Chapter 6:
The next morning, Chiron moved Percy and Markus to Cabin Three.
The boys didn't have to share with anyone. They had plenty of room for all their stuff: the Minotaur's horn and Markus' new pelt of fur from the hellhound, two sets of spare clothes, and toiletry bags. Both of them got to sit at their own dinner tables, pick their own activities, call 'lights out' whenever they wanted to, and not listen to anybody else.
And they were both absolutely miserable.
To Percy, he felt isolated. Just when he had started to feel he had a home in Cabin Eleven and he might be a normal kid- or as you can be when you're a half-blood-he'd been separated out as if he had a rare disease.
Nobody mentioned the hellhound, but he got the feeling they were all talking about it behind his and Markus' back.
The attack had scared everybody. It sent two messages: one, that both boys were sons of the Sea God; and two, monsters would stop at nothing to kill them. They could even invade a camp that had always been considered safe.
Percy noted that Markus wasn't really bothered by the whole mood the camp had. But he quickly noticed that the friends his brother, yes, his brother, now made… well, most of them had scattered from him.
Unlike Percy, Markus still had a few people, like Katie from Demeter, Charles Beckendorf from Hephaestus (who Markus made frequent visits to for his shield and hit it off) along with some of his siblings, Silena, and a few others.
The other campers steered clear from him as much as possible.
Cabin Eleven was too nervous to have sword class with both of them after what they'd done to the Ares kids, so their lessons with Luke became one-on-one.
He pushed them harder than ever, and wasn't afraid to bruise them up in the process.
"You're going to need all the training you can get," he promised, as all three were working with swords and flaming torches. "Now let's try that viper-beheading strike again. Fifty more repetitions."
Annabeth still taught them Greek in the mornings, but seemed distracted. Every time either of the boys said something, she would scowl at them. After lessons, she would walk away muttering to herself: "Quest… Poseidon?... Dirty rotten… Got to make a plan…"
Even Clarisse kept her distance; though her venomous looks to both boys made it clear she wanted to kill her. Percy wished she would just yell or punch him or something! He'd rather get into fights every day than be ignored.
Markus, however, didn't leave himself alone. The fact that both boys were brothers made him want to know Percy more. Markus admitted that he wasn't that eager for a brother, saying that his mum was his only family, and he'd been alone for a long time. But he was willing to give it a shot. Markus said that he wanted to know the family he lost earlier.
Markus was in a conundrum right now. It wasn't the moody campers that were bothering him. He still talked with Percy, Silena, Katie and the others, so he was fine with that. He still trained a little with his powers, and even tried showing Percy on what he can do also.
No, what was bothering him was a dream he had recently. It wasn't the one with the eagle and the horse on the beach. It was where he met his second god: which was actually a goddess. He also learned more about his mother.
Flashback
Markus remembered sleeping and waking up on a hillside. He immediately knew he was in a dream. He didn't know how he knew that. He just did.
In his dream he was surrounded by mist hanging in the air. Strangely it was hazy white, like smoke, but more purer in colour. It coiled and undulated, as if it were alive.
So, strange freaky mist on a hillside in a dream? Sure, why not? He was getting used to the weirdness he now lived in.
As the mist curled around his legs, the hairs on his arms stood up. He didn't feel any ominous danger from the mist, but he didn't relax.
As Markus looked ahead into the smoke, it clinging to him like freezer fog, the pale figure of a woman appeared suddenly. It was as if the smoke took solidified and formed into her. The woman wore a dark sleeveless gown. She had golden hair that hung loosely at her shoulders. Her image seemed to ripple, as if she were still made out of the mist that appeared. She looked about twenty-five, at least.
"Markus Henderson," said the woman. This put him on the edge. He definitely didn't know this woman, but she obviously knew him. It wasn't just her saying his name that confirmed that; she looked at him with familiarity, like she knew him.
She was beautiful with an ageless air around her, like a statue. But she was also deathly pale. She had black eyes. She also had two old-fashioned reed torches, lit on fire.
The woman smiled serenely.
"There is no need to worry, young one," she said. "You are in no harm."
"Who are you?" Markus asked, straight to the point. He didn't sleep just to get spooked out by some woman who appeared in his dreams.
"I am Hecate," she said. "Goddess of magic."
That shocked him. He didn't expect to meet a goddess, much less in his sleep.
"Oh," he said, feeling dumb. All that hype and it vanishes when he learns that she's a goddess. Well that just wouldn't do.
Feeling brave, Markus queried. "So why have you come to see me? I doubt a goddess would want to see me for no reason."
Hecate nodded. "True, Markus. What I have to say is of great importance to you."
He waited, about to listen to the news she was going to deliver to him.
"You are like your mother," Hecate said.
That seemed to be a great shock, as he caught his breath at that sentence. "You-you knew her?"
There was no way any goddess knew his mum. She died risking her life for him. She was his mother! There was just no way!
Hecate nodded, seeing his troubled face. "Yes. I would not forget one of my disciples so easily. My champion, more so."
"Disciple? Champion?" The words didn't register to Markus. How could his mother be involved with Greek mythology? As far as she was with him, he never seen her leave him for long periods of time, or do anything out of the ordinary. So how.
"I-I don't believe you," Markus decided, finding his voice after a while "There's no way my mum would be your disciple or your champion. It just doesn't make sense?"
"And Greek gods being alive does?" Hecate countered easily. "I know it may seem hard to believe, but it is the truth. Melissa Henderson was my champion; a very fine one at that."
Markus just registered the use of his mother's name. "If… if that's the truth, then why didn't you save her when she was going to die?!" he yelled. Sure, it seemed probably wrong to yell at a goddess, but he couldn't help it. "If she was your champion, then why did you do nothing as she died?!"
Here she looked remorseful, as if she regretted the decision. "Gods can't interfere with mortal affairs. I could do nothing but send minimal aid."
Here Markus looked ready to roar in rage. That was her answer?! Because of some Ancient Laws?! She did nothing while watching his mother die and probably watch him suffer!
Hecate, seeing this, raised her hand. "I understand your frustration, I do. Remember, she was my champion, too. I am sorry, but right now we need to talk."
Markus looked ready to murder her, but then breathed in heavily and calmed down significantly. It wasn't easy, but he managed. "Okay," he breathed angrily. "If you knew my mum, then what do you want with me?"
"A promise," Hecate said, like that explained everything. Then she elaborated. "Before she died, your mother asked me to aid you in your perils. During your times alone, I warded off the monsters, using the Mist to hide you."
"The what?" Markus asked, confused. How can mist hid him?
"Not the normal mist, mind you," she explained. "But the Mist. Capital M- Mist. The veil that separates the mundane world from the supernatural one. The reason why mortals cannot see the monsters that roam around."
"Wait, if mortals can't see the Mist," Markus asked. "Then how come my mum knew about you? How she became your… champion?"
"Some mortals are clear-sighted. They can see through the Mist and see the gods and monsters as they really are. Your mother was such a mortal. As there are others."
Markus nodded, digesting that thought. So his mum knew about all the gods and monsters and the Greek myths? Okay, he could understand that. Her being a goddess' champion… that was a little hard to take in.
Then a thought came to him. "Wait, if she was your champion, does that mean she knew magic?" he asked, intrigued. Hey, if she was a disciple of the goddess of magic, then surely she would have picked some stuff up from her.
Hecate nodded, looking seemingly pleased. "Yes. She was very talented with the arcane arts. If she were to have lived, then she would have possibly rivalled the likes of Circe and Medea."
Markus recalled them being famous sorceresses from Greek mythology? His mum was really that awesome? He grinned. So not only was she an awesome mum, but also an awesome witch? Damn.
Then he turned towards the goddess. "Well, thank you, then, for protecting me," he said, feeling grateful for her protecting him from all the monsters. He was also thankful for his mum for protecting him by praying to a goddess for his sake. It almost made him cry, but he refused to do so.
"So," Markus said, after a moment. "Will you teach me how to use magic?" It seemed like an unlikely thought, but come on. It was magic, something he was fascinated with for a while. Guess he knew why.
Hecate nodded, almost smiling. "Yes. Since your mother was in my circle, it is only right that you take her place."
Markus grinned, childlike giddiness bubbling up into him. Then he thought of a question. "Wait, what terms would I have to follow for me to learn magic?" he asked, not wanting to be roped into any agreement without his full consent.
She nodded, looking impressed by the question. "While you wouldn't be my champion, per say, you do have magic in you. Therefore I, or my children, can train you in the arts of magic. Your first lesson would be to manipulate the Mist. Unfortunately, I cannot help you. My children, however, can. Go to my son, Alabaster. Tell him that I requested his help for you, and he will agree. He will show you how to use the Mist to your advantage. Later on, at some point, I will train you and show you how to use magic even further. Also, at some points I may call upon you for several requests. In return, I will reward you for your services."
Markus nodded, liking all points. But then he had a statement about the last part. "Okay, I accept. But I get to pick the request needed. I don't want to agree to a suicidal death quest." It may seem like all this was a tall order. Still, he was learning magic and getting stronger. So he wasn't complaining too much.
Hecate thought of his request for a moment, then nodded. "That is acceptable. I agree to those terms. Goodbye, Markus Henderson. I hope to see you soon."
Markus would have probably said more, but the image of the goddess rippled, then blurred. The hillside he was standing on started coming apart, the Mist swallowing it up along with everything else. Then he felt himself waking up.
Flashback End
Since that dream, Markus trained with Alabaster and the other Hecate kids. He was a tall kid, with short brown and calculating green eyes. When he told him about his dream with his mother, he immediately knew what he was talking about. Probably had the same dream. Alabaster gave Markus a book that all children or legacies of Hecate (or disciples, in the case of his mum and, he guessed, him).
Markus got several lessons about magic itself, as well as theory, and some control of the Mist. He seemed to pick it up rather quickly. Now he knew why he knew Latin so well; many spells were written in Latin. Maybe he somehow picked it up from his mother.
Alabaster also told Markus about the dangers of magic, and how, if not careful, a user's spells can do more harm than good. Other than that, he usually spent time with Percy or did magic training.
Percy was just chilling in Cabin Three when Markus opened the door, ripping what seemed to be a newspaper, a scowl on his face.
"What's that?" Percy asked.
Markus shrugged. "Just some dumbass trying to leave that for you. He's in the infirmary right now for that." He smiled mysteriously.
Percy was never felt so grateful to have someone at his back. "Thanks." He meant it.
"No problem," Markus said. "We're kinda all we have now."
That was true. Percy told Markus about the oath the Big Three took. Both of them weren't even supposed to be alive.
Markus talked to Percy about escaping the camp and going somewhere else, saying that he wasn't going to sit here and twiddle his thumbs over their supposed death.
He'd rather fight and die than be put down like a dog.
Percy agreed with him, but pointed out several flaws in his plans. Markus still didn't relent, though.
Then they started talking about their mums. Percy pitied him because of what happened to his mum, but Markus said he didn't want pity, that he was fine. Percy would then talk about blue food and cookies and Markus talked about his favourite pizza places.
They just continued talking about what they lost. Both of their mums sacrificed themselves for their sake. They weren't going to forsake that. It felt nice to be honest.
"So, wanna go train with our powers?" Markus asked. They both trained with their powers, Percy getting tips from Markus on how to use them. Markus managed to summon a small wave, while Percy only managed to summon small spheres of water. Markus told him that he just practiced more, and that Percy could do the same thing. Percy was just glad to have Markus helping him, liking the fact of having a brother.
Markus often teased Percy on the fact that he was the oldest by a few months, making him the older brother. Percy was fine with that, but what he wasn't fine with was being called 'baby brother' by Markus. He chased him around for that, but Markus just laughed it off.
The first time they trained with their powers, Markus pushed Percy in the water, telling him to stop being emo and get a wakeup call.
He was insistent that they needed to train to survive, and to use their powers.
"Sure." He shrugged and they both started walking, getting looks from all the other campers. Markus solved this by glaring at them, getting them to back off. They got to the sea, both stepping in and ready to practice. Markus advised him that they both could talk to the naiads for advice on how to use their powers.
Turns out that the naiads were really nice, offering them help when needed. Markus even had a small swimming race with them, losing most of the time but still having a laugh. They both got called milord, which didn't sit well with either of them.
After practicing making waves and shields out of water, along with some sword-training with Luke, night rolled in and it was time for bed.
"Night," Percy called out to Markus, who responded in kind.
Then they both seemed to have another bad dream.
They were on a beach, running along the grainy footing. Markus saw a city that wasn't New York. The buildings were spread apart, palm trees and low hills in the distance.
A hundred yards down the water, two men were fighting. They looked like wrestlers; muscular, with beards and long hair as they stood, taller than humans.
Both wore flowing Greek tunics one trimmed in blue, the other green. They grappled with each other, wrestled, kicked and head-butted, and every time they connected, lightning flashed, the sky grew darker, and the wind rose.
Markus looked to Percy, but he rushed ahead, trying to stop the two men fighting.
Markus stood there, knowing it was pointless. He knew it was a dream, but certain dreams had meaning. Just like the eagle and the horse from before, these men were fighting as well. Markus realized that these were Zeus and their father, Poseidon. It was the same with the horse and eagle.
The wind picked up, and it looked like Percy was running in place on the sand. Markus didn't bother, knowing that it was pointless to stop the two immortals from fighting.
Over the roar of the storm, he could hear the blue-robed one yelling, Give it back! Give it back! Like a whiney baby wanting a toy.
The waves got bigger, crashing into the beach, spraying both boys with salt water.
The ground shook. Laughter came from somewhere under the earth, and a voice so deep and evil it turned Markus' blood to ice.
Come down, little heroes, the voice crooned. Come down!
The sand split beneath the boys, opening up a crevice straight down to the centre of the earth. Their foot slipped, and darkness swallowed them.
Markus woke up, jumping to his feet. Percy was awake as well, reacting almost the same way. Markus looked to the window, seeing the dark clouds outside, showing it was night. Thunder rolled across the hills as the storm was coming.
There was a knock on the door of the cabin. Percy went to answer and saw that it was Grover. "What?" he asked.
"Mr. D wants to see you both," he said, looking gloomy.
"Why?"
"He wants to kill- I mean, he just wants to talk to you."
Nervously, Percy exchanged a grimace to Markus, who nodded back to him.
For days they'd been half expecting a summons to the Big House. Just for being alive when they weren't supposed to be. The other gods had probably been debating the best way to punish them for existing, and now Mr. D was ready to deliver the verdict.
Over the Long Island Sound, the sky looked like ink soup coming to a boil. A hazy curtain of rain was coming in the boys' direction. Percy asked Grover if they needed an umbrella.
"No," he said. "It never rains here unless we want it to."
Percy pointed at the storm. "It'll pass around us. Bad weather always does."
"Well someone's in a mood." Markus said, getting a nervous look from Grover as a boom was fired off. Seems his uncle heard his comment.
He scoffed in the direction of the storm, as if the threat wasn't serious.
The storm, however… this one was huge. Definitely not of the normal kind.
At the volleyball the kids from Apollo's cabin were playing a morning game against the satyrs.
Dionysus' twins were walking around the strawberry fields, making plants grow.
Everybody was going about their normal business, but they looked tense. They kept their eyes on the storm.
The trio walked up to the front porch of the Big House. Dionysus sat at the pinochle table in his tiger-striped Hawaiian shirt with his Diet Coke, just as he had the first day. Chiron sat across the table in his fake wheelchair. They were playing against invisible opponents, two sets of cards hovering in the air.
"Well, well," Mr. D said without looking up. "Our little celebrities."
Both children tensed. Markus' eyes scanned over the room, looking for ways out if necessary.
"Come closer," Mr. D said. "And don't expect me to kowtow to you, mortals, just because old Barnacle-Beard is both your father."
A net of lightning flashed across the clouds. Thunder shook the windows of the house.
"Blah, blah, blah," Dionysus said.
Chiron feigned interest in his pinochle cards. Grover cowered by the railing, his hooves clopping back and forth.
"If I had my way," Dionysus said, "I would cause your molecules to erupt in flames. We'd sweep up the ashes and be done with a lot of trouble. But Chiron seems to feel this would be against my mission at this cursed camp: to keep you little brats safe from harm."
"Spontaneous combustion is a form of harm, Mr. D," Chiron put in.
"Nonsense," Dionysus assured. "Boys wouldn't feel a thing. Nevertheless, I've agreed to restrain myself. I'm thinking of turning both of you into a dolphin instead, sending you back to your father."
"Mr. D-" Chiron warned.
"Oh, all right," Dionysus relented. "There's one more option, but it's deadly foolishness."
Dionysus rose, and the invisible players' cards dropped to the table. "I'm off to Olympus for the emergency meeting. If the boys are still here when I get back, I'll turn them both into Atlantic bottlenoses. Do you understand? And Perseus Jackson, Markus Henderson, if you're at all smart, you'll see that's a much more sensible option than what Chiron feels you must do." He warned.
Dionysus picked up a playing card, twisted it, and it became a plastic rectangle. Like a credit card.
He snapped his fingers.
The air seemed to fold and bend around him. He became a hologram, then a wind, and then he was gone, leaving the faint smell of fresh-pressed grapes lingering behind.
Markus scoffed. "Such a warm greeting from our resident god. Such a role model," he muttered sarcastically.
Chiron smiled at the boys, but he looked tired and strained. "Sit, Percy, Markus, please. And Grover."
"How do we know that we aren't walking to our chopping board?" Markus said distrustfully.
Chiron sighed, somewhat understanding his reasons. "Markus, they are not intending to kill you."
"Yeah, because Dionysus gave such a good impression," Markus said sarcastically. He seemed to be doing that a lot.
"I understand your distrust, but this is a matter of great importance."
Chiron laid his cards on the table, Markus and Percy sitting down.
"Tell me, both of you," Chiron said. "What did you make of the hellhound?"
Just hearing the name made Percy shudder, while Markus flinched a little.
"It scared me," said Percy honestly. "If Markus hadn't push me out of the way, I would've been in his situation." Here Percy winced, and looked apologetically at Markus, but he waved it away, not bothered by it.
"Don't worry," he said. "I chose to take the hit for you. So it's fine." Then he turned to Chiron. "I agree with Percy. I was… scared. If I didn't strike at that moment, I'd be dead." Here Markus said that honestly and a bit shamefully, at himself.
Chiron gave a sad smile at that. "There's nothing to be ashamed of, my boy. Many campers couldn't have done what you've done. But you'll meet worse, you two. Far worse, before you're done."
"Done… with what?" Percy asked, hesitant.
"Your quest, of course. Will you accept it?" Chiron asked Percy and Markus.
Percy glanced at Grover, who was crossing his fingers.
"Um, sir," Percy said. "You haven't told us what it is yet."
"Yeah. It's good to get all of the details before we agree." Markus said.
Chiron grumbled. "Well, that's the difficult part, isn't it? The details."
Thunder rumbled across the valley. The storm clouds had now reached the end of the beach. As far as they can see, the sky and the sea were melding together.
"Poseidon and Zeus," Percy said. "They're fighting over something valuable… something that was stolen, aren't they?"
Chiron and Grover exchanged looks.
Chiron sat forward in his wheelchair. "How did you know that?"
Percy looked flustered. "The weather since Christmas has been weird, like the sea and sky are fighting. Then I talked to Annabeth, and she'd overheard something about a theft. And… I've been having these dreams." Then he looked towards Markus. "Have you had these dreams too?"
Markus nodded. "Yeah. They're the same as yours. And I came to the same conclusion as well. I think that's why we were claimed."
"I knew it," Grover said.
"Hush, satyrs," Chiron ordered.
"But it is their quest!" Grover's eyes were bright with excitement. "It must be!"
"Only the Oracle can determine." Chiron stroked his beard. "Nevertheless, both of you are correct. Your fathers are having their worst quarrel in centuries. They are fighting over something valuable that was stolen. To be precise: a lightning bolt."
Percy laughed nervously. "A what?"
Markus thought for a moment, then his eyes widened. "Wait, are you serious?" he asked, the answer coming to him.
"Yes, Markus. It seems you know what I'm talking about." Chiron said to him. Then he turned to Percy. "Do not take this lightly. I'm not talking about some tinfoil-covered zigzag you'd see in a second-grade play. I'm talking about a two-foot-long cylinder of high-grade celestial bronze, capped on both ends with god-level explosives."
"How does he lose it? Why did he lose it?" Markus asked, his voice full of disbelief. What, was Zeus such an airhead that'd lose his most important weapon? He probably lost it in the clouds or something.
"Oh," Percy said dumbly.
"Zeus' master bolt," Chiron said, getting worked up now. "The symbol of his power, from which all other lightning bolts are patterned. The first weapon made by the Cyclopes for the war against the Titans, the bolt that sheared the top of Mt. Etna and hurled Kronos from his throne; the master bolt, which packs enough power to make mortal hydrogen bombs look like firecrackers."
"And it's missing?" Percy asked with a gulp.
"Stolen," Chiron said.
"By who?"
"By whom," Chiron corrected. "By you two." He pointed to Percy and Markus.
Both boys blinked. "Say what, now?" Markus stated, confused.
Percy's mouth went open.
"At least"-Chiron held up a hand-"that's what Zeus thinks. During the winter solstice, Zeus and Poseidon had an argument. The typical nonsense; 'Mother Rhea always liked you best,' 'Air disasters are more spectacular than sea disasters,' et cetera. Afterward, Zeus realized that his master bolt was missing, taken from the throne room right under his nose. He immediately blamed Poseidon. Now a god cannot usurp another god's symbol of power directly- that is most forbidden by the most ancient of divine laws. But Zeus believes your father convinced a human hero or two to have taken it."
"But I-we didn't-"
"Patience and listen, child." Chiron said. "Zeus has good reason to be suspicious." Here Markus rolled his eyes, mentally disagreeing with him. "The forges of the Cyclopes are under the ocean, which gives Poseidon some influence over the makers of the lightning bolt, and is now secretly having the Cyclopes build an arsenal of illegal copies, which might be used to topple Zeus from his throne. The only thing he wasn't sure about was which hero or heroes Poseidon used to steal the bolt. Now Poseidon has openly claimed you both as his sons. You were in New York over the winter holidays. You could have easily snuck into Olympus. Zeus believes he has found his thieves."
"But me or Markus have never even been to Olympus. Zeus is crazy!"
Chiron and Grover glanced nervously at the sky. The clouds didn't seem to be parting around them, as Grover had promised. They were rolling straight over the valley, sealing the area like a coffin lid.
"Er, Percy…" Grover said. "We don't use the c-word to describe the Lord of the Sky."
"I agree with him," Markus said. "There's no way either of us could be the thief. I was homeless for seven years and Percy was with his mother before all this. Hell, we didn't even know about Greek mythology existed until recently. Hecate can vouch for me on my part."
"Hecate?" Here Chiron looked puzzled. Then shook his head. "While I do agree with you on your behalf, Zeus is paranoid. Then again, Poseidon has tried to unseat Zeus before. I believe it was question thirty-eight on your final exam…" here he looked at Percy knowingly.
"Something about a gold net?" Percy guessed with surprising remembrance. "Poseidon and Hera and a few other gods… they, like, trapped Zeus and wouldn't let him out until he promised to be a better ruler, right?"
"Correct," Chiron said. "And Zeus has never trusted Poseidon since. Of course, Poseidon denies stealing the bolt. He took great offence at the accusation. The two have been arguing back and forth for months. And now you both have come along-the two proverbial last straws."
"But we're just kids!" Percy argued strongly.
"Try telling that to their faces and see what happened," Markus said, knowing it would be pointless.
"Percy," Grover cut in. "If you were Zeus, and you thought your brother was plotting to overthrow you, then your brother suddenly admitted he had broken the sacred oath he took after World War II, that he's fathered two new mortal heroes who might be used as weapons against you… wouldn't that put a twist in your toga?"
Markus snorted. "Kinda hypocritical of him to say, since he had a kid before Poseidon did?" he said, having been told the story of Thalia from Percy and Grover.
Grover looked sheepish at that.
"But we didn't do anything. Poseidon-our dad-he didn't really have this master bolt stolen, did he?" Percy asked.
Chiron sighed. "Most thinking observers would agree that thievery is not Poseidon's style. But the Sea God is too proud to try to convince Zeus that. Zeus has demanded that Poseidon return the bolt by the summer solstice. Poseidon wants an apology for being called a thief on the same date, June twenty-first, ten days from now. I hoped that diplomacy might prevail, that Hera or Demeter or Hestia would make the two brothers see sense. But your arrivals have inflamed Zeus' temper. Now neither god will back down. Unless someone intervenes, there will be war. And do you boys know what a full-fledged war looks like?"
"Uh, bad?" Percy guessed.
"Disastrous," Markus said. "Chaotic. Destructive. Stop me if I'm getting closer."
"Imagine the world in chaos. Nature at war with itself. Olympians forced to choose sides between Zeus and Poseidon. Like Markus said, destruction. Carnage. Millions dead. Western cilvilzation turned into a battleground so big it makes the Trojan War look like a water-balloon fight."
"Bad," Percy repeated.
"And you, Percy Jackson, Markus Henderson, would be the first two to feel Zeus' wrath."
It started to rain. Volleyball players stopped their game and stared in stunned silence at the sky.
"So Zeus is punishing the whole camp because he can't find his electric toothpick," Markus said. "So we need to get it back."
"What better peace offering," Chiron said, "than to have the sons of Poseidon return Zeus' property?"
"If Poseidon doesn't have it, where is the thing?" asked Percy.
"I believe I know." Chiron's expression turned grim. "Part of a prophecy I had years ago… well, some of the lines make sense to me. But before I can say more, you both must officially take the quest. This is a problem, since there usually isn't two leaders for a quest, but given the circumstances, this is an exception. You must seek the Oracle."
"Why can't you tell us where the bolt is beforehand?" Percy asked.
"Because if I did, you would be too afraid to accept the challenge."
Markus crossed his arms. "I'm no coward. If I have to get Zeus' toy back so war between the gods doesn't break out, I'll do it."
He looked towards Percy for confirmation. "You'll help me, right?"
Percy looked nervous, but determined. He nodded. "Yeah, I'm with you."
"You agree then?" Chiron asked.
"Yeah," both boys agreed.
"Then it's time to consult the Oracle," Chiron said. "Go upstairs to the attic. When you come down, assuming you're both still sane, we will talk more."
Both boys stood and started to go upstairs.
XXX
Markus and Percy went up four floors that ended under a green trapdoor. Percy pulled the cord and it swung open to reveal a ladder. The warm air above smelled like mildew and rotten wood and something else… something reptilian.
The attic was filled with Greek hero junk: armour stands covered in cobwebs; once-bright shields pitted with rust; old leather steamer trunks plastered with stickers saying ITHAKA, CIRCE'S ISLE, and LAND OF THE AMAZONS. One long table was stacked with glass jars filled with pickled things-severed hairy claws, huge yellow eyes, various other parts of monsters. A dusty mounted trophy on the wall looked like a giant snake head, but with horns and teeth. The plaque read, HYDRA HEAD #1, WOODSTICK, N.Y., 1969.
By the window, sitting on a wooden tripod stool, was the most gruesome memento of all: a mummy. There was a tie-dyed sundress on it, with lots of beaded necklaces-the hippy kind-and a headband over long black hair. She looked shrivelled and dried up. Her eyes were glassy white, like marble slits. Both boys were freaked out, though Markus didn't show it.
Then, a green mist poured out of the mummy's mouth, coiling over the floor in thick tendrils. Markus compared it to the Mist-unnatural smokes that seemed dangerous, but at the same time, not. The mist hissed like thousands of snakes.
A voice hissed in both their heads. I am the spirit of Delphi, speaker of the prophecies of Phoebus Apollo, slayer of the mighty Python. Approach, seekers, and ask.
Percy seemed freaked out by this. Markus put a hand on his shoulder to help him. He was freaking out too, but hid it better.
The green mist didn't seem evil, like the Mist. Both were mysterious. Both seemed powerful. But not necessarily evil.
At the same time, both boys asked, "What is our destiny?"
The mist swirled more thickly, collecting right in front of them. Suddenly there were four men sitting around a table, playing cards.
The mist swirled again, taking the form of a woman. When Markus looked upon the woman, he was shocked. And he almost wanted to sob.
Melissa Henderson stood in front of him. She had flowing black hair and warm chestnut eyes. Her features were wizened by age, but nevertheless, she still looked beautiful in his opinion. She even had that mischievous smirk that she always had. Markus guessed that was where he got it from.
He nearly broke down and cried. Even though he grieved in his own way over her death, seeing her again brought back memories; memories of his time together with her. It made his heart break even more. He probably would have broken down if not for the fact that he knew that the woman before him wasn't real.
The man in the middle, who Markus guessed was Smelly Gabe from the way Percy described him, turned towards them and spoke in the raspy voice of the Oracle: You shall go west and face the god who has turned.
The guy on the left threw two poker chips and said, You shall find what is stolen, and see it safely returned.
His buddy on the right looked up and said in the same voice, You shall be betrayed by one who calls you a friend.
The other buddy delivered another message, And you shall be betrayed by one who calls you a friend.
Markus' mum gave the final line, The mystic son of the sea shall make a decision. One that will affect him gravely in the future.
The figures began to dissolve and as the mist retreated, Percy cried out, "Wait! What do you mean? What friend? What will I fail to save?"
The tail of the mist retreated into the mummy's mouth. Then she returned back into her original position, leaving both boys alone. Their audience with the Oracle was over.
XXX
"Well?" Chiron asked them with a raised eyebrow.
Percy and Markus slumped into the chairs. Percy responded first. "She said we would retrieve what was stolen."
Grover sat forward, chewing excitedly on the remains of a Diet Coke can. "That's great."
"What did the Oracle say exactly?" Chiron pressed. "This is important."
Percy shivered a bit. "She-she said we would go west and face the god who has turned. We would retrieve what was stolen and see it safely returned."
"I knew it," Grover said.
Chiron didn't look satisfied. "Anything else?" he asked sternly.
"She said that the mystic son of the sea would make a decision," Markus said, still out of it from seeing his mother. "One that would affect him gravely in the future."
All eyes turned towards him. Markus didn't need anyone telling him that he was the one the Oracle was talking about. What decision would have serious consequences in his future? Would it be bad things? Or possibly good things? He wasn't that hopeful on the last part.
Chiron looked deep in thought. "Well, it appears you are the one the Oracle was talking about. But where does the 'mystic' part come in?"
"My mum was in service with Hecate," Markus explained. "She came to me about an offer on magic. I've been learning from the Hecate kids."
Chiron nodded, but still looked troubled. Markus was unsure why.
Then he studied both expressions on the boys. "Very well. But know this: the Oracle's words often have double meanings. Don't dwell on them too much. The truth is not always clear until events come to pass."
Percy squirmed a bit, with Markus looking unsure, but the words were accepted.
"Okay," Percy said, anxious to change the topic. "So where do we go? Who's the god in the west?"
"Ah, think, Percy," Chiron said. "If Zeus and Poseidon weaken each other, who stands to gain?"
"Somebody else who wants to take over?" Percy guessed.
Markus, after thinking for a minute, replied, "Hades. But isn't that a bit obvious? As well as stereotypical to blame our uncle?"
"Ah, but think about it, Markus," Chiron said. "He is someone who harbours a grudge, who has been unhappy with his lot since the world was divided, whose kingdom would grow powerful with the death of millions. Someone who hates his brothers for forcing him into an oath to have no more children, an oath both have broken. The Lord of the Dead is the only possibility."
Markus shrugged, not really buying into it. Sure, Hades may have been sort of a bad guy, but that didn't automatically make him the culprit. Actually, why would Hades want to cause war if millions would die, filling his kingdom up even more?
A scrap of aluminium fell from Grover's mouth. "Wait, what?"
"A Fury came after Percy," Chiron said, telling Markus. "She watched the young man until she was sure of his identity, then tried to kill him. Furies obey only one lord: Hades."
Markus blinked. "Okay, didn't know that."
"Yes, but-but Hades hates all heroes," Grover protested. "Especially if he found out that both Percy and Markus were sons of Poseidon…"
"A hellhound appeared into the forest," Chiron continued on. "Those can only be summoned from the Fields of Punishment, and it had to be summoned by someone from this camp. Hades must have a spy here. He must suspect Poseidon will try to use Percy or Markus to clear his name. Hades would very much like to kill these two half-bloods before either could take on the quest."
"Great," Percy muttered tiredly. "There's two major gods who want to kill me."
"Cheer up, bro," Markus reassured him. "Not even two weeks into this world and we have gods pining after our heads. That's something to be proud of."
Percy looked at him with a deadpanned face. "No, it really isn't."
"But a quest to…" Grover swallowed. "I mean, couldn't the master bolt have been in some place like Maine? Maine's very nice this time of year?"
"Hades sent a minion to steal the bolt," Chiron insisted. "He hid it in the Underworld, knowing full well that Zeus would blame Poseidon. I don't pretend to understand the Lord of the Dead's motives perfectly, or why he chose this time to start a war, but one thing is certain. Percy and Markus must go into the Underworld, find the master bolt, and reveal the truth."
Markus looked to Percy, who seemed to be a bit overwhelmed. Understandably so. Markus shook his shoulder, getting his attention. "Percy," Markus said. "You're not in this alone. Whatever shit we deal with from Zeus or Hades or whatever god, we got each other. I got your back. Don't forget that, okay?"
Percy nodded, smiling as he did so. He seemed to draw strength from his words. "Thanks," he muttered. Markus nodded.
Then he looked towards Grover, who was trembling. He'd started eating pinochle cards like potato chips. The poor guy needed to complete a quest with them so he could get his searcher's licence. But how could either boy ask him for this quest, especially when the Oracle said they were destined to fail?
"Look, if we know it's Hades," Percy said to Chiron. "why can't we tell the other gods? Zeus or Poseidon could go down to the Underworld and bust some heads."
"Yes, because a gigantic brawl in the Underworld would benefit all of us greatly," Markus muttered sarcastically.
"Markus speaks the truth. While suspecting and knowing aren't the same," Chiron said. "Besides, even if other gods suspect Hades-and I believe Poseidon does-they couldn't retrieve the bolt themselves. Gods can't 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 are bold and strong enough to do it. No god can be held accountable for a hero's actions." Upon seeing the look of contempt on Markus' face, he queried. "Is something wrong, my boy?"
"Yeah," Markus said. "I just don't like the idea of being called a hero."
"Oh, and why is that?" Chiron asked, intrigued.
Markus shrugged. "A hero… is someone who is willing to do anything for anyone at the expense of himself. That's what I believe. To be called a hero when I've done nothing… just doesn't seem right. Hell, I'm almost sure most of the demigods here haven't done anything hero-worthy. I'd rather be called a hero for something I've done rather than because of who my parent is."
Chiron pondered his explanation, before nodding, "That… is an interesting aspect. One not many are willing to see to that level. I am inclined to agree with you."
"You're saying we're being used," Percy interrupted, bringing the conversation back to the main point.
"I'm saying it's no accident Poseidon has claimed you both now. It's a very risky gamble, but he's in a desperate situation. He needs you."
Markus scowled, not pleased. Poseidon ignored him and Percy for twelve years, and now suddenly he needs them? Especially with the death of one of his mother involved, Ancient Laws be damned.
Percy looked towards Chiron. "You've known we were sons of Poseidon all along, haven't you?"
"I had my suspicions. As I said… I have spoken to the Oracle too."
Percy just gave him a look but decided to drop the matter for now.
"So let me get this straight," Percy said slowly. "We're supposed to go to the Underworld to confront the Lord of the Dead."
"Check," Chiron said.
"Find the most powerful weapon in the universe."
"Uh huh," Markus nodded.
"And get it back to Olympus before the summer solstice, ten days from now."
"That's about right," Chiron nodded.
Percy looked at Grover, who gulped down an ace of hearts.
"Did I mention that Maine is very nice this time of year?" Grover asked weakly.
"You don't have to go," Percy told Grover. "I can't ask that of you."
"Neither can I," Markus offered. "I have to make sure my baby brother doesn't screw up."
"I hate you so much."
"No you don't. You love me!"
"Oh…" the satyr shifted his hooves. "No, it's just that satyrs and underground places… well…"
He took a deep breath, then stood, brushing the shredded cards and aluminium off his T-shirt. "You saved my life, Percy. If… if you're serious about wanting me along, I won't let you down."
Percy looked pleased. "All the way, G-man." He turned to Chiron. "So where do we go? The Oracle just said 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."
"Where?"
Chiron looked surprised. "I thought that would be obvious enough. The entrance to the Underworld is in Los Angeles."
"Oh," Percy said. "Naturally. So we take a plane-"
"No!" Grover shrieked. "Percy, what are you thinking? Have either of you been on a plane in your life?"
Both sons of Poseidon shook their heads.
"Percy, think," Chiron said. "You both are the sons of the Sea God. You're father's bitterest rival is Zeus, Lord of the Sky. Your mother knew better than to trust you on an aeroplane. Thankfully Markus has never been on one. You would be in Zeus' domain. Neither of you would come down alive."
Overhead, lightning crackled. Thunder boomed.
"Okay," he said, determined not to look at the storm. "So we travel overland."
"That's right," Chiron said. "Two more companions may accompany you boys. Grover is one. The other has volunteered, if you will accept her help."
"Huh," Markus said, sharing a glance with Percy. "Who would be dumb enough to volunteer on a quest like this?"
The air shimmered around Chiron.
Annabeth became visible, stuffing her Yankees cap in her back pocket.
"I've been waiting a long time for a quest, seaweed brain, squid head," she said to Percy, then Markus. "Athena is no fan of Poseidon, but if you're going to save the world, I'm the best person to keep you from messing up."
Markus rolled his eyes playfully. "We feel the love, Wise Girl. We really do."
Her cheeks darkened. "Do you want my help or not?"
"A quartet," Percy said. "That'll work."
"Excellent," Chiron said. "This afternoon, we can take you as far as the bus terminal in Manhattan. After that, you are on your own."
Lightning flashed. Rain poured down on the meadows that wasn't supposed to have violent weather.
Markus rolled his eyes. Zeus had to stop being so pissy.
"No time to waste," Chiron said. "I think you should all get packing."
Evening, readers! Yes I say evening because this was uploaded in the evening. So, another chapter. Yippee! Bring out the wine, let's celebrate! …Anyways, the story's still going on. Chapters will be uploaded. My OC will finally be able to use magic. Yeah, a lot is going on, which is good. So… yeah. Thanks.
Read and Review!