A/N: WOW

It's been a fairly long time since I've updated, and for that I'm really sorry. I had summer school and other stuff I needed to do, and I've just been busy with life. And, well, its kinda hard to fit in writing a fanfic and an original fic all at the same time. Plus now that school's starting again, I'm the stage manager for my high school's play and I'm on the mock trial team. Add in 3 honors classes and an AP and you've got a recipe for disaster. Tough Stuff.

This is not meant to be a pity party or to make excuses. I state only facts and reasons. I will admit though, I've been pretty lazy too. But it's because I haven't been motivated. And I would rather wait a while and give you a great chapter, than update really quick and give you short sucky chapters. So from now on my updates will be kind of irregular, but I promise you I'll update as soon as I finish a chapter. Don't hate me!

Anyways, I would highly advise all of you to reread the first three chapters, or at least the first two, because I edited them and added a couple things that will come up late in this chapter, so you probably won't understnad unless you reread!

Sorry again guys, but here's the chapter.

P.S. Yay! More Percabeth! I promise the whole story won't be centered around it, but I'm a sucker for it so their will be quite a bit.

P.P.S. OH and nice job for those of you that got my reference to PoTC. "Mr. Gibbs!"


Chapter 4: I Have a Bittersweet Reunion

The ride back to my house was silent for a time, as I focused on the road and Annabeth stared out the window. Before long she sighed, and then turned to me muttering something.

Pulled out of my mindlessness, I asked, "What?"

Exasperated, she said, louder this time, "Is there something you need to tell me Percy?"

"What?" I said again, confused this time. "What are you talking about?"

"I don't know Seaweed Brain, why don't you tell me. Because you didn't seem too surprised when Cacus came charging down the street." Her voice had begun to rise and she turned to stare angrily back out the window.

What had gotten into her? She hadn't looked angry earlier, but maybe she just didn't want to say anything in front of my mom. "Are you suggesting something?"

She whipped her head around to stare directly at me again. "Maybe. Did you know Cacus was going to come today? Because it sure as hell seemed like it!"

Annoyance fluttered through me and my own temper flared. I quickly pulled the car to the side of the road and killed the engine before I turned and met her accusatory glare with one of my own. "What the hell Annabeth? Are you trying to say that I had something to do with this? Because yeah, I would totally plan something to ruin my graduation, and potentially kill people just to get out of dinner with my mom. Because I've suddenly become great friends with monsters!" Sarcasm and venom dripped off of my words.

"What? No, that's not what I-" she stopped and her voice seemed hesitant. She sighed deeply before going on. "Look I just feel like you knew something might happen today, and you didn't tell me. I mean its not like we get attacked by monsters everyday now, but you still had Riptide with you. How did you know you would need it today?" Her voice was still hard, but it had lost some of it's heat.

After my initial explosion, I was a little calmer as well. "I didn't know for sure that something would happen. I just got a weird call from Chiron this morning, and I talked to my dad for a few minutes before graduation. They both warned me that something out of the ordinary is going on, but I didn't think anyone would be stupid enough to attack me." I paused and added, "Speaking of which, you had your knife on you as well. You didn't know you'd need it, did you? What'd you do with it anyway?" I gave her a once over and didn't see anything out of the ordinary.

She blushed. "You don't need to know. Just because you don't see it, doesn't mean its not there." Her blush deepened and then she turned on me again, changing the subject. "So then, why didn't you tell me anything? Even if you didn't think anything of it, it would have been nice to know," she stated.

"One, because I thought Chiron might have called you already, and two, because I didn't have time to see you after my dad talked to me. I was already running late," I explained.

I paused to let her take it all in, my anger all but evaporated. After a few moments she frowned but nodded. I reached forward to start the car again, but her voice cut through the darkness. "Sorry Seaweed Brain. For jumping down your throat. I just-" she paused. "I was just looking forward to spending time with you before we went back to camp. No more worries about graduation or school or anything, just you and me visiting Washington D.C., hanging at the beach, going to the movies. It would have been nice before we had to start worrying about camp, and Olympus, and next year. I mean, you haven't even decided if you want to go to college let alone where, and I'm going off to Yale next year. It's all just really complicated, and... it would have been nice to take a break." When she finished she heaved another deep sigh and turned away from me.

I couldn't really say anything at first because she was absolutely right. These would be our last normal days together, at least for now, but it had kind of been cut short. We didn't really have to go back to camp, but it was a matter of security. These things had all occurred to me, but I was more worried about our safety than anything. Well not our safety per se but Annabeth would never stand for letting me just worry about her. Anyway, I guess it had hit Annabeth a little harder. The silence seemed to stretch on forever until I reached my hand over and grasped her chin forcing her to look me in the eyes. Before I said anything I stared deep into her stormy gray eyes and pulled her into a slow sensuous kiss. I tried to convey all of my comfort and tenderness and love in that kiss, and when we broke apart, we were both breathing a little heavier. I caught my breath and in a deliberate voice I told her, "I love you, and I'm not going anywhere. Don't ever forget that."

She held my gaze for a few more seconds and answered, "I love you, too. Thanks Seaweed Brain. I really needed that."

She gave me a small smile which I returned with fervor. "Anytime. But I think we should get going," I said, glancing at the clock. I grinned sheepishly. "If we're too late, my mom and Paul will probably start freaking out."

The moment over, I started the car and things returned to normal, whatever that was. The rest of the ride was filled with light banter, though we both knew it was just to hide the tense undercurrent. I could feel Annabeth scanning the streets around us as we sped down the crowded streets of New York. It didn't take long to reach my house and my mother gave us both huge hugs of relief as we walked through the door.

My mom had managed to scrape together a meager dinner, so we sat around the table, eating in an apprehensive silence. As if sensing the awkward tension, Adrian and Adara started talking. It was mostly gibberish and they never finished a conversation with the same person, but it served its purpose. The anxious mood was lightened slightly and we were able to have a somewhat enjoyable dinner, though Annabeth and I took turns glancing out the nearest windows.

Once everyone was done eating and I had helped my mom clean up, the gloominess returned and my mother looked at me with sad yet understanding eyes. She pulled me into a fierce hug and I wrapped my arms around her in turn. We stayed like that for a long time and my mom choked out, "I'm so proud of you Percy. For everything. You're a great kid."

I could tell she was on the verge of tears so I patted her awkwardly on the back. "Thanks mom. I'm sorry I'm leaving so quick. This isnt exactly how I pictured our goodbye."

"It's not your fault sweetie. These things just happen and there's nothing you can do about it."

"Yeah I guess."

I kissed my mom's forehead and then ran upstairs to grab my bags and give her a moment to regain her composure. Upon my return downstairs I found Annabeth playing with my siblings and Paul and my mom sitting together on the couch. When they saw me, they began to rise but I stopped them.

"Before we go I'm gonna try and contact Chiron quickly through an Iris Message. I don't know if it will work, but I don't know the camp phone number." As I walked into the kitchen I could feel Annabeth close behind me. I filled up the sink with water and then, reciting the incantation, dropped a golden drachma into the small pool. For a second i though it would work as a fountain of spray shot up from the sink in a curtain and then a message slowly shimmered into place and an automated woman's voice began speaking.

We are sorry, but the goddess Iris is very busy at the moment, and we are experiencing magical difficulties. If your message does not go through momentarily, then please try again later.

We waited a few moments, and when it was clear that nothing was going to happen, I waved my hand through the spray, and the water fell limp back into the sink. My eyebrows came together as I wondered what could do this to Iris and I could practically feel Annabeth's frown as she contemplated the same thing.

We reentered the living room in silence and I could tell that my mother and Paul had been listening in. I stepped to the door next to my bags and picked up both my brother and sister, giving them my best stern expression. "You guys better be good okay? Listen to Mama and Pappy." Then I gave them both huge raspberries and they started giggling and bonking me oon the head with their toys.

Before I could set them down, Adara asked, "Where you go Percy?" I smiled at how she couldn't make the "r" sound. In exactly the same way, Adrian added, "Yeah big brother, where you go?"

I gave them a sad smile and answered, "I have to go away for a little while."

I put them down and Adara spoke up again. "You come back?"

You could have heard a pin drop in the silence that followed as everyone waited to here my answer. I looked around the room at my mom, Paul, and then Annabeth in turn, until Adrian tugged on my pants leg. I looked down to see them staring expectantly up at me. I paused though there was really no question as to what I would do.

"Yeah," I said, "I'll definitely be back." It was as if the room itself was exhaling tension as the awkwardness faded.

Satisfied the twins turned away from me and ran to Annabeth, each gripping one of her legs in a hug. "You go too Annie?" My lips quirked at the thought that they were probably the only people who could get away with calling her that unscathed.

She seemed surprised and bewildered at their affection, but she laughed lightly and her face turned soft. "Yeah I have to go. But I'll be back with Percy."

She leaned down and patted both of their heads and muttered a Greek blessing softly. They let her go, and, losing interest, returned to playing. Now it was my mothers turn to say goodbye and I could see the waterworks that she was trying to hold back, so I just gripped her in a bear hug. "Don't worry Mom. This is just like any summer. I'll be back before you know it." She nodded and let me go managing a smile before turning to Annabeth and giving her a hug as well.

While they were saying goodbye, Paul stepped up and we exchanged grips. "Take care Percy. And remember what happened to Achilles. Don't forget your weaknesses."

This was slightly unexpected from him, but I only nodded and thanked him. Annabeth and I stood together by the door, and my mother looked us both up and down. I thought she would tell Annabeth to take care of me again, like she was my babysitter, but this time she only said, "Take care of each other, you two. Don't do anything stupid." This time she looked more at me, but I was still glad she treated me like an equal.

Annabeth stepped around me and out the door as I picked up my bags and followed suit. Just as I was stepping off the front porch, I threw a smile over my shoulder at my family before turning and heading off into the fading light.

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I threw my bags into the backseat of the car and was about to get into the driver's seat when Annabeth stopped me.

"Umm, Seaweed Brain, you forgot to change your shirt. Are you sure you want to walk around in that?" she reminded me.

Glancing over my shoulder, I remembered the singed back of my dress shirt and frowned. Shrugging I pulled off my tie, unbuttoned the shirt and pulled it off, throwing it into the trunk. Standing there I was sure I looked silly in slacks and a white t-shirt, which was what I was wearing under my nice one. Annabeth rolled her eyes and just said, "Get in."

"So where are we headed?" I asked as I started the car.

"Well, I'm not sure. I want to go pick up my stuff but I don't know if we should risk it." She frowned in discontent.

I knew clothes didn't mean a lot, but it would suck for her to have to wear hand me downs and other left over clothes at camp. Plus I wanted to make up for missing our mini vacation. "Don't worry so much. We'll be fine," I assured her, pulling into traffic.

The drive seemed longer than usual, and it was silent other than the radio which Annabeth constantly fiddled with, and the occasional comments we made on trivial things. Upon reaching the parking lot I was grateful for its emptiness and I pulled into a spot right next to the dorm. The sooner we got in and out, the better.

I was tempted to tell Annabeth to stay in the car, but then I didn't want to leave her alone so we ran together into the office. The same lady was sitting at the desk so I assumed we could just go up, but she stopped us. "You know the rule sweetie. No boys allowed past 6:00." I glanced at the clock and it read 6:21.

"We're just going to pick up her stuff," I explained.

"Well then why doesn't the young lady just do it herself?" I glanced at Annabeth desperately and the lady sighed. "Fine. But if you aren't back in five minutes I'm coming up there no matter what you two are doing." I blushed and I was sure Annabeth was too, but we nodded.

I opted for us to go up the stairs instead, not wishing to get stuck in a cramped elevator if something happened. Walking quietly down the hall, Annabeth pulled out her key and when we reached it, opened her door. Meg was fast asleep on the little couch between their beds and she woke with a start.

"Huh, what- Oh. Hey," she greeted Annabeth and then stood up and yawned walking towards her bed. She took a glance at the clock and then looked over at me in the doorway. "How'd you get by the matron?"

"I didn't. She let me go 'cause we're just here to pick up her stuff," I answered as I picked up Annabeth's backpack and slung it over my shoulder. Annabeth handed me a thick gym bag and her suitcase, picking up the only thing left: her laptop bag. She had more stuff than me, since she wasn't coming back here anymore.

Meg frowned. "What? I thought you weren't leaving until tomorrow?"

Annabeth and I glanced at each other. "Something came up," she said apologetically.

She leaned over and Meg gave her a huge hug. She was cold to me, but I knew Meg and Annabeth got along pretty well. Then she looked at me and lifted her chin in a jerky motion of acknowledgment. "See you Jackson."

I nodded back at her and walked out of the room, Annabeth close on my heels. Passing the matron, I tipped my head and she smiled at us waving goodbye. I shoved Annabeth's stuff into the trunk area of the car and then quickly hopped in.

It was pretty dark out now, and it made me uneasy. Usually I wasn't so jumpy after a monster attack, but all this weird stuff was happening at the same time, and I really didn't think it was a coincidence. Thanking the gods that I filled my gas tank up last night, we made our way out of the city, and the farther away we got, the less traffic there was until the road was all but empty apart from the occasional car. I yawned and told Annabeth to try and get some rest since it was getting pretty late, but she shook her head. We were both wound up pretty tight so it didn't surprise me.

To try and get my min off of things, I began thinking about what Chiron has told me. Where could these demigods and their guides have gone if they weren't dead? My mind swirled around the dilemma for the longest time before an idea came to me, and the more I thought about it, the more it made sense to me. The monster attacks, the disappearing half-bloods and satyrs. It all pointed to the same thing. Peeking at Annabeth, I noted her tense expression and decided to just tell her along with the rest of the campers when we got there.

It began raining, getting steadily heavier until it was pouring down buckets. My senses went on hyper alert and Annabeth slipped her fingers into my hand giving it a squeeze. I didn't risk a glance away from the road, but we both know that it doesn't usually rain like this in late May. Something was up. Plus this reminded me eerily of the night of my first trip to camp. Not wanting to relive that particular memory, I focused on the road, praying to the gods that nothing would happen. Relief filled me as I began recognizing land marks, signifying our nearness to Camp Half-Blood. If it wasn't so dark and rainy out, I was sure I could have seen Thalia's tree a few miles away.

A thought occurred to me and I asked Annabeth, "Where am I supposed to put my car? I can't just leave it on the side of the road."

She stared at me like I was inept. "We have a small Parking structure you know..."

"We do?" I had never realized it.

She rolled her eyes. "Where do you think we keep the vans? And the camp cars? And the older campers' cars?" It had never occurred to me before now, but I did kind of wonder where they were kept.

"Just go a little past Half-Blood hill and there will be a small dirt road to your left. Follow it and you should come right up to the parking cover. it used to just be a dirt parking lot, but since we were renovating camp anyway, I decided to add the canopy for better protection against the elements." She was kind of babbling, but I decided not to stop her.

I followed her instructions and we pull into this dirt clearing where there were several cars and a few vans parked under a stone awning. It kind of reminded me of the first floor of a parking garage: a few stone pillars and a sturdy roof. The rest was open space. Most of the parking spots were open so I picked one and we got out. Since it was raining I decided I would just magically dry any wet things when we got under cover, but when I looked around I realized it wasn't raining a few feet past the edges of the dirt space.

Annabeth saw my confused expression and explained, "Technically this is camp property. But it's not actually on the grounds, so its not protected by the weather spell. There should be a path to your left somewhere that leads to the back of the Big House."

Nodding I picked up our backpacks, which was all we needed right now, and started following her towards camp. We briefly passed through the rain before we crossed the camp border and then as we neared the Big House I could hear the familiar songs we usually sang around the campfire. Calculating the time it took to get here from the time we left, I assumed it was a few minutes till 9. They must be about to finish up and go to bed, and I silently thanked the gods again that we hadn't arrived too late. I didn't want to walk into camp and get eaten by harpies. Well figuratively anyway, since I was invulnerable.

I picked up my pace and passed up Annabeth, catching her hand as I passed and pulling her along. I really wanted to get to the camp fire before they were sent off to bed. It would be much easier to address everyone about my ideas if they were all together. Most of the summer campers weren't due to arrive for another week or so, but at least I could throw my ideas out there for Chiron and the year-round campers.

Our approach was quiet and any noise we made was drowned out by the singing. We were cloaked in darkness, so no one really saw us until we stepped into the light of the campfire. I looked around noticing some new campers, some old, and a few of my friends. It took a second for them to notice us standing there, but then the singing stopped and there were some surprised gasps, a few "hey"s, and even a few whistles, whether at Annabeth's dress or at our clasped hands. I rolled my eyes. Did I mention how young most of the newer campers were? Then again, it wouldn't surprise me if it was our own old camp friends that were jeering.

Chiron broke out from the crowd, his eyebrows raised, but not much else on his face showing surprise. Training heros for centuries must have made it pretty hard to surprise him. Next to catch my eye was Nico ever alone in his dark outfit and brooding expressions. He smiled slightly at me and nodded, not looking all that surprised either. Then Grover bleated at us from my right and made his way around the campers he was sitting with.

He had grown since I had last seen him and but he looked slightly younger than me now, probably the result of his decelerated growth rate. I gave Annabeth a huge bear hug, actually lifting her feet off the ground and then he came over to pat me on the back. We didn't exchange any words but I could tell he was happy to see us. It was slightly awkward for a time until Chiron broke the silence.

"Percy, Annabeth," he greeted us. "What brings you here so early, er, late? I assume this isn't purely a social visit."

I looked at Annabeth and she shrugged, slightly nodding. I took a deep breath and spoke to everyone at the campfire. "I think...I think I figured out where all of the missing demigods and satyrs are disappearing to. And I think I have a plan to get them back."

The only thing that followed was silence. Then a sarcastic voice, that I realized was Nico, broke the spell.

"Well its about time. I was starting to get bored."


Ha! Cliffie! Those of you who haven't gone back to read the revised versions of the first chapters might be a little confused by the ending, but other than that, what'd ya think? Good, bad, so-so, horrible? I hope you didn't think I was dragging out the goodbyes too much. Yeah I know it was sappy but eh. Deal with it. But whatever you think, please hit the review button and leave me a tiny comment! Thanks to those of you who commented last time

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A couple things I'd like to address for those of you who care to read this:

At the beginning of the chapter, Annabeth may seem a little spazzy since she was freaking out about their mini vacation ending or whatever. If you think this is out of character a little I can understand. But my reasoning is that she just graduated high school. Yes she's used to being attacked by monsters and not living a normal life. But when you graduate, you're essentially leaving behind your childhood. It's time to grow up. College is a big step and it's reasonable to assume that she would want a break. I can kind of relate to her because graduation for me isn't too far off either and it gets you thinking. Anyway, I just wanted to let you I realized what I was doing.

And secondly, I wanted to say a bit about the goodbye scene. I said a bit about dragging it on at the top, but I just wanted to make it realistic. Not only is Sally worried for Percy, but she also doesn't know if he's gonna come back to live with her anymore. Again, he's graduating and growing up. He's been accepted into a few colleges, but he doesn't even know if he's gonna go, or stay at camp half-blood, or what, so it's not easy for her to say goodbye to this boy she's raised for 18 years. Even though the main focus of the story isn't about the college thing, it is something I'd like to keep as a running side story.

So thanks for those who decided to read my long, and probably unnecessary, Author's note. Again, my posts wont exactly be regular, but hopefully I finish this next chapter soon. I already know whats gonna happen in it. =)

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And no more unnecessarily long A/Ns!!!