Percy

"I will miss you always, even in the moments when you are right beside me. Time apart has planted a longing inside me and I do not think it is a weed that will ever stop growing. It will always live there, but my god, it grows the most spectacular flowers"

"Could you hurry this up, Poseidon?" Dionysus drawled, lazily running a finger over the table. "I have some rather delightful drinks that need my attention at home."

Artemis curled her lip in disgust. "Take a shower while you're at it, will you?"

Dionysus' face flushed a dark red, and he paused his administrations, violet eyes flickering up to glare at Artemis fiercely. "I could say the same to you, Artemis," he said, voice crisp. "You smell like the raw hide of one of the pathetic animals you hunt down for no purpose whatsoever."

Artemis curled her hand around a silver dagger, baring her teeth at him. "Perhaps I should consider targeting you next, you old drunk bastard."

"Enough," Poseidon said sharply, crossing his hands behind his back and glowering at Artemis and Dionysus. "I have no time for your childish antics."

Nemesis leaned back in her chair, raising a severe eyebrow. "Then? Carry on."

Poseidon's eyes flickered to Hades, and they shared a look that sent a chill through Percy's spine. It was a look of dark humor, a look that spoke of terror and havoc to soon reign upon the earth.

"You all remember when Poseidon said we'd try a different approach?" Hades said, looking cool and composed in his dark suit, black eyes a glittering abyss.

Bellona narrowed her eyes. "Yes."

"Well, I'm pleased to tell you that I've been getting intel," Poseidon began, his sea green eyes dark and wretched. "From an inside source."

Percy felt his heart stop, and he clenched his jaw, saying nothing.

Even Dionysus looked up at him, furrowing his dark, bushy eyebrows. "Pardon me?"

Hecate flipped her blonde hair over her shoulder, her glossy red lips curled in a coy smile. "Why, Poseidon," she murmured. "You've been holding out on us."

"So trying to tell me," Ares began, his voice demanding and amber eyes like flames as they glared into Poseidon's face. "That you've sent a Demon disguised as an Angel to spy for you? When the fuck was this?"

Poseidon pursed his lips, looking awfully amused with himself. "Not quite," he said slowly, eyes glinting with sinister mirth. "But you're on the right track."

Poseidon began to walk around the table, and everyone was rigid, keeping a watchful eye on their leader, ever hungry and keen. "As for when it happened," Poseidon said, and he stopped right beside Percy, who stood dutifully at the head of the table. Poseidon's smirk made a wave of nausea wash over Percy, and he wanted so desperately to reach out and hold onto the table to have something to keep him stable. "It's been going on for years."

Instantly, the room exploded with sounds of the leaders of the Convocation demanding answers, questions being thrown like daggers, which bounced off harmlessly against the shield of cold detachment Poseidon kept around him at all times.

That was a shield Percy would have to wield soon.

Thalia shot Percy a look of quiet amusement and questioning from across the table, and Percy gave a slight shake of his head to tell her that he did not know a single thing of what Poseidon was talking about.

Percy turned to his father, keeping his jaw tight and eyes emotionless. "You never spoke of this to me," he muttered, voice like ice, and he crossed his arms over his chest.

Poseidon merely smiled- a smile that reflected the gleam of a sharp knife, and he turned back to face the rest of the Demons.

"Everyone shut the fuck up," Poseidon snapped, and begrudgingly, they all quieted, mouths pressed into tight lines of displeasure.

"The plan is quite simple," Poseidon said, lacing his fingers together in front of him. "I get the information we need on important events taking place in the most unexpected places from this... ally, and we strike as soon as possible."

Bellona shook her head, looking mystified and slightly weary. "Never in Demon history have we ever had a Demon sneak into the Divine Land-"

"Which is why this is guaranteed to work," Poseidon said, a light smirk on his lips.

"Who will lead the forces?" Ares asked, even though the question had an obvious answer. Ares always did- it was the field in which his ancestors had played a part in since the beginning of the Demon World.

"Why," Poseidon said, and his smile seemed to mock Ares. "Perseus will."

Percy felt himself go rigid, and his fingernails dug into the skin of his biceps.

Ares looked outraged. "What?" He spat furiously, amber eyes exploding into a dark red, his incisors flashing, and Percy could feel Clarisse and Ethan's glares burning holes into his skin.

"Did I stutter?" Poseidon said, raising an eyebrow, eyes flickering red. "I clearly said that Perseus will be leading."

Ares was breathing hard. "You can't do this-"

Poseidon's laugh was like digging a knife through someone's skin. "I can't? My, you seem to have forgotten who's in charge." He narrowed his eyes at Ares, curling his lip. "Perseus will be the leader of the Convocation soon, and he's the most promising fighter we've all seen in years. Probably even better than you, Ares."

The comment only seemed to enrage Ares even more, and gripped the table hard, knuckles white. "The La Rue bloodline has been leading these things for years-"

"Which is why we need a change," Poseidon said, cutting Ares off smoothly. "Perseus has excellent leadership expertise. Demons fear him. He is clever and can take down three of you without breaking a sweat. He will be our best option to leading the first significant attack."

"What the fuck will I be doing then?" Ares snarled, staring at Poseidon with pure hatred in his eyes.

Poseidon smirked. "Depends on how well you behave from now until then. Otherwise, you will simply remain here in the Infernal Province." He turned to face the others, obviously done with his conversation with Ares. "My source tells me the annual ball will be tomorrow. We will lead our first attack then. Perseus will lead that one as well-"

A flash of silver sailed through the air and smoothly planted itself near the edge of the table, pointing directly at Percy; a knife.

"Perseus Jackson," Ares growled, eyes glowing red and teeth pulled back into a snarl. "I propose a Duel."

A cold current went like a shock through Percy's spine, numbing the tips of his fingertips and the feel of his muscles. He heard a sharp gasp- Bianca. She stared at him, eyes blown wide. Thalia's jaw was clenched, her eyes gleaming with anger as she glared daggers at Ares. Nico merely looked at Percy, his expression unidentifiable.

The other leaders appeared tense and wary, dark eyes flickering hungrily between Percy and Ares, desperate for bloodshed.

Percy could feel Poseidon's easy smirk, one that told of his strong belief in his only son, of the havoc he could reign and the power he possessed.

All of which Percy yearned not to have.

And even though he wanted to run- run to the Divine Land and find Annabeth and hug her and cry and beg her to forgive him, to hide him from the cruel world he lived in, he leaned across the table, planting his hands on the jagged wood and watched Ares with hooded eyes. "Why, Ares," he said, voice cool and pleasant and confident, and he smiled like an Angel. "I thought you'd never ask."

Percy stood next to Poseidon, staring out into the window that overlooked Iniquity from the top of the Sordid House.

He could feel his nerves shaking- they had been ever since Ares had called on the Duel.

It was one of the few laws in the Demon World that any member could challenge the leader- or in Percy's case, future leader, to a fight to take over as being head of the Convocation. Whoever surrendered first lost.

Or in some cases, whoever was killed first.

It was set for tomorrow- the same day as the ball that would be taking place in the Divine Land.

Where Annabeth would surely be.

He could just imagine the look of disgust on her face at the thought of having to go to such an event, and the thought was like a punch to the gut. He could almost smile, just envisioning her reaction.

But it hurt too much to do so.

"Bellona will lead the attack tomorrow," Poseidon was saying, and when Percy looked at him, he was still staring out the window, dark eyes unreadable. "Artemis, Hecate, Nemesis, Ethan and Reyna will go. The rest will stay for the Duel."

"All right," Percy said, his voice tight. He cleared it. "What will be the courses of action taken during the attack?"

"They will go two hours into the ball, and will circle the building from above. They will drop three bombs inside, and instantly flee. It will be simple, which is why I've sent so few of them," Poseidon explained, running his tongue along the flat of his teeth.

Cold fear went down Percy's spine like a shock, and his stomach churned. Annabeth would be there- Annabeth, who he hadn't spoken to in two weeks, every passing day without spending time with her feeling like someone was sending a new stab to his body with each coming day.

He had to warn her.

"Perseus," Poseidon said, his voice grim and low, and when Percy looked at him, his eyes, so much like Percy's, swam with a darkness like waves crashing against a shore, wild and unable to be restrained. "You will win tomorrow. You must."

"I know, Father," Percy replied, trying hard to keep a look of indifference on his face, but the attempt was like trying to reach for something that kept slipping through his fingertips, wandering further away. He couldn't keep it up much longer. At any second, he'd fall apart, fear and despair crashing over him and drowning him with its unbearable weight. "I'll make sure of it."

"You may have to even kill him," Poseidon said, and his eyes flashed with a bloodlust that made Percy feel sick. "Ares is an extremely experienced fighter. His whole bloodline has been, which is how they've earned their seat on the Convocation. But you, Perseus- you are clever and quick-witted, characteristics of which Ares lacks." His eyes darkened. "You find his weakness, Perseus, and you prod at it until it drives him insane."

Percy's throat tightened until he felt like he could not breathe, but he pushed aside the feelings of doubt and fear and shame and smirked- the expression having become as easy as a smile. "Oh, I'll make sure of that."

Annabeth

"What are you going to wear?"

Annabeth sighed and leaned back in her chair, pushing away the thick textbook. "Some random dress. I really don't care."

Piper propped her chin on her palm, looking at Annabeth with glittering eyes. "Could I pick one out for you?"

Annabeth shrugged, arching her back and stretching out her arms, closing her eyes in bliss as she relieved the sore muscles. "Sure, Pipes."

They currently sat in the library, sitting in a secluded alcove in the back, textbooks piled all around them. Since their studying was coming to an end, they were taking tests amd quizzes in every class, quickly preparing them for the final that would determine whether they made it into their profession, or had to remain another year to continue studying.

Piper smiled, and the blue headband in her hair made the blue of her eyes pop out. "Leo is so happy. Did you see him this morning? I've never seen his smile so big before."

"Which is amazing his face hasn't cracked in two," Annabeth said, chewing on her lip.

Piper gave her a look, eyes withholding a look of concern. "Is something on your mind, Annabeth?"

Annabeth sighed, tapping a rapid fingernail on the table. "There always is, Piper. But it's nothing... Nothing I'd like to discuss, anyway."

Piper's eyes softened. "I understand. But if you want to talk, know that I'm here."

Annabeth forced a smile she knew Piper could see right through, but she didn't care. Two weeks, it'd been- two weeks without talking to Percy.

She felt like the inside of her chest was slowly being carved out with a knife, it's blade sinking deeper and deeper, trying to pierce her soul, which had become guarded with emotions so thick it would take immense power to plunge the knife through it all.

Sometimes Annabeth felt like Percy was that knife, and even though she wasn't seeing him anymore, she wanted to sob at the fact that someone was trying, trying to figure her out and see more of her soul, having already caught a glimpse of it and amazing her to no end that the one look Percy had gotten of it fascinated him so much.

He was trying to see that soul in the light, the light he brought and wrapped her in whenever he saw her, a counter to the darkness that fogged her insides, making it hard to see.

But he was trying, even when it felt like he was destroying her in the process.

"Do you know what you're going to wear?" Annabeth inquired, just to break the silence.

Piper knew her too well, and she smiled. "I do." She stood up, beginning to stuff the books in her backpack. "Now, come on. Calypso invited us to her house to help her pick out a dress."

Annabeth wrinkled her nose, rising from her seat as well. "Why is everyone fussing about this now? Everyone got notified of the event four weeks ago."

Piper gave an almost wistful smiles. "Sometimes we tend to do important things until it's already too late. It's a bad habit we all have."

"Trust me, Piper," Annabeth said, her voice tight. "I know that first-hand."

"Can I get you guys anything?" Calypso offered, placing Zoë on the bed, who giggled loudly. "Lemonade, water, a snack?"

Annabeth placed her backpack on the bed, finding a spot beside the little girl. "I'll have a glass of lemonade, please."

Piper smiled, already sitting at Calypso's desk. "I'll have some too, thank you."

Calypso hurried out, leaving Piper and Annabeth alone in the room with Zoë. The little girl was dressed in dark blue leggings and a white and yellow flowered dress, white sandals strapped on her feet. She crawled over to Annabeth, looking up at Annabeth with huge dark eyes.

The look of wonder on her face brought a smile to Annabeth's lips. "Hey there."

"She's so cute," Piper cooed, propping her chin on her hand. "She seems to like you, Annabeth."

"Strange," Annabeth murmured, still smiling as Zoë patted Annabeth's thigh with a small hand.

"Here you are, girls," Calypso announced as she strode back into the room, holding a wooden tray. She held it out to Annabeth, and she picked up the tall glass, along with a slice of buttered bread.

"Thank you, Calypso," Annabeth said as the young woman turned to hand Piper her own glass and piece of bread.

"Anytime, Annabeth," Calypso replied with a sweet smile, and as the sun struck through the window, lighting Calypso's eyes a honey-gold color, making her long caramel hair shine as it cascaded over both shoulders in a smooth waterfall, Annabeth could see why Leo found her so beautiful.

"Now," Calypso said, setting the tray down and clapping her hands together once. "I have a couple of options I'd really liked. I just need your help deciding which is the best." A sheepish smile curled over her lips, and she tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear, which Annabeth had come to learn was a habit of hers whenever she was nervous about something. "I know this isn't something excruciatingly important, and I'm so grateful that you both agreed to come when you could have been doing something else-"

"Oh, Calypso," Piper said, shaking her head. "Don't say that. Of course this is important. If it's significant to you, then it is to us as well."

Calypso smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Piper."

Piper nodded, grinning slightly. "Now- show us what you've got."

The next half hour was spent with watching Calypso try on four different dresses- two needing some assistance on zipping amd buttoning up.

"Where will Zoë be in the meantime, tomorrow?" Annabeth couldn't help but ask, stroking Zoë's soft cheek with the knuckle of her index finger. The little girl had fallen asleep soon after Calypso had given her a bottle of milk, and she lay curled up beside Annabeth, cheeks pink and dark hair sticking up on different ends.

"A friend of mine has agreed to babysit her while I'm away- my Father will be attending the ball as well, of course," Calypso answered, voice slightly muffled as she stood inside her closet, slipping on the last dress.

She'd tried on an ivory gown, one that fell to the floor in a cascade of silky white, with a single pearl strap clinging to one shoulder, leaving the other bare. The second dress had been a dark, rich red color, and the dress itself clung to Calypso's slender frame, with a sweetheart neckline and straps laced with white. The third had been a navy blue color, the long skirt made out of tulle as it spilled to the floor. The top part was adorned with swirls of stitched, silver colored fabric that glittered nicely as it reached the halter neck and continued to the back, leaving half of Calypso's back exposed from the see-through fabric.

Annabeth felt her stomach give a jerk, and she bit her lip to keep from gasping out loud.

Percy.

He was in the Meadow of Reflection. She could feel it. But she wouldn't go. She couldn't go.

If only she wasn't able to feel his presence when he went- maybe that way she wouldn't feel so tormented.

Calypso walked out of the closet, and she sent a look of sadness towards her little sister. "I do not wish to leave her," she said, eyes dimming. "Even for a short period of time."

Piper's intake of breath had not gone unnoticed by Annabeth, and as she looked at Calypso in the last dress, she couldn't agree more. It was a long, simple dress, the color of a peach- making her light skin tone glow and bring out the rosiness of her cheeks. The straps were off the shoulder, and like the other previous dresses, was long, the hem barely kissing the floor. A long, modest slit ran up the side of her leg, and the dress hugged her body nicely. It was simple, yet Calypso made it look beautiful.

"That one," Annabeth said, and luckily dispersing any further thoughts of Percy, if only for a while. Annabeth nodded. "One hundred percent."

"You think so?" Calypso asked, her cheeks flushing even more as she glanced down at herself.

"Definitely," Piper agreed, grinning brightly. "You look amazing in it. I mean- you did with the others too, but this one is just perfect."

Annabeth couldn't resist a smirk. "Leo's going to have a hard time picking his jaw up from the floor."

Calypso laughed, her eyes shining. "I wouldn't exaggerate too much."

"No, she's right," Piper said, nodding in agreement. "My jaw is feeling kind of heavy right now, too."

Calypso blushed and shook her head, but she was buzzing with joy. "You both are silly."

Zoë slowly sat up, rubbing wearily at her eyes and making muffled noises. When she looked up at Calypso, her face brightened, and she gave an excited shriek.

"You like it too, Zoë?" Calypso asked, scooping the little girl into her arms and giving her a kiss.

Zoë patted Calypso's neck and smiled, babbling in response.

"You see?" Annabeth said, smiling. "Even Zoë thinks you look incredible in that dress."

Calypso laughed.

The next morning, Annabeth woke up with a pounding headache.

Just her luck.

She walked downstairs to eat breakfast, feeling her bones almost weigh her down, her soul even heavier. That poison inside her made her constantly weary- having to carry the weight of its darkness and trying hard to keep it hidden from the rest of the world around her- a curtain no one had ever bothered to draw back before.

Except for Percy.

The mere thought of him sent a shock of agony and sorrow racing through her body like fire- fire that slowly ate away at her insides, making her feel hollow and emptier than ever.

She shook her head once viciously. She couldn't think of him. Not at a time like this.

"Miss Chase," Reign greeted warmly as she turned around, busy dusting off the decorations and furniture around the house. "Good morning. How did you sleep?"

"I slept well, thank you," Annabeth replied, pinching her lips into a smile. It was too early to be polite, and just speaking made Annabeth's tongue hurt.

"Sophie has prepared breakfast already," Reign informed her. "She's in the dining room."

Annabeth nodded in thanks and walked into the dining room, the air filled with the scent of lemons and bread and butter.

"Here you are, Miss Chase," Sophie said warmly, gesturing at the already served plate of scrambled eggs, a piece of toast, a bowl full of various cut up fruits, their sweet scent invading her nose. A tall glass of lemonade was placed next to it all.

"Thank you, Sophie," Annabeth said, genuinely grateful as she felt her stomach give a growl. She hadn't eaten anything since Piper and her had left Calypso's house.

Sophie nodded quickly as scurried out of the room, leaving Annabeth by herself.

Annabeth sat down and began to eat, but even as she satisfied her stomach's needs, she couldn't help but be reminded of how truly alone she was once again.

And now, she couldn't turn to Percy for help, for warmth and comfort and softly spoken words and gentle eyes that pierced deep into her soul and lit it ablaze.

All of that was gone now.

Those past days without him had planted a longing inside her, like a weed she wished to tear out and had tried to so many times, but try as she might, it seemed to grow larger and larger each day, cracking her apart and planting flowers so beautiful and awful in those cracks.

That longing was tearing her apart and planting a garden inside her as she went more without him.

Without Percy.

The rest of the day, Annabeth spent it in her room, organizing and re-organizing her closet, working on homework, and re-reading a book of architecture Athena had given her when she was only nine. Annabeth had kept it since, reading it so many times, she knew every page word for word.

Now, as the sun set over the Divine Land, Annabeth stood in front of her mirror, looking at her reflection, ready for the dreadful ball.

She'd dressed in a white silk dress with a halter top, a slit leading up the leg of the dress as it fell to the floor. It was simple, but then again, who was she trying to impress?

"Miss Chase," Sophie said softly, opening the door enough to poke her head through. "Mr. Chase is calling you downstairs. Luke Castellan has arrived for you."

Luke looked awfully handsome in his dark suit, an olive colored button up shirt, black dress shoes gleaming freshly settled on his feet. The contrast of the dark colors made his white wings stand out starkly on his back, folded neatly behind him.

But when he grabbed Annabeth's hand and brought it up to his lips, all she felt was revulsion.

"You'll be the most beautiful Angel in that ball, my dear," Luke whispered, stroking her cheek with the back of his fingers.

"Thank you, Luke," Annabeth bit out, forcing her hands to unclench themselves.

"You two may go ahead," Frederick said, already dressed in a navy blue suit, his hair combed and styled for once.

All for Helen.

"Helen should be here soon," Frederick continued, adjusting the lapels of his suit jacket. "She must be dropping off the boys at her mother's."

Annabeth's lips fought for a curl of disgust, but instead she forced them into a sweet smile. "Of course, Father," she said, dipping her head in a nod. "We'll see you there, then."

As she and Luke headed for the door, Frederick called out to her.

"Behave yourself, my daughter," he said, watching her with careful, stern eyes.

Annabeth swallowed harshly, and all she did was nod, ducking out of the house after Luke.

The annual ball was always held in a large dome-shaped building in the middle of the Celestial City, and now, its geodesic shaped windows gleamed with light from the inside, lighting up the slowly darkening soft sky.

Angels lingered outside, talking and laughing politely, smiles on the lips of every Angel they passed, widening to say hello to Luke and Annabeth. Luke always did the talking when they went to events like this, and Annabeth didn't mind it that much, though it did get irritating that she couldn't say a word without Luke shooting her a reprimanding glance.

Whatever. It's not like she wanted to talk to those fools anyway.

After pausing to greet practically every Angel standing outside, Luke led Annabeth inside the building, and the second she stepped inside, a wave of nausea rolled over Annabeth.

The ballroom was a flash of white, wings folded behind the backs of every guest, reminding Annabeth how she'd be surrounded by Angels, left and right, with no way of doing anything other than smiling and being Luke's trophy on display.

Annabeth felt sick.

"Let's go greet the Council members," Luke muttered close to her ear, and Annabeth nodded, skin prickling with agitation.

He led her to the long table set up on a high stage, passing Angels and waving hello and smiling politely at them, charm exuding from Luke like poison.

It only made her feel like throwing up even more.

"Ah, Luke Castellan and Annabeth Chase," Zeus said once they stepped up onto the platform, dressed handsomely in a dark suit. "Pleased you could make it."

"We wouldn't miss it for the world," Luke replied easily, giving Zeus a charming smile.

Zeus gave a nod. "As it should be." He turned to Annabeth, raising a slight eyebrow. "And your father, Annabeth?"

"He should be arriving soon enough," Annabeth answered, not wanting to drag out a sentence that he would simply brush off.

"I see," Zeus said simply, and he waved a hand out among the room. "Well, go enjoy yourselves. This ball is meant to awe the Divine Land, and that is exactly what it shall do."

Annabeth suddenly felt someone clamp their hand around her arm, but she wasn't the least bit startled; she knew the feel of that hand from anywhere.

Piper was smiling at her when Annabeth turned around, looking gorgeous in a glittering red halter-neck dress that reached her knees, wearing golden heels and matching gold bands around her arms.

"Thank god, its you," Annabeth muttered as she leaned in to hug her.

Piper chuckled softly, leaning back to give Annabeth a subtle wink. "I've told you multiple times that I'm your knight in shining armor, haven't I?"

"I don't recall ever hearing about a courageous knight that wears sparkly dresses and heels," Annabeth said, raising an eyebrow.

Piper grinned cheekily. "You wouldn't have me any other way."

"Piper," Luke acknowledged, inclining his head towards her. "It's always nice to see you."

Annabeth saw a flicker of sadness in Piper's eyes when she looked at her old best friend- Luke and Piper, who as children would always bicker over the silliest things, fight over Annabeth's attention and make a competition out of every little thing. But when Luke left to train for being head of the Guard, he came back as a different person. Serious, mature, and Annabeth felt it deep down as well- power-hungry. No more was he their best friend. He was Annabeth's fiancé, he was the head of the Gaurd. He was someone else entirely. "You too, Luke."

Annabeth felt a pang in her heart, and she forcefully shoved it down, not bearing the slowly rising lump in her throat.

"Where's Jason?" Annabeth asked, thankful that her voice didn't wobble.

"Here I am," he announced, coming up behind Piper and slipping an arm around her waist and handing her a tall glass full of a sparkling drink. "Piper McLean is very demanding."

"You love me for it," Piper replied, taking a sip of her drink.

"If you'll excuse us," Luke said, voice calm and light, yet there was a look in his eyes that Annabeth did not like. "Annabeth and I have to greet the other guests."

"Of course," Jason said, oblivious to the tension in Annabeth's shoulders as Luke pulled her into him, but Piper saw it and she leaned in to quickly whisper into Annabeth's ear.

"I'll find you again."

Annabeth barely had time to nod before Luke was whisking her away, and never before had Annabeth felt such an intense urge to scream in frustration and throw something to express her outrage, just to feel the satisfying twinge when whatever object crashed to the floor and disrupted everyone.

One by one, Luke led her to a different Angel each time, kissing up to the members of the Council in a way so disgustingly sweet, she cringed every time he spoke.

It was all a show for him. It was all just part of the act of charm he put up with everyone.

And she was the only one who noticed.

"Miss?" A waiter stepped beside Annabeth, holding a tray full of different colored sparkling liquids Annabeth knew as champagne. She picked up a cherry red one, nodding in thanks.

"Annabeth!" An annoyingly familiar voice called out a few feet away.

Annabeth turned to see Silena coming up to her, dress in a glittering pink cocktail dress, her dark curls brushed over one shoulder, a sequined barrette clipped onto the side of her hair.

"Oh, you look so beautiful!" Silena breathed, holding her hands out to Annabeth. "Did you buy this?"

"I did," Annabeth lied, smiling right through her teeth. She'd had the dress she was wearing at the back of her closet for who knew how long.

"Have you seen Calypso?" Silena asked, grinning with excitement. "Oh- she looks so stunning! Her and Leo look so cute together!"

"I have not seen either of them yet," Annabeth said, feigning interest as she looked around the ballroom.

"Let me go bring them!" Silena exclaimed, and before Annabeth could even protest, she was melting back into the crowd of Angels.

"Who was that?" Luke asked beside her, furrowing his eyebrows. "Silena?"

Annabeth nodded, taking another sip of her champagne.

"Don't drink too much of that," Luke chided, eyeing the red drink warily. "You know what it can do to you."

"You think I don't know-" Annabeth started, and bit her tongue hard, stiffening. "Of course, Luke."

"Good girl," Luke murmured, pressing a kiss to her head, and Annabeth recoiled internally at the words.

"I'm a fucking dog now," Annabeth whispered to herself as they continued to weave through the crowd, the sparkling of jewelry and blinding white of the wings of Angels making her feel momentarily dizzy.

"General Atlas," Luke said warmly as they approached a big man with dark hair streaked with gray and mouth set in what seemed like a permanent tight line. His dark eyes hid questions of sorrow and melancholy. Calypso's dad, Annabeth reminded herself, feeling a jolt go through her at how much little Zoë looked like her father.

"Luke," Atlas greeted, the lines around his mouth not loosening. "How are you?"

Annabeth cringed at the small talk, gripping her glass tighter.

"I'm doing as well as you could," Luke replied easily. He slid a hand around Annabeth's waist and pulled her close. "I don't believe you've met my bride-to-be yet, General."

"I don't believe so," Atlas said, raising eyebrow amd holding out a hand to shake Annabeth's."it's very nice to meet you, Miss Chase."

"The pleasures all mine," Annabeth replied, shaking his hand firnly.

Luke cleared his throat. "Atlas, I'd actually like to speak with you for a moment..."

Annabeth rolled her eyes discreetly as she took a sip of her champagne, feeling a twisted sort of relief at finally escaping his grip.

She took a moment to observe the dome building, feeling that familiar sense of awe at gazing at its structure and design, and she knew the pain would hit afterward. She knew it would. But that didn't make it hurt any less.

Glittering chandeliers hung a few feet apart from another from the ceiling, illuminating the room in an elegant golden glow. The floor was a smooth, reflective tiled mosaic. Bronze columns rose up on each side of the room, and Annabeth could hear the sweet tune of a violin and the keys of a piano playing harmoniously.

Angels had started dancing around the floor, most having tucked away their wings to allow more space, and some were even fluttering around high up, close to the ceiling, dancing in an orderly fashion.

It was all organized, all done in a respectful manner where everyone could enjoy themselves and cause no harm to others.

As it always was.

She felt someone grab her wrist, and before she knew it, she was being pulled away from Luke, and she smiled.

Piper pulled her further away, heading towards the entrance, where she recognized her friends milling around.

"Have I ever told you how much I love you?" Annabeth said, grinning wickedly at Piper.

Piper winked at her. "You can tell me all about it some other time."

"Annabeth!" Leo exclaimed, grinning wildly and spreading his arms. "We missed you! Where were you?"

Annabeth had to stifle a laugh as she looked at Leo, never having seen him dressed so formally before. He wore a black suit with a red tie, his black curls pushed back with gel.

"My gosh, Leo," she said instead, smiling behind her hand. "You sure cleaned up nice."

"I know, right!" Leo said, obviously flattered.

Calypso went up beside Annabeth, looking beautiful in her peach dress, long hair pinned up in an elegant bun atop her head, flowers poked among it.

"Annabeth," she said warmly, smile lighting up her face. "You look so lovely."

"As do you, Calypso," Annabeth replied. She gave her a knowing smile, winking subtly. "What did Leo do when he saw you?"

Calypso brushed a brilliant red, and she laughed softly. "He stood gawking for a good minute before he remembered he had to say hello to me."

Annabeth nodded. "Sounds like something he'd do." She paused, "Have you seen your father?"

Calypso pursed her lips, looking melancholic. "Yes. He left to the ball before I did and did not even ask where Zoë would be. I have not talked to him very much, anyway."

Annabeth felt a pang of guilt for a moment. "Let's go with the others."

As they started towards the rest of their group of friends, Annabeth felt a jolt go through her, searing and hot. She bit down on her lip, muffling her cry of surprise.

And somehow, she knew.

Percy.

Something was wrong. Something was very wrong.

A strange, distant sense of fear and nervousness swirled throughout her body, raising the hairs along her skin, and a distant voice in her said told her that those were not her feelings. They were Percy's.

Annabeth... Annabeth...

Annabeth needed to get to him. To the Infernal Province.

Into the Demon World.

Percy

Percy could barely hear above the roaring noise of the Demons shouting all around him, so the beating of his heart only deafened him even more.

He stood on one end of the broken down arena, Demons jeering and shouting at him as he stared across the room at Ares, who's eyes were glowing red with bloodlust and hatred as he glared right back at Percy, hands fists at his sides.

Percy spotted his cousins watching from a corner; Thalia with her arms crossed over her chest, Nico propped up against the wall, one foot braced behind him, eyes dark and lips white, and Bianca, who stood with her hands fluttering at her side, eyes so much like Nico's the size of saucers.

They all looked agitated, angry, and nervous. Percy knew they'd never admit it- no Demon ever would, but they'd die before they were to admit that they were fearful for Percy, and it was somewhat a relief and sign to Percy, in its own twisted way, to know that his cousins cared for him.

He just wished he'd be sure of that under a different circumstance.

"Kick ass, Kelp Head," Thalia had said, placing a hand on his shoulder and giving it a squeeze. "Show that little bitch what a mistake it was challenging you."

As calm and collected she'd looked when telling Percy that, he knew how scared she was for him. He knew what sorrow lay behind the fierceness that had glowed behind her eyes, what had made her so vicious and cold. And he'd heard what she'd really meant by those words; Please, win. I can't lose you too.

Suddenly, a roar went up throughout the crowd, and Percy stiffened, watching as the leftover members of the Convocation entered; Dionysus, Hades and Poseidon. Dionysus looked as jaded as always and looked like he wanted to die. Percy didn't bother to look at him, his eyes focusing on Hades and Poseidon, who's mouths were pressed in grim lines and eyes were unreadable.

Percy felt a strong surge of fear run down his back, working like a shot of unwanted caffeine as he remembered where the rest of the members were, and what they'd be doing.

He'd gone to the Meadow of Reflection to let Annabeth know he was there, to warn her of what was to come if she stayed in the ball long enough, and the fact that she never went and that he knew she was at the ball terrified him and tore at his heartstrings.

Please be all right, he thought hopelessly, heart pounding against his rib cage. Please... Annabeth, Annabeth... just come out safe. Please.

He couldn't have risked going to the Meadow of Reflection. He'd been training all day yesterday, as Poseidon had ordered him to. He'd been lucky enough to slip out and go to the Meadow of Reflection, if only for a few minutes, but he'd raced right back before Poseidon got suspicious of his whereabouts. And when he'd come home, he'd been too exhausted to even think about sending her a warning letter. And today was no different.

Poseidon muttered something to Hades, who nodded, expressionless. Poseidon turned to the crowd that sat on benches that ran along the whole room, eyes flashing red.

"Everyone," he said loudly, voice powerful and sharp as it carried across the room. Poseidon did not shout. He kept cold and composed, and just his voice was enough to carry among hundreds of Demons, giving him the grudging respect and fear that most Demons held towards him. "Quiet."

The noise continued for a couple more seconds before quieting, the stomps and shouts ceasing until there was no more sound.

Percy almost wished for it all to come back and block out the sound of his racing thoughts and trembling heart.

He didn't want to fight. He didn't want to hurt anyone. As mean and cruel Ares was to him, he didn't want to harm him.

But it didn't matter what he wanted. He'd always do things against his will, whether he liked it or not.

That was his life.

"We are all here today to witness a Duel between Perseus Jackson and Ares La Rue," Hades announced, and like Poseidon, his voice carried among the crowd of Demons, all looking on with excitement of the blood that would be shed.

"We haven't had one of these in years," Hades continued, lacing his fingers together as his cold eyes swept across the room. "But today, you are all lucky enough to witness one."

A cheer went up among the Demons, all grinning chaotically and shouting rueful words of encouragement. They didn't care who won. All they cared about was seeing blood- red and bright and splattered everywhere.

"Perseus, Ares, please step up here," Dionysus said lazily, looking more than bored to be there, his violet eyes hooded.

Percy tried not to shake as he walked to the center of the arena, but his bones were rattling under his skin, and his stomach was churning, and he could envision Sally crying as he told her of the Duel that would come.

She'd stayed at home under Poseidon's order, claiming that it might be too much for the baby if she let her emotions get in the way of seeing Percy fight. A guilty part of him was glad she'd stayed at home- he was sure if he saw her in the arena, he'd break down sobbing.

Ares stood about five feet away from Percy, arms flexing at his sides and jaw clenched, eyes flickering with red and amber, like a burning fire Percy knew to fear.

Ares wouldn't just hurt him. He would try to kill him.

Percy inhaled slowly, trying to calm his beating heart, and he saw Annabeth in his mind, with eyes as mysterious and gorgeous as the moon, with a smile that spoke of destruction and pain and the unknown love he knew she hid for those she truly cared about.

Annabeth... Annabeth...

"I know we're not big on rules," Poseidon said, folding his arms over his chest, not looking at Percy but at the Demons all around them. "But since these Duels have gone on for a millennia, they always must apply. Each fighter can only use one weapon. No one from the crowd can assist either of the fighters. Flying is welcomed. The winner is declared when either fighter surrenders, or is killed."

Percy gripped his sword fast, feeling the leather of the hilt slick against his sweaty palms. Ares had chosen a deadly long-sword, its silver blade gleaming in a way that almost mocked Percy, and be felt a shiver run down his spine.

He was terrified.

"Perseus, Ares," Poseidon said, voice cool and cutting and almost making Percy flinch. Hades and Dionysus had stepped back into the crowd, and the room was dead silent, waiting for them to begin.

A sudden flash of white caught Percy's eye from one of the windows above the arena, and when Percy focused in on the sight, he almost choked on his breath.

Annabeth, her gray eyes piercing back at him, flashing with confusion and terror and despair.

Annabeth was too smart. She already knew what was happening.

She was saying something, mouthing words at him he couldn't make out and pressing her hands against the window pane, face scrunched up and pleading and fearful.

The sight of her almost didn't allow him to focus in on Poseidon's next words, feeling his heart soar as he looked at her, before fear took over at thinking that someone would notice her.

But they wouldn't, because every Demon in the room would react to Poseidon's next words, their glowing red eyes fixed on Percy and Ares only, watching.

"You may begin."

Oh my god, im excited for that.

You guys! Shits going DOWNNN

Agahh, I loved this chapter. Finally getting exciting, isnt it? Holy shit, I am so excited for whats to come. Y'all are gonna hate me :D

So im sick and stayed home from school today and decided to finish this chapter up when I finally had the chance and im SO excited agh, this story is really gonna start rolling now :DD

Literally 25 chapters later.

Welp.

I hope you guys liked it and MY GOSH WHO'S JITTERY AND FUCKING SCARED AT WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN.

This is great.

Also, everyone in Chicago is so devastated that the Bears lost. Aha, poor people. All my teachers were crying about it yesterday, meanwhile, I dont know what the fuck happens in football :D

I love you guys and I know the wait was long, which Im sorry for, but its here!

~Kat xxxx