Percy Jackson's Last Breath

T H E A R R I V A L

The half-bloods from both camps and the gods have been beyond nervous all week. Ever since the new prophecy came out, people have been very uneasy, not knowing what's to come. Rumors about a man named Perseus Jackson spread; that he was the hero the prophecy mentions. People murmured about his return, hoping that their lost hero would return.

Although Annabeth was ecstatic at the chance of Percy coming back, her nerves were beginning to fray. She tried to calm her building anxiety by coming up with reasons as to why everything would turn out alright, but still the nagging voice in the back of her mind spoke of nothing but doom ahead. The prophecy mentions a hero that will return in a state of lunacy, which worries Annabeth because she fears that Percy would not be the same as before. Annabeth calculates the possibility of him returning well but her mind always goes blank. Her heart contradicts at the thought of Percy being hurt or in danger.

When?

That's the question everyone asks themselves. When is he coming back if at all? When will the prophecy occur?

Of course everyone knows that there is a possibility of the prophecy not happening until about a thousand of years. Perseus Jackson may not even be the hero the prophecy is talking about. But still, the chances of him not being the hero are slim.

Annabeth walked along the pavement as her shoulders slung out of exhaustion. The ruggedness of her posture gave away the fact that she has been having frequent sleepless nights. She had dark bags under her eyes and pale skin. She wandered around the camp continuously, not knowing quite where or who to go to. Despite having her countless friends, Annabeth constantly felt lonely.

Annabeth stopped in her tracks when she catches sight of Grover. His hooves thumped as he walked towards her and without once losing eye contact with Annabeth, he pulled her into his arms. Annabeth gasped, surprised at the sudden hug. With a serious face, Grover places a hand behind her head and pushed her deeper into the crook of his neck. His breathing was erratic, whereas Annabeth's was steady. After a moment, Annabeth slowly raised her hands to place them on his lower back. They stood there, together, in silence for a few minutes; neither of them able to voice out their concerns.

Her mouth dry, Annabeth swallowed and whispered, "What's wrong?"

Grover's body trembled and Annabeth closed her mouth, regretting she said anything. Grover closed his eyes tightly and inhaled deeply, he slowly released Annabeth but didn't remove his hands around her. He only put enough space between them to be able to look at her face. Annabeth gazed into his eyes, taking in every single speck of pain he was holding onto deep inside. Even though his face was hard and held no emotion, his eyes spoke the truth.

They both stared at each other in silence, not once breaking eye contact. Suddenly Grover tells her quietly, "Im scared Annabeth." She frowned but stayed silent to let him finish.

He blinks rapidly and looks at the sky, "What if it's him? What if... it really is Percy who's coming back? Do we just continue on? Will everything go back to the way it was before? Or will he be crazy like the prophecy makes him out to be? Will..." he inhales sharply, his eyes shining with tears as his mouth formed a soft frown,"... Does this mean that he's been in pain all this time? Wha-" he chokes out a sob and looks down at his shoes.

His shoulders rocked as he cried silently and Annabeth had to use everything in her to keep herself from sobbing. Her hands tightened around his waist, unable to speak without crying.