Hiya! Welcome back! I will try to upload a chapter a day through all the exams and stuff, but no guarantees. Enjoy! (:

Disclaimer: blah blah u know who owns PJO unless you live under a rock

Also, thank you, IFoundAPickle for reviewing! It really really meant a lot to me! :')

I couldn't believe who I was seeing. It was my ex- math teacher, Ms. Dodds aka Alecto. I cringed as she neared closer and closer towards Annabeth and me. We both stayed firm in place.

"Hello Honey! Did you miss me?" Alecto asked, more like screeched.

"What do you want?" I replied bravely…ehh I thought it was brave but it came out as a squeak.

I noticed through the corner of my eyes that almost the entire camp has gathered around us to watch the scene.

"I have gotten a message from Lord Hades that should be sent to you", Alecto snapped.

That explains why Alecto was here. I don't think I wanted to battle her for a second time.

"What did he say?" I asked.

I had a feeling it won't be good. Of course, when did good happen in a life of a demigod? I watched curiously and maybe a little scared, screw that, VERY scared, as Alecto took out a drachma and went to the new saltwater fountain that Annabeth made. She made a rainbow with the water and Iris Messaged Hades. Oh gross.

"Come here." Alecto motioned for me to come to the fountain.

I was staring at the face of my Uncle Hades. He was on his throne with his wife Persephone next to him. He was wearing these really dark black robes and had his Helm of Darkness on a stand beside him. I saw that Annabeth bowed down to Hades, so I reluctantly did the same.

"Perseus Jackson." Hades said with an evil grin.

I growled.

"What do you want?" I asked?

"Do you know the real reason to why your mother said she couldn't be able to see you this Winter? Tell me boy, what exactly did she tell you."

"Umm… she said that she won't be able to see me the entire year and that I shouldn't come home."

"Oh really?" He mused. "Do you know that she is here in my territory? Do you know that I captured her?"

"WHY DID YOU CAPTURE HER?" I yelled back.

Hades just chuckled darkly and replied, "Oh, she does great service. Remember the last time I captured her? Yep, she was one of my best servants. Lately, the Underworld has been going out of control, and I figured, why not take in Jackson's mother?"

I balled my fists. This was the last straw. I took out riptide and was about to slash at the Iris Message, but Annabeth held me back. I never was a big fan of Hades, but now, he was going too far. My mom was the nicest lady in the world, and here I thought she hated me just because of him? I was ready to flood this entire camp until I heard what he said next.

"How amusing." he snickered. "But, you can have a trade. If you bring me that blonde know-it-all- yes the one standing next to you, you shall have your mother back. You have three days to decide, boy."

Hades swiped his hand through the Iris Message, and at the same time, Alecto disappeard.

Okay now I was ready to flood New York. Why Annabeth? Why the people who I loved most? I felt my face turn red in anger.

"Umm Perce? It's okay. I will take your Mom's spot." Annabeth nervously said.

Nope. There was no way I was going to give her up. Never.

"I'm not giving you up. No way. You will think of a plan to retrieve my Mom without having to trade spots, okay? No matter what, I will not sacrifice you, or anyone else." I replied.

Annabeth's eyes teared up at this comment. Suddenly, I felt her arms around me and I felt a gentle brush to my lips and realized that Annabeth just kissed me. Whoa, was I dreaming that part?

"Of course, Seaweed Brain! Of course I will think of a plan for you! The Daughter of Athena always has a plan." She said as she winked at me.

I could hear whistling from the crowd of campers, and my cheeks flushed from embarrassment.

"Okay, meet me in my cabin after dinner." Annabeth directed.

"Sure thing." I replied.