It's been a long time since I updated. I had some logging in problems for a long time, so I couldn't update the story. Thanks for not giving up on me! :)

- Spottedtail

It wasn't water that I hit, and it wasn't a stalagmite either. I hit the cold ground. I landed right on my right leg.

"Ow!" I screamed in agony.

My leg was certainly broken. It was twisted in a weird direction, and something (I dare not say what it was) was sticking out of it. I really wanted to say a curse word, any curse word, but I could barely speak after my cry of pain. I was hoping I would just faint, but I knew that wouldn't happen.

"Thalia, Annabeth!" I groaned.

I felt dizziness come over me, and then I passed out.

^.^.^.^.^.^.^.

I woke up to the throbbing of my leg once again. It was still pitch black in the pit, meaning that help did not come. I was shaking, which my guess was that I bled somewhere, and I was losing loads of blood. I began to smell the floor for a scent of blood.

I could smell it on the ground, meaning that I was bleeding somewhere. Was it my leg? No, it couldn't be.

Though it was painful, I leaned over and inspected my leg. Sure enough, as soon as touched it, it was wet with the stench of blood. It didn't hurt, surprisingly.

Is it paralyzed? I wondered. It was completely hopeless. There was nothing else I could do. I was dead.

Then I had an idea. It was crazy, but there was nothing else I could do. I was going to die either of starvation, or of the pain I felt.

I closed my eyes, even though there was no point in the darkness of the cave and I softly prayed to my father and the rest of the gods.

Father, if possible, could you send help to me? I could really use it right now. I'm sorry for our conversation we had.

I was silent for the rest of the while. I could not sit up, for every part of my body except for my leg hurt dreadfully.

Then a heard a voice in my head. I had a small tinge of hope that my father answered my prayer, but this was not the case. The Crooked One had come once again.

Oh Luke, what a shame. You were always such a good boy. Now look what you've done. You have left your family and friends for a death in a pit. Sad, really. I wish I could help you but I really can't.

Why not?

Because you fool! You left me for Annabeth and Thalia. Are they here to help you now? No!

I know, I'm sorry!

There was no answer.

Crooked One? Please, if you help me get out, I promise I'll help you. Under any condition.

It turns out the Crooked One liked this idea. And by the way, what kind of name is the Crooked One?

Alright, godling. If you swear upon the River Styx that you will do whatever I ask of you under any condition, I will help you.

I. . .

Do it now. Or I leave you. It's your choice.

I took a deep breath. I felt dizzy, as if I was going to pass out again.

Fine. I swear on the River Styx I will do anything you ask under any condition.

Good boy. You may stand now.

I slowly stood up to realize that my leg was completely healed. I touched it, and the gash was gone. My head was still a bit dizzy from hunger and thirst, but at least I was in power to cling out if I had to.

As if he could read my mind (he probably could . . . creepy) he said, Your leg was paralyzed. But I've healed it so you can find your way out. But let me ask you this Luke, once you get out, where will you go? Will you find your friends again?

I hesitated. I'm going to make sure Thalia and Annabeth have a safe place to live. . . then I'll help you in any way I can.

Good. You will see the path of light which will lead you out to your friends.

For once, the Crooked One sounded sincere, so I looked for any hint of light in the cave. For a couple moments there was no light, and I began to worry that the Crooked One had fooled me.

But all of a sudden, there was a small dash of light on the cave floor. I dropped to my knees and touched it. It was warm like the sun. So he was going to help me. I guess anyone could be honest when they wanted to.

I followed it shortly to the cave entrance. And there is was! I was out. I breathed a sigh of relief.

Thank you so much...

Don't forget your end of the bargain. The words pierced through my head.

I won't. Trust me.

Good.

"Annabeth! Thalia!" I called. It was growing dark outside, so I knew that they would be camping out soon. I sniffed the air for any scent of fire. Since I couldn't smell anything, I walked on into the forest.

Suddenly I heard a voice behind me bleating, "Luke! I've been looking all over for you!" Then my vision was blinded. All I could see was brown curls. It was. . . Grover.

"I got scared when you weren't where I left you. When Thalia and Annabeth came back, we split up and went searching for you."

I was speechless, but I managed to follow Grover back to our make-shift camp. When I got there, Thalia and Annabeth drowned me in hugs and kisses. Later that night, Thalia pulled me aside and shared with me what happened to her and Annabeth after I shared what had happened to me.