PERCY POV

I feel like part of me has been ripped away from my body. I know demigods die young, but I never thought it would happen to Annabeth. She was so strong, it came to a shock to everyone.

Guilt instantly filled my chest. This is my fault. If only I was strong enough to lift the both of us, then no one would be grieving. Memories of Annabeth flooded into my mind as I walked through the corridors of the Argo II.

Her stormy grey eyes.

Her laugh.

Her blonde curls.

I just want to curl up into a ball and drown my sorrow in tears. What's the point of living if Annabeth isn't there with me? I thought we would have forever, but then again, when am I ever right? When she let go of my hand, my entire world collapsed. Unable to stand without her support. I will never be able to hold her in my arms again. To kiss her. To comfort her whenever she's hurt or scared. To whisper sweet nothings into her ears. I will never be able to propose to her and someday start a family. I knew I shouldn't have let her go on that quest alone. I should have tried to convince her to let me go with her. My whole life has just been obliterated. Destroyed. Because of a gods damn quest.

I push those thoughts out of my mind. She wouldn't want me like this. To be wallowing in my pity. She would want me to put a smile on my face and cheer everyone up. I took a deep breath and walked up to the deck.

I saw the entire crew looking down from the railing. These people are my family and I am never going to let any of them slip away from me. Not like Annabeth. I made of oath to myself. To protect each and everyone of them, no matter the cost. Thunder rumbled above me. I walked up to the railing and leaned against it. They all turned to me and shot me sympathetic glances. I didn't want their pity. I only want Annabeth.

"Hey Perce," said Jason.

"Hey," I replied in dull, monotone voice.

"How are you feeling?" asked Piper in attempt to cheer me up."

How am I feeling? I feel like digging a hole and dying in it.

"I've been better," I said in the same emotionless tone.

Everyone formed a circle around me and embraced me in a tight hug. We all stood there in comfortable silence, appreciating the fact that it's over. Gaia's gone. We succeeded and we're alive.

"Guys, I hate to to ruin the moment, but we're above Camp Half-Blood now." said Leo.

They all turned to me. I gave them a small nod, reassuring them that I'm fine. Jason wrapped his arm around Piper's shoulder and went over the the gangplank. Frank and Hazel followed them with their hands intertwined. Everyone had their other half besides me and L-, I mean Leo and I. I guess I did learn something from Annabeth's teaching. What I would give to go back to those days.

I followed everyone down. Camp-Half Blood looked the same, apart from the giant Parthenos standing next to Thalia's Pine. I saw both camps at the bottom of the ship shouting cheers of rejoice for the return of their heroes. Romans and Greeks had their arms around each other, laughing and smiling. I guess Reyna and Nico made it back in time. Everyone looked happy, not a single care in the world. Little did they know that it was all about to come crashing down.

Everyone swarmed around us, giving us pats on our backs, bro-hugs, and the occasional kisses on the cheek (cough Aphrodite Cabin cough) A lot of congratulations were exchanged. But Malcolm was the first to notice the absence of one in our crew.

"Hey, where's Annabeth?" asked Malcolm with eyes full of concern.

AN: I DREAD WRITING THE NEXT CHAPTER. SO MUCH EMOTION. I FEEL IT