Hey everyone, with the House of Hades out and me already finishing it, I had to rewrite my story that I had actually written 3 chapters ahead. I will seriously try my best not to write in spoilers, but I do warn you, I may forget and accidentally write something in from the House of Hades. You have been warned. Also, I added a little something to the end of Chapter 3. The change will be up when this chapter is published.

Another note: I did have a pole up but that no longer matters.

Enjoy the story.

Disclaimer: Rick Riordian owns everything Percy Jackson and the Olympians and the Hero of Olympus. I only own the plot.

Percy V

"So Nico," I began. "What brings you here?"

We were seated in the living room. It wasn't grand, but is was perfect: a sofa along one wall, TV on the opposite, a chair against the third wall, and a coffee table in the middle. I seated myself on the couch and Nico sat in the chair.

"Just wanted to stop by and say hi," he answered. "You know me, always traveling."

"You stopped by last week. What's going on?"

"Hey Nico," Annabeth said, startling me.

I turned around, surprised to see her. I hadn't heard her come down stairs. She was wearing a plain white t-shirt and gray sweatpants. The silver owl necklace I had given her on our one year anniversary. On her right ring finger was a platinum band with a small diamond, a promise ring I had also given her that same day.

"Hey Annabeth," Nico replied with a small wave.

Annabeth walked over and stood in front of me. I held out my arms inviting her to sit with me. Instead, she just stood there with her hands on her hips. Then she smirked and slapped me on the cheek. It wasn't a slap that was supposed to hurt; it was one that let me know that I screwed up. But the smirk on her face let me know it wasn't too serious. It was probably for me calling her a smart ass.

Nico chuckled from his seat, and I just stuck my tongue out at him. Yes, I know, very mature of me. Annabeth sat down next to me and crossed her arms. I wrapped my hands around her and brought her onto my lap. I went to kiss her, but she just turned her head away.

"Come on, Wise Girl," I whined. "Don't be like this."

"Don't call me a smart ass then," she replied. So I was right.

"You called me a smart ass first."

She stayed quiet, refusing to look at me. I sighed.

"Fine, Annabeth, I'm sorry. You forgive?"

She finally turned to look at me, and we just stared at each other for a few seconds. We exchanged a quick kiss, and Nico made gagging noises. I just rolled my eyes at his antics.

"So Nico," Annabeth said, settling into my arms. "What really brings you here?"

"Has anything unusual be happening around here?" Nico asked.

"Like what?"

"Demigods disappearing."

"No, everyone is here," I said. "Why? Is it happening at Camp Half-Blood?"

"Not exactly. Demigods that are about to be brought to camp disappear before the satyrs have a chance to bring them to camp."

"How long has this been going on?" Annabeth asked, leaning forward.

"In the last two weeks, six demigods have gone missing, on their thirteenth birthday."

"What is the camp going to do about it?"

"We had a meeting today about it. No one knows what to do. We don't want to risk sending more satyrs and demigods and satyrs."

"So you came to ask us our opinion," I stated, figuring out why he came.

Nico looked a little guilty and wouldn't look at me in the eyes.

"I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't be getting you guys involved but -"

"Nico," I said firmly, cutting him off. "Don't be sorry. We will help you in any way we can. Right, Annabeth?"

"Of course," She agreed. "Just don't come to us to solve minor problems."

Annabeth close her eyes and leaned back against me. I took her hands in mine and rubbed small circles on the back of them. It seemed to help her think knowing I was right there with her.

"I suggest," Annabeth finally spoke. "You bring the demigods being watched over to camp as soon as possible. Get them out of danger."

"What about the six already missing?" Nico asked.

"Have people keep a look out for them," I said. "But do not send people out to look for them."

"Thanks guys," Nico said, getting up from the chair. "Sorry about asking for your help."

"It's fine Nico," I said. "Tell everyone at camp we say hi."

Nico nodded and ran off into the shadows. I sighed and relaxed back into the couch. Annabeth leaned into me with my arms around her protectively. We stayed like that for a few minutes before Annabeth got up and headed upstairs.

"Where are you going?" I asked.

"To take a shower," she replied. "We have a date tonight."

"I know."

"I suggest you clean up the mess in the kitchen."

I groaned as I got up off the coach. I was in the process of cooking some food, but Nico's knock on the door had startled me. I know it's been a year, but my nerves have never been, probably never will be, the same since - the incident. I can't bring myself to same the name, I never would say the name again. I was just about finished cleaning up when I heard Annabeth scream. I ran up stairs and flung open the bathroom door.

Annabeth had pressed herself into a corner of the shower. She had one hand holding a towel around herself, and the other was pointing to the opposite corner. I looked to what she was pointing at: a spider. The spider was no bigger than the escape key on a laptop. Two years ago, I would've snickered at her and made a joke, but after everything we have gone through, I didn't even dare to think of one.

I walked over to Annabeth, picked her up, and carried her bridal style to the bedroom. She clung to me like I would disappear at any minute. I set her down on the bed and turned back to get rid of the spider. As I reached for the door, I felt Annabeth wrap her arms around me.

"Don't leave me," Annabeth mumbled into my back.

"I'm just going to get rid of the spider," I told her.

"Well, hurry back."

I rushed out of the bedroom and back into the bedroom. I found the spider sitting in the same spot Annabeth found it. I grabbed some toilet paper and killed the spider. I took the wad of toilet paper and flushed it down the toilet. I walked back to the bedroom and found Annabeth asleep in the bed wearing one of my t-shirts. I walked over her and kissed her on the forehead. I turned to get changed, but Annabeth had grabbed my left hand.

"You said you wouldn't leave me," she whispered.

"Give me a minute."

I walked over to the dresser and changed into a tank top and a pair of workout shorts. I walked over to the other side of the bed and crawled into bed next to Annabeth. She rolled over on top of me, with her head resting on my chest.

"I love you, Wise Girl."

"I love you too Seaweed Brain."

Confession time: This part I didn't have to change, I was just too lazy to type this up. I had it hand written in a notebook, but I couldn't get myself to type it. I guess I was motivated by the House of Hades.

I'm sorry. But I do promise the rest of the story has to changed slightly because it does affect how the middle and end of the story is written. I swear on the River Styx.

I hoped you enjoy.

-WKH