Few people are as damaged as Percy Jackson after the second Titan War, but few people refuse help as much as Percy Jackson as well. In a last ditch effort to keep her best friend's head above water, Annabeth begs an unlikely camper for help, hoping that maybe he can get through to the hero where she and the rest of the seven could not. Though it starts as a favor to his sister, neither Malcolm, nor anybody else at camp, was prepared for the bond that is built between the two boys when forced together through Annabeth's worried meddling.