Disclaimer: I do not own any of the character of this fiction except for Layla. This fiction does not have any intention or so ever of plagiarizing any previous work of Rick Riordan.

Sei.2405

The Olympians Fate

I – The New Prophecy

Camp Half-blood was on the cusp of winter. Since the war against the Titans last summer, many campers had decided to stay at the campgrounds to help make the necessary improvements to the infrastructure and defenses. Chiron and the Satyrs were busy dealing with the many arrivals of half-bloods, and Grover (who had recently become one of the heads of the Council) was dispatched to find, secure and lead new half-bloods to camp.

It was November, and even if it wasn't quite winter yet, Mr. D (code name for the god of the wine Dionysius, and present camp director) had decided that it was time for it. His arguments were that wine goes best with the cold season.

Percy, Nico, and Annabeth were among some of the campers that had decided to stay at camp in the fall and winter months. That night they were gathered around the campfire enjoying a rare moment of free time. They were having marshmallows and hot chocolate, and talking excitedly.

"Come on Annabeth, quit that computer for a few hours! Even Nico is enjoying his hot chocolate more than you are!" Percy looked at Nico, "No offence man!" who in turn, replied "None taken."

"Percy, I have to be constantly updated of how the construction in Mount Olympus is going. Hephaestus just created this amazing website for me, where I can check on the progress anytime I want and in real time too. I can even choose the area and the camera view I want!" The daughter of Athena said without taking her eyes off the laptop screen.

"You're no fun. You know that?" Percy mumbled, and this in turn led to a small argument between the group. But after a little while, Annabeth was finally convinced to close her laptop and soon the conversation turned to talk about the new half-bloods that had arrived at camp.

"That new girl in the Aphrodite cabin is a little scary." said Nico

"Which one are you talking about? The girl with the short blond hair, who appears to be about sixteen years old? Yeah, she is kinda strange, but you can't deny that she is pretty." Percy gave Nico a suggestive look.

"Hey Nico, maybe you could start going out with her. What do you think? Hmmm?"

"Well I… I mean, yeah she is p-pretty…" Nico was trying not to blush. "But she keeps staring at me… and everywhere I go I see her… Not that I mind at all but…"

"So our Nico has an admirer! Wow!" Percy said in a teasing voice, chuckling at his friend whose face was now a deep shade of pink.

"Come on Percy, give Nico a break." Annabeth said in Nico's defense.

Percy was about to reply, when Chiron interrupted the three demigods' conversation. The centaur was in his wheel-chair mode. He looked very warm and comfortable in the chilly evening, because of the two blankets piled in his lap. But how he managed to drive the wheel-chair around the campground with its difficult and varied terrain was still a mystery for the demigods. He gave the three teens a small smile of greeting.

"I will have to talk to Dionysius about this weather. Centaurs are not meant to live in such cold conditions." Chiron said while rubbing his hands vigorously together. The three demigods looked at each other and smiled.

"Oh well," the centaur continued, "I actually came here to talk with you Annabeth. Would you mind following me to the main cabin? Alone." He added, sensing what the other two teens were about to say.

"Alright"

The young woman gave her friends a curious look, grabbed her bag and walked the short distance with Chiron towards the cabin. Once they were inside, he gestured to Annabeth to take a seat at one of the couches close to the fireplace. Chiron waited until the girl was comfortable and handed her a piece of paper that he had picked up from the coffee table in front of her. On the paper Annabeth read the words Boston, MA. She stared at the paper and then at Chiron, but she had no idea what was going on. The centaur was about to explain the mysterious words, when the front door of the cabin opened. They both turned towards the door. A red haired girl, who was shivering from the cold night, came inside. Annabeth leapt up from her chair, recognizing the woman at once.

"Rachel!" Annabeth went to give her friend a hug.

Rachel blushed, but hugged her friend back. "How have you been Annabeth? And what is up with this temperature? It's freezing out there!"

"I am doing fine thanks. And of course the temperature is Dionysius' doing." Annabeth pulled out of the hug and stood in front of her friend, smiling broadly at her. Rachel noticed the piece of paper in her hand.

"So I see Chiron already talked to you about it…"

"Not exactly my dear friend… I was just about to begin. You got here at an excellent time." The centaur said. All of them took a seat around the fireplace.

"Well Annabeth, like I was about to say, yesterday I received an Iris-message from Grover and he said that he needed help to secure a half-blood-"

"Oh! That's what Boston, MA, means…" The blond interrupted Chiron, who let her talk, since it was clear she had more to say, as she suddenly realized what was going on.

"-But Chiron there are soooo many half-bloods at camp and you know how busy I am with the Olympus construction and-"

"My dear, things are more complicated than they seem. Yesterday when I received the message from Grover, the Oracle spoke through Rachel." Annabeth looked at Rachel and waited for her friend to say something.

"Well, you know that when the Oracle speaks through me I can't remember a thing…" Rachel said, clearly looking uncomfortable. "It's kind of annoying. Luckily I was talking to Chiron through an Iris-message and he was able to get the prophecy."

"Yes. Luckily…" The Centaur said with a hint of irony in his voice. "Anyways, this is what the prophecy says;

A new Mount of Silver will be created,

Where a daughter of Athena will find her place,
A love gesture will save,

A half-blood who holds Olympus reign and fate."

Annabeth was speechless. She didn't really understand the prophecy but she knew it had something to do with her, or else why would Chiron have told her? Nonetheless, she was a daughter of Athena, and she was in charge of the construction of the Olympus. So liking or not, she now had to deal with the prophecy in addition to her other duties. But what Mount of Silver or love gesture had to do with anything, she had no idea.

"It looks like I'm out for a new quest. When will I be leaving?" Annabeth asked while getting to her feet, only to be stopped by a gentle hand on her arm.

"Annabeth." Rachel said quietly, looking at her friend with concern. "The prophecy… it can mean different things. Some of the words may not mean what you think they do."

"I know Rachel, don't worry. I'll be careful." Annabeth knew more than anybody how tricky the Oracle could be. "I really don't want to mess with the Olympus fate." She gave her friend a reassuring smile. Just then Chiron cut in.

"You will be leaving tonight. Go rescue the half-blood and bring her back safe. I'm sorry is has to be so soon, but something doesn't seem quite right, I can feel it." Chiron voice was tinged with apprehension.

"Now go and pack what you need, and please be quick about it… and I guess you are taking Percy and Nico with you, am I right?" He smiled at the girl who smiled back and nodded positively, and walked towards the door.

"Hold on Annabeth."

Rachel ran towards her with a small package in her hands. "A few weeks ago I went to Italy with my parents and I found this. I thought it would suit you so I got it for you."

Annabeth unwrapped the small box and found a small ceramic bottle inside. The bottle was beige and had a picture of Athena in her Roman form on it. It looked like the old ceramic bottles that were used to hold poison in ancient times. The bottle only held eight ounces and was held shut with a cork on the top. Annabeth was touched. She loved it, especially because in modern times, a bottle like this was exceptionally rare. She gave her friend a smile of thanks.

"Thank you Rachel. It will be my lucky charm for the quest."