ANNABETH POV

My head is throbbing from the toxic fumes. My arms are about to fall off. My legs are sore from running. And I'm pretty sure I dropped a lung 5 miles back.

Monsters have been attacking me non-stop. They keep mumbling something about Gaea and revenge. I don't think I have enough stamina to keep up with them. I try to think of everything I've heard about Tartarus. Then it hits me.

Phlegethon. The River of Fire.

It flows from Hades's realm down into Tartarus. The river is used to punish the wicked. But, according to some legends, it is called the River of Healing. It keep the wicked in one piece so they can endure the torments of the Fields of Punishment. I think it might be the Underworld equivalent of ambrosia and nectar.

A perky voice knocks me out of my reverie. "Well, well, well, if it isn't blondie."

'Dears gods, not her again. She has that arrogant attitude that makes me want to stab her on sight.' I thought to myself.

"Long time no see, Kelli. Have you enjoyed your time in Tartarus?" I replied cooly.

"Where's that handsome boyfriend of yours? Did he get tired of you already? I bet he's locking lips with the red head." Kellie said smugly.

'Oh no she didn't. Someone better hold me back because all Hades 'bout to break lose.'

"Are you trying to get killed? You do remember how well that ended in the Labyrinth." I will never forget how fast she could move with those mis-matched legs. If I didn't stab her in the back, she would have eaten Percy's face. "Aren't you the least bit curious as to why I'm here?"

"Not really. I just want to kill you. I have been planning by revenge for years now. I was going to kill you in the Mortal world, but since you're here." She whistled and suddenly I was surrounded by four other empousai.

I have to admit, I am impressed with the ambush. But also confused when she implied returning to the mortal world. When I fell into Tartarus, the doors closed forever. (I know the doors have to be closed from both sides. This is my version of the story, so just go with it)

"What do you mean "in the mortal world?" How are you planning on getting back?" I asked, genuinely intrigued.

She rolled her eyes as if it was the most obvious thing. "Duh, the Doors of Death."

I busted out laughing. I couldn't help it, tears started to form in my eyes. After a couple of minutes, I finally calmed down. "Are you being serious right now? I cannot believe you honesty think there's a way out of this hellhole." I said in amusement.

"What is she talking about Kelli? Are you or are you not leading us to the doors?" one of the empousai asked.

"Hold up. You all trust her to lead you there. The last time she was in the mortal world, Kelli was left in charge of keeping my friend Luke Castellan faithful to Kronos. In the end, Luke rejected him. He gave his life to expel Kronos. The Titans lost because Kellie failed. Now Kelli wants to lead you to another disaster."

"Enough!" Kelli's finger nails grew into into talons. She glared at me as if imagining me sliced into small pieces. I prepared myself for battle. I haven't forgotten about what she said about Percy and Rachel. If I had imaginary heels and earrings on, I would be taking them off right now 'cuz shit was about to go down.

"The girl lies! So what if the Titans lost. That was part of Gaea's plan." Kelli looked around, daring anyone to say otherwise. Satisfied with the silence, she continued. "Do you know what it's like to slowly re-form while fully conscious, Annabeth Chase? For months, I had to endure searing pain. Finally, after what felt like eternity, I was able to claw my way out of the darkness and back towards the light."

I looked at her incredulously. Is she seriously blaming me for her death? She should have thought about the consequences before attacking us. It's not my fault, I was provoked.

"I wonder what happens when a demi-god is killed in Tartarus. Let's find out shall we." Kelli unsheathed her fangs and pounced on me.

AN: PLEASE DON'T KILL ME. I KNOW I HAVE BEEN GONE FOR A LONG TIME, BUT NOW I'M BACK. THANKS FOR READS, I REALLY APPRECIATE THEM. NEXT CHAPTER UP SOON.