Chapter 21 - Chiron and Nico Keeping Secrets. A Bad Combination.

~Trisha Ledger's POV~

Clarisse and I quickly ran to the Big House as soon as Nico returned to camp. Everyone has gathered outside, waiting for news. Nico came in to talk with Chiron only. I could hear conversations bubbling up among the crowd but not exactly we want to hear.

"Nico came back...but he came back alone."

"Really? Are you sure? Maybe they got Christine in the infirmary before you saw him?"

"No. I actually saw him shadow travel. He got no one with him."

"I saw him pretty beat up. Well, not exactly 'beat' up. More of tired."

"Do you think he failed? I mean, this is Tartarus we're dealing about."

"Did something happen?"

"Why aren't the head counselors or even the Roman praetors included inside?"

"Shhh! They're going out!"

Nico and Chiron emerged out of the Big House. Just like what they said, Nico looked pretty worn out. His eyes more hollowed and his skin paler than usual. Chiron stomped one hoof on the wooden floor and everyone went silent.

"Listen everyone! I know all of you are eager to know what happened with the rescue Nico di Angelo himself planned but...I must only give you a very brief report."

The crowd buzzed in disbelief.

Why is that? Did something happen?

Clarisse squeezed my arm in reassurance. "It'll be okay. I'm sure of it."

I nodded. I fingered the dove pendant of the Imperial Gold charm bracelet.

"Do not worry! I assure you, it will be good news. In fact, the rescue was successful! Christine Galliardo, the daughter of Hera, is in safe hands now."

The crowd cheered. I hugged Clarisse. We both jumped in happiness. Thank the gods! You really came back, Christine! You granted your promise!

From the crowd, a hand went up. It was Piper. Everyone went silent. "Chiron, where is she?"

Chiron was silent for a moment, deliberating whether to answer or not. Finally, he spoke up. His voice grave."Truth to be told, she's in Olympus. Currently, Apollo is attending to her injuries."

The crowd erupted in a series in gasps, not believing what they heard.

Clarisse clutched my hand in fear. "No way! You got to be damn kidding me!"

"But, Chiron!" Will protested. "Zeus is not in good terms with Christine!"

"I know but I couldn't say more. That's all I could impart with you. I'm sorry but if I can reveal more, I would. For now, return to your training."

The crowd began to protest. Clarisse started to push through the crowd, determined to give Chiron a piece of her mind but I stopped her.

Chiron placed a hand on Nico's shoulder. "Let's go." Together, they returned inside the Big House. I caught Nico's eye and he gave me an apologizing look. Soon, the crowd began to break apart, bringing with a topic to talk about. Clarisse dragged me to the arena. I didn't complained. I need to vent out my fears and frustrations plus, we only have at least two weeks days left to prepare for battle.

~Jason Grace's POV~

Later that afternoon, all head counselors and praetors together with Hazel and Rachel gathered in the Big House. Since the shocking turn of events, war council meetings happen everyday. There was no specific time because we know anything could happen anytime. But once we noticed Chiron waiting at the porch of the Big House, it's war meeting time.

As usual, everyone had gathered in the recreation room together with the Roman praetors. The atmosphere was tense. Not because of the incoming war but because of three persons. Clarisse, Nico, and Chiron. Will and some the guys had gathered a bit close to Clarisse in case, she charged at Nico or Chiron. Nico was looking better than this morning after having sleep, but still seemed pretty stressed, considering how tight his jaw. Chiron was calmly sitting on his wheelchair but everyone could see that he was in deep thought. We all have questions of our own but we have to wait.

Reports came in from the head counselors guarding the land borders of camp. Then, Percy's report above and under the waters and mine, up above the skies. Reports about the war equipments together with the review of the war strategy and the emergency strategies came in too. Reyna gave out updates from the Hunters and the Amazons. Clarisse (who surprisingly kept her cool as she speak) gave out reports about monster attacks. The attacks throughout today was unusually lower than the days before. We all immediately knew that Tartarus was plotting something and we have to prepare for it...big time.

All reports came in smoothly like a routine but during the time, Chiron seemed inattentive and Nico fidgety. We didn't spoke about it but we all knew they were hiding something. Something concerning the rescue of Christine Galliardo. The meeting was about to end, but Clarisse wasn't about to let the topic slide down.

"Chiron..." She stood up, one hand on the hilt of her sword.

Will and the others stood up, ready to swoop in, in case trouble comes up. "Clarisse, don't." Will warned.

Clarisse ignored Will and went on. "I wanted to ask you and Nico the one question all of us have in mind. What are you hiding from us?"

Everyone shuffled nervously, finding this a sore question to ask very early. We quietly watched their reactions. Clarisse glaring at Chiron and Nico. Chiron resting his head on his hands, deliberating whether to answer or not. Nico simply looking at his shoes, looking as tired as he was in the morning.

Annabeth stood up, surprising us as she joined the fray. "Are you gonna keep whatever secret that is to us forever? We're tired of secrets, Chiron! We got enough for a lifetime!"

"Annabeth's right." Piper said. "We got a lot of troubles at our hands with the incoming war. We even got a lot of unanswered questions about this war!"

The others agreed grimly.

"Noting that," Reyna said. "We went through two major wars already. Against the Titans and against the Giants and Gaea. Now, we have another protogenoi to worry about. A god much powerful and evil than Gaea herself."

"At the very least, as leaders of our fellow demigods, tell us! Don't you trust us?" Lou insisted.

"We had enough of things being hidden from us, Chiron!" Clarisse said. "Tell us! What are you hiding?"

Chiron and Nico remained silent.

"Come on, Chiron! Nico!" Hazel pleaded.

Chiron sighed, finally deciding to speak up. "Listen. It wasn't because we don't trust you." He explained. "It is how it will affect us all...and the war itself."

"What do-" Connor said.

"You mean?" Travis asked.

"Chiron." Nico said, looking up to meet the centaur's eyes. "We have to tell them. They need to know as soon as possible."

Chiron tapped his fingers on the ping pong table, not liking where this is going. "Very well then." He surrendered. "But not now."

We all buzzed in surprise.

"W-What?!"

"What do you mean?!"

"Wait, Chiron!"

"Why?!"

"Come on now, Chiron!"

Chiron raised one hand and we slowly went silent. "The truth is more than a truth. It is the very key in which tides this war will take. This cannot be taken lightly. If you're all ready to face the magnitude of the truth, then, you will have the right to know. For now, prepare. You will have your answer in our next meeting. Dismiss."

Chiron immediately went out of room. Nico followed him, having decided to return to his cabin. Hazel went after him. Rage flashed across Clarisse' face as slumped down back to her seat. We all stayed, thinking back at what transpired earlier.