A/N: Ok readers, I'm not gloating or anything but when I sat down to write this chapter a while back, I knew exactly what the prophecy would be! I didn't even plan it out but when I started getting to the part about the Oracle and I wrote the prophecy, I went back and read it and I was like, amazed by how I wrote that! Lol. I hope you are impressed by the prophecy and stumped!

Christina:

"No, I haven't given anyone permission to leave camp and neither has Mr. D. Well, I don't know about Mr. D, but I know that I definitely didn't give anyone permission. Did you Mr. D?" Chiron said, frowning.

We were sitting on the back porch of the Big House with Chiron and Mr. D, playing pinochle and drinking lemonade. As we played, we explained to Mr. D and Chiron that we think Alethia was missing and the Iris-message.

"I certainly haven't given anyone permission either," sniffed Mr. D as he tallied up his points.

"Then that clears it up," answered Chiron. "Alethia is missing and we can't contact her. Speaking of contacting, tell me about the Iris-message again."

So I explained to him and Lillian and Logan filled in with some of the details. When we were done, Chiron sighed and looked at Mr. D who said, "What? Why look at me? Its not like you came to me directly, Christina. You came for Chiron. Not Mr. D."

"Yes, but you're the god. Your body is in a bunch of different places and you can probably find her. Maybe Apollo could find her because he's always driving the sun chariot across the sky. Besides, Alethia is your half-sister considering you're both children of Zeus."

Mr. D glared at me but even he knew it was true.

"And I may have come for Chiron, but Mr. D, this is your camp too. Do something about it to help. Make any sense?" I finished.

Mr. D snorted and said, "You always seem to amuse me with what you say. But why are we so focused on finding one demigod? I don't care what happens to you demigods. Zeus sent me here to dry-out as punishment. The less of you there is, the more happier I am because then I don't have to put up with you half-blood brats!"

"Mr. D, yes you were sent here as a punishment but maybe also because its to teach you a lesson of listening and to show us, guide us. Don't you agree Chiron?"

"Actually, yes I do. But you do realize you're talking to a god."

"God or not, it doesn't matter. Even gods learn lessons," I answered, crossing my arms.

"Gods don't need to be taught lessons! We know everything! We see everything! We just about hear everything too!" Mr. D roared.

"Yeah, right. You know everything and see everything. Even gods don't know everything! They may see everything and just about hear everything, which the hearing thing I'm not sure about, but you certainly don't know everything!" I said starting to raise my voice. Mr. D was starting to make me mad and if I get mad, its not pretty sometimes. Even though he was a god and was probably going to blast me to pieces if I say what I'm going to say, he needed to learn a lesson. Also, I personally think my mom and dad would pretty much kill Mr. D if he tried to blast me. He was an overgrown, drunk brat that was spoiled. Oh yeah, and since he is the god of wine and grapes, I think he's hyped up on it. And seeing as he can't have wine until his punishment is over, it was probably the grapes.

"Christina, listen to me. I'm a god and you shouldn't talk to me or any other god like that," he said, his voice dangerous. "Just because your mother is Athena and your dad is Poseidon, not making you a demigod, doesn't mean you can get away with anything. Is that clear?"

That's when I got mad and raised my voice completely.

"I didn't say anything about my parents! I don't even care for them! They don't care for me, then I don't care for them! I didn't mention anything about getting away with anything just because I'm not a demigod! So don't get me started on my parents or not being a demigod! Some of you gods are so stubborn! You think you know everything and that you don't have to learn lessons! Some of you gods are just blind! You don't see the truth! You won't admit that you gods need demigods! We are the bonds that keep you tied to the world basically! If we were to all die, you would slowly fade and die too! Then all that is in mankind that you gods made will disappear! And right now, you Dionysus, are the most ignorant, blindest and irresponsible god ever!"

Mr. D looked at me with a purplish fire in his eyes, but that didn't scare me.

"I am not ignorant, blind or irresponsible. You may be smart, but you should never ever talk to me much less any other god or goddess like that. You should be lucky that I'm not blasting you to pieces. Most gods would evolve into their true form before you could react and you would disintegrate. Or most gods would just blast you to pieces on the spot. And yes us gods won't admit that we need you demigods but really, we don't," Mr. D said. His voice had changed because he had switched to Ancient Greek.

"Like I said, if we weren't here, then you guys would slowly fade and die. Your essence would go straight to Tartarus. Then everything made by you would fade from mankind," I answered in the same tongue.

I looked at Chiron and I knew that he was listening. Lillian's eyes were wide again and she was shaking her head. Logan, well, he was looking at me like speaking in Ancient Greek was impressive.

"That may be true and you demigods may be the bonds but the gods need to be looked up to and admired by you guys, not outsmarted. Demigods need to appreciate what we have given to them," Mr. D replied. "Does this make any sense to you?"

"Well duh! But still! You obviously don't get the point! Gods learn lessons too as much as demigods do!"

"Christina, you can believe that gods can learn lessons but the truth is, we don't. We don't need to learn lessons. We have been living for almost over three millennia, so we know everything and see everything. Is that clear?"

"You know what Dionysus? I don't give up but I think I know what I'm talking about and you don't. So I'm not going to waste my breath on trying to explain to you. You go about your own way thinking the wrong way and I will go my way knowing what's right," I growled.

"Fine then, so be it," he answered in English.

"Whoa. You were speaking in Ancient Greek," cut in Logan.

"It's nothing really Logan. You should be learning Ancient Greek," I said looking at him seriously.

"Right. Anyways, what are we going to do about Alethia?"

That's when Chiron finally spoke.

"Well, the Iris-message was a bit weird. Iris and I have been friends for a long time and I've never seen or have it happen," he said calmly.

"So what are we going to do? She's like a sister and you know that Chiron. Why did she leave without permission because you know she would never do that? Unless...," I said my voice trailing off.

"Unless what, Christina?" asked Chiron leaning forward.

"I know this may sound mess up, but, unless some enemy took her," I supposed.

Chiron sat back in his wheelchair (did I mention that he can lower his horse half into a box that becomes a wheelchair with fake human legs so he can pass as human?). He sighed and looked cautiously Mr. D and then back at me.

"You really think that? Are you sure that an enemy took her for some reason?" he questioned darkly.

"Yes. I do. The only question is, 'Who is the enemy, what are they planning and why did they take her and not someone else?'"

"Good question. Maybe its time you consulted the Oracle. I have a bad feeling that even though we are worrying about one demigod disappearing, it is a major problem that she's gone and that this may result in a quest to rescue her," Chiron replied.

"Are you sure it is time Chiron?"

He nodded. "Yes. Go consult the Oracle. Then come back and we will talk considering you will still be sane."

I got up, and walked inside the house, up the staircase until I had reached the attic. A door swung open and a ladder appeared underneath. I climbed up and walked into a room filled of dusty trophies, swords, shields and souvenirs and junk that campers no longer wanted in their cabins. In the back of the room sat a mummy with a tie-died dress on and a bunch of jewelry all over. The Oracle. I approached it and a raspy, snaky voice said, "I am the spirit of Delphi, speaker of prophecies of Phoebus Apollo, slayer of the mighty Python. Approach, seeker, and ask."

I gathered my wits and asked the mummy, "What do I need to do to rescue Alethia?"

The mummy opened her mouth and green mist came out, thickening and swirling around me. Then the raspy, snaky voice spoke,

Four shall travel as far west as they can

To find the girl taken by hand

You will lose a needed child of archery, a friend

Only to find a god in the end

If thee shall find the girl, war shall wage

And underground will release terrible rage

And on that happy note, the green mist receded back into the mummy's mouth and the mouth clamped shut. I stood as rigid as a board and finally, I turned and walked out of the room, trying not to make a run for it down the ladder and the stairs. When I reached the last stair, I sprinted outside through the house and back out onto the porch to find Chiron, Mr. D, Logan and Lillian playing a new game of pinochle. When I reached the table, Chiron looked up and said, "Well. Lets hear what the Oracle said." Reluctantly, I repeated the lines and after I had finished, Logan let out a long whistle.

"So I guess that clears it up. We go far west. We find Alethia. We will lose a best friend and if we do find Alethia-," his voice stopped and then he said frowning, "What's the point in finding her if war will happen and the ground will release such rage?"

"Because, the enemy has her and whatever they're planning isn't good. So of course there is going to be a fight. But Logan, prophecy lines always have double meanings. You never know until it has happen," I replied.

"Christina is right," said Lillian. "But I also am thinking, when you choose your companions, I would avoid taking a child of archery. And since Artemis doesn't have any kids, then the line would basically apply easily to a child of Apollo. So I would avoid taking a daughter or son of Apollo."

"Good point but it said a needed child of archery. So we have to take a child of Apollo even it means they die. I know who I am taking if you accept and if the other demigod will also. Lillian, will you accompany me on this quest?"

"Sure thing Christina. Just like the old days. On the run together. Only this time were actually going somewhere."

She laughed at the last sentence and I cracked a smile.

"Thanks. Now the last companion." I took a deep breath because I wa sure that the next person I would ask would probably get us killed. I turned my eyes to Logan. "Logan, will you be the second companion who will go with me on this quest?" He looked at me incredulously.

"Me? But why me? I've only been at camp for five days! What good am I going to do?" he said bewildered.

"Logan, you have trained with me and I think you're ready to go on the quest. Also, you can see what the real world is like when you know you're a demigod-,"

"Joy."

"And hopefully you won't get us killed," I muttered. Chiron looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

"So do you agree to go or are you going to back down?" I finally finished.

He thought about it and said, "I accept to join you on this quest."

"Thanks. Just make sure you don't kil us." I repeated.

Logan opened his mouth to object but was interrupted.

"Who is the last demigod?"

"I don't know Chiron. I'll ask tonight at the camp fire. It's wrong to volunteer an Apollo kid to go on this quest and have them die. It's just wrong. So I'll ask tonight," I replied grimly.

"All right. In the meantime, you could practice fighting and getting ready. Do not tell anyone until tonight at dinner or during the camp fire. Right now, I have a meeting with the gods about certain matters. I will be back soon." He glanced at Mr. D. Then he continued. "Mr. D will also be coming so Argus will, er, keep an eye on things."

"Argus? Is he the many-eyed security dude?" Logan asked curiously.

"Yes."

"The one with eyes all over his body and never says anything and people still understand him?"

"Yes."

"And he only shows up at meetings if something really serious is going on?"

"Yes, that is Argus."

"The one who-," he began.

"Yes Logan," I cut in. "How many times does Chiron have to repeat himself?"

Logan blushed. "Sorry."

We all got up, thanked Chiron and Mr. D for the game and helping us and left. We were about to turn the corner when we looked back and saw Chiron and Mr. D picking up one card before they turned it and the air began to bend around them. Then with a brilliant white flash, they were gone. All three of us walked towards the arena talking about the quest and making plans.

That night after dinner, everyone ventured towards the amphitheater for some exciting songs. After everyone had settled down on the benches, Chiron pounded his hoof against the metal grate, silencing everyone. Gradually, the talking died down and all eyes focused on Chiron.

"Heroes! Before we begin our campfire songs, I would like to make an announcement!" Before he could proceed, the talking started again.

"Silence!" Chiron yelled. "The first announcement is about one demigod! As you know, there is one child of Zeus!" Heads nodded. "However, she has gone missing and Christina has some news abut it." He nodded towards me and I got up and stood in front of the campfire. "Christina, you may explain," he told me.

"Well now that you know Alethia is missing, let me fill the rest in. But I'm going to ask two questions first. Question one: Where was the Alethia last seen?" Murmuring broke out and finally some stood up and said, "The last place we saw her was at the archery range. That was it. No one else saw her because Lillian asked just about everyone who was with her during some of the activities."

"Ok then. That's a start. Question two: Does anyone have any information?" Many people shook their heads but it was the Apollo cabin behind me that said something.

"We have only one piece of information." I turned on them and everyone quickly fell silent.

"And what happens to be the information?" I asked curiously. The Apollo cabin looked nervous and a few of them shuffled their feet, as if thinking that it was a bad idea to say anything.

"Lynch Fuller is missing as well. He disappeared around the same time Alethia did. We had archery practice with Alethia and then when it was time to move to the next activity, they were both gone. We figured that they had gone to a different activity until Lillian started asking. That's it. That is all we know."

"Tha-that's all I needed to hear. Let me explain what I know." So I explained to them about Lillian asking me and us trying to Iris-message Alethia. I left out the part about the coin being given back to us and the weird freaky voice. I also left out the part with me and Mr. D. That's when I reached the quest part.

"So Chiron and I have decided that we need to do something. I am taking up a quest. And I have already received the prophecy from the Oracle. Here it is." I repeated the prophecy and when I had finished, I could feel the Apollo cabin's tension crackling from all of the attention.

"So who is going?" asked someone in the crowd.

"Lillian Blake and Logan Moore. But we need a child of Apollo and I can't just pick one of you guys to come and then die. It's wrong. I said, one of you guys could volunteer. We have to have an Apollo kid because if we don't, we'll have terrible luck and we'll all die thanks to the Fates. You all know how it goes," I said sadly.

I looked at the Apollo kids and silence filed in. Finally, Liam spoke up.

"I'll do it."

I choked up.

"Liam...no. I've known you too long. You're the cabin leader and I just can't stand by and watch a friend die. Please Liam," I said, giving him a really sad look.

"Christina, I know. But I'm volunteering to die. If there's anything better than being with friends on a quest, it's dying a heroic death. When my time comes, I won't be afraid. I'm not afraid to die Christina. Seriously. But you've got to be strong when it's my time. And when it is, then I'll know I did my best and was heroic in the end. There's no need to be afraid because I'm not and you've got to be strong."

I looked at him, sadly. My heart dropped to my stomach but I knew deep down he was right. But I couldn't just watch my friend die! What was I suppose to do as he died in front of me?

"So Christina, do you accept me coming on this quest for you?"

I looked around at the camper's shocked faces. I then looked at the Apollo kids who were studying their feet. It would be really wrong to turn Liam down and then pick another Apollo kid to die. They were Liam's brothers and sisters for the gods sake! By turning him and down and then choosing one of his brothers or sisters to come and die on a quest was just wrong! He would hate me and besides, no other Apollo kid was willing to die and Liam was the only one owning up to it.

"Fine then. I accept," I managed to get out. I started choking a bit, my throat closing up. "We will leave first thing tomorrow morning."

"Then it's settled. You, Liam, Lillian and Logan will leave first things tomorrow," Chiron said.

He chuckled. "A bunch of L's are going on a quest."

I looked at him in disbelief. How could he be joking around in such a grieving time? He cleared his throat and continued on seriously.

"Well give your good luck and wish them the best, especially Liam. Tomorrow early in the morning, we'll light a pyre for his honor, bravery and courage. Now on with the songs."

The camp sang the songs but judging from the color of flames, everyone was anxious and scared about the quest. The Apollo cabin tried to sound upbeat, despite the despair they where in. Even Liam tried but it was obvious his mind was on the quest and he knew I was giving him that sad-kinda-mad look. Everyone stopped singing really early because Liam kind of dropped the beat and then the music died down. Silence filled in the amphitheater and after a few seconds of pure, sad silence, Liam looked at me. He knew what the look was about.

"Christina. I'm sorry but it's the only way to complete that part of the prophecy. I won't be afraid but-,"

"No. Stop. Please Liam. Just stop talking. You're making it worse for me. You don't know how hard this is," I said weakly.

"No, you need to know and get this through your head."

"Liam, please stop! Please! You don't realize that by you volunteering," I said loudly but I stopped.

"What?"

"You're only killing me," I finished quietly. "When you are lying in front of me, bleeding to death, what am I suppose to do? Just stand there and watch you leave me? My first instinct will be to help you. Because that is me. I care more for family and friends than myself."

"Listen to me. I know I'm going on this quest to die. And I don't mind. I'm not afraid to die. But Christina, if you're strong to accept the fact your brother is dying for you so you can rescue Alethia and stop whatever evil scheme is going on, then you would let me die in peace. By being strong as I leave this world, I'll know that you can deal without me. And I'll always be with you as your brother even when I'm dead. It's called Elysium where heroes go to die. When they die, supposedly their name lives in the minds of all other demigods even when the demigods don't know it. Supposedly their souls are split, one for Elysium and the other to go with and protect the ones they were close to. Please Christina, listen to me."

"Stop it please, Liam. You're killing me now. Stop it because when you die, how am I suppose to work my way through the quest knowing I accepeted you to come on this quest and die? Knowing I stood by a friend and watched him die in front of me! HOW?"

"Then think about Elysium and how I'll be happy in a place where I can be in peace. Where I won't have to worry about monsters attacking me. You know I'm doing for the best and because I care for this camp, for you, for Alethia and to stop evil from happening. Because I care to let the Fates deal with my life. To control it like they planned it ever since I was born. They have a plan for every demigod's life, even if they grow up to become adults without knowing they are a demigod. Everybody's destiny and path is carved and planned by the Fates. What they will to happen to us will happen."

I gave him a sad look.

"Please stop. If you care so much, then stop telling me this. Please Liam," I choked.

"Because it's true," he said quietly.

Silence settled some more between us. I looked around the amphitheater and then at Logan and Lillian. Lillian was just as sad as I was. Logan was in speechless shock. I looked at the Apollo kids. One of Liam's sisters were crying. I took a look at everyone in the amphitheater and then without another word, I left the amphitheater; everybody staring after me as I went to my cabin and packed our bags.