The Forgotten Ones

Part 4

Nico's point of view: 

After Clarisse came to Will we threw some of our food into the fire with everyone else, and then sat back down. 

I thought about the dragon, Peleus, and remembered all the times I helped Will and the other Apollo children, with trying to treat it. We had done everything we could have done to help it ourselves. I watched as the two Apollo kids that had just been caring for Peleus, and usually sit in front of me and Will went straight to Chiron before sitting down, which wasn't normal. 

I watched as Chiron got up at whatever they said and then galloped out of the Mess Hall, Mr. D, groaning, but following. 

I elbowed Will slightly, to get his attention, and said, "I think something's wrong with Peleus." 

Will frowned and put down his fork since he was just about to take a bite of his food. I made a note that it was Macaroni and Cheese tonight, and Ella wouldn't eat that since she disliked cheese. 

He stood up, "We'll be right back," Will told the people sitting around us, and then gestured towards the table where Chiron and Mr. D weren't. The others immediately understood and nodded as we left to go see what was wrong. 

"What's the worse that could happen?" I muttered under my breath as we jogged over to Thalia's tree, where Mr. D, Chiron, Tyson, Ella, and the two Apollo children stood. 

"What's going on?" Will asked everyone, and then we saw the dragon. 

It looked horrible, and I sensed it was close to death. 

"Oh," Chiron said noticing us, "Nico, can you sense if it is close to death?" 

I went up to it sympathetically and patted its snout next to Ella, who was scratching his neck and head affectionately, "It is, I have a feeling he won't last for very much longer." 

Chiron crossed his arms and said, "Amy, Lily," Addressing the two Apollo kids they perked up at the sound of their names, "Go back down to the Mess Hall, and try not to tell anyone and cause a panic." 

They obeyed and jogged down the hill. 

Will asked, "So what are we going to do?" 

Chiron sighed and Mr. D walked away back towards the Mess Hall muttering something under his breath. 

"We are discussing this later tonight with the Camp, I-" 

"It's a quest isn't it?" I interrupted, crossing my arms, looking at the dying creature. 

Chiron sighed once again, and nodded, "Yes, Nico." 

Tyson I realized had been quieter than normal and he noticed me looking at him. 

"Will Peleus be okay?" Tyson asked grimly, not having his usual child-like happiness and expression. 

"Ella is sure he will be okay," Ella said determinedly and then looked around at all of us as if daring to argue. The both of them were acting differently in this situation. I would have to ask WIll about it later to see if he noticed it too. 

"I'm assuming you are going to be making the announcement at the campfire?" Will asked, walking over to me, and reaching for my hand. I took it as Chiron nodded, "Yes. But for right now, let's finish dinner."