#marassberry

After what felt like forever to Annabeth of simply sitting there and twisting the ring, someone banged on the cell bars. Annabeth jumped back in her bed, placing a hand on her chest and glaring at the person. Annabeth knew it was Piper, she happened to be one of the only willing to talk to her.

“Get up, Captain wants to see you.” Piper smirked at her, unlocking the cell and opening it. Sighing, Annabeth got up from her bed and made her way to the damp hallway. She stepped in front of Piper, who grabbed her hands and twisted them behind her back, placing shackles on them.

“Too tight?” Piper asked. Annabeth glanced behind her and shook her head. Piper kept one hand on Annabeth’s hand and placed the other on Annabeth’s shoulder, leading her way up the slippery, steep stairs.

Piper stepped in front of her, unlocked the door and continued on. Annabeth squinted her eyes at the bright sun and tried to look down to block some of it, the method only semi working. After a while her eyes adjusted and they kept walking, Annabeth tripping every now and then on loose floorboards or puddles of water.

They reached a small wooden door at the opposite side of the ship and Piper knocked a couple times before opening it and pushing Annabeth inside.

“She’s all yours, Captain,” Piper said, tipping her pirate hat and walking out the door, closing it behind her.

Annabeth slowly turned around from where she was watching Piper leave, to the Captain. He was quickly writing something down on a piece of paper before finishing and looking up at her. This was the first time Annabeth happened to get a good look at him, messy black hair under a large black pirate hat and wild, sea green eyes. He smirked.

“Ah yes, Princess Annabeth. Please, take a seat,” he said, gesturing to one of the two chairs that sat in front of his desk. She said nothing as she took a seat and glared at the Captain. “Hello, my dear Annabeth. My name is Percy but you may call me Captain as everyone else does.” She struggled while trying to get comfortable because of the stupid shackles on her wrists. The Captain must’ve noticed her because he proceeded to get up from his chair, unlock the shackles and sit back down.

“Now, I bet you’re wondering why I brought you here, yes? Well, I’m here to strike a deal with you. It’s quite simple really, I’d like you to join my crew. I know what you’re thinking, “but Captain! You have so many crew members already, you don’t need me!”” he said in his best impression of Annabeth, waving his arms around. Annabeth just stared at him. “Well, the thing is, I have a feeling you might do me some good. You seem like the smart type, and perhaps your smartness could rub off on some of my dimwitted crew members. Also, I partially want to see what you’re able to do. So, what do you say?” he finished, leaning back in his chair and folding his hands together.

Annabeth stared at him, “No.” He must’ve been shocked by her answer because his eyes widened and he leaned forward once more.

“No? No!? How could you refuse!? You could’ve been living in luxury instead of the hole in the wall for a cell! No?! I can’t believe you don’t want to,” he exclaimed.

“How could I say no? Well, let’s start off with the fact that not only did you kidnap me, you also starved me for weeks in a cell with a piece of wood for a bed, and then had the decency to ask if I would join you!” Annabeth yelled, getting angrier each word.

Percy huffed. “Of course the Princess wouldn’t want to join. Must still be stuck up on beloved Prince Luke, can’t forget about him, well can you?”

“What did you just say?” She asked in a dangerously calm voice, narrowing her eyes at him.

“You heard me. You do realize Prince Luke has most likely already forgotten all about you, sleeping with every other Princess in the world,” he said, picking at his nails.

“How dare you! He loves me, as I do him!” Annabeth screamed, getting up from her chair as it fell behind her.

“Oh yeah, like anyone believes that. Everyone knows you only were getting married because you had to. If you ask me, I’d say I did you a favor by kidnapping you,” he said, looking back up at her, smirking.

Annabeth ran at Percy, fists up, ready to punch him. Percy easily dodged, which only infuriated Annabeth more. She kept swinging at Percy as he dodged every one. Finally, he held both her wrists in one of his hands, grabbed the shackles and placed one on one of her hands and the other on a staircase like railing on his wall.

He turned around, walking towards the door and opening it. “Piper!” He shouted. Piper appeared in front of him. “You can take her back now, I think our talk is over,” He looked over at Annabeth, a smirk ghosting his face.

Piper nodded unlocking the shackle attached to the wall and placed it on her other wrist. She put her hand on Annabeth’s back and gave her a shove towards the door. Annabeth walked away, shooting a glare back at the Captain, only to realize he was already back at his desk continuing to write on the piece of paper she saw him working on when she walked in.

Piper grabbed Annabeth’s arm and nodded her head towards the direction of her jail cell. Annabeth hung her head and slowly followed Piper to the dark and damp hallway that smelled of mildew and fish. After reaching Annabeth’s cell, Piper unlocked the door and her shackles, opening the door so Annabeth could walk into it. Piper locked the door back up, gave Annabeth a sympathetic smile and turned around, heading back towards the ship’s deck.

Annabeth sat down on her bed with a huff and placed her head in her hands. Annabeth occupied herself by counting how many crevices were in her floorboards until her eyes started to go fuzzy from concentrating too hard. Her dinner came some time later, which Annabeth grabbed with hungry hands and began eating the piece of bread and chugging the water. See, Annabeth could get more water if she wanted to, because her ceiling had a slight leak that dripped water. But Annabeth dared not to drink it after she tried it once and was sick for multiple days.

After finishing her food and water, Annabeth laid down on her wooden bed. Annabeth began trying to crunch together as tight as she possibly could for what seemed like forever, so the blanket would cover all of her, Annabeth gave up and simply let it fall on her legs. Sighing, Annabeth closed her eyes and prayed for a restful night of sleep, knowing she’d most likely never get it on this ship.

Screaming, Annabeth fell on her floor while gasping for air. After Annabeth swiveled her head around with wide eyes to see where she was, she began to calm down slowly. Soon her breathing was back to normal and Annabeth got up, walking towards her cell door. She tried to stick her head out of the little space in the middle of the wooden door to see if anyone was there. No one, and Annabeth couldn’t see any light from the crack beneath the door, meaning it was probably the middle of the night and it would be a while before anyone came to her with her breakfast.

Making her way back to her bed, Annabeth slipped in the puddle the leak in her ceiling made, stumbling before catching herself, and continued to walk carefully to her piece of wood. After laying down, her hands underneath her head, Annabeth stared at the water on the floor. Narrowing her eyes, she noticed the water stopped dripping from the wood above her and she watched till sunrise, waiting for a drop to fall to the floor.

Somebody banged on the door, startling Annabeth from her daydream. She sat up and walked to the door, putting her hands on her hip as she noticed it was Piper. Piper merely gave her a trouble making smile and handed Annabeth her plate of bread.

“Eat up, princess,” Piper giggled. “You’ll be needing it, Captain has you on cleaning duty.”

Annabeth stopped mid chew and stared at Piper with wide eyes. Swallowing her bit of food she practically screamed, “Cleaning duty!? I have to clean? Where? Why? I thought I was a useless princess?–”

“Annabeth. Annabeth! Shut up for heaven’s sake!” Piper said, stopping Annabeth’s rant. “You’re cleaning the deck, and you got it because you attempted to fight the captain,” Piper replied with a tut, tut tone in her voice.

Annabeth groaned and fell back against the door. “Hey, cheer up buttercup. It’s only the deck, it could’ve been worse, like the kitchen or something. Have you seen that place? Dumb question, of course you haven’t, but it’s absolutely disgusting!” Piper started stringing off sentences, waving her hands around. “Word to the wise, do not go in there if you want to escape with your life. I don’t know how Beck manages to stay in there practically 20/7. I would say 24/7 but he’s also our blacksmith and he needs a couple hours to make metal things and swords.” Piper now had one hand on her hip and the other on her chin, as if she was thinking.

Annabeth couldn’t help the slight laugh at Piper’s rant, breaking Piper out of her endless talking. Swiveling around, she found Annabeth back on her feet and pointed an accusing finger at her. “What’re you laughing at?”

Annabeth smirked. “Why, you of course.”

Piper guffawed. “Yeah, well let’s go. You have work to do, princess.”

Annabeth moved out of the way so Piper could open the door, and followed her into the hallway. As soon as they walked up the stairs and outside, Piper grabbed a mop and shoved it in Annabeth’s hands. Jutting her thumb out she said, “The bucket is over there. Hop to it. If it’s not shining by the end of the day, the captain may have something to say about it.”

As soon as Piper turned around, Annabeth said, “Wood can’t shine.” Piper turned around so fast, Annabeth was sure she got whiplash.

“What’d you say?” Piper accused, shoving a finger at Annabeth’s chest.

“Oh, nothing,” Annabeth replied, albeit smirking slightly.

“That’s what I thought,” Piper said, turning back around.

Shaking her head, Annabeth grabbed the bucket and placed her mop into it, pushing down a few times and began to mop the deck. Every once in awhile someone would walk past, but Annabeth couldn’t tell the difference, as everyone was dressed in pretty much the same attire. Baggy pants and a long sleeved shirt, sometimes covered by an almost leather-like jacket. A couple times a person would wolf whistle at Annabeth, who simply shook her head and continued to mop.

The mopping lasted until dark when Piper returned to Annabeth and grabbed the mop from Annabeth’s blistered hands. She disappeared for a second before reappearing without the mop. Piper grabbed Annabeth’s arm and dragged her towards the other side of the ship, towards the captain’s office. Knocking a few times, Piper waited until she heard a deep, “Come in,” and then opened the door.

Pointing at Annabeth, she said, “She finished. Would you like to check it?”

“No, I trust that she did well,” Percy said, giving Annabeth a small smile.

Piper nodded, grabbing Annabeth’s arm once more, and dragged her to a different part of the ship. There were stairs leading below the ship, and Annabeth could hear the clanking of pots. Piper gave her a small tug and Annabeth started down the few, but steep, steps. Making it to the bottom, Annabeth turned a corner and saw a large man chopping away at potatoes. He was bulky and tall, with chocolate skin and a look of concentration on his face. He was wearing a white tank top with tan baggy pants and a small towel draped over his shoulder.

Clearing her throat, Piper placed her hands on her hips. The man looked up and smiled when he saw Piper. “Piper! What can I do for you?” he asked, wiping his hands on the towel before throwing it back on his shoulder.

“Actually, I came here for Annabeth. I think she deserves something other than a piece of stale bread for dinner, especially after cleaning the deck all day,” she said, nudging at Annabeth.

He smiled. “Ah, I see. Well hello, Annabeth, I’m Charles Beckendorf, but most call me Beck. What can I get you?” he asked, gesturing to his kitchen.

Annabeth was straight faced as she said, “Anything but bread, please.” Beck boomed with laughter before turning around.

“I know just what you want,” he said, rummaging around in his drawers. Grabbing a bowl and a silver spoon, he walked over to his stove and dipped a ladle into the large pot on top. Pouring the contents in the bowl, he turned around and walked towards Annabeth.

“It’s a beef stew. It is rather great if I may say so myself.” Beck smirked, handing the bowl to Annabeth.

Grabbing the bowl, she dipped her spoon into the stew and took a cautious slurp. Eyes widening, Annabeth began devouring the stew and she could hear Beck laughing, but she couldn’t care less. After quickly finishing it off, she looked over at Beck who was smirking. Annabeth handed the bowl back to the chef and thanked him before heading back up the stairs, Piper trailing behind her.

As they made it to the top, they continued across the deck. Annabeth nearly slipping, at least, three times against the still wet deck. Piper was next to her, walking across the floor like it was nothing and trying to hold in her laughs, earning a glare from Annabeth each time one managed to slip past her lips.

After reaching the staircase to the cell that had served as Annabeth’s home the past few days, Piper grabbed her arm and helped Annabeth, who was having some trouble getting down the stairs with her incredibly sore muscles from cleaning the deck.

Guiding Annabeth back to her damp cell, Piper smiled at her, closed the door and locked it before disappearing into the darkness.

Annabeth walked backward until the backs of her knees hit the bed and she collapsed, not able to do any more standing for a while. Slowly turning onto her back, Annabeth stared at the water soaked ceiling boards and sighed before closing her eyes. Sleep welcomed her like an old friend.

The first thing Annabeth heard when she woke up was shouting. Jumping up from the bed she ran to the door trying to peek through the small hole in her door, only to be greeted with the usual pitch blackness of the hallway.

Trying one last time she stood on her tippy-toes and gripped the handlebars the covered the hole like her life depended on it. She tried desperately to get a glance at the door to see what was going on. It suddenly flew open and Annabeth jumped back. Moments later a fierce looking Piper popped up in front of the door.

Staring at Annabeth desperately, she said, “I need you to come with me. Are you able to fight?”

Annabeth nodded rubbing her palms on the pants the pirates gave to her. “Okay, follow me. Please don’t do anything stupid, I’m really trusting you right now,” Piper explained while fumbling for the keys to the door. She shoved it in the key hole once she found the right one. She flung the door open and grabbed Annabeth’s arm sprinting to the top of the stairs.

As soon as the door opened Annabeth was greeted with complete and utter chaos. Slowly turning around she noticed that the Pirates were fighting people who were properly dressed in blue navy uniforms, the Athens’ cress stitched onto the shoulders of each sleeve.

Hardening her eyes, she turned to Piper who was holding out a sword for her. Annabeth gripped the handle of the blade and looked back at the fight in front of her. The fight was just as bad as it was minutes ago, but now bodies littered the floor. Annabeth gasped as she realized it was only men in blue. Not a single pirate was lying dead on the ground.

She felt a sharp sting on her arm before whirling around and was met with a Navy guard. Fury blazed in her eyes and she swung at the guard in front of her and managed a cut on his chest. The man in blue looked down and then up before making a jab at Annabeth. Annabeth dodged it and sent one of her own at the man. This continued back and forth until Annabeth made a lucky stab at the man and he dropped dead.

Dropping the sword, Annabeth looked at the dead man lying on the floor and she started to shake. She had just killed a man. A man of her father’s kingdom no less. She should probably be feeling joy at the action because her parents practically left her in the dust but she couldn’t hate them forever. They were her only family after all.

Sprinting away from the scene, Annabeth reached a lifeboat and sat in it before realized she had nothing to cut the ropes with. Lucky for her, there was a sword next to a man that had died near the lifeboat. She grabbed it, making her way back to the boat and slashed at the ropes, setting the boat into a free fall and causing Annabeth to scream bloody murder.

Once the boat touched the water Annabeth let out a sigh of relief and grabbed for the oars at the side of the boat. Annabeth’s hands only felt the air as she quickly swiveled her head to the side noticing the oars had fallen off the boat during the dive into the water. On the verge of tears, Annabeth looked out into the ocean, letting the waves lead her to wherever.

The sky turned dark, and so did Annabeth’s vision as she fell asleep.

The next morning Annabeth awoke with a massive kink in her neck when she tried to bend it. Sighing, she laid back down onto the boat and stared at the everlasting blue that surrounded her. There was no sign of the boat around her and she wondered who had won the battle yesterday. Most likely the pirates, as the only dead people she saw were Navy men.

The sun was in the middle of the sky when Annabeth heard her stomach grumble. Grimacing she looked around for any food but was met with the plain brown wood of the boat. Staring back at the water she noticed fish swimming around her and Annabeth licked her lips. Desperately searching for anything she could use as a hook and some string. Grabbing a loose piece of string from her shirt that was thick enough, she grabbed for her ears to see if her small hoop earrings were in. Luck was on her side as she grabbed the earrings and tried to bend it to form a makeshift hook.

Seconds later, Annabeth dipped the makeshift fishing rod into the water and waited for anything to grab at it.

Hours seemed to pass by without a single bite on the string. Annabeth used her unoccupied hand to shield her eyes as she looked at the sun to see it was at the horizon. This time, Annabeth did cry, in fact, she lied down and cried herself into a starving slumber.

The next morning she didn’t wake to the sun, but to a person shouting. “Ahoy, Princess!” Annabeth looked up and was met with a familiar ship with an even more familiar person standing on the edge of it, gripping a rope with a smirk covering his face.

Letting out a frustrated sigh, Annabeth let her head fall back against the side of the boat.

Annabeth struggled against the ropes that held her against the ship’s center pole attached to a sail. Letting a string of profanities flow she tried to bite at the ropes but couldn’t reach anything. Throwing her head back, Annabeth gave up and closed her eyes, hoping this was all just a dream.

The next time her eyes opened it was dark out and the stars shined brightly above her.

“And the princess awakens.” Jerking her head to the side, she saw a person sitting on top of a crate next to the pole Annabeth was tied to. A storm of guilt ripped through Annabeth as she realized it was Piper. The same person who had trusted her not to run away or do anything stupid, and here she was sitting next to her with a small smile on her face.

“Look, Piper-,” Annabeth started but was interrupted.

“No, don’t say anything. I get what you did, I promise. I would’ve done the same thing. But I trusted you, and now my ass is on the line because I was the one who let you go,” Piper explained, her smile falling from her face.

“Piper, I’m sorry, I really am. But I have to get back to my parents. They miss me,” Annabeth pleaded.

“Your parents? The same parents who allowed us to capture you? The same ones who wouldn’t keep our trade and allowed their daughter to be the caught in the middle of it? The same parents who forced you into a marriage, Annabeth. Now I don’t know about you, but they don’t seem like very good parents to me,” Piper questioned, placing her hand on her knee before grabbing a pint full of beer next to her and taking a drink.

“You don’t understand, they gave me a home for me to grow up in. They loved me. They’re my parents,” Annabeth said with tears forming in her eyes, resisting against the ropes.

“Annabeth, calm down, please,” Piper said standing up and making her way in front of Annabeth with both her hands stuck out in front of her. “They may have done one of the things you said, but parents who love their child don’t put their child in a dangerous situation in the first place. They were awfully horrible to you, Annabeth. Answer me truthfully please, did you want to marry Luke?” Piper placed her hand on Annabeth’s shoulder and looked at her.

Annabeth couldn’t meet Piper’s eyes and looked away from her. Biting her lip, she shook her head. A tear made its way down her cheek and Annabeth tried to wipe it away but her arms were stuck.

A soft hand brushed away the tear and Annabeth turned her head to see Piper looking at her with concern. “I promise you’re safe here, if that makes you feel any better,” Piper comforted. Annabeth gave her a watery smile before closing her eyes.

Annabeth should’ve known that she would have to talk to Percy the sooner or later after she did what she did. It was common sense. Annabeth made her way to the Captain’s office, followed by Piper who had one hand on her wrists and one hand on her back, pushing her forwards. Annabeth cursed as she tripped on a loose board in the floor, and continued on, ignoring Piper’s slight snicker. Eventually, they both made it across the boat to Percy’s Office.

Opening the door, Piper nodded at the Captain and left, closing the wooden door as she walked out. Percy was sitting behind his desk with his hands clasped together in front of him. He leaned forward and nodded to the chair in front of him, inviting Annabeth to sit down. Clearing her throat, Annabeth made her way over and sat down trying to look anywhere but Percy’s eyes.

“We both know why you’re here, Annabeth. I’m just going to ask a couple questions and you’re free to go as soon as we’re done,” Percy promised. Annabeth nodded, lips pursed and eyes trained on the wall to the right of her. “Could you please look at me? I promise I’m not mad.”

Annabeth took her time turning her head to the person in front of her meeting his gaze. As soon as she did, she hardened her gaze to try and appear confident, but the man has the power to send her overboard, kill her, or even make her work for the entirety of her life.

“First things first, yeah? Why’d you do it? I mean it’s kind of obvious but I’d like to hear it from you,” he questioned, leaning forward.

“I had to get back to my parents,” Annabeth answered, narrowing her eyes. Percy’s face went from one of concern to confusion.

“Wait, the same parents who let us take you? The same ones who forced you to marry a man you don’t love? They seem like lovely people,” Percy observed.

Sighing, Annabeth let her head fall to her knees before bringing her head back up. “You’re just like Piper. She said the same exact things. I’ll tell you what I told her, that you don’t understand. They’re my parents. The same people who raised me, nurtured me, cared for me.”

“Annabeth, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but they don’t act like they care all that much. They let their daughter marry a random man, most likely ignored you unless it was for publicity, and on top of that, Annabeth, they let pirates steal their daughter away. And they haven’t tried hard to get you back,” Percy argued.

Annabeth shut her eyes to stop the tears from coming. Percy had gotten every single thing right. Her parents had done all that, and Annabeth should hate them for that, but she couldn’t. Even if they weren’t the greatest parents, they were still decent. Sure, they didn’t pay much attention to her, but they did give her gifts and parties, which were always lovely.

“I know. I know they did that. God, Percy. I have lived with them for eighteen long years, I know what they’ve done. I know what they’re probably going to do, but I can’t just turn my back on them. They have done plenty for me, and I’m nothing but a spoiled brat who gave them nothing in return,”  Annabeth sniffled, a couple tears running down her cheeks.

Percy sat straight up. “Did they tell you that? That you’re a spoiled brat? That you gave them nothing in return? Annabeth, you’re amazing. You’re their daughter. They should spoil you, and you always gave them something in return. You gave them something to love, something that gave them hope. You’re a gift to this world, Annabeth. Just like everyone else on this godforsaken planet,” Percy reassured. Annabeth nodded, lifting her wrists up to wipe the tears off her face.

“See, now I know I asked you this before, and you said no, but I’m going to ask again. Would you like to join me, Annabeth?  As a pirate, and an equal to everyone around you,” Percy asked, smiling.

Annabeth thought back to every moment with her parents. All of them consisted of them shaming or scolding her to be better. That she needed to act like a princess, or she would never seem like one. To stop eating so much, stop reading, stop bothering them.

Annabeth gritted her teeth and brought thoughts to those of her on the boat. Everyone was kind to her, with the exception of one or two pirates, even if she was a prisoner. They didn’t treat her like she was inferior or prissy. She had Piper, who always talked to her, kept her company, and always reassured her. She thought of Percy, who was sassy, but never rude. Annabeth had been treated better here in the past couple months than she had ever been treated in her life.

Annabeth looked back at Percy and slowly nodded. Percy perked up. “Yeah? Really? Oh, well that’s great! You can bunk with Piper, she doesn’t have a cabin mate yet. And we’ll get you some more appropriate clothes, ones that will fit a pirate such as yourself,” Percy rambled. Annabeth smiled and lifted her hands to show them to Percy. He snapped and reached to the side of his hip, grabbing his dagger and slicing through the ropes that bound her wrists. “Here, why don’t you take this dagger. It fits you,” Percy smiled and held the dagger in front of Annabeth. She smiled back and grabbed the dagger, turning it over in her hands a couple times, looking it over. She nodded before standing up and heading to the door.

Annabeth made her way to nowhere in particular, as she didn’t have to go to her cell anymore. She didn’t even have to walk around with shackles on. The dagger Percy gave her was in a holster on her thigh, it was the perfect distance away for her to grab it comfortably.

Seagulls were flying above her as she looked up and smiled at the birds. In the next moment, Annabeth was sent tumbling to the wooden floor with someone landing on top of her.

“Oh, gods! I’m so sorr-,” Annabeth began before she looked up and realized who she just trampled. “Piper. Hi.”

Piper smirked before standing up and extending a hand out for Annabeth. She grabbed Piper’s hand and stood up, brushing off the nonexistent dust on her clothes.

“Why hello, Annabeth. Or should I say bunk mate? I’ve heard the news, congratulations. Let’s hope you can follow rules this time, as I’ll be your mentor for the time being. Why don’t I take you to our bunk and let you settle in?” Piper asked as she turned around and began walking. Annabeth jogged to Piper, taking her place next to said person.

“So, Annabeth, how does one manage to both piss off the captain and still get invited to be a pirate?” Piper questioned as she continued to walk.

“I’m not sure, to be honest with you. I thought for sure he would send me to walk the plank. Is that even a real thing?” Annabeth responded.

“Yes, it is a real thing. We’ve done it once before. Not my ideal choice of dealing with people, in all honesty.” Piper lead them to a hallway where they were met with a door. She pushed it open to reveal a rather small room, only big enough for two beds and two dressers. “First things first, keep the room tidy. I would hate to have to make you bunk with someone else.”

Annabeth nodded as she walked around the room to get a feel for it. Piper stepped inside and closed the door before pointing to a bed. “This is mine and that one right there is yours.” Annabeth nodded again, sitting down on her bed and running her hands across the smooth blanket. This was definitely an upgrade to her wooden plank in her jail cell.

Annabeth laid down and it didn’t take long for her to fall asleep. It had been an almost boring day yet also exhausting.

The next morning Annabeth awoke to find Piper shaking her. “Hey,  Princess. Time to get up, breakfast is being served. Percy also stopped by and dropped off some clothes for you. Let me know if they don’t fit,” Piper informed her before walking out the door.

Yawning, Annabeth stretched and managed to get out of the bed. There were a couple piles of clothing on her dresser, each pile was a different type of clothing. Digging through the clothes, Annabeth picked out tight, but not uncomfortable, black pants with a dark gray, long sleeved shirt.  Hanging next to her dresser was a belt, which Annabeth grabbed and clipped on, stashing her dagger into a holster on the side of it.

Swinging open the door, Annabeth made her way down the hallway before stepping out onto the deck. She followed the noise to the mess hall and was met with several pirates talking and laughing while clanking their glasses together every so often. Annabeth’s eyes searched the room until she found Piper sitting with a couple other people. She made her way over to Beck who handed her a plate of some food. After thanking him, she made her way over to Piper and sat down across from her.

“Princess! Guys, this is Annabeth, Annabeth this is Hazel and Frank. Annabeth was the prisoner until she joined us yesterday. Hazel and Frank joined us about a month ago,” Piper greeted. The two waved at Annabeth who nodded at the group. Looking down, Annabeth realized just how hungry she was and how much she missed real food.

Without grabbing any kind of silverware, Annabeth began to devour the food in front of her. She heard the trio snicker at her, but she couldn’t care less. She hasn’t eaten anything besides bread for months, apart from the food Beck gave her a few days ago.

“Everyone on deck! Now!” someone shouted from above. Everyone stopped what they were doing and raced for the stairs. Piper grabbed Annabeth’s arm and dragged her upstairs.

“Seriously? Again?” Piper cried before charging into the battle. The navy was back after only a short few days of break.

Annabeth shrugged before grabbing her dagger and racing in after Piper. The first man she was met with was short and jabbed at Annabeth. She blocked the hit and made a slice for his stomach, but he jumped to the side. He stuck his sword out in front of him as Annabeth lunged forward and sliced at his shoulder. Her attempt was rewarded with a cry of pain as the man started throwing wild jabs and lunges. Annabeth parried them all before sliding between the man’s legs and standing up as soon as she made it to the other side. She aimed behind her, hitting the man in the head and knocking him out.

Annabeth let loose a small cry of pain as she felt a burning sensation on her calf. She turned around to be met with another man who had a determined look in his eyes. But this was Annabeth’s first real battle and she’ll be damned if she dies this quick. Faking a jab at the man, Annabeth made for the opposite side and left a decent sized gash on the man’s hip. He grunted, placing his free hand over the wound and aimed for her other leg. She jumped back and rushed forward, hitting her dagger handle against his hand, making him drop his sword. She knocked him out as well, killing one person in her first battle was enough.

She turned around with fire in her eyes, daring anyone else to come and challenge her. She was met with Piper’s gaze. She had her mouth hanging open with her own dagger in her hand. Annabeth smirked before turning to meet the sword behind her with her dagger.

The man was an easy opponent and Annabeth beat him. She crouched down into a fighting stance, breathing hard. Someone placed their hand on her shoulder and Annabeth whirled to meet the person, weapon ready. Only to be met with the same eyes that were staring at her before. Annabeth looked around and noticed there were only one or two navy men left and were being dealt with by other pirates. It was the same as before, not a single pirate dead.

“Well done, Princess. Where did you learn to fight?” Piper asked. Annabeth looks back at Piper and smirked.

“Being a princess was good for one thing. I was required to learn how to fight. Of course, my parents objected but I snuck away and learned anyways,” Annabeth explained. Piper nodded and took her hand. She lead her back to Hazel and Frank, who were smiling at her.

“Damn, Annabeth. Didn’t think you could fight like that,” Frank said, patting her on the shoulder.

“You did well, Annabeth. For a rookie anyways,” Hazel sassed. Annabeth laughed and thanked her.

“Hey, listen, gotta run. I’ll be right back,” Piper said before taking off towards the captain’s office. All three watched as she walked inside. Hazel and Frank turned to Annabeth.

Hazel smirked. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

“Tell you what?” Annabeth questioned.

“That you obviously like Piper,” Hazel said, nodding her head towards the captain’s office, where Piper was.

“What are you talking about?” Annabeth was playing dumb at the moment. It was a surprise a while ago when she first started to like Piper, but now Annabeth had come to terms with it. She just didn’t let it bug her, or make it obvious in any way.

“Come on, Annabeth. I’ve known you for like, an hour, and I already know that you like her,” Frank butted in.

Shaking her head, Annabeth closed her eyes. “Just, don’t tell her. Please? I’d rather do it on my own. I mean, I did just become a pirate, I was kinda hoping it would go away to be honest.”

“Your secret is safe with us,” Hazel said, smiling. Frank nodded in agreement. “Well, we’ll see you later, Annabeth.”

Annabeth sighed as she watched them go. It was impossible to not develop a liking to Piper. She was one of  the only people who talked to her when she was a prisoner and she was insanely gorgeous. Tan skin, choppy yet gorgeous brown locks and eyes that seemed to constantly change colors.

That night Annabeth laid on her bed, staring up at the wooden planks. But these didn’t drip water onto her while she slept. The door opened and Annabeth looked over at Piper who was walking in. She smiled as Piper tried to shut the door as quietly as possible, thinking that Annabeth was asleep and not awake staring at nothing.

“You know, I am awake. But I appreciate the thought,” Annabeth said, making Piper jump.

“Oh! Sorry, I thought I’d let you sleep. You-, I mean, we had quite the day,” Piper replied, turning to face her.  Annabeth got up from her bed and walked over to Piper. As soon as she got to her, she threw her arms around her and hugged Piper. Smiling, Piper hugged her back, burying her face in Annabeth’s hair. After a couple second Annabeth stepped back, removing her arms from around Piper’s neck. The moment she did, the moonlight caught Annabeth’s ring and Piper’s smile disappeared.

“I didn’t know you still wore that,” Piper commented. Annabeth’s eyebrows furrowed and she looked at her hand.

“I forgot I was even wearing it,” Annabeth replied. Piper grabbed her hand and started twisting the ring on Annabeth’s finger. Annabeth pulled her hand back and took the ring off her hand. She walked over to her dresser and tossed it on top of it.

“I never really loved him anyway, I think I only thought I did because it was for the good of my kingdom,” Annabeth said, seeing Piper’s look.

“What about now?” Piper asked, grabbing Annabeth’s hand once more.

“What do you mean?” Annabeth countered.

“Do you love anyone now?” Piper clarified.

“I think I might,” Annabeth answered, looking at their joined hands.

“They’re a lucky person,” Piper said, clearing her throat.

“Maybe I’m the lucky one,” Annabeth said meeting Piper’s eyes. Piper opened her mouth to say something but didn’t have a chance because Annabeth’s lips on her own. When Piper didn’t respond, Annabeth started pulling back, fearing Piper didn’t feel the same, only to be grabbed by Piper who crashed their lips back together. Annabeth let out a squeak, closing her eyes and falling into the kiss. Piper’s lips were soft and welcoming unlike Luke’s whose were rough and demanding.

Piper broke the kiss but grabbed Annabeth’s hand and lead her over to Piper’s bed where they collapsed next to each other. The next hour was full of hesitant touches, smiles, and more kissing until they both fell asleep.

When they walked out onto the main deck the next day holding hands, Hazel may or may not have smirked and held out her hand to Frank who put a couple coins in her palm. The two girls made their way over, smiling like nothing else mattered, and for the time being, nothing did.