Annabeth's Point of View

Camp was the same.. but different. Last time we were here everyone was scared. Last time we were here Percy disappeared.

It felt good to be wearing my Camp Half Blood T-shirt again, though. Comforting even.

The Athena cabin was tidy as ever, books carefully shelved and alphabetized. All the bunks were made.

There was a cool wind blowing through an open window which helped me clear my mind. Unfortunately I couldn't get those little kids out. There they were staring at me from the back of my mind.

Selena and Charles.

"ANNABETH!" Squealed Lizzie when she came through the door.

"Hey, Lizzie." I said.

She hugged me and I smiled.

I've missed them. My bothers and sisters that is.

It's true, but being with Percy is just perfect.

She started unpacking and more of half brothers and sisters came in, crowding the room.

I slipped of of the room because I knew I was different than them now. I was different. The way I was with Percy last night proved it.

Yeah. Being around them made me feel guilty...

I walked past the cabins and ran into Emma Lee heading out of the Aphrodite cabin. Her eyes turned wide and she smiled evilly at me.

"I heard you had a visit with my mom."

"Er.. yeah."

"How was your... year? I hear you were living at Percy's."

Where do these Aphrodite girls get this stuff? "Er.. yeah. My year was fine. A lot of planning for Olympus.. it's turning out really good."

"How's Percy doing?"

Gr. "Fine.. I've gotta.. go."

I hurried away, blushing all the way down to my toes.

"Annabeth?" A quiet voice called from the forest.

I turned to see Jupiter standing at the edge of the forest. "Hi, Jupiter." I called, walked over.

"Hi. Have you heard from Grover?" She asked me, eyes nervous.

I smiled gently at her. "Yes. A few days ago. He's coming back with a group of ten half bloods that he found scattered around the country. He's doing so good, Jupiter. You should be proud."

"I am, really, Annabeth. I just worry about him."

"Grover's strong. He's the bravest satyr ever. He'll be alright." I promised her.

"I know. Sorry.. how are things with Percy?" She asked me.

I smiled at her. "Really good."

"That's great Annabeth.. where were you going?"

"Oh. Well I was trying to run away from Emma Lee. The girl can't keep a secret. She was asking about Percy and I just couldn't tell her anything. I had to run. I'm not really sure where I was going..." I trailed off.

"I think you should go to the beach." She advised.

"I think so too. Grover will be home soon, Jupiter. Don't worry about him." I told her, hugging her neck.

"See you later Annabeth."

Little did I know that I wouldn't see her later.

***

The surf was restless, hitting against the shore angrily in the early morning light.

The smell of ocean water made me smile.

It reminded me of Percy.

"Annabeth?" Percy called from behind me. I turned and smiled at him. I turned back to the water and pulled my knees up to my chin. "Still thinking about those kids?" He asked, plopping down in the sand beside me.

"Er.. no." I told him.

I wasn't. I was thinking about him kissing me and kissing me and kissing me....

"What kids?" A voice called.

Huh? Percy looked out toward the surf and smiled. I followed his gaze and saw his father rising from the water.

"Hi Percy.. Annabeth."

The gods know. Arg.

"Hey, dad." Percy called.

I stayed silent as Poseidon walked out of the water and sat down in front of us.

Wow... awkward.

"I'm gonna... go." I mumbled, standing.

"It's okay, Annabeth." Percy said, grabbing my hand.

"Yes, Annabeth. I have grave news for both of you." Poseidon said, nodding.

I sat down beside Percy again, clinging to Percy's hand like it was my only lifeline.

"Your friend Grover.. the satyr. He's in trouble. He has gained possession of even more demigods than before. The monsters are overpowering him."

I was shell shoked. Grover.. How many half bloods does he have?

"But dad, how many half bloods has he gained?"

"He has over twenty now, all trailing behind him. They are armed, but don't know how to fight. It's only a matter of time before..." The sea god trailed off.

"Percy.. do you think maybe..? Those kids in the dream..." I trailed off, staring into those sea green eyes.

"Maybe."

"Annabeth. What dream?" Percy's dad asked me.

I closed my eyes and told him about my dream..

He nodded. "I don't think.. I don't think those were these kids." He responded.

"Oh.. then who?" I asked quietly.

"I can't say, my sweet child. Don't worry too much yet." Poseidon told me before standing up and disappearing into the surf.

Don't worry. Oh. That'll be a piece of cake.