Woohoo! I just graduated from elementary school! This will be the last chapter in a while, because like I said, I'm traveling. Our plane leaves tomorrow at noon and it'll take us to Portugal. Lovely. But before that, here's a chapter for you!

Annabeth's POV

Aphrodite. Of all the gods I dislike! This sooo wasn't my day.

"Good evening, Lady Aphrodite," Percy said stiffly.

"No need to be so formal. Aphrodite will do," the goddess of love smiled. "Should we go somewhere... private?" She glanced at me.

"Errm... sure," I said.

We started to walk towards the beach. Percy and I were glancing at each other now and then, sharing confused and irritated looks. Aphrodite followed us, giggling whenever she saw Percy and I look at each other. Arrgh, I hate Aphrodite. When we reached the beach, we sat on a couple of rocks. Aphrodite ogled me and Percy like an alcoholic watches a bottle of wine. It was really annoying. I really didn't know how I should be.

"So... Why are you here, actually?" Percy asked after a humiliating minute had passed in silence.

"Do you even have to ask, Percy?" Aphrodite giggled. "I want to know about you two!"

Oh, Styx. I didn't want to tell Aphrodite about my love life. Thanks, but no thanks.

"Come on, you two! You are officially my favorite couple EVER!" the goddess of love shrieked. Yeesh, we were like a toy to this woman!

"Tell me, Annabeth, what was the first thing you thought when Percy said he'd fallen in love with you?" Aphrodite asked, her eyes piercing my soul. How did she even know about all this? Was she spying on us? Had she been watching Channel Hephaestus?

"I... don't know..." I mumbled.

"Oh, I'm sure you know! Don't be shy. This conversation is confidential. I love you two as a couple. I'm not going to tell anything to your parents!" said Aphrodite.

Yeah, right. Aphrodite is the all-time Miss Gossip.

"Well... I obviously was glad, because I like Percy too," I said. It wasn't quite true. The situation had been sad as ever, but hearing those words coming from Percy made it also the most perfect moment ever. I just didn't want to give too much information.

"I see... And Percy, how long have you been in love with Annabeth?" Aphrodite continued her interview.

"For very long time, that's all I will say," Percy said.

"I know a thing or two about that matter myself," Aphrodite grinned. "I met you when you were on a quest to save your girl, remember?" She elbowed Percy's ribs.

"What? Why haven't you told me, Percy?" I asked. What on earth was this?

"I'll tell you later," Percy told me, touching my hand.

"Oh, there's no need to do it later. I can tell it right now! I just told Percy how much I adored his obsession in saving you and I promised to make his love life interesting. Full of tragedy and indecision!" Aphrodite's eyes were gleaming as she said that. "You really need to thank me for that," she added, looking at Percy.

"Well, thank you, Aphrodite. I think I have had my share of tragedies," Percy muttered.

"Oh, you mean your parents? That makes this even more interesting! Star-crossed lovers, belligerent families... Oh, this is better than Shakespeare!" Aphrodite was excited.

If I wasn't afraid of insulting Aphrodite, I most certainly would have face palmed. This was absolutely ridiculous. I glanced at Percy. He looked irritated beyond words. He looked at me and I smiled.

"Aww, look at you two! You are so cute! Now I'm really going to cry!" shrieked Aphrodite.

"Oh, please don't," I said quickly. She looked at me and smiled.

"You're a lucky girl to get a guy like Percy, Annabeth," she said and stood up. "Now, I must leave you two lovebirds, but don't you worry, I'll be back to check on you!"

She waved at us and vanished in a flash of light. There was a moment of silence, before I broke it.

"I hate that woman!" I said, standing up. Percy grinned at me.

"Yeah, she's so annoying!" he said and smiled.

"What are you smiling at?" I asked. I didn't find anything funny in the visit of the goddess of love.

"It's just silly, that she really thinks love is perfect and a little tragedy really makes people happy," he said and took my hand.

We walked back to the bonfire, where the people were starting to leave and go to bed. Thalia and Grover were still there, sitting in a corner and talking to each other.

"I wonder when those two are going to realize they like each other," Percy said, grinning.

"Maybe someone should give them a little nudge?" I asked.

"Haha, maybe," he laughed. "But I think they should find out by themselves. It's much more dramatic." Ugh, that was a real Aphrodite-ish line.

Percy wrapped his arm around my waist. I couldn't help noticing how much the meaning of that gesture had changed. He'd done that many times before, but it had never felt like this. The gesture had always been friendly or comforting. Now there was a certain difference in the feeling. It was sweeter, more loving.

We walked to Grover and Thalia, who jumped when they saw us in front of them. I wondered what they'd been doing.

"What's up, guys?" Percy asked them.

"Nothing much, just... talking," Grover said, a tiny bit too quickly.

"What have you two been up to?" Thalia asked curiously.

"Aphrodite wanted to have a little chat," I said.

"What did you talk about?" Grover asked, trying to sound casual, though he was hiding a grin.

"Well, what do you expect of Aphrodite?" Percy grimaced.

Thalia laughed.

"Did you enjoy yourselves?" she snickered.

I rolled my eyes. Percy yawned. He'd been up so much today. He must be exhausted.

"Okay, Seaweed Brain, it's time for you to hit the sac!" I said and took Percy's hand.

"Aww," Grover and Thalia said in unison.

"You two are so cute," Grover marveled.

"I know, right?" Percy said. Aww, he'd said the same thing after our night in the tent.

"Yeah, yeah, Seaweed Brain, let's go get some sleep!" Thalia said and we started to walk toward the cabins.

We said goodnight to Thalia in front of Zeus' cabin. I noticed, that the hug Grover gave her lasted much longer than the ones Percy and I gave her. Grover left us in front of Poseidon's cabin and bolted toward cabin twelve. That left only me and Percy standing on Percy's doorstep.

"Well... goodnight, Wise Girl," Percy said. His eyes met mine.

"Night, Seaweed Brain," I answered and couldn't suppress a smile.

"What?" Percy asked.

"Nothing. I'm just happy you're able to hang with us again," I said.

"I'm happy about it, too." Percy smiled too. "Guess what, Annabeth?"

"What?"

"I figured out the 'temper of the ocean' part of the prophecy!" he said.

"Well? What did it mean? Why should I be afraid of you?" I asked, slightly afraid of the answer.

"No need to be afraid, Wise Girl. It's just that my bad temper caused me to attack Kottos and end up in the infirmary," Percy explained.

"Hmm, I guess you're right," I said. I was proud of Percy. He'd learn to think. If my mom only knew how smart he could be... I sighed.

"What are you thinking about?" Percy asked.

"My mom," I said, laying my eyes on the ground.

Percy wrapped his arms around me and smoothed my hair.

"Don't think about it. I'm trying not to think of my dad too. We'll think of a way through this. You'll make the most awesome master plan ever and everything will end up fine," he whispered in my ear. I tried to believe him. He pulled back, looking into my eyes and stroked my cheek with his hand and left it there, cupping my face. My breath caught. Percy leaned forward.

"Goodnight, Annabeth," he whispered and his lips touched mine.

My head spun. His lips were soft and careful. I wrapped my arms around his neck, moving closer to him. Then, as quickly as it'd started, Percy pulled back. Stupid Seaweed Brain. I had just started to enjoy myself.

"Goodnight, Percy," I muttered and he walked inside his cabin, closing the door behind him, after looking at me softly.

I walked slowly to my cabin, where people were getting ready for bed. Jenny, my sister came saw me and came to ask me stuff about Percy's recovering. I suppose I was a bit woozy from Percy's kiss, because at first I couldn't understand her questions at all.

"What's up with you, Annabeth?" Jenny asked.

"Nothing," I said.

"I don't believe you..." she teased. "Tell me, what's going on?"

I sighed.

"Okay, come here." I motioned her to sit on my bed.

"If you tell anyone, I'll have some Ares' kids murder you, okay?" I said in a deadly tone.

"You can trust me, sis," Jenny said solemnly. "Bring it on!"

"Well... It's a long story, but the main point is, that I kinda like Percy. A lot," I said, not wanting to give her too much details.

Jenny's expression was unreadable. After a moment of silence she grabbed my shoulders and shook me.

"Are you serious, Annabeth? I mean, he's a son of Poseidon and everything!" she squealed.

"Shh, I don't want the others to know!" I hushed.

"Still, are you out of your mind?" she continued to shake me.

"No, I'm not. And don't you start that. I already got my ass kicked by mom," I said.

"For a really good reason too! I don't mean that he ain't nice or anything, but still, he is a son of Poseidon. That's a good enough reason not to like him that much," said Jenny, finally letting go of me.

"Okay, I got the point," I snapped. "Now I'll go to bed. Goodnight." I shooed Jenny away from my bed and changed into my pajamas.

Thalia's POV

I lay on my bed, waiting for sleep to come. I thought of the conversation I'd had with Grover after Aphrodite had taken Percy and Annabeth to the beach. First we'd wondered what Aphrodite would have wanted of Annabeth and Percy. We knew she wanted some details of their relationship, but we'd been there when she'd come to see Percy, when we were on a quest to save Lady Artemis and Annabeth. There could have been something else. Then the topic changed to our interrupted camping out. We decided to give it another try, just somewhere else this time. Somewhere 100% safe. We'd wondered where that place would be and Grover had said, that he could do some research. We'd decided to ask Chiron about it too.

When I lay there, thinking about mine and Grover's conversation, I felt...weird. Like something was lightly tugging behind my navel. Minor butterflies in my stomach. It slightly frightened me. What was happening to me? This wasn't right. I was a hunter. I'd taken the oath. I'd turned my back on the company of men. Oh, Styx, this wasn't going well at all. I would start aging again if I fell in love with someone. I couldn't let that happen. I wouldn't let my lady Artemis down.

"Thalia," a voice called me from my door.

It was a voice I knew almost too well – my lady Artemis. I jumped up. Artemis was standing in the doorway, her silvery eyes glinting in the faint glow of the moon outside.

"Lady Artemis!" I bowed and walked toward her. She gave me a faint smile.

"I'm glad to see you're okay. I heard about the fight at Olympus," she said.

"Yeah, it was a tough one..." I started, but Artemis silenced me, raising her index finger.

"But I'm afraid seeing you is not the only reason why I'm here. I have come in serious business," she said, the faint smile vanishing from her face.

"You see, I can sense whenever a huntress of mine is moving further away," she said. Her eyes were piercing my skin, looking straight to my soul, as if looking the truth straight in the eyes. Now I knew why she'd come.

"Thalia, I want you to answer very clearly. Are or are you not falling in love with Grover Underwood?" Artemis asked.

"It's quite complicated... I'm not sure what it is..." I stammered.

"I see. I have come to remind you about the oath you have taken and the consequences if the oath is broken," Artemis said.

"I know. I know I have taken the oath and I won't let you down, my lady. Ever," I said hastily.

"Calm down, Thalia," Artemis soothed. "I just came to remind you about the key points of the oath. My hunters and I have been missing you, lieutenant."

Then she turned around and walked to the door.

"I must go back to my hunters. Remember what I said, Thalia," she said and walked out of my cabin, leaving a silvery glow behind her.

I walked back to my bed and collapsed on it. I had just been thinking about the oath and then Artemis comes and reminds me of it too. Still, I was confused. What should I do with Grover? What should I tell him? Should I just leave the camp and never come back? Would it make me forget about Grover and help me continue my life as a hunter or would it just crush me?

On those thoughts I finally fell asleep.

Percy's POV

I woke up and was a bit confused at first. I had got so used to sleeping in the infirmary, that it felt weird to wake up in my own cabin. I yawned. I was so, so tired! It was obviously because I'd had the longest walk since I'd woken up. I wanted to stay in bed, but I was anxious to see Annabeth. I jumped out of my bed and did a little victory dance. I had finally kissed her! The kiss had been short and testing, but still, it was a kiss. Wohoo! I got dressed, brushed my teeth and tried to smooth my hair, but it was still an arranged disarray on top of my head. I guess it would never be anything else than that.

When I was ready I made my way to the mess hall, where some of the campers were already having breakfast. I saw Grover sitting in the table twelve with Chiron and Mr. D. I said good morning to him and went to sit at my table. I grabbed a sandwich from a platter of a wood nymph who was walking past me. My eyes scanned the tables, looking for a certain Wise Girl. Then I saw her, sitting in her table, surrounded by her siblings. Sometimes I envied her for having so many brothers and sisters. In my cabin there was only me. And sometimes Tyson, when he visited from the army. So no wonder I sometimes felt a bit lonely. Then again, being the only demigod son of Poseidon had its privileges – I got to put the lights out whenever I wanted and I didn't have to take care of my younger siblings or anything.

Annabeth saw me looking at her and smiled. I grinned back at her, mouthing 'good morning'. She mouthed back. I saw her sister, Jenny scold at her. What was that all about? Hmm... Another good thing about the absence of siblings: no fighting among them.

Annabeth was soon finished with her breakfast and she started to leave the mess hall. I quickly swallowed the rest of my sandwich, almost choking at some point. Then I followed Annabeth out of the pavilion.

"Hey, Wise Girl! Wait up!" I yelled as I ran toward her. She turned and smiled.

"Morning, Seaweed Brain," she said in a soft tone when I reached her.

I pulled her in a warm hug. I didn't dare to do anything else. Not with all the people around. Her hair smelled like lemon soap again. One of my favorite scents in the whole wide world.

"Have you seen Thalia?" Annabeth asked.

That was a good question. I hadn't seen her this morning.

"No, I haven't seen her. I wonder where she might be," I said, pulling away from our embrace.

"Guys! Percy! Annabeth!" I heard Grover yell from behind us. He ran to us and asked about Thalia too. Apparently he hadn't seen her either. Where could she be?

We searched the camp grounds, from the beach all the way to Thalia's pine tree. Could it be possible that she was still in her cabin? She didn't usually sleep that long, but since we couldn't find her anywhere else, we decided to check her cabin too. So we walked to cabin one and peered inside.

Thalia was sitting on the edge of her bed, staring at her feet.

"Thalia! We've been looking for you!" Annabeth shrieked and ran to her friend. Grover and I followed her. Annabeth sat on Thalia's bed and wrapped her arm around her.

"What's wrong?" she asked and looked at me and Grover with a time-for-girl-talk-go-away expression. We darted out of the cabin and left Annabeth alone with Thalia.

"What could've happened to her?" Grover wondered as we paced the field in the middle of the cabins.

"I don't know, but I just hope it's nothing serious," I said, though Thalia's expression had made it quite clear, that serious was a very good word for all of this.

Soon enough Annabeth and Thalia came out of cabin one. They looked like nothing had happened. Thalia was a bit quiet, but apart from that, she was back to normal. We had sword-fight practice, so we walked to the arena to find Nico fighting with Clarisse. The other campers watched them as they lunged and parried in a well memorized pattern. Soon Clarisse, who was swinging her sword aggressively, sent Nico's sword flying out of his hand. The audience applauded, including Thalia, Annabeth, Grover and I. Chiron told us all to divide in pairs and practice. Thalia wanted to practice with Annabeth, so that left me and Grover as my practice partner. I uncapped Riptide for the first time after the battle at Olympus. As the pen grew into a sword in my hand, I started to suspect there was something wrong. The sword felt awfully heavy and ill-balanced in my hand. I supposed it was because I was still weaker than I had been. But there was still something wrong. As I attacked Grover, he parried my strike with ease and in a matter of seconds his blade was at my throat. I had never lost a battle in this amount of time. It was like I'd completely forgotten how to fight. I felt weak and Riptide grew even heavier in my hand.

The following two hours were a nightmare. Grover sent Riptide flying from my hand time and time again, my defense sucked, my attack plan was predictable. I had completely lost my touch on sword-fighting.

After the practice the sound of the conch horn invited us to have lunch. Thalia and Nico were still allowed to sit with me at Poseidon's table. Grover sat at Dionysus' table and Annabeth sat with her siblings. I ate my lunch quickly, because I wanted to ask Annabeth about Thalia. Annabeth and I finished almost at the same time and we walked out of the pavilion together.

"How was practice?" Annabeth asked.

"I sucked. My skills have got rusty," I muttered. "You?"

"I sucked too. I couldn't get a grip on my thoughts," she said.

"What was wrong with Thalia?" I asked, looking at Annabeth. She hesitated and then said:

"Well... She's a hunter, right?"

"Yeah, what about it?" I asked, wondering what that was about.

"And if a hunter falls in love with... I don't know... for example a satyr named Grover..." Annabeth said, raising her eyebrows.

"Oh, I see," I said. Of course. I hadn't given that much thought, but it was true. If Thalia fell in love with Grover, she would have to leave the hunters. The last few days had been one big roller coaster of emotions. And relationships. Thank the gods, we would play capture the flag tonight. That would get my thoughts off relationship stuff.

Annabeth's POV

After dinner my siblings and I carried Athena's flag to the Mess Hall. From the opposite side, Apollo's kids were carrying their banner (gold with paintings of a lyre, bow and a laurel tree). Athena's cabin was accompanied by Dionysus', Poseidon's and Hermes' cabins. The others were on Apollo's side. Chiron made his speech about the rules. It was always the same, so I didn't pay much attention.

We armed ourselves and Malcolm led our team to the forest. Soon I realized something was wrong. It was just the same as it had been in sword-fighting practice. I couldn't get a grip on my thoughts. This was usually the time, when I made a plan, which would lead us to victory. Now, I couldn't concentrate on anything. It was frustrating. I felt dumb. I caught up with Percy, who was running a few meters ahead. He looked concerned.

"What's up, Seaweed Brain?" I asked him.

"I'm not feeling so well... But I'm okay," he said.

I was placed in border patrol, accompanied by Percy and a guy from Dionysus' cabin. I recalled his name was Jack.

The conch horn blew and we heard the people in the front line attack each other. Usually I was thrilled about the fight, but now I was just concerned. Why couldn't I concentrate on thinking? I looked at Percy. He wasn't looking too good.

"Percy, should you go to the water? You look awful," I said, motioning toward the creek.

"No, no. I'm fine, I'm fine," Percy said. Who did he think he was kidding? Even a blind man could see he wasn't okay.

Suddenly a bunch of Ares' kids were running toward us, their swords up. I recognized Clarisse in the front.

"Get them!" Clarisse yelled and they charged at us.

A huge boy swung his sword at me, but I parried it and charged. Then suddenly my mind went blank. I couldn't think at all. I wasn't able to prepare for the Ares' kid's next move, nor plan mine. I was stunned by the feeling of inability and I was disarmed. I saw Percy swing Riptide at Clarisse, who'd taken him as her goal. His moves were predictable and feeble. Soon enough, Percy's sword fell to the ground. I saw him gathering his strength to call the water from the creek. He raised his hands and furrowed in concentration. Nothing happened. Percy was thunderstruck. He looked at me, his expression full of disbelief with a hint of fear. What was happening to him?

"Hahaha! Not so powerful anymore, huh, punk?" Clarisse laughed and she and her siblings took care of Jack. We had lost the game.

I saw, that the whole Apollo's team had come to watch Ares' kids defeat us. Thalia and Nico watched us, their eyes wide with disbelief.

After Chiron had declared Apollo's team as winners, I wanted to have a shower and a good night's sleep. I headed toward the cabins. Soon I got company from Nico, Thalia, Percy and Grover.

"What happened back there?" Thalia asked Percy. He frowned.

"I don't know. I didn't get any contact with the water at all. It didn't obey me," he said. "It seemed to me, that you had some problems too, Annabeth," he changed the subject and looked at me.

"I couldn't concentrate at all. My mind went blank and I wasn't able to plan the attack. It was terrible!" I said.

I was devastated. After all, I was a daughter of Athena. I was supposed to be smart. Thinking was my strength. Now, that I couldn't think, I didn't feel like myself at all.

"What is happening to us?" I asked quietly.

"I don't know. I really don't," Percy said and wrapped his arm around my waist. "But we'll figure it out, okay?" he continued.

There was so many things to figure out. Our parents, Thalia's problem, our vanishing powers... I couldn't see how we ever could solve our problems. Still, I nodded and said:

"Yeah, we'll figure it out."

"Maybe you should ask Chiron?" Thalia suggested.

That was true. Maybe Chiron would have a clue of what is going on. He was old and wise. We decided to ask him in the morning.

When we reached the cabins I nearly had a heart attack – my mother was standing next to a greek statue with (believe it or not) Lord Poseidon. This could only mean one thing. We were screwed.

"I...don't want to bother anyone, so... I think I'll just go..." Grover trailed off and ran to Dionysus' cabin.

"Good evening, dad, Lady Athena," Percy bowed. Nico and Thalia were glancing at each other and us.

"Good evening, Perseus," Lord Poseidon said. My mom snorted.

"I'm not sure if the evening is good, but it certainly is an evening. The boy's got brain after all," she ragged.

I wanted to punch the living daylights out of her, but that wouldn't be the smartest thing to do, so instead I said:

"Good evening, mother."

Athena scowled at me.

"Evening, Annabeth," she said half-heartedly.

"Children, we have come in a serious business," Poseidon said. He eyed both of us.

If only they'd be in a better mood! We could ask them about our missing powers. After all, they were gifts from our parents.

"We visited you both last night and told you to keep away from each other," said Poseidon.

"But did you listen?" Athena added, glaring at us. "I don't think so. And every family rule broken has its consequences."

"Calm down, Athena. They need to be explained," Poseidon snapped at my mom.

"Have you experienced something rather strange lately?" he asked then.

"Well... If you consider our powers suddenly disappearing strange, then yeah," Percy said.

"Yes, I definitely consider it strange," Poseidon nodded. "You see, like Athena just said, families have certain rules. Especially godly families. You should never mess with us. We asked you a simple favor. You two know perfectly well about our... hmph... relationship."

"Just get to the point, Barnacle Beard. I don't want to spend the night here with you," Athena interrupted.

"Stop nagging, woman!" Poseidon snapped and then continued:

"You didn't obey the rules, there will be consequences."

So that's what this is about!

"What can we do to get our powers back?" I asked.

"I think you know the answer already," said Poseidon.

"At least you should be clever enough to know," mom snapped.

"I'm not sure, because I'm only average now that you've taken my powers away!" I said back.

"Calm down, Annabeth," Percy whispered and touched my hand. His touch soothed me.

"So, I guess that's all," Poseidon said, looking at Athena.

"Yes. I don't have anything more to say," she said.

"If you ever feel like doing what's right instead of easy, give Hermes a call," said Poseidon.

Then they vanished, leaving a business card behind. Percy picked it. It was Hermes'. Thalia and Nico were too shocked to say anything.

The pressure of our parents had been too much for me. I broke into sobs. Percy pulled me in a comforting hug.

"Shh, it's okay, Annabeth. Please don't cry," he said and kissed the top of my head.

"This is just too much... I can't stand being apart from you," I sobbed in his chest.

"You don't have to be. I promised I won't leave you. I swore it upon the river Styx," Percy said, hugging me even tighter, which I was very glad of.

"I know, Percy," I sighed.

When we finally pulled apart Percy's closeness had calmed me down. Thalia and Nico had stayed there and watched us in silence.

"I'm so sorry for you two. I just wish there was a way to help," Thalia said. Nico nodded solemnly.

"Thanks, guys, but I don't think there's anything you can do," said Percy.

I just couldn't believe this. Our parents had taken our powers away, because we were in love. That would mean, that we were mere mortals now. We probably couldn't read Ancient Greek anymore. We weren't dyslexic. We didn't have ADHD. All of our battle reflexes had disappeared. I had a bad feeling about all of this.

"Help! I'm trapped into a terrifying nightmare and I can't wake up!" I said and hung my head.

"Should I sing you to sleep again?" Percy asked. It would be awesome, but I had a feeling, that my siblings wouldn't actually like it it Percy would come to our cabin and we'd cuddle on my bed. Hah! That was so not going to happen!

"Thanks, Seaweed Brain, but I don't think my siblings will allow it," I said and kissed the tip of his nose.

"Awww," Thalia and Nico sighed. I stuck my tongue out at them. They grinned.

"You two deserve each other. Your parents will soon realize it too," Nico said. "But now I'm going to hit the sac, so goodnight!" He walked to his cabin.

"Yeah, goodnight. I suppose I should go and give my siblings another reason to hate me..." I said.

When my siblings would find out about the loss of my powers, they most certainly would go all 'told you so' and 'you deserve it'. Ugh.

"Goodnight, Annabeth," Percy said and hugged me again. I had waited for a goodnight kiss, but a hug would do.

"Night, Thalia," I said and walked to my cabin. I was glad about the fact, that no one came to ask me about getting our asses kicked in 'capture the flag'. I went straight to the shower and then to bed. Just before I fell asleep, I made a silent plea to any of the gods, who would listen.

Please, help us.

Now, it's my time to say goodbye to you, people! But just for a little while. I'll be back with new tricks in my sleeve! Until then,

Peace, love, PJO.

Luv,

AC