[audio]

[yearrounder]

[Sigh. Really, Annabeth should be used to losing people by now, but, well. She never expected that it would be Percy. He's always been there. He's supposed to be impossible to get rid of. Maybe she'd been getting too complacent, which seems more than a little bit ridiculous for her life. And for a place like this. But she's supposed to be able to count on him.

...right?

She's quiet at first, but sighs once again before she starts speaking.]

I...don't know how many people he knew, but it looks like Percy Jackson left. He wasn't here for very long, but he was the one in the lake. That's pretty memorable, right? [Maybe not. People here can do all kinds of things.]

Anyway. I figured I should tell someone. In case anyone needs to know or anything. I'd want to know.

[She cuts it off there before it can get any more ridiculous.]

Comments

[sonofacesius]

Of course I'm right. Would you rather he be here, in constant danger and unfamiliar territory, or back home, studying and trying to help us? He's probably alerted Camp by now too, if communication's back up, or made a quick trip to tell Chiron or Mr. D. himself.

[yearrounder]

I'd rather that I be there with him. How would you feel if Nico left?

[sonofacesius]

Honestly? Fine. He's safe, capable and I have utter trust in him that he'd keep fighting and find a way to help us.

Annabeth, a relationship isn't defined by two people being together, but how they work, both when they're in the same space and apart. Don't get stuck. You're stronger than this.

[yearrounder]

I know that, but I'm allowed to be upset.

[sonofacesius]

Yes you are. Just don't make it everything you are.

I remember what you were like when Percy disappeared the first time. Focused, angry.

[The word obsessed came to mind too but he was trying to be nice.]

Live your life, don't let Percy's absence or appearance control it.

[yearrounder]

There's not anything for me to hit until I find him again. [She really wishes there was, though. Maybe she could make something up.]

I'll try.

[sonofacesius]

I'm sure Percy won't appreciate you saving up slaps for when you see him again. He might need a doctor.

.....Nico has a ticket counter if you need to borrow one.

Besides, there's tons for you to do here to keep busy. You want to be an architect. You've seen this place right?

[yearrounder]

That's not hitting. [sigh]

But I guess I see your point.

[sonofacesius]

Good.

Just try not to work yourself so hard you break anything.

[yearrounder]

Anything like anything on me or anything like anything?

[sonofacesius]

Anything on you. Break all the inanimate objects or monsters you so desire.

I just really don't have a lot of ambrosia left.

[yearrounder]

Yeah that's a good point, too. Maybe we can try to get some from one of the others if we have to.

[sonofacesius]

Yeah. They might have some left. Just...be careful until Hope is back up to full power and we can get some more.

[yearrounder]

Yeah. I'll do my best.