HI GUYS! This is a long chapter with a lot of plot points going on so hope you enjoy it! And I am sorry for the confusion with the titles. As you hopefully know, I am in the middle of revising the chapters and it's taking some time to do so. So forgive me for the confusion and give me some love with some REVIEWS!

Thanks and I do not own any PJO characters or plots.

Chapter 6

Percy

I am flipping through some of the crappy TV channels alone in my hospital room when Annabeth comes back after being gone for about three hours. During the course of those hours I did the following: freaked out at my friends multiple times, get spoon fed by Jason, eat all my pudding cups out of stress and had enough ambrosia from Chiron to where I was feeling almost 100%.

When Annabeth walks in, I look up at her. She stares at me and says, "What?"

I am stunned and ask her, "That's all you have to say? You go alone after a pyscho without telling me and all you say is what? What's wrong with you! You could have been killed Annabeth!"

She rolls her eyes and says, "I never went after him alright. I went to go see my mother. I wanted to see if she would help us but of course she was herself and refused to do anything. I mean we can't even go near him without the gods' permission-."

"Wait, what?" I asked more confused then I normally am.

"Chiron has ordered us to stay at camp until the Olympians decide whether or not we can go after Serpens."

Now I am mad and I am so pissed I could punch a wall. I breathe out angrily and huff, "Of course."

"I know."

We sit in angry silence for a moment before I say, " So for future reference, if you were going after him, a heads up would have been appreciated. Just throwing that out there."

She nods and smiles, "Alright. We will fight this together."

"Together. Always."

A couple of days later

Annabeth

Percy was finally released from the hospital yesterday and now we are driving to camp to stay there until we get word about what to do. Initially, I wasn't too thrilled about being holed up at camp for a couple of days, especially after the last time we were there.

After the war, things were messy with all of our losses and fixing up each other. People were testy and Percy and I tried to avoid the demigod life for a while. We stayed away from camp for about a year. When we finally came back to during the summer going into our freshman year in college, a lot of our friends and other campers weren't happy with us. Besides our close friends and family, Percy and I didn't tell anyone about what happened in Tarturus. People wondered why Percy didn't like wearing short sleeve shirts or how we refused to be apart from each other. Finally, Drew had enough of it and tried to rally the camp against us to make us tell them what happened. She played it off by saying that we were hiding something and in the end, I had enough and we walked out. We have not been back since.

But, if it's going to keep Percy safe then I can handle Drew for a couple of days. Although things last time weren't good, driving up the road to camp still brings a smile to my face. When we get our bags and greet some friends, like Chiron and Rachel, we head to Percy's old cabin to settle in.

"So how long are you both here for? We missed you all and everyone is sorry about how things ended last time." Rachel tells us and I respond.

"We are here until we are told what to do from the gods about Serpens."

Percy is slowly moving around, still sore and stiff from surgery and being in the hospital. His eyes have bags underneath, which tells me that he, hasn't been sleeping very well either. Rachel tries to liven up our moods by saying.

"Well, there is a dance hosted by Aphrodite tonight if you guys want to come? It's casual attire and we had one last year that was fun, so tonight's should be good."

"Yah, we will be there Rachel. Thanks." Percy says as he puts down his bag and I look at him when Rachel leaves with a smile on her face.

"Are you sure you are up for dancing?" I ask him and he nods.

"Well I'm not going to go insane or anything but yah I think it would be a fun time don't you think so?"

I don't but I lie, "Yah, it should be a blast. Well it's getting close to the time of the dance, so I should go see if I can find a dress to wear. I will see you there Seaweed Brain."

"I don't get to bring you with me?" Percy whines and I kiss his cheek.

"Well I want to surprise you." I respond and leave to get ready.

Percy

I am awkwardly standing outside the dance in a tent the camp made waiting for Annabeth. Everyone is walking in and I am avoiding talking to them because for one thing, I am too exhausted to answer any questions about why I am back and I am just wanting Annabeth to be here soon.

When she finally shows up, she makes my heart stop and my face hurts from my huge grin I have on my face. Annabeth is wearing a flowy, blue dress with her princess curls perfectly laying across her chest. She is indescribable.

"WOW! Wise Girl, you almost made my heart stop for the next time this week!"

She smiles but glares at me, "Not funny but thank you. And I can see you got dressed up."

I am just in jeans and a collared shirt so I don't consider it to be dressed up but I will take the compliment.

"Shall we?" I ask as I extend my arm and she smiles and loop her arm through it. We walk through the door and immediately we are met with turning heads and whispers. I decide not to give a damn and walk with Annabeth over to the empty dance floor where the DJ is conveniently playing a nice slow song.

In sync, Annabeth and I sway to the music and she says, "I love this song."

"What's it called?"

"I'll Be. It's from that one movie we watched a couple of weeks ago."

"Wait the one with Hilary Duff?"

She laughs and looks at me, her eyes are sparkling, "Yes, Seaweed Brain."

"Gods that's a great movie." I smile and she giggles again. Slowly, I start to forget what is going on around me and in my life and start to live in the moment with Annabeth. It can't get better then this, dancing with the girl you're madly in love with all the while the song in a chic flick is narrating the scene perfectly.

Suddenly, the roof on the tent opens to reveal the stars and constellations. I briefly look up to see Zoe's star and I think back about how long ago that was. During the time I was with Zoe, I was so focused on finding Annabeth and now she is here dancing in my arms. No matter what happens with Serpens, I am grateful that I am here with her right now and that we have had so much time together. The starlight shines perfectly on Annabeth's face as she looks up at me and asks.

"How are you feeling? We can take a break if you need to."

"No, I'm perfect right here." I smile back down at her and she leans her head against my chest. I lean down to whisper into her ear.

"I love you. I love you so much and I don't know who I would be if I didn't have you with me."

She whispers back, "I love you too. And whatever happens next, I'll stand by you."

As the night wears on and the songs change, all I can think about is how I am going to marry Annabeth Chase one day. Seeing her dance with her siblings and friends while I take a break is reason enough. She has a brilliant smile on her face and her hair is bouncing all over the place and I can't stop looking at her.

Annabeth

Once the dance is over, Percy and I walk back to his cabin. After these parties I guess we are not allowed to wander around camp, which kind of sucked but no one wanted to experience Mr. D's wrath. As we are walking, I say, "I had an amazing time tonight."

Percy smiles and responds as he swings our hands,"Me too. Oh and did I tell you how gorgeous you look tonight?"

I laugh, "Gods, Seaweed Brain you told me that a thousand times!"

"I know but it's true."

"Thank you." I say and lean up to kiss him. We kissed for a while until a cold breeze blows against my dress and I shiver. Percy smiles against my lips and says, "Guess we should get you inside."

I smirk and we continue the walk to Cabin Three. We would have fooled around a little bit more if it wasn't for both of us being exhausted. So we decide to snuggle in his bunk together and fall asleep in each other's arms.

Percy

"Annabeth! NOO!"

I sit up suddenly, drenched in my own sweat and I am panting hard. That dream was so different then the ones I usually have, which makes it even more terrifying to think about.

In the dream, I am tied up and alone in the dark. All around me, I heard louds noises of pain. At first, I thought it was Annabeth getting beaten up because that is sometimes in my dreams. But this time it was different. I try to move but I couldn't and instead I see a stream of white light with a figure that is beaten, battered and tied up. The figure doesn't move and their chest isn't rising making me assume that they are dead. And then I finally realize who it is and my heart stops.

Quickly, I turn to check if she is at my side and finally I can breathe again. Besides me, Annabeth is asleep peacefully and I quietly get out of bed because I need to get some air. I decide to go to the beach, one of my favorite places at camp. As I walk towards the beach, I can feel the waves rolling against the tide and I feel better instantly. But I can't stop thinking about that dream and it's threatening to tear me up.

"I always loved this beach." A voice says behind me.

I spin around and I am surprised to see my father standing behind me. He is in his fishers hat with a tropical shirt and shorts.

"Dad? What are you doing here?" I ask. I haven't seen my dad in awhile so it was kind of nice to see him after all of this time.

"Well I thought you needed someone to talk to Percy. I can tell you haven't been doing well these last couple of months." He answers.

"More like past couple of years."

He looked at me and said, "I know and I am sorry I haven't been able to help you with that. I know things have gotten worse since you got out of Tarturus?"

I nod and he continues, "Well you and Annabeth might have thought you were rid of Serpens and that your nightmares would be gone because he was dead, but sadly my son you were mistaken. Serpens isn't the creature who is tormenting your dreams."

"Then who is it? How can I get my life back?"

My dad looks at me grimly and says," He is a 2nd hand to Oceanus who wants revenge on me for defeating him a couple of years ago. And he knows that the most effective way to do that is to torment you, Percy."

I have to admit it felt awkward hearing my dad tell me I am one of his weakness but it also felt good.

"So Serpens was this guy's decoy?"

"Indeed. But I can't tell you his name because as you know names have power."

I turn to look back at the sea and my dad pust his hand on my shoulder.

"I know these last couple of years have been awful but this creature is powerful and he is powerful in water. Just be careful if you go after him Percy."

I nodded and said, " I would if I could get permission for you guys first. What' the decision?"

My dad takes his hand away and then says, "I am sorry, you know I can't tell you but Percy, I give you my permission. Go after him and you will have my support and backing."

I turn to face him, "Thanks-." and he's gone, "Dad."

Gods, I hate it when he does that.

I realized that the sun was coming up and I probably should get back before I get in trouble for being out of my cabin. I walk back to my cabin and get ready for the day.

After getting ready, I walked down to the pavilion to go and get some breakfast. Annabeth was already up and gone when I got back so I assumed she was down getting food. When I get down there, I am surprised not to see Annabeth at the Athena table. I needed to talk to her and part of me just wants to make sure my nightmare isn't true once again. Someone then taps me on the shoulder and I turn around thinking it was Annabeth but it's just one of her siblings.

"Oh hi Malcom. Do you know where Annabeth is?"

"Well that is what I wanted to talked to you about. She got an emergency call from Olympus. I guess one of her statues broke and the minor god that it's dedicated to is furious and Annabeth had to go rebuild a new one. She told me to tell you she will be back before dinner. Have a good day, Percy," he says as he walks away.

Alright, so maybe now I can go talk to Chiron to take my mind off of worrying about Annabeth. I decide to skip breakfast and walk down to the Big House. The Big House hasn't changed that much it's still creepy and scary as it always is. The door is unlocked and I am surprised to see Chiron waiting for me inside. I start to talk but he cuts me off and says, "I know what you're here for Percy and I am sorry I can't help you with the full search but I can tell you that you don't go searching for this monster because he comes to you. So the best thing you can do is train and keep your eyes open. I am sorry Percy."

I said, "Thanks Chiron." and walk out of the door towards the arena. The day was just getting better and better. I decide to work out in the arena for a little bit before the classes showed up. The arena is empty and the practice dummies are in the middle of the arena. I take off my shirt because it's hot and no one is around, which that would just embarrassing. I click Riptide and start to slash at the dummies. After a while, I step back and wipe the sweat off my forehead.

"You're really good with your sword." a voice says behind me. I whip around expecting it to be a monster or something but instead it was Drew. I'm not the biggest fan of Drew, especially since last time at camp.

I says, " Hey Drew, your class doesn't start for another ten minutes so I was just in here blowing off steam. I'll be done soon."

She then comes towards me and says, " I know. Gods how did you get those scars? "

I then realize I had my shirt off and try to cover myself up the best I can. I don't really like showing off my scars especially to a person like Drew. Now she will definitely try to get the truth out of me somehow.

She smirks and then put two fingers on my shoulder and starts to walk them down my chest while she says, "Oh well they just make you ten times sexier. Since Annabeth isn't here I thought we could have some fu-"

I slap her fingers away from my chest and shout at her, "What, you think I would cheat on her! First of all, I would never cheat on Annabeth because I am madly in love with her. And second of all, I don't know what your trying to do Drew, but I am not having the best of day so I would appreciate it if you wouldn't touch me either because you're not my girlfriend." I then walk over to a bench where my shirt is and put it on quickly before storming out.

I go to my cabin and hang in there alone until dinner time. As I walk down to the pavilion, all of theses campers are giving me these disgusted looks. I thought I had a huge zit or something gross on my face, which would be embarrassing but I don't. I entered the pavilion and most of the campers stopped what they were doing and look at me with the same look. I thought it was the same issue that I had last night as a fall out from the last time I was at camp but it's something else. But I ignore all of them because the only face that matter to me was Annabeth's. She was sitting at the Athena table looking angry and pissed. She catches my eye and instantly comes over. She pulls me aside and I ask her, "Annabeth, what's wrong?"

She looks at me with her unsettled grey eyes and said, " Percy, I don't know what happened with Drew earlier but she has been spreading some nasty rumors about you."

"Annabeth, nothing happene-"

"I know nothing happened that's not why I am upset. She saw your scars and she has been telling everyone that you self-inflict yourself. I know that you didn't want the other campers to know about how you got those scars but I am afraid you have no choice now."

Anger starts to bubble up in my chest and I want to go over and punch Drew as hard as I can. This is the second time she has spread rumors about me and now I have to tell the horrible truth to shut her up. I take Annabeth's hand and squeeze it, " I guess the word was going to get out eventually but I didn't want it to come out like this. I have to go set the record straight. "

She nods and lets go of my hand. I walk to the middle of the pavilion and everyone's attention is now on me.

" Hi everyone. So you all have been hearing some untrue rumors about me and I just wanted to tell you about the truth." I take off my shirt nervously and my heart beats fast, but this is the only way they can see the scars clearly. There are gasps and someone even screamed, which doesn't make me feel any better. I continue, "I got these from getting tortured in Tarturus. It was the worst experience of my life and I am reminded of it every day." I then glare down Drew and say with as much anger in my voice as I can, "So does that satisfy you Drew? You have done this twice before and now the truth is out. So how about you worry about your own damn business and go back to doing your hair or something." I turn and storm off from the pavilion towards the beach.

As I am walking over there, my heart is racing as I start to have flashbacks of everything that happened to me. The whipping, cutting and burning of my flesh along with the laughter of the monsters and screams of Annabeth. I then start to remember the nightmare of Annabeth being dead and it's all too much for me. I sprint towards the water and dive down deep where no one can bug me. I swim down to the depths of the lake and try to sort out my fears.