Whoever the Greek poet said it took nine days to fall from Earth to Tartus either had to fall himself or speculate it. And Percy can now confirm that it felt like an eternity. But whether he fell for nine days, a decade, or forever, he didn't care.

Because at least he took the fall instead of Annabeth or any of his friends. And he promised, he promised, Annabeth that he'll be back! All they need to do is meet him at the Doors of Death if they can make it on time.

'I love you!' Were Percy's final words to Annabeth before he fell inside the pit, the spiderweb attached to Annabeth's ankle earlier was now wrapped around his arm.

For what seemed like a few hours or a day, the darkness slowly began to have a red hue to it. The so-called light grew brighter as the chute he had fallen inside opened to an enormous cavern. Tartarus, or at least parts of it from what Percy's blurry eyes could see through the thick wisp of red clouds before he fell into the river down below.

Water shocked his entire system, if that was even possible for the son of Poseidon, as he was submerged inside. He tried to breathe but inhaled the water instead, feeling its cold and bitter taste enter his body.

Life is despair... everything is pointless and then you die Strange wails screamed into Percy's ears as he pushed up to the surface.

"Point... less." He gasped out as he tried to keep on swimming. But he was so, so tired and he began to sink once more.

Just as he was about to lean his head back into the water, a warm touch woke him up. Then a fierce tug at his arm as he was being pulled out of the water.

As he fell on the hot sand of the riverside, he laid down flat on the surface, body trembling from the cold water. He wanted to sleep but the being who pulled him out just slapped his cheek.

"Ow... ow, hey!" Percy grumbled as he tried to swat the hand away. But he was so weak, he could barely lift a finger. All he can do is open his eyes, turning his head to come face to face with... another person?

"Who... who are you?"