Review Responses:
stormrunner74: You made me laugh when you listed all the characters you enjoyed. You listed like five (all main and super amazing) characters. I give Rick props for making all his characters wonderful! Neither huh? It was strange how many people thought it would be twins just because I mentioned it! So if you had twins what would you want? Two boys, two girls or one of each? Personally I'd either like two boys or one of each. Girls are hard to handle. I'm a girl and I know I was a huge pain for my parents growing up haha Juan Pablo most definitely :D that's the one that made me laugh the hardest. You have superb naming skills.
NeverBetAgainstGirls: She's still got a little while to go! And I know you want the name Jennifer in this story but as already mentioned I have all the main characters named. Its a nice name though I have a neighbor named Jennifer! I liked writing her as a badass; she's kind of one of my favorite characters because she looks and acts like I do. Thanks so much for reviewing!
ResidentofCabin6: Thanks! And I'm glad you liked my little Piper moment. I was so worried I was making Piper too scared. But as a mother she'd be super cautious in the new world. I totally understand! Rick really did a good job of making all his characters more or less likeable. A lot of people have complimented me on sassy Nico! It's so fun writing him that way! If you like him you'll really enjoy this chapter. I really enjoyed reading your review! It was interesting learning about the percentage of male and female babies. I had no idea females were more likely to be healthy or that there's a 51% chance of a male baby. Honestly I feel like I've heard that before but it was nice reading it again. Nice names! I haven't really heard a name that I haven't liked yet. Thanks so much for reviewing! Enjoy the chapter!
TheOneThatSitsAndLISTENS: Yeah any mother would instantly jump to protect her child. I'm sixteen and my mom still acts like that. She's very protective of my brothers and I. Yeah Rick did a good job of making relatable characters. Its near impossible not to like Percabeth or Nico...or Thalia...or any of them. :) Honestly I've heard fifty fifty of whether its gonna be a girl or boy. People seem really nervous about the idea of twins! Its funny. You wouldn't give you're kid a legit name? Haha what happens if it hit four or something like Alice and they said "No my name isn't John, it's little asskicker." Ah the idea itself is funny! Thanks so much for reviewing! Hope you enjoy the chapter!
MAL-DaughterofChaos: Eh probably. I was just using the phrase my brother's friend did. Either way I think it's hilarious.
shadowsnowlepard: I think that's a response from an earlier chapter so i'll just say thanks for reviewing haha cause I don't remember past questions. I like your user name by the way! Hope you enjoy the chapter!
uneednotknowmyname: Yeah exactly. I wanted to show that Piper will do anything to protect her child and that she doesn't always need Jason or the others to protect her. She's still a fighter! I enjoy the majority of the characters in the book but I hold a special place for Nico in my heart. Maybe you could tell from my stories, when I write about him. I really try to make him a memorable character. On this chapter (it's longer then most) its 6,015 words (not counting author's notes) It's been fifty fifty on gender and that's pretty cool to see! Striker does kind of sound like a pet name but if you've ever played the game Mortal Kombat then you'd know it's also a male name. There's a cop character named Striker. I love how you answer the questions normal and causally then at the end of your review you go into caps and fangirl like crazy. It's the best. Thanks so much for reviewing! :D
I'mADemigodConsultingDetective: Yeah I've seen every episode on Netflix. My dad and I binge watch it whenever the new season comes on. I think I've seen season four. I don't really have cable anymore (awkward) because anytime my family watches TV we always watch Netflix. So I can watch season five whenever it comes on Netflix. My friend has been bouncing off the walls waiting for the newest season! Seriously ever fan loves Daryl, hates Lori and thinks Carl was stupid at first but slowly got better. Carol is also another favorite of mine! I forgot to mention her. I thought Beth was okay until everyone started pairing her with Daryl. I know the actors are dating in real life but in the show Beth was seventeen and that's just weird. I'm glad you've read my stories! And okay ew haha I like the imagination but um yeah I'm not that gory. I'm trying not to copy the show so I wouldn't name the baby Judith. Haha maybe as a nickname but the baby's legit name probably won't be Lil' Asskicker. :D Here's the update! Hope you enjoy the chapter! Technically the very end of the chapter leads up to the big event.
rhig122: I haven't watched Fear The Walking Dead because I don't have cable. Is it good? Worth trying to see? I'm glad you saw it that way! I wasn't trying to make her just a burden or anything. But I wanted to show she'd do anything to protect her kids. Both the baby and Alice. And I wanted to show she didn't need Jason or the others to protect her or her kids. Not that she doesn't want their help, it's just that she doesn't need it. Who doesn't love Percabeth? :D I love all of them. Haha so many people freaked out when they read the twins part. I didn't mean to scare all of you! I liked your names! I agree each child deserves their own name and I loved that you gave names that had a special meaning. Thanks for reviewing! Enjoy the chapter!
clo7615: I love all the characters and I loved writing Piper as someone who can protect her kids. Everyone seemed to have a fifty fifty guess on the baby's gender. You guys always make my day when I see responses like that! Thanks so much for reviewing!
Guest: Glad you like it! Demon you say? Huh nice haha I've toyed with the idea of a sequel but I have to see how popular this story gets first. Why only Alice, Nico and the unborn baby? What do you think is going to happen to the rest of them? That's actually funny haha Lacie and Alice. :D
Annabeth winced as another large gust pushed against her. She lifted her hand to try and shelter her eyes from the harsh rain but it wasn't helping much. Her skin was pink from the fierce little bullets of water smacking against it. The beginning rays of day were starting to shine and Annabeth was grateful for the light. Nico moaned from his spot next to her and she quickly focused. They still needed to find a safe place to stay.
They had drove through the night and landed in the small town of Oakwood. Thalia barely noticed it and luckily had spotted the sign before they drove right past it. Not even a minute into the main road and Annabeth's truck crashed. The engine had exploded the same time her front, right tire did. They stuffed their belongings into Jason's truck and had opted to scope the place on foot. It was easier to see any supplies or temporary safe havens up close.
The town itself wasn't large. It only had one gas station, one grocery store, one tiny movie theater and one small motel. The houses that were in town looked abandoned and so far only two walkers had appeared. Annabeth was -for once- hopeful. If they could find a safe location to wait out the storm, they could get to Acheron. They could raid the grocery store and gas station and set up a camp in one of the abandon houses.
Annabeth wasn't an idiot. She knew the longer she was away, the higher the danger was for her family. She didn't trust Luke for a second; she wouldn't put it past him to punish her family instead for her rejection of him. She didn't think he'd punish Piper or Alice, and he might easily let Jason, Nico, Thalia and Percy into his little community but Annabeth knew as soon as she got her family…She would have to leave. She couldn't stay in Acheron with them.
Annabeth glanced over at Nico as he let out another moan. He was cold and tired and stumbling through this town on foot was taking a toll on him.
"My life!" He whined dramatically. Annabeth forced away a smirk and looked around. She could hear a muffled moan somewhere and her guard was all the way up. Glancing in a nearby house window she flinched when a walker slammed against the window. Its face was mangled and bloody and Annabeth had to quickly look away before she hurled.
"We have to be careful!" She shouted over to Nico. "There are still walkers in these houses! Whatever house we pick for the night, we have to make sure it's clear!"
Nico nodded in understanding and sighed in relief when Jason's car came around a corner. They were sent to scope out the town by car and make sure a horde wasn't hiding around any corners. Percy rolled down the window and winced when he tried to dodge the rain.
"Only a few stragglers!" He grinned. "Nothing we couldn't handle!"
Annabeth smiled back quickly while Nico shivered. She hoped they could find another set of warm clothes for him.
"How was the motel?" Nico asked desperately. "Safe enough for the storm?"
Percy bit his lip and shook his head sadly. Annabeth's shoulders slumped in defeat. A shiver went down her own spine as the rain continued to pour.
"Windows were busted and all the doors were almost knocked off their hinges." He jerked his thumb behind him. "About a mile down the road, there's this house though. It's big and seems safe enough. We were thinking of heading there."
Annabeth nodded and Percy opened his door to offer her his hand. Nico shoved them both aside as he desperately shot into the warm truck. Annabeth could hear Piper's surprised squeak and she rolled her eyes at Nico's over-eagerness. With a hesitant pause Annabeth took Percy's outstretched hand and smiled to herself as Percy's fingers tightened around hers. He was warm.
Thalia had Alice on her lap in the front seat while Jason drove. Piper was squished against her window while Nico tried to cuddle into her for warmth. She laughed and playfully shoved him away before handing him a blanket. Alice was wrapped up securely in her own in the front. Percy smiled as Annabeth shut the door behind her. Their bodies were close enough for Annabeth to feel heat from his skin. Their legs and arms were touching and Annabeth grimaced at the close proximity.
When they reached the house Annabeth sighed. It had clearly been abandoned and it seemed a little worse for the wear because of the storm. But it looked sturdy and the doors and windows were able to shut completely and lock so it'd work perfectly. Jason and Thalia had already done a walk through and the place was free of walkers. As soon as the car was parked everyone rushed out to avoid the rain.
Jason gripped Piper's hand as he tried to carefully get her to the door. The concrete was slippery and no one wanted her to fall. Nico was the first out of the car, wedging his way past Annabeth and Percy to get out faster. Before Annabeth could even climb out of the large truck, Nico already had the front door open and he was ushering Thalia and Alice inside while he waited for Piper and Jason. Percy shook his head from next to her and grabbed their bag. All their food and medical supplies were in that bag and Percy always carried it with him in fear that if he left it in the car it would be stolen somehow.
Annabeth shut the car door behind him and waited for him to get a good grip on the bag before she hurriedly followed him inside. Once everyone was safe inside the warm home, Nico shut the door and everyone seemed to let out a small sigh. Annabeth's eyes widened as she glanced around the living room. Her eyes clouded over as a memory overtook her; the light blue walls sparking something in her.
*Flashback*
Annabeth let out a tired breath as she slumped against the door. She glanced over to check on her step mom and the twins. Both were sound asleep on the couch; cuddled together under a thin blanket. Her dad smiled at her tiredly and handed her an apple. She took it gratefully.
"There was nothing out there. No food; no water… nothing." She relayed regretfully. She took a bite of the apple and almost moaned at the taste. "We can't stay here; we wouldn't last long."
"I already spoke with Helen about it. We wanted the boys to get some sleep before we took another long journey but you're right. We're leaving at first light." He leaned down to cup her cheek. "You should get some sleep too. Who knows what'll happen tomorrow."
Annabeth smiled, her dry lips stinging. She reached up to cup his hand and nodded.
"I will Dad." She promised quietly. Satisfied with her answer, Annabeth watched as he settled down next to his wife. Annabeth felt a wave of relief flood her body as she stared at her family. They were all here and alive; safe under her protection. Annabeth slowly leaned back against the door and decided to take watch for a while. Her eyes zeroed in on a dry blood stain on the wall.
The vibrate red stood out dramatically against the light blue paint.
*End Flashback*
"Annabeth?" Piper asked worriedly, her gentle touch bringing Annabeth back from the past. She shook her head quickly; her blonde curls shaking from her ponytail.
"I need to go lay down." She announced breathlessly, her mind still struggling to come back to the present. She ignored everyone's worried gazes and stumbled into the first bedroom she saw. With a gentle press of her fingers, the door locked. Annabeth tiredly staggered to the bed and landed on top of it. Her eyes shut instantly.
0~0~0~0~0
Percy's eyebrows rose as he watched Annabeth's desperate attempt to get away from all of them. She seemed fine before they stepped into the living room. Nico shared a look with him and a silent agreement seemed to pass between the two. They'd wait her out; let her get comfortable again and come out then they'd talk to her.
Piper groaned softly as she lowered herself onto the loveseat. Jason smiled at her sympathetically as he rubbed her round stomach. Percy sighed and looked over at Thalia, who merely shrugged. They didn't know how to help when Piper wasn't feeling well. The past few days had no doubt left her tired and having to carry all that extra weight wasn't helping. With urging from Jason and Nico, they got Piper up and into another bedroom. Alice was happy to cuddle in the bed with her.
Percy sighed as he glanced between Thalia and Nico. Both gave him shrugs and he quickly rubbed his tired eyes.
"We need to make a run for food." He announced matter-of-factly. "Annabeth and I would normally try and plan one together but it looks like she's down for the day. Any protests from you two about me taking the lead on this one?"
Percy nodded when both of them shook their heads.
"Perfect. Then we'll wait an hour, see if the rain lets up and try and scope out the grocery store here. In the mean time I suggest resting and gathering whatever you need."
When Percy once again received nods he stood and walked down the hall. The house was two stories but no one wanted to venture upstairs. It would mean they'd be further from the group and if for some reason they'd have to escape quickly, it'd make it harder to get out of the house.
Percy paused when he passed the door Annabeth had shut a few moments ago. His stomach twisted as he thought about her locked away on the other side. His gut was telling him something was wrong and who was he to ignore it? Percy made a mental reminder to check in on her through the window outside when given the chance.
Percy felt another twist in his stomach and he wondered if it was hunger. The feeling only seemed to surface when his mind was on a certain blonde but he chose to ignore that fact. He couldn't tell what it was. He knew he was attracted to her. He had been traveling with two women for six months but both were related to him; he couldn't be attracted to them. Then Annabeth showed up, stuck a crossbow in his face and everything seemed to change. He shook his head. Of course he'd be attracted to the first nonrelated woman he saw. He still didn't understand why his stomach felt weird when he thought about her. Simple attraction wouldn't do this.
Back when he spent all his free time with Rachel, way before any of this happened; Percy always had butterflies in his stomach. Whenever he thought about Rachel or was with her, butterflies would erupt and his stomach would feel funny. He knew he liked her, who couldn't? But this strange feeling in his stomach was different. It didn't feel the same with Annabeth.
Shaking his head slowly, Percy passed the closed door and went to the last vacant bedroom to lie down.
0~0~0~0~0
Nico crept around the right side of Percy and smirked when Percy rolled his eyes. Thalia quickly grabbed three cans of corn off the grocery store floor as Percy cleared the next aisle. Nico let him go ahead and he hung back with Thalia. Her hands were full with a basket of food and she wouldn't have time to swing her bat if a walker were to suddenly surprise them.
"You think the storm will calm down within the next few days?" Thalia whispered over to him. She bent down to pick a spare can from the counter but grimaced when she noticed it was open. Gently, she placed it back.
"Maybe." Nico answered vaguely. "I hope it does; Annabeth's losing her mind."
"Can you blame her? I couldn't imagine being in her place." Thalia glanced over at him and Nico sighed. He knew her unasked question before it could even form on her lips.
"I don't have a family to worry about." He mumbled quietly. He placed a small can of beans in the cart. "I didn't know my parents and my sister was gone before any of this started."
"I'm sorry."
Nico shrugged and brushed it off. He was used to that pain by now.
"Yeah." He mumbled distractedly. "Everybody is."
A loud whistle broke through the silence and Nico jumped at the sudden noise. Thalia smirked before she whistled back. Nico's eyebrows furrowed in question and Thalia snickered.
"It's our way to signal to each other. It's clear."
"Ah." Nico hummed in understanding. "Well it scared the shit out of me so good job."
Thalia laughed and quickly muttered an apology before rushing over to the center aisle to meet Percy. His shoulder had blood splattered across the front of it and Nico sighed.
"Walker?"
Percy shrugged and deposited three cans of food into Thalia's basket. He held up his knife and frowned when he glanced down at the blood.
"Only one." He assured them. "Almost got the drop on me though. It was on the ground."
"We have to be careful." Nico murmured ruefully. "We have enough food for a few days. We should be able to wait out the storm comfortably."
"Good." Percy nodded and turned to glance at the basket of food. When he smiled, Nico couldn't help but smile himself. His stomach turned to mush and he sighed and placed a hand on his hip.
"Cute butt and a killer smile?" He asked teasingly. "You make it unfair Jackson."
Thalia laughed as Percy blushed a deep red. The blush spread all the way down to his neck and Nico smirked to himself. It was too easy sometimes.
Percy shook off his embarrassment quickly and gestured to the door. As they got closer to the exit, they heard the muffled groans and Nico cursed under his breath.
"Never boring now a days." He commented lightly as Percy threw open the door. Thalia scoffed and knocked off one of the walkers heads with a strong swing of her bat.
0~0~0~0~0
"So tell me again why you think this is a good idea?" Nico asked quietly. Percy instantly shushed him and lifted his head from its crouched position to look through the house window. The balcony on the top of the house was shielding them from the rain and Nico was grateful. He still didn't understand why Percy wanted to spy on Annabeth through the window.
"She's been in there for hours." Percy grumbled as he took another peak into the room.
"Maybe she wanted some privacy to sleep." Nico offered. "She's been exhausted lately…We all have."
Percy shook his head and pointed inside. With a tired sigh, Nico lifted his head and peaked into the room. Annabeth was sitting on the bed, staring at the wall in front of her. She seemed completely out of it and thankfully hadn't noticed they were staring.
"She's just zoning out!" Percy whispered harshly. "What if she's just been staring at nothing this whole time."
"Geez Percy." Nico tssked. "Don't be such a judgmental bitch all the time." Nico smiled when Percy rolled his eyes. "It's fine. Annabeth's just trying to cope; you'd be doing some weird stuff too if you were separated from your family. We shouldn't be spying on her anyway, c'mon."
Nico pushed himself away from the window and slowly started walking back to the front door. The wind was still blowing and he was ready to get inside and away from the cold. He hoped they had a spare blanket for him. When Nico noticed Percy wasn't next to him, he turned around. Percy hadn't moved from his spot at the window.
"Do you think she's okay?" Percy asked hesitantly, he seemed unsure if he should be asking or not. Nico smiled and walked over to offer his hand. Percy took it and Nico helped him stand.
"You can ask her when she decides to come out." Nico assured him. Percy still looked worried so Nico gave him a gentle tap on his behind and smirked when Percy yelped in surprise.
"Get your cute little ass inside. Annabeth wouldn't want you to get sick worrying about her."
Percy glared at him and shook his head as he made his way to the door.
"We really need to talk about boundaries regarding you and my ass."
0~0~0~0~0
Annabeth sighed as she sat up in the bed. She didn't know how long she had fallen asleep but the sun was just starting to set so she assumed it had been a few hours. The rain was hitting the window rapidly and Annabeth could see the trees swaying from the wind. The storm was still going strong. She turned to stare at the wall, a family picture catching her eye. This house belonged to a family of seven; three boys, two girls and two parents. Annabeth's fingers began to twitch. She wondered what happened to the large family; did they make it? Did they protect each other?
Annabeth bit her lip. She remembered the promise Luke made to her. He promised to protect her family. She shared his bed at night and he'd let them stay; that was the deal. Everyone had to do his bidding, doing what he told them, just so they could stay. Luke wouldn't let her go out on runs, wouldn't let her guard the gates, he wouldn't let her cook the meals. He wanted her for himself and she was so desperate to keep them safe.
*Flashback*
"Hey Annabeth." Luke greeted happily. His sparkling white teeth shined down at her as he smiled and his blue eyes seemed to hold their own special sparkle. A few women at the tables next to her swooned and Annabeth had to resist the urge to roll her eyes.
Annabeth smiled uneasily and gave him a small wave before turning back to her game of cards. She had only been here for three days and so far Luke hadn't wanted to speak with her. When she had walked through the gate with her family, he had offered her a small smile before walking off with his head of guards. She had seen him talking with her dad but that was only to assign him the job of doctor's assistant.
"Care to take a walk with me?" Luke asked charmingly. Annabeth hesitated, looking over at Helen for advice. Helen gave her a desperate shrug and Annabeth slowly stood and nodded. Luke offered her his arm and Annabeth took a small breath before she took it.
As they walked around the camp, Annabeth glanced around. They really had done a good job of securing this place. Guards were always watching the perimeter and the walls themselves had thick layers; the walkers would have a hard time getting through. Kids were running free and laughing on the street and Annabeth found herself smiling as she watched Bobby and Matthew chasing each other; large smiles on both of their faces.
The hotel secured between the walls had plenty of rooms for the habitants and Annabeth was so happy the third floor had a big enough room for her entire family; they wouldn't have to split up.
"You like it here Annabeth?" Luke asked suddenly, startling her from her thoughts. Annabeth nodded mutely.
"Say you like it here." Luke demanded lightly, a harsh undertone laced in his voice. Annabeth's eyes narrowed but she nodded.
"I…like it here." She said slowly. "Thank you for letting us stay."
"You're most welcome." Luke said happily. "Acheron is a safe haven for anyone lucky enough to find it. We don't turn anyone away at first sight."
Annabeth turned to look at him curiously. She had seen him push out a man the other day. He had tried to break into one of the women's rooms with impure intents.
"Everyone has to follow the rules or they can't stay in Acheron." Luke clarified. Annabeth's eyes widened. It was as if he read her mind. "Everyone must play their own role in our community or they must leave; I won't have any freeloaders in Acheron."
"What about the children?" Annabeth asked quickly.
"The children of Acheron have their own special rules to follow. They are free to play and roam as they please but they must behave and they must listen to the adult placed in charge of them. Any reckless behavior and they're out, along with the rest of their family."
"Don't you think that's harsh?"
Luke patted her hand and grinned.
"Worried Miss. Chase? Do Bobby and Matthew not behave well?"
"No…They're good kids." Annabeth assured him quickly. She only prayed her tone didn't come off as offensive. "So if someone breaks the rules, you kick them out instantly?"
"Yes, glad you see you've followed me."
Luke turned on his heel and led her to follow. Once she was facing the majority of the community, Luke smiled and released her arm to spread his out widely.
"As long as you follow my rules…You'll like it here Annabeth."
*End Flashback*
Annabeth shook her head as a knock sounded on the door. Piper's voice floated through the room and Annabeth shut her eyes.
"Annabeth?" Piper asked worriedly. "You haven't come out in a while and we're all a little worried about you…Percy, Nico and Thalia went on a run a few hours ago and we have some food. I'm going to leave a can for you outside the door. You're welcome to get it anytime you want okay?"
Annabeth waited another few seconds until she heard Piper's heavy footsteps on the floorboards. As much as she didn't want it, memories from Acheron kept floating through her head. It was like a movie was playing in her head and she wasn't allowed to press pause. She remembered the first time they had broken a rule. Her father had shown up late to his shift because Bobby was sick….
*Flashback*
Annabeth rushed outside the hotel doors as she heard the noise. A crowd had formed and Annabeth's blood rain cold when she saw her dad and Helen in the middle of it. Luke was pacing in front of them and Annabeth desperately pushed her way through the crowd.
"You were informed of the rules the first day of coming here." Luke snarled as he stopped in front of the couple. "You agreed to follow them and yet here we are!"
"Luke, please…We're sorry. Bobby was sick and-"
"Not even here a month and you're already breaking the rules!" Luke laughed bitterly. "Do you take me for a fool? Do you think you can just make a mockery of the Acheron community? And all the lovely people involved in keeping it safe?" Luke moved to stand right in Fredrick Chase's face. "Do you know what happens to people who break the rules Mr. Chase?"
"Please Luke." Helen begged. "It won't happen again! We'll follow the rules."
"Why should I give you special treatment?" Luke snapped, turning to face Helen. "What makes you so special?"
"Luke!" Annabeth cried desperately, forcing her way into the center of the crowd circle. Luke's eyes widened with interest as he turned to look at her and a lazy smirk settled on his lips.
"Please." Annabeth begged. "Please give them another chance. We want to stay here."
Luke's eyes wandered down her form and Annabeth repressed a shudder at his suggestive gaze. Another easy smirk slid across his face and Annabeth held her breath as she waited for his answer.
"I have not yet assigned you a job Annabeth." He stated loudly, confusing everyone. He waved her over with a small shake of his hand. "Come here."
Annabeth took a deep breath and slowly walked over to him. He urged her impossibly close and leaned down to murmur in her ear.
"I know you've felt my gaze Annabeth." He whispered. "I know you know what I want and I know you're desperate enough to give it to me."
Annabeth bit her lip and shut her eyes. She tried to take another breath but her chest was beginning to ache. Luke chuckled in her ear.
"Come to my room tonight. Your new job is to help keep my bed warm at night; you will make me happy Annabeth." He pressed a gentle kiss on her earlobe. "You keep me happy…Your family can stay; it's your choice. If you refuse…. I will force you all to leave."
Annabeth opened her eyes to glance over Luke's shoulder. Her dad was looking at her so desperately and Helen was already crying. Annabeth thought about Bobby and Matthew and sighed. She couldn't force them to go back out there. If anything happened to them, it'd be her fault for rejecting Luke.
"Okay." Annabeth whispered dejectedly. Luke grinned against her skin.
"Good girl."
*End Flashback*
Annabeth wiped a lone tear as it attempted to slide down her cheek. She knew of the true horrors of Acheron; all the bad Luke and his loyal men caused and she was still leading people to him. Was she a monster like him? Was she doing the right thing? Piper needed proper doctors and care with her condition but would it really be worth it?
Annabeth placed a hand over her stomach as it grumbled loudly and she soundlessly got off the bed and opened the door. The can of corn was still on the floor, as promised, and Annabeth sighed as she took her first bite. Distracted with her food, Annabeth didn't notice Percy walking towards her until it was too late.
"Got a minute?" He asked quietly. Annabeth hesitated but nodded and urged him to follow her into his room. He shut the door behind him and sat next to her on the bed. He took a breath and glanced over at her.
"You haven't come out all day." He said lowly. "We've all been worried and I…I didn't…Um." Annabeth watched mildly amused as he struggled to find the words. "Are you alright?"
Taken back by the question, Annabeth took a few seconds to answer. She shrugged and took another bite of food.
"I'm okay." She told him quietly. "I've just had a lot on my mind…Been worried about my family I guess."
"Anyone would be in your situation." Percy assured her quickly. He smiled at her softly. "You're going to see them soon though."
Annabeth glanced down at her food, unable to look him in the eye. She began to twirl her spoon and Percy poked her curiously.
"What's wrong?"
Licking her lips, Annabeth sighed. She needed to tell him.
"There's something you need to know about Acheron."
0~0~0~0~0
"So this Luke guy made you sleep with him in order to keep your family there?" Percy asked disbelievingly. Annabeth shrugged and looked up at him pleadingly. Percy's stomach began to churn and that familiar feeling came back. He felt like he was gonna hurl.
"He even took away my dad's and Helen's jobs. Our stay depended completely on me."
"So you finally put your foot down and he kicked you out?"
Annabeth nodded and her gaze fell to the floor.
"It was almost like he staged the grocery store run, like he split us up on purpose." She shook her head. "I know he's just waiting for me to come back for them. I don't know what he's going to do when I get there."
Percy fell silent for a few minutes. His mind struggled to process everything she had just told him. His thoughts were spinning and he couldn't seem to focus solely on one thing. Slowly he began to frown and a glare settled on his face.
"And you didn't think to tell us this before?" He demanded lowly, his green eyes narrowing. "Are you putting our lives -Piper and Alice's lives- In danger?"
"No!" Annabeth denied quickly, her own eyes widening. "At least…I don't think so."
Percy scoffed and opened his mouth to retaliate but Annabeth quickly held up her hands to silence him. She stared at him desperately.
"I don't think Luke will hurt you. He cares too much about appearance. He'd see Alice and Piper and he'd let the rest of you stay so he wouldn't look bad in the eyes of his people."
"You make it sound like he's the god of Acheron. He just controls everything? No one else has a say?"
Annabeth sighed and looked at him pleadingly. Percy tried not to let his anger fester; she really did seem genuine in her concern. He bit his lip to prevent himself from saying anything else.
"Everyone is so thankful for Acheron they don't question Luke's leadership…He keeps them safe." Annabeth mumbled softly. "He thinks he's a god. The last time I spoke to him…The way he looked at me…I wonder if this world made him lose all his humanity."
"Annabeth." Percy interrupted gently. He hoped she heard how serious he was. "Tell me honestly. Is it safe to bring my family there?"
Percy held his breath as he waited for Annabeth to answer. She only took a few seconds but his worry grew until she spoke. Slowly she nodded and looked up at him.
"Yes." She whispered. "I wouldn't bring you to your deaths. Acheron will be safe for you…As long as you follow Luke's rules."
Percy didn't like the idea of a dictator running the only safe haven for miles. It left them too desperate and vulnerable. Percy knew that if Piper wasn't in the condition she is and if Alice was a little older, he would say 'screw Acheron' and try to make a place of their own… but the world isn't that easy anymore. They have to fight and work for their safety.
"…The doctors there will take care of Piper?" He asked hesitantly. Annabeth's lips twitched and a half smile formed.
"Better than anything we could give her."
Percy nodded slowly, his mind still trying to wrap around everything she told him. He'd have to inform the others, leaving out Piper for obvious reasons. If she knew the truth, she wouldn't want to go and she'd risk her life and the baby's life. They need those doctors. Percy stood up and glanced down at Annabeth quickly before making his way to the door. He gripped the doorknob but turned back to look at her before he left.
"Then it's still our destination."
0~0~0~0~0
*Three Days Later*
Annabeth slowly crept through the shaded trees, her crossbow positioned and her footsteps light. Percy glanced over at her and raised his eyebrows in a silent question. Annabeth shook her head and he sighed before they continued forward. Nico snuck up behind her and quickly took to her right.
The storm had passed a few hours ago. The only proof it ever happened was the branches littered all over the ground and the cold nip in the air. While standing guard by the front window of the house, Annabeth noticed a deer a few feet away. It had timidly walked across the lawn in search of food but was startled away from an unknown sound. It had taken off towards the woods near the far edge of the town and Annabeth was determined to find it. They needed food. Once their stomachs were full, they'd hit the road and finally reach Acheron.
Percy whistled lowly and Annabeth nodded. She was careful not to step on leaves or sticks as she walked towards him. He pointed to the deer a few yards away and Annabeth grinned. She could take that shot. She stopped for a minute and waited to see what direction the wind was blowing. Factoring in the speed and strength of the wind, Annabeth lifted her bow and prepared to take aim. Her finger froze over the trigger as she positioned herself for the perfect shot. She smirked when she had everything positioned perfectly.
Just as she prepared to pull the trigger, a distance shout rang through the air and the deer scampered away. Annabeth cursed as Nico watched the animal flee from sight. They wouldn't be able to catch up to it without getting lost.
"What the hell was that?" Percy asked frustrated. Annabeth shrugged and glanced in the direction she heard the shout from.
"You think someone is in trouble?" She asked carefully. Nico followed her line of vision and shrugged.
"Maybe." He reasoned. "Want to check it out?"
"What if we walk right into a horde?" Percy asked melodramatically. Annabeth rolled her eyes and shouldered her crossbow, using her free hand to cup her hip. One of her blonde eyebrows shot into the air.
"We would have heard them by now; or they would have heard us and we'd all be dead."
"Gee." Percy quipped sarcastically. "You paint a pretty picture Annabeth."
Annabeth smirked cheekily and brushed passed him easily, pausing only to flick his chin. Nico smiled at the banter but followed closely behind Annabeth as she walked towards the noise. Annabeth smiled to herself when she heard Percy sigh in defeat and rush to catch up to her. She slowed her pace when she reached a small clearly between two trees.
The dirt road leading to the small forest had been hidden by large trees and the debris from the storm. It wasn't easy to spot from the main road and without help from the deer it's doubtful they would have found it. Annabeth's eyes narrowed suspiciously as she trekked deeper in the forest and she gasped as a house came into view. She stopped suddenly but barely flinched when Percy bumped into her.
The forest expanded as the ground grew higher. A hill had formed and at the very top, a house sat comfortably, protected by a large wooden fence. The dirt driveway leading up to the house seemed to stretch for miles and Annabeth knew if they walked it, their calves would be cramping by the time they reached the top. Due to its position, hidden deep in the forest, Annabeth doubted the walkers had reached this place. Adding the fact it had a large fence surrounding it and a large, steep driveway; she knew it was safe here.
Percy and Nico gasped from behind her and she glanced over her shoulder to see their mouths open in astonishment. She blinked up at the house and thanked the gods they were able to find it. When she got her family, after Luke kicks her out of Acheron, she can bring them here. Slowly she started to walk up the driveway, her eyes wandering. Nico quickly following her lead and Percy even seemed eager to scope the place out.
Just as they reached the halfway point, close enough to see the house was a light green color and had a porch, Annabeth smiled.
"Guys I think I found paradise."
Both men chuckled next to her and took a few steps forward. Annabeth let them get ahead as she took another minute to appreciate the scenery. Her family would love it here and they'd be safe. What else could spell perfect?
Annabeth sighed and turned to see both Nico and Percy standing at the top of the property; the grass of the front yard almost touching their feet. She didn't know how they got up there that quickly. She grinned and waved up at them.
"Wait up!" She called out to them excitedly. Percy and Nico both smiled down at her; happy to see her enthusiasm as she began to race up the dirt road. No one saw it coming.
Quick as lightning, an arrow pierced through the sky like a bullet and shot right through Annabeth's leg.
Question Time:
1) ...hehe? Do you guys hate me for ending it there?
2) What did you guys think about the flashbacks of Luke and Acheron?
3) What would you do in Annabeth's situation? A guy\girl is threatening to kick you and your family out of their safe community unless you...uh you know get it on with them whenever they want. You're desperate to keep your family safe. What do you do?