Chapter 9 – I Save a Life

I considered just ignoring it, but I had to do something to help. "Down, Blackjack," I yelled.

We plummeted through the clouds, and landed with a sickening thud.

I looked around. We were on a beach. The sea was a beautiful shade of blue. That was perfectly normal. Soft sand cushioned my feet. That, too, was normal. High cliffs bordered the beach. That was normal. Chained to one of these cliffs, was a girl. That was not normal.

I ran over to her. As I got closer, I could see her more clearly. She had long blonde hair and green eyes. She wore a long, ornate dress, so I figured that she must be some kind of royalty.

"HELP, HELP ME!" She was shouting.

"Who are you?" I asked.

"I am Princess Andromeda. My father has chained me here, as a sacrifice to the beast in these seas that has been killing sailors."

I was about to ask her about the beast, but a massive splash distracted me.

I spun around. A huge sea serpent was rising out of the ocean. It was purple in colour, and had sharp spikes along its back.

It was heading straight for Andromeda.

I couldn't let her die. "No," I cried, and launched myself into the monster's path.

The beast its black eyes on me, and glided through the water towards where I was standing. I reached into my pocket for Riptide. I clicked the pen, and it changed into a familiar bronze sword.

Andromeda started screaming. "Don't worry," I shouted over my shoulder to her, "I'll kill him."

I wished I really was that confident.

As the serpent slinked forwards, I jabbed it in the side with Riptide.

The beast turned around and disappeared in the ocean. He clearly thought that I couldn't attack him there. He didn't realise that I was a son of Poseidon.

Giving Andromeda a fleeting smile to let her know that I was fine, I dived into the waters.

I glanced around and caught sight of the beast behind a rock. I swam quickly after it.

I had caught up with it within seconds.

As I swam forward, my foot collided with a rock, and made a loud crack. The serpent whirled around.

But, before it could attack, I raised Riptide and sliced the beast clean in half.

Blood and guts from the body poured into the sea.

I swam back onto the shore.

"I thought that you were dead!" Andromeda shrieked when she saw me.

I hurried over to her, and used Riptide to cut the chains that bound her to the cliff. I caught her before she could fall to the floor, then set her down of the ground.

"How can I ever thank you enough?" Andromeda asked.

"It's fine. Really," I replied. "I've got to go now. Bye,"

I ran over to Blackjack and clambered onto his back. We soared up into the sky. I waved to Andromeda, until she completely disappeared from view.

"There you are," said Chiron, when we returned to Camp the next day. "Where have you been?"

"Um…." I muttered. I knew Chiron wouldn't be please that I went to the Underworld without permission. "It's a …long story."

"Well, as long as you're back I suppose. You're just in time. The Contest is about to begin."

Chiron led me into the Amphitheatre. A thousand Campers were there, awaiting my decision. I stood in front of Drew, Annabeth, and Hera. They all gave me glorious smiles.

Chiron handed me the golden apple. It felt heavy in my sweaty palms.

"Campers," Chiron announced. "Welcome to the final stage of the Contest. But, before we hear Percy's decision, let us first congratulate all three contestants for getting this far."

I clapped and cheered with everyone else.

"And now, Percy will tell us who is 'the greatest' and who has won the golden apple!"

Everyone in the Amphitheatre turned to face me.

I took a deep breath. "I choose…

A/N:

I used Andromeda in this story because in the Myths she was rescued by Perseus, who has the same name as Percy.

This is the penultimate chapter, so only one more left now! I hope you like this one. Big cliff-hanger at the end! Can you guess who Percy is going to choose! Tell me what you think in a review!

The more reviews, the faster I'll post the last chapter!