A Fatal Flaw

Emotions rolled around inside me like bits of glass in a kaleidoscope. I didn't know whether to

feel resentful or grateful or happy or angry. Poseidon had ignored me for twelve years. Now suddenly

he needed me.

I looked at Chiron. 'You've known I was Poseidon's son all along, haven't you?'

'I had my suspicions. As I said… I've spoken to the Oracle, too.'

I got the feeling there was a lot he wasn't telling me about his prophecy, but I decided I couldn't

worry about that right now. After all, I was holding back information too.

'So let me get this straight,' I said. 'I'm supposed go to the Underworld and confront the Lord of

the Dead.'

'Check,' Chiron said.

'Find the most powerful weapon in the universe.'

'Check.'

'And get it back to Olympus before the summer solstice, in ten days.'

'That's about right.'

I looked at Grover, who gulped down the ace of hearts.

'Did I mention that Maine is very nice this time of year?' he asked weakly.

'You don't have to go,' I told him. 'I can't ask that of you.'

'Oh…' He 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 bits off his T-shirt.

'You saved my life, Percy. If… if you're serious about wanting me along, I won't let you down.'

I felt so relieved I wanted to cry, though I didn't think that would be very heroic. Grover was the

only friend I'd ever had for longer than a few months. I wasn't sure what good a satyr could do

against the forces of the dead, but I felt better knowing he'd be with me.

'All the way, G-man.' I 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.'

'Where?'

Chiron looked surprised. 'I thought that would be obvious enough. The entrance to the Underworld

is in Los Angeles.'

'Oh,' I said. 'Naturally. 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 shook my head, feeling embarrassed. 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.

'Percy, think,' Chiron said. 'You are the son of the Sea God. Your father's bitterest rival is Zeus,

Lord of the Sky. Your mother knew better than to trust you in an aeroplane. You would be in Zeus's

domain. You would never come down again alive.'

Overhead, lightning crackled. Thunder boomed.

'Okay,' I said, determined not to look at the storm. 'So, I'll travel overland.'

'That's right,' Chiron said. 'Two companions may accompany you. Grover is one. The other has

already volunteered, if you will accept her help.'

'Gee,' I said, feigning surprise. 'Who else would be stupid enough to volunteer for a quest like this?'

The air shimmered behind Chiron. Annabeth became visible, stuffing her Yankees cap into her back pocket.

'I've been waiting a long time for a quest, Seaweed Brain,' she said. '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.'

"Eh, no thanks."

More then the look of surprise on Chiron's face, more then hilarious way Grover fell our of his chair, it was the way her jaw dropped, the expression of complete incredulity, like she never once expected this plan to go wrong. I couldn't help myself, I had to laugh.

"But….But why not?" she whined.

"Look, you weren't really the friendliest from the start, you were rude, and gruff, and I was okay with that! But then you set me up, and used me as bait, not only that, but from the moment I was claimed the only thing I would here coming out of your mouth is Dirty Rotten son of Poseidon. Sorry but I think it will have to be someone who I feel a little more comfortable with."

"But… the plan worked, we got the flag."

"And I had to single handily face the entirety of the Ares cabin."

"Is this because I'm a daughter of Athena? All because your father wouldn't admit his mistakes!"

"Look I honestly have no idea what you are talking about, but it just looks like another reason why we shouldn't partner up"

She looked vaguely like she was going to explode but thankfully Chiron saw fit to interrupt.

"A quest must have three, did you have someone else in mind?"