Annabeth

We had walked for about five minutes in complete silence. And it wasn't the nice, companionable kind of silence that you have with your friends, or someone close, when you just sit and think. It was really, really awkward.

We were walking side by side, and really close. We kinda had to be close, cause the trees were tightly packed in these dense woods, causing you to have to be close so the other person doesn't run into any trees.

The silence was kinda nice, for I had a lot to think about, but I found it impossible to do any thinking with Percy right beside me, and it didn't help that our shoulders and hands were touching because of the small space. Despite my jitteriness and butterflies, I forced myself to have a calm outward appearance, matching Percy's. Right now, I didn't like that he had a calm appearance, cause that meant you couldn't tell what he was thinking.

I couldn't take the silence any longer. I cleared my throat, and began shakily, "So... where's your sword? I thought you would bring it with you, considering you have to be protecting me and all." I finished with a scoff. I was still miffed at Thalia, thinking I would be fine on my own.

Percy chuckled about something that I was unaware of, then said, "I have it with me, it's just that Riptide is a... unique sword."

I looked at him curiously, "Riptide is the name? And what do you mean? Where is it? Is it celestial bronze? Who did you get it from? Wha-"

Percy started laughing, "Whoa whoa whoa! Hold your horses! I can only answer one at a time, Wise Girl."

I blushed, regretting my outburst of sudden questions.

"Sorry," I muttered sheepishly.

He chuckled, "S'okay. Anyways, from the start. Yes, Riptide is its name, I mean that it is… unique. I'll show you later. It's in my pocket. Yep, it's celestial bronze, and I got it from my father. Did I get them all?"

I smiled, and answered jokingly, "Yes, sir."

"I like that. 'Sir.' You should call me that more often." He said thoughtfully.

I laughed, "Yeah, whatever."

Percy put his hand to his ear, saying "Excuse me? Whatever… what?"

I rolled my eyes, "Nope. I'm not gonna say it."

"Say it," He said with a commanding tone, but it had a joking edge to it.

I smiled, "Nope. You can't make me."

He grinned evilly, "Oh, but I can."

Snorting, I said doubtfully, "Yeah, right."

He gave me a look that made one thought come into my mind. Run.

I tried to start running away from him, but his hands shot out and grabbed my shoulders, flipping me around. His hands went to my waist and he started tickling me relentlessly. I was laughing so hard, I couldn't breathe.

Finally, I couldn't take the torture any more, I panted, "Wha..tever… SIR! STOP! Percy! Seaweed Brain! St..oo…pp!"

When he finally stopped, I almost fell over, out of breath. But Percy caught me, and pulled me back up, but his arms stayed around me.

"You see, I could get you to say it," he said triumphantly.

I rolled my eyes again, making him mimic me with incredible exaggeration. But he paused with his eyes pointed towards the heaven.

"Woah. Look at the stars! Can you see the constellation of Hercules?" He said with increduality.

I gazed upwards, my breath catching at the sight of the bright and natural lights that were painting the sky, making it look like a connect the dots thing that kids like to do.

We stayed there, just looking, and barely breathing because of the sight.

I glanced back to Percy, who I realized was still holding me in his arms, and found out that the stars were no longer his peak of attention. He was just staring at me, smiling slightly, causing me to blush. I was grateful that it was dark, for I probably looked like a tomato.

I cleared my throat, and stuttered, 'Um.. we- we- should- uh… get going. Thalia- she- mad."

Percy grinned, "You're right, and nobody wants to face the wrath of the terrible Thalia!"

I shook my head, and he let go of me, and we started walking again. I was getting kinda cold, and missing the warmth of Percy's arms. I started rubbing my arms, trying to get rid of the goosebumps, but I tried to do it indiscreetly, as well.

But Percy noticed, frowned, then proceeded to start to take his coat off.

"No, I'm fine, Percy, keep your coat." I said, knowing his intentions.

But he ignored me, and offered me the coat. I refused to take it, so he just opened the coat and put it on my shoulders.

"Thanks," I muttered, keeping the coat up with my hands.

He grinned in return, "No biggie. I'm hot enough already. In more ways than one." He winked, and I rolled my eyes and snorted at his last sentence.

We kept on walking for a little while, without talking. Again.

We had walked for about a half hour before I said, "We better get back."

Percy nodded, and started walking away.

The wrong way.

"Perce, where are you going?" I asked with an irritated voice. It was really late, and I was getting pretty tired.

He turned around and smiled, "Come on, I know a shortcut. And it takes us through this really cool grove."

I shrugged, "Whatever."

He smirked, then said, "Whatever... what?"

I sighed, but I didn't want to be tickled again (even though it did lead to him basically hugging me. ANNABETH! Stop thinking those thoughts!)

Anyways. I consented and said, "Whatever, sir." I took a mocking bow and walked over to Percy.

We tromped around the forest even more, and I found myself doubting Percy's ability of directions, for he kept going one way, then he would frown, and turn around, taking a different trail.

After one "turn-around," I ran to catch up with Percy, and asked, "Do you know where you are going, Seaweed Brain?"

He glanced at me, "Yeah, it's this way... I think."

I rolled my eyes.

Finally we came to this little grove, and Percy's eyes lit up. "Here it is! You see, I found it! How could you ever doubt me?"

I punched his arm, then walked over to the little pond in the middle of the clearing. It was a tiny clearing, probably about fifteen trees had been cleared, leaving a small circle of grass. Off to the left side, there was a small pond. Like, really small. It was about three by three feet.

It was a really pretty little thing, though. There were flowers everywhere, but they weren't... normal flowers. They had silver leaves planted delicately around the white bud in the middle. The stem itself was silver as well. The flowers were all small, probably the span of the petals was about half the size of my palm. The petals themselves had intricate designs etched into the thin leaf. I couldn't see how this was naturally possible, but I was too entranced at the moment to seriously consider it. The swirls and designs made the petal look like lace. (A/N This is how I see them)

But as magical as they sound right now, their color and delicacy wasn't what caught my eye. It was that the flower glowed. It was a silvery glow, matching the stem and flowers. The glow was kinda bright for that small a flower, and it lit up everything within about a foot or a half a foot with a eerie but beautiful glow. The moonlight looked absolutely beautiful combined with it. I walked up to one, entranced by it's beauty. The only other flower that could compete with the beauty of these flowers was the black rose in the sad room of the hidden passageways underneath Athena's temple.

Comparing them in my mind, I decided that the pitch black rose would definitely win in eeriness, gorgeousness, and enchantment. But these... whatever they were, were beautiful as well. I stared at it, just soaking soaking in it's presence. I didn't want to touch it though, not wanting to break it or mar its beauty.

I felt someone breathing on my neck, and turned slightly to see Percy standing crouching, his head right over my shoulder, looking at the unfamiliar flowers.

"What are they?" I whispered. I don't know why I whispered, its just like you stepped into a different little world in this clearing, and you don't want to disrupt anything. So you are as quiet as possible.

Percy was silent for a little while, with a sad faraway look in his eyes. "They're called 'Moonlace.'"

"Moonlace," I repeated under my breath, thinking that it was the perfect name. "Where in Greece are these from? I didn't see any others in the forest, or any where else!"

Percy looked thoughtful, then he said quietly, "They're from an island that I once visited. It's called Ogygia."

I froze. I knew that place. That's where Calypso was banished. Supposedly the Fates say that they send a man that Calypso can't help falling in love with there. She falls in love with them, and then they leave to go back home. Once the person leaves, they can never find Ogygia again. No man has found the island once. Calypso was banned there because she helped her father, the titan Atlas, in the war of the Gods against the Titans. So that means if Percy went there… Then Calypso must've fell in love with him.

"Ogygia? Like, Calypso's island?" I asked quietly.

Percy nodded slightly, confirming my question.

I also remembered, that Ogygia is basically a paradise island, and that Calypso is a beautiful woman. Every man that gets sent there has a very hard time making the decision to leave, for they will never find or see Ogygia again. They usually leave cause of family, or home, or quests, or other things that are important to them.

"What… what made you come back?" I asked cautiously, not wanting to overstep in my questions.

Percy sighed, "My mother and sister." I didn't know he had a sister, but I guess I've only known him for a day or two.

"Oh. What's your sister's name? And is she a daughter of Poseidon as well?"

Percy was silent for a long time, then took a deep breath, "Her name is Calista. (AN this is my OC :)) And no, she isn't a daughter of Poseidon. My mom remarried a guy named Paul, and my stepdad is the father of Calista."

"Calista. That's a sweet name. Do you go back to visit them every once in a while?" I asked.

Percy clenched his jawline, and I saw his hand ball into fists. He started to breath very deeply, and I was suddenly scared I had done something to make him angry. I kinda cringed away from him, and muttered an apology.

"We better get back, I just wanted to show you the moonlace. I thought you would like it." He abruptly stood up and started to walk away, causing me to stumble trying to get up as quickly, and running to catch up.

The rest of the walk was in silence, and I could tell Percy was brooding over something. I had no idea what about, though, and it was killing me.

When we got back to the camp, most of the people were asleep, except for Jason, Nico, Thalia, and Piper. They were all sitting around the campfire talking. Well, not really. Jason and Piper were just staring at each other, and Nico and Thalia were arguing about something… I think it was about whether Artemis or Hades was a better god/goddess.

When we walked into their line of sight, they all stopped and looked up. Thalia smirked, then asked, "So, how was the walk?" She wiggled her eyebrows.

I didn't do anything, and Percy replied shortly, "Fine." Then he walked over to his tent and slipped inside. The light inside flicked off, and we heard nothing.

Thalia stared, taken aback by his mood. "What happened to him?" She wasn't looking at me, but I knew the question was directed towards me.

"I don't know, and he didn't tell me," I answered truthfully.

Jason and Nico also looked confused, but they shrugged it off, claiming they needed to get to bed. They said goodnight and then walked over to their own tents.

Thalia, Piper, and I stayed out for a little bit chatting, since we haven't been able to talk with each other for over month. I enjoyed chatting, but Percy was still on my mind.

Why had he gotten so silent, sad, and angry when I mentioned his family? Did he not get along with them? That wouldn't make any sense, because his family is why he returned instead of staying in Ogygia.

I didn't know, but I wanted to know. I just felt like I needed to help Percy, but that wasn't going to work if he wouldn't open up to me.