Chiron led the three to the attic of the Big House, where the Oracle once resided.
"This place brings back memories, huh?" Percy murmured. Annabeth just looked around, the wheels in her head already turning
"But Rachel is the Oracle now. So why are we here?" As if in response, Chiron pulled a book on the shelf, titled "Introduction to Optics". At first nothing happened, but suddenly, the bookshelf started slowly scraping off to the side, revealing another room. Chiron looked at them, eyebrow cocked playfully
"You didn't really think the Big House's attic was that small, did you?" He smiled as they stepped into the musty room. It looked almost identical to the adjacent room, save cobwebs and different items clogging the floor.
"This room was originally built for in case an extremely secretive meeting was called, so that nosey campers wouldn't interrupt. However, about 20 years ago, a prophecy was delivered concerning the "light", and how this great power would someday be Olypus' only hope against an evil greater than even they had ever faced." Chiron stepped up to a table that sat in the middle of the room. The desk had a single drawer with an odd shaped key-hole. Chiron pulled a key out of his pocket.
"I had hoped I wouldn't need to use you in a while, old friend." he sighed sadly as he inserted the key and turned. The tumbles could be heard falling, and dust flew into the air as the drawer opened. Inside, was a scroll, and what looked to be an amulet. Chiron pulled both out.
"This is the prophecy I received 2 decades ago, only to be opened once the light has been retrieved. And this," he said as he held up the amulet. It was a piece of beautiful Amethyst on a golden chain.
"This was givin to me when Hermes hand-delivered this scroll. He told me that this would lead you to the light." Percy took it, then handed it to Rachel.
"You're taking lead on this one, Rach." Percy smiled.
"No Percy, I'm…. I can't." Annabeth put a hand on her shoulder reassuringly.
"I agree. This somehow feels… right. You'll do great, I know it." she smiled. Rachel took it into her hand, and instantly she spaced out.
"108 St. Luke Lane, Chicago, Illinois" she said mindlessly. She blinked twice and shook her head. She looked up excitedly.
"That…. That was AWESOME!" she exclaimed. Percy's eyebrows arched in disbelief.
"That's it? That's where the light is?" He shrugged nonchalantly.
"Awesome. This'll be easy." he said cooly. Annabeth, without a facial expression at all, slapped him in the back of the head. He whipped around in disbelief and anger
"What the heck, Annabeth! What was that for?!?" he exasperated. She glared daggers right back at him.
"What was that for, Seaweed Brain? THAT was for cursing the quest you nitwit! Now, we will inevitably run into all sorts of trouble. Thanks alot, Percy." she said grumpily
"Well you didn't have to HIT me! Geez!!!" he accused.
"If she didn't, I was gonna." Rachel commented. Percy looked back and forth between them, betrayal written all over his face.
"Thanks alot for all the LOYALTY guys. Top notch, really. I'm gonna go pack." he stomped off in the direction of his cabin.
'Hopefully no one else feels the urge to spontaneously SLAP me on the way' he murmured under his breath. Without moving or even looking at one another, the 2 girls hi-fived.
"He totally just cursed us, didn't he?" Rachel asked
"Ohhhh yeah he did. Big time. Be prepared." Annabeth said. She then turned to Chiron.
"We'll bring the light back, Chiron, don't worry." she said confidently. Chiron nodded, staring off into the distance, thinking.
"I do hope so, Annabeth. If the light is needed, a great power must be rising. I fear this could be one of our greatest challenges yet. And I fear this is just the beginning." The girls turned to get ready to set off.
"And be on guard, girls. Something tells me that you won't be the only ones after this light." Chiron added. Annabeth nodded seriously, and on that note they went to prepare themselves for the long road to Chicago.