All Heroes Fall

Water. That's a good thing to have when trapped in the deepest part of the Underworld. I had used two water bottles in my backpack, and i only had three more. It had only been two days too. I wasn't going to survive long enough to get out of here if I didn't have any water or food. Because my granola bar supply was depleting too. I was almost to the Doors of Death. The turns and corners were starting to look familiar now.

I took out another granola bar and started to nibble on it. I would be dead before the week was out if I couldn't get any food or water. Then making this trip would be pointless. At least Arachne kept me hydrated and my belly half full. But I would trade hunger and dehydration for captivity any day. I stumbled over a rock and landed on my face. I felt a trickle of blood run down my face. Great. thought. The last thing I needed was an injury I needed to keep clean. I pulled my pocket knife out of my jeans and cut a strip from my shirt. Twisting the cap off of my water bottle, I let a thin stream soak the strip of clothing. I tied it around my head and continued walking. This was going to be a long day.
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*At the End of the Day*

I came to a stop against the left wall in the tunnel. Quittin' time had come and I needed some sleep. Tomorrow maybe I'd do better. Or maybe I'd just be thirstier. And hungrier. But I didn't want to dwell on that right now. I needed to clear my mind and get some sleep.

I dreamt of Annabeth.

I stood in a garden. Flowers covered everything. Whites and pinks and reds dotted the garden. In the center, was a white, wooden bench. Bees hummed next to my ears and birds chirpped off in the distance. I could smell the fresh, sweet scent of the flowers so strongly, I swore it was real. I look over to the bench which was empty only a second before, but is now occupied. With Annabeth.

She sees me and her eyes widen. She covers her mouth and tears run down her cheeks as she runs over to me. Jumping in my arms I catch her, and we embrace. Tears are now running down my own cheeks, because it feels like forever since I have had this close contact. I almost let out a gross sob when she let go, but I restrained. She wiped her eyes and nodded, knowing how I felt.

"I'd sit here and hug you forever Seaweed Brain, but we don't have much time. We're devising a rescue plan. Go to the Doors of Death and wait. I think I've found a way to open it again. It should take about three days. Can you wait that long?" Three days. Three waterbottles. I think I could survive.

"I think so. But, how are you going to open it?" We walked over to the white bench, and sat down. Annabeth put her head on my shoulder, and I put my arms around her, stroking her hair.

"Daedalus had blueprints for a new knob if the door ever needed fixing. If we can attach that to the outside and reverse the magic, then we can get you out and still close the door." I thought this over.

"Doesn't the door have to be shut on both sides though? How do you know it will stay closed if you put the new knob on?" Annabeth looked up at me with sad, but hopeful eyes.

"We don't."
*THUMP*
"What the?" I said.
*THUMP* *THUMP*
"What's happening?" I asked as me and Annabeth were bounced from our seats. Annabeth looked at me fearfully.
"Something's after you in Tartarus. You're about to wake up."
"What?! B-but I'm not done here yet. I can't leave you again." I took Annabeth's face in my hands and kissed her. When we broke apart, there was nothing.

Nothing but darkness.

Hot breath burned on my neck as I felt the creature come closer and closer. Discreetly reaching into my pocket, I withdrew Riptide. Flinging my eyes open, I slashed at the creature. The animal screamed and backed away. Well, well, well. It was none other than my Minotaur friend. And his horn was still missing. He must be royally pissed off about that.

Training his eyes on me, he roared and charged me. I had just enough time to side-step him. But not before his other horn slahsed a thin line on my side.

"Dammit!" I pressed my hand against my side to stop any blood flow. The beast reared around and came at me again. His glowing red eyes burning with hatred and anger. As he neared me, I stepped to the side and jumped on his back. Since we were already in Tartarus, I didn't know where this thing would go if I killed him, but it was worth a shot. I stabbed Riptide down into his thick hide and watched him cry out and thrash around. Pulling my sword out, in one quick move, I beheaded him. I jumped off of his back as it hit the floor, and grabbed my stuff. I made a run for it. Our fight had probably attracted other monsters to the area, and my Demi-God scent was very strong. I was surprised it took this long for a monster to actually find me. So obviously, I was going to run like a mad-man, until I felt safe. Or, safer. No matter. I had a date in about three days. And I sure as hell wasn't going to miss it.

Notes