The Fourth Inheritor (A Percy Jackson/Chaos Fanfic) [Complete]

Chapter Fifteen: Always and Forever (Part II)

He knew the gods were picky about when they could and couldn't go into each other's domains, but he didn't care. Hades could get over it if he had a problem. Technically, Chaos wasn't a god. He used that logic to convince himself that what he was about to do was ok.

The next instant, he was standing in Elysium. Annabeth, or at least her spirit, was there, almost like she was waiting for him. Despite her being in her mid-forties while he still appeared nineteen, Chaos thought she looked perfect.

Annabeth turned her head to look at him, a small smile gracing her lips. "Took you long enough, Seaweed Brain. I thought you might've forgotten about me."

"Never," Chaos promised. "I told you, Wise Girl, always and forever. I meant it."

"So did I," she said, still smiling. "Always and forever... I regret it, though, that our always and forever couldn't be together."

"I know. Me too." Chaos turned his attention straight ahead. They were standing near a lake, not unlike the one at Camp, and there was a small dock jutting over the water. As if they shared the thought, the two made their way over to the dock and sat, feet hanging just above the lake's surface. "You're in Haven, you know."

Annabeth looked over at him. "Really? Then..."

"I haven't gone to see you there. I came here first because... gods, let's face it, I'm terrified to talk to you there. I don't know if I could handle you not remembering me."

"Gives you some insight into how I felt when Hera went all amnesia-crazy." Annabeth's tone was teasing, but her expression was serious. She leaned forward to look into Chaos' face. "You know I'd never really forget my Seaweed Brain. You just might have to... remind me a little."

Chaos tried to smile, he really did. "Right. I should've known. Nothing escapes that brain of yours, Wise Girl." He stood up, helping Annabeth stand as well, before pressing a kiss to her forehead, just like he had the last time they truly spoke. "I love you."

"I love you too," Annabeth said, looking up at him. "Always have, always will."

Chaos did smile then, only a little and only for an instant. That instant was all he needed though, before he was gone, back to the Island. Back where no one would see him cry, especially not her. Why had Eternity chosen him for this? How many more of his loved ones would he have to see die as he watched helplessly from afar? What was the point of holding this power when he couldn't save anyone with it?

Chaos took a deep breath to calm himself. He didn't need to breathe, but it still helped to clear his mind. He didn't know if he was ready, but he had to know if she remembered. He closed his eyes, opening them to see the familiar streets of Haven. A Specter stood next to him, head turning every direction as they took everything in. Unbidden, a name slipped from his lips. "Annabeth."

The Specter faced him, head tilting ever so slightly to the left. "Yes?"