It felt good to be back at camp. Sure, they were facing down an endless ocean of monsters, and Gaea would be rising any minute, but when her friends tackled her and Percy in the biggest group hug ever, it didn't matter. She was home, and with Percy by her side, it actually felt like it.

"Okay, okay, it's good to see you guys," she said as she tried to wave her friends off, "We'll catch up later, promise."

The campers were hesitant to let go, but a yell from the Legion's direction reminded the campers that they still had a battle to win. "Legion, CLOSE RANKS!" Annabeth heard Frank command. She was proud of the big guy for how much he'd grown. He had come a long way from the nervous guy who couldn't figure out Chinese handcuffs.

Seeing him, as well as the other crewmates on the Argo II,change throughout their journey made Annabeth consider how their quest had affected her. She didn't feel much different—or did she? It was hard to tell. Tartarus had changed her, but was that for the better? No doubt, she felt stronger than she did before, but also more afraid. Memories from the pit were constantly replaying in her mind. Horrifying images that were worse than any nightmare she had before. And gods, Bob and Damasen. They died for her, how was she not supposed to feel guilty? How was the choice to leave them behind not supposed to haunt her? Maybe if she had just been smarter, she could have come up with a plan to save them. She couldn't help but doubt herself. What if no one had to sacrifice themselves?

She shook herself out of it. People needed her right here, right now. She'd have to beat herself up later.

Another cry from the Roman side, this time from Reyna; "Legion, cuneum formate! Advance!"

She nudged Percy, who was still catching up with a group of campers. "You got a battle cry?" As soon as she suggested it, the nearby campers watched Percy with great anticipation.

He raised his eyebrow at her, and a smirk crossed his face. His lopsided smile reminded Annabeth of better times, a time when they weren't at war. Percy raised Riptide, not breaking eye contact with Annabeth. "Greeks! Let's, um, fight stuff!"

It was lame, but the Greeks were so fired up, they didn't care. A cheer erupted around them, and their friends charged the enemy alongside the Romans.

"Let's fight stuff?" Annabeth asked, a little smile tugging at the corners of her mouth, "Pretty weak, Seaweed Brain."

Percy shrugged, his sea-green eyes twinkling. "You put me on the spot, thought I might as well embarrass us both."

"You're an idiot," she scoffed.

As weapons clashed around them, he put his free hand around her waist and pulled her into a kiss. "I love you too. Now, do you want to defend our home from a bunch of monsters?"

A smile spread across her face, "Someone's gotta watch your back."

Together, the two of them raised their swords and plunged into the army of monsters.

The battle was going great until Annabeth's mom pulled her aside to have a talk.

As skirmishes broke out around them, Percy and Annabeth jumped from fight to fight and helped out their friends, whether they were Greeks or Romans. It felt good to be back in a plain-and-simple battle. No need to worry about her blood waking up the Earth or how to defeat call on a god's help to kill a giant. Just stab until the monster dissolves and move on. As much as Annabeth liked coming up with clever plans, she was glad she didn't need to make one— especially now that she was starting to doubt her skills. Fighting alongside Percy was familiar too, but as they waded through the crowds, Annabeth remembered the last leg of their journey towards the Doors of Death. This is different, she told herself. Yet, her dragon bone sword, a gift from Damasen, felt heavy in her hands.

It was not your fault, a voice said in Annabeth's head. Sacrifices had to be made in order for your quest to succeed.

Annabeth looked around, trying to locate the source. She looked up and noticed that without noticing, she and Percy had fought their way to the very base of the Athena Parthenos.

Mom? Is that you? she thought.

It must have been a trick of the Mist, or maybe Annabeth was losing her mind, but she could have sworn the statue gave her the tiniest of nods. Yes, daughter, it's me. You and your friends have performed admirably, and I have been restored.

Annabeth felt a swell of pride, knowing that she was responsible for helping her mom. Then, she remembered her mother's cruel words that had sent her down her lonely path in Rome. Could they be forgiven so easily?

Her mother seemed to read her mind. I know this is difficult for you. It was unwise of me to so harsh. I hope you understand that I was not myself.

I know, Annabeth started. Her next thoughts came out faster than she could stop them. Did you know? That I would have to go through Tartarus? That Bob and Damasen would die?

Her mother was silent for so long, Annabeth thought the connection might have broken off. Finally, Athena spoke. I recall seeing it as a possibility while I was… incapacitated. I did not foresee the involvement of Iapetus, nor Damasen, though I am pleased they helped you.

Annabeth let that sit for a moment. Her mother knew she would fall into the pit. But Athena also seemed happy she was alive. Annabeth felt angry, relieved, sad, and more than anything, exhausted. They died for me. I wouldn't be there if it weren't for them.

In a strange tone that felt almost soothing, Athena spoke into Annabeth's mind; I know, daughter. But you are a strategist. You know that battles can not be won without sacrifice. Your quest could not have succeeded without them. The Giants would have destroyed us all.

It's what Annabeth wanted to hear—that there was no other way. It didn't make her feel any less distraught with the decision she had to make. I still left them behind. How am I supposed to live like that?

Once again, Athena paused. Then she began to speak once more, choosing her words carefully. In Rome, you faced Arachne. Millennia ago, she bested me. I spited her for being prideful, but the truth is, I was just as guilty. My children have long since been haunted by my mistake. Worse still, I see my pride reflected in them. It has led many of them to their doom.

Mother? Annabeth asked, unsure where this was going. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw two dracanae lunge for her. She slashed her sword in a wide arc, vaporizing them both. She chided herself for being so wrapped up in her conversation with her mother, that she neglected the fight. Thank the gods for Percy, he was taking down enough of the nearby monsters for the two of them.

The point is, Athena continued, perhaps if I had given myself pause, you never would have had to face Arachne. I can sense the doubt in you, and I believe it can be a good thing. You have defeated your fatal flaw, daughter. But you must not paralyze yourself. History's best tacticians were the ones who second-guessed their own judgment, only to create something better.

So what? Annabeth asked, her head starting to hurt. Are you telling me it's good to beat myself up?

You followed my mark and accomplished what none of your siblings have been able to. You are the worthiest of my children. Take pride in that. Trust in yourself. But also remember that even the best laid plans can fail.

And what about Bob and Damasen? Should I have thought that one over again? As Annabeth's thoughts came out, she remembered her last moments with Bob and Damasen. In her heart, she knew it was the only way. But her choice led to the death of her friends, and that was a weight she had to carry. As her mother said, sacrifices had to be made. Both Bob and Damasen knew that, and they died with purpose. Annabeth would make sure of that. Yet, she still felt guilty, like a sharp knife was ripping her heart open. Why did sacrifices have to be made? First, Luke died saving Olympus, then Bob and Damasen, and now? She looked around at the battle ravaging her home. How many had already laid down their lives? How many would die before the end of the day?

How do I live with it? Annabeth asked.

Build something that is worthy of their sacrifices. Something for all heroes who perish, for Zeus knows today will not be the last day one dies, Athena said, she thoughts turning borderline mournful, as if she may actually care for the demigods.

Annabeth considered that. She knew she had to make them proud. Once again, she thought of Bob and Damasen, but this time, she didn't freeze. She felt her heart swell with love, and with thanks to the two for letting her come home. They would not be forgotten. Thank you, mother, Annabeth thought, as she hefted her sword, ready to charge back into the fight.

You are welcome, Annabeth. And … I am sorry. I cannot hold her back any longer.

"What?" Annabeth said aloud.

Percy whipped his head around and asked, "Huh?" He tried to take a step over to Annabeth, but before his foot touched the dirt, the ground rumbled, and Earth Mother awoke.