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CHAPTER SIX: Annabeth

I combed my fingers through my hair. It was still wet. My Camp Half Blood shirt looked faded and worn. I hadnt worn it recently. But it felt good. Like I was finally home. But being home made me think of Dameson the giant. And Bob the Titan. They had given their lives for me and Percy to come back. Most of the time I felt like I didnt deserve that.

I felt embarrassed that I had broken down crying on the beach. I needed to stay strong. I looked at myself in the mirror. My grey eyes were steely. I brushed my hand through my hair once more and then walked out of my cabin.

Piper was walking casually down the dirt trail to the Big House. She had shorts on and green combat boots. And then a light blue tank top. Her hair was braided with a blue harpy feather in the end. She was trying to downplay her beauty but even wearing simplistic clothes brought out her beautiful kaleideoscope eyes and reddish brown hair. I walked down the trail to her.

"So how was the date?" Piper asked. Her tone light and joking. How was she so calm?

"It was perfect right up until Chiron came up looking like a mourner at a funeral and told us something was wrong." Piper laughed. "He acted the same for us." We walked down the rest of the path in silence. I wanted to talk but my fears were growing by the minute. What would be so bad that we needed a council. I went through different scenarios all more gruesome and more farfetched than the last.

We walked up the steps and the wood creeked softly in protest. Piper opened the door and I followed behind her. At the table sat all the councillors. Piper walked over and sat on the left side of the table with Jason. I took my seat next to Percy. Butch Walker son of Iris sat to my left. Percy slid his hand onto my leg and I grasped it tightly.

Chiron walked out of the big houses kitchen. He carried a tray of cheese and crackers. Connor and Travis Stoll eyed the tray hungrily. Chiron set down the platter and immediately started pacing.

"About two hours ago I was talking to Mr D." Chiron spoke so slowly. I wanted to yell get to the point! But I clamped my mouth firmly shut. Interrupting his monologe would just take more time.

I looked around. So little had changed. All the councillors were the same. Except for.. I took a look to the right side of the table. Nyssa the new Hephaestus councillor sat stiffly looking around awkwardly. This was her first meeting. Leo had been the councillor but then the war happened. And the crazy Hephaestus boy had found his way back to Ogygia, the island of Calypso.

He had sent a dumb scroll telling us he was alive. And to make tacos on his return. I was going to slap him when he came back.

Chiron continued and I looked away from Nyssa.

"As we talked suddenly Mr D seemed to get agitated. He said that something was bothering him but nothing else. Then in an instant he disappeared."

I raised my hand slightly. Chiron nodded for me to speak. "Mr D just disappeared? No explanation?" He nodded.

Percy looked puzzled. He glanced at me and shrugged. Nico was examining his stygian iron sword. But he seemed slightly shaken. I watched him for a couple more moments before he looked up. His dark brown eyes met mine. I looked away.

Lou Ellen head councillor of Hecate stood. "Hecate has all but vanished also. Usually she guides us with our powers in the mist but we havent felt her presence for weeks."

Butch nodded. "Iris messages arent going through. Its as if Iris has blocked conections."

Laurel and Holly Victor were the Nike head councillors. They stood also. "Things with Nike are the same. She hasnt answered our prayers. Usually we get a small sign form her but she has been silent recently."

Chiron nodded. "There seems to be a pattern. Minor gods are either disappearing or cutting their contact to the outside world."

Jason stood. "What should we do then?"

Chiron paced. "I do not know. We need a lead. A hint of where to start."

Clarisse sighed. "Lets just hope this isnt another huge fiasco. I'm accepted to the Arizona University in the fall. And would rather be there then here figuring out another problem."

Connor nodded. "Can someone pass the cheese and crackers?" Leave it up to the Hermes kids to lighten the mood. I pushed the silver tray over to the twins and they started grabbing cheese hungrily.

We sat in silence. No one said anything. Why were the gods just disappearing? It didnt make sense.

Suddenly the door opened behind us. A girl with black hair and pale skin walked in. She had on a black tank top and green camo pants. I gasped when I saw her and Percy stiffened next to me. She was holding a cardboard tube and some scissors.

"Nyx?" Percy whispered under his breath. His eyes were full of anger. I nodded. This girl resembled Nyx. Same black hair. Dark eyes. Aura of darkness and a cruel smile.

She looked around as if she was unaware of the meeting. "Um..I need some more Tylonol for the Apollo cabin. Harley said to ask you." She looked at Chiron.

I pushed my seat out and drew my dagger. "Who are you?" She stared at the blade.

"Second time today. Why do people draw their swords when they see me? Its starting to get annoying."

I lunged but she parried faster then I thought possible with a small black dagger. She shrugged.

"Alright. The Tylonol can wait." She said. I gripped the hilt of my dagger, knuckles turing white. And with that the fight began.