Chapter Five:

Hey, guys! I'm SO SORRY it's been a while since I last posted. I've been going through a lot lately, both physically and emotionally, and it's really been taking a toll on my writing. But I promise you guys two things:
1. I'm not giving up on this story, or Rising Embers.
2. I'm not going on another two year hiatus.
While my posts may not be regulated, I'm not giving up or disappearing for years at a time! Just bear with me. :) It's been a really rough past couple of weeks, and I'm battling depression (not the suicidal-medication kind. Just the down-in-the-dumps kind). So please be patient with me! More chapters are coming! And Rising Embers is in the works! Whoop, whoop! Anyways, thanks to RavenWing20 for favoriting me, and annabethsnow for favoriting Burning Sun! :D

Reviews:

ShadowTravel: Even if this chapter is short, it has a lot of meaning, I think. Intertwining important elements of plot with random snapshots of normal life is something you seem to do well. Thanks so much! That really means a lot. I try very hard to find that balance. I don't want too many random life snapshots, but there needs to be something to break up the important parts of the story and add length. Otherwise, the story would be over in like- three chapters. I'm constantly worrying that I have too much of one or the other! Thanks for the huge compliment, dearie!

RavenWing20: Update soon please Sorry it took so long! I hope you enjoy. :) Thanks for reviewing!

Disclaimer: *sighs* No, I still don't own PJO or HOO. Although I do own Marco, Devin, and Calista, so it's not a total loss...

We all gathered in the amphitheater. Nervous and anxious chatter filled the air. Devin and I sat next to each other, six rows from the front. A flash of black hair caught my eye. Calista sat across the way, second row from the front. I quickly looked away so I wouldn't be caught staring- by her or Devin. More and more campers filed in, until everyone was present. Once we were all seated, Chiron came galloping in with Rachel Elizabeth Dare on his back. He stopped just in front of the fire pit, and helped Rachel off his back. The chatter was still going on, now escalated at the presence of Rachel. If the camp oracle was present, not to mention front and center, things had to be serious. Chiron raised a hand, silencing the campers. He cleared his throat before speaking.

"Heroes! Something grave has happened.." Chiron began.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, a creeping fear began to whisper. 'Is this about Thalia? Please tell me it's not...'
I sat on pins and needles, waiting for Chiron to speak.

"Zeus' pelt has been stolen!" Chiron announced.

Fear was replaced with confusion. 'What the Hades is Zeus' pelt?' I wondered. More murmuring broke out as everyone starting asking the same question.

Annabeth spoke up. "The pelt Zeus uses to make rain?" She asked.

Chiron nodded. "Indeed."

'Leave it to Annabeth to know something the rest of us didn't.' I thought.

"Any suspects?" Clarisse La Rue, head counsellor for the Ares cabin, asked.

"Nothing is for certain on who stole the pelt." Chiron replied. "It is suspected a wind spirit took it. However, we are almost certain who the pelt was delivered to."

"Gaea." Jason Grace said, grimly.

Chiron nodded again. "I know it's been hard for some of you after... recent losses."

I grimaced, knowing he meant Thalia. Probably Percy, too.

"But Zeus' pelt must be retrieved." Chiron continued. "Whoever is in possession of it, can cause massive world-wide floods. Olympus needs heroes to go on a quest to get it. Do we have any volunteers?"

At that moment, Rachel Dare gasped. We all turned to look at her as her eyes began to glow, green smoke slithering and wrapping around her like snakes.

"Not again..." Devin moaned.

Rachel slowly turned, scanning the crowd of half-bloods. While part of me was terrified of being chosen for a quest (and a prophecy), the other part wanted her to pick me. Wanted it to be my quest. 'This is my chance to prove myself and find Thalia.' I was just about to stand, when Rachel turned away and began walking across the aisle- away from me. She fixed her eyes on a half-blood, and as the others scooted away, it became clear who she was looking at: Calista. My hopes crashed to the ground. Even from a distance, I could see the slight fear in Calista's eyes. However, her face looked determined.

"Approach, seeker, and ask." Rachel said, her voice sounding multiplied.

"What must I do?" Calista asked, her voice sounding strong. Confident. Only, her eyes betrayed her. She was scared.

The green smoke seemed to thicken, as Rachel began to speak again.

"The maker of rain, three half-bloods must find.

The Rainbow, Wheat, and Sun combine.

One will face the strong winds blown.

Another will face their greatest fear alone."

At the last word, Rachel collapsed. Ryan and Jesse- two of my brothers- rushed forward to catch her, gently placing her on a stool against the wall of the amphitheater. Looking back at Calista, I could see that she was shaken. I didn't know whether to comfort her, or be mad at her. Deep down, I knew it wasn't her fault she was chosen. Yet the feeling of disappointment was overwhelming. I needed to find Thalia.
'I just need my shot...'

Chiron's voice brought me out of my thoughts.

"We have our prophecy.." He said, grimly. He turned to Calista. "According to it, you may have two companions. Do you know who they will be?"

Calista took a deep breath. "Sun and wheat.. I think that means Apollo and Demeter. I don't want to force anyone- especially not with a prophecy like that. But if anyone wants to volunteer.."

I turned to Devin, excitement bubbling up again.

Devin's eyes widened. "Oh no, you don't-!"

Before Devin could say more, I was on my feet, announcing: "I volunteer."

As everyone turned to look at me, I suddenly felt self-conscious.

"That is.. if you want me to." I added, awkwardly. I felt my cheeks heat up as I looked at Calista.

Calista looked at me thoughtfully, before nodding. "I've seen what you can do with a bow. It could come in handy."

I sighed in relief. From the corner of my eye, I saw something move. I looked, and to my surprise, Devin is standing next to me.

"You so owe me." He whispered. Louder, he said: "I volunteer, too."

I saw something- relief?- in Calista's eyes. "Thanks, Devin." She said, smiling.

As soon as she looked away, I glanced sharply at Devin.
"You know her?" I asked.

"You didn't ask earlier, so I didn't say." Devin mumbled back. Though he sounded meek, he was smirking.

'Why must all my friends be so irritating?' I wondered.

"It has been decided!" Chiron announced. "I recommend leaving the day after tomorrow. Give yourselves time to prepare. As for everyone else, back to your activities!"

The amphitheater exploded into mumblings as everyone began to leave, all of them discussing the recent events. A sudden hand on my shoulder made me jump. It was Annabeth, her grey eyes as intimidating as ever.

"I hope you know what you're doing." She said, before disappearing into the crowd.

"Hey, c'mon." Devin said, getting my attention. "Chiron wants to see us."

We headed to the front, where Chiron and Calista waited for us.

"Tuesday will be a big day for you all." Chiron said. "As you heard in the prophecy, your journey will be a dangerous one. However, I have faith in you three. I suggest training as much as possible tomorrow. You'll be excused from normal activities to prepare.." He paused.

"What is it, Chiron?" Calista asked.

"Your prophecy is, indeed, a grave one. The last line is particularly concerning."

'Another will face their greatest fear alone...'

"Children.. I suggest you think on what your greatest fear is- if you don't already know it- and prepare yourself to face it. Better to be prepared."

We all let the news sink in. 'What is my greatest fear?' I wondered. 'Whatever it is, I don't like the idea of facing it...'
Apparently, Calista and Devin thought the same. The fear was back in Calista's eyes, and Devin looked slightly green. I felt like I needed to say something, to reassure myself and the others.

"We'll be fine, Chiron." I managed to say, sounding some-what convincing.

Calista smiled weakly in agreement.

"Good." Chiron said, patting me on the shoulder. "Now, I must be off to Archery class."
Then he galloped away.

"Thanks for volunteering." Calista said, once Chiron had left.

"No problem." I replied, scratching the back of my neck awkwardly.

"I'm only doing this for you guys." Devin grumbled.

I was slightly startled when Calista began to laugh. It probably sounds cheesy, but she had a beautiful laugh- like tinkling bells.

"It means a lot." Calista assured. "Well, I'm going to figure out everything I need for the quest. See you guys later?"

I nodded. "Yeah. See you."

"Cool." She said. Flashing a brilliant smile, she left- her black hair swaying.

'What have I gotten myself into?' I wondered.

Let me know what you guys thought! Review! And again, just bear with me. I really care about you guys! Updates will be coming. :)

Thalia Bolt