Chapter 3: The Heir's Prophecy
"That's why I need a prophecy." I said after summarizing the last week's events.
"I'm so sorry, Percy." Said Rachel, on the verge of tears.
After recounting the whole thing I was crying myself, and with Rachel I wasn't ashamed of it.
"Rachel, don't worry about it. I was passed out for a week, only to find out I have to go back to Tartarus. You think you got a prophecy for me?" I asked.
"Sure… I'll try here." She said.
She sat up straight closed her eyes, and before we knew it, that creepy as fuck green smoke was coming from her mouth.
Olympus's Savior wanders alone,
Old grudges with no chance to atone,
The hidden God claims his heir,
A choice one must bear,
Never ending wars must wage
Because of one's hungry rage.
With that Rachel collapsed on the sofa. I sat there in shock. Who is the hidden God. What is this heir. Why the fuck is there always war? Why can't I have a gods damn vacation? I carried Rachel to her room, laid her down on her bed, and went back to camp. By the time I got to camp everything was a buzz. Campers were milling around, constantly talking to each other and point to me and whispering as I walked past. When someone says they're returning to hell, word gets around pretty quick. I can only imagine what it would be like if wizards existed with a school of their own. Do they have magic paper planes that fly around with notes, or what? Wizards? Nah… Dumb thought.
I went to my cabin and grabbed my swim suit, towel, and some coke and headed to the beach. I needed some time to myself to think. Once I got there the ocean was unnaturally calm. Thanks dad, you know just what I need sometimes. Then I noticed a figure already sitting on the beach. I recognized that tan skin, broad shoulders, muscular build, and khaki shorts anywhere.
"Dad, what are you doing here?" I asked him.
My father turned around and smiled at me. He looked like he did when I first met him. Mid-thirties with a minor goatee, and smile lines around his eyes.
"Percy my son. Come, sit. I can tell we have a lot to catch up about." he said.
As I sat down he grabbed a coke and opened it. I didn't really care, I brought 6 of them and no way was I gonna drink them all. Besides, it's my dad, I don't really wanna make him mad at me by denying him a coke. I like human form more than dolphin or whatever he'd turn me into. He let out a sigh after he sipped his coke, not exactly a happy sigh either.
"So, you're going back to Tartarus, eh?" Getting right to the point I guess.
"Yea, Apollo said the only cure for Annabeth he can think of is down there." I said.
"You're courage and faith for Annabeth is most admirable. That cannot be denied even by Zeus." Poseidon said, "Although your willingness to return to Tartarus could be mistaken for foolishness by many. Have you had an actual prophecy yet for this quest?"
"Yes, and as usual it makes no sense." I replied.
Well then, let's hear this nonsense." My dad said with a smile.
"Olympus's Savior wanders alone, Old grudges with no chance to atone, The hidden God claims his heir, A choice one must bear, Never ending wars must wage, Because of one's hungry rage."
Poseidon was now very deep in thought, and staring out into the ocean.
"The lost god. That used to refer to pan, I can't think of who it might be. There are many gods that have disappeared over the years, and none specifically stick out. I'm sorry I cannot be of any help." Poseidon said.
"It's okay dad, I just wish I had Annabeth, she could help out a lot." I said sadly.
"That's a smart girlfriend you got, I am sorry for what happened, and I hope you figure things out son. You always do. But I really must return, my palace is still being rebuilt after the Titan war. The Cyclops are doing a good job, but there have been some issues involving demands of more peanut butter rations." He said.
"Okay, well, I hope things go well with the uprising of peanut butter." I dryly said.
"I am sorry I can't help more. But just know, I am always trying to help out as much as I can without breaking the ancient laws." He said.
"Thanks dad, but I think I got this one." I said.
With that he left kind of awkwardly. I didn't mean to be an asshole, but with everything going on, it's kind of hard not to be.
I spent the rest of the afternoon swimming in the ocean and talking with the sea life. I don't know where it can from, but I can suddenly talk to all sea creatures instead of just horse related animals now. Around 6pm as I was drying off I heard the conch horn for dinner. I went and ate but left as quickly as I could because everyone wouldn't stop looking at me or whispering. I don't need super hearing g to know they're placing bets on if I live or not. Chiron wasn't at dinner which was really unusual. After dinner I went to my cabin to pack a bag with some spare clothes, ambrosia, nectar, a magic canteen that always is full of water, and of course, my sword and another shield my brother Tyson made for me, an exact replica of shield number one.
As soon as I was packed I went t to the infirmary to see Annabeth, maybe for the last time. But I stopped at the door because I heard voices. Chirons and someone else. I did want anyone would've done, I crept to the door and eavesdropped.
"Whether foolish or brave, I do not know." said Chiron
"Did he get a prophecy yet?" said the other man.
I know that voice. Who is it?
"Yes, he went to Rachel, our oracle's cave this morning. They are very close friends and am not surprised if Percy felt she was the shoulder he needed to lean on right now. Which would explain why he's been gone all day." said Chiron.
"The other gods have already heard of him wanting to return for Annabeth. Tell he he must not go back. He does not know the dangers that are there. Ancient monsters have reawakened. I've sent my wife to Olympus for her own safety. Even I don't feel safe. The souls are anxious, and there is a hatred that has overtaken the entire underworld" Hades "that makes me nervous. Percy Jackson is not my favorite demigod, but I admire him for his courage, bravery, and loyalty to Olympus and his friends."
What the hell could possibly make Hades nervous, I thought. Wait, Hades admires me? When did that Happen?
By the pause I could tell Chiron was deep in thought. Finally he broke the silence.
"I will try to convince Percy to not go to Tartarus. But you know how stubborn he is, and how unpredictable. It would be foolish to believe he would willingly listen."
"I cannot stay much longer, Zeus has called a meeting on Olympus. Just let Jackson know that he is to not return." Hades said.
I saw a flash through the crack between the door and the floor and assumed Hades had done that goddy flash transportation thingy. I waited a little bit before I walked through the door so Chiron didn't know I'd heard him and Hades speaking.
"Percy my child. Do you have a prophecy?" Chiron asked. His tail flickering behind him.
"Olympus's Savior wanders alone, Old grudges with no chance to atone, The hidden God claims his heir, A choice one must bear, Never ending wars must wage, Because of one's hungry rage." I said. "Do you have any clue who the hidden god is?"
"I have a couple ideas, none would be good. There is Nyx, Tartarus, and a few others to name. All of which we can only pray stay in their dormant states. Although, you encountered both gods when you and Annabeth were in Tartarus, so they wouldn't exactly be hidden. I cannot think of any others though." Chiron said while studying me deeply.
"How's Annabeth doing? Will she get any worse when I am away?" I asked.
"Only time can tell. The drakon poison has a similar effect of imperial gold, unless the cure is found, then it will continue to eat at her soul as well as her life. I can only say it is better she is asleep for this rather than awake."
"That's….. Not as terrible as it could be I guess." who was I kidding, her soul and life were being eaten away.
"Child, are you sure that you want to return to Tartarus? There is a great many evil spirits awakening. You were lucky to get through with the help of Annabeth, Damasen, and Icarus, or Bob as you might say. Those spirits down there already hate you for making it through, as well as for destroying the chains of the doors of death. If you will return, with your power and aura, they will sense it immediately." Chiron said. I could tell he really was worried about me.
I looked at Annabeth lying on the bed, and decided my mind was 200% sure instead of 100%.
"I have to, Chiron. If I don't take the risk, she dies, even if I were to fail down there. If I don't go, then there is no chance at all of her making it. It's a risk I have to take. For Annabeth." I said.
Chiron looked at me, and what was that expression? Somewhere between worry, and…. Admiration?
"I see you have you mind made up. Will you at least stay the night and get some rest?" He almost begged me.
"Fine, but I'm staying in here. Next to Annabeth in case…." I didn't want to finish that line. Not one bit.
"Okay. I bid you goodnight then. Sleep well, and we will have a proper sendoff in the morning." With that, Chiron left the infirmary still in full centaur form. Leaving me alone with Annabeth.
"Good night wise girl. We got a big day ahead of us tomorrow." I moved a cot a little closer to hers, grabbed her hand, and fell asleep immediately. I wanted to hold her one way or another before my quest to die.
Sorry to anyone who saw this chapter before, I did not notice it until I was browsing through my chapters. It is fixed now (duh, BlackThorn) and I will try to make sure it doesn't happen again! (No more trying to copy-and-paste on my phone! :P