It was a record breaking August in New York, with temperatures reaching higher than anyone could remember.

"It's so hot..." whined Percy, who started fanning himself with his hand dramatically.

Annabeth rolled her eyes at him. "The AC is already maxed out. What else do you suggest?"

Percy shrugged and flung himself off the couch. "Ice cream. I need ice cream."

"We're out," Annabeth commented as Percy ran to the kitchen. He groaned but still opened the freezer. To confirm or to feel the air, Annabeth didn't know.

Then Percy's face lit up as he closed the freezer door. "So, you know how my mom and I used to go to Montauk for summers?"

"Oh my Gods, you're a genius!" Annabeth shrieked, dropping the ice pack she had began to press on her forehead. "Call Sally! Maybe she'll let us borrow it!"

"Okay, okay, I will," Percy said, frantically grabbing for his phone.

After becoming a successful writer, Sally had bought the cabin she and Percy had stayed at often and renovated it.

After a few rings Sally picked up and Percy smiled widely.

"Hey, mom, could Annabeth and I borrow the cabin? Please!" he begged, making his begging face although she couldn't see him.

Sally laughed. "Sure, Perce. We just got back from the cabin, so it's all yours."

Percy fist pumped the air, causing Annabeth to grin. "Okay, thanks, mom!"

~

In less than an hour the family of three were all in their car, all excited for the coming days.

"Do you think I can play Led Zeppelin around Marina?" Percy asked as he glared at his playlist.

Annabeth peered at Marina, who was currently asleep. "I don't think she'd notice. Just try not to scare her with your singing voice."

Percy glared at her. "That was cold, wise girl. And I'm even bringing you to my cabin!"

"I'm grateful, I'm grateful!" she replied with a laugh, her grin wide.

After several songs, much of Percy's singing, and half-hearted complaining, they arrived at the cabin to the relief of all of them.

"Hey, what's over towards the water?" Annabeth asked, squinting.

Percy frowned and peered towards where she was gesturing. There stood a hunched over figure. "Another beach goer? It is a nice day..."

But the two knew that wasn't the case. They weren't that lucky.

"I'll be back," Percy said, pulling Riptide out of his pocket. "You get in the driver's seat, and, uh, be prepared to...."

He swallowed, unable to say it. But Annabeth understood and nodded, switching spots with him.

Then she gasped. "Percy-no! It's-it's a hydra."

Percy's eyes widened. "Oh, crap, you're right. Do we have any Greek fire?"

She rolled her eyes. "No, sorry, I forgot to pack that, but I did remember the battle axes!"

"Ha ha," replied Percy. "I think there may be some in the cabin..."

"Why?!" Annabeth cried. "This is a mortal cabin! Did you hide totally dangerous and explosive Greek fire in this house?!"

Percy looked down at his feet before nodding. "Yes, ma'am."

Annabeth sighed. "Well, now I'm glad you did. You go find it, I'll keep an eye on the hydra."

"You will not fight it," Percy said strictly, staring Annabeth down. "I will. If it comes near you—drive away. Far away with Marina, make sure it doesn't follow you. Get to camp if you can. It's near here."

"I know, but I can't leave you—"

"You can and will."

Annabeth was shocked by Percy's tone of voice. She nodded. "I—I will. I'm sorry."

Percy watched as a tear ran down her face and he instantly regretted yelling. He quickly wiped the tear off her face. "Hey, I'll be fine. Really."

Annabeth nodded, wanting to believe him. He nodded back at her before sneaking into the cabin.

Annabeth watched carefully, glancing between the house and the hydra. The hydra didn't approach the car or even seem to notice it, instead it was interested in the water, which was good for fighting since Percy was excellent in water.

Then the cabin door opened and Percy crept out, a jar of Greek fire in his hand. He winked at Annabeth, causing her to smile, before running towards the beast.

Annabeth closed her eyes, which was dumb, and she knew that. She just couldn't physically watch.

Then a cry awoke her. She opened her eyes to face Percy, who was fine, and alone. The hydra was gone; all that remained was one of its ugly heads.

She turned and saw Marina, who was still fast asleep, drool running down her lips.

And as Percy ran towards the car, she realized she had been the one who had screamed.

"What's wrong?!" Percy asked, dropping Riptide and throwing the car door open. He pulled Annabeth into an embrace. "Are you alright?"

Annabeth wiped her tears and nodded. "Y-yeah, I think so. I was just so w-worried. But it doesn't matter now. We're safe, so let's go have some fun."

Percy nodded before holding her tighter. "Everything's going to be okay."

She smiled and looked up at him. "I know. Because you're here."