Annabeth

"Be careful, Annabeth," Piper called over her shoulder as she exited the room.

I offered a reassuring wave. "Don't worry, I'm almost positive no one else knows about the passage, I'll be fine." It didn't totally convince Piper, who gave me a long stare. But she shrugged and continued towards the door to my room. I looked at Thalia, seeing her strutting towards the door, not caring to even say goodbye.

"Don't be too worried, Thals." I chuckled.

"Hey, not worrying doesn't mean I don't care," Thalia protested, spreading her hands. "It means that I have full confidence you'll be fine. Now come on, Piper! I'm hungry!"

She grabbed Piper's sleeve, dragging her out of the room. Piper gave me a small smile and wave as she was escorted out of the room by Thalia. I shook my head, a grin coming onto my face. It wasn't easy to suppress a lot of smiles this day. I was really happy. After all, why wouldn't I be? The Test was done, that was off my chest, and I was going to see Percy. It sounded like a good day to me.

I turned and trotted to my room. It was ten minutes until we had to meet, but I wanted to get down there to intercept Percy when he came in. I didn't know how he was going to get in, but I hoped Poseidon would show him. The only entrances I knew of was the one in my closet, which was the one I was using now, and the other in the fountain room. I'm sure there is more, ones that I don't know about. But that's just it, I don't know about them. I just have to trust that Poseidon will keep any hostile creatures out of the passageways.

Stepping into my closet, I looked over my shoulder one more time. I didn't want anybody knowing about the entrance, or the tunnel. Thalia and Piper had been gracious enough to give me some privacy as I entered. They knew there was a secret tunnel, but they didn't know how or where to get into it. Well, they know it's somewhere in my room, but other than that, nothing.

I trusted them to not peek, but there was something nagging at me. I couldn't place it exactly, but I think it had to do with Silena's odd behavior the other day. I don't know why she was acting that way, because I refused to believe she would be a spy, and betray my trust. But... what if she was? What was she doing in here, rummaging through my belongings? It didn't make sense. But I let her take the day off, because I didn't want to take any chances of her being in my room when I entered or exited the tunnel.

After making sure nobody was in my room, I went into the tunnel. I shut the painting behind me, making the corridor go dark.

I blinked. Dark? But there should be the greek fire torches burning. I blinked again, coaxing my eyes to become accustomed to the sudden darkness. After a few moments, I could make out the corridor. I could also see the empty sconces that usually hold the torches. A cold hand clutched my heart. Something wasn't right here. Only a person could have taken those down.

I glanced behind my back, every tiny sound suddenly becoming a fierce killer or monster bearing down upon me. Ragged breaths came from my mouth, and my eyes were as wide as drachmas. Slowly I turned around and started inching my way to the nearest sconce, keeping a constant alert for any movement around me. I reached out, putting my hand on the wall right behind a sconce, and found it warm to the touch.

Great. Just great, I thought. Along with a few other words, not quite as kid-friendly. My rising panic urged the curses on.

Warm meant recent. Whoever took these torches and either put them out (which is relatively hard to do when it's greek fire, just saying) or hid them was close by.

Percy. Maybe it was Percy. But that didn't make sense; why would Percy do this?

I don't know how, but a sixth sense warned me of danger. As a natural instinct, I ducked, and heard more than saw a thick, wooden club whistle over me. The person who attacked me cursed as they realized they had missed me. I didn't waste any time, but launched myself forward, colliding with the abdomen of my opponent. It was a hard enough hit to knock both of us down. It's not easy to wrestle someone when you can't really see anything, but I did my best.

I gripped what I felt was a wrist, pinning it to the floor beneath my left knee. I tried to secure the other flailing arm, but only grabbed the elbow. Not a good move. The person's hand came up under my jaw, hitting me with force strong enough to jerk my head back and throw me off the person. But as the person stood up again, I swung my legs around, making him or her collapse once more. I was about to pounce, but then I felt a thick arm catch me around the neck, slicing off my access to oxygen. I tried to cough and breath, but to no use.

My limbs swung around, trying in vain to unhinge me from the death grip that I was in. But with each passing second, my mind grew fuzzier, yellow spots danced around in my vision, and my strength was waning.

I stayed conscious just long enough to hear the one who I was fighting with say in an angry tone, "Gods, she's fast!" and rub his shoulder that he had fell upon when I tripped him.

That gave me a bit of smug satisfaction as I drifted into unconsciousness. At least I put up some fight.

My last thought was of Percy, and I prayed quickly that he was safe.

Percy

Something wasn't right.

It was a half of an hour after when we had met yesterday, and I had been trying to talk with my dad telepathically, but it just wasn't going through. Annabeth must be waiting down in the tunnel, maybe thinking I wasn't going to come, that I was just going to ditch her. That thought made me anxious, and I tried to call out to Poseidon once more.

Dad? You there? Please answer me! I kicked at the sand below my feet, frustrated. I was standing on the beach in Athens. After about fifteen minutes of me trying and failing to contact Poseidon, I walked briskly to the ocean to see if I had better luck there.

Seems as though the Fates just weren't on my side today. Even though I could scream pretty loud in my mind (I yell at myself a lot), either my dad was ignoring me or he really just couldn't hear. Though the latter choice seemed really weird, because I can't remember a time when I've attempted to talk to my dad and he hasn't answered.

Well, I was getting impatient. I didn't even have that much patience to start out with, too.

It obviously wasn't getting through, but I wanted to keep trying. I couldn't just leave Annabeth in that tunnel thinking I didn't care or didn't want to see her. Exasperation rose up within me. What can I do? I could try to find the tunnel myself, but with my navigation abilities on land, that probably was impossible. What about-

Percy.

My thought's froze. That was my dad. His voice my name was so faint I could've imagined it. Poseidon was either half-asleep or something was stopping him from communicating full on with me. It was as if his voice was being carried by the gentle breeze coming from the sea, floating by me, allowing me to hear it then feel it echo in my head softly.

Dad? I asked hesitantly.

Percy. His voice was still really soft. Don't go in the tunnel.

As soft as it was, I could sense the underlying urgency in it. Well, that won't be much of a problem, I said a bit scoffingly, because you haven't answered me so I don't know where it is.

Annabeth... to Antikythera... hurry...

I only got bits and pieces, it was too quiet. But even that small bit made my mind race. Annabeth... to Antikythera... hurry...? Where's Antikythera? Why do I have to hurry? And why does "hurry" make me think something bad has happened?

Dad, I can't hear you! I was getting more agitated by the second. What was wrong?

Dad! Poseidon! What about Annabeth?

It took a few seconds, but I heard my father's quiet voice. Hard to communicate... someone interfering... Annabeth kidnapped... left minutes ago... hurry... can't... any longer... hurry!

The last word he said was louder than the others, like he was making one last effort to tell me something. I almost screamed in vexation. I couldn't hear the majority of those sentences, but I got the gist of it.

Annabeth has been kidnapped.

Just those four words sent blindingly hot rage spilling into me. Whoever had kidnapped her was not going to get away with this, I wouldn't allow it. And when I caught the kidnapper... let's just say he would probably rather be in the deep pits of Tartarus than face the pain I was going to bring him.

I tried contacting my dad one more time, to see if he could give me more information, but he was gone. Pivoting on my heel, I sprinted towards Allsortsofpeople Inn and Tavern, rage and terror flooding me. What if Annabeth was hurt? I couldn't let it happen. Who kidnapped her? I was guessing it was Luke, but I seriously hoped I was wrong.

A thought made me abruptly pause my running. How could I be sure this is real? Maybe that wasn't my dad. Something definitely was suspicious, like how my dad didn't answer at first, and when he did, it was really faint. It could have been someone else who can somehow speak telepathically with me... but that did make sense either.

I resisted the urge to punch the nearest wall. I was so confused. I didn't know anything.

I needed Annabeth, she always seemed to have answers. The thought of her set me off again. If she wasn't kidnapped, and that was someone other than my dad (which was doubtful, but still possible) then everything was fine, I would just have to worry about Annabeth waiting for me. But I had a feeling it was true, and that Annabeth was in danger. Either way, I had to figure out.

But Allsortsofpeople Inn and Tavern wouldn't give me answers. I need to go somewhere else.

My feet took off towards the hill that held Athena's temple. I knew what I was doing was probably suicide, considering if I go anywhere near her temple, Athena has threatened to incinerate me, but I had to. I needed to know if Annabeth was safe or not. I raced through the streets of Athens, dodging people and yelling sorry over my should to people who I bumped into. The words rang through my head, going faster than my feet. Annabeth kidnapped. To Antikythera.

I had reached the top of the hill. I saw the intricately carved columns supporting the roof, the nymphs and dryads and satyrs roaming about, demigods chatting as if nothing was wrong. I wanted to scream at them. If Annabeth was in danger, everybody should be trying to find her in my opinion. Nobody should be laughing if she had been captured. There should be no happiness in the world at the moment. I wasn't looking where I was going and I ran right into someone, knocking her down.

"Sor- Piper?" I said, helping Piper up. The instant I saw her face, my suspicions were confirmed. Anxiety and pain was prominent in her eyes. Her hands were clutching her dark purple dress worriedly. Before she could do anything, however, I grabbed her shoulders and shook her. I didn't care if I was being rough, I had to know.

"Where is she?" I yelled, acquiring an audience around us. "Where's Annabeth?"

Piper shook her head, biting her lip, "We don't know. She was going to the tunnel, but now... now Athena says she's been captured. I was just going to come get you, Nico, and Jason, because Athena needs yours and their presence in her council room-"

I didn't hear anything else, I was practically flying through the large hall, heading towards the council room. It was easy to find, because the council room was always one of the most important part of a god's temple. So it was pretty much in the most common spot of the building. I saw the huge double doors, placed my hands on them, and shoved them both open, the anger in my body strengthening me. My mind flashed back to a time very similar to this, when Annabeth had just stepped through the portal, was being torn away from me. I had shoved open the doors at Olympus, going into their council room. That had been one of the worst days of my life, but now, I would rather be in that situation than right now. At least then I knew she was safe, now I don't know. I don't know. That made me feel weak and helpless. If I knew something, I could do something. But I didn't.

I entered the council room. I wasn't coming here because Athena demanded me to, I could care less about her demands. But I came here to learn something about the whereabouts of Annabeth. I needed to find her.

My eyes traveled briefly around the room, and I saw nobody except Athena. My eyes met hers, and I expected to see her wrath written in her gray eyes. I expected her to curse me with everything she could think of, accuse me of taking her daughter, or at least being responsible for this. I expected a lot, and all of it had the base line of Athena being furious.

But instead I found despair in her eyes, anguish in every little movement of hers. There was no anger, just distress.

For a moment we just stared at each other, two enemies who straight-up hated each other, yet we both cherished the same thing. The same person.

I spoke shakily, my trepidation barely being suppressed. "Where is Annabeth," I demanded.

Athena drew a quivering breath, her hands trembling at her sides. "She was captured. Don't ask my how, why, or where," she said as I opened my mouth to ask just that. "I don't know. I just know when one of my children are peril, and she is. Thalia and Piper tell me that she was going to meet you when I summoned them to ask them if they knew where Annabeth was." At that I studied the goddess' face to see if she was mad at us trying to meet, but I saw no change in her current emotional state. Either she was waiting until later to punish me painfully, or maybe Annabeth's safety was truly her sole predicament right now. She continued, "But that's all they knew. She's been taken, and I don't know by whom or where they are headed-"

"Antikythera." My interruption was probably dangerous, seeing as you aren't supposed to interrupt a god unless you had a death wish, but Athena didn't care right now, and frankly, neither did I. "My dad knew somehow, and he told me Annabeth was kidnapped, and then he said Anitkythera. I couldn't hear him fully, because something or someone was blocking our communication, but he said something about 'left minutes ago,' and I'm assuming he meant whoever took Annabeth." My voice caught a little at her name, but I kept talking, "We need someone to go save her!" By someone I meant me, but I didn't know how that would go over with Athena.

Athena nodded, "Yes. We do. That's your new quest. You and your Questers are to go and rescue Annabeth whatever the cost."

I frowned. I wanted to, but usually the quests I'm sent on are agreed on by all the gods. Or at least discussed with all the gods. "Did the other gods suggest this also? Do they want me to?" Don't blame me for asking. If they don't agree on something, then it turns out into a family argument. And a family argument between the gods usually means flattened villages, numerous killings, and lots of dead demigods. I didn't want to be held responsible for that.

Athena leaned forward in her marble throne pedestal thing. She examined me with glittering eyes that look so painfully similar to Annabeth's. "Perseus Jackson, my daughter is captured. At the moment, I don't care about anything else, including the gods. I want my child back."

Okay, that shocked me. All this time, I had been thinking horrible thoughts about Athena, partially because she's my dad's archenemy, partially because she split me and Annabeth up. It just had seemed like Athena really didn't care for Annabeth. When she had enforced the Forbiddance Law, I thought it was all to get at my dad, but maybe... maybe she actually does care for Annabeth that much. It certainly seemed so after her last few sentences. She was willing to go to the extreme (and I mean extreme. Athena asking a son of Poseidon to rescue her daughter? Never thought I'd see that) to get Annabeth home safe.

At that moment, Jason and Nico rushed into the council room. Upon seeing Athena, they dropped to one knee.

"Oh, get up!" She snapped. Jason and Nico stood up, looking startled. I was startled too. Annabeth's disappearance must have rattled Athena hard to get her to act like this.

"You three are in charge of rescuing Annabeth. Antikythera is where they are apparently heading, according to Poseidon," she said his name with clenched teeth. That hasn't changed. "Find her and return her to her home as quickly as possible. You are dismissed."

Out of all the quests I had been on, this was probably the most simple. Yet it held so much.

Jason, Nico and I dipped our heads in Athena's direction, then we all turned and started going back out the door. Nico and Jason were the first to exit, and I was about to step out of the room and close the doors when I heard Athena one last time.

"Percy." Her voice had lost the demanding tone, now I just heard misery.

I looked at her. She was sitting limply in her seat, her hands folded in her lap. Her eyes held so much worry and sorrow even I felt bad for her. I gave her a questioning look.

"Please bring my daughter back." Desperation was laced into her words, and her voice caught on the word daughter. I was shocked to see her eyes water up. I didn't think Athena had enough emotion in her to cry at anything.

I took one long look at her, then nodded, departing without any more conversation.