Sammy's story reminded him a lot about the story Piper told him when they met. The one about how Octavian was so cruel to her and her sister.

Percy knew he couldn't pity Sammy and compare him to Piper. Sammy murdered and tortured, Piper was a victim.

The trial lasted for three more weeks and no progress was made. The case applied for Supreme Court. A month later they were accepted and they went back to trial.

Piper was almost back to her own self, she was back on Broadway as Ariel in the revival of the Little Mermaid. But whenever the trial came up she was closed off, the only people able to get through to her during those times were Jason and Leo.

One week after the trial began Percy jeard the he and Piper were to be the next victims to testify.

Percy hated court.

It smelled weird, everyone was gloomy, and it was downright boring.

He got dressed in his best suit and headed to the courthouse. When he arrived he was mobbed by reporters.

"Percy! Any details on your experience you would like to share?"

"Percy! Are you angry that you can no longer use your legs?"

Another thing about trials he hated, the reporters were so interested on his personal life.

He igmored them all as Annabeth wheeled him into the courthouse.

Annabeth. He knew she was exhausted from pushing him around everywhere, but she still loved him. Percy felt a bit guilty about not telling her about his physical therapy. He wanted to surprise her when he could walk.

And by surprise he meant propose.

He understood for the first time that he won't live forever. Sammy taught him that. He started thinking past tomorrow amd the mext day he wanted a future.

A future with Annabeth. He knew they hadn't been together long but he felt like he knew her for forever.

He stayed silent as Annabeth wheeled him inside.