Annabeth Black/Relationships

Throughout her life, Annabeth has had several mixed relationships with a variety of people, acquiring allies due to her wisdom and charismatic and friendly energy; her status as a member of the NoHeads, however, coupled with her seemingly rapidly fluctuating loyalty, resulted in rivalry with others. Her strongest relationships are with: Baby Intelligence, Sēon Wan, Alice Shinner, and Hell Burnbottom.

## Family

### Parents

Annabeth Black's relationship with her parents, one of whom was Helena Black, was negative, albeit somewhat indefinite. They were both alarmed and impressed when Annabeth seemed to mature very quickly. Helena did not react negatively at all when her powers were revealed, leading to an accident at the zoo — she even took her to eat out that day so she would feel better. In 2012, Annabeth left her parents and joined Mr. Stupid NoHead. Her parents insisted that she could not join the Darkness, but Mr. Stupid NoHead silenced the matter by killing them and leaving quickly with her. Annabeth seemed quite upset over the event, though she recovered quickly.

### Cousins

The Gladiator was the second cousin of Annabeth Black. To say the least, their relationship was neutral. It is unknown what she thought of him. While the Gladiator appreciated her strength and beauty, he also despised her undying loyalty to Mr. Stupid NoHead, having no idea it was a smokescreen and she wanted him dead as badly as he and the deceased Chief Enforcer Dorphane Giles did. Although Annabeth herself never visited him, he appeared to her in two visions. In one of them he saw her current state, and one he saw her as a child. This vision interacted with Annabeth under the name “Anna” and noted the coincidences about their similarities. This vision eventually vanished while both mutants were fighting a dragon that Anna inadvertently lured to them when trying to use a sabotaged astrobot to allow a flare to be released signalling where Anna and he were. Like the Gladiator, Annabeth was certain that the Gladiator was not a dream but the existence of one of her relatives. She also supported his desire for lore that was arcane and ancient.

It is possible that Annabeth was on good terms with her other cousin, Jacob Bell, who was a NoHead and rechristened Mr. Odious NoHead during the First NoHead War. Odious initially espoused the pure-blood supremacist line associated with his family. It is unlikely that he revealed his change of heart to Annabeth, or anyone else, prior to his disappearance in 2017.

 File:Becca-promo-becca-smith--28967541-432-650.jpg
Annabeth appeared to have a fairly affectionate and close relationship with her cousin Becca Smith. The two fondly called each other by their nicknames of "Anna" and "Becky". Becca was also one of the only people who was able to question Annabeth's authority without unleashing the latter's anger.

## Love interests

### Hell Burnbottom

Annabeth Black seems to be oddly close to Hell Burnbottom, a fellow member of the Order who eventually became in charge with her becoming his second-in-command in 2020. She talked and joked with him around the fire (the night they spent interrogating Baby Intelligence), slept beside him that night, and even snuggled into his arm (not just subconsciously in sleep, she woke up briefly the next morning, looked around, and then returned to cuddling his arm). They were often seen joking together in practicing. When the S.M.S.B. converged during the skirmish in Yellowstone, Annabeth was seen with her head in Burnbottom's shoulder while he tenderly ran his fingers through her hair, the two had clearly become close quickly. While Annabeth was running towards Hell Burnbottom after Lindsay Kellerman had pushed him into the pit, Baby Intelligence stated that as Black called Burnbottom's name, her voice sounded very pained, and despite its futility, she begged Burnbottom to stay with her as he died. She very nearly avenged his death shortly after the Showdown in the City Volcano, only being narrowly thwarted by Force Baby. In spite of being five years apart, the two of them were also training partners in their teenage years.

Unknown to nearly all, it would be revealed years later after her death that Black and Burnbottom had in fact engaged in a sexual relationship, resulting in the birth of their son, Thomas Meyer, who was born in the Fourth NoHead Base before the Battle of Tsala. Because of the egotistical and self-centered nature they shared, they might have considered the usefulness of Thomas in the idea of siring a lineage of evil devoutly loyal to them through familial bonds, seeing them as extensions of their own power and authority, much like many kings and tyrants who procreated to expand and solidify their own power through blood ties. Apart from their friendship, Annabeth may have chosen Hell as a mate due to his blood relations and thoroughly proven power as a mutant, thus marking him as a potent genetic combination and fit for her. Meanwhile, a mate of such fortitude and strength would certainly appeal to Burnbottom's pathological need to expand his fame and reputation.

It is also possible that the conception of Thomas Meyer was unintentional as very little is known about his background.

## Arcanus

### Sēon Wan

Although Sēon Wan instantly had a crush on Annabeth Black, Annabeth did not feel the same way. After he saved her from a series of vines, however, the two were able to come clear. From there, she was on good terms with Sēon. He was her best friend among the NoHead ranks, and she had almost as much respect for him as she did for leading authorities in the group.

Both of them confided in each other their greatest fears, and Annabeth was more than patient in letting Sēon vent to her. Sēon would return this form of affection. When Annabeth became afraid that two police would kill her in Pennsylvania, she immediately contacted him, telling him that she feared for her safety with police after her, and that she would prefer to travel to Axis Base with the other NoHeads in a convoy. Sēon agreed with her and resolved to come back for her, indicating how much he valued her life. She valued his life as well, as shown when she relentlessly defended him from oncoming robot soldiers. When they returned to Nadzvysiya, Annabeth got herself clean and immediately searched for Sēon, who knew he could comfort her.

Sēon was angry at their situation, and expressed this to her, who seemingly had more faith in NoHead than her friend did, indicating she did not yet tell him the truth.

### Bartholomew Gales

"*Stop it! That's private!"
"Not for me, it isn't. And not to the universe unless you perk up. You're just as weak as Zach himself. Arrogant, self-centered, pathetic! You're the definition of a weakling!"
"Annabeth, I'm not weak!"
"Prove it to me! Here and now!*"
―Annabeth speaking to Bartholomew[src]Annabeth seemed to regard Bartholomew Gales coolly. On the other hand, Bartholomew had a crush on her. However, he was able to conceal this. Unbeknownst to anyone, he was willing to tell Mean King that he felt like she "doesn't even know I exist." During the brief period in which she gave private mind resistance lessons, Annabeth relished in forcing Barty to relive his worst memories.

At one point, Annabeth learned about Barty's feelings for her, as well as the time he had sex. The visions also exposed Bartholomew's worst nightmare. Bartholomew shouted at Annabeth to stop, insisting those memories were private. Annabeth, however, only called him "just as weak as Zach himself", which she probably believed to be true. It is implied that he no longer liked Annabeth after their lessons came to a sudden end. However, by the time the Second NoHead War broke out, he had come to truly care for her. He seemed concerned when Annabeth's robots captured two traitorous relief workers, suspected of being police.

When Annabeth became the NoHead Grandmaster, Bartholomew's loyalty to her became even stronger, he would do anything to serve and please his new mistress. It is unknown quite how Annabeth reacted to Bartholomew's death.

### Qamar

Annabeth first met Qamar after Sēon introduced him. Recently, her actions as a spy had indirectly led to the death of the boy's parents. Initially, Qamar detested her for her role in Ken's demise. Annabeth calmly pointed out that without her, he would not be a NoHead either. From there, Qamar forgave her. They saw each other rarely, but they still seemed to like each other.

### Kenzie Walters

Annabeth and Kenzie became very good friends through the NoHeads. The two quickly realized that they had a lot in common and Annabeth once overheard her telling her friends that Annabeth had "always been really nice" to her. Kenzie was obviously very fond of Annabeth, and appreciative of her kindness and support. Additionally, Kenzie loved books, and spent much of her time with Annabeth in the NoHead library.

The two of them worked well together during the Search for the Chosen One. Kenzie spoke to her casually, as if to a friend, not a follower, and Annabeth did not show any anger when she contradicted her in Hotel Valley.

### Mira and Rebecca

Annabeth first met Mira in 2024, which the latter felt was an honor. Although Mira initially intended to use Annabeth to get her way into the NoHead ranks, the two became close friends, especially on Mira's part. Annabeth did seem to value her life. Initially, Rebecca envied Annabeth because the older girl was extremely popular. However, she went out of her way to save her during the Battle of California and confessed that life without her would be boring. With Rebecca admitting she cared about Annabeth, and with Annabeth confessing her gratitude, their bond was strengthened.

## Friends

### Alice Shinner

 File:Alice.jpg
During her education, Annabeth was best friends with fellow student Alice Shinner. Both of them saw a lot in each other; for instance, they were insecure and socially awkward. They preferred to keep to themselves and were both wimpy (though both of them became stronger in the end). Both had similar hairstyles. Most of the other students laughed at them, even though they liked them. During this time, Annabeth began hanging out with people who embraced Dark mutantry and bigotry, which put a huge strain on their friendship. Alice was offended by many of the views that Annabeth was beginning to adopt and disliked the qualities that her new classmates were bringing out in her. Initially, Annabeth did not truly understand her aversion. She was so insecure and blinded by her attraction to the Darkness that she imagined Alice would find it impressive if she became a real NoHead. When she asked her if she still intended to join Mr. Stupid NoHead and she did not deny it, she severed all ties with her.

### X1

Annabeth was close friends with X1, a clone of Dero, presumably as a result of the fact that X1 worked for the Police Grand Army and Annabeth was spying for them as a double agent. The two visited each other at Burger King every Saturday.

### Ronan

Ronan was vulnerable enough to tell her about her dreams of becoming a renowned doctor. Deeply moved by this, Annabeth told her about her muscular imbalance from an accident at birth, which made Ronan realize why Annabeth felt the way she did. She eventually healed her.

### Abalan

Annabeth first met Abalan when her parents allowed the war-hardened man to move in with them. While they lived together, Annabeth became very close with her roommate. The two had a lot in common, and were able to sympathize about the Darkness. Annabeth was fully supportive of Abalan's decisions and respected his knowledge. He also sympathized with her passion for the Darkness, despite having renounced it. Annabeth and Abalan would work very well together in 2022. Annabeth had left her parents to join Mr. Stupid NoHead and it was time for her to prove she was worthy of the mantle. The two went to "deal with" a group of police in Kansas. After Abalan's death, Annabeth was much more upset than she was willing to admit.

### Mean King

Annabeth and Mean King were on good terms; he respected her authority over him in 2030. Mean King became infuriated when Force Baby stunned her; shouting at him to leave her alone, he bound the baby's shackles yet tighter. Before fleeing the battle, he sought her out, concerned was he for her safety. His death made her upset.

## Enemies

### Zach Kellerman and Brooklyn Gales

"*Well, Annabeth was a special case. I mean, she never lost an opportunity to hurt Zach so you couldn't really expect Zach to take that lying down, could you?"
"And you're telling me you were okay with it?"
"I didn't really know too much about it, to tell you the truth, I mean, Zach didn't attack her in front of me, did he? Only later did I catch him in the act.*"
―Alice Shinner discussing her interactions with Annabeth Black[src]From the beginning, Annabeth began a relationship of enmity and hate with Zach Kellerman and his best friend, Brooklyn Gales, throughout their school years. They detested each other almost instantly upon meeting for the first time on the school bus. Throughout their times at school, Zach and Brooklyn bullied Annabeth ceaselessly. Annabeth, in turn, never lost an opportunity to get one up on them whenever possible. Later, it is revealed that Annabeth and Zach would regularly pass snide remarks and taunts towards each other.

From the beginning, Annabeth began a relationship of enmity and hate with Brooklyn Gales throughout her school years. They detested each other almost instantly upon meeting for the first time on the school bus. Throughout their times at school, Brooklyn bullied Annabeth ceaselessly. Annabeth, in turn, never lost an opportunity to get one up on her or her friend, Zach, whenever possible. Annabeth's continued bitterness toward Gale even into adulthood became apparent in 2027, when she showed delight into comparing Bartholomew Gales to his mother and telling him that she was not the great woman he liked to believe she was.

Annabeth's continued bitterness toward Zach and Brooklyn even into adulthood became apparent in 2027, when she showed delight into comparing Bartholomew Gales to Zach, despite Barty not knowing who he was.

### The Lemur

"*Well done, Baby Intelligence, you just turned your wretched mother's empty baby-free life on its head, happy now?*"
―Annabeth Black[src]
Although they both served the NoHeads to destroy the Police Grand Army and conquer the government, Annabeth does not get along with the Lemur at all, partly due to them both initially trying to win the approval of Mr. Stupid NoHead and mainly because the Lemur's arrogant, rude, short-sighted and delusional traits. After she disowned him and left her own son to die and Annabeth was warm enough to become a big sister figure to him, Annabeth proceeded to threaten the Lemur, stating that if she ever pushes her too far she will kill the latter without hesitation. The Lemur, on the other hand, dislikes Annabeth for no apparent reason, simply because of her friendliness and charisma that the Lemur had always lacked. They never learned that they had both secretly become disenchanted by the NoHeads, nor would Annabeth ever learn just how much the Lemur did in fact love her own son.

### Brute Gunray

Brute Gunray frowned upon Annabeth solely because she was a woman, as he was very misogynistic, and was genuinely confused that his brother had placed so much stock in her abilities, as he was the only member of his family that doubted her so much. Upon assuming leadership over the NoHeads, he immediately demoted her, even though he considered his new job to be taxing. Furious at the blatant sexism that could have cost her dearly, she worked against him in secret.

### Carol Wilcox

Carol was an ally to Baby Intelligence who initially knew Annabeth as the woman who was very similar to her and who "cruelly played" the superhero. Although she never had any direct contact with the girl, Carol showed direct contempt and fury for Annabeth's actions throughout the Second NoHead War.

## Others

Following Mr. Stupid NoHead's demise, Augustus Salt joined forces with her and Hell Burnbottom, but due to many factors, it is hard to determine whether he originally served Annabeth out of loyalty, by being deceived or blackmailed. And when Hell Burnbottom died and Annabeth took charge during the Second NoHead War, Wesley the Worm switched sides and began secretly serving the NoHeads. Black seemed to regard him with indifference, often scoffing at him or shushing him. On the other hand, Wesley clung to Annabeth tightly, believing her to be stronger than Baby Intelligence.

### Baby Intelligence

"*It's a shame, because I'm just waiting to take you in."
"Well, that does put a damper on our relationship, doesn't it?*"
―Baby Intelligence and Annabeth Black[src]

Annabeth Black first met Baby Intelligence, known as Peter Hecks at the time, at the Jade Sanctum while she was acting as a double agent without his knowledge. The two quickly bonded with each other. He opened himself up completely to her and soon realized he trusted her with his life, a trust he did not have for anyone else. Peter's trust was further cemented after she "made fencing practice fun" and saved him from being pummeled by a woman named Lori. Eventually, she was willing to leave the Grand Army to take him to a better place, but this wound up not being necessary anymore. Alarmed by the sheer extent of their own mutual loyalty, they made an agreement with an informal contract to never lie to each other and always be straightforward with their thoughts and personalities, at least to each other. Unbeknownst to Baby Intelligence, while Annabeth's care for him was completely genuine, she wanted him to join the NoHeads and follow her down a dark path, although it was one she viewed as contrarily being enlightening, it would prove to be one he could never follow.

When Baby Intelligence and Sebiscuits Cardarphen boarded the *Wasp* intending to rescue Mayor Katie Black, Baby Intelligence caught Annabeth holding officer Ray hostage. Despite later mentioning she could've improvised with ease, Black reminded Baby Intelligence that they had agreed to never lie to each other and revealed that she had always been affiliated with the NoHeads. Horrified at this, Baby Intelligence fled through a vat of fuel, unable to bring himself to hurt her. He promised himself betrayal would never catch him off guard so much again.

From this moment, Annabeth desperately wanted to turn him to the Darkness and get him to help her complete her agenda with Hell Burnbottom. Throughout their encounter in Australia, Annabeth goaded Baby Intelligence with sarcastic baby-talk, mocking him for falling for her ploy. After Annabeth became second-in-command of the NoHeads and possessed popstar Rocken Role, Baby Intelligence was admittedly amused by her idea of an evil plan, though he never let this, coupled with his lingering affection for her, get in the way of leniency or tolerance.

Baby Intelligence tended to focus on her whenever he saw pictures of her, or when her name came up. Baby Intelligence's hatred for Annabeth was intense enough for him to feel agitated when laying eyes on anyone who resembles her, even Carol Wilcox.

"*You've carried it all this way?"
"Yep, so when things calm down, I'll be on the playing field using it to guide myself to victory. So when I look at it, I'll remember. The good, the bad, and just how lucky I am to be alive."
"That's some really deep and moving stuff, buddy. Wish you luck and all, but now I have a secret to tell you.*"
―Baby Intelligence and Annabeth Black[src]
Despite this, the two awkwardly bonded again when they encountered each other in the forest. Baby Intelligence was vulnerable enough to tell her about his dreams of becoming a great Crodela player. Deeply moved by this, Annabeth told him about her [*blank - content needed*], which made him realize why she felt the way she did. However, they parted ways when someone else randomly turned up, ultimately remaining enemies.

Ironically, the two shared many similarities that neither of them were aware of. Both were higher-functioning neurodivergent mutants who grew up with heavy burdens and subservience to a powerful organization. Both of their initial caretakers feared them (Annabeth's parents were worried about her unusual habits as a preschooler, while Rotta and Greg Hecks feared Baby Intelligence's connection to mutantry). Both Baby Intelligence and Annabeth's lives virtually revolved around the Dark Lord — one was his archenemy and one was his most dependable and powerful follower.

In addition, the two grew up virtually friendless until becoming a key player in the Second NoHead War (Annabeth due to her isolated nature and Baby Intelligence due to his unstable life). Furthermore, both had at least one near-death experience prior to becoming overage: Annabeth was nearly killed by Poe Ledsa during a mission in 2028, while Baby Intelligence repeatedly faced attempts on his life by the NoHeads). However, both Baby Intelligence and Annabeth had at least one silver gleaming: their attraction to books and admirable personalities.

### Darren Slade

Darren first met Annabeth in 2019, and seemed to be charmed by her. Darren quickly found himself manipulated by her charm and the way that she preyed on his inner conflict, effectively turning him to the dark side. He immediately began to latch onto her, and Annabeth was willing to speak with him at times. Darren served her and Hell Burnbottom exclusively, though he quickly felt terrible for what he had done. He vented to her over his conflict, but Annabeth only replied that she was disturbed by his guilt.

### Sebiscuits Cardarphen

While they first met a little sooner, Sebiscuits Cardarphen has been an enemy of Annabeth ever since he witnessed her killing Ray. Almost immediately Sebiscuits drew his sword and sliced a hole in the floor, deeming her not worth the time. They fell down into a NoHead fuel tank, the surrounding robots proceeded to take aim, but the experienced lieutenant ordered her troops not to fire in order to prevent the fuel from ignition. Annabeth would later regret not killing Sebiscuits upon learning that the Mayor had been rescued by his hand.

In May 2030, Annabeth came to Sebiscuits, who had long since joined the Order, intending to form an alliance. Sebiscuits agreed and the two created a bond of close, but not indefinite trust. In the alternate timeline, they worked together to take over the world and come extremely close to living their dream.

 File:Sebiscuits Annabeth oblivion.jpg
### Pythoman

Pythoman became a NoHead during the final stages of the Second NoHead War. During the course of the war, Pythoman became obsessed with Annabeth. He deeply respected her, though he envied her power. Black accepted the change in alliance, the two seemed to work well together in their final days.

### Mr. Stupid NoHead

 File:Mr. Stupid NoHead 2.jpg

"*I've never known this man to regret anything before. No remorseful bones in his impossibly wretched body, not even one.*"
―Annabeth Black[src]
Annabeth followed Mr. Stupid NoHead as soon as she was given the chance, seeing an irresistible opportunity to escape her horrible family situation, and so chose to suppress her painful memories of her parents being murdered right in front of her by her own master. Excited by the NoHeads as a whole and what they represented, the teenage Black cooperated with Mr. Stupid NoHead's efforts to crush the Police Grand Army during the final year of Lily Elazar's War. After the Battle of Golgolod, she became essential in bringing together the Ten and keeping tabs on the Grand Army, both of which were essential and showed just how much the Dark Lord trusted her. Despite being crucial to her lord's devices, and while she had never actually failed him, she was still terrified of his retribution if she were to do so. Nevertheless (perhaps because of it) Annabeth also displayed a lack of regard for his orders, especially after spending time in the Jade Sanctum on insurgent duty and realizing she liked it there. She refused to take part in Operation: Purge out of boredom, heading off for Nadzvysiya as an alternative. By this point, she had begun to commune with Genesis, who offered her a golden opportunity to burn Mr. Stupid NoHead's cause to the ground to avenge her family and the life she never had, and ensure the Resometh won the oncoming War of Darkness, and in the meantime she pondered a way to unite the Ten so they would not succumb to the fire she and Genesis were contemplating starting together, showing she cared for the Ten more than she cared about the Dark Lord.

After the Grand Army fell, Annabeth's relationship with Mr. Stupid NoHead underwent noticeable tension. Believing that even after all she had done for him, he saw her as little more than a disposable servant, she took charge during the manhunt for Baby Intelligence, but she never told her master about the scrolls forged by Sir Edgar Caravan, and the last time she saw him, she sarcastically applauded him for defeating Baby Intelligence, clearly not believing that their fight had been fair despite not actually witnessing their battle. After he met a gruesome fate and died, Annabeth was not as upset as she thought she would be, admitting to Hell Burnbottom and later to Baby Intelligence that she loved both of them more than she feared Mr. Stupid NoHead. She kept her secret with Genesis under close tabs as they resumed contact, and following Burnbottom's death, she ultimately sacrificed the NoHeads to the Resometh, citing that she only saw icy grime in her former lord's heart and sickly decay in his soul the last time she ever mentioned him. Despite all this, however, Annabeth always remained thankful of Mr. Stupid NoHead's existence, as he was the one who gave her Hell Burnbottom.

Even after the Shadow Wars' conclusion, Annabeth, now in astral form, never forgave Mr. Stupid NoHead for his actions and kept referring to him as a "heathen" while fearing the worst if the Dark Lord's evil spirit would ever come back for her, a fear which was soothed upon learning that his soul had been destroyed just before the Third NoHead War.

## Alternate Universe

### Pythoman

Pythoman became a NoHead during the final stages of the Second NoHead War. During the course of the war, Pythoman became obsessed with Annabeth. He deeply respected her, though he envied her power. Black accepted the change in alliance, the two seemed to work well together superficially. Yet it is clear just how little Black trusted nor respected Pythoman. She only kept him because his loyalty to her sometimes proved useful (often times without Pythoman being any the wiser). She never directly bullied Pythoman, but she also did nothing to prevent Cardarphen doing it. She even giggled when he told Pythoman he was "as dumb as a rock" because he thought the artist Raphael was still alive. Annabeth had Pythoman assigned to menial tasks, highlighting just how unimportant he was to her.

## References

1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; no text was provided for refs named `DITW`
2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; no text was provided for refs named `TM`
3. ↑ *Sebiscuits: Dawn of Transcendence*