"Suspecting and knowing are not the same," Chiron said. "Besides, even if the other gods suspect Hades and I imagine Poseidon does they couldn't retrieve the bolt themselves. Gods cannot cross each other's territories except by invitation. That is another ancient rule. Heroes, on the other hand, have certain privileges. They can go anywhere, challenge anyone, as long as they're bold enough and strong enough to do it. No god can be held responsible for a hero's actions. Why do you think the gods always operate through humans?"
"What if…" My mind was going a million miles an hour, "Actually, what am I now? Am I considered a god?"
Chiron seemed to be thinking about that too, "Yes you would be considered a god, with your powers and all. But just remember you are mortal, so you're not a god, but you are like a god."
"So that makes me, like the god of mortals?" I said.
"Yes, just like that. But remember, a god is immortal, and you're not. You still have a mortal soul, so you can die. Well you can die, but I think it'll take a lot to kill you." Chiron said.
"So…I can't go on a quest?" I asked.
"I'm afraid not, you still need a lot of training, especially with your new powers. I could help you control your powers, that way you'll be able to protect yourself and your comrades."
I looked at my feet, felling disappointed. "Alright." Percy got up, he looked like he was ready to take on a rhino.
"So…Am I being used right now...Or?"
"No, Percy, you're not being used. You see Percy, Poseidon has claimed you, because he's in a desperate situation right now. Although it's a very risky gamble, but I believe you'll be able to complete your quest. Which brings me to our next topic."
"And…?" Percy said. 'You don't get to press Chiron, you get to go on a quest. So you don't need to press him.' I thought.
"All you need to do is go west, and confront the lord of the dead. And then you have to find Zeus's lightning bolt, and make sure it is safely returned in ten days." Chiron said.
Percy looked at Grover. Grover was eating the cards, Chiron and Dionysus were using. He ate his last one, which was an ace of hearts. When he was done he side, "Did I mention Maine is very nice this time of year?" He asked weakly.
"You don't have to go man." Percy told Grover.
"Oh…" Grover started shifting his hooves, "No…It's just that satyrs and underground places…Well…" He stopped shifting his hooves, and then he took a big breath, and then he stood up straight. "You saved my life, Percy if…If you really want me to come with you, then I won't let you down."
Percy perked up, "All the way G-man." Percy turned to Chiron, "So where do we go? The Oracle just said to go west."
"The entrance to the underworld is always in the west. It moves from age to age, just like Olympus. Right now, of course, it's in America." Chiron said.
"Okay…Where?" Percy asked. "Percy…Could you at least try to pay attention in your classes?" I said.
"Hmmm." Chiron said, "I guess that was never your strong suit, although I think none of the demi-gods here paid any attention in their classes."
"Oh well," Chiron shook his head, "Kids will be kids right?"
"Hey!" Percy protested.
Chiron held up his hands, "Anyway, The entrance to the underworld is in Los Angeles."
Percy still looked embarrassed, and I think he's going to get a lot more embarrassed, "So we just get on a plane-"
"No!" Grover shrieked, "Percy, what are you thinking? Have you ever been on a plane in your life?" I guess I was right, Percy looked at the ground, "No…My mom had never taken me anywhere by plane. She'd always said we didn't have the money. Besides, her parents had died in a plane crash"
Chiron just simply let out a little sigh, "Percy think, you are the son of the sea god. And you're fathers bitterest rival is Zeus the lord of the sky. Your mother knew better then to trust you in a plane. You would be in Zeus's domain. You would never come down again alive."