Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson and the Olympians

A/N: This is basically what Percy experienced in the last chapter but with Annabeth seeing it.

Chapter 9

Annabeth knew it was stupid, heck, following anyone home was stupid but she didn't care. She wanted to find out the truth, not the lies Percy told her. So a few seconds later before anyone could change her mind, she found a pathway with lots of bushes and hid behind one. Maybe she should have brought one of those military camouflaged uniforms her brothers had. That would certainly help with all the secrecy. She wasn't that good with following people, but luckily there were almost no people on the street. She accidentally went to another bush and the leaves rattled. She saw him stiffen and look behind him, but relaxed when he saw it was just leaves.

Annabeth was about or go back home, once she saw the neighborhood Percy lived in. She didn't think any of the people that lived here knew what 'no littering' meant. Garbage was thrown all over, and the buildings looked like it would fall down any second. She didn't hide behind bushes anymore; she hid behind the garbage cans that were still standing, which weren't that many. She would have to make use of five garbage cans that held far distances from each other. And even though they smelt really bad, she had to do this.

Annabeth was about to go to another garbage can when she heard footsteps. Her mind searched for any escape options if anyone saw her using like this but she didn't have to worry. Or at least she didn't have to worry for herself. She worried for Percy when she saw a gang approach him. Two gun shots went up in the air and she hoped that it didn't hit Percy. Taking a deep breath she looked at him, who was thankfully still alive. She heard them say something and eavesdropped on the conversation.

"Jackson!" The person said. Oh god, they knew him? What if he was a drug dealer? "Heard yo mother's dead!"

Another bullet went up in the air and Annabeth saw Percy grit his teeth. His mother is dead? What about his dad? Who does he live with? Questions swirled in her head like a whirlpool of water. She saw him look deep in thought.

"You listening to me?" The leader said harshly.

Annabeth saw Percy nod, and she worried for him even more. He kept a facade in school, so she wondered what he was really like.

"Well that's a shame. Looks like she is dead after all." The gang all jeered at him.

Well one question was answered, Annabeth thought. His mother is dead. God...

"Don't talk about her." Percy said in a chilling voice that scared Annabeth a tiny bit but the gang seemed unfazed.

That was all Percy said before he ran to his apartment. Annabeth looked at the gang's reaction, while worrying for him. Get inside your apartment! Annabeth thought urgently, while going to the next garbage can closest to the apartment. 3...2...1... The leader was gaining on him but Percy stuck the keys in the keyhole and closed the door quickly.

Annabeth breathed a sigh of relief, but it wasn't over yet. She didn't know how but she had the perfect view of inside the apartment from the garbage can and saw everything. Talking was heard behind the door, and that was all she saw before the leader slammed the door open and did a roundhouse kick to the stomach that left the man flying to the floor.

Now Annabeth had a view of inside the apartment. If you could call it one anyway. She wondered where Percy was and found out seconds later. He was hidden in the couch but the gang had found him. She risked sneaking a bit further to hear what they were saying.

"You sneaky little bastard you are." One of the members said.

And with those words said, that person took out a gun from his belt and placed it in Percy's temple. Annabeth gasped and her eyes widened. That was it; she had to call the cops. While she waited for the line to go through, she heard more of the conversation.

"Can't talk so well with a gun in your head huh?" The person said harshly.

"Yes, hello? My friend is in danger, a gun is going to be used if you don't get here soon!" Annabeth whispered urgently, and hung up the phone, knowing that the police could locate the location.

"You know what?" The leader asked his teammates, and Annabeth listened in worry. "Screw him, burn the place down."

The person with the gun removed the gun from his temple, and shoved Percy one last time. Annabeth felt useless hiding like this. She knew she should help somehow, but she didn't know how. She saw a car pulling up the block and was glad they didn't put on the sirens. But would the cops get here fast enough? Just as she was about to throw a trashcan to cause a distraction, the police began running towards the building.

Annabeth kept staying in her hiding spot and looked at the apartment once again.

"Anything said will be used against you in the court." Annabeth heard the police say.

The leader glared and kicked him hard. Annabeth saw that he hadn't dropped the lighter. Yet. She felt sweat pouring down her face as she tried to make soundless movements with her feet, while running fast. And that was when it happened. The leader dropped the lighter. She began sprinting, and as if she had teleported, she caught the lighter in her hands. The lighter was on, so her hand stung, but it was worth the trouble. What was a burn to a life?

"You'll have to come too sir." The cop said, looking at Percy and the man.

"We'll stay here." The man said, and glared at the cop, daring him to say anything else.

Annabeth stared at the man curiously. Was the man Percy's father? He didn't look like it. He only had a few strands of hair on his head and it was slicked back as if it made him look cool. The man reeked off moldy pizza, so no. She didn't think this man was his father. So that meant he was adopted? Annabeth thought. But he doesn't look like the guy who would adopt him... What if Percy's a slave? Is that his secret? She was once again, interrupted of her thoughts and saw that all the cops left except for her.

"Annabeth what were you doing?" Percy asked her while rubbing his head.

Annabeth examined Percy. He looked nervous. He still didn't want to say the secret?

"Percy-" Annabeth started, she had saved his life and he repaid her by closing himself up again?

"What are you doing here girlie?" The man asked gruffly.

Annabeth didn't want to look at the man. She had a lot on her mind and billions of questions.

"Annabeth go." Percy pleaded.

Annabeth had a split second of hesitation. Should she leave? Or stay?

Stay.

Leave.

Stay.

Leave.

Stay.

Leave…

Annabeth left the apartment with slight hesitation, going through the doorway without the door. She hadn't figured out Percy, but at least she had saved his life. Maybe now, he would open up to her, and maybe. Just maybe, become friends.

A/N: Not my best I think, but at least a chapter. And also 40 reviews so far, it would be awesome if it hit 50 reviews or more before I write chapter 10. And I take requests, so if you have any suggestions, I'd be happy to take some!