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Ch. 8 And That's the Way the Story Goes…

Disclaimer - I am not brilliant enough to own PJO!

"Okay. Bye, Percy," she said.

As I headed off towards Annabeth's cabin, I became sidetracked by a distressed Chiron near the Big House. I quickly decided that I would speak with him and then proceed to my business with Annabeth. Chiron noticed my approach and met me halfway.

"Just the demigod I was looking for," he said solemnly.

"Chiron, what's wrong?" I asked.

He seemed distant, off balance. "There has been a dispute." He looked forward into the horizon, not meeting my gaze.

"What kind of dispute, Chiron? What's wrong?" I repeated.

"The gods, two gods in particular, are fighting. Again." He was grim in his expression.

I could only come to one conclusion: my father was fighting with Zeus. Again. An intense trembling came over me as this realization occurred. I could only wonder what the cause was. "It's Zeus," I said with conviction. "Zeus has a problem with my father, doesn't he? What happened? I don't understand."

Chiron broke his train of thought and looked me dead in the eye as he spoke. "No, my young friend, Zeus is quite content with your father. Your father is involved, however."

"What? With whom? Who else--" Then it hit me. Who else could he be fighting with that he has had major problems with in the past? The answer was as obvious as the sun's existence: the strong mother of my one love, the worst scenario that could happen, the goddess, Athena. "Athena," I muttered, then repeated audibly. I was absolutely positive at this point.

Chiron nodded gravely. "Yes, Percy. You see now how this is a very troubling and serious situation."

"Why? What for? Why now?" I was overwhelmed with anger, fear, sorrow, confusion, and hopelessness all at once. It's just my luck that when things are finally back in place a colossal incident like this would happen. Chiron's words were setting in my mind. How were Annabeth and I to be together? Her mother already disapproved of me. I imagine that it's now amplified due to our parent's latest feud. A dispute between the gods is deadly. Alliances can form and earth is used as a battlefield. Way to go, Dad.

Chiron was thoughtful. "It began with a comment Poseidon made about Salt Lake City, Utah. He began to suggest that his gift all those eons ago was in fact better and more futuristic. This rekindled an old flame so to speak. As you well know, the gods are very sensitive, proud creatures who do not like to be questioned or disrespected. Athena retaliated and influenced trouble in both Salt Lake City and your life. From what I understand, you and Annabeth have been experiencing some trouble."

I only grimaced in response. It did make sense, though. I could not explain why I felt the need to bring up Calypso so randomly, as Thalia put it. I inferred that it was Athena influencing me to say that in order to stir up trouble. I wasn't on my guard; I thought I had no reason to be.

"Poseidon has been matching each of her strokes in some form. They need to be appeased, and I'm not sure how easily this can be done."

"What can I do? I need to do something." I was shaking; no training could have prepared me for this.

Chiron agreed. "Yes, you must, we all must. This must end quickly, before it gets out of hand. Go, speak with Annabeth. You have much to decide. This conflict could harm the two of you as a unit. That would be quite a tragedy, indeed.

I nodded. "Thank you, Chiron. We won't be long," I said. "I understand the severity of this situation."

"Yes, but perhaps you should discuss the matter carefully, however long it may take." He patted me on the shoulder and sent me off.

I walked slowly to Annabeth's cabin, my original destination. It was tainted now with the weight of my message. I knocked on the door once before entering without an invitation. I didn't see Annabeth in there at all. I asked her sister, Jessie, I think, where she was.

"I don't know. Training?" she said with a hint of an attitude.

"She was just here. I was just here not too long ago. Can you please just tell me where she went?"

"She's probably training, you know her," she said. "You have legs. Look for her." She shrugged and walked away.

I left the Athena cabin, anxious, realizing I had just crossed into Athena's territory. It was most likely making her mad. Way to go, me, I thought sarcastically. I walked throughout the camp, twice. There was no trace of Annabeth anywhere. Exasperated, I returned to my own cabin to find Annabeth sitting on my bed.

"I've been waiting for you," she said smiling. She beckoned me to sit beside her.

"I've been looking for you everywhere," I said.

"Well, I've been right here, waiting."

I twiddled my thumbs. I was very nervous about this conversation. "Chiron told me something unsettling today." I stalled, then continued seeing the anxiety in Annabeth's eyes. "Our parents are fighting."

"No way," she said. "Percy, you are so not funny." She laughed.

"No, I am not joking, Annabeth. Their fight is escalating. The gods are starting to take sides. It's serious. Remember last time?" I asked.

"Of course I do! This is serious, Percy! What are we going to do? The world--us--everything is in jeopardy. We have to do something!" She was frantic. I don't think I had ever seen her so discombobulated. "We were already up against enough! Now are parents!" She continued rambling incomprehensibly.

I took her hands. "I know, Annabeth, I know. We need a plan now. Chiron said we needed to appease, but he was not sure how." I shrugged. "What do you think?"

She was tearing up, but her voice was strong. "We need to consult the oracle."

"You're right. Let's go and see Chiron."

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