Chapter 17: Annabeth
Annabeth ducked and weaved between the warriors. Despite their skill they were slow; only shadows of the heroes she knew. Erebus's laughter bellowed throughout the cave. Annabeth plunged her daggers into Luke's back. The son of Hermes cried out as he fell to the floor. She dodged the swinging blade of Achilles and slashed at the Myrmidon's feet. Her blade connected with his leg, dropping Achilles to one knee. Before she could strike him down Annabeth was forced to block an attack by Percy. Wielding a sword he disarmed her of one dagger. Annabeth jumped back to evade an attack. Percy swung his sword again, only for Annabeth to dodge the attack and slab him through the small on his back. She knew how Percy fought better than anyone. She spun around to see Achilles had risen to his feet. Before he could even attack Annabeth lunged. Her knee connected with his chest as they collided. Achilles lay on the floor. Before he could react Annabeth had embedded her remaining dagger in his neck. She heard a soft hiss as the air left his throat. Picking up both her weapons she turned to Erebus. The laughter had ceased as the god's red eyes blazed with fury.
"Maybe I underestimated you," he said, "but no matter. I will just kill you myself." Erebus raised his arm. Annabeth felt herself being levitated off the ground. She struggled but it was useless. Erebus flung her across the room. She attempted to swing a dagger at the god's head, but he caught her arm. Erebus squeezed, crushing all the bones in Annabeth's arm. She screamed in agony as he tossed her towards Æther. Looking up at the god of light she could see he was unconscious. Using her other dagger she slashed through the chain holding his right hand down. Annabeth attempted to repeat the action on his left arm, but her blade turned to dust. She turned to see Erebus rapidly advancing towards her. Erebus grabbed her by the throat. Annabeth desperately grasped for air. She could feel the god's grip tightening.
"Foolish mortal," snarled Erebus, "your arrogance that you could destroy me alone is insulting."
"Who said anything about destroying you alone?" replied Annabeth. Erebus's eyes widened, realising what she had done. Dropping the daughter of Athena he turned to Æther and attempted to restrain his now free arm. Annabeth heard a crack and looked up to see Æther grabbing Erebus's throat. Æther rose to his feet and broke the other binding. Annabeth noticed a new emotion in Erebus's eyes; fear. In a blinding explosion the god of darkness was flung across the cave. Æther stood upright; now clad in golden armour and a winged helmet. He created a blade from the air. Annabeth thought the sword was made of pure light. Æther swiftly moved towards the recovering Erebus and plunged the sword into his chest. Erebus let out a scream that could have deafened a human. Annabeth looked up and saw the dark figure fade into the air, with his metal armour falling to the ground with a clang. Æther turned to her.
"I thank you mortal," he said, "My brother has been vanquished for now."
"You mean he's destroyed?" Annabeth replied.
"Sadly no. Erebus and myself are unique. Light and darkness will always exist, and so shall we as a result."
"Oh." Said Annabeth. Her heart sunk. Even though she had succeeded it felt empty. The cost had been so high.
"I am sorry for the loss of your friend," Æther continued, "but he died a noble death. He will enjoy the fields of Elysium for all eternity." Annabeth struggled to hold back the tears.
"But now I must return to Olympus. I will return you to Camp Half-Blood so you can prepare."
"Prepare for what?"
"I fear this is the beginning of something bigger. A far greater threat is coming. I can feel it." Before Annabeth could enquire further Æther placed his hand on her forehead as she fell into a deep sleep.
