"I think it's time I got of this island, Grover." Percy said.
"Yes well I suppose I can take you to Thebes." Grover sighed. "You can show off your stuff there."
The two set out through the forest, to Thebes, when Percy heard a cry for help.
Percy rushed to the maiden's aid, only to find Annabeth wrestling a River Guardian.
"What are you doing?" Percy asked.
"Kicking ass and taking names." Annabeth kicked the Guardian into a tree. "Following orders."
"Your orders were to beat up a River Guardian? Hades put you up to this?" Percy was angry. He hated that she was his pawn.
Annabeth rolled her eyes. "We all have our parts to play Percy. I just happen to have a couple more stops left on the road to freedom, so if you don't mind—"
"What happened to you?!" Percy said. "You were all about being your own person back at the shrine and now—"
"Look Percy." Annabeth said, lowering her voice. "Hades wants you dead. Stop trying to get close to me because he could order you dead from my hand."
"You wouldn't do that." Percy said. "I saw you at the shrine. You don't let them push you around."
Annabeth pulled Percy into the trees where no one could see, and kissed him. "No. I'm not going to let Hades kill you. Don't you see that's why I have to play my role—and you have to play yours? Trust me."
"I do." Percy kissed her, hand lingering on her cheek. "I'm going to set you free."