Percy nearly fainted when he heard the news. Anxiety had already been crawling all over his body when Hedge first burst into the room. Running like he were in a track meet to the amphitheater only made it worse. He could feel his lunch rising like a volcano up to his throat. Annabeth's small back rubs made things a bit more tolerable, but not by much.

The four of them were gathered at the base of the amphitheater. Michael and Abby were already engaged in conversation. Percy and Hedge exchanged glances. They could hear them from a ways out. Percy shook his head. This was going to be a fun trip.

"Alright, what seems to be the problem?" Said Percy, standing in between the two demigods.

"We were having a slight disagreement, that's all" said Abby. The two had their backs turned to each other.

"Can you guys brush it aside until after the meeting?" Asked Percy calmly. The last thing he needed was any more stress. They didn't respond. "Babe, I'm gonna need your help on this one."

Annabeth smiled and shook her head. "Just let them sort them it themselves. They're kids" She laughed. "Kids are weird."

"I guess you're right" said Percy. "I wonder how it'll affect their moral."

Annabeth waved it off. "I don't think it will. Even if it did, I'll talk to Abby right before we leave just to smooth things out."

Percy nodded intently. He could breathe now. If there was anyone who get something out of Abby, it was her. Percy disappeared into the shadows. He needed more time to think.

If the kids were already infighting, this was going to be a long trip. Percy was not willing to play the role of a parent to those two. Anything that distracted from the mission was a waste of time. Distractions just meant they were going to be there longer. Percy gave himself two weeks. If by that time they hadn't found Grover, he would return back and send in an even bigger force, while commanding them from home.

"Hedge is ready to see you now" said Annabeth.

The walk back was only ten feet, but the pounding, sharp headache made it feel like an eternity. Percy felt like sitting down, and letting all of the fears and doubts wash over him like a tsunami. Every step the pounding got louder. It was like he was standing next to the loudest amplifier in the world the more he walked. His breathing began to stray from the calculated stoicism he normally kept it at. His breathing now was starting to echo that of his mind. Random, fast paced charges followed by silence. Was he having a heart attack? No, his chest would have been hurting. This was a different kind of attack. Percy felt as if he was in the beginning stages of a panic attack.

He thanked the gods Annabeth sort of knew what was going on. The warmth from her hand was like a vaccination, targeting all of his worries. He began to feel a little better. Percy put on his best face for the group.

"What did you need to see us for, coach?" Asked Percy.

"I've gathered you all here because of a very recent development. As of one PM today, we have received a letter from Grover" said Hedge.

A letter? Percy could feel the weight on his shoulders start to lift. Grover was still alive.

"Well, go on tell us what it said!" Said Annabeth.

Hedge read out the letter.

To Camp Half-Blood,

Sorry that I haven't been able to send anything for a while. Things haven't been smooth sailing here for a while. Did you guys know that the monster population is huge in the South? One of our more inexperienced members was unfortunate enough to bring a cell phone. Don't worry, he's still alive. Battered, but alive.

We have found what you were looking for, Hedge. There is indeed another demigod camp one-hundred miles outside of Dallas. Just as you predicted. Sorry that this isn't a big update like you wanted. We just discovered where the camp is. Expect an even bigger letter within a week or two.

Grover.

"Dallas? Why Dallas?" Michael was the first to speak up.

"Because, I figured that was the best spot to find the other camp. It's out of the way enough to where they can use the Mist without being spotted by mortals" said Hedge. "Texas is big. It's a perfect place to found a splinter group."

"Splinter group?" Percy asked skeptically. "You mean from the civil war?"

Hedge nodded. "Yep. Soon after the American Civil War, we had our own over racism and slavery. To date it is the only such occurrence."

"But what about the war against the Roman camp?" Asked Abby. "Isn't that a civil war?"

"Not necessarily. That was an incident between two separate entities." Hedge explained. "Ours was fought by fellow camp members."

"I know that" quipped Abby. She folded her arms.

Percy couldn't stop himself from rolling his eyes. He was glad Annabeth volunteered herself to deal with the brat.

"So how long do we have before we leave?" Asked Percy.

"Glad you asked! Due to the circumstances, Chiron and I thought it best you all leave as soon as tomorrow morning." Said Hedge.

Percy's heart sank into the dark recesses of his stomach. He should have known. Hedge doesn't move fast unless its urgent. He prayed to the gods to give himself at least some time to prepare. He should have known better there too. That's not how things work at Camp Half-Blood. Always expect to be thrown against the current at a moments notice.

"Tomorrow?" Yelled Abby. "Can't you guys give us at least a week to prepare?"

Hedge shook his head. "No can do. The South is extremely volatile. We don't know how much time Grover has before something bad happens to him. It takes a few days to get down there by car."

"Why not go by plane?" Asked Michael.

"Because of that man" said Hedge, who pointed at Percy. "Zeus isn't too partial to the sons of the other Big Three. We'd be risking your lives traveling through the air."

"So who's driving us then?"

"I will" said Annabeth. "I'm the only one with a driver's license. Running into law enforcement would only complicate things."

Percy eased up a little. He thanked the gods he didn't have to take his mother's death trap of a car. Even if he did, something told him she wouldn't be quite right with him going on yet another mission. There was no question she'd freak over it.

"Great!" Exclaimed Hedge, clapping his hands together. "We will meet back here, in secret, at five in the morning."