CHAPTER NINE

Leo Valdez's POV

Leo was in shock. What had just happened? The others started walking back towards the van, looking dazed with grief. But Leo couldn't do anything except stand there and stare at where his girlfriend had just vanished. Percy came up to him after some time, and put a hand on his shoulder. Immediately, Leo jerked away.

"Come on, we have to go," Percy said.

"I… I lost her… again..." Leo stuttered, for once at a loss of words.

"We'll get her back man, but now we have to find Hazel and Frank. We'll get new leads on Calypso. I promise. I'll do anything to help you find her."

"But…" Leo took a breath and forced the words out. "What if you can't? What if she's already gone?"

Percy looked at him.

"I swear it on the river Styx."

Thunder grumbled. Leo looked at him. Any guilt that he now carried had been multiplied by hundreds. Percy's life was now on the line, caused by Leo's failure to protect Calypso.

"Man don't do that. What if we can't find her, the fates will curse you."

"It's a risk I am willing to take. I owe her that much. I owe it to you too. I told you remember?"

"That," he said, "Was a gajillion years ago. That was even before I died. Besides, I already got her off the island."

"I know. Now come on. The longer we wait…"

Leo marched up to the van and jumped in. You can't keep her, he thought. You stupid ugly lady. Better watch your back, Team Leo is coming after you…

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Jason took over the driving at about 3 in the morning when Percy fell asleep on the wheel, swerved off to the side, went off road and nearly killed everyone. Piper switched seats with Annabeth, leaned against the car door and fell asleep beside Jason. Percy, who hadn't bothered fastening his seatbelt, was snoring on Annabeth's lap, while Annabeth was running her fingers through his unruly black hair and massaging his scalp gently with her fingernails.

Leo, was wide awake, and watched her with amusement, but more than anything was envy. He wished Calypso was here.

"Don't worry," Annabeth said to him. "We'll get her back."

"You don't know that," Leo snapped. Immediately, he looked down. "Sorry, I just… How can you be sure? I mean she was kidnapped by a goddess. What chance she have?"

Annabeth snorted.

"Leo, Percy and Kidnapped were taken by Hera. I heard Piper's dad was captured by the giant Enceladus. Percy's mom was held hostage by Hades. You were banished by Khione. You remember Grover? He was once captured by a giant cyclops. I was kidnapped by a titan once, Atlas. He was powerful enough to capture Lady Artemis. A minor Goddess. It's nothing. Trust me. We've been through a lot more."

"Percy said something like that," Leo told her, "But it makes more sense when you put it that way."

Annabeth looked down at Percy.

"You know, Percy's been really tied up about Calypso, especially after Tartarus. He'd do anything to help her. One of the things I love about him."

"Loyalty?" Leo asked her.

She nodded.

"He swore on the Styx that we'd find Calypso."

"I'm not surprised."

"Aren't you worried? I mean what if we don't?"

Annabeth glanced at Leo. Those fierce grey eyes that made Leo want to pee, were now soft and understanding.

"I'm not worried. I already told you Leo, we will find her."

She glanced down at Percy, who shifted, grabbed Annabeth's arm, and pulled her down, silently asking her to lie down with him. Sighing, Annabeth took off her seatbelt, and lay down. Percy pulled her onto his chest wrapped his arm around her protectively, and fell asleep again. Annabeth snuggled deeper into the crook of Percy's neck and looked up at Leo, who was trying not to laugh.

"Not a word," she warned him, giving him a death glare. Leo gulped and nodded. Forget about soft and understanding eyes.

Jason, who had been listening to their conversation spoke up.

"Jeez Annabeth," he said from the front, looking at her through the rearview mirror. "Comfortable?"

"Oh my gods! We're just sleeping. What's the big fuss?"

"Are you saying that you and Percy have slept together before?" Leo asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Jealous?" Annabeth teased. Leo snorted.

"Get some sleep Leo. Don't fret. Tomorrow, we'll have Hazel and Frank, and get this quest started."

Leo grinned.

"Sure. Operation butt kick is a go."

"Night guys," Jason called out.

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Annabeth Chase's POV

Leo was out like a light after that. Annabeth watched as he unfastened his seatbelt, leaned against his door and started snoring. Wow, Annabeth thought. Under aged driving, three people without seatbelts, two lying down across a row of car seats. One visit from the cops and they were done for. For once though, Annabeth didn't care. She wrapped her arms around Percy's chest and inhaled his ocean scent. Percy wrapped his arms around her tighter and kissed the top of her head. He opened his eyes, and Annabeth stared into an ocean of sea green, heavy with drowsiness. Percy stared back at her.

"Can't sleep?"

"Nope. Were you awake the whole time?"

"Half awake. Not enough to move, but enough to listen to your conversation." He grinned. "One of the things you love about me huh?"

Annabeth groaned.

"Big headed much. To answer your question, yes. You, Seaweed Brain, are the most loyal, kind, caring, considerate, handsome dumbass I know, and I love you for it."

"Dumbass?"

Annabeth pretended to think about it for a moment.

"Yes. Dumbass."

Percy pulled her down for a hug.

"I love everything about you Annabeth," Percy mumbled against her hair. You're by far the smartest, prettiest girl there is. More beautiful than a goddess. And you're all mine."

Annabeth propped herself up on her elbows and kissed him. Percy leaned forward and captured her lips, pushing closer to her. From the front, Jason groaned.

"Seriously man? PDA! If you're gonna make out with your girlfriend, at least warn me. I didn't have to see that."

"Eyes on the road, Grace," Annabeth wagged a finger at him. "You're gonna fail your drivers ed."

"Whatever Chase."

Percy looked at her.

"Nice save."

"Mmhmm. You owe me."

"When do I not?"

"How does dinner sound with you? After all this is over? Sadie was telling me about this Russian restaurant. I want to try it."

"You're on Wise girl. You should probably get some sleep."

"You too."

"Whatever you say. Goodnight Annabeth."

"Night Perce."

Annabeth listened as Percy's breathing slowed, and his hand loosened its grip on hers slightly.

Soon enough, Annabeth fell asleep. She wished she hadn't. After all, what is a demigod sleep without the dreams?