Chapter 33! (finally some Percabeth! xD )

Annabeth

For a moment I didn't comprehend it. I mean, seriously, can you ban someone from seeing someone else?

But it soon registered in my mind. And it registered like a punch to the gut.

I rounded on my mother, my face contorted in rage, "How could you do this?" Athena was calmly getting up from her gray marble throne. She turned towards me. Her face was expressionless to some people, but beneath that every present mask I could see she was satisfied and a bit smug.

My mouth opened and closed. I was unable to think of words harsh enough to say.

"You should be grateful, Annabeth," my mother said, folding her arms across her stomach. "At least I didn't object to you two being forbidden to see each other starting tomorrow, when you will go back home. I let you have the rest of the day and tomorrow morning. You will be leaving at noon tomorrow, by the way." She was about to walk out of the room, but I stopped her.

"Don't you dare walk away from me like nothing happened, Athena." My voice was dangerously low, overflowing with venom.

The goddess froze, and turned back to look at me. Her eyebrows furrowed, and her grey eyes were narrowed. "You are not one to command me to do things, young lady. Am I understood?" She practically spit the words at my face.

Her eyes were like thunderclouds. Dark, perilous, and threatening. Like I had said before, a mad Athena was not a pretty sight. If I had to guess, I would say she was the goddess of scariness. But I was angrier than I've ever been before. I imagined my dark grey eyes were a hurricane, or a tornado. Much worse than a thundercloud. Knowing how mad I was, I wouldn't be surprised if they actually looked like what I imagined.

I stood up and looked Athena straight in the eyes, "I will when you understand that you can't command me either."

"I'm trying to protect you," my mother said, her eyebrows rising, "not hurt you."

"Well, you're failing." I replied shortly. It was true. The thought of never seeing Percy Jackson again, the endearing, cute, funny boy that I had grown to care so much about made my mind almost want to explode in pain, anger, and sadness.

"Annabeth Chase. That boy has clouded your mind, contaminating it," Athena stated. "This is for the best."

"That may be what you think, but it isn't true! Percy is one of my best friends, and he has saved my life many times!"

"Annabeth, as your mother, I know this is the best for you, even if you don't. You will look back one day and thank me. That son of Poseidon is just an unwanted distraction."

I felt like hitting something. Preferably my mother. But I just let out a frustrated mini scream instead. "He is not just an unwanted distraction, and as much as you try to convince me otherwise, I do care about him. And I know I will regret it and hate you for it if I just leave this be." I was struggling to keep my composure and complexion calm.

"As I said before, your mind is clouded," her words were clipped at the end, and I could hear an unmistakable tone of command in it. "I'm sorry, but it can't be changed."

Usually, when my mother used that tone in our arguments, I just dropped it and gave up, although most times I still thought I was the right one in the argument. It was just to keep the peace between me and my mother. But I was done with that. Just looking at Athena's face made rage bubble up in my stomach, clenching at my heart until I had to let it out.

I stood there, my hands shaking in fury. I put as much anger in my voice as I possibly could, and that was easy, seeing as I probably couldn't speak without an angry voice at the moment. "You aren't sorry, Athena. Even though you say this is to protect me, don't think for a second that I don't know this is just another way for you to irritate Poseidon. I don't think my mind is the clouded one."

Athena ignored me, but I could see that she tensed and breathed more deeply. For a second, I thought I would bear the wrath of Athena for insulting her, and get incinerated on the spot. But the goddess took a step forward. Then another. I stared at her until she had fully exited the council room. Most of the people had left, but some hadn't yet. All the demigods were still here, as was Poseidon, Zeus, Artemis, and Apollo.

I felt someone come up beside me, and felt a hand on my arm as Darryn tried to comfort me.

"Annabeth, it's okay. It's not like it's the end of the world or anything." He said.

I got mad at his words. Well, you aren't the one being banished from seeing their best friend. I angrily shoved his hand off, not meeting his eyes. I glanced across the room to see Percy arguing with his father. There was a lot of hand throwing and shouting. Then Percy turned away, sitting back down in his chair. His hands ran through his black hair, making it even more unruly than it was before. Poseidon pinched the bridge of his nose. After taking a few deep breaths, he looked at Zeus.

"Zeus, please… don't do this," Poseidon begged.

Zeus grimly shook his head. "I'm sorry, but the vote was made, and Athena did have logical reasons. She just wants to keep her daughter safe."

Poseidon glared at his brother, but Zeus shrugged, spreading his hands out and saying, "You can take it up with Athena herself if you want to argue more, brother. However, I advise you not too. It would not end well. Just give it time. The children will get over it."

Poseidon just shook his head, then pivoted on his heel, stalking out of the room. Zeus sighed, watching his brother, then turned to the twin gods still present in the room.

"Is there anything you need? Why are you still here?"

Apollo looked at Zeus, no expressions upon his face. But soon, his face morphed into one of disappointment. "I just want you to know that I fully disapprove of this. I didn't think you and the other gods would be this cruel. It's a true and pure friendship." He slowly shook his head, then followed Poseidon's path out of the room.

Artemis looked at the ground for a moment, then her steely gaze met Zeus. "As much as my brother and I don't see eye to eye, I can't help but agree completely with him on this matter." She got to her feet, nodded goodbye to Thalia, then paced gracefully out of the room.

Zeus sat for a moment longer, rubbing his temples. I'm pretty sure every demigod was glaring accusingly at him. I would've felt bad for him had I not been so mad.

The king of the gods looked up wearily, "You are dismissed." I remembered that we weren't allowed to leave until Zeus permits it. None of us moved for a moment. Then my brothers headed for the door, departing the council room. The rest of my guards quickly followed them. They all filtered out until it was just me, Percy, Thalia, Jason, and Nico left in the room.

Thalia shook her head, seeming madder than I've ever seen her. She looked disgusted with her father as well. Turning quickly, she stomped out, slamming the door as hard as she could. Actually, she slammed it too hard, so that it didn't stay, and bounced back open again. I saw Zeus wince, gazing after his daughter.

Thalia pounding loudly down the hall. Knowing her, she would probably be mentally yelling severe curses in her head, or whispering fiercely under her breath. As she walked by a vase on the ground she aimed a kick at it, shattering the intricately carved glass.

Jason left behind her. Quieter, and more calmly, but no less angry. I looked back to see Nico gone as well. I don't know how he got out, cause I hadn't seen him leave. But I pushed that to the back of my mind.

I stared long and hard at Zeus, Percy doing the same.

My mouth opened, but like before with my mother, I didn't know what to say, so I shut it. I looked helplessly at Percy, and he stared back at me similarly. Then he looked down at the floor, fists clenched.

"Now," he started in an angry voice, "I officially hate Athena." I nodded slightly in agreement.

The son of Poseidon turned to Zeus, his sea green eyes pleading. "Please, Uncle…" He trailed off uncertainly.

Zeus didn't say anything, he just looked back and forth between me and Percy. Then he firmly shook his head. "Go. You have until tomorrow, when Ms. Chase will leave. Captain, another quest has arisen, and you and your team will be dispatched tomorrow afternoon." Then Zeus turned away, obviously done with the small conversation.

My jaw tightened as I scowled at Zeus's back. My gaze shifted to Percy, who was looking at me with unbearably sad eyes. I couldn't stand it anymore. If I stayed any longer, I would explode. Swinging around, I trudged out of the room.

Once I was in the hallway I started running, trying to get anywhere to be alone. My mind drifted towards Percy.

His bright green eyes. His lopsided smile. His untamed ebony hair. The way he could make me annoyed and irritated with him, but still set off the butterflies in my stomach. His easy and joking manner that I liked so much.

Tears threatened to overtake my eyes, but I shoved them away. I would not cry over this.

If I had never met Percy, I would've scoffed and called myself an idiot for acting this way over one boy.

But I had met Percy. And Percy was different than any other boy I have ever met. He was exceedingly loyal and kind, humble, and someone I could rely on. Sure, I had lots of other people to rely on, like Thalia, Piper, and even my brothers.

But they just didn't understand as well as Percy did. You would've thought we had been friends ever since we were born, seeing how much we know and understand each other. Percy was kinda like my brother, even though I didn't think of him in a brother way.

And here we are, getting forbidden to see each other.

My feet carried me down halls and past people, but I didn't pay any attention to them. My grey tunic fluttered along with me as I searched for somewhere quiet.

Finally I came across a room that was empty, save for a window, some chairs, and a few torches.

I plopped down in a chair and held my face in my hands. Knowing I had until tomorrow with Percy, I should probably spend some time with him. But at the moment, if Percy came in, I would either break down and cry like a little baby, or get mad and hurt something or someone.

Slowly, I lifted my head and dejectedly studied my surroundings. The window in front of me held the view of the ocean. I could see great waves rise, then crash down upon the deserted, sandy beach. The sun that was directly up in the sky made bright sparkles on the sea. The ocean and beach was all I could see from the left to the right. Even though it was one of the prettiest sights, it made me think of Percy, and I didn't really feel like thinking about that person at the moment.

I tore my gaze away from the enchanting water and looked at the bleak room. Three torches were placed on the white walls, and the wooden chair I was sitting on was one of five. But there was no table, just chairs. Pulling my feet up to the chair, I tightly hugged my knees.

I don't know how long I saw there, watching the waves and trying got calm my mind. I had taken out the brooch in my hair, and undid the braid, letting my golden curls fall across my shoulder. The sun slowly crept down right in front of me, and from that I knew I was looking to the west.

The sunset was a radiant display of colors. Pink and purple hues shot across the sky, fading in with streaks of orange and yellow. The puffy clouds held the light, making it look as if there were two oceans. One composed of sea green water, and the other with pink waves in the sky. It was beautiful.

I admired it, but right now it would be more fitting if it was raining, dark, and dreary. That's certainly how I felt.

The sun soon dropped completely over the horizon, leaving nothing but darkness behind it. The room I was in was still bright, though, thanks to the torches.

I sat still in the light of the lamps for a little longer, then decided that, even thought I didn't want to, I had better head back.

Unfolding my legs, I stood up on my cramped knees. Steadily walking to the door, I twisted the handle, and gently pulled it open. The lit up hallway held no one in it, except for me. I remembered that I had no idea how to get back to my room, so I decided to just walk until I could find someone.

I soon ran into one a petite nymph carrying towels.

"Excuse me," I said, causing her to pause. "Could you give me directions to the demigod girls sleeping rooms, please?"

The nymph smiled kindly. "Of course. These towels are actually for your room and I was headed there myself. Come."

She started floating down the hall and into a doorway.

I followed in silence, the only noise was the soft thump as my leather sandals hit the marble floor. The hallways started to get more and more familiar as we neared my room. We went past the boys' door, and I strained to see if I could hear anything. There wasn't a sound. Either they were just sitting, doing nothing, or it was later than I thought and they were all asleep already.

We came to my door and I stopped the nymph, "I can bring those in for you."

"Oh, why thank you!" She said. I took the towels from her hands, nodded my thanks for showing me the way, then stepped up to my closed door as the nymph drifted away.

I took a deep breath. I was sure the girls would still be awake, waiting for me, and I knew they would deliver a mountain of questions. Preparing myself, I reached forward, opening the door. I stepped in, and quietly closed the door with my heel.

"Annabeth! Where were you? We were worried sick!" Piper exclaimed, jumping up from her seat on the bed. Thalia popped her head up from her bed, and I could see she was as worried as Piper. I didn't see Lacy or Hazel, though.

Piper gave me a quick hug as I answered, "I was just sitting in an empty room, why were you worrying?"

"Because knowing you," Thalia said, jumping down to the floor and walking over to me, "if you're mad, then you would probably go do something stupid like try to kill fifty hydras by yourself to release your anger."

I was too tired to roll my eyes, so I just said sardonically, "Well, don't worry. I wasn't." I traipsed over to the bathroom. I put the towels on the counter, then came back out to see Piper and Thalia still watching me.

I stared back. "Where's Hazel and Lacy?" I asked, searching my dresser for a pair of sleeping clothes.

Piper was still staring at me sadly, her lips pursed. "They went to go look for you." I nodded, then looked back at my dresser.

I heard soft clumps as someone walked over to me. A soft hand laid itself on my shoulder.

"Annabeth, are you… okay?" Piper queried, sounding concerned.

I stopped looking and exhaled deeply. This time, my eyes did go up to the ceiling. Why is it that every time someone asks a person if they are okay, the person is very obviously not okay? But I subdued my anger, knowing that Piper was just worried about me.

Still, I didn't answer her question, and resumed looking for clothes.

Piper didn't say anything else. I heard the door open and two pairs of feet walked in, who I was assuming it was Hazel and Lacy.

Soft but urgent whisper conversations went on, no doubt Thalia and Piper filling the two in. I settled on a black tunic with dark blue leggings, which was something that I could wear during the day, but I still thought they were really comfy. I headed for the bathroom. While I was changing, I realized that I hadn't eaten or dank anything for hours. I wasn't hungry, nor very thirsty, but I knew it would be smart to at least drink something. I filled a cup with water and swallowed it, feeling the coolness run down the back of my throat.

Picking up my old clothes, I walked back out. I practically fell onto my bed, mentally drained and exhausted from the day.

I heard creaks and covers moving as the rest of the girls got into bed. Someone covered the torches, and the wall that I was staring at went black.

Just like Percy's hair, my mind thought.

Shut up, I told myself, trying to push away any thoughts of Percy. I heard the girls say goodnight, but I didn't bother to answer. Flipping onto my stomach, I grabbed my pillow, burying my face in the soft cushion. My hands slipped underneath it, and something made a crinkling noise. I paused, eyes wide, and waited to see if anybody had heard it. Apparently nobody had, for no questions were asked.

Struggling to keep my breathing even so the girls wouldn't notice anything different in the atmosphere, I gently grabbed the small thing from under my pillow and pulled it out cautiously, endeavoring to make no noise.

It was a piece of paper, that I could tell, but I couldn't make out anything else. As quiet as I could be, I slipped out of my bed, tiptoeing to the bathroom.

Thalia sat up in her bed, as did all the others, and asked, "Annabeth?"

"Bathroom," I answered brusquely. I guess it was a good enough answer for her, because she laid back down. Piper, who I could barely make out, was the only one that stayed sitting up for a moment more, and I could almost feel her suspicious eyes on me. But she too fell back on her pillows as I reached the bathroom door and slipped in.

I took a deep breath, staying with my back to the door for a moment, then hurriedly uncovered a torch, letting light fill the room. I unwrapped the small paper clenched in my palm, and read the equally small message written on it.

Wise Girl,

Please meet me at the practice arena at an hour past midnight.

Seaweed Brain

My breath started up again rapidly. I was glad that I had decided to sleep in a tunic, so I wouldn't have to change. If I had to change, I was sure that the girls would definitely be asking questions.

I checked the clock in the bathroom. It was a half an hour before midnight.

Slipping the note into my pocket, I silently went back into the room after closing the torch, and climbed into my bed. I had taken an hourglass with me, but concealed it by the wall so the girls couldn't see it. But it was dark enough in the room that I bet they wouldn't be able to see it anyways.

I didn't ever come close to falling asleep, cause my mind was still racing, despite being exhausted. Time seemed to pass slowly than ever. Finally, the hourglass ran out, and I flipped it once more, waiting for it to be halfway done.

When that was over, I listened to the other girls, making sure they were asleep. Soft snores and loud breathing could be heard, and once I was convinced they were asleep, I slipped off my covers, and walked light-footed over to the door. I held my breath as the door let off a soft squeak of protest as I opened it slowly. I waited for one of the girls to wake up and demand where I was going.

Fortunately, all that happened was Thalia tossing in her sleep and muttering something about chocolate cake and arrows. A slight smile came to my face, but it soon vanished when I closed the door again. I paced through the hallway, past the door of the boys' room.

When I had been led to the arena yesterday, I had memorized as best as I could the route to get there. I wasn't disappointed as I recounted my memories, entered doorways and halls, and eventually ended up in front of the wooden doors of the practice arena. I hadn't encountered anybody while getting here, which was probably a good thing, thinking of the break ins and burglaries that Mount Olympus had had. I don't think a citizen of Mount Olympus would think highly of an alone wandering demigod stalking through the hallways trying not to be seen.

I opened the doors, and closed them softly behind me. I turned to the arena and saw that only a single torch was lit. It was right above a cushioned and large bench that was meant for people to watch the practicing on. A lone figure sat on it, his head hung low with his hands clutching at the black locks of hair.

My heart raced at the sight of Percy sitting there, and I walked as quietly as I could over to him. But Percy was alert, and his head shot up as I neared him. My grey eyes caught his startlingly bright green ones as I came to sit by him.

After I had sat myself next to him, silence ensued.

Percy's head rested on the wall behind us, and he looked at the ceiling, breathing steadily. I gazed at the shadows we cast on the floor.

Then Percy's head came off of the wall and he looked at me, "Thanks for coming."

"Why wouldn't I come?" I asked. He shrugged, but didn't look away from me. I stared back at him, studying his face, and trying to memorize every inch of it so I could never forget it. From the firm jawline up to his black hair.

I decided that an apology was in store for me. After all, I had basically ignored him for the entire day, and it was the last day we had together. "I… I'm sorry for avoiding you today. I was just… I just needed to calm down. I felt like I would explode if anybody talked to me."

"I understand. I felt the same way, and spent most of my day either here or at the stables with the horses," he replied.

I sighed, clenching my jaw, "I know. You do understand. Actually, you would probably be the only one to understand." Percy exhaled too, and didn't say anything as I continued, "Percy, over the small time that I've known you, I've learned that… well, that you were a very annoying demigod." He smiled slightly, his head dropping down.

I looked at him, "But I've also learned that you and I are a lot alike. Both annoying, stubborn, and persistent. I would definitely consider you my best friend, even if you didn't."

Percy shook his head, "Oh I do, Annabeth. Don't think any differently, either."

"You're someone I can rely on, and I really need that."

Percy slammed his fist down onto the bench, saying angrily, "Yes, and I can rely on you too. But now we won't be able too, thanks to those stupid gods who voted."

Pursing my lips, I put a soft hand on Percy's shoulder, trying to comfort him. He continued, but now his angriness was replaced with despair and sadness. "I can't believe they would just do that. I mean, it's just a friendship. And if your mother thinks I would ever hurt you, then she is dead wrong. I would never even think of hurting you. I feel as if I should constantly be protecting you, Annabeth. But, if we get banished from seeing each other again, then I won't be able to do that."

"Percy, I'll be safe at Athena's temple. And I know that she will double, or maybe even triple the amount of guards I have." I reassured him.

Percy sighed, not meeting my eyes. "I don't know It's just that… well, your life is too precious to me to have you be protected by someone else. I don't know how loyal your guards would be to you, or how far they would go for you. I don't know if they would do as much as I would for you- that is, everything."

I sat there, stunned, for a moment, shocked by Percy's confession of how much he cared about me. I knew I would do the same for him, but I didn't know he would do the same.

"Percy… thank you. You have no idea how much that meant to me," I said, truly meaning it.

Percy's shoulders lifted and dropped. "Well, it's true. I'd just beat myself up if anything happened to you without me to protect you. I don't know if I could keep you totally safe, but I would know that I at least had tried my best."

I was really touched by Percy's protectiveness. Unfortunately, that just made me like him more, and I couldn't let my affections grow, because it would just hurt me more when I had to leave.

"Percy… they couldn't mean… well, did they really mean it when the gods say we were banished rom seeing each other for… forever?" I guess I knew it was true, but my mind just wouldn't wrap around the concept of forever.

"I don't know." Percy said truthfully. But he smiled slightly and looked at me, "But even if they did, I won't let that happen. I'll find a way to see you again, okay?"

My lower lip quivered. I bit it, trying so hard not to cry. "You promise?" My voice cracked.

Percy nodded solemnly, "I swear it on the River Styx."

I should've been alarmed, and told him he shouldn't swear basically his life on it, but the selfish part of me was happy that he did. I just couldn't stand living my life without ever seeing Percy again. As cheesy as it sounds, it was true.

But even though I tried my hardest, one drop of water escaped from my eye. The single tear made it's journey down my cheek, stopping at my chin.

Percy immediately frowned at the sight of the tear. His hand came up, and his thumb gently wiped away the tear. "Please don't cry, Wise Girl. I hate seeing you so sad."

I blinked hard and frequently, cursing myself for letting that tear fall.

We sat in silence for a little more. During the quiet, my mind thought about Percy, and about how much I cared for him, and how much I would miss this best friend.

But Percy stood up, announcing, "We should probably head back before anyone wakes up."

I nodded, taking the hand that Percy offered, and he helped me up. I was surprised but happy when he didn't let go of my hand, but kept it in his throughout the walk back.

He's just being friendly. I thought.

But I couldn't help but feel something more than friendship...

Stop. Stop right there. I couldn't think like this. Percy and you are separating tomorrow.

My heart clenched in pain at that thought. But even though I knew I shouldn't encourage my feelings, I didn't let go of his hand, and he didn't let go of mine either.

We soon made it back, and Percy accompanied me to my door. I turned to Percy. We just looked at each other for a while, then Percy spoke up.

"It's gonna be okay, Annabeth." He opened his mouth again, as if to say more, then hesitated, and closed it. My mind was going crazy, processing the numbing pain, sadness, and the anger coursing through me. I felt as if I would burst from all the emotions piling up in me.

Percy dropped his gaze. "Goodnight, Annabeth."

I felt like I should say something. Anything to lessen the pain. But I couldn't bring myself to do it. Instead I said goodnight, turned, and half jogged to my door. I stepped into my room, closing the door behind me without a single glance back. Walking quietly, I crawled into my bed.

Just in time to clap a hand towards my mouth to muffle the gasping sob torn from my body, made of despondence and agony.

I laid in my bed, rocking back and forth, crying silently. I finally let all that hurt and sorrow, which I had been holding back all day, flow out of me with my tears.

But it still didn't release me from the prison of misery that I had been enclosed in.

I woke up early in the morning, but I didn't go to practice. I didn't want to get up. I wanted to stay in my bed, and just let my worries and anxiety of the day disappear. So I laid there for a few more hours.

But I had to face it.

Sighing, I sat up, rubbing my sore eyes. I had probably gotten an hour of sleep last night, what with all the crying and thinking.

I stood up, looking around the room. I saw that Thalia was awake, and fiddling with some of her arrows at the desk. Hazel and Lacy were still asleep, and Piper was laying in her bed, but her eyes were open.

Both of the girls head's spun around when I got up. Thalia nodded good morning, and I returned it. Piper was looking at me, probably taking in my dry and rubbed eyes, and knowing that I had been crying. Being a daughter of Aphrodite, she could tell what people were feeling by their actions and faces more than a normal person.

I moved my head, ignoring her probing eyes. Getting changed quickly, I walked back out and asked, "So, when are you two leaving?" Thalia had been planning to go with Artemis back to the hunt, and Piper and Lacy were going to stay a few more days at Mount Olympus, then depart for their homes along the coastline of eastern Greece. Hazel was in Percy's group, the only girl, and she would be leaving this afternoon with them.

Piper smiled at me, "Actually, I'm going to accompany you home Annabeth, and stay there with you for a few weeks. My mom said I could use a vacation, so I'm coming home with you. Is that okay?" My heart lifted a little. With everything going on, it would be awesome to have one of my best friends with me to help me through all of this.

I beamed at her, "Perfect with me."

"Thalia is too! I convinced her." Piper said, looking at the hunter.

Thalia rolled her eyes. "Only for you, Annabeth. I'm gonna stay for a few weeks as well."

I couldn't help but let a grin show on my face, but it was half-hearted, for I couldn't forget what was happening today.

"But I can't come back with you, and neither can Hazel. Sorry, Annabeth." Lacy said. Apparently she and Hazel had woken up while I was getting changed. They were sitting on the bunk bed next to Piper's.

"That's fine, guys. I'll see you sometime." I reassured them. "What time is it?" I asked Piper, cause I had forgotten to look in the bathroom.

"Half past ten."

"What?! Really?" It was later than I had thought. Apparently I had stayed in bed for longer than I imagined.

"Yeah, I know. You slept in really late, girl. Oh, and your mom stopped by to tell us that she wasn't going with us back to her temple, she has to stay a few extra days to work some things out. And she said to keep all the clothes in your drawer." Thalia informed me. I nodded, walking over to my dresser. I was glad I had missed Athena's visit, cause there was no doubt I would probably get furious again and start yelling at my mom.

Putting all the clothes into a bag, I sat on my bed, unsure of what to do then until noon. I wasn't that hungry, so I skipped breakfast. Taking out my blade, I started to clean it off, oiling it again and sharpening it. I talked for a little while with the girls, and did some chores around the room so I could make things easier for Mellie while she cleaned. But it was like I was watching myself do it. My body felt numb, as if I was moving on someone else's accord.

I just wasn't feeling anything. I was numb to the pain swirling around me.

I was sitting my bed, staring at the wall, when Piper laid a hand on my shoulder. "Annabeth, it's time to go." Nodding slowly, I stood up, grabbing my bag. Lacy and Hazel said goodbye to me, and through a lot of hugs and "it's going to be ok"s, I finally headed for the door, Thalia and Piper following with their own bags.

We walked together to the front door. All my guards were waiting there for us, as were Percy, Jason, and Nico.

I leaned over and asked Thalia in a low voice, "What are they doing here?"

Thalia looked at me, eyebrow raised, "It's not like you're going to leave without saying goodbye."

"Oh, right. Duh." I replied, mentally smacking myself for being so dumb. Get yourself back into the world, Annabeth. I commanded myself. I struggled to clear my mind, bringing myself into the present.

Percy said as we got nearer, "We're going to go with you to the end of the bridge." I nodded, then watched as two of my guards pushed open the big doors, showing me the view of the small village laid out before us, and the stairs leading down and around the fountain in front of Mount Olympus. When I had came here, I was stunned by the beauty of the place, but now I really couldn't care less.

Shouldering my bag, I followed the procession down the stairs. In the back of my mind I registered that my guards had taken up a formation around me, even though we weren't yet out of Mount Olympus.

I looked down to see if the bridge had been repaired. It looked as if it had been, for I could not see any bit of the previous damage on it. Every crater had been filled in and retiled and carved. The fires had also been put out. It looked shiny as ever.

Nobody talked as we walked through the town, reaching the bridge. I had seen one or two nymphs, but overall, it looked as if the village was still asleep. We paused as one or two guards went up, checking for any monsters visible on the outside of the boundary. Apparently positive results were brought up, and we stepped out.

I glanced for the first time at Percy as we walked across the bridge to the spot where we would be teleported. His black hair was rustling in the wind, creating ever shifting patterns over his sea green eyes. His tall form was walking placidly, and his strong arms swung down from his broad shoulders, occasionally resting on the hilt of Riptide at his belt. He was wearing no armor, just a dark green tunic.

He met my eyes, and I could see as much pain and sorrow as I felt in his green orbs. I couldn't look anymore, and my gaze dropped, now looking at the engraved marble bridge below me.

We reached the end of the bridge, which was good and bad. Good because I didn't want to suffer through these feelings of being so close to Percy, yet leaving him so soon. Bad because I wanted more time with him. Ahead of us, right at the edge of the pathway was a square black hole in the sky, as big as a doorway. It would teleport us back to the fortress, so we could journey back home.

We all stopped. Percy and I didn't move as people around us started saying their goodbyes. I saw Thalia hugging Nico goodbye, then rubbing his head like he was a little brother, and Nico rolling his eyes and swatting her hand away. Piper was leaning back in Jason's arms and talking to him. I also watched with more interest as Piper kissed Jason's cheek, then stepped away faintly blushing, as if embarrassed by her actions.

Jason and Nico came up to me. I stepped forward, hugging Jason. I gave him a mini smile, then turned to Nico and did the same.

As I did, Nico shifted and put his mouth next to my ear, whispering quietly, "You'll see him again, Annie." For once I didn't care about the nickname. I offered a tiny nod, but my smile didn't make it.

I faced Percy, who was shuffling his feet and looking at the ground. When he looked up, my heart tore at the anguished look in his face. I didn't say anything, and Percy did the same. Then I couldn't help it.

I practically leapt forward, straight into Percy's waiting arms. I gripped his shirt, burying my head in his chest. Percy's arms went around me, one around my waist, and the other one around my shoulders. I felt perfectly safe here, right in his arms. I felt as if nothing could hurt me, cause I was with Percy right now. His head was in between my head and my shoulders, and his nose barely touched my neck. I could feel his ragged breaths on my skin. My hands slipped from his shirt to around his waist, trying to comfort him as much as he comforted me. His arms tightened around me, holding me closer to him.

I wished we could just stay like this forever, and wait for the world to end the sadness we were both feeling. But we couldn't.

Taking a shaky breath, I leaned back in the embrace, looking Percy in the eyes. "Goodbye, Percy."

But I didn't take my eyes away, nor did I step away. I didn't want to leave. It was so unfair. But I was too miserable to get mad at the gods at the moment.

Tears once again pricked my eyes, causing me to blink rapidly, trying to dismiss them. Get a hold of yourself, girl.

I felt like doing it. That one thing. But I knew I would regret it. I definitely wanted to do it, but it would hurt so much more when I had to leave. Better to part as just good friends, with nothing more on the line.

But obviously Percy had different ideas, and he leaned closer.

And closer.

No. It would hurt too much later. But I couldn't move, his sea green eyes transfixing me. As he got really close, I could see the swirls of green and blue. I could've been back on the day when I was attacked by the mermen, surrounded by the sea. Except this sea was Percy's eyes, and they were a much nicer looking sea, if I could give my opinion. There was only a few inches between us now.

I gave in. I didn't care about everybody watching, and pushed my head forward, shoving away the space that was stuck between me and Percy.

As our lips touched, the world narrowed so that only Percy and I existed. Only the feel of his lips on mine. Only his hand on my waist, and the other tangled in my blonde curls. Only our bodies pressed closely together, taking warmth from each other in the chilly morning air. His lips were soft, gentle, and just perfect. I wish I could control time and make us freeze like this forever. It was a soft kiss, and not rushed. My mind took in little details, like how Percy smelled like the ocean, or the way my nose brushed Percy's smooth cheek.

Because it only lasted about ten seconds, it was even a more precious moment. I felt like I was happy for the first time today day and yesterday.

But we had to leave each other. I relished the kiss, knowing that it wouldn't last forever. When we pulled apart, I didn't totally leave his embrace, but left my forehead on Percy's. I stayed in his arms as well, but my breathing was shaky because I was striving to not shed tears.

My grey eyes stared into his green ones, getting lost in the spiraling colors.

In a voice so low that only I could hear it, he said, "I will see you again, Wise Girl."

I clenched my jaw, swallowing hard. I would've been elated if that kiss had happened earlier, before the council. But the kiss had been a parting kiss. A parting kiss. That meant we were leaving each other. I wouldn't be seeing this boy that made my heart race every time I saw him for a long time. Which also meant I wouldn't feel perfectly safe either, without Percy Jackson by my side.

I dipped my head, "I'll be waiting for you, Seaweed Brain."

With that, I carefully stepped back. But my tears wouldn't stay gone for forever. As I felt the first one leak out, I tore my gaze from Percy, rushing up to the portal.

But instead of last night, I did look back. In that one fleeting glance, Percy looked defeated, miserable, and helpless all at once. The dull throb in my chest made me want to go comfort him.

No. I've done enough. I was leaving. I had to go.

Forcing my feet forward, I stepping into the portal, and everything went black.

The afterimage was sad bright green eyes, staring right at me. I could still remember the feel of his lips on mine, and they were still tingling from that one kiss that meant so much to me.

Then the sea green eyes blinked and stayed closed, and Percy Jackson was gone.

*sniff sniff. Poor Annabeth.

Anywho! Lets do a little math, shall we? Three days later I update + the new chapter is 7,556 words long + I LOVE YOU GUYS! = Reviews, maybe? Jk, you don't have to. But a review would be awfully nice.

Can you please tell me how well I did this chapter? There was a lot of emotions rushing around, so it was hard to capture it well.

SURPRISE! Next chapter is going to be in Seaweed Brain's POV! :) I hope you guys will like it. Love ya'll!

P.S. Thanks to the reviewers who reviewed since the last chapter: henrie locker, natalieguist3, 123, SamDiValdez, PercyJacksonLover033, Luna Lerman Jackson, ajswag, guest, Stickman6969, AnnabethChase412, and Percabeth4eva. YOU GUYS ROCK! I'm gonna be putting these on the author notes now. So if you review by the time I next update, my thanks to you, and your name should be on these lists! Love you all! :)