Just trying to pump these out fast so I can get to the new stuff.

Disclaimer: I do not own PJO

Annabeth's POV

The last few days had been really nice. I spent them hanging out around the city with Thalia, and we even got Katie to join us a few times. That's why when I woke up this morning I didn't want to get out of bed.

Today I had to spend all afternoon at the colosseum, and then Luke and his mother were coming over for dinner. Not exactly what you would call a fun filled day.

Dragging myself out of bed I cleaned up and headed downstairs. The servants had made breakfast, and my father was eating. I took my place at the table and ate, not saying anything to him as he didn't say anything to me. We finished and loaded into the carriage that carried us down to the colosseum.

As we passed through the square, I looked out my window, half-expecting to see the defiant boy with the black hair and green eyes. But of course he wasn't there, and I pulled away from the window.

The carriage rattled up to the colosseum and we got out, escorted by the royal guard as we made out way inside. Torches lined the walls, but the long hallway felt dark and cold and empty, the same feeling I got in my stomach every time I came here. For me, this colosseum was the worst place on earth.

We came to the balcony I sat on my throne, as my father walked to the rail and addressed the crowd.

"We have just received a brand new batch of opponents for our gladiators to face, and I for one can't wait to see some battles!" yelled my father and the crowed roared in agreement. "So without further ado, let the combat, commence!"

My father took his spot next to me and watched eagerly as the gates rattled open. I couldn't understand how anyone, especially my own father, could enjoy this brutal sport. And though I loved him dearly, sometimes I couldn't help but think he was just as bad as Luke.

Several events took place, each with even more bloodshed than the last, and finally, thankfully, there was only one more. Unfortunately, it promised to be the worst one so far. Eight trained and viscous gladiators against eight weak, underfed slaves. Not exactly what you would call fair, but apparently it was entertaining.

I watched the slaves pile into the arena. They were all fairly big and strong, except one boy, who couldn't be more than fifteen. There was another boy that was younger as well, maybe my age, but he held himself with poise and confidence. He wore a helmet, the only slave that had one, but from what I could see he had a grim yet determined expression on his face that made him look much older. It made him look like a man, a man who'd been to hell and back.

The small band of slaves gathered at the center of the arena, and another gate rumbled open, releasing the gladiators. One raised his shield, and the crowd applauded, then fell silent and looked our way. They were waiting for the horn to sound and start the fight.

The slaves looked our way too, confused, and I noticed the boy looking at me. He seemed familiar, but I hardly ever saw the slaves, other than when they were being killed, so I must've been imagining it.

The horn blew, and the gladiators charged; the fight was on. They threw their spears and killed one slave right off the bat. The slaves turned and ran, but the helmeted one stopped to grab a fallen spear before following. They only ran for a few moments before the gladiators caught up.

I found myself following the one boy the entire time. I watched as he thrust his spear into the lead gladiator's thigh, and then pushed him back into the others, causing them to stumble. He picked up the fallen gladiators shield and bashed him over the head with it, then looked around. Seeing the youngest of the slaves in trouble, he pulled a thin blade from his sleeve and sent it flying through the air, where it pierced a mans shoulder, giving the young boy time to attack.

The helmeted boy surveyed the battle again and saw that half of his fellow slaves were dead, and one was badly injured. Four gladiators formed a circle around the injured slave, and jabbed teasingly at him with their weapons. I could almost see steam fuming from the boys ears as his face turned red with anger. He charged the four men, his blade slicing through the air, and had them defeated in short time. I was shocked, and so was the crowd, but they cheered loudly for the boy as he helped finish off the rest of the gladiators.

He looked around at the crowd and then his eyes settled on me. His sword point lowered and he stuck it into the dirt, then took off his helmet and threw it down. A mop of messy black hair tumbled from the helmet and flapped around in the wind. His sea green eyes twinkled at me, and then he waved. I blinked, surprised, then gave him a half wave back. He smiled, then turned to leave the arena. Just before he disappeared through the gate, he looked back up at me again, still smiling stupidly.

"You enjoyed that, didn't you?" he asked, noticing my little smile. "I did as well, quite exciting. That was not the last we'll see of that boy, I can assure you."

The smile melted off my face, but I turned away so he couldn't see my look of disgust. He actually thought I liked that? That was horrible. I absolutely hate killing, but now that I thought of it, there hadn't been all that much. At least not that much considering there had been sixteen men fighting. Even when that boy had his enemies beaten, he didn't kill them. He even gave the last one a sword so they could fight properly. That's what real men should be like. In spite of myself, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to seeing more of that boy too.

I sat in my room, brushing my hair for the hundredth time. I didn't usually fuss over my hair or clothes this much, but Luke and his mother were downstairs, and I'd do anything to stay away from them longer.

Setting the brush down, I straightened my dress, then stuck a little blue flower in my hair. It was the same as the ones for my wedding, Katie had given it to me a few days ago, so I could remember what they looked like.

The flower looked pretty in my hair, but I took it out, then stuck it back in and took it out and stuck it in again. I did this for another ten minutes, but ended up leaving it out when someone knocked on the door.

"Come in!" I called, and one of our many servants entered the room.

"My lady, dinner is about to be served. Your guests and your father are already seated." he said, bowing.

"Thank you Charles," I said getting up, "tell them I'll be down straight away."

Charles bowed once more, then exited the room. Sighing, I strolled out after him, not at all exited to be meeting with our guests.

I descended the long winding staircase, and as I opened the large doors to the dining room I saw Luke and his mother were seated at the table with my father. My father smiled warmly, but Luke stared at me distastefully with his icy blue eyes. His mother didn't even acknowledge me.

I sat down and said a quick hello to each of them, and the servants brought in the food. It was a wonderful meal, as it always is, but without much talk. Luke was silent the entire time, while his mother boasted about his victories in the colosseum. Whenever my father or lady Castellan asked me a question I answered as shortly as possible. My mind started to wander, and soon my thoughts were back to the raven haired boy from the colosseum. If been thinking about him all day; I was sure I'd seen him somewhere before, but I wasn't sure where.

My father said something to me, but I only caught the end of it.

"-that right Annabeth?" he asked, looking at me expectantly.

"What? I mean, pardon me?" I said, embarrassed.

"I was just telling them about the spectacular fight we saw today, and how much you enjoyed it." he said, smiling.

I wanted to throw up, but I put on a fake smile and said sweetly, "Oh, of course! It was splendid."

"And if you would believe it, the slaves actually won." said my father to our guests. "Eight perfect gladiators, gone."

"It's about time. Stupid gladiators." I mumbled to myself.

"What was that, dear?" asked Lady Castellan.

"Oh, nothing. I just said that...I had a great time. Superb gladiators." I said quickly, hoping no one had heard me.

Lady Castellan nodded, but Luke glared at me. I think he heard what I actually said.

"I've also heard that the majority of the fighting was done by one slave alone," said Lady Castellan, "How does a single slave take out eight highly trained gladiators?"

"That's what I find so intriguing," said my father, "I can't wait to try him in some of our other challenges. The sea battle should be an exciting one for tomorrow."

"That slave is a coward and a weakling. If he fought a real gladiator, a real man, he wouldn't stand a chance." said Luke scornfully.

I smiled at him, but my eyes were full of disgust.

"Then why don't you fight him?" I asked, "Prove to everyone what a real man YOU are."

Luke just glared at me, and everyone was silent for a few minutes.

"Uh, are you two excited for your betrothal party?" my father asked awkwardly, finally breaking the silence.

"Yeah, I'm exited." I said, glaring right back at Luke, and I can give some pretty scary looks when I want to.

Luke looked uneasy, and he turned away.

"Yeah, the ball, whatever." he mumbled, taking a big bite of meat so he didn't have to talk.

"Yes, it should be, well, a ball." said my father, chuckling softly, "Have you picked out your mask yet, Annabeth?"

"No, I was thinking of going with Thalia later in the week," I said, then remembered my other friend, "Is it all right if I invite a few people to the ball? There are a few friends I want there with me."

My father considered it for a moment, then nodded. "That should be fine, just don't invite any of the help," he said seriously, meaning Thalia, "This party is for the wealthy, it will not do to tarnish our good name by having the common folk present."

I resisted the urge to chuck my bun at his head. Who did he think he was? Tarnish our good name? The common folk? Sometimes my father was just as bad as the other snobby rich people, maybe even worse.

"Well, there are papers to sign," said my father, "you kids run along."

I had no wish to 'run along' anywhere with Luke, but I couldn't avoid him forever. We left the dining room walked into the grounds behind the house. We walked along a wide stone path, past flowers and trees and hedges trimmed to look like deer, and soon came to a small pond.

"So, do you uh, have your mask yet?" I asked him, just trying to make conversation.

"Yes, it's solid gold," he said proudly, "and covered in jewels. It's probably worth more than your whole party."

"Our party actually," I corrected him, just to be annoying, "and yes, I'm sure your fancy little mask gets you lots of attention."

"Excuse me?" he said angrily.

"Oh nothing," I said dismissively, "I only meant that of you can't impress people by being a terrible gladiator, having a rich mommy always works."

When we were at dinner, with our parents and all the servants around, I could make fun of Luke all I wanted. But out here, where we were all alone, it wasn't the best idea. I should've known that, but I guess I just carried away.

Luke took a step towards me and shoved me into a tree. I crashed into it, and he caught my shoulders in a vice like grip.

"Luke, let go. You're hurting me." I said, trying to push him away.

He ignored me.

"You're lucky we're not married yet," he said menacingly, "because the second I get your money, you might just have a little...accident."

"You wouldn't." I said, my voice quite from shock and pain.

"I would, and you know it. And don't bother trying to tell anyone about this, they know you don't want to get married, they'll just think it's another excuse. So in the mean time," he said, throwing me to the ground, "show some respect."

He walked away and left me there, thinking of what he had just told me. If I had heard him right, he was going to kill me as soon as we were married and he had my money. That meant that he'd get all of my money, and he'd still be the prince too. And he was right about no one believing me; I'd been complaining to my dad about the wedding since the day he told me. But the wedding wasn't for another few months, so I didn't have to worry about that right now. I decided not to worry about it too much right now, I'd tell Thalia about it later, but there was a chance Luke was just trying to scare me, so I wouldn't let it bother me for now.

I picked myself up off the ground, and headed for home.

I'll try and get another chapter up soon, cuz this one wasn't the best :P

R&R.