Sorry this chapter isn't so long. I had a busy day...
Disclaimer: I don't own Percy Jackson.
Annabeth's POV
The truth? Annabeth was terrified. She tried not to act like it. The Annabeth Chase everyone knew at school may be nerdy, but everyone knew that she was never scared. She laughs in the face of death. Or so she thought.
And then Annabeth as kidnapped and a whole new world of possibilities were opened to her. Should they escape or wait until the ransoms are paid off? Should she accept being scared or act brave?
Questions flooded her mind as she sat on the couch, waiting for the next demand of Kronos.
The demand did not come.
Instead, Kronos whipped out a cell phone and called someone. "Hello? Where are you? I need you here, Cortez has gone to make the calls and a few of these kids look strong and smart."
Kronos listened to the person on the other line for a minute and growled. "Don't you remember our deal? If you don't help me out, I always have a Plan B."
Kronos smiled as he listened to the person's reply. "Good. I'll see you in a minute. And don't forget your gun." He hung up.
"Okay." Kronos said in a powerful voice. "Since I have to keep you brats alive, that means I also have to feed you. It's time for dinner, so head into the kitchen."
Katie was the first to stand up, and the Stolls followed her into the kitchen. Annabeth stood up and Percy suddenly grabbed her hand.
"Annabeth," he whispered, keeping his voice down. Kronos was in the kitchen, but that didn't mean he couldn't hear.
"Yes?" Annabeth's voice was shaking.
Percy stood up, still holding Annabeth's hand. "Are you okay? You—you look horrible."
Annabeth rolled her eyes. "Thanks, Seaweed Brain. That's exactly what every girl wants to hear."
For a moment everything was back to normal. Percy, being a Seaweed Brain and Annabeth, telling him that he's being a Seaweed Brain. But that moment ended.
Percy's face got a little red. "No, I, uh, I meant, it's just that, uh…"
"I know what you meant, Percy." Annabeth told him softly. "And I'm fine."
Percy nodded and his eyes trailed down until they saw his hand locked into Annabeth's. Percy cleared his throat and let go, his face bright red. Annabeth's face felt hot, and she knew she looked the same.
Percy walked into the kitchen, but it looked like he was trying not to run. Annabeth tried not to laugh. Percy was such a Seaweed Brain. Couldn't he tell that Annabeth liked him? Then again, even Annabeth didn't know until a few weeks ago when they were holding hands (for a class activity) and for the rest of the day Annabeth's heart was fluttering.
And why shouldn't it? Percy was cute, with his sea-green eyes and messy black hair and—no. Annabeth mentally scolded herself. They were kidnapped and she was daydreaming about a boy. She should be planning a strategy to get out. But who was Kronos talking to on the phone? Who was coming?
Annabeth walked into the kitchen and took a place next to Thalia. There was already food on the table: cold beans, old lettuce, and stale bread. There even wasn't any water.
Annabeth started eating. The kitchen was quiet except for the sound of chewing. The food tasted just as bad as it looked.
Annabeth examined Kronos as she tried to swallow the horrible food. Kronos wasn't scared or nervous. That part was obvious. He must've had experience in this type of thing. Usually kidnapping, murder, or even holding a gun knowing that you might have to shoot it can drive someone insane to the point of confessing.
But Kronos was calm, laid-back, and almost…happy? How was that possible? He's threatening the lives of nine people!
There was a knock at the door that caused Annabeth to pause mid bite. The knock was unique. Short, long, five quick knocks… and then a knock that sounded like a kick. Annabeth memorized it immediately (having a perfect memory helps).
Kronos smiled. "Ah, that must be him." He walked casually over to the door and opened it. "Good, you're here."
A giant African American man walked in. He was about 6' 5" and had muscles that would make any serial killer cry for their mother.
"Yeah, I'm here. What do you need?" The man said in a low, gruff voice.
"I already told you over the phone." Kronos said. He pointed to the teenagers. "These are our captives: Percy Jackson, Nico di Angelo, Annabeth Chase, Thalia Grace, Katie Gardner, Luke Castellan, Travis Stoll, and Connor Stoll."
Kronos smiled, making Annabeth shudder. "Captives, meet Charles Beckendorf.
