ANNABETH POV

It is funny how people tend to take things for granted that they have had for a long period of time. I always thought it was absurd that there were people who did not appreciate important people or things in their life. Until I became one of those people.

After my break up with Percy I went to New York ,Olympus to continue my work as an architect. Over the months, my work had gotten better and the Gods were clearly impressed. My mother offered me immortality and while I was hesitating, she told me that the rest of the seven will also be granted one for their services. I then accepted.

There was this constant nagging feeling at the back of my head that I was losing something important. I tried to ignore it but the feeling won't go away. I even tried dating some guys but it never worked out. I always found them too dull,boring or stupid. They were not like Percy.

As I thought about him, it was like my body suddenly received a jolt and my heart suddenly became restless. The nagging feeling at the back of my head became stronger. What was happening to me, I asked to myself confused.

It was then I decided to return to Camp Half Blood and sort my feelings out. I could even meet Percy and check his condition out. I just hoped things wont go awkward between us. I hoped to have him back as a friend at least.

After reaching the camp I went to Chiron to ask about my status, now that I have become an immortal. I saw him standing near three people discussing something. From his look the discussion must be important.

As I walked near them I got surprised. Thalia, Jason and Piper were talking with Chiron with a serious look in their eyes. Thalia saw me coming and smiled " Hey Annabeth, how have you been? ".

Jason and Piper also waved at me. "I am good. I didn't know you guys were back" I replied while hugging her.

"Of course we had to come, this is a serious matter and we are all waiting for a prophecy or something" said Thalia

"Serious matter ? " I asked

"You mean you don't know ? And here I thought you must have been gone looking for him" said Thalia confused

"What do you mean ? " I asked already having a bad feeling.

Thalia's eyes widened while Jason and Piper looked sad. "Annabeth first I need you to sit down." Jason said

"Hurry up and tell me what is going on guys" I asked impatient.

"Percy has gone missing" Thalia said putting a hand on my shoulders.

My heart dropped. "What do you mean? Can some one tell me what is going on?" I started shouting

"Calm down Annabeth. Dam you really did not know a single thing."Thalia said and then she turned to Chiron who has been silently standing "How could you not tell her Chiron ? ".

"I was requested not to tell her by Percy himself as it would disturb her work. It was written in the letter." Chiron said

"Why in Hades would you think not telling her would be a good idea ? " Thalia asked

I also looked at him, anger already replacing shock.

"Well Annabeth and Percy had some complications the last time they met and it is in my belief that they were not in a relationship anymore." Chiron said in a neutral tone

There was a dull silence for a moment. Thalia , Jason and Piper looked shocked.

"Percy and me breaking up is not the reason you can keep this from me." I shouted.

"I think you made it pretty clear that he and his condition was the one holding you back from your dreams. Now you have become a minor goddess of construction and style, the world's very best architect. You have everything now, you should be happy. Percy has told in the letter that he has gone to look for a solution to his condition and that he will be back if he heals." Chiron says

I wanted to retort but words got stuck in my throat. I looked down as I took all of this in. Vaguely I heard Thalia asking "Why didn't you stop him? "

"He sneaked out in the middle of the night leaving only the letters. I could not stop him. It was not like he was having a good time in the camp. There were people afraid of him, some mocking him and others avoiding him. I tried to be supportive but I was busy with events after the war with Gaia. I should have predicted his leaving, should have been more careful..." Chiron for the first looked guilty and sad. Towards the end it was more like he was talking to himself.

"I did not realise his condition was so serious and I call myself his friend" Jason said in a self ridiculing way. Piper took his hand consoling him.

"He must have been so alone...so lonely" Thalia muttered. Suddenly she looked at me and said "He jumped in tartarus for you Annabeth. I remember the last time I visited the camp, He was there looking tired as hell but still next to you supporting you when you were having nightmares. And you just...left him ? "

There were tears in her eyes as she spoke. "I am going to Olympus to ask father for support in finding him" Jason said while Thalia nodded to him saying " I am coming with you ".

"I am coming too" I said but Thalia just put her hand in front of me "Please, we do not want you wasting your precious time helping us. You should continue your work" she said with cold voice.

After they left, Chiron nodded at me and and gave me a letter. " It is from him. Take it." After that he left me alone.

I went to my cabin and sat down on my bed. I could not believe that in such short period of time my world has turned upside down. This cannot be happening, he cannot be gone. I will find him, no matter what happens.

FEW WEEKS LATER

I had tried everything. Except asking the gods as they were going to have a meeting today so I will get the chance. Maybe I am a minor goddess now but I am not omni potent. All I could do was track him. All his tracks led me to the edge of the forest. After that it was as if he had disappeared from the face of the planet. Nobody could tell me anything.

One thing which made me curious was Rachel. When I asked her for any prophecy, any hints regarding him she just made a very confused look as she replied "I cannot feel his destiny like I can feel others. " She closed her eyes for a moment and then muttered " Its like he does not even exist anymore. " I remember as my breath halted as I thought the worst. As if reading my thoughts she told me " Do not worry. It does not mean he is dead. Its just ...very strange. Sorry I cannot help you."

The meeting took place at the camp . Every god came even most of the minor gods. There was one particular god who was looking at me in a strange way. He walked to me and I could see his eyes. If I was not a god I don't think I could have looked on. There was only one word to describe it. Terror!.

"We meet at last Annabeth Chase." The man looked at her, tilting his head as if looking at a mystery.

"You are god of nightmares, Iceleus. What is your business with me?" I asked curiously. As far as I remember this is our first meeting of any kind.

Ignoring my question he continued his mutterings " I cannot see why he did so much for you. You do not deserve his gift. Perseus Jackson has always been a mystery to me. I guess love does makes everyone blind ".

I was going to ask him what in Hades was he talking about when my focus went to that one word. Did he just say Perseus Jackson ?

"Have you seen him? Where is he? Is he with you?" questions came pouring out of my mouth.

"Oh he did not tell you about our meeting. He must be having his reasons and I will respect his wish. All I can say Annabeth Chase is that he gave you a huge gift. " With that he walked back to his seat, paying no attention to her.

She just stood there dumbfounded. Gift? What gift? Did Percy give me some gift, why don't I remember it? Dam! She was getting frustrated will all questions no answers. But she knew one thing, all her answers had to be connected to Iceleus. She had to ask her mother or Poseidon.

The meeting started with Zeus announcing his presence with thunder. The camp became quiet with a solemn atmosphere. "So any reports about Percy Jackson?" Zeus started

Everyone shook his head. "So does anyone know about his fate? Is ...he dead?" Zeus asked while looking at Hades.

I crossed my fingers while holding my breath. Hades shook his head" No I cannot feel his soul. In fact I cannot feel him anywhere. " There it was again. Everyone was saying that they could not feel him.

"Is he in Alaska then ?" Zeus asked while rubbing his chin.

"No my lord" came the quick reply of Chiron. "I have sent demigods every month and we can say that we have searched everywhere there. There is no sign of him"

Artemis also said " I have searched with my hunters in the forest. There are no tracks of him"

"Nobody knows anything. Am I supposed to believe that he just vanished in thin air? " Zeus asked getting a bit irritated.

"The last time I saw my son was in the forest near the camp. I had looked at his condition and he was dying. He was isolated in the camp...all alone and abandoned. " With that Poseidon stared at the campers. His voice was quiet and soft but anyone could feel the hidden wrath in it.

All the campers gulped and became nervous. There was pin drop silence.

Breaking the silence Zeus said " Okay Poseidon. I would appreciate it if you stop scaring the campers. How was he dying?"

"That was related to Tartarus and rest is known by Iceleus." Poseidon replied while staring daggers at Iceleus and then slowly looked at me. I could see the complicated look in his eyes as he stared at me.

Iceleus calmly replied "My lord I indeed met him four years back. He had summoned me with a request. After taking his consent on the paper with his blood I granted him his request."

"And what was this request ?" Zeus asked

"Perseus Jackson hasn't said talked about his request to anyone. It is his wish to keep it a secret and I should respect it." Iceleus

"Iceleus, Percy is missing and his mother has gone into depression contemplating suicide. There are literally no leads on him or his whereabouts. So I would request you to tell us what did you do to my son that his condition became so worse." Poseidon said in a calm and clear voice but anyone could tell it was not a request.

I at this point had become very curious. Was Iceleus responsible for Percy's condition? Why ? What grudge can he possibly have against him?

Iceleus hesitated for a while. Finally he sighed and replied " My lord his request was to...transfer nightmares of Miss Chase onto him"

Dead silence. There was a drum beating somewhere or maybe it was just my heart. It was like my blood froze and I could not breathe. No wonder that time he...Being a child of Athena I easily put two and two together and could tell that Iceleus was not lying. I could feel all the campers and Gods gazes on me, but I could not register anything.

All his screams, his two years of crying, of almost becoming a madman. He was fighting his own and my nightmares.

"My lord I had warned him but you know him the best." Iceleus said while having a faraway look on him.

Zeus sensing that the atmosphere has become too complicated for the meeting to continue, dismissed everyone and then vanished. Slowly all the gods vanished leaving only two gods behind. Poseidon and Athena.

Poseidon stared at me for some time before saying " Athena we may have had disagreements in the past but know this. Your daughter is responsible of whatever became of my son. I will not forget this"

He then looked at me "As for you. I will not lie. I really want to blast you to hell but my son loved you and I will respect his wish." With that he vanished leaving only me and my mother.

Athena looked at me for some time before hugging me saying " No matter what they say about you. Know you are my daughter and I am proud of you. Who says children of Athena cant make mistakes ? Mistakes are what makes people wiser. You will only become stronger after this. "

I did not reply. I could not let my voice out as I was still in shock. My mother teleport-ed me into my room and then left quietly.

My mind kept replaying the memories of our adventures. Of our moments together. He had supported me so many times and I could not even handle mere two years of his screaming. The screaming, the nightmares which he took for me.

Then the wave of guilt hit me and it hit me hard almost making it hard for me to breathe. The tears which were in my eyes all this time leaked out and did not stop. I kept sobbing. "Stupid seaweed brain. Why do you always do such stupid things for such a selfish bitch like me ? Why...just why?"

I opened the letter which Chiron gave me. The words written on it made her heart ache harder. 'Stay happy Wise Girl'. Four simple words yet an entire story behind them. I could feel his loneliness, his suffering now.

For weeks she spent the time in her cabinet not leaving , not talking to anyone. She was immortal so she did not require to eat but she was slowly fading as her will to live had collapsed and that could be fatal for God.

The door to her room suddenly opened and to her surprise it was Thalia. She looked at me with her electric blue eyes before asking "What are you doing ?"

I merely looked the other way.

"Haven't you done enough to him and now you are planning to die " Thalia

"What do you care ? I know I deserve much worse than this but please let me fade in peace" I pleaded.

Thalia's eyes softened but her voice was as stern as before "And then what? Will you let your friends and family suffer after dying. What about him? How can you say for sure that he will not come back? What if he comes back and finds that you killed yourself ? Don't you think he will blame himself and suffer more ? "

Using guilt as a way to stop suicidal people, an unconscious thought came. She was Athena's child after all. But what she was saying was having an affect. Yes. He was not dead. His whereabouts were just unknown. I convinced myself with this and my will to live returned a bit.

"Why are you doing this? Don't you hate me? " I asked.

"Of course I am displeased about the way you handled my cousin. I even want to smack you but right now you need support and what friend I am if I abandon you? " Thalia said while smiling.

"Unlike me " I whispered as tears again started falling. Thalia hugged me and said "Don't judge yourself so harshly. Everyone makes mistakes, even you. You must have had your own reasons for your actions at that time."

She pulled me off my bed "Now come and have something to eat. I do not care if you are immortal but I better see you having something to eat".

I smiled at her as I thought . No matter where you are seaweed brain. I will never give up on you, not again. Even if you stop loving me, I will never stop loving you. I make this promise on the river Styx.

Thunder boomed and Thalia turned around to look at her curiously.

"What stupid thing did you do now" Thalia

I smiled at her. No matter what happens I will wait for you forever.

A/N

Well this was a very hard chapter to write. I hope I did not make it very OOC. Hope you enjoyed the chapter. I would very much like to know your thoughts on it so please review. As always new ideas pointers for improvement always appreciated.