Hold, hold on, hold on to me, cause I'm a little unsteady. A little unsteady.
Annabeth ran desperately to get to him, faster than she ever had before. His body was slumped against the tiles, and hadn't moved.
Hold, hold on, hold on to me, cause I'm a little unsteady. A little unsteady.
She reached him and pulled his limp form into her lap. Out of her peripheral vision, she saw Hazel gasp and run for Will. Good, just hang on, Seaweed Brain.
Mama, come here, approach, appear.
He wasn't breathing, and Annabeth thought of the call she might have to make to Sally. Then she shook the thought away and brushed his dark bangs away from his face.
Daddy, I'm alone, cause this house don't feel like home.
She felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes and prayed to every god she could think of- especially Poseidon. Surely he'd take pity on his son.
If you love me don't let go.
No pulse. She held him tighter and heard Piper's muted scream of horror and saw her shadow cast on his body. Annabeth was terrified, she could feel him slipping away.
If you love me, don't let go…
No. Annabeth Chase would not let go of him, never. Will appeared at her side and gently moved her away.
Hold, hold on, hold onto me, cause I'm a little unsteady. A little unsteady.
She felt Piper's arms wrap around her from behind, but kept her stormy gray eyes fixed on Percy as Will began compressions.
Hold, hold on, hold onto me, cause I'm a little unsteady. A little unsteady.
Leo knelt beside them and Will's eyes grew wide with desperation. He tilted Percy's head back and started CPR.
Mother, I know, that you're tired of feeling alone.
Hazel fell to her knees on Percy's other side and wept openly, but Annabeth didn't let go of her hope. She wouldn't.
Dad, I know you're trying, to fight when you feel like flying.
Jason landed behind the group and tried to keep a steady face. Annabeth felt his hand rest on her shoulder before he took flight and brought down the last empousa.
But if you love me, don't let go.
"Percy…" she whispered. Her hope was faltering. Will leaned back to catch his breath, and Percy lifted his head so green met gray.
Whoa, if you love me, don't let go….
He reached out weakly and Annabeth finally dove into his arms.
Hold, hold on, hold onto me, cause I'm a little unsteady. A little unsteady.
Percy held her tightly as they stood up shakily. Their hug was soon joined by eight other demigods, each one planning to never let go.
Hold, hold on, hold onto me, cause I'm a little unsteady.
A little unsteady.