HEY EVERYONE! I'm back, you all can finally let out your breaths of relief. I was going to update until Wednesday, but y'all kept spamming me and sending me death threats, and I'm not ready to die yet, so here it is. Haha... ANYWAY, who's excited for this chapter? I know I am. I'm totally not rubbing my hands together and laughing maniacally as I say this. Nope. Not at all. Hope you enjoy!
Loudlillylaugher11: Stupid crap. Thanks for telling me. If not, I would've never known. Went back and fixed it right away. Thank you for the heads-up. I honestly have to stop, but I make no promises. I'll try to let you guys off the hook this chapter. Key word: Try. And honestly, I have been feeling that way too. I thank the gods that I stumbled upon this glorious site and got motivated to write my own story. It's helped me so much, and I've met so many kind and amazing people on here. What better way to find PJO fans? Your words warmed my heart, thank you x And thanks again! I was really nervous for it. I think it went well thankfully ((:
Percabeth824: You knew it? Awesome :D And he is a hoe, isn't he? Bigger disappointment than the Percy Jackson movies ;-; And thank you so much!
thesweetscentofbooks: *Sighs* I already hear that enough in my life. Nah, just kidding. But yeah, I'mma try to leave you guys on a good note at the end of this chapter (; Try.
Cosmos871: Yes she is! I'm excited to be bringing her in to play *evil laughter* I hope I rot in hell too :D How bout this; I finish writing this story, then I go rot in hell. Deal? Oh, my readers. They're so sweet x
Faulcrum Tano: Sorry mate, can't give that info away ;D I am dead already. Everyone's killed me. And thank you! You'll see what Percy's doing in this chapter (: I tried to update soon enough :D Hope you enjoy this chapter!
istar144: If it comes to that, I'll see what I can do (: She is back! I'm excited for that. And yes you will! I wish you lots of luck x Also, maybe that's what you think. Perhaps the others thought it was beautiful ((:
julia: Thanks! About the advice; ooh, you're in a pickle. But honestly, if you like the guy a lot and he likes you back enough and you know each other well, I say go for it. As long as it makes you happy. There will never be perfect relationships in life. Others will always disagree with what you want to do or think. Trust me. If it's only one person that disapproves, then it doesn't matter. As long as it makes you happy, not the other girl, then go for it ((: Tell her, if she disapproves, ask her why exactly. Talk things out. I'm sure it'll turn out just fine (: And you're very welcome. If you ever need someone to listen, I'm right here x And thank you so much!
Anonymous Fan: 1: Thank you! 2: I will try my best! I love cliffys, and now I understand your feelings towards them. I love that song. And yikes! Can't have that. And thanks! I have a bunch of fun writing and making you all cry :D
Percabeth4ever: You're damn right she is (: I'm happy too :DD
BookEnthusiast2.0: Ha, honestly though. And yes she is, I mean, who wouldn't? I'm freaking out just writing about it. You'll find out about Sally's pregnancy in this chapter (: More explaining to do, so get ready :D And about Freddy, yeah, that's what I was sorta aiming for. He's probably gonna do more insane shit, but ya know, he still has a heart. It's just really, really, really, really small. I'm selfish too :DDD I'm sad its ending too D: I never thought I'd get this far, but here I am. And thank you for that, for being here. It's been so much fun and great, though sometimes it can be a pain in the ass, and I'm sure you understand. Also, for your story, I hope you get enough time to be able to relax. Can't wait for the return of Sixth Period Study Hall. That was always a lot of fun to read. Writer's block is a bitch. And thank you again. Honestly, I just added more things to the story as I went. The shitbag was trying to piece all the stuff I'd added in together, and that was hard. But with all my motivation and stubborness, I managed. Thanks for the cake too, it was delicious xxx
Guest: DON'T DIE ON ME YET! IT'S NOT TIME!
unclerick: Shock, huh? And I'm happy too! I tried to make it as emotional as possible. A lot to take in, so a lot of emotions to go through, you know? And when I am writing about the character's emotions, it comes a lot easier to me, since I'm an emotional person and feel very strongly about things. And yay! You do? Frederick as awful in this story, which is kinda weird to write about. But, oh well. We all have our dark sides. Thank you so much! You're too kind ((:
Guest: Thank you! And yes, let it out. It's ending )):
Cinder Luna: Why not? (; I hope that in the end you will remain as a whole :D Thank you so much! Hope you enjoy this chapter and try not to crumble (':
DemonicKilljoy: I have? That's awesome ((: And gods, I hope not. I want you to stay alive for my sake :D Also, really? I never thought my words could move a person so much, but I'm touched. Thank you for that. I think your cousin is gonna keep an eye on you now XD I hope you have an amazing and fantastic life. Stay happy, please. There are already enough sad people in this world. Thanks for your kind words xx
Stargazer1300: What? What did I do? I'm innocent, I swear to gods. A lot of things are wrong with me, Kass, I thought you knew that by now (': And yep, it is. The whole family ensemble. And OMFGS, your choice of words made me fall out of my chair laughing. What can I do? I need to make you fall off of something to make things a little interesting. And go ahead. I'll be waiting right in front of the door and even offer you some :'D I'LL BE WAITING BBG xxxxxxxx
Its a Great day to be a Duck: Thanks! I'm glad you think that. Hope you like this chapter!
SeaGreen101: NO PROBLEM! AND YOU'RE RIGHT BUT I JUST HAD TO. YOU WERE MAKING ME FUCKING NERVOUS. AND YAYAYY! More people to get you all close to, and then mess with them :'D Hahaha... And YES! I STUMPED YOU! I DID IT! *Pats self on the back* I knew I could do it. I'd been thinking of that plot twist for a while and wasn't sure to add Percy having a sister at first, but then thought it'd make things a lot more interesting. I'm sad too ): And yes. Definitely. Absolutely. I already have a bunch of ideas running through my head, I have to write them down. Don't worry though. I will be writing a lot more stories. I will be sending you the invitation via PM :D
percabethlover: Honestly? I have no idea how I manage. It's a miracle. TYSM! You are too sweet! I will definitely keep writing, you can count on that (; xxx And thanks! It was great ((:
CaptainPokemon1: Thanks! And I'm sad too ): Not sure about a sequel or anything, but I'll see. Hope you enjoy this chapter (:
Gauti: YAY! You're back! I missed you. I wish you lots of luck on those tests. I'm sure you'll do great. Oh parents. So pushy sometimes. And yes! Percy does have a family, isn't that exciting?! Unfortunately yeah, Frederick does have some human in him. It's just really, really small. And OoooHHHH that's a good idea (about Nemesis) interesting... And wow, really? I portrayed it that well? I've literally never gone through a breakup, so I had no idea. But wow, thanks. As for the beta thing, ohhh okay. I get it now. So then I'd copy the paper you would send back to me through PM and copy that one? As for the addiction... no, not at all...okay, maybe a little. But that's all right. We're all crazy. And thanks! It was fun. I wasn't as nervous as I thought I'd be. And yeah, that's what happened to me to. As long as I forgot about everyone watching me, I was fine. I won't, don't worry. I already have a ton of ideas running through my head. I'll be posting them on my profile sometime soon. Have a great day and I hope you enjoy this chapter! x
Niki4ever: Im sorry! But unfortunately, it will eventually. And I do know about Episode, I just don't go on it. You think so? I'll check it out (:
Gwpf: LMAO, poor computer. It'll become a piece of evidence for how much you're absorbed in this story. But seriously man, you need to share, I'm hungry ;-; Nah, im just kidding. Hope you enjoy this chapter! Try not to get food on anything around you XD
michellePJOHOO: XD That's a pretty awesome life if you ask me. Hope you like this chapter! Don't die on me :D
Anon: I'm glad too! I'm excited to bring her in to play-I mean in to the story. Haha, excuse me there. Sadly, the twins will not be coming back )': Lots of love back to you too! xxx
I cant tell ya: Awww thank you! DON'T HURT YOURSELF! I don't wanna get a call from the hospital saying I was the cause of your concussion. THANKS!
bunnies4life: Thank you! It went great (: Why not? (; Frederick's an asshole who needs to get his shit together. What can I do? Hope you like this chapter!
SapphireTrafficker: Hmmm... you'll see (':
My name is Jet: I'll see what I can do, Jet (':
Guest: You were? Well, your wait is over because she's finally here! I love you too!
Guest: He's full of shit, isn't he?
greekdemigodwannabe: Aw, your words are going to make me cry! Thank you. I was mad just writing about what Frederick did. But, he has to be a jackass in this story. I wouldn't say flawless, but thank you so much. The only incredible one here is you, darling (: And thank you! I think I did pretty good. I'm glad I wasn't as nervous as I thought I'd be. Ily too!
sapphirelg: Uh oh, guess I got by you unnoticed (: At least you didn't have to wait so long for the next chapter. You can scream internally. And really? You're lucky. I still have to wait four more days. And woah there. But you're right. He deserves a slow...painful death. And oh my gods! Those are so cute! What are you going to name it? I love it when I'm right too, but you hit the nail on the head unintentionally.
Disclaimer: Ha, never in a million years will I own PJO
Annabeth's POV:
I stared in shock back at this woman, the one whose name was of the mother of Percy Jackson.
No. This can't be her.
I swallowed the dry lump in my throat, almost spluttering into a coughing fit.
"Sally Jackson?" I asked, my voice a raspy whisper.
She frowned at me, her blue eyes shining with concern. Isabelle was hugging her by the neck, staring at me straight in the eye. Her sea green eyes were alight with curiosity and wariness, alert and attentive.
"Yes," the woman replied, her voice soothing. "Why do you seem so surprised?"
I blinked back my tears and pushed down the fear and dread and sadness slowly building up my throat. "Are you the mother of Perseus Jackson?"
She caught her breath, the sharp inhale making me flinch. Her eyes widened, suddenly shining.
"You know him?" She inquired, her voice just above a whisper.
I nodded slightly, biting down on my tongue.
She brought up a hand to cover her mouth just as a single tear slid down her cheek. "He's alive?"
"Mommy," Isabelle said, facing her mother with a frown on her face. "Who's Perseus?"
Sally shook her head, pulling her daughter tightly against her. She kissed the top of her head as tears flowed down her cheeks, a silent torrent that didn't seem to end.
"Who told you otherwise?" I asked gently, fighting back my own tears.
"Frederick," Sally replied quietly, wiping away some tears. "He said my son had died in the fire."
I shook my head, a single tear tracing my cheek. "No. Percy's alive. Everyone thinks that you died in that fire."
"I figured as much," she whispered, stroking Isabelle's hair just as the little girl's eyes began to flutter open and shut, fighting to stay awake. "I've been down here for seven years."
"Seven years?" I asked, my voice a mere breath. "How do you know?"
She smiled sadly, the gesture just enough to make my eyes swell with tears. "Because that's how old Isabelle here is."
I swallowed. "You mean-you had her when you were taken away?"
Sally nodded, biting her bottom lip as her bright blue eyes flashed with sadness and pain. "I was seven months pregnant at the time. Once Frederick's minions brought me here, it was only before they were about to kill me that they noticed that I was pregnant," she paused, taking a deep breath before exhaling. "I guess he had some human decency left in him to let me live and have my baby."
I let that sink in and almost burst into tears, knowing that this poor woman had to raise her child down in this cold, dark cellar, not knowing what was happening outside of that metal door.
"How did it happen?" I asked at last, peering into her warm and comforting eyes, a hidden layer of wisdom and weariness underneath them.
Sally continued to stroke her daughter's hair, shifting so that Isabelle's head rested against her chest. She was quiet for a moment, her gaze faraway, as she if she were staring into a whole other universe, a whole other world. I hoped it was one where everyone was happy and didn't have to worry about awful situations like this. That was one world I don't think I'd ever go to.
"I had been cooking dinner," she finally said, her voice soft. "Percy had been in the kitchen, helping me. At the time, I'd known that things had been going on with Poseidon's company and The Olympians. Poseidon never mentioned anything, but I could sense the tension he would bring with him when he arrived home, or even hear it in his voice when we talked over the phone. I had also been pregnant, and Poseidon and I decided to keep it a secret, a surprise for Percy. Lucky for us, he never questioned my slowly growing tummy," she chuckled softly and shook her head. "He always was distracted. But also, my stomach didn't grow excessively so that it was obvious, so that helped. Anyway, as we cooked, I'd noticed that we were out of some vegetables. I had sent Percy to the local store to get some, and it was only half an hour after he'd left that I had smelled smoke."
Her blue eyes darkened, turning a cobalt blue. "I began to search everywhere, trying to figure out where the smell was coming from. I searched every room in that large house but could not find where it was coming from. Finally, I returned to the kitchen and was met with the whole room set ablaze," she blinked hard, as if trying to get sand out of her eyes. "I was panicking, and I had felt as if my heart was going to burst out of my chest. I had left my phone on the kitchen counter, but I could not venture into the kitchen any further without burning my leg off. I had not heard the footsteps approaching me from behind until I was being suffocated with a chloroform-filled cloth. I had struggled and tried hard to fight back, but then I realized that if I did any sudden and labored movements, I might hurt the baby. I had slipped into unconsciousness and woke up in this cellar. I was terrified and had banged on the door over and over, demanding to be let out. I don't know how long I waited, but finally, Frederick had come into the room. I was in shock. I thought he was supposed to be dead. Athena had mourned over him for a long time, so I was sure he died. But here he was, coming in to tell me that he was going to kill me. I had begged and pleaded, and ended throwing up all over the floor. He had glanced at my stomach and finally realized that I was pregnant. He had laughed, without a trace of humor, shook his head and told me that he'd let me live. I lived down here for three months, being let out every three days to shower myself, and being fed regularly. I tried hard to maintain myself as healthy as possible given the conditions I was in. On the day the baby was due, I had banged on the door relentlessly. I had been in so much pain and probably would've passed out if one of the men hadn't came in. After that, I can't quite recall what happened. I believe I was taken to the hospital, one owned by Frederick. Then Isabelle was born."
By the time she finished her story, tears were streaming down my face, every one of them a fat drop that landed on my slightly bloody hand. "I'm so sorry," I choked out, shaking my head. My so-called father had done this. He'd been the one who put her down here in the first place. I felt a wave of disgust and guilt wash over me. I was related to that man. I shared his blood.
"Oh, honey," she soothed, reaching out to grab my hand, not seeming to mind the few streaks of blood across it. She stared into my eyes, so sad yet filled with warmth. "It's not your fault."
I swallowed down the cry that threatened to tear out of my throat. If I hadn't been born, this would have never happened to you, I wanted to say. Instead, I asked, "How did you manage to raise her down here?"
She gave me a sad smile. "The men feed us daily. And don't worry, it's actually good food. After a week at the hospital, Frederick brought me back here. He had even placed a crib in this cellar and some blankets. The hospital had provided me with enough supplies for the baby. They gave me clothes as well. I kept count of the days after we'd come back." She gestured around the room, and that's when I saw it; lines upon lines, crossed over each other, scratched over the walls. The sight of the tally marks made me inhale sharply and bite down on my tongue to keep from crying again.
"You managed all on your own," I whispered, glancing back at Sally. I felt a sense of admiration and respect towards this woman. She managed to raise a baby all on her own, down here in this cold, dark cellar, all while keeping track of the time that flew by.
Her lips curled into a warm smile, the gesture reaching her eyes. "I guess I did." She gazed down at her daughter, her blue eyes glinting with love and protectiveness. She leaned down and kissed the top of her head. Isabelle murmured something and shifted a little before quieting down.
"She's beautiful," I said quietly, smiling. Sally returned the gesture, causing the tension and fear coiled around my stomach to unravel itself bit by bit. This woman had a way of making you feel safe with just a smile, and I was grateful for that. Now I know why Percy loved her so much.
Percy.
His name echoed in my head, filling me with a pain that threatened to suffocate me. My body ached to be near his again. I wanted to be wrapped up in his arms again, safe. I missed his boyish grin and shining green eyes, darkening at a moments notice when something angered him. I missed training with him, his body pinning mine down to the mattress of the training room as that challenging smirk danced across his lips. I missed the feel of his mouth on mine, unfurling every ounce of doubt or fear that wrapped around my body like a rope. I even missed his scowl.
"Are you all right?" Sally inquired, staring at me with a look of concern. "You look as if you're about to burst into tears at any moment."
I swallowed down the bile rising up my throat and shook my head. "I'm fine."
She glanced down at my hands and suddenly rose, cradling Isabelle in her arms. "I'll get you some bandages," she said quietly, starting to walk towards the bed. She slowly set Isabelle down on it, tucking her into the sheets. A moment later, I heard the sound of a zipper opening and closing, water running, and she returned, kneeling in front of me. She grabbed my hand and wiped the blood away with a wet cloth. She opened some bandages and proceeded to cover my small cuts with them.
"There," she said, wiping my hand off with the cloth one last time before pulling back.
I smiled at her gratefully, studying my hand. "Thank you."
My eyes rose to meet hers again, and the smile she had on her face melted off her lips. She peered into my eyes, studying my face. She frowned and opened her mouth as if to say something, just to close it again.
"Is something wrong?" I inquired, unease creeping up my throat.
She shook her head, staring at me intently. "I'm sorry, it's just- you remind me of someone. What's your name, dear?"
"Annabeth," I replied, furrowing my eyebrows, bemused. "Annabeth Chase."
Her face went slack and she paled, staring at me with wide eyes. "Annabeth?" She repeated, her voice a deadly whisper.
I nodded, still mystified, and she brought a hand up to her mouth. Her eyes were shining.
"You're Athena and Frederick's daughter?" She questioned, disbelief in her voice.
"Yes," I answered, my voice involuntarily quiet. "I am."
Suddenly, she was wrapping her arms around me, holding me tight.
I blinked, startled by the sudden embrace, but soon I found myself hugging her back, breathing in her sweet soapy and flowery smell, the scents soothing.
She pulled back, gripping my shoulders, her eyes glassy and a clear blue.
"Oh, Annabeth," she whispered, her eyes darting to every inch of my face. "You've grown so much."
"What?" I breathed. I was pretty sure I had never seen this woman in my life. But as I stared deeper into her bright blue eyes, I got a sense of familiarity at the warmth and kindness in them.
"I only saw you a couple of times when you were little," she said quietly, her hand lightly touching my face, as if a firm touch would make me disappear forever. "You were always so smart. Just like your Mother."
"You knew her?" I asked, my throat constricting.
Sally nodded, gazing at me with a fond look that made me swallow down the lump in my throat.
"You have her eyes," she commented, her voice soft. "Intelligent with that stubborn glint in them."
"Frederick took her," I whispered, swallowing thickly and blinking hard. "He kidnapped her and has her locked up here somewhere."
"Oh, sweetheart," she whispered, embracing me once again. She stroked my hair lightly, easing the cold ball of dread that was slowly coiling around in the pit of my stomach. "Don't worry. You'll see her soon enough."
"Everything went so wrong in just a couple of hours. How is that possible?" I sniffed, tears starting to drip down my face.
"It's not your fault," Sally sympathized, rubbing my back. "You can't always be prepared for everything the world throws at you."
"I wish I were," I sobbed, clutching her tightly.
Sally continued to rub my back, quiet. She suddenly breathed in and exhaled soundly.
"I do too, Annabeth," she replied softly. "I do too."
Percy's POV:
I ran down the street, breathing hard. I stopped and slumped down the side of a building, the hard and cold bricks sending chills up my spine. It was no use. I could not find her. Yet still, every time I turned to look, she was there, across the street, her haunted gray eyes burning into mine. I had been chasing after her for hours, but it was no use. Right when I was feet away from touching her, she would disappear, only to reappear again.
"Percy!"
I jumped to my feet, my eyes darting around the street, trying to find where the voice was coming from. But there was no one there. Not a single person. Not a car. Not even a pigeon.
"Percy, please!"
It was Annabeth.
I looked around again, but I could not find her. She was nowhere to be seen. An ear-piercing shriek echoed through the vacant streets, coming from the inside of a dark apartment.
I ran towards it, kicking the door down and bursting into the building.
"Percy!" Annabeth sobbed, her voice breaking with despair. My scalp prickled with anticipation and dread, and I instantly began to run up the stairs just as another cry filled the air. It was coming from upstairs.
"Annabeth!" I called out, my heart racing. "Annabeth, where are you?"
"Percy," Annabeth cried out, her voice brittle and scared.
Anger and apprehension pulsing through my veins, I ran down the hall, not stopping to think about why all the apartment doors were wide open. I reached the end of the hall, stopping in front of the only closed door in that hall. Power surging through me, I kicked it down and ran in.
"Annabeth?" I shouted, my eyes scanning the small living room.
I heard another sob, the sound coming from one of the rooms. I quickly darted to it, turning the knob and slamming it open.
There, in the middle of the room, tied up in a chair, was Annabeth.
Luke was next to her, muttering things into her ear and chuckling before puling her face to his and pressing his lips against hers.
Annabeth screamed and struggled to pull away, Luke's eyes flashing before he pulled out a knife from his back pocket and pressed it against her throat.
"Get away from her," I seethed, starting to surge forward, ready to slam his head against the wall, but I couldn't move. It was as if I was being held back by an invisible force, holding me in place.
I pushed forward, trying to walk further into the room, trying to save her, but it was no use. I could not move.
"Percy, please," Annabeth gasped, tears running down her beautiful, terrified face.
Luke chuckled as he watched me struggle and push forward. "No use, Jackson," he called. "You can't save her this time."
He bent down and gripped her chin with his fingers, pulling so that she was looking at him. "She's mine now," he purred softly. "Like she always has been."
"I belong to no one," Annabeth snapped, her voice sharp, trembling with anger. "Especially not to you."
"Is that so?" He asked quietly, flicking the knife so that a trail of blood trickled down her throat. Annabeth gasped and bit her lip hard, wincing.
"Don't touch her!" I shouted, straining hard against the invisible wall that was holding me back from getting to her. I felt so helpless, so pathetic. I couldn't get to her, the only woman in this world that I wanted to be with.
"Too late," Luke whispered, a sudden deadpan expression on his face. He dug the knife deeper into her skin and drew a line across it with a flick of his wrist.
Annabeth's eyes widened as she slumped in the chair, blood flowing out of her neck like a red, gruesome waterfall.
"No," I rasped out, my throat constricting as my voice came out in a gasp. "No!"
Luke turned, and the empty look in his clear blue eyes brought a shiver down my spine.
"You're helpless, Jackson," he whispered, and just like that, he was gone.
Blood continued to run down Annabeth's neck, coating the white camisole she was dressed in, turning the fabric a crimson red.
"Annabeth," I called, my voice hoarse. I slumped against the unseen wall, my feet giving out beneath me. She was dead. And it was all my fault.
I could not save her.
"Why, Percy?"
I slowly lifted my head, not sure if I was hearing clearly. It was only until my eyes met clear gray ones that I was sure I heard right. My heart stopped.
Annabeth was staring right at me, but there was something wrong. Her eyes were a silver, unclouded, almost white. Tears were running down her face, her features displaying no emotion whatsoever. Her eyes were blank as well, even as tears pooled in them and flooded out.
"Why didn't you save me, Percy?" She asked, her voice hollow and vacant as she seemed to stare right through me. "Why didn't you do anything?"
"Annabeth," I croaked, my voice breaking. "I'm so sorry."
"No, you're not," she replied. "You could have saved me, but you didn't. Why?"
"I wanted to," I answered, my voice hoarse. "I wanted to save you so badly, Annabeth. But I couldn't. I'm so sorry."
She stared back at me, tears continuing to flood out of her eyes. Not once did she blink.
"You don't care for me," she said suddenly, her voice flat. "That's why you didn't save me."
"No, Annabeth," I rasped, shaking my head as my vision turned foggy. "That's not it. Please believe me. I wanted to save you."
The tears that flowed out of her eyes suddenly turned red. As they fell, they left a line of red across her skin. She was crying tears of blood.
"You didn't save me," she whispered. "You could have saved me, but you didn't."
"Don't say that," I said, my voice cracking. "I want to save you. Please believe me."
Bloody tears kept running down her face, her skin suddenly stark white. Her blonde hair suddenly began to turn black, the color traveling through her locks. As I watched, she began to fade away, her irises the color of the whites of her eyes. Only the pupils of her eyes showed.
"Goodbye, Percy," she whispered softly, her voice toneless.
"No, Annabeth," I called, placing my hands on the invisible wall. "Annabeth!"
Her gaunt, expressionless, blood streaked face was the last thing I saw before she disappeared.
"No!" I shouted, pounding on the wall. "Annabeth! Come back! Annabeth!"
But it was no use, she was gone.
I shot up, my head pounding and breathing hard.
"Annabeth," I whispered, looking beside me, momentarily forgetting that she wasn't here. She wasn't with me.
I took deep breaths, trying to calm my racing heart. I was shaken to the core. I was sweating and my vision was foggy. I closed my eyes, bringing a hand up to my face, wet. I'd been crying.
Wiping my face with my hand, I threw off the covers and climbed out of bed. I'd barely gotten any sleep last night, and the moment I did fall asleep, it was only to be awoken to nightmares. I couldn't last any more without her. Everything in me was pleading, aching to be with her. But I had no idea how to get to her.
A knock sounded on my door, interrupting my thoughts. I sighed, running a hand through my unruly hair. "Come in."
The door opened and Reyna came in, Leo beside her.
Reyna regarded me with dark, serious and sorrowful eyes. Leo was fiddling with his hands, a habit of his when he was nervous and uneasy.
"What is it?" I inquired, my voice coming out sharper than I intended to.
Reyna narrowed her eyes at me, but said nothing to my tone of voice. "Clarisse called," she informed, her voice cool. "She said that they didn't find a trace of anything."
"Travis and Connor too," Leo added, his expression filled with distress. "They didn't find a thing."
I clenched my jaw tightly and swallowed down the cold ball of dread rising up my throat. "Those bastards are hiding themselves too well," I said, my voice quiet.
"Hazel called," Reyna offered. "She said that she and Frank should be here by this evening."
I stared at the floor for a second, running my tongue along the flat of my teeth. "All right," I replied, standing up. "I'm going to take a shower. I'll join you all downstairs in a little."
Reyna nodded and opened her mouth to say something, but then closed it again, hesitating. She stared at me with a look of angst before locking her jaw. "Very well, Percy," she said, her voice quiet. She turned to leave, but the look she shot Leo did not go unnoticed.
Leo watched her as she left, a fond expression on his face.
"You know," I said, walking over to my closet and opening it. "Instead of just watching her from a distance and staying quiet, why don't you actually say something to her and tell her how you feel?"
I heard Leo let out a breath as I pulled out some clothes. I walked back into the room to see him sitting on the ottoman placed in front of my bed.
"You know her, man," he said, shaking his head. "She's not exactly the touchy-feely type. If I try to actually admit my feelings to her, she'll probably punch me in the face and leave me lying on the floor without giving me a chance to even open my mouth."
I cocked my head side to side, my lips twitching a bit at his words. "I guess," I said, sitting beside him. "But it wouldn't hurt."
"You mean the punch, or me telling her?" Leo asked, raising his eyebrows.
I managed to let out a half-hearted chuckle. "Admitting it to her," I answered, looking at him. "If you don't, you might be spending the rest of your life just ogling her while the rest of us have to deal with the stares you keep giving her."
Leo was quiet for a moment before his lips tilted up in a small smile. "I guess you're right. Thanks, Perce."
I clapped him on the back. "No problem. Now, I have to go take a shower. I'll talk to you later, man."
I got up and started towards the bathroom, but was stopped once Leo called for me.
"Hey, Percy?"
I turned around, furrowing my eyebrows. "Yeah?"
"Are," he hesitated, watching me intently, his eyes full of concern. "Are you okay?"
An image of Annabeth flashed through my mind at his question, the only thing I needed for an answer.
"You just worry about yourself, Leo," I replied, straining a smile. "Start thinking about talking to Reyna without resulting in her giving you a black eye."
Not giving him a chance to say something, I turned and walked into the bathroom, closing the door shut behind me.
I walked into the dining room, the smell of pancakes and bacon filling the house. I was met with the sight of everyone seated at the table, eating and talking in hushed voices. They instantly stopped when they saw me walk in.
I nodded my head in greeting and sat down at my usual place, feeling their eyes on me the entire time.
Piper cleared her throat, interrupting the tensed silence that filled the room. Her multicolored eyes shifted to me as she picked at her food with her fork. "So, Percy, have you talked to your father?"
"No," I replied, reaching forward to grab some bacon off a plate. "I was planning on contacting him today."
"What are you going to tell him?" Jason asked, pouring syrup over his pancakes while his eyes flickered over to me and back to his food, wariness glinting in his blue orbs.
I clenched the fork in my hand and stabbed it through the pancakes piled upon my plate. The whole time I'd showered, Annabeth had been the only thing on my mind. Her laugh echoed through my mind, filling my body with a pain so intense, it had numbed the feeling of the scorching hot water trickling down my body. I couldn't get her out of my mind. It had been only a couple of hours- but still. That woman had taken over every inch of my mind, my body. She could not be forgotten.
"Percy?" Piper pressed, her voice gentle, jogging me out of my thoughts. They were all staring at me, their expressions all etched with concern. "Are you all right?"
Suddenly, an inexplicable anger washed over me, rising up my throat in frustration that threatened to spill over. But it was that question, the one that made my muscles tighten and body stiffen in anger; I hated it.
"Poseidon must've already heard about Annabeth," I said in a clipped tone, ignoring the question. I wasn't in the mood to answer it. I don't think I'd ever be. "He might know of some way to find her."
The others were quiet once I stopped talking, and I could feel their eyes on me as I shoved a forkful of food into my mouth and forcefully swallowed it down. My stomach churned as if a whirlpool were inside it, making my head spin along with it.
"Have you talked to any of your parents?" I asked, my voice still terse. I stared back at all of them, their gazes focused anywhere but on me.
Nico twisted the skull ring on his finger, his dark eyes glittering with sadness and face sullen. "My father said he would talk to the other Olympians to start positioning new cameras around the city to replace the other ones. He said he'd talk to Hephaestus about making these new ones smaller and more vigilant."
I nodded, swallowing hard, as if a piece of pancake had gotten lodged in my throat. "I'll have to mention that to Poseidon."
Reyna pushed her plate aside and narrowed her eyes at me, consternation written all over her face. "You never told us what Jordan said to you."
My eyes flickered over to Jason and Piper, who were watching me intently, their faces anxious. I glanced back down at my plate, my throat constricting. I was suddenly not hungry.
"It's not important," I muttered quietly, my tone clipped.
"Will you stop?" Thalia exploded, slamming her palms on the table and standing up, startling everyone and making the plates and silverware clatter.
The others stared at her wide-eyed, their faces paling. Piper, who was seated next to her, reached out to grab her forearm. "Thalia, sit down-" she said quietly, trying to ease her back into her chair.
"No!" Thalia snapped, pulling her arm back. She glared at me, her eyes glittering dangerously. "Stop trying to find a way to change the subject away from you, Percy! All we want are innocent answers from you, and you won't fucking give them. And now you're acting angry at us for that? For trying to make you feel better?"
There was a collective intake of breath as the others stared back at me, trying to gauge my reaction.
"Make me feel better?" I said, my voice incredulous and angry, making the others flinch. I glared back at Thalia, my gaze unwavering. "You think asking me if I'm okay is going to make me feel better? Well, guess what, Thals? It's not."
"Then excuse us, but with your fucked-up personality and emotions, we have no other idea how," Thalia snarled, her eyes flashing and face flushed. "We know you miss Annabeth and everything, but will you stop beating yourself up about it? If you don't sort your shit out, you're never going to find her, Perce. Because of that, you're taking out your stupid, ever-present anger out on us, when we've never done shit to you! We're trying here, Percy, we really are, but you're making everything harder than it should be."
"It's not like I ever asked you guys to make me feel better in the first place!" I growled, standing up with such force I knocked my chair backwards. "I'm sick of you guys asking me the same goddamned question, when all it does is make me feel worse. If you want to make me feel better, stop asking me that bullshitted question."
Thalia's arms were shaking with rage as she glowered fiercely at me. I glared right back at her, my jaw locked and every single muscle in my body tense. I was sure I looked furious, judging from the white-faced expressions of the others.
"You know what I think?" Thalia said, her voice low and seething. "Maybe if you weren't this fucked-up and angry all the time, Annabeth would have never been kidnapped in the first place. So I guess you're right. Annabeth being kidnapped is all. Your. Fault."
The whole table gasped, and stared at Thalia with horrified expressions. Thalia ignored them, staring at me with unwavering fierceness.
I felt my arms start to shake in fury, and I clenched my fists hard, my fork still closed tightly in my hand, the cool silver and metal digging into my skin.
"You wanna know how to really make me feel better?" I asked, my voice quiet and snarling. "Leave me the fuck alone."
I picked up my fork and threw it at the center of the table, making it stick in place. I gave them all one final glare and stomped out of the dining room, slamming the door hard behind me.
I punched the bag hard, sending it flying away from me before swinging back again.
I was breathing hard, each punch I sent to it relinquishing my anger as my veins pulsed with the emotion, so familiar and satisfying.
After storming out of the dining room, I'd immediately headed down to the training room, and here I was, taking out my fueled anger on the big black bag.
I paused, placing my throbbing hands on either side of the bag and slowing down it's constant swinging. I pressed my sweaty forehead against the leathery material, closing my eyes.
Annabeth.
"I'm sorry," I whispered, shaking my head and clenching my hands around the bag. Thalia's right. This was all my fault. I should be fairer to them all. Her abduction wasn't their fault. I should admit how I'm feeling to them. Every single bit. They're my family. I should be able to admit my emotions to them, to let it all out.
But for some reason, I found that so hard. With Annabeth, I'd been able to confess some things, unlike with the others, I couldn't spill out the whole truth. Annabeth was a person I'd known for only three months, yet I had so much trust in her, I was able to admit things to her. Annabeth didn't know me as well as the others. She wasn't coming to me for advice and depending on me to lead her on her whole life and constantly protect her. Maybe that's why I'm able to admit things to her and not the others.
My whole life, I'd been raised to protect others, to expect them to lay their world at my feet and trust me to keep them alive. Annabeth was the first person I'd met who hadn't done that. No. She kept her own world to herself, and that's how it would be. She didn't expect me to keep her alive. She expected me to be by her side. That was it. That was all she needed.
I didn't like to admit my emotions and pain to the others because I had to keep strong for them. Especially right now. I couldn't afford to let them see me so vulnerable, so lost and broken. The only time they'd ever gotten a glimpse of that was when Rachel left me and told me she never loved me.
We need you more than ever now, Percy, Piper had said to me with shining eyes. Please don't break.
It's a little too late for that, Pipes.
"Percy?"
I looked up to see Thalia walking towards me. Her blue eyes were glinting with a look of uncertainty and she was worrying her bottom lip.
I stood up straight as she neared me, slowing to a stop in front of me. Her gaze was on the floor, and she was frowning, as if she were fighting with her own thoughts. Finally, she sighed, looking up to meet my eyes.
"Look," she said, hesitating. This surprised me. Thalia was one of the most straight-forward people I've ever met. Now, she seemed almost irresolute.
"You know I'm not good at apologies," she continued, her gaze flickering to the floor and back up to my face. "But I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said what I said. It's just- It's not good for you to keep all your emotions bottled up like that, Percy. I want you to be at your best while Annabeth's gone. When you were with her, I saw a totally different man. You were actually happy, an emotion I never thought you would ever be capable of feeling."
"Hey," I warned, my voice light. Thalia's lips twitched, and she shook her head.
"I'm sorry, Percy," she repeated, staring at me with an apologetic look on her face. "I never should've said all those things."
I shook my head. "No, I should be the one apologizing. You're right. I shouldn't keep shutting you all out like that and taking my anger out on you all. It's just- it's hard for me. I'm not used to admitting the truth about how I feel to you all. I have to stay strong for you all. I can't afford to let you guys see me so vulnerable, especially with Annabeth gone. I miss her. A lot. My insides literally feel like they're being torn apart as the hours go by without her. I have no idea what to do or how to get her back. It's making me angrier than usual, which is saying a lot, and I just can't think straight. I'm sorry, Thals."
She stared at me for a while, not saying anything. Her expression was full of melancholy and she seemed a bit uncomfortable.
"I have no idea what to say to that," she admitted, giving me a small playful smile. "Piper would know exactly what to say, because you know I'm not the touchy-feely type, and it's making me really uncomfortable, so please stop talking. But what I will say is that it's okay, Percy. I forgive you. Just- try to open up a bit more, all right? I don't want to have to fight with you again."
I gave her a smile, the first genuine one that I'd given all morning. "Me either." I reached out and pulled her in for a hug, and she stiffened. I almost laughed. Thalia did not like hugs.
"For the record," she said, her voice muffled against my shirt. "No one blames you for Annabeth's kidnapping. I hope you know that."
I sighed. "Thanks, Thals."
She hummed. "Now get off me," she said, shoving me away. She made a face at me. "You're all sweaty."
I let out a laugh, and she grinned at me. Then, in one swift move, she punched me in the stomach, catching me off-guard and making me double over.
"That's for telling us to leave you the fuck alone," she said, grinning triumphantly. Her eyes glittered. "Because you know that that's never, ever going to happen, Perseus."
There you go, guys. You're welcome for cutting you guys some slack on those cliffys. I was going to add one in, but then again, you guys are already mad at me enough. So yeah, you're welcome.
I don't really have anything else to say, so I hope you guys have a wonderful rest of your week. Next update might come early since IT'S WINTER BREAK! HALLELUJAH!
Are any of you guys asking for anything this Christmas? I'm excited :D
LOVE YOU GUYS
~Kat :3
