here is a shout-out to the nice people who did my contest! Silver Artemis Moon! Eshmesh! Apollo's Child! FalknerBlue! MrsRuthMellark! DarylDixon'sgirl1985! Thanks guys!

Zeus' POV

I trekked through the desert, knowing that I could easily use my wind powers to make a sandstorm if needed. The only problem was water. After two long hours of walking, I saw in the distance what seemed like a hazy oasis. I saw a clear blue lake, shaded by tall palm trees, with beautiful Pegasi taking a drink. I ran towards it, overjoyed. I was so close I could almost taste the lovely water, dripping down my throat and making me strong. For once I actually appreciated my brother Poseidon's power. I threw myself down on the sand beside the lake, and suddenly it disappeared. Palm trees, lake, everything. I tried to cry but no tears came. I propped myself up beside a palm tree and attempted to sob. Then I heard a gleeful cry and saw Nico throw himself on the sand right where I had. Then he looked at his hands, seeing that they were dry. He looked around.

"Where did it go?"

I replied. "It was a mirage."

Nico spun around.

"Oh well. I wasn't that thirsty anyway. It's only been two hours after all. Besides, I've still got a bit of water left."

He took a canteen out of his bag and took a swig. I stared longingly. I narrowed my eyes and made a mini sand tornado appear and charge at Nico. He was caught in the middle of it. I stared. The tornado was so small that Nico was too heavy for it to pick up. Instead he stood inside it, watching the swirling sand. He raised an eyebrow. I summoned more and more wind, which finally threw Nico off his feet. He flailed his arms. "Put me down!" he hollered. "No way! This is a game to the death, my dear nephew!" Suddenly the winds dropped and Nico fell to the ground, bruised and scratched, but nothing serious. I tried to make more wind, but only one light breeze came along. Nico jumped to his feet and put a knife to my throat. I saw my life flash before my eyes, Nico smiling as he prepared to apply the death blow, felt the sand between my toes, and I even saw the mirage oasis. I felt life slipping away. 'I-I can't summon any more wind!' I said weakly. Nico frowned for a moment. Then he burst out laughing, dropping the knife beside him. He rolled on the sand, clutching his stomach. Finally he crawled towards me, face red, struggling to keep a straight face.

I gratefully looked around. I was alive! Me and Nico patted each other on the back. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a small figure on the tip of the far off mountain. I turned to look. The figure was waving its arms. Then I heard a yodel. I looked at Nico, rolling my eyes. "Look at that guy. Embarrassing himself like that. I pity whoever came in here with him." That's when I saw the distinct features of Jason. "I do not know him. I do not know him." I muttered. "Hey, Uncle, isn't that Jason?" Nico asked. I turned. "No! Of course not!" I stabbed Nico with his own knife quickly. "Never let your guard down kid." I said coolly. I turned and walked away. Then I felt a heavy weight hit me in the head and I fell.

Thalia's POV

I walked through the woods. I was completely stocked up on food, water, and weapons. It was dusk. I found a large tree and decided that would be my hideout. I confidently walked up to the tree. I grabbed the trunk and attempted to step up. I fell on my butt. This wasn't gonna be easy. I concentrated on a thick branch about three feet up the trunk. I stepped onto it. I took a deep breath. I pulled my self up to the second branch. I slipped and fell back to the first branch. Panting, I stepped up to the second and third branches. Just 8 more to go.

After many slips, falls, and scrapes, I finally reached the perfect branch to sleep on. Then I realized that I was mortally afraid of heights and would never be able to go to sleep. Damn. I looked down. I would never be able to get down now. It was dark. I felt sick and dizzy. I started to sweat. I tried to get comfortable.

I heard a cannon. Then the show of dead people began. Only one. A picture of Nico flared in the sky. I sighed. I was in for a long night.

Ok! Thanks for reading Please don't forget to review! And review or PM me with your answer to this contest for a shout-out in the next chapter! Contest: Which minor god in Greek mythology has a name which means "cut-up"? Hint: This is not said in any Percy Jackson or HOO books! Hopefully you people know your stuff about minor gods.