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Annabeth POV

Seaweed Brain didn't come back. That stupid idiot promised he'd be back as soon as possible. However, it's the afternoon of the next day, and Percy's still not back. I can't wait to see him again. A string of curses were waiting to slip out of my mouth.

"Annie, Percy knows how to survive. He's going to be fine. You know that a zombie horde swept through the city yesterday. He probably took cover," Piper expressed.

"He promised to come back to me," I said.

"You mean, to us, right?" she asked suspiciously. A smirk crept onto her face as she looked at me with a steely gaze.

"That's what I meant," I murmured.

"Yeah sure, Annie. That's definitely what you meant," Piper said sarcastically. A knowing smile spread across her face whilst she brushed my arm.

I stopped the perimeter check and glared at her.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I snapped. I stabbed a nearby zombie that was trapped on a metal spike. Thalai slashed at two additional zombies before laughing at my angry face. She shook her head at me like I was a child.

"You're so oblivious, Annabeth. Come on. You're supposed to be the smartest person at the camp. How can you not know?" she asked.

"Know what?"

"You're developing feelings for Percy Jackson," Piper expressed firmly. "This is so amazing. The girl who doesn't believe romance and apocalypse can coexist is now having romantic feelings for someone."

I was too stunned to speak. There was no way I like Percy. He's a great guy to have around, but we are too different. Plus, we live in a zombie apocalypse. It wouldn't be right to have feelings for someone.

I turned around and jabbed a zombie in the eye. The groaning zombie quietened and crumbled to the blood-splattered road.

"Look who's ignoring her feelings," Piper continued.

"Shut up, Pipes. I don't like him like that. We made a pact to always find our way back to each other. That's it."

"You don't think a promise like that means something?" Piper asked. A teasing yet honest tone laced her voice. "A guy would never make a promise like that unless he truly cares for the girl. Percy likes you too."

We continued our perimeter strike. Since there was a zombie sweep yesterday, a lot of zombies were impaling themselves on our traps. As such, Chiron wanted Piper and me to go out and clear the perimeter in the afternoon. We had already covered 75% of the perimeter. We were now finishing the front of the museum.

Piper was jabbing at zombies left and right.

To be honest, I'm letting her do most of the work. It's not like she minds though. She's one of my best friends, and Piper needs the fighting practice against real zombies.

"So, here you girls are," Luke acknowledged.

We turned around as Luke approached us. Piper, Luke, and I have been on so many raids together. We have an abundant amount of memories together. Luke smiled while tossing water bottles at me and Piper.

"Thanks, Luke," I said politely.

"No problem. You guys did a great job with the perimeter," Luke expressed.

We nodded in agreement. The cool water washed down my throat, providing immediate relief. Gods, drinking water feels so good sometimes. Piper moaned in appreciation.

"So, what are you guys talking about?" Luke asked.

"Annabeth's just worried that Percy isn't back yet. It's been over a day, and it shouldn't take this long to come back with some baby supplies and meds," Piper explained.

"The zombie horde passed yesterday. I's understanding if Percy wanted to take cover for the night," Luke said in a neutral tone. "Annabeth, you're usually the voice of reason who has a million possibilities in her head. Why are you worrying so much?"

"I know why," Piper teased.

"Shut up, Pipes. Gods, you're so annoying sometimes."

"Yet, you love me as a close friend. Of course, I don't blame you for loving me," she smiled while Luke chuckled.

I rolled my eyes before continuing the perimeter strike. We were almost done, and I can't wait to go inside and take a shower. It was a hot summer day, and the sunlight was beating down on us. Sweat beaded my forehead.

Suddenly, a whizz permeated the area.

"Wait, do you guys hear that?" Luke asked seriously. He immediately unsheathed his knife while looking out into the street.

I blinked before focusing on the moving vehicle: a mini-van.

I couldn't help my smile. Percy.

"It's Percy. Thank the gods," Piper exclaimed.

Percy was driving very slowly for some reason. I wondered if he was running out of gas. Then, our gazes locked on the white bus that turned the corner behind him. The bus was following Percy toward the museum. It was a medical bus, indicating that the vehicle was from the hospital that Percy visited.

Luke quickly returned to the museum to get some reinforcements. What the hell was happening?

The mini-van stopped a few yards away from the perimeter. Percy looked out his window and waved for us to open the way. I smiled while gazing into his handsome face. It felt so good to see him again alive.

Luke ran outside with the Stoll twins. They moved some of the traps aside while Piper and I shot at nearby zombies.

Percy quickly led the bus inside the perimeter. Connor and Travis reestablished the perimeter while Piper fired at the groaning zombies trying to come at them. We've done this so many times that it was an ingrained procedure at this point.

I ran to the minivan just as Percy climbed out.

I grabbed his wrist and flipped him over his shoulder. Percy slammed into the stone pavement. I leaned down and placed my knee on his chest. Raw emotion was burning at me while I stared into his confused sea-green eyes.

"If you ever leave like that again," I said, my eyes stinging. "I swear to all the gods-"

Percy had the nerve to laugh. Suddenly, the lump of heated and passionate emotions melted inside me. I was just so glad to see him for some reason.

I was so grateful beyond explanation.

"Consider me warned," Percy said. "I missed you too, Wise Girl."

I shook my head before grabbing his hand. I pulled him to his feet before tackling him with a quick hug. I couldn't help myself from hugging him. His strong arms wrapped around my waist tightly as he spun me around.

"Gods, I missed you so much," he repeated. "I don't even know why."

Yeah, me neither, I thought. Or, maybe I do.

Then, our attention turned to the medical bus. Percy rushed over to the bus before the rest of the guards could approach the bus. I walked to the bus where Percy was waiting. The door was open, revealing a middle-aged man in the driver's seat. A woman my age with long black hair and obsidian eyes was analyzing me closely.

Percy turned around and spoke to the people inside.

Meanwhile, Luke came to the bus with Piper and the Stolls in tow. Katie was calling Chiron since he's the director of our camp. Chiron will know what to do specifically.

"Percy, what's going on? Who's on the bus?" Luke asked.

"Hey, everyone," Percy expressed. "At the hospital, I ran into a small survival group. They needed help and a safe place to stay. I decided to bring them back here before they starve in the hospital basement."

My gaze narrowed on the woman who stepped out of the bus. She must be the leader of their group.

"My name is Reyna," she announced confidently. "I want to assure everyone that my people aren't here to do any harm. We can help, and we need help."

We all looked at each other, but I was the first to nod.

"Welcome to the MET," I said firmly. I shook her hand firmly. "My name is Annabeth, and I'm one of the guards here at our survival camp. This is a safe place."

"You're Annabeth?" Reyna suggested. "Percy told me a lot about you."

"All good," Percy responded quickly.

I rolled my eyes while Reyna smiled. The member of their group slowly got out of the bus. Frank and Hazel seemed to be particularly close to Percy.

Percy is a natural at making friends, and he believes in the right to live. He's always helping people even during the apocalypse, and I greatly admired that quality about him. Even now, he brought 16 people to our survival camp.

Chiron wheeled himself outside and explained the details of our camp. The newcomers listened intently and nodded along.

Then, Luke escorted them to the infirmary. Dr. Claymore, Will, and Rachel were waiting to check everyone for bites. Even though we're confident that they're all healthy, we never skip the strip protocol.

Percy took a deep breath before exhaling.

"Seaweed Brain, you did the right thing today. Our camp is the best mode of survival for them. It's obvious that they were hungry and tired," I expressed.

"I was just scared at you all would be mad, Wise Girl. I didn't ask for your permission, and 16 new members are a big deal."

"I admire you more for what you did," I said softly.

Percy smiled while brushing my arm. We walked back inside the museum with the other guards. Piper went to the infirmary upon Chiron's request. Apparently, many of the new members need emotional support and Piper's great at that.

The camp was buzzing with gossip. We received 16 new members today because of Percy, which is great news. Some of them would be excellent guard material. Plus, in Reyna, the camp is receiving another great leader.

"Hey, Wise Girl, I have to see Stella," Percy whispered.

"Of course. Estelle is with Grover and Juniper right now. Hestia is busy with the other kids, so they took care of Stella while you were gone," I told him.

Percy nodded before disappearing into the halls of the museum. I told him to meet me on the roof after dinner tonight, and he agreed. While he went to his sister, I decided to help the newcomers in the infirmary.

Will excitedly explained that they all passed the strip protocol.

Thank the gods.

Being in the infirmary allowed me to analyze the new members more. Their faces were tight and dirty while their bodies showed signs of fatigue and hunger. Chiron ordered dinner to be ready early today so that the new members could eat soon. I love Chiron for how kind and reassuring he is to everyone.

Chiron also accepts people for who they are. He sees the best in people without diluting himself with false hope. He's an amazing director.

Reyna was busy talking to Chiron about the roles and responsibilities available to her group members. George and Martha were a middle-aged couple. They have a background in medicine, so they're discussing research with Will and Dr. Claymore.

Suddenly, my analysis of these people was interrupted.

"Annabeth, can we ask you a question?"

I turned around to face Hazel and Frank. They don't talk much in a large group, but they both were done getting checked out. I gestured for them to follow me to a private corner of the infirmary.

"We wanted to personally introduce ourselves. One way or another, Percy made it clear that you're one of his favorite people at camp," Hazel smiled.

"He did?" I asked in confusion.

"Of course. He spoke very highly of you," Frank said. "Anyway, we want to know if everyone will be okay with our presence here. I know it's a big change."

"There are about 300 people here. We can manage a few more. Besides, some of you have great skills that you lend to the camp," I replied earnestly.

I couldn't tell if they were together or not. They weren't getting that physically close to each other. However, I could sense an emotional connection between the two. Frank and Hazel probably knew each other for a long time.

"Thanks, Annabeth. That definitely made us feel better," Hazel whispered.

"Absolutely. Welcome to our camp," I commented. "And, who knows? Maybe, you will make great connections with the other campers here."

They both nodded while smiling.

Little did I know that Frank, Hazel, and Reyna already have deep connections with the people here. I guess we're in for some serious drama.