A/N: Finally!

I do NOT own Percy Jackson and the Olympians. I only own my seven half-bloods.

Read and review, darlings.

Chapter Five

We stood staring at Tanner and he grimaced, clutching his chest.

"Tanner," Hayden whispered. "What in Hades happened to you?"

Tanner shook his head. "I don't know. I felt a pain in my stomach earlier―"

"Are you sure it's not just that time of the month?" Channing asked and smirked. At first I thought Tanner would punch him, but he just laughed weakly.

"I'm sure. Anyway, I walked over here and all the sudden I couldn't control myself," Tanner said and shuddered.

Chase and Aidan helped him up and Channing helped them get him to the Big House. Dakota, Hayden, and I followed behind.

Chiron and Mr. D were playing cards.

Channing cleared his throat. Chiron looked up and his eyes widened.

We explained quickly the events and Chiron and Mr. D exchanged glances.

"He said 'So it seems the seven half-bloods have gathered'?" Chiron asked.

We nodded and Chiron turned his gaze to me. "He also said it was your quest?"

I nodded and Chiron sighed. "I suppose you must retrieve the prophecy from the Oracle then."

Chiron led me to a staircase that led up to a closed door. I heard music coming down from the room and gulped. "She used to be scarier," Chiron said soothingly.

I swallowed hard. "Good luck, Britain," Channing whispered.

I walked quickly up the stairs and looked back down. I slowly opened the door and peered in. I don't know what I was expecting, but this wasn't it. The attic was decked out with splatter painted walls and a small stereo. Paintings hung from the walls and pieces of crumpled paper littered the floor. A girl with frizzy red hair was humming along to the music and painting. I couldn't tell what it was, but judging from the other artwork, she seemed pretty good.

I cleared my throat and she spun around, paint brush in hand. Some of the gold paint flew off the brush and landed on my nose. I wiped some of it off, but I got the feeling that most of it remained.

The girl gave me a strange look and I threw one back at her. "Who are you?" she asked.

"Stryker Mensi. Um, Chiron sent me up here to get the, uh, prophecy," I said awkwardly.

The girl cocked an eyebrow. "I don't know which one he means," she said as she returned to painting.

I rubbed the back of my head and said, "Look, I just saw my friend get possessed by some god of death and―"

The girl spun around and doubled over. When she rose slowly her eyes glowed neon green. I took a step back, but she grabbed my shoulders.

"Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,

To storm or fire the world must fall.

An oath to keep with a final breath,

And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.

Child of the dead to part ways with his father,

And the rainbow shall see a new daughter

The help of the trees the seven shall need

Lest on the living death shall feed."

On the last word, the girl collasped and I steadied her.

"Are you okay?" I asked as she caught her breath.

She stood and smiled brightly. "Why wouldn't I be?" She returned to her painting as if nothing had happened and I retreated down the stairs.

I closed the door softly behind me and ran straight into Dakota.

"What did she say?" Dakota asked eagerly.

I pushed past her and she pouted a bit. "Stryker!" Channing called. "What happened?"

I must have been pale because Chiron steadied my swaying.

"What did she say?" Chiron urged.

I took a deep breath and repeated the prophecy. Tanner looked down as all eyes turned to him.

"The next Great Prophecy has been issued," Chiron said softly. "I'm surprised she added to it though. That rarely happens."

I blinked back confusion. I had no idea what was going on and my heart was pounding. I was scared and I felt like a little girl again. Everyone looked at me.

"Well," Channing said. "You gonna pick the other six half-bloods?"

I stammered through my words. "I think Thanatos made it pretty clear that we are the seven half-bloods. But can someone please tell me what's going on?" I asked.

Chiron gestured for me to sit. I followed his instruction and he paced in front of me.

"You see, Stryker, you are about to go on a quest." I nodded and he continued. "You just spoke to the Oracle of Apollo, Rachel Dare. The prophecy she spoke of is the next great prophecy. Now, the Doors of Death are most likely the doors to the House of Thanatos. I shall leave the rest to you," he said.

"Where is the House of Thanatos?" I asked.

"In the Underworld. Now, the entrance to the Underworld is in Los Angeles. None of you can drive," Chiron mused. "But I suppose we could arrange a bus ride to Pittsburgh, but from there you're on your own."

I gulped down my fear and nodded. "When do we leave?" Channing asked.

"Tomorrow morning?" I suggested.

Channing shook his head. "We don't need a bus ride to Pittsburgh. I can jump us across the states in a matter of hours if we leave at, oh, say nine o'clock tonight."

I gave him a look and he nodded. "I can only do it at night, I can think of a place and if it's late enough there I can get us there no problem!" he said happily.

Hayden crossed her arms. "I don't trust him," she said with a scowl.

"What is your problem?" Channing growled.

Hayden got in his face. "You're my problem!"

I stepped between them. "Guys!" I said and they backed up, still glaring at each other.

Aidan cleared his throat. "We have, what, three hours before it starts to get dark?" he asked.

Channing closed his eyes. "Two hours, forty-seven minutes, twelve seconds. Eleven, ten―"

I sighed. "Let's not do a count down. And how would you know?" I snapped.

Channing got his cocky smile back. "How would I know?" he said, mocking me. "My mother happens to be the goddess of night. I am a child of darkness, son of Nyx!" he said proudly.

"Explains the horrible attitude, wouldn't you think so, Stryker?" Hayden remarked.

"Why do you hate him so much?" I asked, turning on her.

"Because Hayden is actually a guy and happens to be jealous of my manliness!" Channing proclaimed.

Hayden rolled her eyes and said, "Because my mother is the goddess of day, Hemera. Night and day don't mix well."

I nodded and looked at Aidan. He was the only one who's parentage remained a mystery to me.

Aidan smiled a toothy grin and said, "I suppose you want to know who my mother is." I nodded and he continued. "My mother is Calliope, leader of the nine Muses."

"Isn't she the goddess of rhyming or something?" Dakota asked.

Aidan gasped, obviously offended. "Calliope is the Muse of epic poetry!" he said.

"Mhm," Channing mused. "I suppose that makes you a poetry freak."

Aidan turned red. "No! I just happen to be good at rhyming and singing," he scoffed.

"Hey, Aidan?" Chase asked. "What language do you speak other than English?"

Aidan puffed his chest proudly. "Gaelic!" he proclaimed.

Channing smirked. "Gaelic? Hmm, sounds supsiciously like gay." It was obvious that he and Chase had planned this.

Dakota jumped to his defense. "Shut up! You're kind of a jerk," she said. We hadn't even left camp yet and we were already arguing like children.

Channing smirked. "You and Hayden are like twins."

Dakota and Hayden lunged forward, but I placed myself in the middle. "Enough!" I cried.

Tanner stood. "Stryker is right. We have seven days to kick my father's butt into next week and we're wasting time arguing." It was the first time he'd spoken since his little episode earlier.

Channing glared at Dakota and Hayden but otherwise kept his mouth shut. Chase lowered his eyes and Aidan placed a hand on Tanner's shoulder. I took a deep breath and put my hands on my hips.

"Well what are we waiting for? We have two and a half hours before dark!" I said.

Channing held up his hand. "Two hours, forty-three minutes, thirty-seven seconds," he corrected.

I rolled my eyes and Channing smirked at me. "When you roll your eyes, it's like an acid trip," he said. "The trippy colors, man―"

I wacked his arm and his smirk grew. Chiron stepped into our group. "I suggest you prepare yourselves," he said. "I didn't expect it to come so soon," he muttered to himself.

I shuffled out of the door and Channing followed me. "It's gonna be okay," he whispered.

I shook my head and my hair hit him in the face. I didn't realize he was so close. "Channing, I'm up against a god! I can't do this, I'm a kid of a minor goddess! I'm not powerful enough."

Channing put his hand on my shoulder and turned me around. "There was a time when a boy was up against a Titan," he said.

I looked up. "I bet he died," I muttered.

Channing smiled a little and shook his head. "Don't you remember that boy I introduced you to? Percy Jackson?"

I remembered and nodded.

Channing smiled wider. "That's him. He defeated a Titan, well with help from his human host. Percy is possibly the most powerful half-blood to be born in years."

I thought about it. "But who is Percy's parent?" I asked.

Channing's smile faded a bit. "Poseidon," he muttered before his smile returned. "But we've got powers too!"

"I don't," I muttered.

Channing shook his head violently. "Yes you do! How do you think you got to camp?"

"I prayed to my mum. That was her."

Channing shook his head again. "No it wasn't. That was you. I'm sure you could get us to Los Angeles in no time, but you just haven't mastered it yet." A smiled crossed his lips. "Stryker, you're powerful too. Don't ever forget that," he whispered. Then he did something so completely un-Channing like I almost gasped. Channing wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me close to him. I'd like to say that I socked him in the nose for hugging me, but I just melted into the hug.

I heard someone clear their throat behind us and we pushed apart. I blushed and Channing took a step back. Chase stood in front of us with Hayden behind him. Both were smirking at us and Channing stammered, "I was just, um―"

"Oh save it," Hayden said and Dakota peeked out from behind her.

"Looks like Stryker's got herself a man," Dakota said sweetly.

I shot her a glare. "We were just talking!"

"Sure," she said.

I threw my hands up and stalked back to my cabin. I heard Chase say, "Looks like Channing found a new girl to play."

Dakota chased after me. "Stryker, I was only kidding."

I turned around and sighed in defeat. I couldn't stay mad at Dakota. "I know, it's all the stress suddenly thrust on my shoulders. Why do I have to lead the stupid quest?"

While I was venting Dakota looked over her shoulder. Chase and Channing were walking down the hill together and headed in the opposite direction. I stared after Channing and felt little butterflies in my stomach. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. There was no way I liked Channing. He was rude, obnoxious, immature, and cocky. I pushed my feelings to the back of my mind.

Dakota gave me a curious look but let it pass. "Let's get ready for this thing, okay?"

I nodded and we walked back to my cabin. Somehow, some of my stuff was there. I couldn't figure out what happened until I saw Annabeth sitting on my bed. She smiled and got up.

"I convinced Dionysus that I should be able to at least get you an extra shirt, but your sister insisted that I take a few extra things," Annabeth said and handed me a small box.

Tears welled in my eyes. The tiny blue box was filled with childhood memories and I opened it. Abby and I had put anything in it that we thought was cool, like a small rubber dinosaur and baby bracelets. Little worthless trinkets lay shining inside and I picked through them. I found a sheet of paper at the bottom and unfolded it. My hands shook as I read it and I let my tears finally fall. On the paper, Abby had written me a letter.

"Dear Stryker,

I miss you more than you can imagine. I haven't slept in days, I've been so worried. Dad explained to me what was

happened but I refused to believe him. That is until a girl hopped in through your window and told me the same story. I gave her your

bag, and put some clothes in it. Also, I kind of took Dad's wallet to do some shopping, but I figure you need the money more. I

hope one hundred dollars does you good. I know I'm not the same as you, and we had some major fights but I love you more than

anything. Please know that whenever you need me, I'm here for you. I'm back off to college in a few days, but California isn't too far,

right? I love you so much Stryker, and your life is so important to me. Please, for my sake, be safe.

Love, Abby.

P.S. If you tell anyone I actually said that I love you, I will deny it."

I sat on the bed and refolded the letter. I wiped my tears away and slipped the paper back into the box.

Annabeth gave me a soft smile and handed me a bag. It was my backpack filled with a few clothes. I pulled the clothes out and looked at them. I didn't have much of a fashion sense, so my only options were two plain T-shirts and a pair of shorts. I continued to paw through the things and found a necklace. It was a simple gold chain and had a little charm on it. The charm was round and had little birds carved into it. I recognized it as the necklace that Abby never took off.

I put it on and touched my neck. Dakota and Annabeth studied me carefully. I dumped the rest of the contents of the backpack on my bed. Abby had packed a mythology book and I smiled. I finally found my little purse. My dad had said that my mum had sent it to me when I was about ten. It was woven and had camels sown on. When I was younger, it reminded me of Persia. I suddenly realized it was actually a gift from my mum. I closed my eyes slowly and took a deep breath. I half expected it to explode, but when I opened my eyes, nothing happened. I unzipped the pocket and found my house keys and a small red lighter. I laughed slightly to myself. I was a total pyromaniac. I flicked the lighter and a tiny flame sprang to life.

Dakota rolled her eyes. "Not able to kick that nasty habit?" she asked.

I shook my head and took my thumb off the lighter. The little flame died.

Annabeth shifted awkwardly. "Um, be careful with that," she said. "The dyrads might not be to happy if you burn down the woods."

I nodded and slipped it back in my purse. I found my wallet and Abby had been telling me the truth. One hundred dollars in cash was laying in the thing. Annabeth cracked a smile when she saw my wallet. I guess it was kind of funny because my wallet was a British flag.

I looked out the window and saw that the sun was already setting. Annabeth made an excuse for leaving and waved goodbye.

"Are you ready?" Dakota asked.

I shook my head. "I'm thirteen and I have to stop a crazy god. I don't think anyone would be ready."

Dakota sighed. "I gotta go get my stuff together. You wanna come?" she asked.

I followed her out of my cabin and down the long row. We followed the path and were soon in front of a crystal cabin. It looked like solid ice, and the roof was covered in a thin layer of snow. Dakota pushed aside a block of ice and walked in. I followed her and immediatly wished I hadn't. It was even colder in here than her old bedroom. I shivered and she pulled out a backpack. Dakota pushed some clothes into it and then tossed her hair over her shoulder.

"Ready?" she asked.

We got back to my cabin just as Channing and Aidan were knocking on the door. They followed us inside, though Channing was unsually quiet. I attempted to put some stuff back in the backpack, but nothing seemed to fit. I sighed and threw my hands up. "I can't deal with this," I whispered.

Channing walked up behind me and picked up my purse. "Hey, it's a satchel!"

I snatched it away. "It's a gift from my mum. But it's too small to bring anything in," I said in defeat.

Aidan raised an eyebrow. "From your mum?" He paused and smiled. "Oh rhymes are so fetch!"

Channing nearly died. "Did you just say 'so fetch?'" he asked carefully.

Aidan nodded. "The Aphrodite girls and I decided it was the new it thing to say."

Channing's eyes got wide. "You hang with the Aphrodite girls?"

Aidan nodded again. Channing looked like he was about to cry.

"Aidan, what were you saying?" I asked impatienly.

Aidan thought for a minute and then snapped. "Empty the bag!"

I dumped the contents on the bed and Channing picked up the lighter. "Been smoking in the girls room?" he said and smirked.

I snatched it back. "No! Fire is just entertaining."

Aidan pulled the shorts off my bed. There was no way they would fit in the tiny bag, but he unzipped it anyway. He stuffed the wadded up pants in and they fit perfectly. My eyes widened and he grabbed a shirt and stuffed it in the same way. The bag didn't even look like it had anything in it. I picked it up and it felt light as a feather. I stuck my hand in and the bag was empty. My mind went into a panic. I thought about my shirt and suddenly I felt soft cotton in my hand. When I pulled my hand out I held my shirt. I did the same thing and my shorts appeared in my grasp. I smiled and Channing mumbled something.

"I'm sorry," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "I didn't seem to catch that, darling."

Channing glared at me. "My mom never gave me anything," he scoffed.

I snorted. "Channing, she gave birth to you!"

"So! I want a satchel," he mumbled.

I rolled my eyes and his smile returned. "It's just so trippy," he said.

I smiled a bit and began stuffing my bag. I wondered absently if it had a limit. I slung the bag over my shoulder and my friends stood up.

"Twenty minutes," Channing said.

"Let's get Tanner, Hayden, and Chase," Dakota said and pulled Aidan ahead of us.

I walked awkwardly beside Channing. He cleared his throat and stared down at me. "So, Britain, what are you planning on doing to

Thanatos?" he asked.

"You know, I'd rather go by Stryker."

"Well I'd prefer to go by Spiff from Manlyville, but we don't always get what we want, now do we?" Channing's usual cocky smile was in place and I felt those weird flutters in my stomach again.

"Well, Spiff from Manlyville, I was planning on finding out what he plans on doing first. Then, I'm gonna use you as a human shield, and finally I'm going to kick his butt. How's about them apples?" I smiled up at him and he winked.

"I like them apples. But perhaps you could use Hayden as the shield, you'd miss me too much," Channing said and I couldn't help but laugh. His blue eyes sparkled in the sunset and my heartbeat picked up.

"Of course. Who else is there to be annoyed by," I said.

"That's the spirit, darling!"

"Why do you always call me darling?" I asked as we neared Half-Blood Hill.

He thought for a minute then smiled. "Because you're just so dang adorable," he said and pinched my cheeks.

We reached the hill and saw Percy, Annabeth, and Chiron. Most of the other campers crowded around the base of the hill.

"Two minutes," Channing muttered.

I took a deep breath and we marched through the crowd.

Channing eyed Hayden and then looked at Percy. "Hey, Percy, is there anyway that you could come with us instead of Hayden?" he asked.

Percy smiled but shook his head. "I'm done being involved with Great Prophecies. It's up to you guys," he said. Annabeth squeezed his arm.

Annabeth snapped her fingers. "Styker, I almost forgot!" She pulled a bronze knife from her pocket. It was different from the one she used to fight me with. It had a leather handle and the tip of the blade was razor sharp. She handed it to me. "This is special," she said. "It will always return to you once it hits its target." I thanked her and slid it into my bag.

Channing suddenly snapped his head up. "Thirty seconds," he said.

Around half a minute later, the sun dipped behind tree line. Channing got a wicked smile on his face and the night seemed to get just a little darker.

"Get close to me," he said to us. We all gathered in an awkward cluster around Channing.

Channing closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened his eyes they were a deeper blue than usual. "Hold on, darling," he said to me softly. I grasped his arm and everyone made sure they were touching.

Channing got a wide smile and I knew our quest was officially on.

A/N: Official quest time!

Sorry I added to the Great Prophecy, but I really needed to get that stuff in there. It might seem pointless, but I really wanted to make it clear that Tanner is NOT going to betray them. I'm done with writing betrayals. They cause too much drama in the story and make it more difficult to write.

I would like to thank Zoë Nightshade for her advice, but I just can't take this story down. I've come too far on it, and it's actually my favorite thing to write lately. I'm really grateful for her advice and I'm working on what she has told me to do. She's pretty brilliant and she's honest, which I appreciate.

Currently, I am putting off my summer reading assignments, so it might be a week or so before I can update again. But then again, I say that and in two days I might have chapter eight finished. My system is finish the chapter, write another, then post the previous one. It helps me if I want to change stuff.

If you liked this story, check out my other ones. "From the Foam of the Sea" is the one I'm most disapointed about. I recognize Aenea as a Mary Sue, and I'm working on that. But you should still read it, please.

Thanks for reading, now please review. Thanks darlings(:

ψcamille elisabethψ