Sorry for being MIA for a whilr, school is busier than ever, but I do my best. The part in bold italics is a note in Greek.

Disclaimer: i don't own PJO, however much I wish I did.

Annabeth was depressed. There was no other word for it. She knew she couldn't just break down like this but is was so difficult, not having Percy around to support her. Percy… it hurt to even say his name. She would go to the beach and stare silently at the water, almost willing him to rise from its depths.

Annabeth always stopped herself from crying some way or the other. She would work on architecture designs on Daedalus' laptop, but then she'd remember the Labyrinth and their kiss on Mt. St. Helens. She'd inspect the cabins, but then she'd have to pass his cabin, too. She'd teach Ancient Greek to the new campers, but that would remind of her of their lessons when Percy was being a good old Seaweed Brain.

She had always been able to stop herself from crying, always been able to hold those emotions in. But they didn't go away; they just got bigger and stronger and formed a huge ball inside her. Then one day, she snapped.

Annabeth knew she was about to break down, so she ran to the Forest, making it look as if she forgot something in there. Ha. She couldn't believe Malcolm believed her. She ran, with tears streaming down her face, to the only place she knew was completely safe from monsters.

It was a safe haven that Percy and she had found while they were exploring the forest. It was absolutely beautiful, with the creek gurgling by, very tiny at this stage. It's origin must be somewhere near. The clearing was shaded on pretty much all sides by tall oak, maple and a bunch of other trees she didn't care to name at the moment, through which sunlight filtered. It had many wildflowers in it, beautiful with their bright and cheery faces. The grass was soft and green and welcoming, and there were a few rabbit burrows as well. Annabeth lay down on the grass and cried and cried.

She wished that this whole fiasco had never happened, that the second Great Prophecy should be fulfilled centuries after now. She wished that Percy was still with her and they were enjoying this day together. She wished that none of this had ever happened. It really wasn't fair; she had only just realized that she loved him and her Seaweed Brain goes and gets lost or kidnapped.

She dried her tears somewhat and realized that everyone at camp must be looking for her. She called her favorite owl out of the forest, a beautiful male Snowy Owl named Edgar. She took out some paper and a pen she always kept handy and wrote a little note on it:

Dear Malcolm,

Don't worry about me; I'll be back after dark. I'm safe. Tell Chiron I might not show up for dinner and the campfire. I need some time to think. Make sure you reward Edgar (the owl).

Wise Girl

She rolled it up and gave it to Edgar. "Give this to Malcolm, Ed," she crooned; being a daughter of Athena meant they had to listen to her. Edgar nodded solemnly and flew away, clutching the paper in his beak.

Annabeth sighed and hugged her knees to her chest; she cried a little more when she remembered the time Percy and she made out in this very clearing. It's time to be strong, she thought. I'm not going to give up so easily. I'll find you, Seaweed Brain, and when I do, you're in big trouble.

Suddenly there was a bright flash. Annabeth averted her eyes and took out her dagger in case it was a monster, but standing in front of her was Aphrodite.

She sighed, sheathed her dagger and made to stand up when Aphrodite came and sat beside her. "To what do I owe this pleasure, Lady Aphrodite?" she asked warily; the last time she had been given a makeover by her was not pleasant.

Aphrodite smiled. "You're polite even when you're upset," she said. "And still so beautiful; I was right in blessing you dear," Aphrodite absentmindedly said half to herself as she played with Annabeth's curls.

"What? How, Why-" Annabeth started but was cut off my Aphrodite raising a hand.

"Patience Annabeth, I am not allowed to be here, but Percabeth, that is you and Percy, is my favorite couple. I know that in the end, everything will work out fine for you two," she said, smiling sadly. "Love is like euphoric poison, dear, I know how it feels," she said deeply, and Annabeth got the feeling that she wasn't charm-speaking but telling the truth without being fluff-headed. She wondered who Aphrodite could be so in love with.

"I know you think it's difficult," she went on, "and it certainly is. But you've got to be strong; never underestimate the power of love." And with that the goddess of love was gone, only leaving behind a feeling of calm and trust.

Annabeth noticed that it the stars were shining through the treetops; she got up, put her cap on and walked back to camp. Not a single monster attacked her this time. It must be really late, and Malcolm had evidently gotten her message because she hadn't heard any voices calling for her and she had taken a detour this time to make sure. But he was waiting for her in their cabin, the new one, since the old one was full. Only one other person slept with them, Kirsten, and she was six and long asleep.

He didn't say anything, just welcomed her into his strong arms and held her as she rocked with sobs again. Malcolm was the only one close enough to her age to be able to comfort her without it being awkward. But sometimes she felt like they had a connection, a special one between brother and sister only.

"Why does it have to be so hard, Malcolm?" she whispered into his shoulder as he hugged her tighter. Aphrodite's words echoed in her head: "You've got to be strong." But at this moment she wanted nothing more than to pretend to be six and be comforted by him. So that's what she did. And she felt better than she had ever felt over the past six months.

Malcolm stayed by his sister's side until she was fast asleep. He knew that this was hard on her, but until today he had never known exactly how much she loved Percy. He swore that Percy would be getting it bad from him if he ever hurt Annabeth again. At last when her breathing became even, he tried to get up, but Annabeth grabbed his arm.

"Don't go Percy," she begged in her sleep. "Please." Malcolm crumbled; he couldn't just leave Annabeth like this. So he got into bed next to her and she hugged him unconsciously. "I'm so glad you're back, Seaweed Brain," she muttered. "I've got so much to show you…" she trailed off as she went into a deep sleep. Malcolm hugged her closely, hoping that their siblings won't get the wrong idea in the morning. He would totally kick their butts if they did. And with that he fell asleep.

No, Malcolm is NOT in love with Annabeth, they're just twins and don't know it yet. They're really close to each other though. and i know, the characters seem a little OOC. Sorry.

Goddess Athena In Disguise