(A/N: It's been a while I know. I'm just busy these days. Also, I'm starting to doubt that this story is worth continuing. I have my reasons. Anyway, it's not my final decision yet and ideas are still somehow trickling in my head so I guess I'd continue for now. Read on!)

VII

Annabeth

The rest of the day mostly went on as usual.

Those who were aware of Nico's disappearance were curious on how Percy and Hazel got him back but the two had nothing to say since they had their memories wiped out and in Percy's case, again. Later that evening, she and Malcolm were at the Athena bunker two levels underground. They were going through various reports and plans on uniting the two camps. After all, it's always Athena cabin's job to handle those things.

She picked up the report about the basketball game idea they held earlier that afternoon. As planned, Percy was made captain of the Roman team while Jason on the Greek just like how Hera switched the two of them as camp leaders. It went well for the first twenty seconds or so until one Roman camper voiced his thoughts about Jason betraying them and all, it was followed by a Greek camper, a son of Nemesis if she remembers right, who defended Jason and even said that he's a better leader and Percy's right where he belongs: with the losers. That just about started it. After nearly every player getting fouled out down to the very last one with Percy and Jason the only ones remaining, they called the game off with everyone still beating the heck out of each other. Hazel had to cause a massive earthquake just to stop the riot.

Annabeth crumpled the sheet of paper and tossed it randomly aside while shaking her head. "So much for that." She muttered.

"It's okay, Annabeth." Malcolm tried to reassure her. "We'll think of something else."

"We've been here for three days and nothing's happening!" Annabeth sighed and rubbed her temples. "Chiron expected us to be preparing for our departure to Greece by now…"

"Knock knock?" They both turned to see Percy standing by the doorway. "You missed dinner so I convinced some aurae to whip up something for you. It's not much but it's better than nothing. Here you go, Wise Girl."

He placed the metal tray on the only clear spot on their table. Percy had brought her a sandwich, some mac and cheese on a Styrofoam bowl, and a glass of blue Coke.

"Thanks." She smiled at him gratefully. "I'll eat them later. Just gotta come up with something-"

"Oh no you don't." Percy placed his hands on her shoulders. "You missed lunch earlier too. I'm not letting you starve to death. Besides, you can get on with the plan-making once you're done. Deal?"

"Oh for gods' sake, I'm fine! Honestly, Percy. I'm not hungry." Annabeth rolled her eyes. She looked at him and he doesn't look convinced at all. "Alright, just a few bites."

After a few seconds, she was holding a clean Styrofoam bowl. Her face flushed. "Alright, maybe a little."

Malcolm took a short glance at Percy and cleared his throat. "You better take a break Annabeth. Go outside and get some fresh air. I'll handle stuff from here until you get back."

"I don't think that's a great idea." She sounded unsure. She glanced at Percy who shrugged and finally she sighed and picked up the soda and sandwich. "Alright, I'll be back in half an hour."

She and Percy silently walked through the Field of Mars, pass the baths and the Via Principalis. They took a short stroll by the shore of the little Tiber and settled in the middle of one of the stone arch bridges. She had already eaten the sandwich before they even left the bunker and now she's taking small sips of the blue Coke as she welcomed the evening breeze.

They leaned on the railing with Percy's arm around her waist and watched as the camps settled in for the quiet night. The sky was cloudy with only a portion of the full moon pouring a liquid creamy glow on the vast plains. They listened to soft sound of the little Tiber as it gushed underneath the bridge, its surface reflecting off the moonlight.

"You're beginning to like the stuff." Percy said, gesturing at the Coke.

"It tastes the same as the regular one, Seaweed Brain." It wasn't true of course. The blue one tasted different and way better, slightly more fizzy and sweet. She doesn't admit it but she's starting to like the stuff. And she drank a lot of it when he wasn't around.

"Right…" He chuckled and took a sip of her drink. They then stared ahead but not really looking at anything. After a minute of silence, he said in a somehow serious tone. "How long do you think?"

"How long before what?" She frowned.

"You know. When we sail to Greece." He replied. "We're going there one way or the other right?"

Annabeth shook her head. "I don't know, Percy. The way things aren't working out, I don't think we'll even be able to leave."

"Don't say that. We'll come up with something." She glanced at him and he looked so deep in thought. It was so unusual to see him like that. "Even if we only have to take those that we can get along with."

"What are you thinking?" She asked.

Percy glanced down at her with that playful smile of his back on his face again. "Don't tell me this is one of those totally rare moments were you don't actually know what I'm thinking?"

"Obviously…" She said, making a face.

His face turned all serious again. "I'm just worried. Worried about how this is going to turn out. Worried about you."

Annabeth let out an exasperated sigh. "Seriously Percy, you're the one that has a knack of getting people worried sick. Besides, you know I can handle myself."

"It's not that." He shook his head, he looked definitely worried. "Look, I haven't mentioned this to you yet but I think I might know something about the prophecy."

"What prophecy?"

"Just a few lines. When we were on the quest to Alaska, that harpy Ella spouted something like this: the child of wisdom walks alone, the Mark of Athena burns through Rome." Percy scratched his head. "There's also Hera warning me about you making a lot of trouble but don't worry, I don't believe that part yet. For all I know, this prophecy would be mostly about you."

Annabeth frowned as Percy mentioned the Mark of Athena. The only people she knows who are aware of the Mark are Chiron and her mom. Even she barely knows anything about it besides its location and some minor details.

The worry on Percy's face is really evident now. "It says you would walk alone. Which means I'm not there. Nobody else is. Why? What would you be doing? Why-"

Annabeth touched his cheek and he stopped. "Calm down, Seaweed Brain. We've been through this before remember? Back in the labyrinth, except that I was the one freaking out back then. Whatever happens, we'll just have to wait and see. No need to jump into any conclusions. Okay?"

"But, it might mean that-" Annabeth cut him off again by placing both her hands on his cheeks now.

"We'll just have to wait and see, okay?" She spoke softly now. "You know the thing about prophecies. Right now, let's just focus on getting there."

"Alright." Percy sighed. Annabeth had her back on the railing and was now facing him. His hands were on her waist as they start to kiss slowly while hers were running through his hair and pulling him closer. She could feel herself heating up as his hands went higher to her sides. It was too late when they noticed the faint glow of the shimmering Iris message beside them.

A familiar voice cleared his throat and they both jumped.

"Chiron!" They said in unison.

"Yes, I came to check on you Annabeth and I seem to have chosen to do so at the wrong time." Chiron looked pretty annoyed as he cleared his throat again and shifted on his wheelchair. "How are the two camps fairing?"

"It's going badly." Annabeth admitted. "It's hard enough to keep them from killing each other."

Chiron shook his head in disapproval. "It's just as I feared. Don't worry, child. I'll be visiting Camp Jupiter by tomorrow afternoon and I'll be bringing some friends with me. It looks like you need a hand."

Annabeth's face beamed. "Thanks Chiron. We'll be waiting!"

Chiron's face became stern as he looked at Percy. "And you young man. I sure hope this isn't what you do in all your spare time."

Percy's face burned. "Of course not! We've just rescued Nico though I can't remember how."

Chiron simply nodded. "Alright, I will be seeing you tomorrow."

He waved his hand and the image faded. They both sighed.

"Well that ruins it." Percy stretched. "Any idea who these friends might be?"

Annabeth seemed to think for a moment. "Maybe it's Thalia. I don't know. We just have to find out tomorrow. I better get back. You should get to bed soon."

"I'll just stay here for a few minutes. Goodnight, Wise Girl. You should get some sleep too." He pulled her for a goodnight kiss before she jogged towards the Greek camp, the thought of the Mark of Athena running in her head. It was also only then that the thought struck her. Chiron didn't even seem to be fazed by the fact the Percy's memories have been wiped. As if it was all according to some sort of plan...

(A/N: AND done. So much dialog maybe some of you fell asleep halfway. Maybe. That took longer than expected but at least I was able to update. Don't be afraid to tell me what you think. See yas! Iron Raven out…)