Chapter 6: A New World

Annabeth

It was all her fault.

Left alone in an unfamiliar and strange place, Annabeth clutched Percy's cold and trembling hand close to hers, yet there was nothing she could do for him besides sitting next to his unconscious body lying on a large bed. Anxiety and worries overcame her body and mind so naturally, it was enough to freeze her in place.

Still, Annabeth waited patiently as best as she could manage. She knew Percy would wake up eventually, and when that happened, she would first give him a huge hug of relief before smacking him repeatedly for scaring her to death. Either way, she was going to let him know exactly how she felt, how terrified she was, and the regrets she felt for dragging him out along with her.

"Percy…" Annabeth whispered.

There was an undeniable soft grunt from Percy laying on his back. It was as if he heard her calling out his name, but his pained expression stabbed Annabeth straight in the gut and she felt even worse about everything that's happened to him since- s-since…

"I am sorry." Annabeth clutched his hand with both of hers, "Thank you for protecting me."

And please wake up… Don't leave me here all alone…

Annabeth didn't expect her prayer to be answered, but holding him tightly against her hands did provide some small measure of comfort, and that's all Annabeth could ask for right now.

She tried to gently rub the palm of his hand and fingers, and for the first time, Annabeth saw his expression begin to ease, even if it's just a little bit. She was glad. A tearful smile moved across her face.

"Please… I need you with me, Percy." Annabeth instinctively leaned over so she could rest her forehead against the side of his right shoulder, "Please wake up soon…"

Most of the tears staining her cheeks had dried up soon after the fighting stopped, but new ones were threatening to fall the longer Percy stay like this on the bed. It didn't help Annabeth one bit to see the boy she fell in love with wincing in pain every minute. She wanted to help him in any way possible, but she couldn't even begin to know how.

And that was the worst part about feeling so helpless.

Why? Why did I have to drag Percy down this forest path with me? It would have been better if I just went myself because then Percy wouldn't have to fight that horrible girl who was determined to beat him to an inch of his life.

The images of Percy when he fought to keep her safe… It dwelled on her mind like a terminal stage cancer, eating away at her life bit by bit until all that's left were negativity beyond any normal person's comprehension. Blaming herself came as naturally as a sinking ship halfway underwater, and Annabeth was easily swallowed up by her own self-doubt.

I am so selfish… and all to satisfy my curiosity that didn't matter in the end.

Fresh tears rolled down Annabeth's cheeks as she wept to herself.

If I didn't make Percy come with me, then everything would have been fine. Percy wouldn't have gotten hurt at all. Why did it happen? Why didn't I leave Percy alone and head out here myself?

To be honest, Annabeth had been scared to death since the unprovoked attack that took her and Percy by surprise. Yet, the irrational thought passing through her head right now scared her even more. It was just one level below a total meltdown, and she could tell how her body was still reeling from the shock of almost dying by their hands, the overwhelming fright of losing Percy to those cloaked companions.

Tried as she might, Annabeth just couldn't stop her body from shaking. Her small comfort when she pressed herself against his trembling body felt as fleeting as if a tiny breeze could blow it all away.

Not wanting that, Annabeth squeezed his freezing hand closer to her chest hoping to pass her warmth to him. Her doubts might not have gone away, but having his hand against her chest made the feelings easier to bear with.

Stay with me, Percy. Please…

"You promised not to leave me, remember?" Annabeth's lips trembled.

Met with only silences and Percy's slightly ragged breathing, it wasn't long before Annabeth wanted more contact with Percy. Seeking his touch and comfort, she shifted her seat further into the bed, ready to lay down close to him, even if it's just for a moment.

"Please, Percy…"

Pressing herself against his unconscious body trembling in a cold sweat, Annabeth didn't care about how dirty or clammy he was. It might have only been three months since they first met, but Percy already became someone important to her, enough that she didn't think twice about snuggling against his drench figure. In fact, she was comfortable because their physical contact kept her mind from having those abnormally negative thoughts, so she leaned her forehead leaned into his shoulder blade and sighed.

"Please come back to me…" Annabeth prayed with all her heart.

She squeezed his freezing hand to her chest in an attempt to pass even more of her warmth between them, but then something abruptly snapped her away from staying like this with Percy.

Knock-Knock…

Instinctively, Annabeth flinched in alarm and squeezed Percy's hand tighter. Her body jolted a little as she pushed her body halfway upright.

"Hey, Annabeth! It's me, Thalia. Can I come in?"

Annabeth blinked.

It was her best friend: the one girl who had been in her life the longest, who had been taking care of her since she was still a young child, the one person whom she trusted with her life, and also the girl who was supposed to protect her and Percy from harm because of an impromptu babysitting responsibility given to her by Annabeth's mother, Athena.

"T-Thalia-aa…?"

"Yeah, it's me. Can you let me in?" Her muffled voice came through the doorway.

Hearing a familiar and friendly voice, Annabeth jumped up with joy and rushed to open the door for her best friend… or so it would be if Annabeth wasn't suddenly twisted in a knot, unable to make up her mind on what to do. Her lips hesitated to form a proper reply.

"Annabeth?" Her best friend spoke again, but this time it was filled with concern, "Are you okay?"

Anxiety led Annabeth to chew on her lips hard, ruining its feather-like softness. She fidgeted and reluctantly sat up on the bed.

"Is that really you, Thalia?"

As a precaution, her grey eyes darted around and quickly scanned her surroundings.

Held inside a large summer-like cabin, there was one queen-size bed against the left wall, furniture like dressers and small cubby cabinets carefully organized for a comfortable living space, yet empty shelves and vacant drawers decorated all aspects of this lifeless place. Despite a bathroom, it didn't seem to have ever been used.

A mellow sea-blue paint colored the entire cabin with its oceanic glow, deeply enhanced by the vibrant rainbow waves reflecting off an elegant fountain that took up the entire back of the cabin. Made more captivating from its jagged edge and stony texture, the pool was constantly running from a fish sculpture's endless stream.

Somehow, this strange cabin had been giving Annabeth some sense of normalcy ever since she arrived at this even stranger place: the final destination she had been trying to reach all night.

And inside this oddly tranquil cabin, an injured and unconscious Percy was currently resting on the soft bed. He was accompanied by the girl he tried to protect with his life. That girl was Annabeth, who had been watching him and being by his side since they were attacked, since he fought to keep her safe, and since he collapsed with wounds covering his body.

She had been with him all the way up till now, staying close and watching over him keenly.

But not everything was as calm as it was at this moment.

It was over an hour earlier, but Annabeth still remembered it vividly.

A fully raged Percy who had lost all control with blue circuits tattooing all over his body as he fought back against the girl in the grey cloak and actually won.

A furious Thalia as she appeared right on time to rescue Percy from doing something that he couldn't take back.

Her own speechlessness at everything happening.

A bloody and frantic rush to carry a wounded Percy over a small hill where their long trek would have eventually taken them… A place where the path seemed to find an ending…

When all was said and done, it was her curiosity that led her to this place, to this open field camp in the middle of the woods right next to her mansion.

Yet now that she knew this place really existed and what she had to go through because of it…

It's no surprise that the pit of her regret was unfathomable.

As smart as she was, Annabeth could never have predicted her discovery tonight would end with such random, illogical distress, not even if she got to live for a million years or for eternity.

Now at the end of her hour-long journey, this cabin was the only safe spot Annabeth could feel a small measure of peace, and she didn't want to risk being taken out of this comfort zone by letting someone else in, even if that person was someone who she'd known her whole life and who ultimately saved Percy in the end.

There was a soft sigh from outside.

"Annabeth? It's just me here. You know I am not here to hurt you. You don't have to worry."

Annabeth knew that. Of course, she knew that. If she had to guess, Thalia brought things that might be able to heal Percy from his wounds. Besides, Annabeth didn't think there was a lock on the door, so it would be pointless to try and keep her out.

It's fine. It's only Thalia… I should let her in.

"Okay, just give me a minute," Annabeth called back.

She squeezed his hand pressed to her chest even now. Gazing into his sleeping features, Annabeth tighten their grip and whispered between them, "I'll be right back, Percy. I am not going too far."

Percy seemed to have heard her because he squeezed her hand back.

Annabeth smiled ever so slightly before getting out of bed and went over to the door. She grasped the handle and pulled it open, giving only a small little gap, then peeked her face behind the frame.

Indeed, it was Thalia who stood before her. There didn't seem to be anyone else with her, and it turned out Annabeth was right. Thalia came here to help treat Percy's wounds, just like she said she would after leaving them here for the last half-hour. She had a brown paper bag in her right hand and a crystal glass tube containing some golden color liquid on her left hand.

"Hey, Annabeth. I'm back. I've brought something for you and Percy." Thalia's calm smile eased her heart, "Can I come in?"

Annabeth nodded.

When her best friend made it inside, she hurriedly closed the door to the world outside and rushed back to Percy. Despite another pair of eyes, Annabeth held Percy's hand again and kept herself close. A soft sigh left through her lips, their physical contact made her feel safe in ways she didn't fully understand.

As a result of her intimate gesture, Annabeth wasn't aware of an amused and surprised reaction from her best friend close by. A warm smile moved across her face.

"You've really grown close to him, didn't you?"

Her remark had all kinds of suggestive nuance behind it, but Annabeth knew her best friend wasn't trying to tease, not with that kindhearted smile on her lips.

She bit her lips and sucked in a breath, "I care about him a lot, Thalia. Is it weird?"

Her best friend with those sharp blue eyes stayed still for a moment as if lost for words.

"No. I don't think it is. It's only natural to care about someone you like a lot, princess. I am pretty sure Percy felt the same way about you."

She paused abruptly, as if there was more she wanted to say but held her tongue.

Annabeth turned her gaze to Thalia who just gave her a warm smile, but she didn't try to speak her mind, whatever it might be.

"He protected me…" Annabeth whispered.

Thalia was absolutely right.

Annabeth had ironically fallen in love with Percy in less time than it usually took her to trust some new stranger in her life, growing closer and closer until he suddenly became that special someone in her life who meant a lot and she'd do anything for.

Despite thinking that their initial relationship was just a nuisance in her life, despite thinking that Percy was just like any other boy who was all about finding a pretty girlfriend with looks and status while not having any admirable qualities, Annabeth had since learned from their chance encounter that he was different, in many good ways. He wasn't a player. He wasn't a bother in her life. In fact, he's dependable when she needed him the most. He's funny, smart in his own way, exhaustively annoying with his childish personality that she was beginning to love so much, and most importantly, his ability to light up her life like no one else had ever done.

Percy cared about her genuinely, in ways that no other had ever given Annabeth.

And that's why she loved him.

"I wanted to protect him too…" Annabeth whispered and brushed his cheeks slightly.

Her gesture seemed to have some effects because Percy's expression visibly relaxed from her touch.

Of course, Annabeth totally forgot she had an audience nearby. Thalia's awkward cough made her grow red and she promptly drew her hand away.

It's a bit unbelievable, to be honest. Percy was the one person in her life she knew the least, yet he was able to turn her life so upside down that in less than a few short months, Annabeth felt like it's impossible to separate from him. Percy had already become someone more than just friends to her, and she wanted him by her side at all times.

But what's more unfathomable was her wavering feelings for her long-time best friend and her twin brother, whom she had known for much longer and also trust with her life. After tonight, this might be the first time where Annabeth didn't know how to think about them.

Thalia… Jason… Those cloaked companions who attacked them unprovoked… All these secrets the people closest to her were trying to hide…

Annabeth honestly didn't know how to think about anything right now. There were only questions piling over one another in her mind.

My friends… Who were they really? Why would they know those people who forced Percy to fight for his life? What is this place they've been staying at?

Annabeth couldn't even begin to imagine the answer.

"Ahem." Thalia suddenly snapped her thoughts away, "Anyway, you hungry?"

Holding up her right hand with the brown paper bag, Annabeth's stomach growled right as soon as she was offered food. A smirk moved across Thalia immediately, her reaction left Annabeth blushing bright pink. When it growled a second time much to her horror, Thalia looked ready to laugh. All Annabeth could do was shrink into a ball, burying her face in the small space beside Percy to hide her embarrassment.

"Aww… Come on, I wasn't laughing at you, princess." Though her subtle giggles didn't convince Annabeth one bit.

It just couldn't be helped. Annabeth was still hungry when she was forced to run away from dinner. It's ironic, as her first Thanksgiving with Percy began with them preparing everyone's dinner, only to end up being left hungry because they couldn't stomach their plates on top of their embarrassment. Now, she had to settle for something out of a packable paper bag.

How cruel tonight had been….

"Yeah…" Annabeth said timidly and shot a curious sideways glance at her paper bag, "I'm a little bit hungry."

A knowing look appeared over her smile, "Here. I brought it specifically because I thought you might be hungry after what happened. Don't worry, it's just a peanut butter jelly sandwich."

Annabeth took it from her hand. The bag squished together between her fingers as if she was afraid it would drop if she didn't use a lot of strength to hold it.

Thalia noticed.

"You can relax, Annabeth. I promise you are safe now. You and Percy both…"

Annabeth wasn't that naïve to suddenly feel relief just because someone said so, but she did feel some of it, a small level of reassurance that allowed her to heave a gentle sign and felt her chest getting lighter.

"Thanks, Thalia,"

When Annabeth opened the bag, the sandwich was wrapped in a thin baking sheet. The palatable smell of rich peanut butter filled her scent, and she quickly fumbled to bring it out. With just one small bite over a corner of the sandwich, Annabeth couldn't help but savored the grape jelly and buttery taste along with the soft wheat bread in her mouth, munching down and chewing slowly.

She took another bite after swallowing the first. Satisfied, Annabeth made an attempt to say with a soft, sheepish voice, "It's good."

Frankly, she was really hungry which made sense why this simple sandwich tasted a lot better than it should. After the second bite, Annabeth just couldn't hold back. In less than a minute, the whole thing disappeared, right into her stomach.

" Ahh…" Annabeth sighed.

Thalia shot her a friendly smile, almost like a big sister taking care of her younger sibling, "I'm glad you are feeling good enough to eat now, princess. See? That's why you should get something in your system before you faint from a lack of energy."

In hindsight, Annabeth couldn't agree more after devouring that sandwich; the energy bar Thalia brought her still sat on the coffee table untouched. Annabeth wasn't unable to eat it due to the harrowing worries she had to experience when they arrived at this cabin. It was the type of pain she never wish to deal with again, to see a beaten-up Percy with wounds all over, his pained grunts every time the Grace twin tried to help bandage him up.

But since everything was much calmer now, Annabeth reluctantly nodded back at her best friend.

"As long as you know what's good for you, princess." Thalia's smile widened into a witty smirk, "Geez… I am worried, Annabeth. What's going to happen if I am not here to take care of you?

Even though Thalia was the one chiding her, Annabeth heard her best friend sigh, most likely glad that she had finally eaten something. Of course, Annabeth didn't like what she was implying when it's clearly the other way around.

But just for tonight, Annabeth decided to take her scolding to heart, a pair of grey eyes turned left toward the floor in embarrassment.

Thalia sighed in a motherly manner, "But anyway, there is something we need to talk about…"

Growing quiet all of a sudden, her humorous demeanor changed rapidly, replaced by a pensive and worried look over her face. Even those electric blue eyes shifted until it matched her expression, the intensity behind those piercing gazes fluctuated drastically.

Honestly, she looked rather uncomfortable by what she wanted to talk about, and Annabeth didn't blame her. She knew there was a lot they needed to talk about.

"So, I know you have a lot of questions?" Her eyes abruptly shot left as she pulled her gaze away, doing her best to avoid Annabeth's gaze.

For the first time in the past three months, there was nowhere for her best friend to hide their secrets any longer. After what happened tonight, Annabeth knew Thalia couldn't go about without explaining things properly. Yet, she felt apprehension she didn't before. Her eagerness to know more waned like a lunar eclipse to a total solar eclipse.

"But you don't look like you want to know though…" Her best friend's eyes grew unexpected when Annabeth unconsciously wore an anxious and blank look.

Thalia was completely right about what she was feeling.

Despite her curiosity, despite being kept in the dark when all she wanted was to learn more, Annabeth suddenly find her voice stuck, unable to open her mouth and ask the simplest question. If anything, she now wanted to bury anything remotely related to their secret and be kept in the dark for good.

After all, it was her curiosity that hurt Percy, not to mention almost getting them killed because of it.

If they were keeping these secrets from me, it had to be for a good reason, right? What good would it do if I learn more about them, except to satisfy my own selfish curiosity? If tonight proved anything, learning more would only lead to more trouble. I didn't want that…

"I… I don't even know what to ask…" Her struggle to form a question was evidently enough that Thalia noticed. She tried to comfort her with an understandable look.

"I get it," Ironically, her hesitation seemed to visibly relax Thalia instead. Her blue eyes tilted toward Percy who was still laying on the bed, grunting in between short breaths. She turned quickly to catch Annabeth's gaze again, "Well, maybe I could tend to Percy's wounds first, and when you feel like you are ready, you can ask me anything, okay?"

So many questions hung in the back of Annabeth's mind, but when she looked at Percy's face winced up in pain, she knew nothing else mattered except getting him better first.

"Okay," Annabeth replied.

As soon as they agreed, Thalia reached beside her for the crystal glass tube and uncap the lid. It was filled with a thick golden color liquid that Annabeth had never seen before.

Watching her best friend tentatively, Thalia suddenly brought out a wet towel seemingly out of nowhere and carefully titled a drop of its viscous liquid on the fabric. It melted away quickly, like a piece of chocolate under the summer sun. Its essences soaked through the entire towel in the blink of an eye before a faint, golden shimmer reflected and vibrated off the navy blue walls around them.

"What is that?" Annabeth asked impulsively, momentarily forgetting her own apprehension.

Her spontaneous question seemingly brought a smirk over Thalia's lips, as if thoroughly amused by how ' long' she was able to resist her curiosity.

"It's something called healing-nectar. It can heal the wounds the daughter of— Clarisse, opened on his left arm." Thalia gave an awkward smile and explained, "But first…."

Her best friend leaned over Percy's figure and brought the glass lid over his lips, slowly tilting it over.

Once the realization hit, Annabeth's eyes grew wide in alarm.

"Wait! Is that even safe for him to drink?!" Annabeth almost shouted.

Despite her wild outburst, Thalia didn't even flinch. She continued to tilt the crystal tube until its liquid essence reached Percy's lips. The confidence she exalted put Annabeth at ease. Her best friend knew exactly what she was doing.

Embarrassed, Annabeth's cheeks flushed red.

" Heheh… You are so cute when you are worried about Percy, you know?"

"Don't make fun of me, Thals." Annabeth complained, "I am actually worried! This is all so new to me, of course I would get…"

Her voice trailed off when Percy's lips parted automatically. Thalia continued to feed the golden liquid, or rather, healing nectar, into his mouth until every last drop disappeared. Annabeth saw a few gulps when his throat bobbed, signs that he was taking it just like Thalia wanted.

"Sorry," Her silly smile didn't make her feel better. Once the tube was empty, Thalia left it by the bedside table and returned to the towel, "I'll explain everything as best as I can after we are done healing Percy, but I doubt I can answer all your questions, princess."

Annabeth wanted to ask why, but her attention drifted away when Thalia began to unwrap the bandages covering his left upper arm. It was completely red with blood, but at least it was able to stop the bleeding that refused to get under control when they first got inside this cabin.

When it was completely unwrapped, Thalia discarded it away and gently pressed the shimmering towel against Percy's open wound.

" Huhhhmm…."

Soft, easing sounds replaced his sudden sharp wince that disappeared as soon as Thalia brushed his open wound carefully. Whatever this healing nectar was, it seemed to be working. The pained expression on Percy eased gradually. As such, the breath Annabeth's been holding in her chest eased as well. Looking at Percy now, he seemed rather relaxed if not still unconscious.

"There, that should do it…" Thalia said after a minute and pulled away. The wet towel strangely returned to its normal bleach color, leaving not a trace of golden reflection as it did before.

Beyond any normal comprehension Annabeth had about the world, she couldn't help but let out a gasp at the end result. The two inches wide open wound on Percy's left upper arm… It was gone! There was no visible scar, nor did it leave any sign of a deep cut. It was perfectly healed, a wound that didn't even exist in the first place.

"How?" Annabeth stared long and hard at the fantasy-like miracle, her voice croaked when she tried to figure out something that couldn't possibly make sense, "Is this stuff…"

A calm and meticulous look moved over Thalia's expression, then the towel suddenly went and disappeared into thin air, "It's hard to explain, princess. But I guess this is a perfect place to start."

Annabeth gulped as anticipation and apprehension mixed in the atmosphere around her.

"It won't make any sense if you think about all this in the traditional sense of the world." Thalia began.

Already, the mystery surrounding her explanation was thick and heavy.

"Try to imagine a different reality or a very different world... And in this world, this nectar…" Thalia gestured at the empty crystal glass, "It's a medicine that can heal any wounds, just as long as we didn't use it on the wrong people and we didn't abuse it."

Annabeth tilted her head like a curious puppy hearing a weird sound for the first time. Puzzled yet astonished by what Thalia was saying, Annabeth- as smart as she was- even it took her a minute to connect the dots. A literally out-of-this-world idea bloomed in her head and refused to stop.

"A different reality… A different world…"

"Healing-nectar…"

Even though these unfamiliar words were coming out of her lips, Annabeth didn't really understand what she was saying to herself. Thalia's explanation left her in contemplation ever since she revealed something straight out of a fantasy.

Of course, none of it made any sense, and for a moment, Annabeth really wondered if something like a cliché Isekai fantasy novel was happening in her life, where she was teleported to another world and had to learn new ways to live and survive.

Terrifyingly, it seemed like Thalia read her thoughts because she smiled in a knowing manner that put Annabeth on her toes, "Yep. It's kinda like those silly books and stories you loved so much."

Mouth wide agape, Annabeth barely had time to question her best friend's sudden mind-reading capability when she winked at her reaction.

"I know it won't make any sense to you right now, but I guess you could think about this similar to those fantasy novels you keep hidden inside your secret compartment." She smirked at that little reminder.

Annabeth wanted to glare at her best friend, but the things she was saying about a new world... a fantasy-like realm similar to her favorite books… a real magical healing item called nectar… It made her lips tremble on their own. She didn't know if it was out of fear or excitement.

"H…How?"

Thalia gave her a small smile and explained, "Well, it's not exactly the same as the cliché trope where you die and get reincarnated into another world."

Annabeth was surprised. It's hard to believe Thalia would know about nerdy stuff like this when she never showed any interest, except for the one time where she rummaged through her treasure chest.

"This new world I am talking about exist within the same world we are living in right now, but in two separate realities. Of course, the normal world we all grew up in is still the predominant reality everyone could perceive, but for some, there is a whole new world that's stemmed from a long history of mythology."

Annabeth raised her eyebrows.

"Mythology?" That wasn't what she was expecting to hear, but then again, she didn't know what she was supposed to expect anyway. The possibility was endless.

"Yep," Thalia said as a matter of fact.

Like a teacher about to give out lectures, Thalia continued, "For better or worse, there is only one mythology that's real. It coexists within the world we live in, and…"

Annabeth noticed Thalia taking a long glance at Percy and her at the same time. It made clear what she was implying. A gulp passed through her throat because Annabeth already knew what her best friend was going to say.

"And I am a part of it…" Annabeth's faint voice rang out, "Me and Percy both…"

Thalia seemed taken back, but seconds later, a shrewd smile found its way on her lips in the end, "Well, it seems like you are as perceptive as ever, princess."

Annabeth turned speechless now that Thalia outright confirmed what she had secretly suspected all along. All these secrets… the sudden need to protect them from harm… It finally made sense why she felt like something was off since she was old enough to understand the world, yet learning the truth only made more questions than answers.

"Oh my God, you are a part of this world too…" Annabeth reached that answer all on her own. She looked at her best friend wide-eyed, "But it doesn't make any sense… Why keep me away from this world? What does Percy have to do with any of this? And why do you have to protect us? Just because my mother asked you to- Wait, is my mother also…"

Putting two and two together, Annabeth's mind raced through an endless rabbit hole. All the things left unsaid, it didn't matter because she was pretty sure her unusually perceptive intelligence was figuring out everything on her own.

"Athena… Athena…" Annabeth repeated her mother's maiden name.

Digging through every inch of her vast knowledge repertoire, Annabeth remembered that in Greek mythology, the Olympian Goddess of Wisdom is also named Athena. All her life, she had never found it strange that they would share the same name, but now that she knew the truth, and the fact that Thalia revealed this new world stemmed from some mythology, then it would mean….

"My mom is a Goddess!?"

Thalia smiled impressively despite all the terrifying truth being revealed, "Yeah. Your mother is an Olympian Goddess, the Goddess of Wisdom, and because you are her daughter, it makes you a Half-Blood, or a demigoddess of our world."

Annabeth grew numb.

"You are the only child Lady Athena conceived, daughter of Athena." Thalia addressed her in a new way that sounded so weird, it was utterly frightening, "You are important to her, and that's why she wanted me to protect you."

"I- I'm… I'm… a Half-Blood?"

It would have been much better if the truth was somehow a reincarnation story. Annabeth just couldn't take her best friend's explanation in stride. So many unanswered questions, it was the first time Annabeth had ever felt overwhelmed by a rush of new information.

That's not fair…. How can they—

"H-How can everyone keep this from me?!" Annabeth felt angry, but that emotion was buried on top of disbelief, shock, and an uncomfortableness that held her numb body in stasis.

Her chest felt heavy all of a sudden, each breath felt shorter and shorter. It was Annabeth's first time experiencing a panic attack. It felt terrible.

"Hey… Take it easy. Don't think too much. I know it's a lot to take in, but just breathe, princess. Just breathe…" Thalia went over to her side of the bed and calmly rubbed her back.

Annabeth did her best to relax, but the unbearable feelings in her chest kept tightening to a point where she was literally suffocating. The air around her grew so palpable it felt like oxygen was being sucked right out of her chest.

" I can't believe…"

She wasn't able to control her gasps. Anything she wanted to say was getting rasp and dry.

" It can't be… How is that possible..?"

And how could I not have connected the dots before? Even with all these hints? What else could they be hiding from me?

"Here, don't move…"

Before the pain in her chest felt agonizing, Annabeth felt Thalia press two fingers around the back of her neck. A long and deep sigh immediately escaped from her chest. Her breathing returned to normal soon after, yet Annabeth couldn't even begin to imagine where her best friend learned that from.

"There. You feel better?"

Annabeth nodded thankfully.

"It's okay, Annabeth." Thalia reassured her by rubbing her back again, "Everyone has that same reaction when they first learned about our world. It's a lot to take in. You don't have to force yourself."

Surely, her sudden panic attack told her as much, but deep down, there was another part of her that wanted to learn more about this new world, and what her part was in all this. Fortunately, Annabeth spent all of her free time immersing herself in those fantasy stories. It made all these revelations a lot easier to deal with and get a handle on.

She let out a composed sigh and relaxed her body, "So, you are saying that Greek mythology exists?"

Her best friend put up a calm and collected look before nodding, "Yeah. It exists."

Annabeth let that sank into her brain for a bit.

"Is that why this place is called Camp Half-Blood?"

This time, it was Thalia who looked shocked, "Annabeth, where did you learn that name?"

Before she could answer, Thalia cut her off with another question, "Honestly, I was scared to death when I heard fighting outside camp. I really wasn't expecting any visitors, especially not you and Percy at the same time."

Annabeth blinked. What could her best friend be scared of when she knew how to fight and protect herself? If anything, it seemed like everyone living in this camp knows how to fight, so why?

"How did you realize there is a place here anyway?" Thalia asked.

Annabeth bit her lip. If she told Thalia how she found out about Camp Half-Blood, it would reveal that she sneaked into her mom's study and took a look around when she wasn't supposed to.

"I- I sneaked into my mom's… Athena's study and found a map on her desk." She said reluctantly, "I was curious, so that's why…"

Thalia sighed and figured out the rest herself, "Oh… I see."

It was unfortunate, but now that she knew about this other reality, Annabeth honestly felt weird to address her mom in her usual aloof and affectionate manner. Of course, everything about this new world was still unfamiliar to her, but to know that her mom was suddenly an Olympian Goddess made it very difficult to call her mom.

"Well, I shouldn't have expected any less from the princess who is always prone to get into trouble."

Annabeth shot her best friend a frown, "Hey! What's that supposed to mean?"

"It's a joke." Thalia chuckled, "I'm making a joke."

Annabeth chose to pout instead.

Thalia smirked, "Anyway, you are right about that. This place is a safe haven for us demigods to live in."

"Everyone here is a Half-Blood?"

"Yep."

Her best friend's answer made Annabeth realize something, but she didn't know if that's a question she should ask. She bit her lips and pass a glance at Thalia.

"You are wondering who my Godly parent is, right?"

Annabeth gasped, "H-How? Seriously, please tell me you don't have some kind of mind-reading ability because you are the child of some mind-reading God of this world."

Tick!

"Ow! What's that for?!" Annabeth rubbed her forehead after that uncalled attack.

Thalia grinned, "Good. You can still make jokes, which means you are not rejecting the idea that this world is real. I am glad."

An exasperated Annabeth grumbled and shook her head, "Well? You are not waiting for a dramatic reveal or something like that, are you?"

" Heheh… something like that." Thalia grinned, "Just be careful. Don't wanna hit you or anything."

"Huh?"

Her best friend raised her right hand and shot her one of those smug smiles. Annabeth watched, unknowingly drawing closer only to freeze and shrink backward.

"Eeeehh!" Annabeth flinched in alarm.

There was a bright flash accompanied by a snap that shook the entire cabin. Thalia's hand glowed with blue electricity, energy building in her palm until something materialized.

Shaaah…

Whatever her best friend was doing, it oddly reminded her of the girl in the grey cloak, the way her sharp dagger glowed crimson red with naked energy. Suddenly, fear overcame a terrified Annabeth.

Gripping tightly on the edge of the bed, Annabeth watched carefully until something appeared. It wasn't something she could see coming, and in Thalia's hand, she held…

"A lightning bolt…?"

As far as Annabeth could tell, the sudden rod Thalia created out of thin air didn't look to have a physical form, the energy structure was constantly changing and shifting, but there was no doubt on her mind what it resembled; the jagged edge with its unique shape, the crackling of high-intensity energy… There was no mistaking it. Thalia was holding a miniaturized lightning bolt in her hand.

"My father is Zeus, the king of Olympus and the God of lightning." Thalia smiled wryly, "Hence, I am a daughter of Zeus, and my idiot twin brother is a son of Zeus as well."

Annabeth couldn't speak a word. Her best friend and twin brother were both children of Zeus, the most powerful figure in Greek mythology if Annabeth's vague recollection was accurate. She gulped, suddenly feeling the need to study up.

"Are you surprised?"

With a flick of her wrist, the crackling energy bolt phased into nothingness as if it's never been there before. It was unbelievable, and Annabeth wouldn't believe it if she didn't see it happen herself. Barely able to nod, she managed to add, "At this point, I think anything would surprise me."

The Greek mythology being real… The personification of Olympian Gods and Goddess existing in this shared-world… Half-Bloods… Wielding unreal abilities that defy logic… Annabeth couldn't even begin to imagine what other fantastical and unbelievable things this new world offered.

Thalia sank into her seat and gave her a sly grin, "I bet."

Somehow, her best friend's reaction made Annabeth smile.

Despite learning all these new things about another world she was a part of, Annabeth was glad in many ways. Her relationship with the girl closest to her didn't seem to have changed; they were still as unabashed and friendly with one another, and it's the one thought that reassured her as she came to terms with her new reality.

Thalia will always be my best friend. Nothing could change that…

"But you don't need to be afraid, princess." Thalia smiled to herself too, "I might not have time to explain everything in detail, but I'm sure after what happened, Lady Athena will fill you in all about this world, and I'll always be here to protect you. You are my best friend, after all."

Annabeth knew that too. Even though her mother… or Goddess Athena, ordered Thalia to protect her, it wouldn't have changed their dynamic one bit. They were still going to be there for each other.

However, there was still something Annabeth needed to know.

"Thalia…"

"Hmm? What's up? Do you want to know something else?"

Having her best friend explain things calmly was already more than she could have asked for, but this matter wasn't something she could just forget. Annabeth's soft lips pursed at what she wanted to ask, a sour grimace went over her expression just at the mere thought of what happened, what it led to…

"About tonight… How come that girl in the grey cloak… the others… Why did they—" It was a question that plagued Annabeth's mind since Thalia and Jason came to rescue them.

Thalia grew slightly embarrassed, "Right. About that… I feel like I should apologize."

"For what?" Annabeth knew it wasn't her best friend's fault. In fact, she was grateful that Thalia saved Percy from being hurt by that girl, and for doing something terrible he didn't seem to have any sort of control over.

Annabeth still remembered it. The unnerving chills she got while watching an out-of-control Percy attack the girl in her grey cloak even though she was already disarmed and defeated. It was scary to imagine what would happen if Thalia didn't get there in time.

"The girl who attack you tonight… Her name is Clarisse. She's a daughter of Ares."

Ares… Annabeth dug through her brain and remembered immediately. Ares, the God of War, was symbolic for his traits like sheer violence, brutal warfare, and bloodlust. Just the thought of such a person, or rather, an Olympian God like that in existence… Annabeth felt a shiver roll through her core.

"It was her turn to be out for patrol around Camp tonight." Thalia explained, "And it just so happened that you and Percy came at the wrong place and at the wrong time."

A weak sigh escaped her best friend, "Try to believe it, but Clarisse isn't really a bad person. Of course, I don't doubt you'll like her very much after what she did tonight, but…"

Annabeth had a feeling what Thalia meant.

"… her being a child of Ares, is that why?"

Thalia wasn't even surprised by her sudden intuition anymore, "I'm impressed, princess. And you are right. Her fight spirit, her urge to battle and challenge, it's in her blood, so to speak. Plus, she…"

Annabeth noticed something different when Thalia cut herself off.

"She what?"

Thalia shook her head and waved it away, "Nothing… It's not something you should worry about."

Annabeth usually hated being left hanging, but she decided not to poke any further when it seemed like the topic was a bit sensitive for Thalia to talk about.

"Anyway, I am not saying you have to forgive Clarisse. In fact, I still haven't chewed into her enough for what she forced Percy to do, but I really do want you to keep an open mind about her. She's a valuable person in our world, as hot-headed as she is… So if you can, please understand that."

Annabeth wasn't the type of person who could easily forget about things, but her ability to forgive someone who wronged her in the past was one of the many things unique about her. However, the needless pain and sufferings the daughter of Ares had inflicted on Percy tonight, Annabeth didn't know if she could ever forgive Clarisse. That day might never come, but for the sake of her best friend who was genuinely pleading for her case, Annabeth reluctantly nodded.

"Okay." Annabeth bit her lips, "But please, just for me, chew into her a bit harder…"

Her request seemed to have taken Thalia by surprise. It even took a few short seconds for her to respond back, and Annabeth wasn't expecting her best friend to suddenly burst into a fit of giggles before a grateful and sardonic smile moved over her face, " Hahah… I promise, princess. I'll make sure Clarisse knows exactly how mad I am at her for hurting Percy."

Annabeth gave her a small smile and felt the urge to let out a chuckle too.

"Besides, he's my friend too, you know." Thalia sighed and spared a look at Percy on the bed beside them, "Even though I knew who you both are from the beginning, this is still real to me."

"What is?" Annabeth questioned.

"My friendship with you two, of course!" Thalia beamed a bright smile as colorful as an iridescent gemstone, "I've learned first-hand how much fun it is to be around you and Percy. It's infectious, in a lot of ways."

"Now I feel like you are just making fun of us…" Annabeth pressed her hand to her forehead and sighed in despair.

Thalia grinned, "Not at all. You two are so lovey-dovey around each other, it is very entertaining to watch.

She winked at this last part, "And I am not the only one who thinks that."

Annabeth slumped and groaned in defeat. There was no helping her best friend when it came to teasing them. It would be an inevitable trainwreck if they talked about it anymore.

"To be honest, I felt like Percy is already in love with you, princess."

Her lips suddenly twirled up and a mocking sneer went over her expression. It was horrifying to Annabeth who was on the receiving end of her suggestive nuance, "So smitten and in love with you, if might I add…."

Thud!

Then followed by…

Guhh!

"Knock it off, you ass!" Annabeth's eyebrows twitched and held a fist after knocking the back of her best friend's head. Of course, she momentarily forgot how powerful the girl beside her actually was, given who her Godly parent was and the incredible ' magic' she showed her.

Annabeth promptly withdraw and mumbled underneath her breath.

"S-Sorry…"

In the end, amused giggles filled the empty silences afterward.

Annabeth sighed with relief, but her false hope didn't last long. That annoying smirk came back and Thalia teased her again.

"You are so in love with him too, right?"

Annabeth was so irritated that another sigh left her, one filled with exasperation.

Not outright denying her best friend's perceptiveness nor agreeing with it as well, Annabeth reluctantly turned to the boy in question and let out a breath. She reached forward and held his hand together with hers. It was all the hint Thalia needed to reach a satisfying conclusion.

"He fought to protect me…" Annabeth let her voice fall off.

Thalia nodded. She knew exactly what Annabeth wanted to say because it's obvious.

"Yep, he sure did." Thalia repeated and chuckled, "All for a beautiful girl he met at a coffee shop."

Annabeth chortled, an amused grin was left behind on her lips because she couldn't help it.

"Yeah, yeah… You are so funny, Thals."

Thalia giggled at her reaction, but perhaps there was some truth in that. After all, she couldn't stop thinking about him after they parted ways from the sticky accident that glued their paths together. It made Annabeth wonder if Percy was thinking about her on his way to school as well.

Maybe he did… There definitely was some attraction then. She thought quietly to herself.

Annabeth paused a little bit, then she rubbed his slightly rough knuckles and recalled the impressive and scary display Percy put up tonight, "But honestly, I've never seen Percy look like that before."

Her reflection brought her back to that moment, "I mean, I know he did it to protect me, but it's not like him to just…"

Thalia grew quiet too.

"Well, he was protecting someone he loves, of course it makes sense why he would go all out." Thalia nodded, "But you are right about that too. It wasn't really him when he…"

Thalia took a sharp breath, "It's something that happens to Half-bloods when they lose control. We referred to it as Unleashed Armament."

Annabeth remembered hearing that phrase from one of Clarisse's companions.

"You remember how Percy looked a little different when he lost control and fought back? The blue circuits running all over his body?"

Annabeth nodded.

"That was Percy's own unique Unleashed Armament. Usually, it's a type of attack mode that sharpens all your senses and gives Half-Bloods abilities unimaginable. Only a skilled Half-Blood could utilize it effectively, and it takes a while for someone new to learn how to initiate it properly without losing control of themselves. Even for me, it took a lot of practice."

"So Percy lost control…"

Thalia shook her head, "Not necessary. I mean, when I disarm him, I could sense his reasoning was still intact. Plus, he did see you with a long sword against your throat, even I would have lost control at Mark and those idiots for doing that to you."

Thalia shook her head, "Anyway, I doubt that was Percy at even ten percent of his full power. It would have been much scarier if he lost control completely."

Annabeth gulped, wondering what could be worse than what Percy almost did, however unconscious he was of himself. Those dark emerald eyes that Annabeth couldn't recognize… His intention was clear. He was ready to kill Clarisse, the girl in her grey cloak who was already beaten, unarmed, and stunned.

Of course, Annabeth understood now why Percy didn't think twice about what he was doing. He lost himself to that special skill because he wanted to protect her, but Annabeth still struggled to accept her goofy, lovable, and sweet seaweed brain could do that to someone.

A moment of silence settled over them.

"Wait…" Annabeth abruptly remembered, "If I am a daughter of Athena, you are a daughter of Zeus, and every Half-Blood here is a child of the Olympian Gods, then… Who is Percy's Godly parent?"

But didn't Percy say his dad left him at a very young age? No way! It's can't be…

A smirk came off Thalia when she began to say, "He's the son of—"

" A-Annabeth…" A few fingers moved along her palm and brushed her soft hands.

It was clear right away where that tickling sensation was coming from. Annabeth jolted upward, literally!

"Percy!" She turned immediately to the boy slowly waking up, "Oh my God! Percy! You are awake!"

Percy barely had his eyes open, but when he saw her tousled wavy hair and grey eyes looking frantically at him, Annabeth swore she saw tears flowing through them.

"Good… You are safe…" If Percy's weak figure could look relief, he was relieved a thousand times over, "I am glad…" He managed to give her a warm smile.

Feelings of joy overwhelmed Annabeth. Her own relief was a million times more over what Percy felt. To see him get better each second was another heavy boulder being lifted off her chest. It made Annabeth want to do something she had never done with Percy before, especially with an audience.

"Oh, Percy!" Annabeth wasn't one to sob generally, but just this time, she made an exception.

She threw herself down and hugged the boy who meant so much to her close by. Her tears were flowing like a stream. Of course, she didn't see how hard Percy was blushing when her face was buried inside the nook of his neck.

"You've made me so worried!" Annabeth sniffled and squeezed his hand and his entire body tightly.

"Annabeth…" Percy's voice grew soft and Annabeth felt his hands gently patting her back in one smooth up-and-down motion, "There, there…"

Understandably having a breakdown, Annabeth let go of Percy all of a sudden, their comfort hug momentarily interrupted as she stared fiercely right into his emerald green ones with teary ones, "Don't you dare do something like that to me again!"

A lighthearted smile moved across his lips, "Well… Maybe it's not so bad if I get such a warm hug from you, huh?"

Despite his grave injuries, Percy dared to joke around when she was being dead serious. It's obvious that his wounds were all healed and the pain he felt was lessening. Thalia's healing nectar seemed to have done its job well.

And it was this fact that allowed Annabeth to sit up and smacked him across his chest, earning a stifled Guh from a recovering Percy.

"Hey! Hey-! D-Don't be violent!" Percy was all but awake now. Meanwhile, Annabeth was in her tsundere mode as she smacked Percy again and again. Her anger couldn't be conveyed in words. Of course, to add to the chaos, Thalia was on the sideline laughing her ass off.

"Unghh! I hate you! I hate you so much!" Annabeth climbed up and continued smacking her seaweed brain. Percy had to sit up to defend himself from her oncoming attacks.

Tried as he might, there was no stopping Annabeth who was intended to smack him repeatedly until all her pended up emotions were released, "Oww… Stop it, wise girl."

Finally had enough, Annabeth threw her fist gently down and gave his chest one last hit. She calmed down and sank back on the bed, unaware of her figure straddling his lap when she sat on top of him.

"Please…" Her voice was soft and weak, "Don't do that again."

Even though he was unconscious for a good bit, it seemed like Percy was all better now. Once he heard the seriousness in her tone, he gave an affirmative nod and said softly, "I promise Annabeth."

It would have to take a lot more than that brief reassurance to satisfy her, but for now, Annabeth nodded back and gave him another hug. She held it for longer than a minute, enjoying the closeness of his body and warmth.

"Uhh…" Percy mumbled after a minute.

Annabeth pulled away slightly and looked at her seaweed brain. He was blushing bright red because of something, but she had no idea why. Even now, she still hadn't figured out what she was unconsciously doing to him.

"It's not that I am not glad about…" Percy tried to avoid her gaze altogether, "But I don't know if… umm…"

Annabeth couldn't follow, not until Percy gave a sheepish look at her and took a very brief glance at where she was sitting. It was then she understood what he was saying. A velvet blush steamed on her growing red cheeks too.

In a very suggestive pose, Annabeth was straddling his lap while hugging him close. In any other circumstances, this would have given her best friend all the wrong ideas if she caught them like this.

"Sorry," Annabeth blurted out and hurriedly scrambled off until she was sitting on the bed, giving them at least a few inches to be apart.

"D-Don't worry about it." Percy cleared his throat.

Nevertheless, she missed his warmth already. It seemed like Percy felt the same way because there was a longing look in his eyes. They shared an embarrassed glance.

"You two know I am still here, right?" A third and amuse voice joined them.

Of course, Annabeth knew Thalia was watching them, but it seemed like Percy only notice her presence now, and his face lit up.

"Oh hell…" Percy said in defeat, "I'm never going to hear the end of this, am I?"

Thalia's smirk all but guaranteed what Percy dreaded the most. He sighed.

"Anyway, how did I end up here?" Percy took on a more serious expression, "Where is this place? And what happened?"

Thalia's amusement faded to the background and she turned serious too, "How much do you remember, Percy?"

Percy thought about it, "Oh! I remembered fighting as hard as I could, but I don't remember much about it or what happend after, only when you appear out of nowhere. Did I faint?"

Thalia contemplated for a bit, "Hmm…"

Whatever that was, she must have felt like it was okay to continue, "Yeah, you fainted, Percy. You were trying to protect Annabeth, and you fought well."

In response, Percy's expression was suddenly clouded with questions.

"It's strange…" He spoke out loud but to himself, "I was doing things I normally wouldn't have been able to do like if my senses and reflexes were on overdrive…"

Despite his confusion, Percy didn't linger with the perplexity of what that meant. Instead, Annabeth saw Percy pass her a worried look. He was silently asking her if she's alright. It caught her way off guard, and Annabeth blushed instinctively.

"Thank you, Percy." Annabeth whispered, "But next time, don't rush off and do something so impulsive and life-threatening, you idiot."

Percy apologized sheepishly. It made Annabeth feel slightly better.

"So, what exactly happened to us?" Percy asked.

Thalia sighed, "Don't worry about that for now."

Percy let that sink in for a bit, but instead of pressing for answers, a smile as wide as a full moon moved across his lips, "Well, at least Annabeth isn't hurt. That's all that matters, right?"

Thalia wasn't expecting that surprising response and took on a blank look. Meanwhile, Annabeth really didn't like to hear that and was ready to protest when someone else knock on the door. She flinched abruptly, then gave Thalia a worried look.

"Relax. I know who it is."

Her best friend promptly went away to open the door. Annabeth held the edge of her seat, waiting anxiously for the person to reveal themselves, but it turned out the person who came in was someone very familiar to Annabeth. He was none other than Alfred! Her chauffeur and caretaker…

"Alfred?!"

"Hello, princess." He smiled and walked in.

Dressed in a black suit and tie like he always did, Alfred came to a stop in the middle of this huge cabin and stopped there. Annabeth was shocked, her brain running through all the possibilities of why he would be here.

"Don't tell me… My mom sent you here?"

He shook his head, "I'm afraid not… I am actually here because this is where I live, daughter of Athena."

Annabeth blinked in puzzlement.

"I am sorry for lying to you all these years, princess. But my name isn't really Alfred." He kept the warm smile as if preparing her for the hard truth, "I trust that Thalia has given you a crash course about this place, and as the head counselor of Camp Half-Blood, my name is actually Chiron. I am a centaur."

A centaur? Annabeth couldn't begin to formulate a reply.

"But that's beside the point. Right now, I need you two to come with me. We need to get you back to the mansion. I am sure Lady Athena and Mrs. Jackson are very worried about you two right now."

Percy and Annabeth both blinked in confusion, not until Thalia followed up by smiling at them reassuringly.

"Trust us… It's okay."

Annabeth shared a look with Percy. They silently agreed and followed them, two friendly faces whom they knew and were familiar with, yet somehow feeling quite distant nevertheless. Now that they were out in the middle of an open field with dozen more cabins surrounding them, Annabeth could see a large group gathering outside. They seemed to be waiting for them to show up.

Hush discussion and whispers filled the square once Thalia and Alfred, or rather Chiron, lead them outside where everyone was trying to take a look. Annabeth felt uncomfortable by all these eyes staring that she instinctively went to seek Percy's hands. It eased her a bit once she held him, but Percy wasn't even paying attention because he was speechless at the sight of a camp in the middle of the woods.

Told you there was something here, seaweed brain…

A sharp whistle blew through the wind.

Whsssspp!

Annabeth made sure it was Alfred who made the whistle that almost deafen her hearing and vowed to repay him back. He was now looking up at the night sky.

"What are we waiting for?" Annabeth asked her best friend who stood close by, "We just have to walk down the path again, right?"

"Right, but this really isn't something you want to miss, so pay attention and try to find him."

"Him?"

Thalia pointed her eyes up toward the sky as well. Annabeth wondered if everyone had gone insane, but then Percy suddenly exclaimed, startling her to look up too.

"Look! Something is flying up there!"

Against the backdrop of shiny stars and an enveloping night sky, a large shadow was passing through. It was a silhouette with huge wings, but Annabeth couldn't make out what it was. The object was circling above them, its slender figure descending closer to the ground with each lap in the skies above.

Finally, it nosedived straight for the open green field before them and Annabeth shrieked, alarmed by whatever it was that dropped like a bomb. A burst of wind rippled in all directions from where the impact was made, blowing Annabeth's hair over her face.

Neighhhh!

Hooves hit the grass below and a series of brays echoed through the field. When Annabeth wiped her hair away and opened her eyes, a fantastical creature stood before them.

"Well, say hi to Blackjack, you two." Alfred approached the black horse and took his reins. He brought the creature to them, but neither of them reacted because of utter shock, "Don't worry, he is friendly, especially with you two…"

Thalia went to Blackjack and patted his head. She seemed to be holding some sugar cubes and the horse devoured them in less than the blink of an eye. Thalia smiled and patted him again.

"A Pegasus…" Percy's voice was barely audible, "Is this real?"

Alfred brought Blackjack closer to Percy, "You can pat him, Percy."

Doing so hesitantly, Percy was ecstatic all of a sudden, "This is so cool!"

Not even bothering to worry about a literal mythical creature standing in front of him, no less of it being real, Percy's head was honesty filled with kelp and seaweed that Annabeth couldn't help but shook her own head in response.

"Annabeth! Come on," Percy gestured, "Can you believe it? There is a Pegasus in front of us!"

She sighed in exasperation.

You are impossible, Percy… But that's why I love you so much…

Gingerly, Annabeth went over and patted his muzzle. She reached further and felt the soft mane of his black hair. Blackjack neighed as she continued, and somehow, a smile found its way to Annabeth's lip.

"Well, come on, you two…"

A sudden heave and Thalia was already riding Blackjack. She took the reins from Alfred and reached out her hand at Annabeth on the ground.

"Come on? Wait, you don't mean…"

Thalia didn't wait and heaved her whole body up with one hand. Annabeth squealed so loud, it was so embarrassing to everyone who heard her. Her body settled behind her best friend and Annabeth had to wrap her arms around Thalia's waist to steady herself.

"Hahaha… you are such a scaredy-cat, Annabeth."

It was Annabeth's first time riding a horse, and she was nothing but terrified. The only thing she wanted to do now was to hug her best friend close, not bothering to move her face away from her back.

"Okay, now up you go, Percy."

Annabeth felt Percy get behind her once Thalia help him up as well. Unlike her, Percy wasn't scared one bit. If anything, he seemed a little too excited. Annabeth hated him so much right now.

"Great. You two better hold on to each other." Thalia smirked, "I would hate to drop you mid-flight."

Annabeth barely register what she said.

"F-Flight...? Wait, Thals, you are not going to-"

It was too late.

"Ahheehhh!"

Just like that, a powerful beat of wings propelled them sky high and soon enough Annabeth could do nothing but scream in utter terror for five minutes straight.