It was the perfect afternoon.
Percy and Annabeth sat on the beach, laughing and talking. It was one of the moments they had to savor after the Titan War, which brought a lot of stress to both of them. And now, everything was almost great, Annabeth got to spend time with Percy, as annoying as he was sometimes. She still found that endearing. There's one thing that isn't perfect, though.
"Our time retrieving the lighting bolt seemed a very long time ago," Percy said. "Man, I kinda miss the action."
Annabeth glanced at him. She saw his black hair blown by the wind, his sea green eyes twinkling. Right at the moment, she wanted to kiss him. Percy must've felt her staring because he met her gaze, giving her one of his signature, mischievous smiles.
She smiled back. "Yeah. But. . . there's still the prophecy we have to think about."
Percy's smile didn't waver, and he put a hand on top of hers. "For all we know, it might happen in another generation. I promise you, Annabeth. Nothing's gonna keep us apart, even this crazy world we live in."
"That sounds cheesy."
"I know." Percy laughed. He squeezed her hand. Then, he leaned forward, brushing loose strands of hair behind her ear.
"You're going to kiss me, aren't you?" Annabeth said stupidly. Gods, she had never ever made a mistake of saying stupid things, she usually thought things through. But with Percy this close to her, her brain seemed to malfunction. His scent was intoxicating and his eyes were very distracting.
"It's time you said something obvious for a change. But yeah, I am."
He moved closer and sealed their lips with a gentle kiss. It seemed like all the air was sucked out of Annabeth's lungs, and electricity went up and down her spine as his hands held her waist.
Finally, they departed for air.
"You're still Seaweed Brain, though." Annabeth teased. Percy let out a chuckle.
The conch sounded, meaning dinner. They got up and went to the dining pavilion together, holding hands.
The night was one of the best they ever had. Dinner was great, and so was the campfire. They sung the usual songs, but it was great. The fire even reached twenty feet up high.
After all the campers left, Annabeth was still there at the amphitheater, watching the embers cool down. She was starting to worry more, a heavy feeling building up in her chest. She couldn't help thinking about the prophecy their friend Rachel had issued.
She was about to head to the Athena Cabin when she heard a "Hey" behind her.
She nearly kicked the guy's head off, then relaxed when she saw it was just Percy.
"Oh, I'm really sorry!" she apologized. Percy's eyes were as wide as drachmas.
"It's cool. Anyway," he said. "I just want to say good night."
Annabeth smiled at him. "Good night, too."
He gave her a quick, warm kiss before saying, "I love you, Wise girl."
"I love you, too, Seaweed Brain."
"I want you to remember me when I'm gone. Don't ever forget me."
That kind of scared Annabeth. So many thoughts were racing in her mind, but she didn't show it.
"Percy--"
He just gave her a smile and walked off. The fear inside Annabeth's chest was rapidly increasing by the moment.
She ran to her cabin before the cleaning harpies tore her to shreds.
=*=*=
The next morning was her greatest nightmare. She woke up to the sound of the campers muttering, the pounding on the door. The grave look on Grover's face told her enough.
Annabeth ran to Percy's cabin, only to find a crowd of campers there. She shouldered her way through, tears threatening to fall as she saw the Poseidon Cabin empty except for Chiron. He glanced at her, a look of concern and worry on his face. The he told her everything at the Big House.
"We have looked for him everywhere," Chiron explained. "I'm. . . I'm afraid he's--"
"No."
The centaur's eyebrows furrowed of concern. "Perhaps. . ." Chiron took a deep breath. "Perhaps the prophecy--"
"That can't be, " Annabeth said, her voice breaking. It was hopeless. How Percy behaved yesterday. . . No. She will never lose anyone again."I will find him. I will do whatever it takes. Starting now."
The fierce determination in Annabeth's eyes must've been enough to make Chiron let her go.
"We will help you in any way we can. A camper who is lost. . ."
Annabeth walked out of the Big House. She wasn't going to give up on Percy. And she will always remember him in the most painful ways. She'll do anything to find him, even if it means her death.
