Annabeth's Story:

We set sail that night, flying off over the Mediterranean. It was a particularly windy night- which probably had something to do with Jason- so we were able to make it to the Atlantic by the next night. On board, we fell into our routines- just something to pass the time. Ari would bug Nico, Leo would fly the ship or cook, Hazel would make maps to chart out where we were going, Bobby would play his lyre- most of the time, a slow and sad tune. His best friend had died and he hadn't even been there – he, who may have been able to save him, hadn't been there. I'd be sad too if one of my friends died from something I could have prevented.

He would mope, going off into some corner trying to be ignored- which wasn't very easy considering the tight living spaces. It didn't take long for me to notice, when I did, I joined him- tried to make him feel better, making small talk just to get his mind off Dakota. Making small talk is not easy on a ship like this- you can only talk about the weather so many times- as it is, the weather doesn't change that often- or at least not much noticeable change.

"You should come up on deck," I tried, "it's nice out."

Bobby shook his head.

"I know you're still grieving, but please- it's not good for you to stay inside for too long," I urged.

Bobby sighed, leaning his head against the wall. He stopped playing his lyre. "It's been a rough week… You told me that you love me but refuse to leave Percy and then to top it all off, Dakota died. So can't you just let me stay sad for awhile?"

My eyes fell to the floor- I felt terrible. I shook my head as though it might erase those words and give me a clean slate. It didn't. At the time, those were the right words to say, I don't regret ever saying them or ever kissing him. That was the right thing to do- to let him know that I cared enough that I couldn't just let him give up and die. I felt like a jerk for letting him know all of this- it wasn't fair to him- the lie would have been much safer- easier too. But now with all of this hanging out in the open, nothing was easy.

Bobby spoke up. "If you won't just let me be, I might as well just come out with everything else… I've been thinking about the Siren's song- the one I heard that is…" Bobby strummed at his lyre as though trying to echo the tune. "I know you didn't want to hear it before, but I think it's something you should hear."

I looked up at him. Our gaze met timidly. I was listening.

"It went along like this," he played the tune.

"You remember it by ear?" I asked curiously.

"Wouldn't forget it," he continued to play, "I won't sing it though, that could get um… a little awkward."

"Awkward?" I wondered.

"Not for me- for you."

I nodded and agreed.

Bobby began to tell me his song. "I don't know if others hear their songs this way but this song- it described a moment. It took place a couple years from now- not to distant. I was in the Temple and wearing a toga- I don't wear togas often, but that's what I was wearing. Dakota was there too, my best friend- it's funny how I'll always remember that part now. He was also pretty dressed up or about as dressed up as he could ever be- or… would have been."

Bobby took a deep breath before continuing on, "Lupa was there, which meant this was a pretty big deal- you may not believe me but Lupa doesn't talk to us pups very often, not unless it's really important- here, I was important. Things had all worked out here- the quest was over and honestly, I could have cared less about the war. There was a small crowd- the faces of friends and family- other campers, my dad. My dad started playing a guitar- a little unusual, but great; it was that dull, old, melody- umm… how's it go…" he changed the tune to a slightly more recognizable one that made my pulse quicken nervously. "Though I never really liked that tune- too overplayed, I couldn't have been happier hearing it. Then you came, the crowd parted just to watch. You were strolling through the crowd in a pale, white, dress- incredibly beautiful, as always. We were exchanging rings, saying vows, you were about to kiss me again- then I heard Oakley, and everything else came crashing to pieces. I keep playing that song though, it's stupid- I know, but it seems to represent everything that won't come true."

I sighed setting my head on his shoulder, "Bobby… what am I going to do about you?"


Really short, I know, just wrapping some things up- nothing to get too nervous about, had to post this, sorry for the wait. Please review, next few chapters will be better- so that I can give this story a happy ending, ideas are welcomed. Gratias Ago!