Percy

I stared at the back of Annabeth as she stepped into the portal. I felt a wrenching pain in my chest as I watched her disappear. A stray golden curl hesitated behind, but then got jerked into the portal, and the last bit of Annabeth was gone. I could still feel her soft lips on mine, and her curls in my palms, and her warm body hugging me close.

My mind went blank. I saw the rest of Annabeth's guards and Piper and Thalia head into the portal, but my eyes were trained onto the spot where Annabeth had disappeared. No one else mattered right now. The last person went in, and the black doorway folded and disappeared, and I was looking at the gray and cloudy sky.

After everybody had left, I stayed stuck to the spot, my feet frozen, and my brain too numb to tell any limb to move. It could've been a minute or a year later when Jason laid a hand on my shoulder.

"Percy, let's go. We need to get to that council." His voice was soft and concerned. In my peripheral vision, I could see Nico waiting, his hands in his pockets. I sighed, and with one last glance, I turned, trudging up the bridge. Footsteps behind me told me that Jason and Nico were following.

I felt a drop of water hit my nose when we were halfway there, drawing my eyes towards where it had came from. Small drops of rain were falling from the bleak sky, drizzling down and hitting the marble with soft plops. They were soon followed by more larger ones and came more frequently. I pulled my hood up, watching the pouring rain. A flash of lightning erupted in the sky right beside me, but I didn't react. The bridge and the village and Mount Olympus were all shielded from these natural phenomenons.

You couldn't see my emotions from the surface of me. I was expressionless. But inside there was a raging storm of emotions. I was screaming, sobbing, and getting as mad as Zeus when someone insults his power. But I couldn't show any of this. Instead, it was like the sky was crying for me, raining down and making everybody solemn.

We reached the village. Then the stairs. I pushed open the big doors with the help of Jason and Nico, walking in. The rest of my group of questers were inside, waiting for us. I didn't pay them a glance, I just kept walking to the hallway which led to the council room. I knew as captain I should address them, or at least tell them to follow me, but I was too drained. I felt like only the need to be at the council was the thing that kept my feet moving, otherwise I would go hit the hay and sleep for a year.

My boots made soft clumping noises against the marble floor. I wasn't wearing armor, for we didn't need to leave until this afternoon. But I did have Riptide in my pocket, and all of my companions did too. Even if we were in Mount Olympus, which basically never got attacked, we never went anywhere without our weapons.

The questers all came behind me, Jason and Nico, my two second in commands, walking beside me and a little behind. We soon reached the large double doors of the council room. I put out hands and shoved them open.

Two things.

One: These doors are huge, and extremely heavy. It takes three normal if not more men to open them. Not to boast or anything (I really hate showing off. It's so purposeless and haughty), but I'm pretty strong. I've been exercising and practicing swordplay since I was just a little kid, so opening these doors was hard, but not hard enough that I couldn't do it. Even if it was too hard for me, I wouldn't have notice in my state at the moment.

Two: It is commanded that you always ask the gods permission before entering. But I just shoved open the doors and walked in. Probably not a smart idea, but it didn't matter to me. Let the gods who tore my Wise Girl away from me be mad. See if I care.

I saw Jason give me an alarmed glance, no doubt wondering if we would get punished for not asking permission, but I ignored him. I was the captain. I would be the one to get punished anyways.

Six gods were waiting for us, and six pairs of eyes landed on my as I paced in. Poseidon and Hades looked as if they hadn't even noticed me entering without permission. Well, I bet they did, but Hades looked too lazy to do anything other than yawn, and my dad looked really miserable and tired, his head in his hands. Apollo and his twin sister raised their eyebrows about my brashness, but made no comment. Zeus looked irritated, but my glare and "I don't care" look must've made him stop from getting too mad. He probably realized that if he tried to reprimand me, I wouldn't listen. Smart man.

Athena was the only one really affected. She shot daggers at me from her eyes, her lip curling in revulsion, glaring down at me with a disgusted look upon that snobbish face. I wouldn't be surprised if she was itching to kill me and after I was burnt, throw my ashes in the ocean, recovered, tossed into Tartarus, recovered, and then given to ravish dogs.

I was touched by her affection.

Not caring to bow to Zeus, I walked up and stood, my arms across my stomach, waiting impatiently to get the quest and be gone from this place.

Zeus sighed, then gathered himself and rose from his seat. "Captain and Questers, the new quest is one of great importance. We gods do not like to be ignorant of why our enemies are doing things. What is most confusing to us we would place in your hands to figure out."

I barely resisted the urge to roll my eyes, Of course. We're being used to do the dirty work, like always.

The king of the gods continued. "The recent rebellion and burglaries of Mount Olympus have been troubling us, but not as much as why our enemies would want a certain person. Miss Annabeth Chase is obviously coveted by our enemy, whoever this is. We would like to know why she is of importance in their eyes. We have gotten some different information from Ethan Nakamura. We didn't share it with everybody during the council, cause it didn't need to be shared. This information that we speak of is a possible location of our enemy. Aegium."

I searched my mind. I had heard of that village. It was a town on the coast of the Corinthian Gulf. I've only been there once, and from what I had gathered it was a pretty large town, and had lots of fine things from other countries cause it was a big trading port. I had been there on a different quest, one to hunt down a rampaging mad hydra that would steal people and place them on roofs and force them to dance. Yeah, it was kinda weird. But it was incredibly entertaining watching Nico and Leo try to waltz together.

"You will be taking the captive Nakamura with you, and you might manage to acquire some more information from that obstinate brain of his." Zeus nodded, done. Now was the time when I could ask for details. I didn't feel like talking, but I knew I needed more particulars.

Reluctantly, I stood. "May I ask what information you are most wanting?"

"It's very unlikely that you will find the main leader of this rebellion. But get as much information as you can. The prime information we would like is why Annabeth Chase is being targeted. Once you have found out as much as you can, report back here. All questions answered?"

I clenched my jaw. These gods are more than mean. Seriously, they just forbade me from seeing Annabeth, now their new quest has Annabeth as it's main reason? I'm never going to be able to forget that girl.

One more question was in my mind, "If we do find the leader, would it be best to bring him back alive, or kill him on the spot?"

I heard a snort come from the right of me, and turning, I faced Athena. She scoffed at me, "And what makes you think you will be capable of finding the leader, boy?"

I stared at her, my mind lost in thought. When I looked at Athena, I saw a monster, full of pride, haughtiness, riches, and selfishness. My mind couldn't comprehend that this woman was the mother of Annabeth, who was kind, beautiful, selfless, and smart. I guess I had been staring too long, cause Athena gave me a weird look.

"What are you staring at boy? Transfixed by my beauty and wisdom?" She asked, a small smirk visible on her face.

I was sick and tired of this goddess.

Squaring my shoulders, I retorted, "I see everything but beauty and wisdom. I was actually thinking how a thing like you could have a daughter like Annabeth, who is smart and beautiful. Guess she inherited it from her father's side."

Now, you may be wondering why I didn't smart talk Athena like this during the council. To be honest, I don't think I would've been able to talk. I was stunned, shocked, and too angry to insult Athena without probably getting her overly mad, which would not have been good for my health. But now I was calmer. Still mad, but it was simmering inside me like a pot of coals, not like the raging and out of control bonfire it had been before.

Athena gaped at me, eyebrows up so far that it looked like she didn't have any. She closed her mouth soon, recovering her composure, "I wouldn't be so foolish with your mouth boy. But I guess you can't be anything other than foolish."

"Oh, if you could just see yourself, Athena, you would see how stupid and foolish you are acting. But I guess that head of yours is too big to do anything that wouldn't exhaust your weakness of mind."

The goddess of wisdom (though I think it would be more accurate as the goddess of stupidity) stood up lightning fast. Her hand came out and she pointed a slender finger at me, opening her mouth. But whatever she was going to say was stopped, for Zeus stood up faster than her, interrupting her line of speech.

"SILENCE!" He roared. I glared smugly at Athena, who was fuming because she didn't get to reply. The twins were watching the show openmouthed, Hades was grinning like he enjoyed seeing Athena get stood up too, and even my father managed a slight smile.

"If you two children are done bickering, we may get on with this!" Zeus's face was red with anger, and I guess it would be better to listen to him. I shifted my body, facing the king of the gods once more. Athena huffed, still angry, and slumped down in her seat, hands folded across her stomach.

Zeus carried on, "So, to answer the earlier question that was rudely interrupted," a scowl was sent in Athena's direction, to which she obviously ignored, "it would be best to bring whoever it is back alive, but if it is absolutely necessary, then kill him. But please avoid doing so, for we would like to question him. Any more questions?"

I shook my head, and stood at attention as Zeus said his last words, "Alright. Summary- Take Ethan Nakamura to Aegium, track down information about the targeting of Annabeth Chase. We will deliver the prisoner to you outside of the teleporting fortress. Clear?" Me and my group nodded. "Then you are dismissed, and may the Fates be on your side." He nodded a goodbye, to which I returned, then I spun on my heal, marching through the open line in my group. They took up two rows behind me, and we marched outside.

Once out of the council room, we made way back to our sleeping rooms. We had about three hours until we were due to leave. We reached our room, and everybody tromped in. I sat on my bed, my head hanging and hands running through my black hair. People moved around me, but I didn't look up. I felt a hand on my shoulder and Nico said, "Perce? You wanna get some lunch with us?"

I shook my head. I wasn't hungry, and didn't feel like getting up. Nico stayed a few seconds more, clapped my shoulder, then left with everybody else. Well, everybody except for one. A small figure sat down next to me, and a small hand put itself gently around my shoulder.

"Percy... it's going to be okay, alright?" Hazel rubbed my shoulder, comforting me. She knew who I was thinking about. Who was filling my mind to the brim. Who was making be in this sulky mood.

I leaned into Hazel, and she wrapped me in a hug. Hazel was always there for me, and was like a little sister. But as much as I was happy that she was here comforting me, I wished more than anything that it was Annabeth who was hugging me instead. Hazel said a few more encouraging words, but they were lost in the sea of thoughts whirling in my head. Soon she got up, kissed my forehead gently, then walked out. When she was gone, I just sat there.

Soon I decided to try and sleep a little. I rarely got a good nights sleep on quests, so I better get some shut-eye ahead of time.

I dozed choppily on and off, and when I did, my dreams were filled with one girl. Finally I couldn't take it anymore. Abruptly standing up, I walked briskly to one of my favorite places.

Hearing neighs, I knew I was close. I rounded a corner outside in the village and approached the stables. Slipping inside, I soon found Blackjack in one of the stalls chewing on some hay. My back placed to the wall, I sat down beside him.

"Hey, Blackjack."

What up, boss? You seem down in the dumps today. Blackjack asked, chomping on some straw.

"Yeah," I exhaled, resting my head on the wood behind me. "Well, it hasn't been a very good day."

Okey dokey, boss. Hey, when are we gonna see that blonde girl again? I like her. She's nice. And pretty.

My gut twisted. "Uh, well. It won't be for a little while. A long time actually."

Blackjack's head bobbed down and back up, his ears flicking. He didn't say anything else, and I was left to my own thoughts. I stayed with my pegasus for a long time, just sitting and resting. I felt better in the stables, and it felt more familiar. I carried on a few other conversations with more equestrians, but mostly just stayed silent.

Do we have to take off soon, boss? Blackjack's question brought me back into reality, and I remembered with a jolt that I still had to pack, and I hadn't told anybody I was going to be here. It had been at least two hours.

"Oh yeah! We're probably leaving in half and hour or more, okay, 'Jack?" He nodded, and I took off back into Mount Olympus. I immediately ran into Leo, who jumped back in surprise.

"Dude! We've been looking everywhere for you! Where ya been?"

"Sorry, I was in the stables and forgot. Can you round everybody up and tell them we are leaving in about half an hour or so?" I asked him.

Leo nodded, his devilish grin appearing on his face, "Sure thing, Cap'n!" He jogged to the end of the hallway as I ran the opposite way to get to the rooms. Some demigods were there, and after explaining where I had been, I started stuffing clothes into my bag. Soon everybody was here and packing. Clanking was audible as people polished an packed their armor.

In about twenty minutes, we were all packed and had our stuff at the front doors. Frank and Hazel had gotten some rations for us, but not too much. We didn't want the extra weight, for we didn't bring any pack horses, and we could get more food at towns as we traveled to Aegium.

I saw my dad walking up the hallway to us, and I paused, facing him.

He beckoned me, "Percy, may I talk with you." I glanced back at my group, then moved over to my father.

"Yeah?"

"Percy, I just wanted to say good luck to you on this quest. And..." He hesitated, then proceeded. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for not getting the gods to stop the decision that was made." He hung his head, ashamed.

"Dad, you did all you could. Thanks for that. It couldn't be stopped anyways."

Poseidon looked at me. "Well... I'm still sorry. And just so you know, I will work as hard as I can to get Zeus to take it back. Also... I may be able to do something about it. I've been thinking, and... well... you'll see, I guess."

I was curious, but didn't push him farther. I gave him a quick hug, then stepped back.

"Be careful, my son." With that, he turned and left.

I took a deep breath, then went back to my group. "Lets go, guys."

We trudged out the doors. Unfortunately we had to carry all of our stuff to the end of the bridge, because our steeds were going to be at the fortress when we got down there.

The walk was quick, and upon reaching the black portal, my mind was instantly filled with sorrow again at the memories of this morning. Steeling my nerves, I kept walking, pushing away the thoughts. I got in the portal and closed my eyes. I had the feeling of free falling through the air, then my feet hit solid ground.

When I opened them, I was standing in the lobby of the fortress. Milo and Theto were with us, the twins greeting my group.

"Another group of demigods! The earlier group was much bigger, seeing as there was twice as many guards for the ladies." Milo said. I ignored him and headed outside, everybody following me.

A group of horses stood outside, waiting for us. I addressed Blackjack with a dip of my head, but my attention was soon drawn to the horse in the middle of the group, tied to a sturdy tree.

It was a bay stallion, and looked older, but loyal and strong. On it's back sat a lone demigod. He had glossy black hair and when he looked up, I saw one brown eye, but the other was covered by an ebony patch. His two hands were bound in cuffs made of celestial bronze. Ethan Nakamura.

A surge of anger rose up inside of me. This was the idiot that tried to hurt Annabeth. No, he tried to kill her. I felt like putting my sword through him, and beating him up. Anyone who hurts Annabeth deserves that, if not more.

Whoa there, boss. Calm down. Blackjack said. He could kind of sense my emotions, being mentally linked with me like all horses were, but I bet he could tell more by the murderous look in my eyes. I took a few breaths, trying to calm myself. Forcing my feet to move, I stomped past the captive, only glaring at him. He smirked back at me.

Stay calm, Percy. Stay calm, I ordered myself. Milo and Theto were gone, no doubt teleported back to their fortress. We all mounted, and I told Nico to tie Ethan Nakamura's horse's bridle to Nico's saddle. After that, we set off.

"So, captain, which route are we taking?" Leo asked.

"I don't care." The questers all looked at me strangely, but they kept going. About half an hour into our journey, more questions were asked. I answered them all with a shrug or a "Sure," "Whatever," or an "I don't care." I didn't feel like commanding anything at the moment, and decided that I was going to sulk my way through the day.

Someone urged their horse up to mine, and I looked over to see Jason. "What?" I said.

Jason shook his head. "Percy, as your second in command, I'm going to tell you right now that you are slacking off big time as your position as captain. You need to get rid of this mood, and step up and act accordingly."

I glared at him, getting angry, "Mood? After what I've been through today, you are going to call me out on my mood? And aren't I allowed one day to slack off or take a break from being a captain? Maybe I should just let you be the captain, in your opinion I bet the captive would do a better job as a captain."

Jason kept my gaze, and didn't get angry. He continued in a soft but urgent voice, "Percy, you know that's not what I meant. I know what you've been through. But think of Annabeth."

"Don't mention he-"

"Percy. Think of her. Would she be pleased to see you sulking and not doing your job because of her? No. I know exactly what she would say. She would say 'get off your lazy butt and get to work, you idiot.'"