So, after two years, of discovering me being a demigod, I finally knew who my father was. He finally acknowledged me as his son. I was no longer some random unclaimed half-blood, but a claimed child of an Olympian. Not just any Olympian, but one of the Big Three. And camp just became a little more unpleasant place for me.

The next day, I was moved into cabin three. Luke and some of my former cabin mates helped me move out and get setup in the new cabin, which I had all to myself. I didn't have to worry about my stuff being stolen, no pranks from my cabin mates, I could make my own camp schedule, call lights out whenever I choose, I didn't have to hear chatter from bunk mates when I tried to get some sleep…and I was absolutely miserable.

Despite how crowded cabin eleven was, at least most of us were in the same boat. A bunch of unclaimed demigods, trying to get by, waiting for the day our parent claimed us. When I was first placed in Hermes Cabin, I was anxious to find out who my father was. Months past, and I got settled with the thought of remaining undetermined. Now, it felt like I was the new kid all over again. Other cabins had siblings, who made the newly claimed feel welcomed to the new changes, but I was on my own. The only good thing about my new space was the smell that reminded me of Montauk, sparking some of my best memories before all the demigod stuff came into my life.

Once I was finished setting up and settling into my new space, I spent the entire night awake, thinking about what just happened. I was a child of the Big Three: I shouldn't exist. What was Poseidon thinking? What was he doing all those years? Did he ignore me to protect me? Was it just that he didn't care about me? And why did he claim me now? I did see him once a few years ago, a few months after arriving at camp.

My memories went back to the time I visited Olympus during the Winter Solstice of my first year at Camp Half-Blood. We went to the Empire State Building and took the elevator to the 600th floor, to Olympus. The whole place was such an amazing sight, seeing Greek buildings clinging to the great mountain. Me and the other campers were presented to the Olympians, the towering figures sitting on their great thrones. Some of them simply ignored us, others greeted us or greeted their children. Some of them made me feel uneasy, such as Ares, and Hades, who was attending the mandatory meeting, away from his Underworld. And I remember how unsettled I felt when Zeus's eyes landed on me. I remember feeling the static in the air, as it appeared like the king of the gods had something to say. But he was interrupted by the man sitting next to him, whom I now know was my dad, saying something about wanting to get the meeting started, that certain issues needed to be addressed, and we were all dismissed. I don't think he looked at me at all since my stay at Olympus.

In hindsight, I guess I should've noticed the resemblance between us in appearance. But it's hard to do that with the thought of possible electrocution on the mind. I didn't go to any more Winter Solstice meetings after that, staying at camp the next year and staying at home the year after.

The next few days were some of the more unhappy days since I had been at camp. Most of the campers seemed to actively avoid me. I tried to continue sword-training lessons along with cabin eleven, but no one wanted fight against a child of Poseidon. And when I trained with Luke, he was much more tough on me.

"You need to be ready, Percy," Luke explained, when he finally let me rest. I was covered in scrapes and bruises, as I was on the ground.

"I have to keep you in top shape," he said in a serious tone, "You were claimed for a reason and I have no doubt, you're going to need every bit of practice if you're going to survive."

"You think I'm in danger?" I said, looking to see a worried look in his eyes.

"Percy," Luke said, relaxing, "You were attacked by a Hellhound in camp. And I'm sure Poseidon claimed you for a reason beyond parental obligation. The gods don't do things like that without needing something from us. There's no doubt, you are in danger. I need to make sure you're ready for whatever the Fates throws at you. You might not be in a different cabin, but I am still going to help you however I can."

After some more grueling training, I walked to the dock of the lake. I reached the end and I put my foot in the lake, letting the water slowly heal me. I know if I submerged my body in the water, I would be completely healed quickly. But right now, I didn't want to feel like I was somehow closer to Poseidon. I hadn't made my mind on how I felt about him yet, and was not interested in feeling close to his domain yet. For now, this would help.

I felt footsteps on the dock, and Annabeth sat next to me. For these past couple of days, I noticed that Annabeth, like the other campers, had been avoiding me.

"Hey," she simply said.

"Hey"

We stayed silent for a few moments, and I could not take it anymore.

"So," I said, casually, "I don't know if you heard, but I'm the child of one of the Big Three. Isn't that cool?"

"Yeah, and Poseidon, none the less," Annabeth said, with similar sarcasm and a touch of distain, "You know what that means?"

"Right. Athena and Poseidon don't get along. I guess that means we're doomed to be enemies too?" I asked, though I worried of how she would answer.

"No," she said as she looked at me with some agitation, "What it means is you have more seaweed in your head than we thought."

I moment past before I burst into a sudden laugh, caught completely off guard. It wasn't even that good of a joke but I just kept laughing and soon Annabeth joined in.

"Percy," Annabeth said, looking right at me, calming down, "It's true, I kinda wish your father was not a rival to my mom, but that's not your fault. Regardless what issues they have with each other, I'm with you till the end, no matter what."

"Really? No offense but you always seemed very proud of your mom. Why is this different?"

"Because we're friends, Seaweed Brain. Any more stupid questions?" she said.

Before I could answer, she pushed me off the dock and into the water. I felt the water begin to heal my wounds.

"Now quit moping and torturing yourself," she ordered, "I need you ready for our next match," she said with a smile on her face, which I reflected back to her.

That night, I had a dream of two huge figures, I assume was a form of Zeus and my dad, fighting, with Zeus demanding my dad return something. As I tried to stop it, I heard a terrible voice belonging to an unseen foe, and the ground opened beneath me, forcing me to wake up.

It was early morning, before sunrise, and I could not get back to sleep. Something really unsettling about that voice kept my mind occupied and I was not eager to return to it.

Luckily, I didn't need to worry, because Grover was at my door, saying I was needed at the Big House.

When I arrived, Chiron and Mr. D were talking.

"Well, if it isn't the great Perseus Jackson, son of Poseidon, Earthshaker, Stormbringer, blah, blah, blah," Mr. D said, "You've certainly caused a stir. And now I have to go to Olympus for another family meet. I hope you're pleased?"

"I'll try to be less of an inconvenience in my next life," I said. I probably shouldn't have said anything, knowing what he could do but my mind was not exactly working the best this late/early.

"Ha," Mr. D said, "As if you'd even be qualified for rebirth. I should just turn you into a dolphin, but Chiron thinks that might be a little rash. He has another idea, though I think my idea's more merciful."

He looked to Chiron, "Go on, tell him. But I swear if he's still here when I return, I'm giving him a dorsal fin and flippers to match."

When Mr. D vanished, Chiron turned to me.

"Percy, I assume you've noticed lately that the weather has been different since the Winter Solstice."

"I did. Zeus is angry about something. I didn't know, but I've been having dreams of Zeus and my dad fighting. Something was stolen, right?"

"Yes, Zeus's master bolt."

My eyes widened. Someone had taken Zeus's symbol of power. It's never wise to steal anything from gods, and their symbols of power are at the top of the list.

"Who would be crazy enough to steal the bolt?"

"According to Zeus, you. He thinks during the last Winter Solstice meeting, you broke into Olympus and stole his bolt."

"What!? He thinks I stole it? How could I have taken it, I wasn't even at Olympus during Christmas. I was home."

"They didn't see you on Olympus, true, but they also weren't watching you during the meet. Zeus thinks that you could've found some way to reach Olympus secretly and steal the bolt for Poseidon."

"So because I'm the child of Poseidon, I'm immediately the top suspect? So what, am I going to be struck down now, or turned into something, like Thalia?"

"There is something that you could do. I suggested it, since I thought it could save your life and prevent civil war in Olympus. Would you be willing to go on a quest to retrieve the bolt?"

"A quest?"

Yes, a quest to find the bolt, and return it to Olympus before the Summer Solstice, as a peace offering.

"Do I have a choice?"

"Of course, though the alternatives mean war and death."

"Well, then I guess I accept. Where do I start?"

"You just consult the Oracle. It will give you clues on where your quest begins."

I went up to the creepy attic, filled with trophies from previous quests, along with a mummified woman sitting in a chair. I felt uneasy but asked, "What's my destiny?"

Green mist came from her mouth, and the words of the prophecy appeared to me:

You shall go west, and face the god who has turned,

You shall find what was stolen, and see it safely returned,

You shall be betrayed by one who calls you a friend,

And you shall fail to save what matters most, in the end.

The last two lines made me feel very uneasy. I demanded more answers, but she remained silent. I could see why Luke hated prophecies. They left more questions than answers. Seeing it pointless to try to get more from her, I left the attic.

I made it back down stairs, where Chiron and Grover were waiting for me.

"Well, what did the Oracle say," Chiron asked.

I repeated the first two lines of the prophecy, and I left out the part about the betrayal of a friend and failing to save what matters most.

"So I have to head west and face a god that has been turned. That must be Hades," I said, looking for an agreement.

"He certainly would have a lot to gain if Zeus and Poseidon were at war," Chiron rationalized, "You'll need to bring travel companions with you to help in your quest."

I looked over at Grover, who was nervously shaking.

"Hades?" Grover said, "But he's in the Underworld. With monsters, and it's underground, and he hates all heroes-"

Grover began to stammer, and I realized what that meant.

"G-man, I realize that this is important to you for your searcher's license. But I am not going to force you to go to the Underworld with me. I know how you feel about underground places."

"N-no Percy, I have to go," he said, trying to sound more confident, though clearly he was still worried, "It's not just for my license, but it would not feel right to stay behind after you helped me."

I was relieved that Grover was going with me.

"Percy, you'll need one more person to help you on this quest. Someone has already volunteered, if you'll accept."

I had an idea who volunteered, and my suspicions were confirmed when I felt an invisible force nudge my arm.

"I don't know Chiron," I said, trying to conceal my smile, "I mean, I'm strong and Grover has nature magic and can sense monsters. I'm not sure I'll need anyone who would be crazy enough to want to go with me."

"I'm going with you, Seaweed Brain" Annabeth stated, removing her cap, becoming visible while looking annoyed at me. I just smiled back.

"I'll gladly take you with us. But Annabeth, are you sure," I asked, using a more serious tone, "I mean, I'm going in blind, to the Underworld and I have no idea-"

"Exactly," she said, "You don't know, and you will need someone smart enough to keep you alive. It's not up for argument. You won't last a day without my help."

"Well, I'm sure you'll have a plan ready, Wise girl," I said with a smirk.

"Now that it's settled," Chiron said, "Percy, you, Grover, and Annabeth will set out to head west to Los Angeles, confront Hades, retrieve Zeus's master bolt, and return it to Olympus before the Summer Solstice."

Grover and Annabeth left and I was about to go, when I discovered my pen again appearing in my pocket, and first time, saw writing on the pen: Anaklusmos translated to Riptide. The ironic name was not lost on mean as I looked to Chiron.

"You knew, didn't you, about who my dad was. That's why you sent Grover to give me this," I stated.

"I had my suspicions before but I didn't know until a few days ago. This was a gift from your father, who wished me to give it to you when you needed it most. When I knew you were in danger, I sent Grover to give you a proper weapon to help."

"Well," I said, remember when I used it, "It is a good weapon. It's well-balanced and it feels like…like it's mine."

"It has a tragic history, but your father knew you were meant to have it. And you'll never lose it."

"What do you mean?"

"Here, let me show you," he said, guiding me outside, "Now throw the pen away with all your strength."

I looked at him in confusion but did as he asked. I suddenly felt weight in my pocket and pulled out the pen.

"Cool," I said.

"Yes," Chiron said, "Now you should get ready to go. Time's a factor."

Me, Annabeth, and Grover had packed our things and we were about set for our quest that afternoon. Argus was going to drive us into the city to the bus station, where we would head to Los Angeles from there.

I had suggested we could've tried to make for Underworld by Pegasi, but Chiron rejected the idea. Despite the fact that Pegasi (descendants of Poseidon) are kinda neutral zone when flying in the sky (Zeus's domain) Chiron said with things boiling in Olympus, it might not be the best to tempt Zeus's patience by going into his domain at all until the bolt was retrieved.

As we were leaving, I saw campers watching our departure, and Luke and the Stoll brothers run up.

"Hey Percy," Luke said, "Just wanted to see you off. I hope your quest goes much better than mine did."

"Thanks Luke. Sorry you can't come, but Chiron said a trio is ideal for a quest and with my luck so far, I didn't want to risk it. Grover needs this and I know he'll be a great help. And you know I'll need Annabeth's help. If I could, I would've asked you-"

"Hey, no worries," Luke said patting me on the back, "I had my shot at a quest and now it's your turn."

"Thanks, maybe we'll go on the next quest together," I said, and we both laughed.

"Hey Percy," Connor Stoll said, "we wanted to say goodbye to our former cabin mate."

"We didn't want you to leave empty handed," Travis said, presenting a bag full of drachma, "We built a collection from cabin 11 to support you on your quest."

"Thanks," I said, taking the bag from them, "Um, do the others know they donated to my quest?"

"Good luck Percy," the two said together before running off, leaving me with Luke.

"And I have a gift for you," he said, presenting sneakers, "These shoes got me out of some real tight spots. Maybe they'll help you too."

"Maia," he shouted, and the wings appeared on the sneakers and they flew in the air for a few moments before landing back on the ground with the wings gone.

"Thanks, man," I said, thinking of how he had helped be these past few years. Making me feel welcomed, training me, even in his own way, accepting me after I was claimed.

"I know you have a lot riding on this quest. I just hope I help in some way," Luke said. He said goodbye to Grover and Annabeth and went back to camp.

I looked at the shoes, but it occurred to me that it would still be the same situation as with the Pegasi. I couldn't use anything that would take me from the safety of the ground.

"Hey Grover," I said, presenting the shoes to him, "I think these would suit you better than me."

"Thanks Percy," Grover said, happily accepting them. He tried them on and tried flying, falling over a few times, but I figured we had time to practice on our way to Los Angeles.

Grover, Annabeth and I got into the SUV with Argus and drove away. I looked in the mirror, seeing the camp vanish behind us as we began our quest.