LXXI

Tartarus confronts Damasen, calling him a disgraced son. Damasen signals Annabeth to go, then charges the god atop the Maeonian drakon, declaring he will start by destroying his father. The drakon mows through monsters as Damasen presses Tartarus back, forcing the god to retreat and inadvertently consuming his own troops in his vortex.

Meanwhile, Bob stumbles to the Doors of Death, bleeding golden ichor and barely standing, yet grinning with purpose. Percy creates cover by bursting blood vessels and dousing enemies in underworld rivers, but Bob insists he will hold the button. He warns they cannot defeat Tartarus—only buy time—and offers them twelve minutes.

Annabeth, holding back tears, accepts the necessity. She tells Bob that monsters are eternal and promises they will keep the memory of Bob and Damasen alive so they may regenerate someday. Bob urges them to be strong, hinting more sacrifices may come, and gently pushes them toward the elevator.

As Tartarus orders monsters to stop them, Small Bob prepares to defend the Doors. Annabeth drags Percy into the car. Bob winks and instructs them to hold the Doors closed from their side. The panels slide shut, leaving Bob and Small Bob to guard the passage while Damasen and the drakon continue to distract the god of the pit.