The Undead's Decision (A Percy Jackson Fanfiction)

Prologue: The Hero's Death

{Percy's POV}

I always wondered how my demise would arrive. As a demigod, life was dangerous at every step. Even a walk down to the grocery store is not free from an occasional telkhine or sphinx. However, I did put a lot of faith on my swordsmanship, after all, that's what keeps me alive. Of course, then there is Annabeth. I don't know what I'd do without her. With those princess blond curls and that all-knowing look on her face at all times, she really is the apple of my eye... Sorry, stupid ADHD. I better get to the story.

I summoned a huge wave to sweep Gaea in the air to prevent her from reforming, while Jason did his best to use the winds for support. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Leo and Frank trying to keep the monsters away from us. I saw Annabeth and Piper tending to an unconscious Nico. Clarisse and a few of the Ares campers were holding of the primary force, along with Reyna and the legion. The Hephaestus cabin was doing their best to manage the traps and the onagers, but they were having trouble with a few Cyclopes. I managed to bring my attention back to the matter at hand, telling myself that nothing can be done if we are not able to take down Gaea. Thankfully, at that moment I felt that familiar tug in my stomach as the power of the ocean filled through me.

Water rushed in from the canoe lake and flooded the battlefield. Hordes of monsters degenerated on the spot, and those who survived were washed away by the sheer force of the water. The great surplus of water really changed the playing field to my advantage. Gaea didn't stand a chance. I heard Reyna yelling at the legion for the final push while Jason flew Piper above Gaea to activate her charmspeak and the rest was a blur. The Earth primordial fell back into her slumber and the monster force had been decimated by the campers and the legion. The clanging of weapons eventually ceased as the enemy force was being whittled down.

For a while, silence ensued, then an abrupt cheer went on in the crowd. Hugs and tears of joy were exchanged between the Greeks and the Romans. I looked around at my friends and thought that it was finally over. Expressions of happiness looked back at me and I felt that peace had finally arrived for me. However, the Fates had other plans for me.

I felt a presence sneak up on me and I immediately uncapped Riptide, but it was too late. I was not able to even register the sound of the blade, I just noticed a familiar glint of celestial bronze sticking out from the front of my chest. A loud ringing began in my ears which almost blocked the shrill screams calling out my name. Losing control of my body, I slumped to the ground, only to be caught by Annabeth, tears overflowing in her mesmerizing grey eyes. Hoping to identify my attacker, I looked behind me into the forest and I  caught sight of a hooded figure flashing me a sneer and then slipping into the shadows.

I brought my attention back to Annabeth, who had taken me into her lap and noticed my friends crowding around me. By the pain flaring in my chest, I knew that my time among the living was over. As my vision started to get blurry, I cupped Annabeth's cheeks and tried to wipe her tears away. It pained me to see everyone so broken after the victory we just had. With seconds away to my end, I looked into her eyes, holding on to my life. I saw my entire life flash by in front of my eyes and even imagined snippets of the now impossible future I could have had with Annabeth.

"I love you Wise Girl...I am sorry we won't be able to stay together but promise that you will live your life, at least for me." I muttered, with my strength slowly leaving me.

"No, Percy! Stay with me Seaweed Brain, please don't go! Here, take this!" she exclaimed, as she handed me a flask of nectar, which Will had hastily provided.

"It is no use, Annabeth. My time on Earth is over." Taking Riptide, I placed it into her palm and proclaimed, "I, Percy Jackson, hereby transfer ownership of this sacred blade to Annabeth Chase, in the hope that she finds better use of it than me."

At that last word, everything went black.