DISCLAIMER: I don't own Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

The streets of Manhattan were always loud and busy, people walking and talking, some stopping to get coffee, others hailing cabs, and just doing what they always do. I was walking amongst the people in the crowded sidewalk trying to get back to my apartment. Thalia had called me about a million times and left a significant amount of messages, but answering would do me no good. It's not like it's going to change the fact that I was late.

I'm never late.

Keeping up my brisk walk, I finally reached the building and readied myself for the long lecture I was in for when Thalia saw me. When I was outside the door, my key was positioned inside the lock, but I couldn't bring myself to turn it. Thalia…oh she's going to be so pissed. I told myself to be brave and just as I began twisting the key the door flew open and I was greeted with a scowl and eyeliner.

She was only three years senior to me but she acted a hell of a lot older. I had started calling her 'mother' at times when I couldn't stand her obnoxiousness. That had been a running joke for about two years, since the time I moved in with her.

"Annabeth, where the hell have you been? You told me you were going to be home an hour ago, and what do you do? You come home late. And on top of all that, you don't answer your phone. Do you realize how worried I was? Why are you still standing out there, come inside, it's taken you long enough."

Closing the door behind me, I dropped my bag next to the couch then let myself fall onto it. Yawning, I closed my eyes hoping Thalia would finish ranting after I woke up. I can't believe I even thought that a possibility.

"Get up, can't you see I'm talking to you? Why didn't you at least send me a text or something?"

I sighed and opened my eyes. "I thought the class was over at 5 but it was actually 6, which is why I got home late." That wasn't even a lie: I had genuinely forgotten which was amazing since I hardly forget anything.

"And I'm just supposed to believe you? Come on, I'm supposed to be your guardian and you can't even tell me where you are."

"Only people under eighteen need a parent or guardian. I'm twenty-one; I think I've surpassed the age of eighteen if my math is correct."

She sighed and plopped onto the couch as well. We sat like that for a couple minutes until I spoke again.

"I'm going to make myself a sandwich, you want one?"

"Yes."

My days continue on like this, sometimes there's a bit excitement though. For example, once I forgot to buy cereal and Thalia and I spent an hour arguing about who had to go get it. Finally after making an excuse about studying, Thalia agreed to it.

I was studying architecture at NYU, and the reason I was ultimately staying with Thalia was because I needed a place to stay and my dad didn't want me to live alone. I never felt overworked and I always understood what was being taught to me. Of course, that didn't mean I didn't need to study. College wasn't too bad for me, and I felt lucky that I really did get all that I had really wanted in life. Not that I had asked for a roommate exactly like Thalia, but hey, she was amazing. Future plans…well I was going to get a job somewhere in New York after I finished college, but I'd still stay with Thalia since I couldn't really bear the thought of living without her.

I was waiting in line for my coffee, a tradition of mine since I realized that waking up early was hard, debating with myself on whether I should get a medium or a large. I finally decided after the boy at the counter gave me a cocky grin.

"Now what would you like today princess?"

God that was annoying. Large coffee, for the headache he just gave me. While walking out, I realized he stuck a small paper with his number on the cup. Ripping it off, I threw it into the trash and left the shop.

It had started raining lightly, but I was too lazy to take out my umbrella. The streets actually weren't too crowded, and I let myself enjoy my coffee as I walked through the streets. Then while passing an alley I heard something strange.

Someone was coughing, or at least it sounded like it. Turning to peer inside the alley I saw a body lying on the cement. He didn't look like some street rat though; he looked out of place. Taking my chances, I walked closer. The man had dark hair, and was still handsome even though he was bruised and bleeding. He coughed again, and blood spattered onto the rain-darkened concrete.

Then he opened his eyes, they only fluttered half open. His eyes were a beautiful sea green, and he looked up at me. I took a deep breath and kneeled down next to him, setting the coffee down next to me. His mouth was slightly open, his breaths short and ragged.

"Help," he croaked then he passed out.

A/N: I'm not sure if anyone remembers this but I had the first four chapters up months ago, which I then deleted due to random reasons that I'd probably explain but I seriously don't remember them. I thought I should try it again so here you go. I hope you guys like it. Review with some feedback, follow if you're interested in reading more, and I think that's it. Until next time, guys!