This looks so tiny and adorable on my screen right now haha. (I quit it with the caps 'cause they got annoying) Here is your chapter, and thank you to the people who gave me websites in the last chapter! I really appreciate that!

Disclaimer- Me no own PJO. Me too unwise to be Rick Riordan.

"This is the way the world ends,

not with a bang,

but a whimper."

-T.S. Eliot

PERCY'S POV-

"Who are they?" I asked. Calypso looked absolutely stricken, and I had the premonition that whoever had made her act this way must've done something terrible. Again, she started shivering, almost to the verge of breaking down again. If it wasn't for the urgency of the situation, she probably would have.

"I'll explain later, but right now you have to hide me," she said, stressing the last few words. "No matter what they say, don't let them know I'm here."

For a moment, I stood there and watched Calypso. Not in the checking her out kind of way (I already got that done a few minutes ago), but in the "What the heck I have a stranger in my living room" sense. Was this really happening?

Calypso punched me, none too softly, on the arm. Ouch.

To finish my last though; yes, yes this was.

"Snap out of it!" Calypso scolded, switching from scared little girl to angry mom in a matter of seconds."There are armed men outside your door right now. You can't just stand there and act like we're in some romance flick!"

"Oh, right!" I quickly waved to the general direction of my room, confident that I would keep the people on the other side of the door out. They wouldn't make it past the welcome mat. "Go in there. Trust me, if a fight's what they want, this'll be over soon."

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

I could hear that the people were becoming impatient, and so could Calypso because without another word, she ducked out of sight.

I opened the door just as the bald guy on the other side was about to slam his fist into the wood again, barely avoiding the same treatment with my face.

"Whoa dude! Are you that eager to punch me?" I bopped up an eyebrow, skepticism displayed bright as day. "Some people sleep at this time, you know?"

"This is New York," He said, as if it was supposed to explain everything. "If the city is awake, the people are awake. Now give me the girl."

"What girl?"

"You know! Give me Calypso!" The man cracked his knuckles, attempting to make me wuss out. Right, like something I've been doing since grade school would scare me.

"Listen Ted-"

"My name's not Ted!" The guy leaned in so close that I could smell the stench of overused Gucci. The vein on his forehead was pretty much ready to burst.

"Well I'm going to call you Ted, because I have no idea what your name is and you remind of a cute little stuffed animal." I flicked off a piece of lint on Ted's shoulder, only to have my hand roughly slapped away. "Ookay! I see you're a bit grumpy!"

"Look here boy, I don't want trouble, but if you don't give me that girl right now, I won't hesitate to rip off that face of yours. Kapeesh?"

Ted looked about ready to blow, but did that stop me? Nope. I'm Percy Jackson! Pissing people off was my pastime.

I leaned in, gesturing for the leather-clad Ted to do the same.

"Okay, I've got a confession to make," I mumbled. "There's a girl in my bedroom."

The reaction was immediate. Ted jumped up and made to shove me aside, but I blocked the door with my arms. "Whoa tiger! Calm down!"

"I've got to get in there," Not-Ted insisted. "That girl murdered one of my colleagues!"

I sighed, shaking my head in a seemingly exasperated manner. "Man, you don't get it do you?"

"What?"

"There's a girl in my bedroom," I repeated. "You can't go in there."

"Why not?" Ted challenged, attempting to side-step me.

I groaned, banging my head against the door frame in frustration. "Didn't your parents ever tell you what teenagers do when they're alone? The only person in here besides me is my girlfriend and she's in my bedroom! Naked!"

I indicated my bare chest to prove a point, glad that today of all days I decided to sleep without a shirt. It seemed that this guy was more oblivious than even me.

Ted blinked fifteen times (I counted) and shook his head with vigor. Apparently he still didn't get the concept of the frickle-frackle.

Just when I thought he was going to leave, Ted grunted, stepping forward like a lumbering troll.

"I've got to check anyway," he said. "A few tits won't scare me away."

My eyes flashed, and before he could even take another breath, I slammed the door behind me and jammed my elbow up Ted's nose.

"AH!" Ted cupped his face in a vain effort to stop the free flow of blood now dribbling down his chin. He failed even less when I tripped him from behind and used my knee to hold him down. Slowly, I added pressure to his ribs, little by little cracking each one.

"It's obvious that you have no respect for a person's privacy," I growled. "So if you're going to keep pushing, I might as well tell you now that you aren't getting anywhere near that room!"

"You're hiding her!" Ted spat, his face growing an angry shade of red, a color that undeniably matched the one dripping down his nose.

"No duh! What are you? An idiot?" I snapped.

"If you know what's good for you, you'll hand over that girl right now," Ted said, ignoring the position we were in completely. As if he was the one on top. "She may seem like an innocent little angel, but mark my words; she's the devil herself. Calypso will ruin you."

I scoffed, hardly believing that Calypso could ever hurt a fly. "It's my business what happens now. If she's a public menace, so be it. Now scram!"

I hefted up Ted and shoved him back in the direction of the stairs. Thinking that I've done enough, I opened my door a crack, preparing to walk inside. Apparently, Ted had other plans. He wanted the last words.

"If you want her, keep her," he growled. "Just don't say I didn't warn you."

"I'll keep that in mind," I said. Then, not wanting to hear anymore, I slammed the door.

Maybe if I had stayed just a few more seconds, I would've been able to stop what was about to ensue. I could've saved new friends from going through so much trouble. But I wasn't there, and I didn't see Ted pressing into an earpiece on the side of his head.

I couldn't hear him say, in a victorious whisper, that the target had been placed.

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"Again, I'm so sorry about barging in like this and gushing tears all over your shoulder. This must be absolutely terrible for you." Calypso said.

I shrugged, handing her a promised cup of hot chocolate. "I'd rather you knock on my door than stay outside with those idiots."

"Thank you." Calypso took a sip from her mug. "Still, I owe you an explanation."

"You don't need to give me one, but it would be nice." I scooped a horrendous amount of marshmallows into my drink, setting myself up for a future sugar high. "After all, it's always nice to know who's butt I kicked."

Seeing Calypso smile, I did so too. There was something about her that was too contagious to resist, and I had no problem with that.

"Get comfortable then, because this is going to be a long story." Calypso stared down at her cup of hot chocolate, and huffed. "I used to illegally work at a bar when I was sixteen. There were regulars every day, and I would talk to them thinking that they were just normal customers. I was wrong."

Calypso fidgeted with the edge of the shirt I had let her borrow, attempting to find a way of channeling her nervous energy. I waited, hoping that I wouldn't make her upset if I rushed her on.

"After a whole year of seeing these same men every day, I started to get suspicious. It may seem like I was being paranoid, but there was something strange about them…they never drank. They would come to the bar, sit down, buy drinks, and give them to other people. Not once did I see them take a sip of any glass they bought. That's when my manager told me that they only came when it was my shift, and I got to thinking why they would do that. Maybe it was just that I happened to work at the time they liked? It still didn't make sense to me, but I ignored it because I figured everything was okay. It wasn't until it was too late that I realized those men really were following me. By then, they had had enough time to find out where I lived and…kidnap me."

Calypso closed her eyes, swallowing down the emotions welling up inside her. "They had me go on what they called quests, which were really just crime sprees. It turned out there were more of them than I thought, and they were all bloodthirsty." Calypso's hands turned white around her mug. "They made me do awful, horrendous things to wonderful people. I wouldn't just kill them, I would murder them from the inside."

I blinked, shocked that someone as innocent-looking as Calypso would ever do something so terrible. "You-you killed people?"

"In technical terms, no. I've never actually raised a weapon to someone's face." Calypso, said. Seeing the expression of relief across my face, she frowned. "But that doesn't mean there aren't things worse than death."

"But why worry anymore?" I put down my finished mug, making a slight thump noise as I did so. "You've escaped and the past can be put behind you now. Everything will be fine."

"I don't know. I still wish I could've warned them." Calypso leaned in on the word "warned", emphasizing it for a reason I didn't understand.

"Well, there's nothing you can do about it now, so why mention it?"

"Because a warning would've been nice. One can never be too careful." Calypso pursed her lips after practically yelling every other word like a maniac.

"Are you okay?" I furrowed my eyebrows.

"Yes, just…" Calypso sighed, seemingly annoyed at something I couldn't pinpoint. "Go to sleep. You look tired."

"Are you sure?" I asked, thinking that what she really wanted was for me to leave. "We can switch spots if you want. You can have the bed."

"No, no it's okay." Calypso pinched the bridge of her nose and shook her head. "Just go take a nap. I'll stay here."

"Alright." I stood up, casting one more glance in the direction of the willowy girl. "Goodnight, Calypso."

She stayed silent.

I guess karma wanted me to feel what it was like to be ignored.

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THIRD POV-

"This can't wait any longer. Percy's mission will have to be replaced!"

Chiron rubbed his temples, feeling as if he would soon explode. "Reyna, I would be eternally grateful if you would please calm down so we could figure this out like civilized human beings."

"Chiron, this isn't something little we're talking about here!" Reyna seethed. "The fifth cohort's honor is on the line! We can't just overlook that because of some petty spy game!"

"What Percy is doing right now is very important. In the past days he's been there, we've been receiving an unbelievable amount of information on the Army." Chiron pointed out, hoping that this would at least lower Reyna's tone.

"Oh, really?" Reyna asked, using her most sarcastic voice. "Like what?"

Grover paused his reading of One Flew Over the Cookoo's Nest to answer Reyna's question. "Besides keeping me company in my lonely hours, he thinks there may be a way of finding The Army headquarters."

"What?" Reyna turned her attention to Chiron, feeling that she deserved an explanation. "Why have you never told me about this?"

"We've just learned about it ourselves. Percy thinks he may be able to build a plan." Chiron folded his hands. "And he wants you to help."

Reyna frowned, a hint of suspicion showing in her eyes. "Why would he ask me to be his partner? Isn't that the reason why you sent him Luke?"

"Well, yes, but Percy seems to be having some…issues with his blonde friend." Chiron pulled at his shirt uncomfortably.

"Issues," Reyna repeated.

Grover sighed, deciding to cut to the chase. "Percy doesn't trust Luke."

"Yet he trusts me?" Reyna asked, not believing a word these two were saying. "Even after we fought, he still wants me to have his back?"

"We are talking about Percy," Grover pointed out. "I don't get how anything he does surprises you. He's practically a nut job."

"But there's still the golden laurel to worry about." Reyna said, using any means to avoid going on a mission with Percy. "I can't accept his request when I have other things to work on getting back."

"Oh please," Grover rolled his eyes, turning another page in his book. "We all know that you're only making excuses is because you're still angry at him. Under normal circumstances, you'd never pass up a chance at a bit of adrenaline rush."

"You can't blame me," Reyna grumbled, bitter to the core. "Out of all the Olympians in Half-Blood Alley, you chose him? What does he have that's so special? He's not even been claimed yet!"

Grover relaxed into his cushioned seat, silently accepting that no one was leaving until Reyna was content. Ironically, they were in the same room where Percy had been given the mission instead of her, causing her to pretty much abuse anyone who got near a ten foot radius. This of course meant that Jason took most of the blows. Bless that poor soul.

Chiron rubbed his wrinkled face, no doubt brought on by years of dealing with PMSing praetors. "Reyna stop acting like a child. You should know that what Percy is offering you right now can achieve both of your needs."

"Would you care to explain how that is?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Grover straightened his rasta cap. "If Kronos's Army really did steal the golden laurel like you think they did, then you'll be able to retrieve it by sneaking into headquarters with Percy."

"But what happened to the original plan?" Reyna pointed to the folder resting in front of Chiron. "I thought that the kelp head was supposed to befriend the undercover member of The Army and gain enough of their trust to sneak inside the chambers?"

"I'm afraid that won't be possible anymore." Chiron slid a picture of a sneering boy across the table.

"Who's he?" Reyna examined the person's Asian features and armor-clad body.

"Ethan Nakumara," Grover stated. "He's been using our tactic with Percy's brother and attempting to suck information from him like a leech. It's useless to try and gain his trust."

"What are we going to do then?" Reyna asked Chiron. "We can't let them get away with this."

"We won't." Chiron held the documents that had been sitting in front of him up to Reyna's face. "There has been some slight changes made to the mission, but they will only work if you agree to partner up with Percy." He shook the sheets in his hand. "Will you accept?"

For ten frightening seconds, Reyna stared at her lap, not sure whether to stay stubborn or do what was best for the sake of the U-Council. As always, she chose the latter and relieved Chiron of the folder in his grasp.

"I'll tell Jason that I'm leaving tomorrow morning." Reyna said.

"Thank you," Chiron replied. "Now, if you wouldn't mind, I need to discuss some matters with Grover."

Reyna stood, showing the perfect posture she was known for. "It's all right, I have to pack anyways."

And unlike months before, this time she didn't slam the door.

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One day was enough to bring back the bond between Luke and Thalia.

The few hours they were together had been something of a daze for the both of them, but once they got through it, they were back to being the immature kids that they had been years ago. They were back to forgetting about the world's troubles, and not caring that some of the stunts they pulled had the ability to erase their lives forever. Thalia and Luke were made one for the other. It was as simple as that.

Luke lay on the sand, sincerely smiling at a real happiness he hadn't felt since finding out that his mother wasn't really dead. Only this time, it wasn't destroyed with finding out that she was getting Electroconclusive Shock Therapy at a mental institute. At last, he could relish the simple fact of being alive with a girl that he'd give anything to be around for eternity.

Luke turned to see Thalia's sleeping head cradled on his arm, wondering what had ever made them separate. He knew the reason, but he still couldn't figure out what had brought on the need to make the final choice he did. It was all so sudden that it was a chore to even remember what he had worn the day he'd run away, not just from his only family member, but from his best friend.

And that was when reality struck him.

Luke was going to lose more than just a friendship. There was a high chance that he was going to ruin everything. It was a surprise that only a few people suspected him of betrayal, what with his ongoing rants of hatred towards the Olympians. Heck, Chiron was already giving him funny looks! If Luke was going to take action, then he figured he'd better act fast.

A few friends were worth the loss if it meant seeing the U-Council meet their torturous downfall. All of them.

Still…Luke glanced at Thalia's peaceful, suntanned face.

Maybe some things weren't worth sacrificing.

It was seven forty-two.

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PERCY'S POV-

"From a girl's point of view, which popcorn bowl matches my eyes better, the blue one or the green one?"

Calypso raised her eyes to the heavens, wondering why in the world I had to be the one who rescued her. Although secretly, I knew she wanted to laugh. "Percy, a girl is not going to watch you stuff your face with popcorn and think, '"Wow! That bowl really sets off his eyes!"' And if she does, that's probably going to be after she cringes in disgust of your eating habits."

"When did you get so mean?" I asked, faking hurt. "It was an honest question."

"I'm not mean, I just-" Calypso faltered, looking guilty when she saw my seal-eye impression.

Along with a few other small tricks, I'd picked up the hurt puppy expression when I was five. So far, it had gotten me through life quite easily, and by the way Calypso looked like she wanted to grab a tissue, I knew I'd scored.

"Percy, stop doing that," she pleaded.

That only managed to make me increase my adorable-meter to a hundred.

"Percyyy! I'm sorry. Now, quit it."

I wasn't faltering.

Calypso sighed in defeat. "I choose the blue one."

"I knew you would!" I grinned, about to grab a can of coke, when I saw something that I found strangely weird. "Is the time on the clock correct?"

"Hm?" Calypso jumped up as if startled. I noticed that she had been looking at something on my face. Probably a zit, although I didn't get how that could be making her blush right now. "Oh, yes. It's seven-fifty."

"She was supposed to be here thirty minutes ago."

"You mean your date?" Calypso frowned. "But I thought you said the movie night wasn't until eight?"

"It is, but I know Annabeth and it isn't like her to not get here early." I peeked through the blinds in my window, expecting to see the wise-girl running up the stairs of my apartment. Unfortunately, I was only met with a less appealing view of the parking lot.

"I'm sure she's okay." Calypso sighed. "I barely met you, and I can already tell that you worry too much."

"I guess," I replied, but I still didn't dare remove my gaze, hoping that Annabeth would somehow appear out of thin air.

She didn't.

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ANNABETH'S POV-

"Yes, I'm very sure that the tire got punctured."

Babbling voices on the other end of the phone.

"No, I didn't check, but I felt it."

A pause.

"Sir, if you're not going to help, may I please at least get a taxi sent over here?" I groaned. "You know what? I'll just fix it myself!"

Protests.

"Nope! Too late! I'm hanging up." As promised, I tapped the End Call key and mumbled a, "Good riddance."

Now the only problem I had left was fixing a car tire that I had no experience in changing. Oh, the wonder that is my life.

I unlocked my driver's seat door, catching a short glimpse of myself in the mirror and huffing. I wasn't the type of person who prepped myself up for just anybody, but considering Percy wasn't what I'd consider a random person, I'd finally took the time to unravel the mess that was my hair and dab on a bit of lip gloss. Now here I was, stranded two miles away from his apartment in the utter darkness. My creeper alarm was going crazy.

Right as the thought of night predators entered my mind, I heard a crackle of leaves across the empty road. I froze, head snapping up to attention, seeing what my eyes told me was a shadow nearing where I stood. The rustling sound stopped. Nevertheless, I casually rubbed my hand over the pocket of my jeans where I always carried a bottle of pepper spray. This time it wasn't there.

Internally panicking, I considered whether I should get back into the safe confines of my car and call Percy, or check that the wheel was okay. I settled for the less stupid/former choice and hurried back inside my car. Doing a quick inspection of my surroundings, I shivered when I realized that I had no idea where I was. In no way did the flickering street lights and dark woods ring a bell in my memory. Even if this place was familiar, I wouldn't be able to tell from the small peeks of horizon I actually received. This place was even more solitary than a butterfly with no wings. I was alone.

Keeping the corner of my eye fixed onto the side mirror, I speed-dialed Percy's number, silently begging for him to pick up. This must've triggered whoever I was sure was hiding behind a few stray bushes because in a matter of seconds, I could see a shadow clad figure heading my way. Again, I attempted to start up my car, but only managed to screech a few inches forward.

Beep…beep…beep

"Please pick up Percy...please, please..."

Beep..

Ten feet. That was how far away I estimated the stranger was. I swallowed a mouthful of saliva, forcing myself to keep my mind open. What could I do?

Beep…beep...beeeeeep…

In an act of desperation, I slammed my palm into the middle of my steering wheel, wishing more than I've ever done before that someone would hear me.

HOOOOOOOOOONK!

Seeing that I had startled the figure into a sort of trance, I took this as my opportunity to slide over to the seat next to me and turn the heater up to full. I didn't want the situation to go any farther, but if it came to it, I wanted to be ready. The only plan I had left was to sweat enough so that I'd be harder to hold, and by then maybe be able to land a good blow on the nose. All this was based on instinct and clipped thoughts.

I'm sorry, your call could not be completed. Please dial again.

I had to resist the urge to smash my phone against the window. Instead, I re-dialed Percy's home number.

"Dammit, seaweed-brain! Pick up the phone!" I growled.

Now seven feet away from my window, I saw the person who I presumed was a boy get himself back together. This time, he seemed angry.

Beep...beep…

As he reached his hand into his jacket pocket, I wrapped my fingers around the closest thing I had to a weapon; a pen.

Beep…beep…

When he reached a distance of five feet, he stood still, knowing full well that I was stuck. He took his time as he pointed a gun in my general direction-

Beep…click…"Annabeth?"

-And fired.

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Aww! What a happy ending! It's almost as cheerful as all those "emo" songs my friend says I listen to!

THIS CHAPTER WAS DEDICATED TO Doubled-Helix WHOM RECIEVED THE 200 CHAPTER SNEAK PEEK I PROMISED IN THE LAST CHAPTER! THIS GAL IS AN AMAZING REVIEWER! AT LEAST...I THINK SHE'S A GIRL. CAN YOU CONFIRM OR DENY THIS FOR ME?

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