Chapter 12

Percy's P.O.V

All the campers woke up early to say goodbye. The sun was glowing orange across the hill and reflecting on Thalia's tree. It was warm even though it was only dawn.

I held Annabeth's hand as her, Mary, and I walked to see Luke. We finally got to the stables where a sea of kids was gathered. The three of us pushed our way through the crowd. When we broke free we saw Luke, in full armor, by one of the Pegasus.

"Luke!" Mary cried above all the other noise. He looked up like he was surprised she would be here.

She ran over to him and wrapped him in a huge hug. They held on tight until I tapped her on the shoulder. She let go but never let go of his hand. I just glared at him. He didn't look at me but instead gave Annabeth and awkward hug. Did he know about the baby? She was only about two months along. It wasn't that noticeable was it?

"You be careful," she warned him.

"I will be. I promise."

"CAMPERS GET READY TO LEAVE!" Chiron called.

Annabeth gave him one more reassuring glance and stepped back. Mary stepped forward…

Mary's P.O.V

"I can't believe your leaving just like that," I whispered.

"Neither can I," he replied. He took my face in his hands. "Mary, I want you to know that I might not come back."

Pain shot through my entire body. I clenched my teeth tight, praying I wouldn't cripple.

"I know," I managed. He could tell that this was hard for me.

"But I want you to know," he added, "that I'll try my hardest to come back. I'll fight until I collapse if that's what it takes to be with you. Everything that's gone on between us I will never, never regret. Nothing. I love you."

"I love you too," I replied.

I wrapped my arms around him again. I wished it could last forever but eventually he let go. He got on the Pegasus.

"Don't die, or I'll kick your ass," I told him.

He smiled. "I won't."

Percy's P.O.V

Mary watched as they all flew away. There weren't any people left anymore. Luke was the last to fly away. She started following after all the flying campers.

"Please!" she screamed into the sky in Luke's direction. "Please come back! Don't leave me alone here!"

I let go of Annabeth's hand and ran after Mary. She finally fell to the ground and just lied there. I sat down next to her and pulled her into a hug. She put her face in my chest and cried and cried. I sat there staring at the sky, trying to imagine the hell she must be going through right now.