Hey guys. I'm sorry I updated after such a long time. I kind of had a project due that I was supposed to do in a few months due in a few days and I'd only done like half of it. So... Yeah.

I also wanted to say that because Annabeth isn't asleep, the usual pre-chapter dream wasn't included.

Anyway, on to the story!

Annabeth knew this was a bad idea. She didn't want to sit in the King of the Underworld's parlour and discuss life. I mean who does that anymore? Haven't these people heard about televisions and reclining couches?

Percy, on the other hand seemed more than comfortable. Annabeth had no idea about half of the things they talked about, as usual.

"I'm going to be removing the protection spell I've had on you two now," Hades declared. Protection spell?

Percy nodded in understanding. "No wonder we haven't had a single monster attack since we left Camp Half-Blood." Monster attack?

You could see why Annabeth was especially excited when the snacks came out. She usually was the smartest person in class and wasn't used to not understanding stuff.

When Hades decided that he was done with them, he took them to a secluded area.

"You can train here," he told Percy. He pointed to Annabeth. "And teach her how to fight."

Just as Hades left, the pale-skinned boy from Camp Half-Blood came out of the shadows.

Annabeth gaped at him. "How— How did..."

Percy smirked. "Nico does that sometimes. He's a son of Hades."

Percy beckoned her over to the opposite side of the room. "This looks like where all the weapons are kept." He pointed to a wall that held spears, knives, swords―you name it.

He picked up a knife and handed it to her. "Here."

She stared at the weapon in wonder. "I'm going to use a knife?"

He nodded. "Come on. I'll teach you."

They spent the rest of the evening going over stances, skills, and moves. Annabeth picked up on it fast and could easily tell Percy's next move, as he could do with her. Nico had left a while ago, mumbling something about getting a snack.

When Percy finally decided to leave, it was dark out, and the two quietly made their way back to the cabin. Annabeth eagerly awaited dinner as Percy disappeared into the kitchen, but he only reappeared with two PB&J sandwiches. Annabeth reluctantly ate hers and trudged upstairs to bed. She was asleep the second her head hit the pillow.

For once in her life, Annabeth didn't have a dream even the slightest bit strange. In fact, it was relatively straightforward. She was met by Ms. Atina in a bare white room.

"Hello Annabeth," the librarian smiled at her.

"Ms. Atina?" Annabeth wondered. "Why are you here? Why am I here?"

"Annabeth, dear," Ms. Atina transformed into a beautiful lady― one might even say goddess―in the blink of an eye.

"Please. Call me Athena. We have much to discuss."

Annabeth awoke with a start. So now on top of Percy, Ms. Atina had joined in plaguing her dreams. She shook her head clear of such thoughts and went downstairs, where she was instantly greeted with an alarming sensation―the smell of something burning.

"Is something on fire!" she called out, fearful.

"Ummm..." Percy replied. "It's not on fire yet..." As soon as he uttered those words he let out a yelp.

"Ok! Now it's on fire!"

Annabeth hurried down the stairs to see an alarmed Percy, juggling a burning pan in one hand and oil in the other. He kept spraying oil on the pan, then cried out when it caught on fire.

"You idiot!" she hissed, taking the oil out of his hand. "Why're you spraying oil on fire?"

He stared at her blankly. "That was oil?"

"Yes! What did you think it was?" Annabeth stood with one hand on her hip, and the other holding the oil.

"Umm... Water?"

She grabbed the pan out of his hand and put in inside the sink. She let cold water cool it down. "If you needed water, why didn't you use the sink?"

She received another blank stare, which transformed into a scowl. "Whatever."

Annabeth shook her head and laughed a little. "What were you trying to make?"

"Pancakes?" At this Annabeth looked down at the pan.

"Then why is it blue?"

Percy blushed. "I like them blue."

Annabeth rolled her eyes, but turned around to hide her smile. He was just too cute.

She jerked her head up. No, no, no, no! The dude freakin' kidnapped me! Is this Stockholm syndrome?

She turned around and took a peek at him to which she was met with a quizzical look. Maybe that was it...

Whatever it might have been, she knew she had to escape. He wasn't telling her anything, and Annabeth took that as a warning sign. In mere moments, it was decided that she would make her daring escape tonight.

When Annabeth was sure Percy had gone to bed, she raided through the fridge. Her arms were sore from a full day of training, so her movements were sluggish. On top of that, she was super drowsy and struggled to keep her eyes open. All in all, she was not as stealthy as she had hoped to be. Luckily, Percy seemed to be a heavy sleeper.

Annabeth felt a bit guilty when she left through the front door, because he had done his best to take care of her. She quickly diminished the thought because truly, no matter what anyone told her, she felt like a prisoner.

The cool night air gave Annabeth a bit of a chill, but it didn't dampen her determination the slightest bit. Annabeth hadn't gone eight steps, when she realized something was wrong. It was dark―not just night time dark, but eternal pit of doom dark. Annabeth felt herself begin to panic, as beads of sweat grew on her forehead. A maniacal laugh echoed in the night air.

"Wh-who's there?" Annabeth squeaked out, deeply regretting her decision of leaving the cottage.

The laugh sounded again, this time followed by response. "Oh, my dear. I know who you are. I've been watching you."

Annabeth felt a chill go through her entire body. "M-me?"

"Yes. You. I met your friend―what was his name? Jacob? James? No matter. He played along to my game. And his little friend. The pale one. Oh, he was so much fun. And now, my dear, it's your turn. Your turn to play."

Annabeth tried to yell out, but all it did was earn her another laugh. "You are trapped in my little bubble. No one can see you, no one can hear you. You have simply vanished."

Fear gripped her chest like a talon, but Annabeth had a respected father. He had always taught her how important it was to not let your fear show.

"What do you want?" she called out. "But first, you must show yourself."

Ok. So I'm thinking of giving up on this fanfic because I'm not really sure about it. If you guys are fine with me ending it, next chapter, I'll post the ending.

Thank you for reading!