Guards

Annabeth POV

The people in the survival camp have many duties. Even the kids have certain responsibilities to help with the functionality of the mini-society established here. For instance, my brothers help with transporting resources within the museum from time to time.

One rule that everyone must obey is to NOT go into the South sector. There's only one hallway that leads to the South sector exhibit.

Only select personnel can go into the South sector.

No one can break the rule. We even have guards stationed in the hallway to ensure no one breaks the master rule. We have enforced the South sector off-limits rule for a very good reason. We don't talk about what happens on the other side with anyone.

The rest of the museum is open to everyone. However, people usually stay in the middle and north sectors.

The guards spend a lot of time in the back of the museum near the garage. The entire hallway is filled with weapons and training areas. The exhibits were cleaned out to facilitate a space for the guards. I work as a guard as well.

Essentially, the guards protect the museum, set the traps, make rounds, and go out on raids for additional resources. Our last raid across the bridge is how I first met Percy. Most of the raids happen to gather resources such as food and living supplies. Sometimes, the kids would request specific toys or games, so we pick those up if we can.

"Annie, pay attention or you'll get punched," Thalia said quickly. Her arm swung above my head, and I ducked at the last minute. "What with you today? You're lost in your mind."

We stopped fighting and took a water break.

"Sorry, Thals. I've just been thinking," I answered.

"That doesn't surprise me one bit. You're always thinking. I wish that there's someone in this world who can relax your busy mind," Thalia quipped. I smiled at her caring nature. However, she's right. I usually don't relax.

"Considering most of our world is zombies now, I don't think such a person exists," I countered.

My mind is always racing with plans and ideas. No one has managed to curb that part of me even when I need to relax and calm down from time to time.

"No, you just restrict yourself too much."

Just then, Chiron wheeled into the guard hallway with Percy. It was the first time (besides the bridge) that I'd seen Percy without Baby Estelle. Percy and Chiron were talking about the responsibilities of the guard while approaching us.

Thalia analyzed Percy closely. Her brother, Jason, likes Percy. Most of the guys have gotten to talk to Percy, and they all seem happy with his presence.

But, I'm not a huge fan of Percy. He's annoying.

"Hello, Chiron. We weren't expecting you here today," Thalia greeted. Other guards paused whatever they were doing and approached us.

Percy walked them closely. Once again, he was taking stalk of his surroundings, probably out of habit. He didn't trust everyone here yet, but that's understandable. All the newcomers are hesitant about opening up to everyone.

"I came to formally introduce Percy to the other guards. We both believe that the guard is the right place for an experienced fighter/survivor like Percy," Chiron said firmly. The others nodded in agreement while I remained neutral.

"Anyone who's survived this long should be considered an experienced survivor. That's what I believe," Percy expressed.

Piper and Jason smiled at that sentence. To be honest, it was a profound sentence. He was humble while also stating facts. The zombie apocalypse started 8 months ago, and most of the planet has been wiped out. If you survived this long, then you are a worthy survivor.

I sighed while gazing at Percy.

It's obvious that Percy is more than just a hot guy. He has substance.

I shook my head while straightening my thoughts. I don't have a problem with Percy being in the guard, but it seemed too soon.

"Wouldn't it be best if Percy got accustomed to the camp first?" I asked.

"Looks like someone doesn't want to work with me," Percy muttered. I glared at him while he smirked victoriously. A few others chuckled. Ugh.

Luke approached with a determined expression.

"Annabeth is one of the leaders of the camp," Luke affirmed. "It will do you good to respect her and everyone else for that matter."

Percy rolled his eyes, but his smile didn't falter. Whatever he was thinking, I couldn't quite pick up on it. He's good at masking his emotions and thoughts. I'm usually good at reading people, but Percy is difficult and confusing.

"Anyway, everyone please get back to work. Since there seems to be friction between members of the group, I'm ordering Annabeth to get Percy acquainted," Chiron ordered. Percy gaped at him while my jaw dropped. Chiron ordered me to do the one thing I don't want to do for the camp. I'm fine working with newcomers, but not Percy.

"No exceptions. The other guards can help, but this is your assignment, Annabeth."

I nodded while glaring at Percy. "All right, Chiron. I'll show him the ropes and take him outside to see the perimeter."

Jason patted Percy's shoulder. The others accepted Percy into the guard before dispersing. Everyone has responsibilities to take care of. The guards perform a lot of functions in the camp. For instance, Leo and Charles went back to making traps at the end of the hallway.

Percy followed behind me as I walked into the garage. Many vehicles surrounded us as I walked to a small gray door that led outside.

"So, uh, aren't you going to tell me things?" Percy asked quietly.

I turned around to catch Percy's vision shift up frantically. Anger boiled in my veins as my hands closed into fists. Percy was looking at my butt!

"WHAT WERE YOU LOOKING AT?" I snapped.

"Um, uh," Percy faltered. His cheeks flushed. "Annabeth, you should treat it as a compliment. It just means that you have a nice-"

"SHUT UP," I exclaimed.

"Sorry."

Percy didn't sound like he meant the apology at all. Instead, he smiled before opening the door for me. The fresh breeze and sunlight washed over my angry face. I shook my head while gesturing for him to walk in front of me.

"You go in front of me," I ordered firmly.

"Why? So, you can look at my ass. You could've just asked," Percy sassed.

"GO," I snapped. Gods, this boy is infuriating. I glared daggers into his back as we walked into the mid-summer air.

The perimeter of spike traps stood strong about forty yards away. These closely-spaced spikes surround the entire museum. Charles and the other guards set the spikes up a long while ago (before I even arrived here). Dried blood was splattered on the spikes and ground, and a few impaled zombies were groaning.

Even though the sun was shining, it was also a windy day today. The breeze ruffled Percy's wild, raven-black hair. He has nice hair. A part of me wanted to run my fingers through it, but only because I wanted to feel if his hair was smooth/silky. There's no other reason.

"We refer to the spikes as the perimeter. As you can see, it's a series of spikes sticking out of the ground. Of course, Zombies aren't smart enough to crouch under the spikes or climb above them. They just impale themselves. The perimeter is quite effective," I explained.

"How long did it take to set them up?" Percy asked in shock.

"Well, central park is that way. We have all the trees we need. Charles and Luke were initial members of the camp. With Chiron's guidance, they fortified the camp."

"When did you join the camp?" Percy turned to me. His sea-green eyes sparkled in the blazing sunlight.

"Less than four months ago," I answered.

I explained everything about working as a guard. His main responsibility is to keep the museum safe. One thing the guards do is go out every morning and evening to terminate the zombies that are stuck to the spikes. Also, the guards go out on raids.

I told Percy all the information.

We walked along the perimeter for a while. Percy digested the information and asked questions when necessary. We walked side-by-side, so I didn't have to worry about his wandering gaze.

Percy's personality is perplexing. He's wild and outgoing. He jokes around, but he's also serious when he needs me. He certainly enjoys pushing my buttons. We walked around the museum in silence after a while. I decided that we'd make a full loop around the museum so that he can see everything. Now, we were in the front of the camp.

"How long have you and Luke been together?" he asked suddenly. "Is it normal for people in the camp to engage in relationships?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You and Luke. And, some of the others are also together."

His eyes stayed trained on a group of groaning zombies. They were stuck to the spikes, but that didn't stop their screeching.

"Luke and I are NOT together," I said firmly.

Percy chuckled while facing me. "I don't know, Annabeth. For such an intelligent girl, you don't seem to realize his affection toward you. He defended you in front of everyone, so he's interested in you for sure."

My heart raced. Percy just confirmed my growing suspicions.

"Well, we're not together," I stated. "That being said, the camp does have a few couples. It's natural for people to love each other. I guess."

"You guess?" Percy laughed. He picked up a strong branch off the ground. I followed him as he walked to the perimeter and stabbed a few zombies in the eye. Slowly, he terminated the zombies one by one.

"I don't know. Look at the world we live in," I commented. "I don't understand how a relationship is warranted during an apocalypse."

Gods, I don't even know why I'm telling him all this.

"I agree with you," Percy panted while stabbing another zombie.

His words caught me off guard. I didn't expect him to agree with my unique perception. Then, Percy looked at me intently. His heavy breathing steadied as his piercing gaze locked onto mine. I stood frozen in anticipation.

"However, if you don't believe in relationships, then why are you still here? Why are fighting to live? What's the point?" Percy asked quietly.

That stumped me. What is the point?

For the first time in my life, I was astounded to the point where I couldn't respond. I didn't know how to respond. This has never happened before. Yet, Percy shows up and all of a sudden, I can't formulate my words into a message.

Percy smiled. "Don't worry. I wasn't expecting an answer. It would be cruel to press for an answer when I don't have the answers myself."

"My primary goal is to keep my brothers safe," I stated.

"Yeah, but why?" Percy asked again.

I don't know, I thought. What will happen if my brothers live? They will still be living in this hell. But, I didn't want to say that. My mind was blanking, and I couldn't come up with an answer. So, I responded with a question.

"Why do you fight for Estelle? Or, better yet, why do you fight for yourself?"

Percy shook his head at me. He dropped the bloody branch on the ground. Then, he stretched his arms. My gaze was fixed on his flexing and contracting arms. Percy is very attractive physically, but this conversation intrigued me more.

Somehow, he's managed to stimulate me physically, mentally, and emotionally.

"I told you that I don't have any answers," Percy expressed. "I was hoping that a Wise Girl like you would be able to give me a response."

"Wise Girl?" I chuckled.

"It's the best I could think of," Percy sighed. I rolled my eyes.

Just then, Silena and Rachel came to view. Rachel was simply talking with Silena, who was stabbing zombies along the south perimeter. We were on the east side, so we walked over. Rachel and Percy immediately started talking bout stuff.

I could tell that Rachel and Percy had become friends. They talked about Stella before shifting the conversation to Rachel's favorite exhibits.

"Percy, you have to let me show you some of the exhibits," Rachel expressed cheerfully.

"That sounds awesome. Thanks, Rachel," Percy paused. He turned to me. "Wise Girl, you told me everything about being a guard. Is there anything else?"

"No, you're free to go," I stated. "However, your first day is tomorrow. You'll be working with Jason to terminate the zombies at the perimeter. Leo might need your help with fortifying some of the traps as well."

"Sounds good. Bye."

I watched Rachel and Percy walk away. I couldn't get a hold of my thoughts. Percy's whole personality and our conversation raced through my head. He's annoying, but he's not a bad guy at all. I've never had a person stump me as he did. In the process, he intoxicated my mind and calmed it.

Silena walked to me and brushed my arm.

"Annabeth, is everything okay? You seem different," she said knowingly. Her tone had a silent truth in them.

"I'm fine. Just curious," I replied.

"About Percy?"

"Yeah, but I'm also curious about the world we live in. Percy just stumped me, and that's throwing everything I know and believe into a loop."

"So, Percy's presence is growing on you?" Silena suggested.

"Let's just say, I'm fascinated."