Chapter Two: Touch and Go

Percy's Point of View.

I woke up to find Annabeth still asleep and snoring softly. It was pretty freaking adorable. I softly kissed her cheek and her eyelids fluttered. I could tell that she was still really tired.

"Percy…" she whispered.

"I'm going to look around, okay?" I said.

"Let me come with you." she begged.

"No. You're hurt, and you need sleep. I promise I won't go far. When I get back, we can have some breakfast, okay?" I said.

"Alright. Please be careful."

I got up slowly. I could tell she saw me wince, but she didn't say anything. Then I looked around in my backpack for a flashlight. I had gone a couple yard when I looked back and saw that Annabeth was already asleep.

Walking alone in the darkness, I couldn't help but think about what comes next. What is we never got out of here? What happened to the others? Would they finish the quest without us? Stop it Percy, get a hold of yourself. You can't keep thinking like this.

I realized I was running. I slowed down and wondered how far I'd gone. The rocky walls were much closer here. I was claustrophobic and dizzy so I sat down. This place was endless. I turned around and decided to make my way back to Annabeth.

Annabeth's Point of View.

I woke up to find Percy still gone. Where was he? How long would we be here? I was starving. My ankle hurt like crazy and my head was still spinning, but I felt better now that I had gotten some rest. I was wondering how long I had slept when Percy approached.

"I really don't like this place, Annabeth." he said, stating the obvious.

"I know. Me neither." I replied.

We found some peanut butter crackers, a bottle of blue Gatorade, and some peppermint gum in his backpack. We also found two Tylenols, which isn't very helpful for demigods, but we each swallowed one anyway.

"I wish we had some ambrosia or something." I said.

"Yeah. Me too." Percy agreed.

We continued to eat in silence. Percy let me have one of his crackers. He was so kind and generous. Even in a place like this, he was more concerned about others than himself. This was one of the many things I loved about him.

Each of us only took a couple sips of Gatorade and a few crackers. We wanted to save the rest. Again I wondered how long it would be until we got out.

"I'm so sorry." I whispered.

"For what?" he asked.

"This is all my fault. I failed on my quest. We shouldn't be here. You shouldn't be here." I explained, a tear rolling down my cheek.

"No! Don't think like that! You were brilliant. And I'm so glad you aren't here by yourself. I just wish I could be more helpful." he answered.

"Thank you." I told him, drying my eyes.

"At least we have each other, if nothing else. As long as we're together, we can do anything." he said reassuringly.

"I love you." I whispered.