Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Rick Riordan

Annabeth woke up with a gasp. She breathed softly and looked out the window. The light didn't enter, so she assumed it was early morning.

Something pressed hard in her hand. It was Riptide. Annabeth had grabbed it so tight, there were red marks on her hand. She released the pen and massaged her hand.

"Argh."

She stepped out of her bunk, careful not to wake anyone. Then she showered and changed into fresh clothes. Annabeth quickly did a dutch braid to her hair then checked the time.

It was 5:00.

o.O.o

Annabeth let her feet carry her somewhere. She ended up in an arena. It was newly built, and had hints of Roman architecture probably influenced from the Roman demigods from the exchange program.

There were a few dummies in the center of the arena. Annabeth, who had forgotten to bring any of her weapons, reluctantly brought out Riptide, which she had clipped to her necklace.

She uncapped it, as she had watched Percy do a million times, and discarded the cap. Then she started hacking the dummies.

Time flew quickly. By the time she was destroying her 125th dummy, a crowd was around her. Demigods were giving tips or asking advice. She wasn't as good with a sword, but years of practice paid off.

"Hi,"

Annabeth stopped and turned to the voice. It was Percy. He looked like he recovered from yesterday's episode, and looked clean and fresh. He was also holding his sword.

"Can I battle you?" he asked.

Annabeth nodded wordlessly.

So they started sparring. It went on and on. People started betting who would win. Percy was good at sparring for a new demigod, and even battling Annabeth, who had a hundred years of experience, took some kind of talent. Finally, Percy's sword smashed and it was called a draw.

Annabeth was stunned. She usually won.

Percy looked crestfallen.

"Bob, my sword….." he said sadly.

Annabeth winced.

Percy noticed, but didn't say anything. Instead, "Annabeth,...can I try that sword?"

She looked at Riptide. She reluctantly passed it to Percy.

Percy tried Riptide. "Hey, is this the pen sword you were talking about?"

Annabeth narrowed her eyes. "How did you know?"

He shrugged and grimaced. "I…...guessed?"

Annabeth felt deja vu but ignored it. She grabbed a sword nearby and took a stance. Percy followed suit. Then they started battling.

It ended quickly. Annabeth was good, but not good enough for Percy. He had slashed her sword, hard, and it blasted into smithereens. He toppled her, and put Riptide against her throat.

There was a collective gasp. A new demigod had just beaten the legendary Annabeth Chase, one of the great Seven.

Percy studied her before reaching out a hand. Annabeth grabbed it, and stood up, trying to get her breath.

There were some mutterings in the crowd. "Hey…...he looks like someone."

Annabeth's instant fears blossomed. There some perceptive demigods in the crowd for sure. Ones who knew their history. Especially the Athena and Hephaestus kids. They might recognize Riptide, which was where everyone could see. It was a famous blade, belonging to Percy Jackson.

Or worse. They might see a resemblance between Percy and and the dead Percy.

Annabeth quickly grabbed Percy, and walked him out of the arena. They stopped before they reached the forest.

Meanwhile, Percy was looking at Riptide forlornly. It was clear he wanted it.

"Hey Percy," Annabeth started.

Percy broke out of his daze, "Yeah?"

"You can have it."

"Have what?"

"Riptide."

Percy looked at the sword. "This?"

Annabeth sighed inwardly. "Yes, you Seaweed Brain."

"Thank you!" he hugged her. Annabeth froze. Percy, seeing her reluctance for touch, was about to pull away, when Annabeth started hugging back.

They pulled away, but Annabeth wished for more. She craved a boy's touch. Then she realized her mistake. She was a Hunter of Artemis for Athena's sake! She couldn't be thinking like that. Annabeth vowed never to do it again. But in her heart, she didn't want to.

o.O.o

As she was dressing to go to bed, Eve came up to her tentatively. Annabeth smiled at her, and motioned her to sit on her bunk. Eve relaxed, and sat down.

"I have a question for you," she said.

"Sure, what is it?" Annabeth replied.

"That new guy, the one who calls himself Percy," she paused. Annabeth nodded encouragingly. She continued, "One time I dropped by the Big House, and there was a picture of the Seven. That guy looks like Percy Jackson."

The blood drained out of Annabeth's face. She knew it. He would get recognized.

Luckily, Eve sensed her discomfort, so she didn't press it. She bid her goodnight and went to her own bunk.

Annabeth settled in, and fell asleep.