CHAPTER V
PERCY
For the first time in his life since discovering his parentage, the son of Poseidon was truly jealous.
Jealous of Jason, son of Jupiter, who could fly by controlling the air and winds. Jealous of Frank, son of Mars, who could transform into a bird or dragon or, who knows, possibly even a pterodactyl. But no, the guy falling for hours could only control water and it didn't seem likely that they would be falling through a rain cloud anytime soon.
Percy Jackson's head spun wildly as he tumbled into the pit. His senses seemed to be overloading. He could not even say which direction was he was falling. As he fell, he pulled Annabeth into a hug, his arms wrapped around her shoulders.
The air whistled loudly as they fell, screaming so loudly past Percy's ears that his jaw clenched. The air had became humid and thick, making it difficult to breathe.
Percy wished he knew how long they had been falling. It felt like an eternity, but as they fell in complete darkness there was no indication of how many hours passed. Percy drew a breath. What if there was no bottom? What if he and Annabeth fell forever? Then in the same moment of panic; what if there was a bottom? What if they crash-landed and formed a crater like something out of a sci-fi movie? Neither of them would survive a landing like that.
Percy pulled Annabeth closer. He thought of Nico Di Angelo. "Meet us at the other side" he had told Nico. Now he wasn't so sure he would see Nico again. Or any of his friends.
He squeezed his eyes shut and shifted as Annabeth wrapped her arms around his waist. He was glad of her touch. Even gladder she was here with him. Or rather that he was here with her. He shuddered slightly at the thought of her falling alone. "As long as we are together" She had said.
Now, they might die together.
Percy clenched his jaw so tightly that his ears popped, blocking out even the screech of the wind. He desperately tried to think of a way to survive the plunge.
Suddenly the air changed. It was hotter and with his next breath, Percy's nose burned. The air was thick with sulfur. He opened his eyes and was blinded by a eerie light reflecting off red clouds. Spots clouded his vision as he blinked, trying to get his bearings.
They seemed to pick up speed. Percy was vaguely aware that the ground was getting closer. Annabeth squeezed his arm tightly and nearly screamed "Percy! Water!"
He looked down below them and understood what she wanted. A dark river snaked below them. At least he could try to cushion their landing.
It was nearly impossible to focus as he tumbled. There was no familiar tugging sensation in his gut. His eyes widened as stories of the rivers of the Underworld clouded his brain. He remembered the River Lethe and its powerful memory erasing properties. He realized he was on the verge of panicking and shook his head, trying to concentrate.
As they neared the water, Percy yelled in sheer frustration. The water from the center of the river exploded, rising to meet them. He only had time to blink in surprise before the water engulfed him.
Super short chapter i know! But hey, its just the beginning! Review please and let me know what you think!
