Percy

I barely got any sleep that night, and when I did doze off, my dreams were filled with blond curls, gray eyes, and a happy laugh, waking me up.

I shared a room with Jason, Nico, Frank, Leo, and Harley. I could hear their deep and rhythmic breathing, the occasional snore disturbing the silence. I laid on the tavern bed, my head propped up by my elbow. From the window placed beside my bed, I could see the millions of stars outside, twinkling in the dark. I watched them in the stillness.

The night brings a certain peace and tranquility upon the earth. Many people fear the night, and several people don't even see the night as the result of them being asleep. Others just ignore the placid time that night provides. However, I think they are all at fault.

Night gave me a time to think, without the busy noises of the town, without the stresses of the activities that take place during the day. Night was a symbol, saying tomorrow is coming, a new day, just hold on a little more. It seems to clear your brain, leaving an open and patient mind ready to think things through, one at a time, with the serene stars keeping you company.

I could only see a slit of the moon, the rest of the sky was filled with stars. I thought about tomorrow, and the worries that it held. The meeting with Annabeth was enough to make me anxious, but when you throw the weight of the upcoming Test and Game, it made me sink below the floor, carrying all that pressure on my shoulders. I did my best to assess one worry at a time. I was making decent speed on solving some problems. That is, until I came upon a daughter of Athena.

That worry was filling most of my time and thoughts. Not that I didn't mind. I liked thinking about Annabeth. But it also made me think. And everybody knows when you think, your brain just has to send you things to get in the way. In this case, doubts piled into my mind, each weighing a brick, forcing me to tremble under the burden.

Does she like me, or care for me anymore? I know Thalia had said that Annabeth does, but Annabeth didn't tell her friends everything. It could be a lie. But then what about that... kiss?

Gods, that kiss. Don't get me started on it. It would've been awesome and exciting if not for the dire circumstances that it had taken place at. I'm not saying it wasn't awesome, it was.

But it was also desperate, striving for more. We were both so shocked and pained by the law. The feelings we had developed for each other were overflowing, but also mixing with sorrow and hurt. The kiss was made of caring thoughts, but sadness had been present at the making. We were wanting each other, wanting a tiny feeling of happiness only provided by the other.

I know, I was becoming a sappy mess. But I couldn't help it. If she wanted to be just friends now, would that kiss make things awkward between us?

I was even more worried at the fact that this won't change the law. We could try to change the gods' mind, but it most likely wouldn't work. I could attempt to come back and visit Annabeth again, but with Athena here... Athena was a powerful goddess, and she was smart and cunning as well. We wouldn't be able to meet secretly without Athena thwarting our plans. For starters, if we even could get the planning of a meeting past the goddess of wisdom, where could we meet? Athena knew her city, every little detail. There is really not a place in Athens that Athena doesn't know about, and if rumors reach her ears about me coming (if I was planning on coming, there was bound to be some rumor about it) I bet Athena would take every precaution possible to make certain that I couldn't be with Annabeth. Athena could have a lot of precautions made. So that option is almost a definite no.

Another option would be Annabeth leaving to join the Questers, or more importantly, me. But Annabeth couldn't exactly leave. A god could easily track her down and bring her back. Even Annabeth couldn't resist a god's power. Also, I couldn't expect her to just get up and go, leaving the temple behind. It was where she had lived all her life. Despite all the bad times she has had there, it was her home. It would be hard to leave.

I sighed quietly. Ever since the day that we were taken away from each other, nothing felt right. Without Annabeth by my side, everyday felt as if a big chunk of me was missing. It made me wonder how I could've possibly got through the days before we met. I mean, ever since two years ago, when Luke did that one thing... I was never the same. I was scarred from what Luke did to me. Permanently. Or so I thought.

But then Annabeth came around. Being with her, I discovered my scar from past events wasn't permanent. It was a wound, waiting to be healed. Annabeth provided that comfort for me, and healing for the wound. It was almost as if I were normal again, able to put the past behind me.

But then the stupid gods made that stupid law. I got angry just thinking about it. In just one statement provided by Zeus, all privileges of seeing Annabeth, my comfort, healer, and friend, were gone. Just like that. It was like the gods had reopened the wound in my heart and poured salt into it, sitting back and laughing.

Recently, however, my wound appeared to be waiting, as if it knew I would go to the Game and see Annabeth.

Well, I knew one thing: I needed Annabeth by my side, and I would do whatever it takes to make that happen.

With that thought soothing my mind, I drifted off into a deep sleep. The girl in my dreams held up some of the weight on my back, her gray eyes sparkling like the stars, allowing me to sleep peacefully.

I was the first one awake. The sun was peeking over the hill, ready to shine on the land. I knew I wouldn't be able to go back to sleep, so I crawled out of bed, tiptoeing over to the door. When I got down to the tavern, barely anybody was there. I trudged to the doorway at the other side, nodding back to the few villagers in the tavern who politely said hello. I stepped into the sunlight, peering at the passing people. It was pretty crowded out here. I walked aimlessly around Athens, enjoying the morning air. My mind kept obsessing over the coming events. Anticipation was building up in my body. Some people say they can't wait for something to happen, but they just use it as an expression. I seriously couldn't wait to see Annabeth. It took all of my willpower to not rush up to Athena's temple and demand to talk to Annabeth right now.

After an hour of wandering around, I soon found myself back in front of the inn we stayed at, and when I stepped in, it was much busier than when I had left.

I only spotted one of my crew, though. Jason was sitting at a table by himself, still waking up. I tried to smile at him, but my lips refused to conjure up such a nonchalant and happy gesture, so I just settled for a hello bob of my head. Jason half smiled back, yawning widely, and motioned toward the seat across from him. I followed his hand, planting myself in the wooden chair.

"Mornin'," Jason mumbled sleepily. "When did you get up?"

I shrugged, "Didn't get a good sleep last night, and I woke up around seven or so, I'd say. Couldn't get back to sleep, so I took a walk."

Jason nodded, then said, "Wonder when Thalia's going to get here."

I dipped my head in agreement. Jason's sister had only stayed for about twenty minutes, saying she had to get back. In that time, my mind was so overloaded with happiness about the next day to let any foreboding in, but after Thalia left, I realized I had forgotten to tell Thalia about the danger that Annabeth may be in. I know, stupid, right? I guess it would have to wait until this afternoon. A tingling went down my spine as I thought about today, but I forced it to the side, thinking of what Jason had just said.

Before Thalia had left, she said she would come back this morning to catch up a little and then to escort us to Athena's temple for the meeting. She didn't say when she would come, but it was already eight o'clock, so it had to be relatively soon.

Even as I thought those words, the door sprang open behind me.

I turned in my chair, expecting to see Thalia glaring at anybody who stared. Instead, a pretty girl with choppy brown hair walked in.

I heard a crash, then felt something wet on my shoes. I looked back to see Jason's water spilling everywhere, the result of him shooting up surprisedly at the presence of the newcomer.

"Piper!" He exclaimed, fully awake now and running his hands through his hair in an attempt to calm his bed head. I rolled my eyes, then started to dry the table and my shoes, because Jason made no sign that he had noticed. His focus was trained on Piper walking over to us.

I had just cleaned the table, moving all the water off of it and back into Jason's cup when Piper reached our table, saying, "Hi boys!" She hugged Jason, who was grinning like madman, happiness flowing off of him. I could tell the hug lasted a little longer than a hug between two friends would last. They weren't a couple (yet) but neither of them made a move to dislodge themselves from the other's arms. I just sat there, watching the small bits of food and leftover remands of gods know what that Jason's water had collected when spread out on the table. I hadn't filtered it because I didn't really need to.

Finally, Piper came over to me and smiled, giving me a friendly hug. She took her seat beside Jason, who was still grinning widely.

"So, how have you two been?" She asked, her kaleidoscope eyes eager.

"Good. Well, except for Percy, who has been moping around and acting like a baby ever since the law," Jason answered. I glared at him, and when Piper's eyes were turned away from Jason, I flicked my finger under the table, causing a small amount of water to shoot up into Jason's face. I smirked at his dripping face before turning to Piper again, who had began speaking.

"You and Annabeth both. That girl has been dead on her feet. The most I've seen her worked up and mentally awake was when she basically forced Athena to let you two meet."

I smiled slightly at the thought of Annabeth mouthing off her mother. I would've just stole some papers and designs, then threatened to drench them in water. That goddess would probably go ballistic and let me do anything just so she could get her precious papers back.

"Well, I've missed you guys a lot." Piper meant to include me in the statement, but she was kind of pointedly staring at Jason when she said she missed us, meaning she missed one certain person more than the others.

Jason has just finished drying his face, and he turned bright red when he realized what Piper was saying. He mumbled something incoherent, his face similar to a tomato. He sought to cover it all up by taking a big gulp of his water. Yeah, the water that had just come off of the table and had old food in it.

I tried to warn him with my eyes, but he didn't look at me. Once the disgusting water reach the inside of his mouth, he started retching and choking. Piper looked alarmed, and I just covered my eyes and sat back down, shaking my head.

Jason finally coughed it all out, and Piper said, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he replied in a scratchy voice, nodding. Even that small sentence sent him coughing again. His cheeks were flaming, consequence of embarrassing himself in front of Piper.

Fortunately, Piper's attention was diverted from him as the rest of the group came down. She greeted them all, giving Hazel a big hug. When she was being introduced to Nyssa and Harley, Jason rounded on me.

"Seriously, man?" He said angrily.

I held up my hands, trying to prove I was mostly innocent. "Dude, you spilled it, I cleaned up. Don't be nagging on me." I got up and walked over to the group before Jason could glare at me more. Piper and the Questers were joking around with each other, and I caught the end tail of their conversation.

"-said to tell you she didn't want to come back because she says you all are too stinky," Piper was saying. I assumed she was talking about Thalia, and my assumptions were confirmed when Harley said, "She scares me."

Leo snorted, "Thalia's not scary! She's just... yeah, you're right. She's scary."

Piper's laughter rang loud. "Thalia can be scary, but she's not that bad."

We spent the morning talking with Piper. I enjoyed catching up with her, and she didn't mention Annabeth too much, thank the gods for that. Anybody could see how anxious I was. My Anxiety seemed to have made a deal with Time. Whenever Anxiety came for a visit in my brain, Time would slow itself down so Anxiety could stay with me for a longer time. Great.

So the morning went incredibly slow due to Mr. Anxiety, who had set up a castle in my mind and invited some of his friends, like Worry, Doubt, Stress, and Nerves. I tried to turn them away, but Anxiety practically dragged them through, and I experienced the visit of every one.

We were getting read to leave finally, and Mr. Anxiety had eaten too much and gotten fat, filling more of my brain. I laced up my boots, tying up the knots with worry shaking my hands. Jason held open the door as everybody filed out. He gave me a small, encouraging smile. My reply was a failure of a smile, turning out to be more of a weak grimace. I stepped into the sunlight, and immediately my eyes were drawn to the temple on top of the hill. Annabeth was in there. I hoped she still feels the same as she did when we met and during the council time. I hoped it wasn't a week thing she had been feeling. I hoped she wouldn't hurt me. She was my comfort, and if she left, the darkness in my life would be multiplied by a hundred, and there would be no comfort.

I sighed and tore my gaze away, forcing my feet forward to join the Questers, with Piper in front, leading us.

With each step, my fear grew, and doubts poured into my mind. I wanted so badly to see Annabeth, talk to her, be with her. But did she want the same? Will things be awkward between us?

Stupid law. I could've stayed with her, then our emotions wouldn't have had to been so rushed. It would've been better.

I kicked a rock on the ground. It rolled around with my anger.

"Perce, stop glaring at the ground, man! What did it do to you?" The joking voice came from my left, and I looked over to see an amused Nico.

"Sorry," I mumbled, trying to make my glare dissipate. "I'm just a little... worried."

"That we won't get lunch? I am too! I mean, really. This meeting is directly in the middle of lunchtime!"

I sighed and gave him a seriously? look. His mouth twitched, and he said, "Sorry. What're you worried about?"

I exhaled again, this one more tired. My gaze traveled to the magnificent structure on the hill that we were heading to. I contemplated on keeping the information away from Nico, but it didn't last long. Nico was my best friend. I could talk to him about these things.

"What if..." I bit my lip. "What if she's not the same? Or... doesn't feel the same way as before?"

He nodded slowly. "Girl problems, huh? Every man deals with it. Fortunately, you came to the right guy! Love Master Nico, at your service." He took a deep bow.

I smiled slightly, then my amusement fell, and I went back to the subject we were talking about. "Come on, Nico. Seriously."

Nico dropped his joking manner, actually becoming solemn. He pursed his lips, thinking. "Percy, you two were smitten with each other. And I'm not joking. You guys were big flirts. I've never seen you do that with any other girl, and Annabeth doesn't seem like the one to do that many times either. Gods, that girl is freaky." I smirked at him as he shuddered a little and kept talking. "Just relax, Perce! It'll be fine."

"Okay, I'll try." I exhaled, trying to push worrisome thoughts away and just have a peaceful mind.

Yeah, right.

Having a peaceful mind was not going to be happening anytime soon.

We reached the stairs and started climbing. Each step felt like a kick to the stomach. I lagged behind everybody, walking with my hands in my pockets and frowning at the earth.

About halfway up the staircase, my feet felt as if they had rocks attached to them. Doubts seemed to be making a home in my mind.

I stopped abruptly, breathing raggedly. I couldn't do this. I wouldn't be able to take the pain this would bring if I figured out Annabeth didn't really care for me anymore. She could've been acting. It was only for a week. If that happened, I would be torn apart, hurt beyond belief. Misery would be my best friend, and the meaning and feeling of happiness would be lost, never to be found again.

No, I thought sternly and abruptly. I will not be like this. I need to know. I at least just needed to see her. If she doesn't care for me, then I'll try my best to get over it and move on, no matter how impossible that would be.

I steeled myself, putting my foot on the next step ahead. Then the next. I caught up to the group, jaw tightened and hands clenched.

I can do this. I repeated that in my head over and over again, persevering.

We were at the top of the stairs. One hundred feet until the big double doors. I hoped with all my heart that Annabeth was on the other side, waiting for me anxiously.

Satyrs, nymphs, and demigods alike paused whatever they were doing in the hallway to watch the Questers and Piper. They stared at us, their eyes running down the group. They found me lingering behind everybody with heavy steps and a fearful expression on my face. They started whispering, and I caught the words "Percy Jackson," "Annabeth," and "Forbiddance Law." I guess I was pretty popular from that. No doubt Athena fed them all lies, saying I was cruel and hurting Annabeth, and had tricked Annabeth into liking me, then was planning on breaking her heart later.

Anger rose up in me at those thoughts. If I ever wanted to be mad, I just had to think about Athena's sniveling face, and rage would rise up in me, banging against my insides and begging for release, which would end up in me destroying a bunch of things and a lot of people getting soaked with water.

I calmed myself as best as I could, trying to ignore the whispers and rumors.

But each accusation added a brick to my feet, making the thought of going forward and figuring out if I would be broken or mended extremely hard, and encouraging me to turn around and just stay in ignorance.

No, no, and no. I would win this conflict. I had to. I just needed to see her.

Fifty feet.

I willed optimism into my brain, letting it fight away the thoughts rushing into my mind. It didn't work. But I kept on walking.

Twenty feet.

My chest was going to burst from the anticipation.

Ten feet.

The two guards standing at the doors started pulling them open. No turning back now.

I was in the temple, my heart racing at a million miles per hour. I glanced up a little bit, but in the half second that I did, I only found more satyrs, nymphs, demigods, columns and tall walls. I didn't look at details, for it seemed as if the ground was a magnet, forcing my eyes to look down at it. It was too hard to resist, and frankly, I was incredibly weak at the moment. All strength had left me, causing me to breathe unevenly, and my hands to tremble at my sides.