my hand from protectively cradling her head and carefully reach for her wrist. I apply pressure, praying to all the gods that she's okay.
I feel nothing.
No no no please gods no. I think frantically. I quickly reposition my hand, hoping desperately that she's okay. Finally I find her pulse. I almost start to cry with relief.
It's okay. She's fine. She's okay.
Knowing she was okay made me calm down. I suddenly remembered why she was unconscious.
Her ankle.
I craned my neck so I was able to get a good look at it. Her bubble wrap cast was holding rather well, considering all it went through. It was then that I noticed the string attached to it. Arachne's string. The reason we were here in the first place.
I once again removed my hand from her head and pulled Riptide out of my pocket. I uncapped it and watch as it lengthens into its full beauty. I take aim and expertly throw it about four feet under her ankle, cutting the string attaching her to Arachne. I silently thanked Chiron for all the training at Camp Half Blood.
Once the string was cut, we noticeably fell slower than before.
Oh gods. Arachne was pulling us down faster by Annabeth's foot. No wonder she blacked out from the pain.
I wave of fury washes through me. That spider caused my Annabeth so much pain. Her and that stupid Mark of Athena. Annabeth went through so much.
Suddenly pride overcomes the feeling of fury. Annabeth outsmarted Arachne. She single-handedly followed the Mark of Athena. She found the Athena Parthenon. I couldn't have been a prouder boyfriend.
Just then my thoughts were interrupted by the entire parking lot coming at us faster than I ever thought possible.