a / n

this is what i like to call recycling. so i'm in this pjo / hoo writing contest ( hosted by the amazhang maia, go follow her MaiaPapaya4Life ) where every other week or so we get a prompt and enter a oneshot we write to get graded. anyways, this was my latest entry, and it's kind of percabeth, so i'm recycling it here (:

“ let me go. ”

prompt : basically kill off a character. one of your favorite characters.

word count : 716

character i chose to kill ( tear ) : percy jackson

a / n : i don't think i've ever killed a character before – much less such an important one. here we go !

He'd known the risks.

They all did. A demigod was guaranteed anything but a long, peaceful life.

But when Percy had woken up that morning, he hadn't realized it would be the last.

He found himself in a very strange predicament currently, and yet he allowed these thoughts to run through his head.

Percy had long wondered if your life flashed before your eyes like they always said it did. Now was his chance to find out.

They were right.

“I don't know. But I just know that I'll be fighting next to you.”

“I'm glad you're not a guinea pig.”

“Let us find the dam snack bar.”

“Love conquers all. Follow your heart.”

“Are you really the son of Poseidon? Can you surf really well then?”

“You're a stalker with hooves.”

“Be careful of love. It'll twist your brain around and leave you thinking up is down and right is wrong.”

“You are okay? Not eaten by monsters?”

“But remember boy, that a kind act can sometimes be as powerful as a sword.”

“You would've done the same for me.”

“Yay! Your brain works!”

“Perseus Jackson––if you wish it––you shall be made a god. Immortal. Undying.”

“Life is only precious because it ends, kid.”

“Percy, let me go.”

“Tell the son and stars hello for me.”

“I love you.”

A hundred voices, all at once, flooded his head. He was aware of every one, and his surroundings.

His life had been dangerous. And confusing. And exciting and fun and stressful.

He saw himself hanging over the depths of Tartarus, grasping Annabeth's wrist and promising to stay with her. His fatal flaw was loyalty. Promises weren't something he broke.

But maybe there was one exception.

Death.

The violent wind was rushing past his ears, but he could hear Annabeth just fine.

They both dangled from a rope bridge, secured only by the wooden poles jutting out from the earth on either side.

Their last quest. At least, their last quest together. He was going to fall, and she wasn't. Because if she did, that would mean her death as well. Annabeth was a daughter of Athena. She was smart. She wouldn't let go.

He'd have to do it for her.

“Percy!” she screamed, the sound ripping from her throat. “Don't you dare!”

Percy met her eyes. They were full of terror and panic, staring desperately into his.

“Stop it! We'll get out of this! Just like we always––”

“Annabeth.”

“No! I won't let you, it's not––”

“Annabeth,” he said again, a little more forcefully this time.

He'd never seen her like this before. She was completely lost, terrified of what was to come next. Not even when they had faced the long, dark fall to Tartarus.

She gripped his hand harder. “Percy!”

“I need you to focus. Come back to me.” His voice was calm.

She'd been his anchor, so many times. Now he had to be hers. One last time.

“No,” she sobbed. “I don't want you to leave.”

Her tears were flowing freely now. She looked around, trying to find an answer, a better solution.

But there was nothing.

“It's okay, Annabeth. Let me go.”

Annabeth snapped her head back around. “No! Please Percy, you promised. I can't do that!”

The sound of her voice dug into the cracks of his heart and pulled them further apart. He didn't want to do this any more than she did.

“Please, please Percy. I can't. I just can't.” Her voice had gradually gotten softer, and she was breathing raggedly from crying so hard.

Percy nodded. “I know, Annabeth.”

He didn't say anything more, but he knew time was running short.

Annabeth was slightly calmer now, and Percy gazed at her lovingly for what would be the last time.

“Let me go, Wise Girl.”

Annabeth looked at him. She choked down a sob. “I have to,” she mumbled.

Percy resisted the urge to grunt from the effort of hanging there. “That's my girl. I love you, Annabeth.”

Annabeth didn't try to stop the tears anymore, and began sobbing once again. “I love you too, Percy.”

Satisfied, Percy began to loosen his grip on her hand, and Annabeth did the same.

They shared one last look, and their eyes said it all.

Percy let himself drop.

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