33

                                    

                                          
The next day Will allowed me and Hazel to visit Nico, claiming that Frank wasn't allowed since two people was the maximum limit. 
                          
He told us more about the abandoned warehouse Arachne was using and we filled him in on our apparently useless travel to Rome. 
                          
After talking for almost hours, which I was surprised Will allowed us, Will rushed in and demanded we leave as he had to check on Nico's injuries. 
                          
Before I left I made my way closer to Nico. "Is she...is she still...?" 
                          
I couldn't bring myself to ask the question that was on my mind every time I saw Nico and always wanted to ask him. 
                          
He nodded slightly. "She's alive." 
                          
I thanked him before going to see Chiron to talk to him about a plan. Since I was on winter break, Chiron allowed me to stay and he didn't mention me returning to school, although I could tell it was still on his mind. 
                          
"When are we going to go to this warehouse?" I asked as it began to lightly snow. Chiron had lifted the weather restrictions for Christmas Day. "The sooner the better." 
                          
Chiron nodded slowly. "I suppose so, but we don't know much about this place and it's traps. And now that Nico has escaped, I'm sure Arachne is on high alert." 
                          
"Nico thinks she wants to invade camp," I blurted out. Chiron rose his eyebrows in shock. "Well, it makes sense though, doesn't it? She wants the Athena Parthenos and now she knows where it is." 
                          
"Nico has filled me in on his concerns," Chiron admitted. "I spoke to him just this morning. He is urging that we get into action soon, too. Although he is also insisting he come, which Mr.Solstice isn't too thrilled with." 
                          
I laughed weakly. "I know, I know. But wouldn't having him come with us help? He's been in the place before, and his descriptions aren't as good as his leading us in real life." 
                          
"I agree with you, Percy, but that is his choice," he replied. "And his doctor's, so you know how that will go. And by the time he is healed and has the all clear, which we don't know when that will be, time may have passed and the moment might be over." 
                          
My eyes widened as I peered at Chiron. "Are you saying we should go alone? And now?" 
                          
He shrugged as he took a sip of his steaming tea. "I am merely trying out the idea. Although I do agree with you that Mr.Di'Angelo's help would ensure a safer mission, but we also have no time to waste. Now that Arachne has lost Nico, she is bound to start growing restless." 
                          
"You're right, Chiron," I said. "And we missed the Winter Solstice, so now there's no way we're going to get any other help." 
                          
Chiron sighed wistfully. "I know, and I'm terribly sorry about that. I should've let you go, Percy." 
                          
I shook my head. "I wasn't thinking straight. What could you have done, anyways? The gods will do what they want, and we can't stop them. Life goes on, and we have to go with it." 
                          
"You're growing insightful, Percy," Chiron said with a chuckle. "And you're very true at that. I think you need to talk this plan of yours over with your friends, especially Nico. He has the right to know and help formulate. I also think the Hunters of Artemis may be able to help."
                          
"Are they coming back?" I asked. 
                          
Chiron blinked. "I don't know, Percy. I have asked them to, but that is their choice. Although I think having Thalia Grace could help your cause a lot." 
                          
A smile crept onto my face. "You know, Chiron, I think you're right. We seriously need the most help we can get."