Gee, guys. Sorry this is late. Mom banned me from computer usage "until further notice". I'm actually breaking my prison sentance right now in order to please your eyes and mind with the writings of my hand. I only have a few comments, so this shouldn't take to long.

First, I realize that Max, Fang, and Iggy are seventeen in my fic instead of fourteen like norm. I did that on purpose.

Second, thank you to all my reviewers. 'Preciate it. Really.

And lastly, I'll try to update ever week. Maybe twice if I'm feeling good. Maybe not at all if I'm grounded. Again.

Also, Percy Waterblue. Thank's for the advice. I take it to heart.

Alright. I think I'm done . . . .

Thalia

Nothing. Not a word.

We didn't have an inkling to where Percy was. Groups were sent out (still out there now), my Hunters searched the forests, heck even the gods pitched in a little.

And still we had nothing.

"We should just send Mrs. O'Leary out there." Nico grumbled his feet dangling in the lake.

"Already tried it." I sighed. "She's going crazy cooped up in the arena."

"She's missin' Perce." The pale boy said. Next to me Annabeth cringed. Lately just Percy's name has her tearing up.

"Way to go, Death Breath." I hiss through clenched teeth. Nico grimaced.

"Sorry, Annabeth."

"I'm setting out again tomorrow." Annabeth ignores him and scoops sand into her cupped hands, letting it fall through her spread fingers.

"Annabeth, you're gonna wear yourself out." I stated. "You can't be out there all the time."

She glared at me. "Thal's, he's out there. I can't help but feel like something bad's happening to him." She flopped down on her back and put her hands over her face, elbows pointing to the sky. "He's right there. Just out of my reach. I know it."

Not that I would say anything, but I was having those same feelings. He was my cousin after all. I worry.

Nico nudged me and jerked his head toward Annabeth. I gave him a what-am-I-supposed-to-do look. In return he gave me an I-don't-know-just-do-something look.

I was never the huggy, touchy-feely type of person. So when I scooted next to my smarter-than-most friend I honestly had no idea what to do. Hesitating, I awkwardly placed my hand on her shoulder and, to my surprise, found her trembling. Not from cold, but tears. They slid out the corners of her eyes and trailed to her ears, creating darkened strands where the drops settled. Annabeth rolled over and buries her face in her arms, her body shaking with now-audible sobs.

Mentally sighing, I got over myself and rubbed Annabeths back. Nico smiled, apparently unaware that I could still see him. I whipped my head around and shot a glare at him, lightning flashing in my eyes. That sobered him. I turned back around, smirking. The look on his face! Ha!

Annabeth sat up, her eyes red. She hugged me. Unprepared I tensed and she quickly pulled away.

"Thank's, Thal's. I needed that." Annabeth smiled softly.

"Yeah, well, don't expect me to do it again." I returned the smile. She quietly laughed, then stood and started back to camp.

I looked out over the lake. The setting sun cast golden reflections on the water and painted the skies with light pinks, oranges, and purples. A light breeze blew the hair from my face. In all, it was very beautiful. There really weren't any other words to describe it.

"What are you looking at?" Suddenly Nico was beside me and I was violently pulled back to reality.

"Way to ruin the moment, cuz." I laugh as I watch him squinting at the scene in which I was just looking. He pulled back and bit his lip.

"Sorry."

I got up and we head back towards camp in silence.

"But seriously, what were you looking at?"

Almost.

Annabeth

I sat on my bed, staring at the wall. I couldn't afford to break down like I had at the beach earlier. Luckily I was only with Thalia and Nico, both of whom were good friends.

I grabbed a dagger from under my pillow (what? Never know when you're gonna need one in the middle of the night) and head toward our "dining hall" which in reality were only picnic tables.

Grabbing a plate of food and sitting next to Malcolm. Those were two things on my to-do list right now. That and find Percy, but at this instant it was just food and Malcolm.

The newer campers gave me looks of pity as I entered the area. I mentally gave a look of disgust. At the moment I hated the newbies. Older campers had lost loved ones and had faced death, but the fresher ones didn't know any better.

"Hey, Annabeth. How's it going?" Malcolm asked as I took my seat next to him. I shrugged.

"Nothing's changed, if that's what you mean." I sip my water. "I'm going out come tomorrow, though."

"Want me to come?" My half-brother wondered. I shook my head.

"I'm convincing Thal's and Nico to join me."

"No you're not." Thalia said as she passed the Athena table. I groan.

"Oh come on! Why not?"

She paused and turned around, heading for me. "Because."

" 'Because' isn't an answer." I challenge. She smirked and raised an eyebrow.

"Yes it is. I just used it."

"Ouch." Nico sidled up. We both stared at him. He put up both hands and started to back away. I grabbed his arm.

"Oh no, you're coming to." I flick my eyes from one to the other. "Guy's please. If not for me, then for Percy."

That got them. They hesitated, contemplating the fate of their cousin if they didn't come. Finally they sighed simultaneously and grumbled, "Fine" simultaneously. They glared at each other.

"Don't do that. It creeps me out." Thalia shoved at Nico.

"I could say the same." Nico ground out, shoving her back. Thalia gasped and pushed at him again.

"Children." Chiron called, causing the two to look up. "Please, no fighting in the dining area."

Thalia and Nico hung their heads. "Yes, Chiron." Well of course that caused more glares and they headed off, pushing and shoving at each other.

Our tables burst out laughing.

"It's funny how alike they really are." One of my sisters giggled.

"They just won't admit it." Another said.

"Guess it runs in the family." Malcolm chuckled.

"If you think about it, Percy – " The voice cut off as the mood darkened drastically. All eyes glanced at me then down at their plates.

"Gods, Annabeth. I didn't mean –"

"Just leave it." I cut in. I was sick of apologies. "Just . . . leave it."

I kind of rushed this because, like I said earlier, I'm banned from the computer. So sorry, if it doesn't reach your standards and is not to your liking. I tried my best on a five-minute schedule.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have a grounding to finish.