Thalia watched in horror as Percy and Annabeth slashed and dodged, their swords gleaming dangerously. They both were working as a team. An actual team. They fought like one mind in two bodies. Fighting back to back, they easily defeated Clarisse and Silena. And then they high fived. Thalia blinked twice to make sure that what she was seeing was real. At this rate she would be losing not one, but two bets! She immediately regretted making those bets. At that point of time it had seemed like a good idea. She had never thought that Percy and Annabeth would actually work together.

Annabeth smirked when she saw the feeling of dread written all over Thalia's face. She would make Thalia and Piper regret making this bet. Annabeth had spent so much time analyzing Percy to find out what pissed him off, that she could practically predict what Percy would do. That made working as a team much more easier.

 Spending time with Percy was not that bad either. Sure, they didn't see eye to eye on many things, but they didn't end up killing each either. That was a good thing. 

"We got to win this" Percy said glancing at Annabeth. 

It was the final round. Jason and Thalia vs Annabeth and Percy. Annabeth was confident that they would win. Nobody could match their level of coordination. As soon as the horn blew, signaling the start of the duel, Thalia smirked and looked at Percy.

"Did you know that Annabeth stole your cookies?"

"What?" Percy whirled around to face Annabeth and narrowed his eyes. "Did you? Cause my cookies are off-limits."

Annabeth rolled her eyes. She knew what Thalia was doing, but what Thalia forgot was that Annabeth was the queen of strategies. By pointing out that Annabeth stole Percy's cookies, Thalia was trying to make them fight between themselves. It wouldn't work, Annabeth would make sure of it. Percy however, was glaring at her.

"I did take your cookies," Annabeth admitted. "But, I'll give it back if we win this fight."

Percy stared at her for two seconds, then nodded. "Alright."

Thalia let out a frustrated growl and stood in the Alber stance. Annabeth spared a glance at the audience. They were murmuring among themselves, not understanding why they were talking instead of fighting. Fixing her gaze on Thalia, Annabeth too copied Thalia's stance. And then the fight began.

The crowd faded into the background. The only thing Annabeth could see was Thalia's sword, the only thing she could hear was the clashing sound when both their swords met and the only thing she could feel was the force by which Thalia was pushing her sword towards Annabeth.

She wished she had her dagger with her right now. Annabeth was twice as dangerous when she had her dagger with her as compared to when she fought with her sword. Although she was equal to Percy when she was using her sword, she could easily disarm Percy when she used her dagger. She was a natural when it came to her dagger but with her sword? Not so much. Since, the camp focused mainly on swords, she had spent almost all her time perfecting her movements with the sword.

And all the practice payed off, Annabeth thought as she grinned at Thalia who was on the floor, her neck inches away from Annabeth's sword.

"Drop your sword."

Thalia kept her eyes on Annabeth, loosening her grip on the sword but at the last moment she moved her leg, trying to swipe Annabeth's leg. Annabeth moved her leg just in time. Annabeth pushed her sword towards Thalia, until it was touching her neck. The swords were made of wood, so Annabeth wasn't worried about hurting Thalia. Thalia sighed and then dropped her sword. Annabeth grinned smugly and then stuck her hand out to help Thalia up. Thalia grumbled as she took Annabeth's hand. 

Percy and Jason however, were still fighting. Annabeth could go and help Percy with his fight with Jason, but he looked like he was winning, so she didn't butt in. In another two minutes, Percy had managed to disarm Jason and then the competition was finished. They had won!

"You know, you are not that bad to talk to." Percy said after the competition, awkwardly as he rubbed the back of his neck. 

"You are not that infuriating either."

"I don't know what infuri-whatever means, but I am going to assume it was a compliment. Now, where are my cookies?"

"Oh, I lied. I already ate the cookies," Annabeth said mischievously.

"What?" Percy shouted loudly. "How dare you? They were the last batch of cookies. Now, I have to wait all summer to get more cookies."

"Calm down. I was just joking." Annabeth walked over to the stand where they had all kept their bags. She went to Thalia's bag and took out a bag of cookies. She knew that when Percy discovered that his cookies were missing, he would check her bag but not Thalia's. Besides, Thalia never checks her back so Thalia wouldn't have found the cookies either. For the sake of their fragile friendship, Annabeth returned the bag of cookies. Percy let out a shout of happiness and hugged the bag of cookies while Annabeth rolled her eyes.

Thalia stormed towards them. "You both won! You conspired against me, didn't you?" 

Annabeth frowned and put her hand on her hip. "Really Thalia! You were the one who conspired against us. Serves you right to lose the two bets."

"Yeah, Annabeth's right. And you and Jason lost your cookie quota!" Percy said with glee.

 Looking at Annabeth's confused expression, he explained, "My mom sends a few cookies to me and an equal share to Jason and Thalia. Since I won the bet, for the entire month they must give me their share of cookies. That means more cookies for me!"

Annabeth stared at the cookies jealously. Even though, she hated Percy, even she had to admit that those cookies were amazing. She had stolen the cookies once, a year ago and eaten it herself and enjoyed them immensely. Percy had been furious and had filled her bed with plastic spiders. 

Percy saw her staring at the cookies and said grudgingly, " You could have one cookie, I suppose. And I promise I didn't poison them this time."

Thalia stared at both of them in shock. They were actually having a civil conversation! "So, you both are friends now?" 

Percy glanced at Annabeth, "Yeah I guess, if she wants to be."

Annabeth smiled. "We are friends," she confirmed." 

"Dang it It was fun watching both of you embarrass each in public. I'm gonna miss that." Thalia said pouting.

This resulted in Annabeth smacking Thalia on the head with the flat side of her sword and Percy laughing. And that's how Prince Perseus' and Princess Annabeth's friendship started. With sword fighting and blue cookies.