The Exchange

46- Annabeth Takes A Trip Down Futuristic Lane

Annabeth wasn't exactly sure what happened. One second she was walking through the strange cavern with Luke and Snape and then the next she was alone in the darkness. Then she felt some familiar arms encircle her.

"Hey Wise Girl," Percy grinned at her. Around them the darkness changed until they were standing on a street in New Rome. The sound of children laughing filled the air. Percy broke the hug, but still held onto her hand.

He looked towards a fountain where three young children were playing. There were two boys splashing about in the water. One of them had black hair that was plastered to his forehead, completely soaked. He looked about five. He was splashing a younger boy who looked about three. He had identical black hair and was hiding behind the statue of Neptune in the middle of the fountain. He was squealing as the older boy splashed him with an unnatural amount of water.

A girl who couldn't be more than one or two was perched on the side of the fountain. She was dangling her feet in the water as she hummed a tune to herself.

"Andy!" Percy laughed, "Stop splashing Alex!"

The oldest boy stopped splashing the younger one and crossed his arms, pouting at Percy. The younger boy emerged from his hiding place behind the statue laughing his head off.

The two boys climbed out of the fountain and Percy lifted up the girl, who perched on his hip, still humming her tune.

"I'll see you later Annabeth," He kissed her and then took the youngest boy's hand, leading him away, "C'mon guys lets go."

Annabeth watched Percy's retreating figure until he turned the corner and she couldn't see him anymore.

She stood in the square on her own; she wasn't sure what to think. Where those her kids? What was any of that? She wasn't sure what to do until she spotted Piper grinning and waving at her.

She hurried over to her friend, "Piper!" she hugged her friend.

"Hi Annabeth, you ready for that coffee?" Piper asked.

"Um, sure." Annabeth agreed and then followed Piper towards a coffee shop.

Piper ordered a pot of tea for both of them. When Annabeth asked why she couldn't have a coffee Piper just rolled her eyes, "You're pregnant dummy!"

"Oh, yer I am," Annabeth sipped her tea.

Piper nodded, "Baby number four!" she laughed, "I honestly don't know how you do it! Me and Jason can't even handle one."

"You do fine!" Annabeth insisted.

"Not exactly," Piper laughed, "Bee is a nightmare!"

Annabeth found herself laughing, "Andrew, Alexander and Ariadne are a handful!" she didn't know where that came from, but it felt right.

"Oh Gods look at the time!" Piper exclaimed, "I've got to get going!" She got to her feet and hurried away.

Percy returned with the three children. He passed their daughter to her.

"Hi Seaweed Brain!" Annabeth kissed him, "Good day?"

"Perfect," He kissed her back. He took the hands of their two boys, "let's head home!"

Percy led her through the streets until they came to a beautiful ancient Greek style house. Percy pulled out a key and opened the door.

They entered into the house, "Right boys, bed time!" Percy herded the two over excited young boys up the stairs. Annabeth followed him, still carrying her youngest child.

They put their kids to bed without too much trouble. Then they sat down on the sofa in their living room. Percy put on a movie and they snuggled together to watch it.

About half way through the movie Percy's phone rang. He answered it. Annabeth heard a panicked voice on the other side of the line.

"Percy!" Grover said quickly.

"Grover?" Percy frowned, "what's the problem?"

"Monsters, I need your help!" Grover said, panicky.

"Aw I'm sorry man," Percy said, "I'm busy tonight, another time." He hung up the phone and grinned at Annabeth.

She gawped at him, this wasn't Percy. There was no way that any of this was real; Percy would always help his friends. Annabeth jumped to her feet.

Around her the world dissolved. When it solidified again she was back in the cave with Luke. He was shaking as if he was terrified.

"Are you alright?" Annabeth asked him, Luke nodded unconvincingly, "What did you see?"

"Something that I didn't want to see." Luke told her. Snape reappeared next to them.

"We should keep going." Snape said. They continued up the passage way in silence.

When they finally emerged into the daylight Annabeth knew exactly where they were. They were standing on Zeus' fist.

Nico was stood next to them, looking completely shocked. As if he had just seen a ghost.

Hey guys!!
I just wanted to say a massive thankyou to everyone has read/commented/voted on this book, it means the world to me that you like what I'm writing and I'm hoping that I keep you guys just as happy with it in the future!!
Remember to vote, comment and be amazing (which you already are!!)
~Em xx