AN: I'm really not in the mood to write an AN about myself right now. Sorry for my short hiatus from writing. Managing my time with school and social events has not been going so great right now.

Anyways, I do have one announcement before getting underway. I have indeed started a new story. It is in the rough draft stages, and I want you guys to check it out. It's called 'Frozen in Time' and more will be announced about that story in the future. Please give it a favorite, follow, or a review telling me what to do in order to improve it. I think that story could be potentially surpass this one in almost every aspect. I do love writing this story, and since the ratings have been good, I will continue to dedicate my time and effort into this story.

Thanks for the support everyone! I never miss a favorite, follow, or review, so I appreciate EVERYONE helping me in this story.

Line Break

Annabeth POV: (Didn't expect this one eh?)

Annabeth woke up feeling more stressed than previous days. She continued her pursuit of Percy and Luke after searching for 3 months without any leads. The only lead she had was Percy's sword, Riptide. She woke up and opened her safe under her bed. She unlatched the lock with a riddle as the key to open the safe, and the small, celestial bronze safe propped open.

Riptide was an amazing piece of work. The way the long blade was designed to compact in a pen was ingenious. Annabeth almost yearned to have used Riptide for her own reasons. She had always envied Percy's talent with the sword, something she couldn't master. She was more agile, and had used a knife. Everyone had agreed Annabeth was the best with a knife at camp. She could sneak behind enemy lines and detect their Achilles' heel. Annabeth had always wanted to learn how to use a sword, but she didn't have the upper body strength an Ares' camper would have.

Annabeth sighed before putting Riptide back in the safe after checking it. She had asked Hephaestus campers to lock down Riptide with celestial bronze chains, and had asked the Hecate cabin to take the enchanted magic away from the sword. Hecate campers had taken most of the magical qualities away, but the sword will always return to its proper master.

Annabeth knew Percy had escaped Tartarus. Just his sword up on earth was a dead giveaway. She had secretly kept this knowledge secret to the majority of the Camp in fear of invoking panic and unneeded stress. She had been excused from daily camp activities to find Percy. The Olympians themselves had asked Luke and Annabeth to lead the search for Percy and bring him to Olympus when he was cast down in Tartarus. Annabeth and Luke had searched most of New York, and the east coast, but had found no leads on Percy.

Then, the trio of demigods showed up. Jason, Piper, and Leo. They were an interesting trio. Always stick together. Even though Jason was the golden boy of Zeus, he had always stayed true to his friends. Jason could have been hanging with Ares campers, but he stayed with his friend. He would defend Piper from Aphrodite children remarks, and Leo and his body structure from most of the campers. Jason reminded Annabeth a lot like Percy. Handsome and loyal. Now, Annabeth was in a happy relationship with Luke, so she had no thoughts of dating Jason. They had been dating happily for 3 months. It had almost seemed like Annabeth would finally have something normal and permanent. But, of course, the gods had thrown another curveball at Annabeth.

Luke had been taken away from Annabeth again. She was infuriated, scared, and upset once she woke up and he wound up missing from camp. She immediately went to the one person she knew was against her and camp.

Flashback Moment (It will be written in regular text, not italics, so keep that in mind)

Annabeth was in a state of worry and frustration. He had already had gone looking for Luke in his cabin, up on Zeus's fist, the beach, the strawberry fields, she had even IM'd Luke, but she couldn't get one signal. She had asked Chiron if Luke had left camp, and her teacher sadly nodded his head, saying this was the start of the Prophecy of 7. Annabeth knew the Prophecy of 7 was about to pass, but she didn't think it was this soon after the 2nd Titan War. After Rachael has spoken the prophecy, Annabeth almost beat the living Hades out of Rachael, but Apollo had to stop Annabeth.

Now her boyfriend, Luke was missing from Camp Half-Blood. She already had to hunt Percy down with Luke, but she knew she had to prioritize on one person at a time. She had cried in her cabin for about an hour before wiping her tears and forgetting she already had a lead. Annabeth quickly swept her blankets aside and hopped out of bed, looking for a former friend.

Line Break

Annabeth had rushed over to the Artemis camp in a matter of seconds. Her eyes were probably bloodshot, and she would have been red all over from crying, but she didn't matter. She couldn't have looked worse than Camp Half-Blood's first prisoner.

Annabeth had knocked in the prisoner's cell and barged her way in, not even waiting for a reply. As always, the prisoner was hunched over a couple feet in front of the door. The room was white everywhere, but her raven black hair and piercing eyes had broken the white atmosphere immediately.

Annabeth quickly closed the door and took a look at the prisoner. She had looked even worse than when she had been sentenced here. She took a quick look at the prisoner before suddenly fighting the urge to free her old friend. Thalia Grace spoke up, breaking free of Annabeth's yearnings.

"What do you want?" Thalia questioned harshly.

The harsh attitude had almost angered Annabeth, but she regained her composure. "Now, I don't want to wait here forever, so I want you to answer me nice and quickly."

Annabeth took a deep breath and looked directly into Thalia's eyes. They hid the feelings of betrayal, loss, and anger all bottled up in Thalia's piercing eyes.

Thalia spoke up. "What can the Hero of Olympus want from a mere prisoner like me?" Thalia asked.

Annabeth grimaced. "Cut the crap, Thalia. I know you are behind this. Now tell me. Where is Luke?"

Thalia broke out in a huge laugh. "You think I would know where Luke is? Do you think I've been hanging out with him inside this cell? From a daughter of Athena, you're pretty stupid."

Annabeth couldn't take any more of this childish banter. The remarks about her had really affected her in ways she couldn't explain. She had saved Olympus. She couldn't take this from a traitor. Annabeth banged her fists on the metal table, startling Thalia, before she broke out in another huge laugh. Her laugh slowly turned into a cackle, like Thalia hadn't had anything to drink for some time.

Annabeth was now shaking from Thalia's laughter. She felt humiliated, but at the same time, she couldn't waste time for silly games. "Thalia, if you want to be let out of this cell quicker, then you'll tell me where Luke is. I know you've been in communication with Percy somehow."

Thalia straightened up from her laughter, and regained her senses. "If you didn't know about Percy, let me enlighten you. Oh yeah, he's in Tartarus. And by whom you may ask? I'm standing in from of the traitor herself. The hero of Olympus. Shall I bow down before you and clean your feet? Honestly, Annabeth, do you even realize what you're saying? I don't even think you are thinking straight."

Annabeth shifted uncomfortably. "I'm a child of Athena. I always think straight."

Thalia shook her head, slowl as it sunk to the ground. "You are crafty, I'll hand you that. I don't know exactly what happened up there in the throne room, but something happened."

Annabeth glared at Thalia. "You don't even know what happened in that throne room. You've never experienced betrayal like I had back in there. So, Thalia, you're wrong like most of the time. Your arrogance and your judgment always has to be the right choice. You didn't know Percy like I did. He betrayed everyone: me, Camp Half-Blood, the Olympians, even you."

Thalia lifted her head. "That's right. I was a tree for two years when Percy was here. You're right. I didn't know Percy like you did. But, one thing I know, you spent two more years knowing Percy more and more than I did. So you know, in your heart, that Percy did EVERYTHING in those two years to help you, and protect you."

Annabeth took a step back, tramautized by Thalia's words and remembering the memories she had with Percy. "He was a traitor from the beginning. Everything he did for me was all an act. Now, I'm more worried about Luke right now. So tell me where he is."

"You're all wrong. Luke was the traitor from the beginning, and you know it. You just had to be reunited with your lover, even after he what he did. He killed innocent people, Annabeth. Everything leading up to this has been Luke's fault." Thalia said.

Annabeth said nothing, knowing what Thalia had said was true, but she couldn't admit it.

Thalia began to speak again, in a softer voice, compared to her harsh tone. "You know, when you were kidnapped by the manticore a year or two ago?"

Annabeth just nodded.

"That was the most stressful year of my life. I just returned back to life, into a new camp with no one I knew. I learned that my best friend Luke had betrayed Camp. I was furious, knowing that he was the one that was always there for me. And then I reunited with you Annabeth. I was relieved that nothing bad had happened. Along the way, Percy came into the scene. We had always butted heads, but we soon become good friends. Once we left on our trip to Maine, you were kidnapped. I remember you were fully aware of that. I didn't know what to do. I blamed Percy, I blamed the hunters, and I blamed everyone except myself. So that's why I nominated myself for that quest. I had to save you, and repay you for what had gone wrong. I didn't want Percy to come, because he had no fault in this. But, he came along to the quest, using your invisibility cap. He had always promised he'd give it back to you. On the quest, I saw a daughter of Hades die, I saw Percy hold the sky, I saw Zoe Nightshade die, and I battled Luke until I defeated him. That quest took its toll on me, and I'll never forget it. But what I do have to say about this is that Percy did all this for you. He had taken the lead on the quest. He had blamed himself for Bianca's and Zoe's death. But he risked it all for your safety. In the end, Percy has always been there for you and I, while Luke had popped in and out of our lives."

Annabeth still listened to Thalia's story, but some tears had trickled down her cheek.

"But Annabeth, Percy's gone now. You sent the most loyal person in the world down to Tartarus. He's gone. So to answer your question, no. I don't know where Luke is. I couldn't care less about Luke. But Percy's gone now. I wish I could communicate with him, I always try every day." Thalia said.

Annabeth said nothing, but observed Thalia as she continued to cry and break down. Annabeth walked over and patted Thalia on the back, startling her.

"I'm sorry, Thalia," Annabeth said. "But Percy's the traitor. He's always been the traitor. Stop thinking like this and we can get you out of here. We need you Thalia. I need you."

Thalia yanked away from Annabeth. "Leave."

Annabeth stood up, surprised. "What did you say?"

Thalia turned her back to Annabeth. "Leave. Leave right now before I lose every ounce of dignity and respect I once carried for you."

Annabeth had nothing else to say, so she left Thalia. And in some weird way, Annabeth left that room even more broken and upset than Thalia had been.

Line Break

Percy POV:

Percy grudgingly woke up from his nap. Reyna had woken him up at around 3 in the morning. They had been traveling for about a week now. They had gotten as far as Kansas right now. Percy knew he had to pick up the pace. The Olympians should be able to sense Percy by now. Some gods could escape their split personalities for just a split second, and would look for Percy. Rhea had assured him before he should experience no trouble, but Percy constantly had to look over his shoulder occasionally.

Reyna had went to sleep now. Percy and Reyna had agreed that they would only switch shifts only when they were at near exhaustion. Each would have longer amounts of sleep, around 4 hours at most before they had to wake up and start walking. Percy had admired Reyna's toughness. She could last for days on end without any sleep. Looking at the praetor sleeping, Percy felt a feeling of strangeness. Reyna had her worried and cautious praetor look off. She looked like a normal person sleeping.

Now Percy knew it was creepy to look at girls while they were sleeping, but Percy had felt Reyna looking at Percy likewise when he was sleeping. Percy grinned. Reyna could be a good match for him. He could picture himself and Reyna governing New Rome together. To be quite honest, Percy was excited when Reyna had asked him for the position to become praetor. He had denied at first because of his current circumstance, but Reyna was too good to refuse. He couldn't refuse what she was offering him. Yes, the power is an added bonus, but just having a strong-willed leader as your girlfriend, Percy couldn't describe that feeling.

Annabeth was a perfect girl for Percy. He thought about Annabeth constantly. Even when she betrayed him, he felt some love towards her. He had wanted this relationship to work between him and her. He had worked 4 years at a friendship with her. When she had kissed him in the Labyrinth, he knew she had some feelings for him. Alas, he was wrong. He had vowed down in Tartarus to never get attached to a girl like that ever again.

But it was hard. He had wanted someone to love. He had his mom, but it was too risky now to even see her. She wouldn't want to see her son. He was a monster now. Working for the Titans wasn't really his choice, but he had allowed Kronos to manipulate him. He was used to it. Having the gods use him as their pawn, and having Annabeth manuever him like a puppet. He was used to it. Percy knew once he got to Camp Half-Blood, he wouldn't have the will to hurt Annabeth. No matter how much his hatred for her was, her smile and simple words was his charmspeak.

Percy sat next to the hearth, throwing stones further into the forest before he heard a rustling in the bushes. He instinctively stood up, making noise, but he didn't wake Reyna up. He was glad inside that Reyna was getting some rest, but he had needed her. Percy felt a powerful force, a force he robably couldn't handle.

"Who is there?" Percy said confidently.

The strange figure slowly walked out into the hearth. Her robes were plain, but her face was extraordinary. The mysterious woman had light skin, with crimson eyes. The eyes were kind, with hidden passion. The woman that had appeared was no one other than Hestia.

Percy bowed. "Lady Hestia. It is a great honor."

Hestia smiled with a touch of sadness added. "Hello Percy. How do you do today?"

Percy straightened himself from the bow. "The night is beautiful. The stars shine brightly as the hearth."

Hestia crouched over the hearth and muttered some words. The hearth suddenly increased with intensity as the flame started to get out of hand before Hestia waved a hand and calmed the fire down. The atmosphere felt homey, and reminded Percy of Rhea's house.

"Sit Percy," Hestia said and patted a spot next to her. "We have much to discuss."

Percy took a seat next to her. "How are you here? Shouldn't the gods be facing with their split personalities?"

Hestia nodded. "That is correct. Most gods are struggling with their Roman and Greek personalities. But, the hearth will always be the hearth. That's where I am the strongest. I won't be tormented with headaches here."

Percy nodded taking a deep breath before relaxing back. "Why are you here?"

Hestia smiled. "Just to check on you. I'm tracking your journey. Protecting you when I can. I can only talk to you when that girl is asleep."

Percy was surprised by this. "Protect me? I'm the supposed traitor of Olympus. You should be taking me to Olympus by now."

"Did you forget that I was one of the gods that voted for you? Unfortunately, for me not being an Olympian denies me certain privileges. But it is of no important matter. I am protecting you because I want you to return to Camp safely." Hestia said.

"Why is that important? You do know of my mission, right?" Percy asked.

Hestia nodded. "Yes, my father is an evil man. Hurting innocent demigods gives him no remorse. He would gladly kill thousands to secure his power."

Percy continued. "And I'm working for him. Don't you see that I'm doing harm? Please, Hestia. Just take me to Olympus. It will be much easier. I don't want to do this."

Hestia spoke. "Then why are you working for Kronos? I'm no judging you, Percy. You have a very good heart. A greater heart than the Olympian council combined. I know you will do the right thing in the end."

Percy shook his head. "They'll never accept me. Even the Titans won't even accept me. At least they won't kill me just because I have the potential of doing something great."

"And that is one of the Olympians' faults. They don't recognize potential. They eradicate power. They eradicate hope. But the Titans and Olympians are also the same. They both have the same values, only the Olympians don't destroy mortals, they expect them to worship them." Hestia explained.

Percy stood up, shaking. "I don't even know what I'm doing. I know the Titans are evil, but I can't go back to the gods. I'm confused. I'm scared."

Hestia pulled Percy in for a hug. "Your time isn't now, hero. Follow your heart. It burns with passion like the hearth. It's a shame Rhea had already adopted you. I would have been honored to have a son like you. You represent all the qualities of a great hero."

Percy shook his head and pulled away from the hug. "I'm far from being a great hero."

Hestia nodded. "Yes, but all heroes have their challenges. You should know a great deal about that."

Percy nodded in agreement. "You should go, Lady Hestia. I attract too much godly attention. I wouldn't want you to get in trouble."

"Ah yes you are correct. I should be going." Hestia smiled.

Percy bowed. "It was an honor seeing you, Lady Hestia. Please, take care of yourself."

Hestia raised an eyebrow. "I should say the same about you."

Percy chuckled. "I honestly don't know how I'm still alive. I've been through some crazy stuff."

Hestia nodded. "Indeed you have. Well, my hero, I must take my leave. Follow your heart. Do what you think is best. Just know that whatever you do, you'll always have me, the hearth, and home."

Hestia snapped her fingers, increasing the fire on the hearth and disappearing in an array of flames.

Percy remembered that Reyna was still sleeping. Percy would allow her to continue sleeping even though his shift was over. He decided on giving her more sleep. She had needed the extra rest. Percy only had hoped she would stay with him after everything pans out, but he would deal with that later. Reyna seemed to be shivering from the cold, but the fire had warmed her right up. Percy spotted a blanket that Hestia had left him. Percy smiled and quietly thanked the goddess. Percy promptly walked over and draped the blanket over Reyna.

Percy then propped down on a log, and started tending to the fire, not willing to let it die so quickly.

Line Break

AN: Short chapter. I think this was one of my best chapters I had ever written yet. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter as I had enjoyed writing it.

Anyways, some explanations why I was dead for about 3 weeks for this story.

I was taking a hiatus. School is becoming difficult by every passing day. I need to spend more time focusing on school. My GPA is about a 3.8-9, but I want to raise it up to an 4.0 at least.

I've been thinking about some plot ideas for this story. Takes a while, but I had to think on how to start off this chapter, and the upcoming chapters.

Social life! I've been having a blast socially. I had gone to some football games Friday nights, hang out on Saturday, do homework on Sunday. ON top of that, I am social on weekdays, staying after school most days to socialize or do some homework. Also homecoming passed, and I LOVED IT. It was honestly an amazing night with an amazing girl.

I also have to think for some ideas for my new story!

YES THATS RIGHT! I have a brand new story up and published. Some of my readers of this story don't manage to follow me, which is fine, but I'm letting you guys know, I have a brand new story up. The title is called Frozen in Time, and I think it could be one of my best stories yet.

For that, I need some support! If you can check the story out on my page, read it, favorite it, follow it, review it, that'd make my day. If you like that story more than this one, leave a review or PM teling me to update your favorite first.

I know that my other story has one chapter, but the next chapter should explain most of the plot.

So that's all I have to say. School, ideas, social life, and other story is why I haven't been updating.

So please help me support this story even more! Thanks for all the support and reviews. It makes my day. I think we're at like 135 favorites, and like 190 something follows WHICH IS AWESOME. I COULDN'T THANK YOU GUYS ENOUGH.

Much love,

dannykilmore