The day of our departure finally arrived. The sun peeping out from behind the hills in the horizon and the birds were chirping merrily. What could ruin this perfect day? Oh right, the fact that I am going on a dangerous quest to save the world and that I might not return. Can't forget that little detail now can we...

I finished packing up last minutes necessities that I thought would be important on the quest. Stuffing the last item in my knapsack, I sighed and slumped on my bed. I hardly slept a wink last night because I was worrying about the quest. If dad and mom could do it at my age then, Hades, so can I! I thought, trying to squeeze out the little tendrils of doubt beginning to blossom in my mind. Trying to act all tough and courageous was hard so I gave up and went out to take a walk.

I found my feet automatically carrying me to the path in the forest that lead to the ocean. A salty breeze wafted through the trees and little birds sang to each other in the leaves. The rock that I sat on when mom and I shared our moment was still there,but then again, why would it have moved? Hahaha, I chuckled. I found myself imagining the rock dancing with arms and legs. Laughing at the thought, I sat down and looked out at the water, watching the sun rise and glint across the water. The ocean shone and sparkled, looking even lovelier than usual.

Leaves rustled from behind me and I swiveled around to find Mom emerge from the forest. She came over and sat next to me on the rock and I felt a sudden case of déjà vu. Just like that day here on the beach I thought. I turned to see her looking at me expectantly.

"What?"

She chuckled and repeated herself once more, "You look a little nervous."

The tone of her voice made me look out over the sea. I sighed and replied, "Yeah, you could say that…"

She rested an arm on my shoulder, "You'll do just fine. I know you will. Have faith in your friends and trust them to be with you every step of the way."

"I know Kalli and Zack will—"

"No, no I meant Alex. As a daughter of wisdom, I think he is a good choice to have on your quest." She raised an eyebrow, "You are taking him right?"

Ugh now Mom wants me to take him too… Maybe I should… I just don't want him to cause any trouble with Zack. Or do anything to mess up my quest like what happened on Zack's quest. But then again, he seems like a person I can trust to watch my back. I didn't want to admit it but Alex was a great fighter and I needed him with me. He was also someone I could count on to make me happy or to comfort me when I'm worried about completing our mission. Comfort me? What kind of warrior am I? For some reason, I connected with him in a way that I couldn't connect to Kalli or Zack.

"Yeah," I sighed, "I'm taking him along. I just hope he doesn't do anything stupid."

"I don't think he will. He'll be too busy competing with Zack to win your affection."

"What?!" I screeched.

My mom winked, "You know what I'm talking about."

Urgh, I could already feel the red blush creeping over my cheeks.

"And I know you like him too."

"WHAT? No I don't !"

"Yes you do."

"No I don't."

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"No you don't."

"Yes I do! … GOSH DARN IT! Everytime!"

My mom started laughing and I couldn't help but join her. It was easy like this, pretending I wasn't about to leave for a life-endangering quest that I might not return from. Yep, a normal girl hanging out with her normal mom on a normal rock at a normal summer camp. 'Cuz that's what my life is, normal.

Choosing that exact moment to pop his head out from the forest, Dad asked, "Are you ready to go yet, Kenzie?"

I looked at Mom and saw that her eyes had begun to tear up and the mouth that was once turned up in a grin now held a frown. I leaned in to hug her then hopped off the rock and replied to Percy "Yeah, let's go."

And I didn't look back. I couldn't watch the tears run down Mom's cheeks. Or the waves calling me back to play.

We reached the camp in a few short minutes. I didn't say anything as we walked through the forest and, thankfully, Dad didn't say anything either. He had a calm mask on, but I could still tell he was a little worried for this quest.

Kalli and Zack stood together next to the Big House, counting golden drachmas into their dragon scale coinbag. They didn't have anything with them besides a few rucksacks to carry clothes and supplies, and ambrosia and nectar in case we required medical attention. The butterflies in my stomach erupted again and I began to feel a bit excited to begin ourmission.

"WAIT! Don't leave without me!"

I turned around in disbelief to see Alex running up the hill towards us with his packed rucksacks and something in his hand that looked suspiciously like a crescent moon (just really wanted to add this, don't ask questions…), but as soon as he came closer I realized that it was a bow. He also had a quiver strung on his back complete with arrows. He saw me looking at it and smirked.

"My dad gave them to me as a gift for my twelfth birthday."

I huffed and wished that I had some magical gift from my parents. Zack had his numchucks from his father, Hermes, and a bottomless bag that he stores his enormous game system in for travel. Kalli had this weird deck of cards that were only hearts, but I'm sure they did something. And now Alex has his bow and arrow. Talk about being the odd one out. Hah!

"Kenzie."

I turned around I saw Dad and Mom standing next to the big house. They had this sorrowful expression that made me want to run over and give them a hug, telling them that everything was going to be okay. But of course, I can't do that. I walked over to them and they smiled like they had a big secret that they were trying to keep. I smiled and thought, Hah it's only been two weeks and I already know them so well. That and Dad has his hands behind his back…

He stepped forward and asked me to close my eyes. I sighed and did as he asked. I opened them a few seconds later to find a majestic and beautiful… Pen?

"That is a pen…"

"Yes, it is."

"It's a pen."

"Didn't we just establish that? This is a magical pen."

I couldn't stop the laughter that escaped from my lips, "A MAGICAL pen?! What does it have? Magical ink?!"

He gave it to me and gave me a smug look as I held it questioningly.

"Uncap it."

"What?"

"Just uncap it."

"Umm.. okay.." I replied and did as he asked, uncapping the pen.

My eyes widened as it extended into a blu-ish green sword. I held it at arm's length admiring it with my mouth open, gaping like a fish. I twirled it in my hand. It was the prefect weight, not to heavy, not to light. Sliding my finger along the blade, I appreciated how it was cool to the touch. I checked the hilt and brushed my finger across the word engraved there: RIPTIDE.

A/N: Heyo we still exist. please don't hate us D; if the formatting is weird please leave a review and I'll fix it later (because I am posting from my phone . ) so yep. I'm sorry for the wait but better late than never right?

-Faith :3