"Come back, Annabeth."

"I can't, Percy."

"Why not?"

"I have to stay here, Seaweed Brain. I can't come back."

"I miss you. I want to see you again."

"I miss you too. One day we'll see each other again. I promise."

"Annabeth don't go! I love you!"

"I'm sorry Percy but I have to. I love you too. I'll always be with you. Goodbye."

"Annabeth no!"

Percy awoke with a start from the nightmare that haunted him for several weeks, breathing heavily. He sat up, buried his face in his hands. He ruffled his hair, the way she would have wanted it. He looked at the empty spot next to him. The feeling of loneliness grew inside his heart as he thought about all the memories he shared with her since his first day at camp.

The grief and depression of her death made his cabin look terrible; like a tornado had struck it several times, leaving no trace of sanity. The black ringlets under his eyes from all the sleepless nights, tossing and turning until he finally let out a cry of grief and mourning.

He rolled over and glanced at his clock. It showed 10:51a.m. Usually by now she would already have woken him up. He slid back into his covers and forced himself into another sleepless slumber, where another dream awaited him. He saw her again. They were in a vast space of clouds and light. He was facing her but the closer he ran to her, the further she drifted away.

She was floating ever so gracefully, nothing like his old Annabeth. She was wearing a simple white dress, a transluscent shawl draped over her shoulders. Percy fell to his knees, digging elbows into the soft cottony texture that sent a chill up his body.

"Percy, stop." Annabeth said softly. Suddenly she was right in front of him, kneeling on one knee. Her forefinger tapped his chin, making her meet his eyes.

"But I want to be with you again. I want to hug you."

"You will. Very soon. You'll see. But I need you to do something."

"Anything."

"I need you to stop Percy. Move on. The camp needs you. You are their leader. They need their leader to set things straight."

"But I love you so much. I can't stop thinking about you everyday."

"I'll always be with you Percy. Please. Go out today. If you don't, you'll miss your chance to see me."

"What? I don't understand."

"I have to go. Remember what I said."

They dream faded and all that was left were the memories. What did she mean, Percy thought. From experience, he learned to see dreams as reality. And if Annabeth wanted him to do so, he would. He got out of bed, eventually found a nice shirt and jeans and braced himself to step outside. The moment he did, the campers all around turned to stop and stare.

Some rushed to him, but he didn't attempt to brush them off. Soon he was chatting with them. It felt nice to have company after so long. He resumed teaching swordfighting and helping the water naiads clean the sea. That night Percy fell into sleep, actually waiting for something pleasant to happen. And it did.

He again saw Annabeth, but this time she was like her old self. Percy ran towards her, and this time she stayed where she was. Percy hugged her, and it felt so nice to feel her warmth again. Percy looked into her eyes and whispered,

"I went outside today. Like you asked."

"I know, Seaweed Brain. I know. I need you to go out again tomorrow."

"Why?"

"Don't you like that feeling? When your friends and family are there for you? To help you?"

"All that doesn't matter as long as I can be with you."

"You will soon Percy. You will."

Unlike his other dreams previously, this one ended quickly. Percy was even wondering if it was really a dream or just his imagination. Nevertheless, he did what he told her. Today, he was going to make a change.

He went outside, daring himself to look around. It was still dark, maybe around 5? There was nobody in sight. He walked around, looking back at all the equipment and stuff. He passed the dining area. He stopped momentarily at the Athena table, where he saw Annabeth's usual seating place lined with a silver cloth. He slowly went behind it and crouched down. It said 'To the best Athena child there ever was, Annabeth.'. Percy felt the tears coming but he willed himself to ignore them. He couldn't. Not now.

Soon, daylight broke slowly and the camp's inhabitants appeared. The day went on like nothing had happened. Percy continued his routine from before Annabeth died and was soon actually having fun. He laughed and joked, feeling great to have people to entertain him.

That night during campfire, Chiron made an announcement. "Campers! Please settle down. I have something to say." The noise died and was replaced with silence. Chiron cleared his throat and continued. "I would like to announce that we have a new camper." Percy's ears pricked up at the sound of that. A new camper? "She is very unfamiliar with this place so please give her your full cooperation."

She? Percy didn't need another stuck-up girl in camp, especially after Annabeth's death. But no. From behind Chiron, a little girl emerged. She looked no older than 8. She looked at the campers, scanning the crowd warily. Then it hit Percy. This girl had light blonde hair, which appeared curly. Her dark grey eyes that projected bravery and wit but hid fear beneath them. To her side, a bronze knife was strapped. She looked just like Annabeth.

Before he could think further, Chiron's voice boomed, causing Percy to snap into reality. "So I would like a volunteer to help this girl around camp." Hands shot up but Percy simply walked up to them. "I'll do it." He faced the girl who was staring at him. He bent down to her level and stuck out his hand. "My name is Percy. I'm the leader of this camp. And you are?"

The girl took Percy's hand hastily and said, "My name is Katrin. But you can call me Trin." Percy stood up, his hand still clasping hers. "Well Trin, let's say I'm going to be calling you my little sister from now on okay?"

Little Trinnie nodded. For the next few days, Percy constantly went out to see his new little sister. They talked a lot, and when Percy told her he was a son of Poseidon, she giggled and said "No wonder you act like a Seaweed Brain." He smiled at that.

He treated her protectively, not letting any danger come in her way. He knew that from now on, his job is to protect her always. Not letting what happened to Annabeth happen to her. Not again. One night, not one in particular, he had a dream. Annabeth was there smiling. They were just staring at each other. Their reached out their hands, their fingertips meeting but pulled away after a short moment.

They spoke no words but Percy could tell what she was trying to say. "I love you." she whispered in his head.
Percy found his voice and replied to her, "I love you too. Always."

That was all that was said and the dream ended. Since that day, dreams no longer bothered him. He finally got over her and carried on with his life. He always told Trinnie about Annabeth and his adventures with her. "Your sister was the best person ever. You remind me a lot of her. Beautiful, smart and clever." Trinnie blushed.

"I am?"

"Oh you sure are. Very." He smiled sadly. "But one day these hoard of monsters broke into camp. I saw one creeping up behind her, but I was too late."

Trinnie wrapped him in a tight hug. "It's okay. She'll always love you."

Percy smiled and kissed her forehead. "Of course it is. I'll always love her too. But she's not here anymore. So will you be my Annabeth, lil sis?"

"Anything for my big brother."

"Thank you, TrinTrin. You know I love you right?"

Trin beamed. "Yeah. I love you too, big brother." She gave him a brotherly kiss on the cheek, earning a giant grin from him.

They were inseperable since that day, closer than before. Percy taught her all the basics. Fighting with a sword and dagger, how to overcome the rock climb. Everything. A camper approached Percy once, asking him why he was always with Trin. Percy smiled at him. Now he understood what Annabeth said. "I think... I think I got my Annabeth back."