A/N: Sup guys, super short Chapter now... but I got through what, two-three chapters today? That's good.

Chapter Twenty-Six

-Piper

Mr D was still talking to the group in the Big House. I was appalled he hadn't picked Frank and I for the rescue mission. Even Nico hadn't been picked. Frank stood outside the Big House, pacing back and forth, kicking at the dirt and grumbling under his breath. The door opened and a small group flooded out. I noted Clarisse in the group and thought about how much Percy would hate that. I forced down the lump in my throat and walked up to Clarisse.

"Clarisse," I called, and she stopped and looked at me.

"What's up, beauty queen?" she asked casually, and I frowned.

"I was just going to ask about the mission. What will be going on? Are they sending people in?" I asked, and Clarisse rubbed the back of her neck nervously.

"Um… it hasn't been decided," she said, her voice strained. I looked at her in disbelief.

"You were in there two to three hours, and you didn't come up with a plan? What is going on, Clarisse? Tell me," I said forcefully, putting a bit of Charm Speak in. She sighed.

"Look, there won't be a rescue mission," she mumbled, and my eyes widened.

"Why not?"

"Because… Because they're going to blow up the Portal."

-Annabeth

Brice was checking over Blue, and he came up with the worst verdict.

"I think he's dead," Brice said in shock. "Does that mean I killed him?"

"I… wow," Tyler mumbled, taking off his glasses and rubbing the bridge of his nose. "One moment please." He said, and then he turned and walked to the back of the cell. He punched the wall and swore violently, and then walked back.

"Done?" I asked, and he nodded.

"Done. Let's get this over with," he muttered, and I turned back to Brice.

"Okay. Brice, I want you to try and bring up the Redstone again," I ordered, and he gulped.

"I don't think I can."

"Just try," I said with a smile, and he sighed. He looked at the ground and stared at it. Then, a trickle of Redstone pushed its way up, out from between the cobblestone, and Brice gaped. Tyler watched in fascination and I studied it silently.

"What next?" Brice said, his voice strained.

"Try and call it up and get it in the lock," I advised, and he nodded. The Redstone struggled up and slinked out of the bars and entered the key lock.

"Now?" Brice asked.

"Twist it," I whispered, and he closed his eyes. Suddenly there was click.

For the first time, the door swung open, and Brice stepped out freely.