Chapter 2

"I want to go on a quest."

Chiron looked to the door in surprise. He, just like anyone else in Camp Half-Blood, had been troubled by the disappearance of Perseus Jackson. He had hoped that the demigod could finally have some peace and quiet with his lover, Annabeth. Alas, the Fates seemed to have more in store for him.

That poor boy, he thought, he's been through far worse than any demigod I've ever come across. Even Odysseus had it better than Percy.

"Is there something I can help you with, Annabeth?" Chiron asked, not quite catching what Annabeth said.

Annabeth looked directly in Chiron's eyes. "I want to go on a quest," she repeated.

Chiron widened his eyes in surprise. This is, well, unexpected, Chiron thought, before motioning Annabeth to enter. Her eyes, they've changed. There is a more...fiery expression in them now.

Annabeth shut the door swiftly behind her, before entering the Big House, ignoring Seymour even as it whimpered at Annabeth, missing her a lot. (Hey, even heads can have feelings!)

"I want to go and find Percy. I'm leaving tonight." Annabeth stared defiantly but determined.

Chiron smiled inwardly. This is the Annabeth I know. "Now, now, let's not get rash-"

"I'm not. I've thought this through. I'm going to save Percy, with or without your permission." Annabeth persisted, her eyes aflame.

Chiron sighed. "Dear, as much as I would like to find Percy ASAP, I'm afraid that we can't afford to sacrifice another camper. Dionysus already brings news of another war on our hands, and we need your help again."

"We were not told about that," Annabeth exclaimed, "Haven't Percy and I done enough already? What more do you want from us?"

Chiron sighed again. "You would have heard of the war news if you had attended any of the camp meetings. I really do hope you understand, dear, but we cannot afford to lose another camper! All campers are already prohibited from leaving the Camp during summer break, which is already a drastic measure, and I cannot afford to make any exceptions."

"I just need one quest. One quest, to bring Percy back. I'm sure the campers will understand! Please, Chiron, this is the last thing I'll ask-"

"I'm sorry, Annabeth, but there isn't really anything I can do. Please, don't make it harder than it already is for me." Chiron shuffled over to his chair and slumped in it.

Annabeth's eyes were burning with unbridled anger, but she stepped back nonetheless. "Yes, sir." She spat, before turning on her heels and marching towards the door.

"Wait, hold on, don't let your hubris get to-" He swiftly stood up, but was rudely interrupted by the slam of the door, leaving nothing but dust swirling in its wake. "Oh Zeus," Chiron collapsed onto his wheelchair and rubbing his face with his hands, "What have I done?"

Annabeth marched straight towards the Oracle Cave, before banging her hands on the door. "Rachel? RACHEL!"

"For Zeus' sake, shut up! I swear you're louder than Apollo in the morn- Oh, hey." Rachel opened the door, surprised to see none other than Annabeth in front of her. Rachel knew how Percy's disappearance was affecting Annabeth and was thus curious as to why she had appeared in front of the Oracle's door. "Can I help you, Annabeth?"

"I need a quest. Give me a prophecy."

"Woah, hold up! You know prophecies don't just up like that! What on earth are you going on a quest for? Does Chiron know?"

"I'm going to save Percy. Whether Chiron knows or not, that's none of your business. Just give me a prophecy!" Annabeth demanded.

Rachel squinted her eyes suspiciously. If she had known better, she'd thought that Annabeth had been possessed by Ares. Since when was she that stuck-up? "Look, I know you're affected by Percy's disappearance - we all are - but you can't be that disrespectful towards everyone you talk to! I'm coming towards you as a friend, I hope you under-"

"SHUT UP! No one understands my pain, no one!" Annabeth yelled, tears forming in her eyes. "They don't have to see life going on as the one you love being taken from you every single day! They don't have to be constantly reminded by everyone that their lover is gone!" Annabeth suddenly broke down, dropping to her knees.

Rachel did not plan for things to go this way. Putting a reassuring hand on Annabeth's shoulder, she led her inside. "I'm sorry, I did not mean to bring any bad memories. But as much as I would like to help you, I can't. Normally before a prophecy, I get this weird feeling behind me, but I don't sense any incoming prophecy soon. Believe me, I want Percy back as badly as you do."

Annabeth nodded, still sobbing into Rachel's shoulder as they hugged, Annabeth clutching onto Rachel's shoulder. When Annabeth finally pulled over, she muttered a quick apology before running out of the Oracle House.

Rachel looked on worriedly. "I hope she doesn't do anything foolish. If only Percy were here; he'd know what to do."

A/N

So Chapter 2.

Please leave reviews :D

I will (hopefully) be following a strict schedule of updating once every 3 days (or maybe a month). It is the holidays for me now tho, so probably once every 3 days, or even shorter. At least until 28 June.

Also, I lied. Some more things have changed :P :

- Annabeth and Percy are 18+ (After Blood of Olympus)

- The prophecy is gonna change. Keep reading to find out what it changes to :D (Hopefully for the better :P)

Also, do you guys prefer frequent updates and chapters of this length (around 800-1000 words) or slightly less frequent updates (maybe once a week), but much longer chapters (maybe 2000-5000 words?)