A/N: Well, here's the next chapter! I'm sorry it took so long for another one. There aren't many distinguishable holidays in April. Earth Day was the only holiday that really stood out, so I was left with that. I'll try to get on as many holidays in May as I can, since there are a few that come to mind. Also, I'm planning on changing my name at some point in the next couple of weeks. I know that will be the third time I've changed pennames, but my first two were kind of spur of the moment choices.

Chapter Twelve: No Ordinary Struggle

Percy woke up Sunday morning feeling worse than ever. His eyes were heavy, and almost beckoned him to fall back asleep. It was tempting, alluring, the sound of drifting back to a better place in order to escape the troubles of the world. But he couldn't find sleep again, not after he had stayed awake long enough for those troubles to return to his thoughts. His disagreement with Annabeth flooded back to him the moment he opened his eyes. He turned over, now accepting the fact that he wouldn't be falling asleep. He stretched, allowing his back to crack here and there. He padded towards the door, but bumped into something on his way towards the bathroom. He flipped on the light switch to find a table. But what really caught his eye was what was on the table. He lifted the top off to find a simple breakfast of eggs and toast sitting on a metallic plate. He carried the plate over to his bed and began to dig in. It took him most of his time eating to realize that there was writing scrawled on his napkin, which was now fairly grimy. He squinted, just barely managing to read what it said.

Sorry about last night.

-A

He grimaced, feeling a strong pang of guilt strike him. The things he had said to Annabeth, or even worse, how he had said it. If there was one thing Annabeth was right about him, it was that he skirted around his problems. She could see right through him, as much as he hated to admit it. He had been calling in sick at work, neglecting his duties as an intern at the aquarium just so he didn't have to go in. Simply put, he didn't want to be a biologist anymore. He didn't even know what he wanted to be. The dangers of being a demigod never went away, especially when he was engaged and had a child on the way. The last thing he wanted to do was come home from a tedious job one late night and find all of that had been taken away from him. Percy set his breakfast plate down, and the food that had once been carrying it felt like a rock in his stomach. He needed to talk to Annabeth. It couldn't wait any longer.

It took some searching, but Percy had finally managed to track down Annabeth. He had gone from the dining pavilion, the Athena cabin, back to the dining pavilion, the lake, and finally, the sword fighting pit. A small crowd of people had flocked around the entrance to the actual pit, giving Percy some cover to watch from afar. He almost immediately spotted Annabeth. She was one of the two people in the pit, after all. She was headed against a younger guy, one who appeared to only be about eighteen years old or so. They weren't sparring, not yet at least. The two of them were standing in the center of the pit, exchanging small sentences to each other. The younger guy was playing a small smirk on his face as he spoke. Percy felt his face curve into a smile, knowing how this was going to end. He watched the two of them each back up away from each other, both taking a fighting stance. Percy watched Annabeth intently, recognizing her fierce expression of determination all too well. In a flash, the two of them went after each other. The younger guy immediately went for the offense, slashing madly, but still holding back a little. This was only a spar, after all. As he began to noticeably tire, his reckless cuts left him nothing to show for it. Annabeth was too fast for him. After he appeared as though he could barely heft his sword up, she went in for the hit, carefully moving into his circle of defense. The guy lifted his sword to disarm her, but Annabeth reacted in a flash. Intercepting his sword, it clattered to the ground. The group that had been watching began cheering as soon as the first sword hit the ground. Both of the fighters were doused in compliments, pats on the backs, and a couple of high-fives. Percy walked towards Annabeth, lightly pushing through people. As he got closer, she turned in his direction. Her fiery look slowly, and almost hesitantly went away, as if she was contemplating her actions.

"Nice spar. I think the odds were a little unfair, though." Percy said with a small grin. Annabeth's face strained one, too, but she held it back.

"I guess I couldn't say no to a spar request, even if it was from a cocky eighteen year-old." Annabeth replied, glancing over at her opponent. They were silent for a moment, until Percy slipped his hand into Annabeth's. His other hand reached out to touch her chin, turning her towards him slightly.

"I'm sorry about what happened last night."

Annabeth nodded, "I am, too. I supposed I should've left you alone." Percy nodded, laughing a little. They walked away from the mass of people towards the stands of the arena.

"Yeah, I think that probably would've been a little better." As they got closer to the barriers around the stands, Percy hopped over them, leaving Annabeth on the other side, "Want a boost?"

Annabeth waved him away, "Thank you for the offer, but I'm perfectly fine getting up on my own." She pushed herself up on the edge of the fence before swinging her legs over to the other side. As she jumped down, Percy leaned in, backing her against the posting slightly.

"Let's not fight anymore," He muttered against her lips. He felt her mouth grow into a smile.

"Well, I can't make any promises, but I'll let you go this time, Jackson." She laughed, returning his kiss. But she broke away as quickly as she had gone in for the kiss, "But seriously, what Chiron said was important."

Percy nodded, "I know." He almost wished he didn't. The stark reality of how high the stakes were was nerve wracking on its own. He was lucky, very lucky, to have what he had, especially since he was a demigod. And demigods who settled down and especially married and had children might as well have targets painted on their backs.

"Okay…" Annabeth muttered, her line of sight sinking to the floor.

"Hey," Percy said, tipping her chin up, "We're gonna get through this."

"I really hope you're right about that, Percy."

A/N: Well, there you go! Sorry it was a quick chapter, but there wasn't much to say. The next one I have planned is going to have a pretty goofy twist, though, so look forward to that.

Sincerely,

~L-P