Stupid Cupid

~Stupid Cupid - Chapter 27

Thalia took the lead at some point between Cabin 3 and the Big House. No one stopped her but I don't think anyone could have even if they wanted to. A feeling in my gut told me that I should run - don't get me wrong, I didn't want to be a coward again but, gods, I wanted to follow along with that feeling. The only problem with the plan of running until I passed out was the fact that a certain son of Hades was gripping my hand in a death lock. I couldn't move my finger tips let alone move my hand from Nico's. 

To keep my mind off of the whole 'Thalia is out to ruin my entire screwed up life' thing I focused on the fact that for the first time since I'd been at Camp Half Blood there was nothing going on. No campers were running around trying to get to training, no nymphs were scurrying to help the Demeter kids with the strawberry fields (which actually only happened if the Hephaestus kids got too close to anything green), and I hadn't seen one Ares kid beating on other campers throughout the trip. I had to admit I was very concerned about this fact. Percy had told me things get quieter at summer's end but this was ridiculous. Something had to be wrong.

My suspicions were not relieved when we got to Chiron who looked as though the actual angle of death was knocking on the door with pastries. It seemed that I was not the only one who realized the situation because Thalia - who had been quite determined seconds before - had shrunk back and silenced herself in front of the centaur. Chiron looked among our group. His eyes swept over the faces until they landed on me. His dark eyes held a look of guilt but I saw something else flash in them when they connected with mine. Fear. 

"I'm glad you're here. Please, come inside. Hurry, hurry. We do not have much time. I was just about to send for you." Chiron ushered all of us inside but he sounded as though he was addressing myself and Nico more so than the rest. 

"Chiron, what's going on? Where are the campers? We still have another two weeks of summer." Percy and Annabeth both looked worried as they looked up at Chiron.

"I've sent them home. All end of summer activities have been set for the beginning of next year along with the camp necklaces."

"But why? What's so bad that we couldn't withstand another two weeks?" This time it was Jason to speak.

"There have been new facts and issues that came to light within the past few weeks. I took it upon myself to send all younger campers home along with any campers who have family matters to attend to. Mr. Jackson, I understand your lack of knowledge on the situation seeing as you have very few siblings but Annabeth, you should have been informed seeing as you are the counselor of your mother's cabin."

"I've been a bit caught up with another issue. That's actually why we are here. Chiron, we must talk to you about something that Sky saw."

"Annabeth, I'm sorry for being rude, but whatever it is can wait. It has to wait."

"Chiron, what's going on?" Jason's blue eyes were narrowed and steady as he looked at the centaur.

"We - and Olympus - have been deceived. The quest in which Nico and Sky were sent on was a faux adventure that the goddess Nyx set up. She has fooled us all - Sky, Nico, even the gods of Olympus. If we do not hurry the world as we know it could end. I have reason to believe that Nyx is planning to release the souls of the Underworld and the creatures and gods that are locked in Tartarus. I also have reason to believe that Nyx is not working only with the gods of the Underworld but with Cupid as well."

Chiron stopped to take a breath. No one spoke. I was too scared and hurt to think properly. I had no thoughts. To try and calm my nerves I looked at Nico but his face was blank and stony. Chiron began again before I could reach for my boyfriend's hand.

"Both I and Camp Jupiter have lost all contact with Olympus and Iris Messaging is failing drastically. The last communication I had with Olympus was over a week ago and it was not good. From what I heard, Thanatos was missing and Hades had not been heard from since Nico and Sky had been in Olympus after their quest. What was thought to be the next Great Prophecy was simply a small quest set up to look like a big one. I am afraid that we have a new prophecy of much greater importance and urgency. Rachel is on her way now. All of you must sit. It seems this will be a long night for everyone."