Diclaimer: All books belongs to Rick Riordan
Percy had packed for the trip to Athens. Nico was tagging along with Grover as well. They were packing for necessities. Sally reminded them of the danger and reminded them to be careful
Soon enough; they were ready to set sail to Athens.
Annabeth woke to the clatter of the pans the cook banged. A colorful string of curse was released from the mouth of Annabeth. After washing, she found her way to the tavern, where Luke greeted her with news. "Annabeth," he called. "About time you woke up."
Annabeth flushed a crimson shade. "Well, now that you're up, I've got good news. There's a ship stopping by Pireas. From there, we can take a ride to Athens," Luke said. "Excellent. I would like to get away from… this place," Annabeth said, trying to choose her words correctly to describe 'Filthy Tavern'. "And it might be good if Father spoke to you. It has been a while since he personally spoke to a son of a Hermes," she said. Luke smiled and said, "Well, if you're ready, the ship would leave soon if we don't hurry."
They left hurriedly to catch the ship. They searched for the correct ship. After a few minutes of searching, they found the ship. It was large enough to hold all of Apollo's cattle. Many people were boarding the ship. Luke and Annabeth quickly got in line to board the ship that heads to their wanted destination.
Percy looked in the forest for Grover. He found him packing his own necessities. After he was done, he threw the sack over his shoulder. "Ready?" Percy asked. "Sure. Let's go," he answered. They met up with Nico at the ship. "Are we ready to leave?" Nico asked. "Yeah," Percy answered. They got the ship ready quicker than planned. The crew had already prepared early. Finally, the large ship was ready to be boarded. Percy and his other two companions marveled at the number of people boarding. But their number was nothing compared to the large ship. There were still a few extra cabins, where Percy, Nico and Grover could sleep in. Soon, when all had boarded, they set sailed to Pireas.
The sail was long and tiring, yet that did not faze Annabeth. Her father would be proud that she managed to come back from a dangerous quest. The oracle had given her a quest and she completed with wisdom and with the help of Luke. The journey to Pireas was long and uncomfortable. As expected of Nauplia, she thought. It was filthy, disgusting and without any knowledge. It was heritage that she despised Nauplia, as it was where Poseidon was worshipped. Being someone from Athens, she was not fond of Poseidon.
Though it was late and everyone had fallen asleep, Annabeth was awake. She went out to the deck and admired the stars. It sparkled in the night sky. She admired the constellation and had always wondered if she can be immortalized into the sky like all others had. But, she was also curious about rebirth. She wanted to know everything. She wanted to-
Her trains of thoughts were cut off when the wooden deck creaked. She quickly turned around instinctively. It wasn't Luke; it was the man that day that helped her. "Oh! You're that guy that helped me," she said. "Yeah. Annabeth, right? I'm Perseus."
She nodded. "Perseus?" she said. "Not that hero, but I'm called Percy," he explained. She nodded understandingly. "You're going to Athens?" she asked. Percy shook his head. "No. I'm the captain of this ship."
Annabeth caught up quickly. "You're the son of the leader of Nautica?" she asked warily. Percy looked at her curiously. "How did you know?" he replied. Annabeth bit her lower lip. "I see. Then, goodnight."
She retreated to her cabin, leaving a confused Percy staring at her retreating figure. After thinking for a while, he concluded that Annabeth was a peculiar girl. And he won't be seeing her again, definitely.
Annabeth returned to her cabin with her heart pounding. It didn't seem possible but it was. Percy was definitely his grandson. No wonder his eyes were so beautiful, Annabeth thought before she could help herself. She shook her head. She shouldn't associate herself with a grandson of Poseidon. It isn't right. Luke is much better. He had been her friend for many years. But, Thalia, Artemis' lieutenant, was his friend for much longer. No one could deny their evident like for each other but Thalia had sworn off men. Yet, Thalia was her closest friend she had. The three of them were always happy together until Thalia decided to join the Hunters. Since then, Luke had never been the same. He had been oblivious to Annabeth's admiration. However, that never stopped Annabeth from letting her head float away for a few precious moments when she allowed herself to. It was painful; unrequited love.
She was screaming again. Her pain filled cries of help tortured Percy. That man was happily hurting. A man that derives pleasure through her screams. It was a gut wrenching experience for Percy. Suddenly, the scenery changes. He hears shouts of anger. He instinctively knew there were thirteen of them. They were all in deep discussion. He stood behind large doors. The doors were slowly swung open. It creaks open but not enough for Percy to see the inside.
"Percy! Percy!" his father shouted through the Iris Message. Percy jerks up and he hit his head on the low ceiling of the cabin. He rubbed his forehead, more in annoyance rather than pain. He rubs his eyes. "So… sorry. What is it, Dad?" he asked. "Well, I need you to go see Manos. He has a special package for me," he said. "What's in it?" Percy asked. His father looked around as thought there might be someone else listening on him. "In the package, is Pandora's Box," he answered. This got Percy fully awake. "But I thought it was myth," Percy said. "No, it is not. And I need to get this to my father quickly or else. If it falls into the wrong hands, the world of the gods and man will be wiped."
Percy nodded. "Yes, I understand," he said. "And try not to tell anyone about this. Not even Nico or Grover," he told his son. Percy nodded. He knew the seriousness of the task he had been handed. What he didn't know was the eavesdropper listening in on every word he had said.
I apologize for the long wait. My exams are coming up and I'm working on other projects. I will not update regularly.
Sincerely,
SylviaVail