I do not own Percy Jackson and the Olympians or The Heroes of Olympus. They belong to Rick Riordan.

Sometimes (almost always), Nico got really angry at the gods. Now was one of those times. What part of, "An ancient god is going to revolt against you then destroy the world by upsetting the balance," did they not understand? Admittedly, that was kind of a long sentence, but still! They should care that Aether was going to begin by attacking the home of their children.

"You're seething," Thalia noted, "or should I call it fuming? Whatever it is, it's not good for your health," she stated with a faint smile.

"I can't help it! The gods-" he cut himself off. Saying rude things about them ON OLYMPUS would get him blasted to bits.

They wouldn't prepare for war. Just because they couldn't sense a growing army anywhere, they refused to get involved in a possible war. Nico wanted to knock it through their thick skulls that they couldn't see everything that went on in the world; an army could be hidden in certain places, away from the gods, and he had an idea where.

Annabeth was pacing impatiently, glaring often at the large doors to the throne room. Nico worried about her. Losing Percy could have driven over the edge, but she stayed strong. How long could she keep it up? When he had found out, the first feeling that hit him was shock; the next was guilt. It was hard to believe that Percy had fought Thalia and Annabeth. Them the realization struck that he had taken what would've been Nico's place. Now he was determined to help Percy in any way he could.

"What could be taking so long?" Annabeth said, tapping her foot. "It's one decision, and it should be simple."

Just as she finished, the doors rumbled ajar. Biting her lip, she entered. Thalia and he followed.

"We have decided that the demigods are free to prepare for battle if they wish," Zeus was declaring. "However, the gods will not send aid."

Annabeth looked murderous, and Nico stepped in before she did something she would regret later. "Lord Zeus, please. Will you give us a chance to show you proof?"

Zeus scoffed. "Proof of an army that does not exist? Nonsense."

"I believe that Aether may be preparing his forces in Alaska," Nico blurted out quickly. "He himself might have no power there, but his underlings could be building an army with his orders." He also wanted to mention something about searching for Percy, but Zeus would probably be even less inclined to let him go then.

Some of the gods looked considerate, and he knew that certain ones were definitely on his side. Poseidon, Artemis, his father (who was not present), and even Athena agreed with him.

"The boy may be right," the goddess of wisdom put in. "Would it not be wise to give him a chance, just in case there might be war?"

Most of the gods nodded, and those who didn't looked as if they couldn't care less.

Clearly outnumbered, Zeus huffed, "Fine. It will not be an official quest, but you may take a small party to seek out his forces. If there is indeed proof of war, you will send us an Iris-Message to show us. Meeting adjourned," he called hastily, disappearing with a flash of lightning and a clap of thunder. The majority of the gods followed suit, with the exception of Hestia and Poseidon. Thalia patted him on the back, took Annabeth's arm, and dragged her out. Hestia gave him a sympathetic smile and continued to tend to the hearth. As for the god of the seas…well, Nico had been avoiding his intense gaze for the meeting, but it couldn't do so any longer. The god shrunk down to human size and strode over to him.

"Nico di Angelo," Poseidon said softly (but very dangerously), and he gulped. Ever since Percy's absence had gone public, the seas had been rough. Storms had ravaged the East Coast and various other places in the world.

Nico bowed, trying not to flinch from the dark, unreadable expression on the furious god's face.

"Camp Half-Blood will be in need of all of its campers. Might I suggest that you take a few trusted friends from Camp Jupiter?

"Yes, sir," Nico agreed. He risked looking up and saw deep sorrow in the god's eyes.

"If you see my son within the army, try to bring him back."

Nico just nodded, a lump in his throat preventing him from answering verbally. Clearing his throat, he asked tentatively, "So you do believe that Aether builds an army?"

"Yes," he replied flatly. "Zeus is a fool." Thunder rumbled nearby. Rolling his eyes, Poseidon added, "He is also a temperamental child. But enough of this. You should get ready for your journey."

Nico averted his eyes as golden light enveloped the god. Unnerved by the quiet, almost empty room, he dashed out.