Annabeth's headache

Annabeth's headache slowly grew...and grew...and grew. Percy and Annabeth were becoming close and actually admitting their love for each other. Well, not quite actually. They kind of just stammered around each other, much to the annoyance of all the Percabeth shippers at camp half blood and Olympus. If they kept that up, the baby would be born into a world of two parents who aren't even admitting that they are in love! Uh-oh.

And so, the aforementioned percabeth shippers all met together and devised....a plan.

Beckendorf thumped the table. "What can we do? This baby can't be born into a world with no Percabeth!"

Silena agreed. "Imagine...a poor child born with their parents not even knowing they love each other! Plus one of them is the subject of a dreadful prophecy which will be completed very, very soon. I mean, for all we know, Percy or Annabeth or both might die! They have to admit their love for each other!"

Chiron nodded thoughtfully. "True, true, but we can't force them to admit their true feelings. I suggest that we go with a typical battle manoeuvre-the Trojan horse."

Clarisse frowned. "So how exactly is some big wooden statue going to help us?"

Everyone looked at her, not having put Clarisse down as a Percabeth fan. She blushed. "So i don't see why their child should suffer just 'cos they're both blind. How is a horse going to help us?"

Malcolm cleared his throat. "I believe that Chiron isn't referring to an actual Trojan horse, but rather to a trick of some kind. "

Nico nodded. "Yeah, that would be so cool! I think we should make Percy think Annabeth is dead. Then he'll admit it and we'll force him to tell Annabeth! Or he could say it at her funeral..."

Chiron frowned. "Nico, when did you arrive? I thought you...well, we were all under the impression that you...let us say, liked Annabeth. "

Nico retched." Eurrgh! Annabeth is more like a sister or a cousin or something! Plus she is way too old for me!"

No one had noticed the shadow in the corner of the room which was gradually creeping closer. Then Hades removed his Helmet.

"Quite right, my son."

Silena screamed. Hades gave an evil chuckle. "Why, daughter of Aphrodite, are you surprised to see me here? I could have been given a nicer welcome, but all things considered, i'll take what i've got."

Chiron laughed nervously. "Lord Hades, to what do we owe this...honour?"

His eyes flashed. "The honour is that I will help you in your plan. I will kill Annabeth Chase for you, and if her and Percy's love is true she can live again. Happy?"

Chiron went pale. "Lord, the risks...Annabeth is like my own daughter..."

Hades grunted. "Fine. If Percy admits he loves her without being told that is the way to save her, she will be restored to life. Extra bonus points if he ventures into the underworld to save her."

Chiron was still pale. "Lord, the baby could die..."

"Oh." He grunted. "i hadn't thought of that. Maybe Percy could die instead? If he would only realise his true feelings he'd admit them. Annabeth is more stubborn."

"Can we really risk that? Percy is the one way we can save Olympus! If he dies before his 16th birthday-even if he is restored to life-the prophecy may be about your son instead."

Hades frowned. Then his face cleared. "Ah! I have it! Annabeth or Percy will be hidden, still alive, in the Underworld. We will make Annabeth admit her love for Percy at his funeral, and then just as she does, release Percy!"

A cheer went up. The plan was made. Now all that had to happen was it be put into action.

But there was one more who had to help with their plans. How could they persuade Annabeth to attempt a rescue? It was still the summer session-she'd need a Quest!

Chiron would of course give her permission, but Annabeth was so wise....

Then a figure surrounded by noxious green smoke appeared in the doorway. It spoke it a rasping voice.

The Son of The Sea God will be taken,

Annabeth's love it shall awaken,

I will tell her of her quest,

Her love shall see to the rest.

Silence reigned for a long moment in the small room as the oracle collapsed to the floor. Then Beckondorf spoke the words which had been in all their minds.

"The Oracle is a Percabeth fan?"