Annabeth's POV

We appeared in Luxembourg seconds later, still in disbelief from our encounter with Una.

I was still in awe at the sight of the golden pearl, which was now safely tucked away in a hidden compartment in the music box that I had found.

Acquiring the golden pearl had been way too easy. It would be stupid to think that the rest are as easy to find.

Still, maybe it's an auspicious sign that the rest of our quest will be smooth.

I relayed my thoughts to Percy. Ever the downer, he said, "Or more likely we've already used up all our luck, and the rest of our journey will be difficult."

I smacked him. "You'll jinx it!" I cried.

Percy sighed. "I'm only speaking from experience."

It pained me that Percy, who was actually the more optimistic the two of us, was thinking like this. This just goes to show how reality can break people down.

We had appeared in a little town, materializing a little way from the people so as not to attract too much unwanted attention. We decided to pose as tourists from America(in a way we were) who were interested in visiting all the nearby bodies of waters.

The man at the tourism office simply shrugged when we told him this, as if to say, whatever, I've seen it all. He produced a map and circled a few rivers and lakes. "You can start there," he said.

We thanked him and left to enter the forest area.

We had not gone three meters before a monster stepped out from behind a tree and yelled, "Boo!"

Then, "Oh. You're not children? I think I'll still enjoy chasing you and eating you." He smiled menacingly and rubbed his hands together.

I pinched the bridge of my nose. "I really don't have time for this."

Beside me, Percy was also frowning. "Look man, if you just let us pass, we won't kill you. We're on a quest, and we don't have much time to lose. We'd appreciate it if you don't take up our time by making us kill you."

"Ever the gentleman," I murmured.

The monster laughed. "Ha! I'm not afraid of you!"

I smirked. "Actually, I think you should be. Just because we're gods, we can still kick as much butt as the next demigod."

The monster doubled over, snorting with laughter. "Gods going on a quest!" he chortled. "Oh, that's rich! I've never heard of that!"

Percy scowled. "That's it. I'm getting rid of him. I don't care if gods are supposed to let demigods kill them or whatever."

I nodded. "We can always claim incompetence. We are, after all, still new to this whole god business."

The monster suddenly looked shocked. "Wait. You're the new gods? I can't fight you - I don't want to die yet! I still have things to do, dreams to accomplish. I've always wanted to be a singer."

And then he ran as fast as his stumpy legs could carry him.

We stared after him, open mouthed. "What a strange character," I murmured.

We continued onwards, nearing a long lake.

"We're close to a water source now. The water deity might know about our quest too, if past experience is anything to go by," I mused.

As soon as I had finished speaking the water from the lake rose and a figure emerged from the veil of water.

"Speak of the devil," Percy muttered.