Ghosts - A Percabeth Story

Renovations. . .

Annabeth wandered aimlessly around the Camp Half-Blood amphitheater, trying to think of more ways to renovate it. The Apollo Cabin was angry with its bad acoustics, and were starting to accidentally hurt their patients because of their foul mood. Annabeth had agreed that she would help make it better, and the Apollo children were now in a happier state of mind.

That had been weeks ago, and Annabeth was no further along with the renovations then when she had started.

"If we moved that pillar over here," she muttered to herself, sketching her ideas down and writing measurements. "Then the sound would bounce off that wall better."

She paused and looked down at her drawing. She quickly ripped out the page and crumpled it up, discarding it among many others in the wastebasket at her feet. She sat down on the grass in defeat, her head in her hands. She could hardly solve a simple architecture problem, which a year ago had been her specialty.

"Hey, Annabeth." Someone called from behind her, causing her to jump.

She got to her feet and turned. Will Solace stood a little ways away, watching her.

"Oh, it's only you. Hi, Will." She muttered and reopened her sketchpad, picking up her pen.

"How're the renovations going?" He asked and walked over to her side. He glanced at the piles of ripped notes in the trashcan.

"Slow," Annabeth sighed and started writing yet another equation. "I expected to be three-fourths of the way, if not be completely done by now." She rubbed her eyes, which stung.

"I haven't seen you in the Dining Pavilion today--"

"Some of the Demeter kids have brought me food."

"--And you weren't counted in the Camper Count last night. Holy Hades, have you gotten any sleep since Thursday?"

Annabeth sighed again. "Will, I've got to get this done for you and the rest of the Apollo Cabin." She looked at her new measurements and frowned, then ripped that piece of paper to shreds as well.

Will placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You should go back to your cabin. You're visibly tired, and no one ever gets anything done when they're tired."

Annabeth didn't answer, just continued to scowl up at the amphitheater.

"I'll walk there with you, if you want. Come on," Will urged and stood again. 

Annabeth hesitated, then got up and followed him. "How's Nico doing?" She asked after a few minutes of silence.

Will frowned at the air before him, and he almost managed to match his boyfriend's gloomy demeanor. "Still in the infirmary. I've tried to stop him from shadow-traveling, but he won't listen. His trips to the Underworld don't help his health state, either. But he'll live, if that's what you're asking."

Annabeth hadn't seen Nico since he had tried yet again to find Percy in the Underworld. First, he had tried to find Bianca. Now Percy. Both attempts with no luck at getting them back. Annabeth almost stopped as an idea came to her. She wondered if there was a way Nico could communicate with Hades, then maybe the God could weed out Percy's spirit and. . .

"Annabeth? Are you hearing me all right?" She was jolted from her thoughts as Will spoke to her. He looked genuinely concerned.

"Hmm? Oh, yes. I'm good, just a little lost in thought." Annabeth answered quickly. "Is there a way I could possibly see Nico tonight?"

Will's expression changed to surprise. "Tonight?"

Annabeth nodded.

"He--No, I don't think that's a good idea. Maybe tomorrow morning, if he's awake while the sun is up. I don't think you should see him tonight, I'm sorry."

Annabeth sighed and her posture slumped. "It's all right. Ask him if tomorrow is okay for me to come. Please."

Will nodded, then turned and walked across the Green toward where Cabin 7 was. 

Annabeth watched him go, a thoughtful look to her eyes. A smile then started out across her face. Yes, that was what she would do. 

She was going to the Underworld to get Percy back.