We drove out almost right away. Soon, after some time of hitting the rode to Long Island, I started to calm down.

Of course, I still felt like shit and exhausted in every way possible. I silently thought to myself, 'I don't think anything worse could happen right now.'

Well, I thought wrong.

As my mother pulled over in front of the hill (where the camp's entrance was), she looked at me as if she wanted to stop me from leaving the car. In her eyes, I was still a six year old girl shivering at the sound of thunder.

I sighed and gave my mother a confident smile, and in return, she smiled back. It surprised me how similar we looked and I could clearly see that the face I was making was the same as my mother's

"Well, I'm going to get out now. Drive safe mom. I love you." I told her and left the car before she could reply. I knew it was rude, but I also knew if I listened to my mother's words, I wouldn't have the courage to go out and face reality.

I jogged towards the hill, and not before long, familiar security guard was waiting for me. "Hey there Argus." I greeted him. As a response, he grunted and nudged his head towards his shoulders as if telling me to follow him.

To introduce him, he is a monster with one thousand eyes, however, he was totally friendly. His constant silence was a mystery but Percy mentioned that Argus had eyes on his tongue too.

Pushing those things aside, Argus led me through the trees. Soon the view of Camp Half-blood spread before my eyes.

I would have enjoyed the scenery if it weren't for my current problem.

Without waiting for Argus's grunts, I ran to the biggest mansion in the camp, the Big House.

As I was a few yards away, I saw Chiron talking with Percy in a very grave manner. Despite unable to hear the conversation, I knew it was something terrible.

"Percy!" I shouted at my brother. The half man half horse, Chiron, and Percy turned toward me in unison. And I could clearly see stress on both of their faces.

"What's wrong?" I asked, trying to be cheerful as possible ,despite feeling dead inside, "We were just wondering when you would arrive." Chiron replied like a teacher. "Now little one, let's get inside." He gently smiled and placed his hand on my shoulders, leading us towards the Big House. Percy on the other hand, quietly followed. He had guilt strewn all over his face

As I entered the house, I saw many new and familiar faces. There was Leo, still having the same impish smile on his face, with Calypso, an ex immortal. Beside the couple were Frank with Hazel, Piper with Jason, and Reyna. But I wasn't able to see Nico nor Annabeth, leaving me more worried than I was feeling at the moment.

The chattering in the room started to quiet down as the three of us entered. Leo grinned and waved at me, which I tried to wave back, but found no will to do so. And from the corner of my eyes, I saw Calypso pinching him on the side, scolding him to behave.

"Now that everyone is here, we'll begin our meeting." Chiron coughed a bit. "About half an year ago, demigods started to experience their abilities going haywire. Such as children of Apollo becoming tone deaf over night, children of Ares becoming a victim of bullies, children of Athena not being able to get anything through with theie plans, children of Hypnos unable to sleep, and the list goes on." Chiron sighed, as if just listing the events made him feel tired.

"And two weeks ago, Rachel, our oracle, has given a prophecy, which caught all of us off guard. Rachel? Would you do the honor on saying the prophecy?"

Then, among the group, Rachel walked in front of the table. I didn't notice her awhile ago, which was strange because I usually see her as soon as I get to camp. I was probably too tired.

Rachel took a deep breath before reciting the prophecy.

"Victory is snuffed from the rise of the fallen.

A success-deprived charioteer has been chosen,

To race with time against all odds,

And lift the curse through a torch of victorious blood."

Despite not understanding what the prophecy meant, I felt shiver run down my back and the silent room started to form a tense atmosphere.

"That doesn't make sense." Leo broke the silence after a couple of seconds. "What does that even mean?" And the room started to buzz as people started to debate about the meaning.

Chiron then stumped his hoves and room came back to silence. "No one knew what this was all about 'til Percy figured it out."

Then all the eyes turned to my brother, so did mine. "Haa..." Percy sighed not knowing what to say. "Well... my sister, Sophia, has a friend named Sam Bellon... And he had never won at anything, based on what she had told me..." He sneaked a glimpse at me and continued. "Most probably, my mom told her not to tell Sam that he was a demigod... as it makes everything more difficult, especially with his situation right now. But unfortunately, two days ago, he was attacked by a minotaur and I saved him in time." Percy explained.

My mouth was open as I heard that Sam was saved. My eyes scanned the room in search for a familiar face I missed so much, however, Sam was nowhere to be found.

"Sam was claimed soon after I rescued him. And he was a child of Nike. And I think... the success-deprived charioteer stands for Sam." Percy stopped as if he didn't want to continue.

"And where is Sam?" One of the campers asked. "Well... He..." Percy looked at me with a guilt filled eyes, making my suddenly delighted mood to go down in drain. "He is taken by monsters. Not killed. But taken. Nico was wounded trying to save him." And the room started to buzz up in chaos.