I drew my sword.

 

"Percy," Annabeth said, "let me come with you."

 

"Too dangerous," I said. "Besides, I need you to help Michael coordinate the

defensive line. I'll distract the monsters. You group up here. Move the sleeping

mortals out of the way. Then you can start picking off monsters while I keep

them focused on me. If anybody can do all that, you can."

 

Michael snorted. "Tha nks a lot."

 

I kept my eyes on Annabeth.

 

She nodded reluctantly. "All right. Get moving."

 

Before I could lose my courage, I said, "Don't I get a kiss for luck? It's kind

of a tradition, right?"

 

I figured she would punch me. Instead, she drew her knife and stared at the army

marching toward us. "Come back alive, Seaweed Brain. Then we'll see."

 

I figured it was the best offer I would get, so I stepped out from behind the

school bus. I walked up the bridge in plain sight, straight toward the enemy.