Annabeth POV
The ship was amazing. Everything was perfect. Annabeth always wondered while we didn't just take the other boat but know she understood. This thing was huge; it could fit all of them comfortably. They all climbed aboard and sat in a small circle. Everyone was still in chock of how perfect this boat was. Annabeth cleared her throat.
"We need to understand the quest fully and make sure we are all one the same page." Annabeth held Percy's hand gently. They all nodded in agreement. "When we get this boat flying we are going to make a quick stop to Camp Half-Blood. We can stay the night there and take off to the nearest ocean. Like the prophecy states we need to sail to Rome."
"But what about Nico?" Hazel demanded. "Gaea, has him trapped!" Annabeth looked down and cursed in Greek.
"I have a feeling once we get to Rome that everything will start to unfold. But don't worry Hazel, Nico will be okay." Percy encouraged. He put her hand on Hazel's shoulder. She gave him a small nod. He golden eyes were filled with a slight disbelief.
"Once we get to Rome what do we do? Is Gaea just going to pop out of the ground and make a World War III?" Piper asked. No one answered. It was a question everyone wondered, but no one had the nerve to ask.
"I'm pretty sure we won't have to wait very long for Gaea. She will probably be waiting for us there with an army." Frank replied. His voice seemed troubled. No one liked that answer but they all know it's true. Piper had a concerned look on her face. It looked like she trying to figure out how to word something.
"Drew sent me an Iris Message last night and told me a new prophecy." Piper announced. Everyone was now very intrigued. They all looked at her impatiently. "It was:
One the quest true colors are shone,
One will be left alone to roam,
Wisdom's daughter walks alone,
The Mark of Athena burns through Rome."
Everyone had an uncomfortable look on their face. Instantly, all eyes traveled to Annabeth. Her grey eyes were swirling with embarrassment and guilt. The only ones who didn't seemed as shocked were Frank, Hazel, and Percy. They exchanged looks and finally Percy spoke.
"The Romans already knew the last two lines. We heard it a little before you came." There was an awkward silence. Something told Annabeth that this was going to be an awkward trip.
"So, um… we're leaving today!" Leo broke the silence with that outburst. Everyone looked up in alarm.
"Today?" Percy asked in shock. His sea green eyes were filled with excitement, but a little worry. Leo gave an excited nod. Percy put his arm around Annabeth and smiled. Piper rested her head on Jason's shoulder and he looked at her with caring electric blue eyes. Frank and Hazel intertwined their fingers gently. Leo was hunched over next to Piper. Her kaleidoscope eyes spotted him alone. She gave him a small smile and put her arm around him. "If we're leaving today than we should get packing." Percy announced. He stood and so did everyone else. Leo led the group of the boat and Percy, Annabeth, Hazel and Frank went to go pack. Annabeth ran to her cabin and collected all of her clothes and put them in a small bag. She took so nectar and ambrosia, and her knife. Before she put the knife in the bag she inspected it. She thought about how Luke and Thalia took her in as one of the family. They didn't judge her for her age, but for her skill. Luke was so kind and gentle. Then she thought about how he went to the dark side. Then she thought about the day he died. How he couldn't hurt her. And he asked if she loved him. A tear rolled down Annabeth's face. When Annabeth turned around a figure was there staring straight at her. He had blonde hair and blue eyes. He seemed to be tall. When he stepped into light Annabeth's heart stopped.
"Luke?" Annabeth gulped. He nodded. Annabeth started to cry.
"I've come to warn you, Annabeth. Don't make the same mistake I did. Trust me; it won't work out in the end. It doesn't matter what they promised they'd do if you didn't. Don't follow my path Annabeth." Annabeth looked at him with watery eyes. "I loved you, Annabeth." Annabeth looked down, but when she looked back up Luke was gone. All that took his space was bright air. Annabeth dropped to her knees and put her head in her hands. Her curly blonde hair fell messily over her hands. She collected herself and stood. She straightened her orange Camp Half-Blood shirt. She finished packing and slung her bag over her shoulder. She wiped her tears and walked outside the cabin. She saw Percy passing by and she ran to him. She hugged him tight and rested her head on his shoulder. He didn't know what was wrong, but he knew she needed comforting. She rubbed her back and relaxed her.
"I love you, Seaweed Brain." Annabeth said. Her eyes were filled with deep love and compassion.
"I love you too, Wise Girl." Percy replied. Annabeth smiled. She felt so safe in his arms, and it was her job to make sure he stayed safe.