As Annabeth walked back, many doubts swirled in her mind. What if they were guards, or police? Or maybe they were doing some sort of acting, maybe. The knife and what they said seemed really real, however.

What, did the rolepalyer befriend the psyco? Annabeth scoffed.

She probably missheard them. Its not like they actually did anything. Heck, they didn't even threaten anyone! It was absurd, but Annabeth needed to make sure that she was wrong. Which was probably the only time in her life that she willingly wished she and her guess were wrong.

Much to her demise, as soon as Annabeth went back to her room, it seemed as if all the life drained from her body. That led to her passing out from exhaustion, without even getting a chance to review what she witnessed. At some point, she woke up in the middle of the night. She got up, and instantly shot out of bed. The clock now read 6:26 AM.

In a flash she got changed and grabbed a notebook, as well as some pens. It was never to early to go visit some places, especially if that meant saving a lot of people and their valubles, as well as get the criminals to jail. It was a fortunate thing that she knew the person who ran security in the kingdom, General Ares. He was a bit hot-headed, but he was a great general that helped lead some hard battles. Ares sometimes went from kingdom to kingdom, traveling and fighting in wars.

In a seperate building, not too far from the Palace, was the head building for security. It was quiet this morning. Guards stggered out and in uniform, not batting an eye at the girl who was entering. When Annabeth got inside, she walked over to the elevator. There were 6 floors to the estate, and she predicted that the security cameras department was on the fifth. As the huge sign said when she came face to face with it.

A long, metal door blocked her way to the camera room. Footsteps neared from across the hallway, and Annabeth hid behind a wall. Two guards were chatting about nothing memorable. She needed to get in, no matter what.

One of them slid a plastic hard through a scanner, and the door beeped open. Annabeth sprinted towards the closing door, sliping through the cracks as soon as it closed. A trimphant laugh escaped Annabeth. She quickly silenced after remembering where she was.

There were a couple of rooms where hundreds of cameras were placed, as well as their screens. Annabeth opened the door to one of them, blindly guessing. It was just her luck, because this room had all the royal cameras, including the ones in the selection. Long, thin computer screens flashed moving images.

She was fortunate that no one was there at the time. She walked up to a keyboard and typed in 'Selection Gardens.' And there it was. She then typed in yesterday's date and time when she saw the two men. When they sucsessfuly showed up, Annabeth cheered happily. It was a short glimpse of their faces, but Annabeth got it. She didn't recognize their faces, except for one of them.

Alister Guerreo.

As she zoomed in, her guess was confirmed. It was him for sure. A couple of occasions, Annabeth saw him talking with Ms. Usoro on topics about the selection and such. There was nothing really bad or suspicious about him, actually. He was a pretty normal guy. So why was he there?

Annabeth turned up the volume of the computer, but not too loud that anyone could hear. With her heart beating a hundred times per second, she listened intently. In the audio, Allister was talking to... A chef.

Annabeth sighed happily and facepalmed. Nothing to worry about. They were just talking about a upcoming deli and meat delivery, of course! Annabeth didn't know or have any information about a 'rat', but she assumed it was some sort of code name. She was way too paranoid, really. But their threatening expressions and voices still threw her off gaurd, and yes, Annabeth was a little scared.

If she ever came to meet those two, she would make sure to press them with some questions. But Annabeth let the thought go. She needed to focus on getting out, without getting caught. If she managed to get in, then it would be more easy to get out.

She didn't have a card which could open the doors, so she swiftly tole one as a worker walked by, oblivious. Ananbeth wouldn't steal, it wasn't like her. So as soon as she managed to exit, she placed it on the front desk. Someone would find it and return it later.

Breathing a breath of fresh, clean air, Annabeth started off back to her place. It was still early, and the maids would be arriving anytime soon. Sprinting back, Annabeth saw Percy in the pool in the royal Palace. He was doing some early morning swimming.

She caught his eye and waved, to which Annabeth smirked and yelled:

"Nice hair your highness!" Annabeth smirked in a mocking way at him. Percy's wet, matted hair was splatered on to his face in a messy manner. He ruffled his hair, running his fingers through it in a attempt to fix it.

He gave Annabeth a sarcastic blow-kiss and dived back in the pool at a extrordianry speed. Annabeth faked gaged and continued running back, not noticing Percy staring longingly at her as she went.

The dewy smell of wet grass and flowers found her as she passed the gardens. It was so calm, and peaceful, despite having suspicion for a robbery not too long ago. Annabeth still needed to ask some questions, obviously.

Annabeth barely managed to stay on her feet after that long run. Dana, Julia, and Elizabeth entered the room with breakfast on a cart. It was stacked with all kinds of savoury foods; and her favourite drink. It was called the nectar of the gods, and it sure tasted like it. By some miracle, they didn't notice the sweat beaded on Annabeth's face or her slight panting.

"Thanks, guys," Annabeth said and dug into the food. She noticed them staring at her weirdly. "Oh, you guys want some?"

Dana shook her head. "Nope. Its fine. But," She looked directly at Annabeth. "We have some news."

Annabeth's stomach dropped. Did they see her sneak out? Oh, gods... if they did, then she'd have to-

"The prince has requested at date!" Julia and Elizabeth squealed in excitement immediately. Annabeth stared at them, her eyes not wavering one bit. She didn't even notice what they said, she was just shook out of her mind that they didn't catch her.

'Good, they didn't see me!' She thought. Then, the words made a imprint on her mind. 'Wait. A date!?'

She wasn't all that surprised, honestly. She did ask for this after all.

"Okay. When?"

"How are you SO CALM!?" Elizabeth screeched at her. Annabeth winced from the loud noise. "Aren't you exited? Pumped?!"

"Yeah, I know you two have a history together, but this could be the start of something new!" Julia said, smilling widely.

"I agree," Dana added.

"Eh," Annabeth shrugged it off. A embarassed blush spread across her face, but it wasn't all from embarassment. The thought of Percy and her, together in a... somewhat romantic way. It made her mind go to places that she had forbidden her mind to go. Stupid Annabeth. Bad, very bad! But Percy didn't even want to go on a date in the first place. It was Annabeth who forced it upon them for the sake of the Selection.

She sighed and finished off her food, smiling gratefuly at the maids. A part of her were ignoring all the feelings she had about Percy she never even knew she had.

lllllllllllllllllllllllll

Percy on the other hand, was estastic when Annabeth wanted a date. Okay, so, maybe she didn't want it. That didn't matter with him! The other girls were great. Rachel, Drew, Calypso, but Annabeth... Annabeth was something else. He spent the night thinking about what to do. He was a lovesick puppy. No. He wasn't sure it was love. Maybe just friendly feelings, maybe?

"Dude. You really are head over heels for her, aren't you?" Grover said as they walked through the halls of the Palace.

"It's not like that!" Percy insisted. "I just want to see her again."

"You literally saw her a few days ago!"

"And? I miss her."

Grover put a hand on his forehead, sighing loudly at his friend. "How are you so oblivious to your own feelings!?"

"I am not oblivious," Percy fiddled with the collar on his shirt. "She's simply my best friend."

"Best friend my a-"

"She is, and that's all she ever will be. I'm sure of it. Even if I did... I-its not like a girl like her would ever accept my feelings." Percy said lowly.

"So you do have feelings! You just said so yourself!"

"Whatever."

"You're not denying it!" Grover was close to a conclusion.

"But i'm not accepting it either!"

Grover sighed and put a hand on his face, loudly. That wasn't the answer he was looking for. "You are hopeless." He said exsaperately. "I've gotta go anyways. Have fun with that date, though! Tell Annabeth I say hi!"

"Sure, dude. See ya."

Percy was left in the hallway, with no one around. His feelings about everything was so complicated. This whole selection was made for him, in the end. To find him a queen to live happily ever after with, so why did this cause more problems he had to begin with? He was close to being crushed by the stress and anxiety inducing days ahead of him.

But not today. He finally got to spend a quality day with his best friend, with no interruptions at all. Percy already planned the day in his head. He couldn't wait, which was pretty desperate of him.

The date would be in a couple of hours at most. They would spend the day at the park, and after, the beach. Percy loved the ocean, and so did Annabeth as well, so everyhing seemed to be all laid out. It had been forever since he'd went on a beach trip with her; he really needed to go out more. Percy couldn't help but feel like they were drifting away. He thought this date would help make ammends to their friendship.

His servants preapred him a healthy meal and clothes. Servants. He didn't nessecarily like that word, honestly. They prepared and planned his date with Annabeth, making sure the traffic was short and no crowds were there to intterupt. Thank god for them, they did their job oh so well. He would have to reccomend a payraise for them later.

The next few hours were mixed with him being anxious and more anxious. Sally and Paul visited him in his room to check up on them, only to find Percy under his covers groaning to himslef. Even Estelle came by.

"Are you okay Percy?" She asked at her big brother.

Percy smiled down at her and picked her up, twirling her around. He softly palced Estelle back on her feet. "Its fine. I'm just a little out of it right now." He admitted.

"Why?"

"Aw, now that's none of your buisness." Percy teased. "But i'll seriously be okay. So don't worry, hm?"

"'Kay!"

Estelle giggled and ran out the big room, singing sofly to herself. Percy thought it was some theme song to a t.v show. His mind focused back on the current topic. It was just another day with Annabeth, so it was absolutely nothing to worry about. Nothing at all! Percy felt a wave of optimisim as he sighed. He had zero reasons to be stressed. In fact, it was going to be a fun, relaxed day! Yeah!

He walked out to the kitchen to grab a couple of blue cookies to calm himself down. All the cooks and bakers were at the tables, whisking away at making food for the royal family. To his surprise, he saw Calypso there. Percy remembered meeting her one day and going on a date. She was a lovely person to hang out with, and she was pretty interesting and totally not boring, which Percy liked the most.

"Percy!" Calypso chirped when she saw her. "What are you doing here?"

Percy grinned at her. "I could ask you the same thing, you know."

"Ah, sorry! I just really like the famous blue cookies here. The kitchens back at the Selection doesn't have such things." She apologized and started to bow, but Percy stopped her.

"You don't need to say sorry. I was just here to eat some cookies too, ha ha..." He trailed off. "Pretty childish of me, huh?"

"No at all. Food can never be childish!" Calypso munched on another cookie. Her lips curled into a look of estcasy.

"That's what I always say to grover!" Percy smiled brightly and took the blue treat from the table. "Anyways, I must be a bother. Have fun eating,"

Calypso wanted to say something, but she knew better than to stop him. His nervousness was clearly visible and Calypso desperately wanted to help him, somehow. But she stood there, watching as he left. She wanted to say something- maybe some parting words or a goodbye. But she was too nervous to even make a step forward.

'Why is he so... weird today?'

Percy left the kitchen and for the rest of the afternoon he was pent up back in his room. He got dressed in a casual blue hoodie and shorts, and left his hair as it is. Messy, but presentable. He could already imagine Annabeth giving him a lecture about what being actually presentable looked like. Their two definitions were very far from each other.

'Perfect beach wear!' He thought proudly. Now, all was left was to actually see Ananbeth, and go on a somewhat fake date! Simple. Percy was prepared a bag with sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, and everything else nessecarry for a trip to the beach. And instead of a carriage, a car waited at the front steps of the palace. It had a sleek black coat and looked expensive, which it was.

"Hey, Seaweed brain!" Annabeth was beside the car, about to enter. "You ready?"

Percy's breath caught in his throat. Even in casual wear, Annabeth never failed to look stunning in Percy's eyes.

"I should be the one saying that, wisegirl." Percy pouted but then smiled. "I'm excited."

"Me too. By what they told me, we're heading to a beach right?"

"You got it."

'The beach' was a public one instead of a private one. When Annabeth had asked why, the driver simply said: "The reporters will need some news for the selection." Whatever that was supposed to mean.

When they arrived, there were a few people. Mostly families that were there enjoying the summer weather. Percy brought his hood up hoping to hide some of his face, but he knew people would figure out one way or another. Annabeth brought down her sunglasses in an attempt to also cover her face. It was a good thing nobody noticed. The two awkwardly put down their stuff on the scorching sand, the hot sun glaring down at their faces.

"So..." Annabeth started.

"So." Percy replied.

"We should probably get these things off." Annabeth said as she took off her shirt, revealing a two peice swimsuit.

He grinned, taking of his shirt as well. "I bet I can reach the water faster!"

"Not fair! You got a head start!" Annabeth ran after him, in a race to reach the water. Percy suddenly stopped, making Annabeth trip and fall. He fell in face first.

"ACK!"

Annabeth and Percy fought in the water, Ananbeth's hand slamming into his face. Percy responded by causing a huge wave to send her sideways. It almost seemed like he was controlling it, but that was impossible. A few people looked at the two best friends, and when they saw who they were, their eyes popped out of their heads. They exchanged a few hushed words, but never confronted them. At some point, quite a few people were taking pictures and videos. That was expected, but it still was surprising. Percy put up a peace sign and smiled weirdly at the cameras, which made Annabeth burst into a fit of giggles. She wanted them to get her good side too, so she also struck a pose. They truly were having fun despite everything.

They made sandcastles, and ate, and went on a walk along the shore. That walk was mostly Percy and Annabeth racing each other on who could go the fastest without slipping on the water. It was Annabeth who won this time, managing to run a couple of miles before Percy eventually slipped on a crashing wave.

"W-where.. are... we?" Percy panted. Annabeth gave him a hand to help him up.

"I don't exactly know." She huffed.

And where even were they? The place was pretty unrecognizeable. In the distance there stood a boardwalk, but it looked pretty abandoned. And creepy. Percy and Annabeth mentally decided to not go over there. Somewhere over there was a cove. Now that looked cool!

"Wanna head there?" Percy asked Annabeth. He pointed to the cove.

"Oh, looks fun." Annabeth looked over. "Sure!"

Slowly, they entered the rocky area. Inside, the water was about knee high and calm. The sun reflected off the water, perfectly illuminating the cove in blue and white colours. Everything seemed so beautiful.

The water was clear and had tiny, little fishes swimming gracefully. Annabeth smiled at how lucky they were to be that carefree. They were fishes, so that was pretty stupid of her to think that. She wanted to be like a guppy, just splashing around in some ocean all day.

"Oh, wow," Was all Annabeth could say. She sat on a rock, dipping her feet in the slightly cool water. She wanted to stay there for hours. Heck, even days.

"Wow indeed. I don't think i've ever been here before. I can't believe i missed it!" Percy gaped.

"Neither can I."

okay, this was a pretty weird way to end the chapter. but i'm so drained. I HATE SCHOOL SO DaM MUCH! i had two presentations today and i had gym to add to my list.

i wanna hit the sheets already. also, sorry if this chapter seemed like it came out late. sorry!

if you're reading this, i wanna thank you guys for reading past those shitty, first few chapters. and thanks for reviewing and liking! I said this a million times proabaly, but my heart explodes with joy everytime you guys do so.

thanks for reading!