I cannot even begin to apologize for the more than two years I left this story behind. You can thank one guest reviewer for inspiring me to reread this and continue it. It was pretty good for having been written two years ago. I'm actually very proud of how well it's seemed to have held up. But I'm sure you all understand that I have now gotten far better at writing, so you may see a few changes, but I'll try to keep the attitude the story originally had the same.

Thank you so much for the 30 reviews, 37 faves, and 50 follows! I can hardly believe this story is so popular. I hope none of you abandoned it…^^; I feel so bad for you guys. But please understand that life and my doubting my ability to write got in my way. Just...thank you! I can't tell how much it means to me.

A special thanks to:

Ai Laik Heda Lexa

And Guest reviewers:

Josie

Lilypadmake

You guys inspired me to continue this story so this chapter is dedicated to you three. But really, I'm thankful to all my reviewers! :D

With that said, enjoy chapter 3!

Atlantis

It took a minute for Percy to register what Thalia said and then after he realized the motive behind it, he understood. "You are the Prince of Atlantis!" Percy had no idea why Thalia felt the need to specify this, he was well aware of who he was. "And you want to go to Athens, your enemy kingdom, just so you can see the princess with no smile?!" Yep, that pretty much summed it up.

"So you know her?" Percy asked, a tad excited. Thalia closed her eyes and balled her fists, obviously still trying hard not to punch him.

"I can't believe your stupidity!" Thalia cried. Percy was insulted, that was not something someone told him often-or at all for that matter-and he wasn't going to take it lying down.

"What stupidity?!" Percy yelled. "My father keeps me in the castle at all times, I had to rigorously, escape my own home! I want adventure! Not to be stuck in that castle for the rest of my pitiful life!" Thalia looked almost awestruck at Percy's outburst. "So fine, I suppose you could call me a little imbecilic, but I rather be known as having "stupidity" for the rest of my life, then live without the pride of an adventure."

Jason's mouth dropped open (Percy had almost forgotten he was there) and Thalia looked shocked, yet almost impressed. "Honorable words, Perseus." She admitted. "How can I help you on your journey?" Percy had not expected her reply, he wasn't even expecting her to answer at all, but he smiled.

"Well, I need directions." Percy told her. Thalia smiled and shook her head, noting that Percy hadn't thought this whole "adventure" through. "Oh yes," Percy added, remembering his promise to Grover. "And a disguise."

Thalia rolled her electric blue eyes. "Come with me, Perseus." She advised, turning around and walking away. Jason followed behind her and the guards stood still, waiting for Percy to go first. Percy quickly grabbed Blackjack reins and followed behind Jason and the guards behind him.

After walking for exponential amount of time, they finally came to a stop. Percy noticed the large stone castle in front of him, he assumed it belonged to Thalia and Jason. Thalia turned to meet Percy's eyes and smiled. "Welcome, Perseus, to our home!" Thalia pulled Jason closer to her and gestured to the enormous castle behind her.

"Please," Percy said. "Call me Percy." Thalia grinned mischievously.

"Perseus suits you." She insisted. Percy held back a glare, it was probably going to get him into trouble anyway. Thalia walked into the castle with Jason. Percy tied Blackjack up to a tree before joining them, the guards soon followed.

Thalia opened the door to a room and Percy peeked in to see seamstresses sewing and cutting cloth quietly. Thalia marched up to a corner and whispered something in one of the seamstresses' ear. This seamstress had brown hair and astounding, colorful eyes. Percy noticed that Jason seemed to melt in her presence. The seamstress glanced at Percy and then back at Thalia. "Most certainly your highness." She assured. "Right away."

The girl approached Percy, taking out a stick and laying it across various places on his body. Percy would admit that it was a little unsettling, it's not that he hadn't done it before, he just felt uncomfortable not seeing a familiar face. Also Percy rather hated staying still for more than a moment because the lack of obsessive movement bugged him.

"Take your time." Thalia insisted. "Thank you, Piper."

"Always, your highness." Piper replied. Percy glanced at Jason again, who stared at Piper longingly, and he almost felt bad for Jason. Piper wasn't royalty so their love was forbidden, Percy hoped nothing like that would ever happened to him, but fate had other plans. Thalia approached Percy with a look of assurance upon her face.

"Piper will take care of your disguise." She told him. "Well we are waiting, let us discuss directions, shall we?" Percy smiled and nodded his head. The Seamstress promptly backed away, heading back to her station.

"I think I'll stay here and assure Piper's success." Jason told them, with the most desperate grin Percy had ever seen. Percy rolled his eyes knowingly. Thalia sent a look to Percy, obviously having figured out Jason's little crush a long time ago.

"If you insist." Thalia replied, turning around and rolling her eyes. Jason smiled and headed over to Piper. Percy had just spotted Piper's grateful smile when Jason appeared, before Thalia pulled him out of the room. "Come Perseus."

…..o0o…..

Thalia opened yet another door and beyond it was a room full of maps, plans, and pictures. The guards stood outside the room as Percy and Thalia entered. "This is our planning room, I'm sure we can find something for you in here." Thalia said. Thalia rummaged through a pile of maps and pulled out one the seemed to intrigue her. "Ah, here we go." She announced, spreading the map out on a table.

Percy walked over to the map and leaned down the take a look. He saw just the edge of his kingdoms boundaries, then the forest they'd ventured through, and the castle they were now occupying. "There are two paths you might journey, but it's most assuredly less abusive to take the short cut," Thalia explained, tracing the paths with her finger. Percy nodded his head to show he was listening, well he studied the map. "Now you'll need to cut through the corner of the forest, once out you will head east until you come across the town, you should be able to find your way to the castle from there." Percy glanced up at Thalia with another nod before peering back down at the map.

Looking further across the paper, Percy noticed a small village across the forest, and a reddish stone castle after the village. "Is that Athens?" Percy asked, pointing to the castle.

Thalia glanced at the map before answering. "Yes." With that new information Percy gazed upon the sketch of the castle with anxiousness. He had a strong desire to see those strong, thick, cleverly crafted, reddish pillars that held the large, well-designed roof. Percy was almost sure it'd be ten times more brilliant in person, then it was portrayed on the well-drawn copy of the map designer's.

Thalia analyzed Percy's curious eyes and seemed to know what he was thinking. "It is quite appealing, isn't it?" Percy had no need to reply, his eyes revealed most of his feelings towards the sketch, and he knew it to be true. "The castle is, of course, more dazzling in person," Thalia explained, which only made Percy hunger more to see it. "It was brilliantly designed by Edmund the great, the best architect know-then-to all the land. Soon after the land was discovered, sold, and dubbed Athens." Percy let this information sink in, his adventure sounded more thrilling by the second.

"Astounding…" he hummed. Thalia smiled at Percy and Percy looked up at her. "Tell me more." For the first time in forever, Percy was genuinely interested in something. Who knew the enemy could be so fascinating?

"Of course." Thalia replied, looking up to think. "The castle is so divinely carved with so much wondrous beauty, that the walls seem to tell stories, some would even go so far as to say they could speak…" For the next couple hours Thalia did her very best to explain the wonders of Athens to Percy, but she was careful to explain not only the wonders but also the dangers. "There's really not much more to tell," Thalia concluded. "It's a wondrous place."

Percy had devoured most of the knowledge Thalia had given him, a few things slipped by here and there, but Percy had a clear idea of what Athens was like. Sadly, even though Thalia had told him everything she knew about Athens, Percy couldn't help but want more. The prince felt as though there was a deep hole in his consciousness that he desperately needed to fill. "It sounds like an amazing kingdom."

"Yes," Thalia agreed. "But there's many dangers, especially for an Atlantian, and assuredly for an Atlantian prince." Percy understood Thalia's concern, but something inside him always seemed to snap when people worried about him, as though the past was unforgivable. Every time someone tried to convince Percy to be safe, he was reminded of his father, and how trapped he felt at home, especially around Poseidon.

Percy cleared his throat, trying to avoid an outburst. "About that short cut…" Thalia narrowed her eyes, obviously not finished with the previous discussion, but moved on despite.

"Yes," she agreed, tracing her finger along the map and beginning to explain the journey once again. Once Thalia had gone over the journey once more, a knock was heard at the door. Thalia and Percy got up to see who it was. Percy was surprised to see Piper standing at the door, carrying a stack of clothes, with Jason only a step behind her.

"As you wished your highness," Piper greeted with a smile. Piper held up the neatly folded pile with a look of pride and honor upon her face. "I have brought you the clothes you so graciously asked for." Thalia took the clothes without a second thought, unfolded the once neat pile to see the prize within. Percy marveled at how alien the clothing looked to him, neither Atlantians nor Electrogonians wore such an interesting fashion, there was a distinct difference.

"Marvelous job, Piper." Thalia replied. "It is exactly what he needs." The clothes looked withered and patched, as though old, but were surprisingly new. Percy could imagine seeing those clothes on a peasant any day, but not in this kingdom, and certainly not in his. Percy touched the fabric and discovered it was deceivingly strong and quite light.

"Very good." He told Piper, letting go of the cloth. The outfit was now officially stamped with a royal seal of approval. Percy was quite amazed, he had thought it would have taken hours to sew a whole outfit, but considering what it was made for, he knew he shouldn't have been surprised.

"Thank you, your highnesses." Piper gleamed. By the look on her face, Percy could tell she was considerably proud of her work, and by the look on Jason's face, Percy knew he was very proud of her too. Piper turned to Jason with a big smile. "Thank you, too, Prince Jason." Jason blushed, and with that Piper handed the clothes to Percy and was on her way.

"Prince Jason?" Thalia mused.

Jason glanced back to watch Piper go before he turned his head back to Percy and Thalia. "Uh…yes, I told her to call me by name, but she refused so we compromised." Jason told her, smiling sheepishly. Thalia smirked, rolling her eyes and Percy snickered. After a moment of silent Jason spoke up. "So…how goes the planning?" he asked, rocking back and forth on his heals anxiously. Thalia rolled her eyes and glanced at Percy as they shared a knowing look.

"We're doing fine," Thalia assured. "We are not in need of any help." Jason smiled. "Do whatever you please." Jason's smile grew wider as he thanked her and ran off. Mostly likely to see a certain seamstress. "Ah, love," Thalia sighed. "It can be so torturous." Percy knew, by the way she spoke of it, Thalia must have been speaking from experience.

"Really?" he asked, genuinely curious.

"Oh, most definitely." Thalia insisted. "It's amazing that people survive it." Percy felt somewhat uncomfortable about that, was love really that complicated? Before he got the chance to ask, Thalia changed the subject. "Well I suppose I should show you to some quarters," she informed, pointing to the outfit in his hands. "So you can try these on."

"Alright," Percy replied. As Thalia led the way he awed at the castle. Everything was massive here, his castle-home seemed so much more diminutive then the Electris castle. The whole grounds seemed to radiate with beauty and power, it was intriguing.

"Here," Thalia said, coming to a stop. They stood at a large, thick maple wood door. The stone door frame was rounded at the top as to make the entrance seem more uniquely appealing. "You may use this room."

Percy nodded and just stood at the door for a few moments, feeling sort of awkward. It was at this moment where he started to feel as though he was more likely visiting a new world rather than the kingdom next-door. He felt alienated, lost, confused. He wondered why his father had never shone him here before. "Perseus?" Thalia asked, raising an eyebrow. "Is something the matter?"

Percy turned his head to her blinked shaking his head a little. "Oh! No, I apologize. You must understand that this is all so new to me." Thalia nodded. "In fact, I'm not really sure even know how to open the door." He added, snickering. Thalia smirked, turned the handle, and pushed the door open, Percy frowned. "You know I was jesting, right?"

"I'm sure you were." Thalia said, though it was clear she didn't believe him at all. Percy rolled his eyes and stepped into the room. Even the furniture was different, he never would have imagined he'd ever be wondering whether a chair was really a chair. It was still extravagant, admittedly. He sat down on one of the blue velvet cushions and stared at the doorway-where Thalia was standing-amazed. Thalia smiled. "I'll see to it that you are not disturbed." She assured him.

"Thank you, your highness." He said.

"Perseus?" she replied. "We're all royalty here, you can call me Princess Thalia." Percy rolled his eyes.

"You're quite the comedian." He said, sarcastically. Thalia smirked slyly.

"Take care." She told him. "Just turn the handle and pull out when you're done."

Percy glared at her. "Your wisdom is much appreciated, here let me repay it with some wisdom of my own." Percy stood up and grabbed her shoulders, turning her, and pushing her out the door. "Turn around and walk away." He smirked, proud of himself.

"Touché, Percy." Thalia said.

"Percy?" Percy asked, with a smirk.

"Oh please, don't feed your ego." Thalia replied. Percy snickered. With that Thalia grabbed the door, smiled at him, and slammed it. Percy had to step out of the way to avoid being squished.

"Some nerve she's got there." He said to himself. Silently he wondered if all Elctrogonians were that tough? If they were, Percy was certainly glad the kingdoms were friendly.

…..o0o…..

In only a moment Percy found his way out the door in his new attire. A guard was ready to show him to Thalia when he came out. "This way, your highness." He guided. Percy followed closely, not willing to let himself get lost in this enormous epic of a castle. When the guard stopped, Percy stopped with him following the guard's gesture to a door. "The princess and his excellency the King will be waiting for you in there." The guard informed.

"Thank you, guardsman." He said. He was about to open the door when the guard grabbed his shoulder and gave him a warning look. "What is it?" Percy asked, pulling himself away, a bit worried.

"I feel I must warn you, Prince," The guard started. Percy stood very still feeling a bit fearful with the stare, but held his form. "The King doesn't much care for King Poseidon's family." Percy sucked in a breath and nodded at him, stiffening.

"I'll take that into consideration, thank you sir, I wish you and your family well." He replied.

"I wish you the same, your highness." Percy turned his head to the door with darkness clouding his mind. He now, almost felt as though he were walking into greet his death. Than Percy turned his mind to Thalia and Jason…surely, the father of them couldn't be all that bad. But still…the look in that guard's eyes. Percy balled his fists and huffed, opening the door to make his way inside.

He'd just have to see for himself.

...o0o...

Athens

None of the suitors were at all suitable in Annabeth's opinion. Not a single of them could even make her feel happy let alone see a smile upon her face. In fact, she was almost bored. It was exhausting and useless work in her opinion. Her mind was constantly replaying a single thought, Ugh. She rolled her eyes and nearly yawned as the next suitor spouted about how "right" he was for her. He must be jesting…Annabeth thought.

The man seemed nice enough, but the ego he was trying so hard to hide was slipping around his façade. He was also concerningly skinny for his age, three feet taller than herself, and he had a hallow face. Annabeth almost felt bad, she could never see a man like him happy with her, let alone vice versa. "I'm sorry, sir." She spoke up. Her mother who sat beside her on her throne gave her a look of concern. "Move your business elsewhere, I think you will find a much happier life if you just take your absence now."

"Annabet-!" her mother started to snap.

"No, no, your excellency." called the man to Athena. "Understood, the princess does not wish my hand in marriage, I will see myself removed from your presence." The man did well to hide his tattered pride, but having hidden behind something fake all her life, Annabeth understood it hurt more than he was letting on.

"Perhaps you'll find a beautiful woman to appreciate you." Annabeth told him, deciding to let him leave on a positive note. At least he wasn't a jerk like so many others who had come to see her. She thought that, at least, deserved some mercy.

The man smiled. "I certainly hope so, fair princess. May you find happiness as well." He told her. "It was a pleasure, your highnesses." With that he tipped his triangular hat to them and took a final bow, before walking away.

"Brilliant manners." Athena commented. "Quite strong and accepting."

Annabeth sighed. "Mother, he wasn't the one. Did you see smile on my face throughout that whole experiance?"

"Well, I must admit no, but you haven't wedded yet." She argued. Annabeth bit her lip and slipped off her throne.

"I'm tired Mother, I think I'll take a leave of absence." She said.

"How long will you be?" Athena asked.

"No more than an hour, perhaps." Annabeth told her, slipping away before she could be questioned any further. Annabeth sulked to her quarters and yanked off her slippers, collapsing in the bed, facing in the direction of the vanity. Irony is certainly a cruel foe. Annabeth seemed to stare down herself in the mirror, still not a trace of a smile to be seen.

She sighed and was about to turn away when a shadow darted across her walls. Had someone snuck onto her balcony?! She quickly jumped up and rushed over to the vanity where she grabbed a knife from the drawer and rushed over to the frame of her balcony to peer out and see if anyone was still there. She scanned the trees and grass below her but couldn't see a thing. Then, she heard the snap of a twig and crunching of leaves as if someone just jumped down. "Hello?" she called.

No answer.

"You shouldn't be out here!" she continued. "Show yourself or I will call my guards to retrieve you!" To that a stout figure approached, a hood over his head. "Who are you?" she asked. "You should know it is against the law to "harass" the royal family."

"I didn't harass you," claimed the figure. "Would you say I did?" Annabeth raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the question.

"I suppose I wouldn't." she admitted.

"So, then I have broken no laws." By the deeper voice, Annabeth could tell it was so clearly a man.

Annabeth felt intrigued by this character, he seemed intelligent. "May I see the face of the man who so intelligently defends himself?"

"Uh…" The man replied. "I'm not so sure I'm willing to give you that courtesy, Princess."

"Nonsense." She replied. "Those words are meaningless coming from a man who was spying on me." The man laughed and removed his hood.

Annabeth was astounded to see a slightly taller (than herself), handsome man before her. He was very muscular but also skinny, with a well-rounded face. He had jet black hair and (perhaps the most astounding thing about him) vibrant sea green eyes filled with pride. If not for the fact that his skin was caked with dirt and that he wore an undeniable peasant's uniform she would have considered him of noble blood. There was something about him though, she couldn't wrap her head around it, but he seemed somewhat alien and very intriguing.

"Touché, Princess." He said, smirking. Annabeth blushed from embarrassment realizing she was staring. She retreated into her room for a moment to hide her pinking face.

"I must say sir," she called out the balcony. "You certainly were not who I was expecting to be under that hood."

"Oh?" he asked, with a snicker. Annabeth went and sat at her vanity combing her hair to calm herself down. "What were you expecting then?"

"That doesn't matter." She told him. "I feel I more deserve answers compared to yourself."

"Understood." He admitted. "Give me a question and I'll do my best to answer it."

"Why were you spying on me?" she paused combing her hair and listened intently. There was silence for a few moments.

"I have heard legend of the princess who never smiled, but I have never believed it, so I thought I'd see for myself." Annabeth frowned.

"Oh?" She said, sadly.

"You are far more intriguing then the stories would tell." He told her. "I cannot seem to imagine a face like yours without a smile upon it." She laughed.

"Trying to be charming, are we?" she asked.

"Trying?" he asked, laughing with her. "Succeeding I'd say since I wasn't trying to be charming at all."

"Could have fooled me." She replied, feeling a happiness inside her.

"You certainly don't sound like you couldn't smile." He pointed out. Annabeth bit her lip and sucked in a breath.

"No, I assure you sir, the stories are true." Annabeth informed.

"Then something nags at me, Princess." He replied.

"What is that?" she asked, curiously.

"What's it like to not be able to smile?"

She gripped her brush tightly with the question. It was question she wished she wouldn't have to answer. "I'd imagine it's a similar feeling to one a knight would feel when he has lost an arm or leg in battle." She answered.

"I wouldn't know what that's like, Princess." He informed.

"Then I don't know how to explain it to you." She said, feeling a sort of sadness bubble to the surface.

"You sound upset." He noticed. She rolled her eyes. "Don't be." She raised an eyebrow, that was something she was certainly not expecting.

"And what, pray tell, says I shouldn't?" she questioned.

"Well, you were laughing with me moments ago," He told her. "What's the use in being sad now about something you've known for so long?"

She felt something spark inside her, the realization that he had a point. She stared at her lips in the mirror and still saw no smile, but this time she forced herself not to think about it. Then…she saw her eyes and she jumped, tracing the smile crinkles around them. She'd heard stories that the eyes could smile just as the lips, but she had never seen evidence until now…or maybe she never wanted to.

She panted with excitement. Her eyes were smiling! And it was just as the man…she ran to the balcony and leaned over to get a good look at him. "Something wrong, Princess?" he asked.

"Will you answer me one more question?" she replied, feeling impatient.

"Certainly." He answered, seeming confused.

"Who are you?" she demanded, she could feel a fiery determination boil up inside her. Could this be the answer to her prayers? She was too impatient to wait for an answer, but she mustered up enough patience as to not scare the man off. "I need to know."

Well, what did you think? Didn't change too much I hope. I'd really appreciate some feedback.

Thank you so much to all those who read, I appreciate it. You are all so amazing! I cannot tell you when I'll update next, but I'll do my very best to get it done as soon as I can. Thanks for understanding.

Please read and review. :)

Samantha's Library.