Annabeth was sad.
She felt like she had known Percy for years- not days. The feeling of longing that had disappeared when Percy had arrived was back. Annabeth, in the few hours since Percy disappeared, had stared anything Percy-related. She couldn't help but feel this was her fault.
And now, it was night time, and Annabeth sat in her cabin, staring at the ceiling. So much had changed since yesterday- she was in her cabin, no Rome-destroying threats, no sons of Hades in trouble, and sadly no Percy.
Annabeth fingered her Athenian coin. Her mother just had to send her on that quest, didn't she? Annabeth figured had this happened last year, when her friend Luke had tried, and failed, to raise Kronos, she would have joined his cause. Then, Thalia wouldn't have blood on her hands. Annabeth had wanted to join the hunters after that experience, but had refrained from doing so. The longing stopped her.
Annabeth rolled over, so that her head was in her pillow. Her heart stung when she thought of Percy. Why do I feel like this? Annabeth had asked herself. Percy was already an important factor in her life.
Hours later, Annabeth fell asleep, and was hounded by dreams.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
First, all was black. A rushing noise filling her ears, Annabeth looked around. She was in a pit, falling next to someone. This was Percy's situation, she realized. Annabeth fought back a sob. The hole opened up to a large cavern, and the dream changed.
This time, she watched Percy facing a giant- Porphyrion, if the descriptions of Piper and Jason were right. Porphyrion was laughing. Percy was leaning on a giant throne.
"I hear you're trying to destroy Zeus." Percy said. "Not happening, Porphy-boy."
Percy, pulling out a knife from his assassin outfit, charged the giant. Everything spun, until Annabeth was standing in a room.
You think he's already attached? a harsh voice asked. Annabeth gulped. She knew that voice much too well.
Kronos.
Yes. Gaea's voice said. And we do not need a host this time.
I hate that Grace girl. Kronos growled. Stupid hunter ruining everything.
A hole opened up in the middle of the room, and an earthborn crawled out.
"M'lord, m'lady," it said. "The boy is coming."
Gaea laughed. Send in the duplicates.
And if you can, Kronos added. Try and continue to plant seeds of hatred towards the gods.
Annabeth woke up, mouth dry. Kronos was working with Gaea.
That wasn't good. Not at all.