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The first time Riptide set eyes on Annabeth's Hat, it was love at first site. Annabeth's Hat was just so smokin'! Personally, Riptide thought she looked just gorgeous in the light that he gave off. But how the heck was he supposed to confess his love when he had no mouth, lips, nor tongue? He sat there for a moment chewing over his predicament.

. . .
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

Percy touched his point and turned back into a pen and he wanted to scream loudly. He desired to be with Annabeth's Hat! Not in Percy's moldy pocket. Sometimes Riptide had nightmares about Percy's pocket and how he was always forced to return to it. It was like a bad abusive relationship and he had no other choice nor say in the matter. But as long as he got to see Annabeth's Hat, everything little thing is gonna be all right.

You see, one day Percy accidently sent Riptide through the wash. And though his name was all about water, he did not like the taste of soap. Or rather, the feel of soap, since he had no tongue to taste with. That was probably a good thing.

The next time Percy forced him into sword mode, Annabeth and her hat were nowhere near. Riptide was pissed and when Percy touched his tip to change him back, he made sure to prick Percy's finger. His efforts were wasted due to Percy's mark of Achilles, though. Riptide then silently swore to somehow remove it.

So therefore when Percy walked through the Little Tiber, Riptide knew it was all because of his lighting the way for him. And he was so happy the next time Percy tapped him shut because Percy's finger bled. And finally, he had his satisfaction.

Only it took Riptide forever to figure out that Annabeth's Hat was nowhere in the near vicinity. He couldn't feel her presence. Where had she gone?

That night, when Riptide went to sleep (at least Percy kept his pockets nice and warm) he dreamed of Annabeth's Hat.

"Anaklusmos," her musical voice whispered in his head. He loved it when she said his Greek name.

They may be far away, but their mental link would never go away. For the power of their love was much too strong.

And though they knew they wouldn't see each other for a very long time, all that mattered was that they'd be together in the end. Whenever that day might come. Both of them sensed it would be soon, but not too soon. And for now they would have to live with their situation and make the best of it. They sent each other love messages over their link until Riptide was clicked into a sword again and he had a job to focus on.

As he fought in Percy's hand, he was fighting for Annabeth's Hat. And nothing would ever change that.

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