I had been trying to call Annabeth ever since Rachel and I stopped watching the news. Everything started to get really repetitive. As if I needed constant reminders that the sun was gone. That was a bit obvious, as it was 2 in the afternoon and it appeared like it was 2 in the morning. For some reason, her phone would not ring, and it would automatically go to that robotic sounding lady that tells you that the person you are trying to call is unavailable and to please leave a message, thanks.

I hoped everything was okay with her. I needed to talk to her. I needed to hear her voice. I know I only talked to her last night… but this is an emergency. I mean… if the Gods don't know what the Hades is going on… then all of humanity should be worried. I was worried. But I didn't want to have to worry about Annabeth… I needed her.

My bedroom door opened, revealing Rachel.

"Get a hold of Annabeth, yet?"

"No." I sighed, tossing my cell phone down onto my bed.

"Do you think anything is wrong? Other than the fact that the sun is M.I.A."

"I hope not. I mean… Greek monsters revel in the darkness. I hope that… I dunno." I reached for my phone again and hit redial for the 24th time. Putting the phone up to my ear, I sat and waited to hear the dreaded phone lady.

Sure enough…

"Hello. You have reached 415-183-2511. They are currently unavailable to answer their phone. Please leave a message after the tone. BEEP."

"Hey Wisegirl… I'm sure you have about 20 messages and 30 missed calls on your phone. But please, call me back when you can… as soon as you can… love you, bye."

Once again I tossed my phone onto my bed. I looked up at Rachel, and she gave me a pitying and worried look. Then she came over and sat by me.

"What are we going to do, Percy?"

"Well, my dad never got back to me. Something must be really wrong with Apollo… I just don't understand how the sunlight can disappear… just… completely vanish."

"Do you think it's… you know… a natural thing that just happened? Do you think the world is going to end soon? You know what I mean…"

"Yeah, I do know what you mean. And no, I don't think this happened all by itself. Something from our world is behind it… Annabeth told me that if the Sun were to ever go out, like… the actual Sun, not just its light going away… that it would take about 8 minutes for the Earth to find out, and then we would all be gone. The Sun is supposedly supposed to explode or something in a couple billion years. Not this. This was never predicted."

"All the scientists are completely baffled. The Sun is still there. It's just… its light isn't shining. And it's still emanating heat…"

"I don't know for how much longer."

"What do you mean?"

I told her my bonfire theory.

"Oh my gods… Percy…"

"We're looking at the entire face of our planet changing in a short amount of time."

"What do you think the gods are doing?"

"Trying to help Apollo. Figuring this out."

"Percy… do you think… that if… Apollo does die… do you think that… well, the Oracle is connected to him. Do you think that… I…"

I looked at Rachel quizzically. I hadn't even thought about the effects on Rachel because of Apollo's… well… illness.

"I… I don't know."

Rachel looked down at the floor. I scooted up next to her and put my arm around her shoulders.

"Listen, Rach… I promise, I'll do everything I can… we'll get through this. It'll all be okay."

Rachel leaned her head on my shoulder.

"Thanks, Percy."

"We'll stick together through this. Okay?"

"Okay."

Rachel yawned.

"I… I think I need to go to bed, now. I don't feel so well. And I have to do some thinking."

"Alright… well, goodnight."

"'Night, Percy." She smiled, but it looked like it took a lot of effort. She got up and left my room, shutting the door quietly.

I sighed and lay down on my bed. I had a lot of thinking to do, too.

I truly believed something from our world was behind it. There was no scientific explanation for the disappearance of the sunlight. That could only mean that something no one would ever suspect did this: a Greek monster… or even a god or goddess. By the sunlight's disappearance and Apollo's reaction to the sunlight disappearing, that could only mean that whoever did this was doing this purposefully to affect Apollo. This was a carefully calculated plan of action for a reason entirely unknown to everybody except whoever did this. I could do all the research I wanted to, but all the gods have so many enemies… it would be really hard to narrow down exactly who it was. Plus, they had the element of surprise. They were in control, now.

My phone started to buzz and ring.

I answered it.

Finally.

"Hello?"

"Percy?"

"ANNABETH."

"Oh my gods, Percy. I am so sorry! You should have seen how Massachusetts reacted… once the sunlight disappeared… everything shut down! I left my phone in my dorm room, and we all had a lock in… I hope you weren't worried… I would be… I'm so sorry!"

"Annabeth, calm down. It's okay now. As long as I know you're okay…"

"Yeah. I'm fine. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, but…"

"But, what?"

"I have something really serious to tell you."

I told her everything about what I had heard from my dad, on the news, and my own theories. Also, I told her about Rachel.

"This is really bad, Percy. I completely agree with you though. I've done a lot of research over the years on our solar system, and the universe in general. This could never happen on its own. Never. Something from our world did this Percy. And from what you've told me, it sounds like they're after Apollo. But why? And who?"

"You're preaching to the choir, Annabeth. I would love to know the same thing."

"What's going on with school right now?"

"Well, we're closed until further notice, but from what I heard on the news about what the United Nations plans on doing… I would say school's out for summer. In September."

"Same here, too. I watched some of the news when I got back to my dorm room. The US government is shutting down every facility in 36 hours. People are going nuts buying supplies and preparing. Everything is going to shut down, Percy. Businesses, stores, public transportation, gas stations, highways, airports, water and electric plants… roads… I mean… people will be able to drive on them and stuff, but no police, no traffic lights… everything is going to shut down."

"Annabeth… is… is there any way at all that you can get here? Any way at all?"

"No. Public transportation and airplanes are out of the question. Even with 36 hours I wouldn't have enough time to get things together and…well, hold on…"

I heard some computer key clicking.

"No. All flights are booked. They're going to shut down after every plane lands. None will be allowed to take off after 8 o'clock tonight."

"No car rental?"

"Hold on… they already closed."

"Shit. Alright. Well… we'll figure this out. Even if I have to drive to Massachusetts to get you, Annabeth, and I will do it…"

"But… the gas stations! You won't make it on even a full tank of gas!"

"Ugh, damn! You're right… this sucks…!"

Suddenly, another call was beeping in.

"Hold on, Annabeth, stay on the line. My mom is calling."

"Okay."

I switched the call over.

"Mom?"

"Percy! Are you okay? Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine. Are you and Paul okay?"

"Yeah. The New York police are keeping everyone in their houses. It's discouraged to go outside right now. It's scary, Percy. New York has never been this quiet before. No car horns… nothing."

I couldn't imagine a silent New York City. But, I decided to fill my mom in on everything I knew, had heard, and thought.

"…You really think that… that… a god or goddess… or monster is behind this? Do you think that Kronos…?"

"No. Not Kronos. But… something. Annabeth and I are talking about it. I'll figure this out, Mom."

"Just… just be careful, Percy. I can't talk you out of whatever you're going to do. I know that. Be smart. Be safe."

"You too, Mom."

"I love you, Percy."

"I love you, too."

"Bye."

"Bye, Mom."

I switched back to Annabeth.

"Sorry, Annabeth…"

"It's alright. Actually, my dad called so I switched over, too. Everything okay on the East coast?"

"Yeah. Everything okay in the West coast?"

"I suppose. They're not allowed to do anything right now. They're systematically letting people go and get supplies, and rationing them out so everyone gets what they need. Dad said it's absolute chaos. People are trying to get out before their time and others are trying to get away with more than they're allowed. It's crazy, Percy."

"Same kind of thing happening in New York, too."

"I'm sure it's all over the world, let alone the United States. What are we going to do, Percy? I'm just… I'm still trying to grasp this…"

"I don't know, Annabeth, but whatever happens, we're in it together. Like always."

"Like always."

"Remember? We complete each other. We keep each other together."

"That's right." I could hear the smile on Annabeth's face.

"Gods, I wish I could hold you right now… I want you here. I want you in my arms, Wisegirl."

"You're not the only one wishing that right now, Seaweed Brain. You have no idea how much I want to be with you right now…"

"Annabeth…"

"Listen. I'm going to research some more. Everything I possibly can. Then, I'm going to figure out a way to get to you. I will. I promise. Okay?"

"Be careful, Annabeth."

"I will be. You too."

"I love you."

"Love you too, Seaweed Brain."

"Call me tomorrow."

"I will. Bye."

"Bye."

Click.

So stressed out. I looked at my digital clock.

4 in the afternoon. But I felt so tired.

I suppose Rachel didn't have half a bad idea when she said she was going to go to sleep. Looks like that's my plan, too.

Glorious sleep. I just wanted to get away from reality.

I got off my bed, and unzipped my backpack. After a bit of digging, I found what I was looking for: the planner from Annabeth. If I couldn't have Annabeth with me right now, I'd have to make-do with this.

Oddly enough, it comforted me enough to fall asleep.

It had been a week.

Annabeth had called a few times. She called until she could. Everything, by now, was shut off. This meant:

No electricity.

No running water.

No cell phone towers.

Nothing.

Rachel and I had been contacted by a school representative of the University of Wisconsin system telling us when we would be able to get supplies. We had been able to go to a store that was one of a few that were kept open in Menomonie for this purpose. We had gotten bottled water, crackers, fruits and vegetables… things we didn't have to cook, and other things that wouldn't spoil for a long time. They told us the fruit and vegetables would have to be eaten within the week, but other than that, everything else would last. It was so hectic… Annabeth's dad hadn't been joking. People went nuts during emergencies. Which makes them all the worse.

Along with rations, we had been given specific instructions to stay inside our homes. This was to prevent people from breaking into and robbing closed areas, and to basically keep everyone in check. Policemen were stationed every few houses. The government had also sent in soldiers to handle a lot of specifics.

It was absolutely crazy.

Rachel and I hadn't had a shower in days. What we had been doing, since we had a bunch of water, was we poured some water into the sink, and washed our faces, armpits, feet, and er… other areas that needed to be washed. We kept this water. It's what was necessary to do, as gross as it sounds. We used the same water every day to bathe. It was better than smelling bad.

However, being shut in the house with no electricity made both of us extremely restless. We usually spent our days sleeping on and off, talking… more sleeping. We tried to play some card games using our cell phones to light the way… since they couldn't be used for anything else. But we had given up on that.

It was a lame existence. Even by the standards of those who live a lame existence. We couldn't go outside. We'd be punished. Also, who would want to go outside? The temperature had found a nice little placement on the thermometer in the form of 19 degrees Fahrenheit. It was so cold. Who knew the sun had so much influence? It was still giving off heat, though. But only just. Before communication had been cut off, Annabeth had told me she did some calculations: we had about a month, about 28 days, of heat left. Then the Sun would… for lack of a better term, quit. Like a bonfire.

Who knew what would happen then?

I didn't want to know.

Each day, I just waited for Annabeth to show up miraculously. We had to do something about this.

I also waited for my dad to contact me again via shell phone.

He hadn't, so far.

My digital watch told me it was 9 at night on Tuesday, September 27. Rachel and I were sitting on the floor of our sitting room, backs against the couch, right next to each other.

"Remember when we made that sandcastle last summer?" Rachel suddenly asked, startling me. It had been so quiet.

"It was mostly you. I can't build stuff like that. I just helped you keep the sand wet."

"True… but it was still… that was so much fun. It was so relaxing… really warm that day, too. And the sunset was so beautiful…"

I could remember that day. I smiled at the memory. That was before everything had gotten so chaotic… the issue involving Eris, and Jolie… before Hera's trial… and everything that lead up to our quest.

I was broken out of my revelry by Rachel getting up.

"What's up, Rachel?"

"Do you want to get out of here?"

"And by 'here' you mean…?"

"Out of the house."

"Rachel… you know that's against the law. We'd get in so much trouble if…"

"Look at you, Perseus Jackson! When have you ever not done what you aren't supposed to do? I'm going insane in here! I need to breathe fresh air! I can't stay in here all cooped up like I'm in prison!"

I couldn't either. I wanted to go outside as much as she did. But that was beside the point.

"Please, Percy?"

"I…"

"Let's have some fun before the demise of human existence… come on…"

"Fine. Let's get our coats and stuff."

"Thank you so much Percy…"

"Well, I couldn't have you going out all by yourself. You're so loud, you'd get caught as soon as you left the house."

"Shut up."

So we donned our winter jackets, gloves, hats, and scarves. There was a fire escape hatch down the hall from our door at the very end.

I opened the window as silently as I could- which of course was a really loud squeaky shriek. You know, the kind that makes you want to hold your ears and just die.

"Someone probably heard that."

"Probably."

I climbed out first, followed by Rachel. The stairs were metal, so we had to walk really slowly to not make any clanky sounds. We made our way down the stairs, stopping at each platform where each floor could climb out, and looked around. The only lights that had not gone out were streetlights. The government imposed a special system to keep streetlights on at all times for safety, and so the police and soldiers could see, even though they had flashlights and search lights.

We finally made it to the ground. We were behind our apartment building, where there were only some back roads and alleyways. People usually parked their cars back here.

"Where do you want to go?"

"Anywhere. Just away from here."

"Follow me."

We stayed really close to the building, backs against it, creeping our way to the front.

I peeked around the corner of the building.

There were a few US Army trucks parked outside, and I could see a police officer standing under every puddle of light the streetlights offered, I could also see dark figures in between every two streetlights. They were probably soldiers wearing night goggles.

"Let's get to that park just down the road." Rachel whispered to me, making a cloud of her breath appear due to the coldness.

"Okay. Be careful… Let's go."

We started to sneak our way down the street in the grass. It was hard grass because it was frosted over.

About 15 minutes later, we had made it to the park. It was a small little kid park, with swings, a playground with some slides, and some benches. Rachel and I made our way over to a bench and sat down. Even though we couldn't see the moon, because you kind of need the Sun to be able to see the moon, plus, I don't think Artemis was really up for giving a show when her twin brother was having some major issues, however, you could still see the stars.

Rachel and I looked up at them. Because all the city lights were turned off, you could see millions and millions of stars. Usually, you can't because of all the light pollution. It was an amazing sight. I had never before seen so many stars. The midnight blue of the sky allowed the diamond specks to sparkle so miraculously… and the distant white area that looked like spilt milk, which was the Milky Way was so prominent.

"Look, there's Cassiopeia." I pointed out.

"And there's Andromeda… the princess who was saved by the first Perseus."

"That's right. She was chained to a rock, wasn't she?"

"Yeah… as a sacrifice. To stop a terrible sea monster from attacking the kingdom."

"Right…"

We kept gazing at the stars. Our breath floated above us in little clouds, whether we were talking or just silently admiring the natural beauty of the heavens.

"This is so amazing." I awed.

"Yeah, it's really beautiful. Pity, it takes a horrible circumstance just to see this."

"It actually gives me hope."

"How, Percy?"

"That even though something so terrible has happened… something beautiful has come from it. It's like it's telling me that everything is going to be okay. You know? It's bad now… but… it'll get fixed. It'll be beautiful again."

Rachel looked up into the sky once again.

"Yeah. The gods are telling us not to lose hope."

We both looked at each other, then back up.

"WHO'S OUT THERE?"

Rachel and I nearly jumped out of our skins. I clamped my hand onto Rachel's mouth, as she tends to scream. I hurled us off the bench just as a flashlight swiped where we had just been sitting.

"I HEARD SOMEONE! SHOW YOURSELVES!"

"We can't get caught, Percy!"

"I know!"

"This way… to the playground!"

We crawled on the ice cold ground as quickly as we could. By the time we reached the slides, we could hear more voices in the distance, and could see more flashlights whipping about.

"Percy… what now?"

"Hide!"

"Where?"

"Tube slides! Climb up and chill in the curve! If they flash their lights up or down, they won't see you!"

Rachel and I each took a tube slide and scrambled half way up. These tube slides were curly. They had 2—3 curves each, so choosing the one in the middle would make us completely invisible to anyone searching either from above, or below.

I tucked myself into the smallest position I possibly could, pressing my hands and feet into the sides of the slide to keep myself where I was. It was so dark… and I was breathing so loudly I was sure they would find us.

The consequences were extremely severe for being outside. The Army and the police wanted no funny business. There were strict orders to bring anyone in who was found outside. We weren't told what would happen beyond that. They told us we didn't want to know.

"SHOW YOURSELVES!"

That one was closer. I felt so cramped, and I could feel my heart beating practically out of my chest.

"YOU KNOW YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE OUTSIDE!"

Of course I knew, stupid.

"COME QUIETLY AND YOU'LL RECEIVE A LESSER PUNISHMENT!"

That's convincing.

My hands were sweating, and I was sliding down a bit, so I took my gloves off, but that just made my hands make squeaky noises as they slid down the walls of the slide.

Crap. Crap crap crap!

I dug my heels into the construction creases of the slide. You know, tube slides have sections that are bolted together on the outside, which leaves little crevices on the inside.

This action made it possible for me to dry my hands off on my coat and replace them. But I didn't have my gloves on, and the walls were cold.

I hoped Rachel was doing alright. At least better than me.

"Percy."

I heard a whisper from above me. It was Rachel.

"Rachel! Why are you…?"

"Percy… they're looking by the river. Now's our chance! Let's go!"

I started to wedge myself up as quietly as I could.

"Just slide down, Percy!" a loud whisper from the bottom told me.

Why didn't I think of that?

"Wait wait wait! Shit! Percy, stay there! They're coming back! I'll make a run for it! As soon as you are able to, slide down and get yourself back! See you at home! Be careful!"

"Rachel! Wait!" I shout-whispered.

But she was gone.

Shit.

Crap crud.

Why?

I didn't hear any shouting, so I figured that Rachel wasn't spotted, and that they were still in the park.

I only hoped Rachel made it home without getting into trouble.

I pressed the glow button on my watch, and it read 11:20 PM. Rachel and I had been outside for about 2 hours.

It was skin-bitingly cold out. I couldn't feel my hands anymore, and my scarf had slipped down exposing my face. The tip of my nose was burning. I could barely keep my eyes open, because the cold stung them and made tears which would then start to freeze as they left my eyes.

Why did I agree to this again?

I sat and waited, checking my watch periodically. I could still hear voices and some dogs barking, but they didn't come anywhere near the slide I was currently hiding in.

My watch now read 12:03 AM.

I had been hiding in the slide for about 45 minutes to an hour. My knees were cramped, I was pretty sure my hands were frozen to the wall, too. I had finally adjusted my scarf to cover my face, but my breath created droplets on the inside, which froze, and made my face colder.

Great.

By 12:15, I hadn't heard any sounds for at least 10 minutes.

Slowly, I slid myself down the slide and to the opening at the bottom. I poked my head out and checked my immediate surroundings, then explored further away.

Nothing.

No one.

I supposed they had given up.

I stood up and instantly my knee caps cracked, relieving the pressure that had built up.

I bent back as well and my back cracked in a couple places. I gulped in some cool fresh air as well. The air in the slide had been getting stuffy and warm. It felt good to breathe normally.

Quickly and quietly I made my way back to our apartment. Once I reached the fire escape stairs, I knew I had made it okay, but I still crept up the stairs as silently as I could.

Reaching my floor, I saw the window had been left open a crack. Rachel must have made it back.

After climbing through the window, and closed it, and tip-toed down the hall to our room number. I made to unlock it, but I noticed it was already ajar.

Rachel wouldn't leave the door open like this…

I pushed the door open and was instantly greeted by a metallic odor. I fumbled for my cell phone, turned it on and brought up the flashlight app.

I was horrified by what I saw…

Upset furniture, pictures that had been on the wall strewn about the room and ripped apart. Kitchen appliances and dishes and silverware littered the floor. The wall had various holes in it, and deep gashes that looked like claw marks. Some dark stains were on the floor too… I hoped it wasn't what I thought it was.

"RACHEL?"

No answer. I went to her room and the whole room looked as if a tornado had ripped through it. Her mirror was broken, her bed was on its side. Drawers were ripped out of the dresser, and clothes were everywhere.

The mattress was shredded, stuffing bulging out of the gashes. More stains. More holes. Splinters from the dresser that had been thrown against the wall.

I swallowed thickly a few times.

The TV looked like someone had punched through it. The curtains were barely hanging off their rods above the broken window.

I knelt down by one of the stains, bringing my phone closer to it.

Blood. Freshly spilt, human blood.

Oh no. Oh no.

After checking the bathrooms and my room and discovering them in the same status, I came to the conclusion I was hoping I wouldn't come to:

Rachel had been attacked and kidnapped.

And I had no idea by whom.

I had to contact Annabeth. Somehow.