AN: Hi, everyone! I'm terribly sorry this update is not when I originally said. I hope you'll forgive me. But, all your reviews, follows, and favorites, really did encourage me to keep writing. I won't keep you any longer, get to reading ya nasties 3

The Queensguard escorted Annabeth hastily down the freezing corridors of the Castle's private wing. Annabeth was soaking wet, leaving a trail of water behind her and slipping guards. Her teeth chattered violently, but not because of the cold. Annabeth was in a state of shock.

The gallows. Percy is sentenced to the gallows.

Annabeth could think no other thought. Percy was to die by morning light and she was entirely to fault. Annabeth looked up from the tile through blinking eyes at her mother, who marched on in front of her. Queen Athena was angry; anyone could guess as much by the tautness of the her shoulders. The Queen never stomped, but Annabeth thought that today her mother might make an exception. The Queen never muttered, but Annabeth could hear her mother speak beneath her breath.

"Disgraceful," Queen Athena spat in a forceful manner. "An unnecessary diversion of events. So pathetic. So childish."

Annabeth wanted nothing more than to sink beneath the tiles and never surface again. Annabeth didn't mean to embarrass her mother and their Queendom. All she did was protect a little boy a long time ago. Annabeth looked up through her tearing eyes and a sudden realization shocked her. She did nothing wrong. Annabeth chewed on her lip. Maybe she did do something wrong? Maybe hiding the Trident from Percy and everyone all these years was an act of treason? Maybe Annabeth should be the one sentenced to the gallows. But, no matter what Annabeth ever did she'd never get the same sentence as Percy or anyone else because she was a Princess.

Annabeth, with her eyes still downcast, violently jerked her arm from the guard that held it and wiped at her nose. She hated crying. She hated even more how it was always loved one's that made the saddest tears fall.

Annabeth was growing more and more furious as they marched. It shouldn't matter if she was in the wrong, her life had to count for more than just following orders and shying away from mistakes. Her time was valuable, and she would not waste it on a loveless marriage. Annabeth would not resign herself to a crown she did not want.

They all finally stopped marching. They were at Annabeth's bedroom. Queen Athena turned and Annabeth shrunk away from her mother's gaze. Queen Athena stepped towards Annabeth, and each echo of heel on tile was a bullet in Annabeth's chest.

"You will clean yourself up," Queen Athena spoke lowly and maliciously. "You will think about what your actions have caused the crown, the country, and how it has fueled rebel causes. The Princess has been caught with a pirate," The Queen scoffed and rolled her eyes. "What a headline."

Annabeth was finding it very difficult to catch her breath and she felt the tears she had wiped away surface again. Annabeth nodded once at her mother and looked longingly at her bedroom. The door was open and she could see the view of the harbor through the window.

Freedom.

The thought shocked Annabeth but came as the only sane thing she had felt in so long. Annabeth decided it was high time she decided her own destiny. Annabeth slowly raised her eyes to the back of Queen Athena. Annabeth suddenly realized that the Queen never looked down when she walked.

Annabeth sniffed her nose one last time and wiped away her tears. "Neither will I," Annabeth thought defiantly to herself, "Never again."

…

Percy focused on his breathing. He focused on the sound of his breathing, of his feet hitting the ground; he kept his eyes trained on Leo's back. Percy did anything to keep that damn song out of his head. He tried to keep his mind from wandering to its lyrics, to the creepy way all the prisoners had sang it. The hallways echoed with the sound of running footsteps and panting. There was no light, and Percy was having an increasingly harder time keeping up with Leo, who didn't seem to tire and did not lose his way even in the dark prison hallways. They had been running in silence for some time now, but Percy needed answers.

"Leo," Percy panted. "Where are you taking me?"

Leo slowed and threw out his arm, catching Percy by the shirt and attempting to shove him. "Shh!" Leo pointed slowly up at the ceiling, which looked to be wooden boards. "We're underneath the castle," Leo whispered so lowly Percy almost didn't catch what he had said.

But, Percy heard every word. His thoughts rocketed to Annabeth and Percy longed to see her. He wanted to explain, to apologize, but he needed answers from her too. It seemed to Percy that secrets surrounded him.

Leo shook his head at Percy. "I know what you're thinking, Percy, but no. We have to keep moving. We're almost there."

"And where is that?" Percy asked, keeping close to Leo as they started forward again.

"The Queen's Docks," Leo answered, his eyes trained above.

The floorboards above suddenly creaked and shadow swept over their heads. Footsteps scurried in what sounded to be a run. Leo cursed and grabbed Percy, pushing him forward. They took off running.

"I told you so!" Leo shouted in anger then spoke so vehemently in a language Percy didn't know, that he was sure Leo was cursing. "Conomieda! Yo cono me dije!" Leo slowed only to shove Percy in front of him so they can run side by side.

Percy's sides began to burn and every breath felt more like an exhale than an inhale. He knew he couldn't run much longer and he dreaded to know what waited for him at the end of this underground tunnel. The darkness lighted all of a sudden it seemed, like a sunrise out at sea that catches you by surprise. The black walls greyed and shades of blue and green seeped in. Leo slowed and once more shoved Percy to the wall.

"Okay," Leo panted. "The Queen's private docks are just outside of this tunnel; it also happens to be heavily, heavily guarded. So, my plan-"

Percy shook his head. "No," he interrupted. "Before plans, before running, before anything, you're going to tell me why you're helping me."

Leo mustered whatever ounce of bravery and grit he could and held Percy's strong, relentless gaze. He didn't feel brave, though. All he could think was how afraid he was that his past wouldn't let him run anymore. The avoided question would be no more. Honesty was calling to Leo, a song he had hated his whole life. But, Leo thought, if he can't trust Percy he couldn't trust anyone.

"Innocent people are wronged every day, Percy Jackson. People are imprisoned because they look different and there isn't a damn ounce of fairness in this world. I just want to disappear. Now, I've got a ship ready for us and with your sailing we will never be found again- but we need to leave now. Are you done with your questions? Or shall we wait to die? Curiosity did kill the cat, they say."

Percy didn't understand Leo, but perhaps he didn't have to. They were both running from their demons, whatever they looked like. "Alright." Percy stood and nodded at Leo. "What's the plan?"

…

The island of Port Royal was beautiful. The trees were enormous and swaying in the cool sea breeze; the water glistened a brilliant blue; and it was all wonderfully under protected.

Pirate Captain Nico Diangelo preferred his cities this way; right before he was to sack them. Unguarded and pleasant to the eye. Not for long, he thought wickedly to himself, soon the fires of their burning buildings will rise and blacken the once beautiful sky.

"Port Royal." First Mate Hazel gave a phlegmy scoff. "It was La Isla Suena once. The Island of Dreams. Until the crown pillaged and monopolized all free islands."

Hazel looked on at the unassuming city with annoyance and a bubbling darkness that waited to surface. Nico knew that look well. He placed his hand on Hazel's shoulder and welcomed it. "You will have first cannon fire, sister."

Hazel turned to her brother and captain, confused yet excitement twinkled in her eye. "Wouldn't you rather we attack with the element of surprise? Rather than dramatically announce our arrival?"

Captain Nico spun his skull ring. "I'd rather they all run in moronic circles. Much easier to find our treasure."

"That's assuming they all run to the same place once we've fired our cannons," Hazel countered.

Captain Nico smiled. "They will, because we will fire at all of their homes. They will be forced to flee. That is when we go to shore and seek what has been lost."

Hazel rose a brow. She was doubtful of her brother's plan, but did not have a better one to offer. Since The Black Pearl was given new direction by her captain, Nico had not stopped mumbling about, "the sea's lost treasure." Hazel hated secrets. Especially from her brother. "Are you ever going to tell me what exactly we're looking for? If I'm going to swing my sword, brother, I want to know what for."

When Nico turned to look at Hazel, he was every part the fearsome Pirate Captain he was known to be. His eyes dark and hooded, seemed to be all seeing and ever scheming. Had Nico not been Hazel's brother, she might have been afraid.

"A trident," Nico seethed. "We're looking for a trident. Now, ready the cannons."

…

Annabeth sat on her windowsill, looking down at the port. The ships were antagonizing. They mocked her. Annabeth craved freedom, to be rid of this place and her view from her bedroom were ships that she could never sailaway on. Annabeth believed her mother had done that on purpose. Queen Athena always made sure Annabeth knew her place was on the throne, never to leave.

And Percy. Annabeth thought of the man she had so long had as a friend and now she could never know what "more" would have been like. She is the cause of his imminent death. Had she not worn that blasted trident none of this would have happened. Annabeth didn't think she had it in her to bear the weight of Percy Jackson's death.

Annabeth glared at the ships in the harbor, deep in thought. There was nothing she could do to save Percy, and that made her feel helpless. But, she would not let that have the final word over her.

"I am Annabeth," She jumped off the windowsill and went to her closet. She ripped off her dress and changed into pants and a loose shirt. She packed the same of the sort into a pack. "I am smart and damn resourceful. I am going to save Percy and save myself."

"Excellent plan."

Annabeth screamed and spun so fast she fell backwards. She panted in fear, her heart beating wildly, only to see her half-brother Malcolm sitting on the chair by the window, smirking.

"Malcolm," Annabeth yelled as she threw her pack. "I thought you were-"

"Mother?" Malcolm supplied, a cautious look in his grey eyes. "You're lucky I'm not. You really should learn to keep your diabolical plans secret to yourself. You never know who's listening. Especially in this castle. There's always someone listening."

Annabeth, still breathless from fright, stood then went to sit before her brother. Again on the windowsill. Annabeth was starting to hate the damn thing.

"Besides," Malcolm leaned forward dropping his voice down to a whisper, "There's a flaw in your plan." Malcolm looked once behind Annabeth then continued. "Percy Jackson has escaped."

Annabeth's heart both froze and quickened. The sensation was odd and slightly painful, the feeling of shock also feeling quite literal. She was about to gasp but Malcolm had covered her parting lips with his hand.

"It must have happened in the dead of night or right before dawn. The guards have been searching for him since first light. Mother's furious."

Annabeth balled her fists. "And why hasn't anyone told me?"

"Mother has kept it very quiet. I only just found out. I overheard two guards then came straight here." Malcolm took Annabeth's hands in his and held them tight. His eyes, so like hers, peered deeply at her. "You never wanted this crown," Malcolm whispered, gently. "You've always said so. I've no idea where your Percy may have gone, but I do know that now is your chance, sister. Run. Run away and never look back. You were meant to be free."

Annabeth, despite being dazed by her brother's words, felt her eyes warm. "Where do I go?" Now that her freedom was staring right at her with the entire world at her fingertips, Annabeth had no idea where she'd go.

Malcolm brought Annabeth close and hugged her tight. "Wherever you want. Everywhere you want. You've got forever waiting for, sister."

Annabeth held tightly onto her brother. "What about you? Will we ever see each other again?"

Malcolm chuckled. "I'm very prepared to take this crown from our mother. And, anyways," Malcolm pried Annabeth away and gave her a sad smile. "The one's we love always find a way back to us. This isn't the last of us, dear sister."

Malcolm stood, taking Annabeth up with him. He handed her the pack she had thrown at him, kissed her cheeks, and nudged her to the door. "Go."

Annabeth looked back once. "I love you."

Malcolm smiled. "I love you, too."

Then Annabeth ran.

…

This is happening. This is happening. This is really, really, happening.

Annabeth had no idea rebellion could feel so euphoric. Running in secret down the castle corridors with only a single pack was exhilarating, the bump of the pack between her shoulders was a shock of adrenaline with each thump.

The Princess was running away.

And she was finally, truly happy.

Annabeth took her time, peeking around corners, staying as quiet as she could. She was heading to the kitchens, and from there she had a straight shot to the docks, then she was free. The kitchens were just one corridor away, if she sprinted now she'd make it. Annabeth jumped in place, shook out her hands, took a deep breath, then ran.

Annabeth could hear approaching footsteps. She didn't know from which direction they came, but she was almost to the kitchens, so she kept running. She ran around the last corner and nearly came face to face with her mother. Annabeth jerked to the side at once, hiding behind a tall column. She held her breath, though she felt exhausted from running. She could feel her blood pulsing in her ears. She couldn't get caught now. Queen Athena's heels neared as the clack of her shoes echoed. The sound if it used to strike fear into Annabeth, now, as her mother successfully passed her, Annabeth felt joy.

Good riddance, mother.

Once the hall was clear, Annabeth jogged to the kitchen door. She had made it. The door that lead to the docks was just a few steps away. Annabeth packed as many apples and non perishable foods into her pack quickly, but then she heard voices. What was odd was that the voices seemed to come from beneath her.

Annabeth could hear a muffled voice say, "I know what you're thinking, Percy, but no. We have to keep moving. We're almost there."

Annabeth nearly screamed. Percy was right below her. This couldn't be possible. There was more noise and a scuffle, then, "The Queen's Docks."

They were headed to the Queen's Docks. Annabeth could run now and meet them there. The door to the kitchens was opening, and with a start, Annabeth ran out the door.

…

The end of the tunnel Percy and Leo ran through was so close Percy could hear the seagulls. The smell of the ocean was seeping in, Percy's favorite smell. It made him feel close to home.

"Once we're out, we're taking a hard right," Leo instructed, his eyes trained ahead. "Stay close to me. It'll be a hard run."

Percy rolled his eyes. Leo already had him running hard.

The end of the tunnel was an arm's reach away, and then they made it. Sunlight burned Percy's eyes but he was at once hit by something hard. He nearly fell, but caught his footing. Percy realized it was person, their arms tightly around his neck. Percy saw Leo with wide, wide eyes, his jaw hanging. He looked pale, and started wildly looking around, making sure they hadn't been followed. Percy looked down but he could only see blonde curly hair.

"Percy! I can't believe I've found you!"

Percy stilled. This was Annabeth. He pulled back and looked at her in awe. "Annabeth, what are you doing?"

Annabeth spoke in a hurry. "I was told you escaped! I was running away when I heard you in the kitchens!"

Percy was stunned, he didn't even know where to began. "I have so many questions…"

Annabeth nodded and looked faintly sad. "I know, and I'll answer them all-"

"Can we finish this once we're on a ship with Port Royal behind us?" Leo exasperated. He pointed to towards the Queen's Docks, where dozens of ships that Percy had never seen before anchored.

Just as Percy and Annabeth moved to follow Leo, there was a sudden loud boom and the ground shook.

Then there was another, and another, and another, like fireworks but louder.

"What's happening?" Annabeth asked, walking closer to the shore to see where the cannon fire was coming from.

"Those are cannons," Percy said, looking at each ship to see which were firing. "Port Royal is under attack.

Leo jumped in place anxiously. "We have to leave now! Everyone will be distracted and won't even notice us leaving!"

Percy squinted at the sails of the ship that the cannon fire was coming from. With dread he realized he recognized those sails. Every sailor knew to fear the black flag with skeleton cross bones. The flag of The Black Pearl.

"We can't go," Percy muttered, then louder again, "We can't go!"

Leo turned to look at him, an incredulous look on his face. "We absolutely can! Now let's get the hell out of here!"

Annabeth turned to Percy. "They're pirates, Percy. Port Royal has never had a pirate invasion. Think. They only want one thing."

Percy didn't understand until Annabeth brought a hand up and rested it against the lump under his shirt where he kept The Trident. Percy shook his head and backed away. "No. No, that wouldn't make any sense. Why now?"

"It's quite logical actually," Annabeth answered. "Since I took it from you the day we met, I kept the trident hidden. Only Yesterday did I wear it for the first time. And It also touched water. It makes sense, Percy. All the variables are there."

"So what do we do?" Leo asked, panicked.

"We split up," Annabeth said, with the voice of a leader. "Percy, they're after you and your trident necklace. If we all leave together, they'll come after us but not until they've destroyed Port Royal. I'm the Princess. I can bargain with them if I have the trident."

"What?" Percy exclaimed. "No! Together, Annabeth!"

Annabeth huffed and narrowed her eyes. "We do not have the time to argue this. You have to believe that you're worth saving, Percy! I owe you this. I almost got you killed."

"But they'll kidnap you!" Percy countered.

"I know," Annabeth nodded. "But at least the people of Port Royal will be safe. You'll just have to find me."

Leo scoffed. "You want us to track down The Black Pearl? That's impos-"

"Okay," Percy agreed. He kept Annabeth's gaze. He didn't like it, but so long as she's been his princess he's known that Annabeth followed only her own plan. Which almost always was the best plan. Percy just had to trust her. Annabeth that she didn't have to carry that burden, but then she did the most surprising thing she could ever do. As Percy thought she was going to punch him, she kissed him. Before he could really process that the woman he had loved for so long was kissing him, she wasn't anymore; and as she stepped back, she did so with the trident necklace in her hands.

"Find me, Percy." Annabeth held onto his hand in hers until it dropped back to his side, and with a heavy heart Percy watched her go.

…

Captain Nico was getting aggravated. His crew has gone through nearly every single person in this godforsaken city and no sign of the trident. They searched every home, pub, building, and nothing.

A guard came running, shouting with his sword raised, and without a second glace Nico swung his own long black sword and cut the guard down.

"You guys used to be easier to kill," Nico said to the dead guard as he wiped the blood off on the guards coat.

Captain Nico was beginning to think this raid was pointless until a woman's voice called out.

"Stop!"

She had a furious look in her eyes as she marched towards Nico. He admired her confidence. But, it was what she dangled that caught his attention. "Shit," Nico muttered, then cleared his throat. "I've been looking everywhere for that. If you'd be so kind as to hand that over, then my crew and I will be on our way." Nico extended his hand out. "I'm-"

"Shut up!" The woman yelled. " I am Princess Annabeth Chase." The closer she got the clearer it was how visibly angry she was. Nico was equally impressed and intimidated. He sheathed his sword as she stopped before him. He extended his hand, not opposed to some courtesies, but again she denied. She dangled the trident in front of him, but swiped it away once he made a grab for it. "I believe we can make a deal."

Nico ground his teeth together. "And what deal is that."

"The trident for Port Royal's safety," Annabeth said. "I give it to you, you leave and never come back."

Nico spun his skull ring. "I'm curious. Where did a princess like yourself acquire this trident? And what do you know if it?"

"I found it along time ago amongst sea wreckage," lie, "And I know nothing of it. All I know is that it belongs to pirates." Truth.

Nico knew she was lying. He had a talent for spotting lies. But, nonetheless, he smiled and nodded. "I will take the trident and grant Port Royal's safety. But, I have another condition. You are to be my prisoner."

Nico didn't see Annabeth react. She was anticipating that.

Good, Nico, thought. Whoever she's planned to rescue her is playing right into his hands.

"Annabeth!"

Nico unsheathed his sword, pointing it at the man that had run up to them. He looked like princess, and Nico assumed he was her brother.

"Malcolm!"

Nico stepped in front of Annabeth as she tried to move to Malcolm. "Who are you?" Nico asked, his sword pointed. "We were in the middle of a business deal and you have rudely interrupted us."

Malcolm narrowed his eyes and stepped closer. "I'm the prince."

Nico had suspected correctly. "Well, Prince, I was just taking your sister prisoner. I do hope you don't try to foil my plans. I've had a long day."

Malcolm narrowed his eyes. "You're not taking my sister anywhere. Our entire guard is nearly here."

Nico rolled his eyes. "Yes, I am." Nico waved towards Annabeth and Malcolm. "Now, say your goodbyes."

Annabeth slowly moved away from Nico, eyeing his sword as she moved. She then ran to her brother and Nico could hear her faintly whispering. Malcolm looked taken aback, but nodded.

Nico nodded to Malcolm, then led Annabeth away. The Black Pearl had been easy to dock. Had Nico and his crew not raided Port Royal, he would have told officials to amp their security. The crew had all made it back to the ship and prepared to raise anchor. Nico extended his arm towards the ship, beckoning Annabeth to go first.

"Princesses first," Nico smirked.

Annabeth glared at Nico as she walked up the wooden board up to top deck, Nico behind her. "Ready the sails!" Nico shouted as he threw the walking board overboard.

"Aye, Captain!"

The entire royal guard came to see them off, as Malcolm had said. Even the Queen herself was in attendance, and Nico gave a humorous salute to her majesty. But, he saw that Annabeth paid no mind to those on the dock. Her eyes were trained to the far left on other ships. She looked sad. Nico knew she was looking to the ship he knew her rescuers would follow them on. He was counting on that.

Nico held out his hand. "We had a deal."

Annabeth turned to Nico, and with a glare, put the trident in his hand. The motion seemed to pain her. Smart girl, Nico thought.

"Where are you taking me?" Annabeth asked.

Nico began to walk to the helm, beckoning for Annabeth to follow. "We are going to a place called Shipwreck Cove. The song has been sung, Annabeth. You don't know what that means, but it's everything to a pirate. We are going to meet with the other pirate lords." Nico spun the wheel and guided the ship out to sea. "I'm hoping you're friends who will be following us will join us there. I'd very much like to meet the true owner of this trident." Nico smiled wickedly at the horrified look on Annabeth's face.

…

Speechless, Percy and Leo watched as Annabeth was taken by Captain Nico of The Black Pearl. The entire Royal Guard was out on the docks, and the two men watched as the Queen shouted out commands to dispense the Royal Fleet.

"We have to leave now," Percy said. "We have to find her before the fleet does."

Leo nodded and began towards the inside of the Queen's Docks.

"Wait!"

They spun around. They had no weapons, so if they were to be caught now, there was no hope to finding Annabeth. But, it was Malcolm who had shouted for them.

"Is that…?" Leo tilted his head in confusion.

"Yeah," Percy said slowly.

"Percy!" Malcolm said breathlessly. "I'm" pant, "here," pant, "to," pant, "help."

Leo laughed. "You, the prince, are going to help us, criminals?"

Malcolm nodded. "I know you're going to find my sister. I want to help."

Leo scoffed. "And how exactly are you going to help?"

Malcolm glared at Leo. "I am quite skilled at making maps, thank you very much. I can chart any waters. You'll need my help." Malcolm then tossed the pack he was carrying to Leo. "And you'll need these. I was going to give them to Annabeth, but they're safer in our hands then in the hands of a pirate."

Percy flinched.

Leo opened the pack and whistled. He pulled out dozens of rolled scrolls and Percy knew those to be maps. "Alright," Leo nodded, "Let's get to sailing, shall we?"

Leo lead them to the very back of the Queen's Dock's where a lone ship was anchored separate from the rest. The ship was huge and beautiful and Percy, despite the circumtacnes, was excited to sail again.

"This," Leo gestured to the ship, "Is the Andromeda II."

"What happened to the first one?" Malcolm asked.

Leo stilled. His eyes darkened. "That's not your concern, Prince."

They climbed the overboard rope one at a time, and once they made it to top deck, Percy was in his element. He rose the anchor then started adjusting the sails and spinning the helm. He successfully got the ship out of the harbor, but he knew that the three of them would not be able to keep a ship the size of the Andromeda sailing for long.

"We're going to need a crew," Percy said.

Leo clapped his hands and rubbed them together. "I know just the place! It's only half a day's sail from here. It's called Halfblood Pub, in Tortuga. It's said that any pirate worth half their salt has spilled at least half of their blood there."

"What a wonderful place," Malcolm said sarcastically.

"Shut up," Leo narrowed his eyes. "You may be the prince, but you're on my ship, buddy."

Malcolm rolled his eyes but raised his hands in surrender. He walked over the head of the ship and leaned against the rails.

"Halfblood Pub you say?" Percy asked Leo, doubtful himself.

Leo nodded, then looked out to the sea excitedly. "Now. Bring me that horizon."