Nico started to notice something was off with Anubis when the slightest thought about going to the Underworld had crossed his mind. He thought that if he was in and out, he could grab some clothes from his room in Hades' palace without getting too bad of memories from Tartarus. It seemed seizable enough, but Anubis had a different idea.

Why would you even think about going down there? Anubis asked, his voice low and demanding, almost a growl. That's an idiotic move.

Why do you care? Nico shot back. It's not like dad is going to hurt me. I'll be in and out in two seconds.

You don't have enough power to shadow travel. Anubis argued again. You're still weak.

Liar. I shadow traveled and I was fine. And if I really need it, you'll just lend me your strength. Nico suggested. They can spare me for five minutes. Annabeth is running things perfectly and Percy is powerful. They'll be fine.

Anubis was silent for a minute, but Nico could feel the tension from the death god. He almost seemed...scared. But of what? Some silly trip to Hades?

I can only urge you not to go. Anubis finally stated. It would be in everyone's best interest if you stayed with the seven. You don't need a change of clothes.

Mine are full of blood! Nico mentally screamed. Do you know how stiff they are? If I have to actually fight it'll be hard. Not to mention they're so ripped up my skin is showing.

Oh, no, someone can see your skin. Anubis' voice was laced with sarcasm. It's the end of the world.

That's it, I'm done. Nico rolled his eyes and looked around for the nearest shadow. I'm getting this over with so you'll finally shut up.

Nico! Anubis' sudden yell made him jump in surprise. You're not going there! End of discussion. If you care enough about this world and not starting another war, you won't go there.

Nico was silent for a minute before responding. Anubis...what are you talking about?

Just know my words are true. Anubis responded. He then went silent, leaving Nico to wonder exactly what that all meant. Suddenly, things weren't so easy.

Nico didn't know who to go to, or even if he had anyone to go to at all. If Anubis was hiding something that could cause another war, he wasn't sure if he could trust anybody else with the information. But he had to tell somebody, not able to hold anything like that in. He wasn't mentally stable anymore. Not after Tartarus.

Hazel would freak out, so he didn't tell her. He didn't want to put any more on his little sister's shoulders. Percy? Well,...he wasn't great with the son of Poseidon at the moment. There was a reason he avoided him at all costs. Jason was also on his list of people to avoid. The last person he could think of was Annabeth, which ended up seeming as the obvious choice.

Nico found her below decks at the table, talking to Percy under her breath. Her hair was a mess, the blond curls falling out of a half-hearted attempt at a ponytail, and she looked exhausted. Even though she hadn't fallen into Tartarus, she still held those what if thoughts. They were at least enough to lose sleep over.

"Annabeth?" Nico's voice hadn't been getting any better. If anything, sitting through the harsh winds on the mast seemed to make it worse. "Can I talk to you? Privately."

Percy looked ready to say something but Annabeth quickly spoke up. "Of course, Nico. Come sit. Percy can go help Leo man the ship."

Don't you tell her, Anubis warned. Don't you dare, Nico.

Nico ignored Anubis' voice and sat next to Annabeth, watching Percy leave the room. He stopped the blush that almost came to his cheeks, not noticing that it came easier to stop than ever before.

"Are you okay?" Annabeth broke the silence, eyeing the son of Hades closely.

Nico shrugged. "I mean, yeah. But...something's wrong."

Her gray eyes narrowed. "How so?"

Nico di Angelo. I will take over your voice if I have to. Stop it.

"It's something to do with Anubis." Nico blurted out. "He's hiding something from me. Something about-"

He tried to fight it, more than he had ever before, but he was simply no match for the god that currently possessed him. Anubis finished the sentence in his own manner and his own accent, with his own thoughts. "Nothing, nothing is wrong. I'm just...having nightmares."

Annabeth's posture stiffened, one hand moving to the dagger at her thigh. "Anubis. Let Nico finish speaking."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Anubis replied easily.

"He thinks something is wrong with you." she pursed her lips. "You have one last chance to let him speak."

"Or what will you do?" Anubis snarled. "Kill me? You'll be killing Nico and your most powerful ally."

"Let him speak or I'll look more into the Egyptian ways." Annabeth threatened, not dismayed by Anubis' words. "A war can start if you happen to threaten one of our own."

"I'm doing what I can to prevent a war with what Nico was about to tell you." Anubis shot back.

"I'm not going to go blurting it out if I can help it!" Annabeth argued. "Now, let him speak."

Anubis sat for a minute, glaring at Annabeth, before reluctantly stepping back from the control of Nico's body. However, he kept his conscious almost fully there to watch over what the two demigods said.

"Annabeth," Nico's words shook with his hands. "Th...thank you... I can't think of anyone else that would stand up to an Egyptian deity like that."

She gave him a small smile, her eyes light with relief. "Yeah, well, he was threatening my friend. So, tell me what you were going to say?"

"You heard what he said. It can cause a war." Nico took a deep breath. "But I have to let someone know."

"I'm all ears."

"Well," Nico picked at the dry dirt beneath his fingernails. "I was going to go to the Underworld to pick up a few things. Real quick, in and out. But...Anubis doesn't want me to. I have a feeling that H-...my father doesn't know."

Annabeth's expression turned stormy. "Your father doesn't know about Anubis taking you as a host?"

When Anubis didn't correct him, Nico shook his head. "Not at all. Seems Anubis lied to me."

"Nico, this isn't good." she swept her eyes across the room. "Just, don't go down there. Stay quiet for now. We'll think of something after this war is over. We don't need another with the Egyptians right now."

"They just went through their own," Nico replied. "I was supposed to help Carter and Sadie...but you know what happened to me. I feel horrible. Carter's a good guy."

"I'm sure you can help them pick the pieces up." Annabeth gave him a small smile. "Let's focus on one thing at a time. We'll stop Gaea and you'll try to figure out why he lied to you. Keep me updated."

Nico stared at her for a minute before nodding. "Is it really that easy?"

"Probably not, but when is it ever?" Annabeth laughed softly. "Now, we've got some work to do. One evil goddess to defeat."