That night was probably the most confusing night in history. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I went out like a light, and trust me, that I fully understand. What came next, now that's still a total mystery.
I knew at least 3 things as I entered my dream. First off, I knew that I was dreaming. Second, I knew that there was absolutely nothing around me. Third, and finally, there were lightning bolts and thunder roaring around me, but there were no thunderclouds. That meant one of two things: One, either I was going absolutely insane, or two, I was about to see my dad again for the first time in a while.
"Dad?" I called out, "Where are you?" I spun a full 360 before I heard footsteps echoing around me. Hades, Zeus, and Poseidon were all trudging towards me, coming all from different angles. Hades was the first to reach me, collapsing at my feet, his Helm of Darkness and Sword clattering to the floor. The next one to reach me was my Dad, Zeus, and he stumbled before reaching me. I caught him and helped him stand while Poseidon finally reached me, using his trident to help him hold himself up. "W-what happened?" I stuttered. Poseidon walked around me and tended to Hades while Zeus gave me the full story.
"Carson? Is that you?" He asked me, his voice little less than a whisper. I nodded and then spoke, worry creeping into my voice.
"Ye-yeah. It's me, dad." I looked him up and down, trying to get a read on what happened to him. "What happened to you?"
"The Gods… We are fading. People have stopped to believe in our power and we are slowly deteriorating. We only have enough power to pass down our legacy to the next generation. Hades is already fading; just look." He pointed one bony finger towards his brother, whose body was turning into glowing ash. I blinked away tears and turned back to my dad, waiting for the rest of the story.
"Poseidon and I are next; quickly, you and your sister must find the next generation of Gods to replace us. This is your birthright. Use it well." My father handed me his strongest weapon, the Master Bolt. I held it tenderly, like it was a live wire, which it practically was. I looked at him, confused. I put it next to me and started to ask a question, but he put a finger to his mouth, giving me the universal shush sign. "Go, my child. Carry our legacy with you, and give it only to the worthy replacements." Poseidon handed me Hades' sword and helmet, along with his own trident.
"H-how will we know who your fit replacement is?" I asked him.
"You will know when you see them. Trust in your instincts, son. You and your sister will need them. Now, for the last time, go, my child. Make me proud." Zeus smiled the smile of a dead-man and he turned to golden ash right in front of my eyes. I held back tears as Poseidon turned to dust as well, leaving me sitting in a pile of ash, crying my eyes out.
Suddenly, my vision went black, and when I could see again, I saw that I was in my bunk in the cabin once again. I shot straight up and looked around me. The room was empty except for me, and four items sitting next to me. Can you guess what they were? If you guessed the weapons of the Big 3, then you are completely correct! I was happy to see that I had the weapons of the Gods, believe me, but that meant more than that. It meant that my dream was real and the Gods were… I can't even say it.
I have to tell the others! I checked what time it was by looking out the window, and saw that it was about the time that the camp was eating breakfast at the Mess Hall. I hopped out of bed and quickly ran to the mess hall, carrying the weapons of the Gods with me. I burst into the mess hall, screaming for Chiron.
The entire camp was staring at me, looking at me like I was a madman. Chiron was using his wheelchair today and he rolled his chair to me. "Yes, Carson? What is it?" He asked me. He stared at me expectantly, and for at least a second I hesitated. Then, I silently showed him what I was carrying.
In all of the time that I've been here, I don't think that I've ever seen Chiron look afraid and scared, but he was probably the most fearful that I've ever seen him. He tenderly reached out to touch the weapons, looking at me questioningly. "A-are these the real weapons of the 3?" He asked me. I nodded, causing the entire Mess Hall to gasp. Carmen stood up and rushed to my side, staring wide-eyed at the weapons in my hands.
"There's something else, Chiron. The Gods contacted me through a dream, telling me that they were dying. All of them, Chiron. I even watched them die right before my eyes. But, before they did, they gave me one mission and one alone. Find the next generation of the Gods, and lead them. Chiron, we need to go on a quest, and go immediately." Chiron nodded gravely.
"Yes, Carson. Go. Find them. But, I have one request. Consult the Oracle. Find out what you can." I nodded and dashed off towards the Big House, ready to meet the Oracle. When I got there, I saw Rachel Elizabeth Dare napping in her beanbag chair. I walked over next to her and squatted next to her. I tried to shake her awake, but that failed completely. I tried a few more things, like making loud sounds to wake her up and stuff like that. But still, Rachel wouldn't stir even a little bit.
"Okay, forget it then. I'm just gonna sit here, because I can and you can't really tell me not to, because your asleep." I gave up, sitting on a chair opposite her and relaxed for a few minutes before Rachel started to shake violently, her eyes going wide and turning pure white. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, Rachel? What… Are you okay?" I leaned towards her, but jumped backwards as she started speaking.
"12 for 12, god for god
Eldest are the first to fall
Demigods born and raised
Dictate again Olympus's fate
First is found in the Land of the Dead
Next resides in the briny depths
Last are found in the mind of the dreaming
And the leader's loss shall keep him grieving."
Only after a second or two did I realize that what she just said was a prophecy. Excitedly, I ran out of the Big House and back to the Mess Hall, running the prophecy over and over in my head. I was giddy with happiness, and only worried slightly, but mostly about the last line. That worried me all the way to the Mess Hall.
Authors Note: How was that, huh? Did you guys like that one? I did tell you in the last chapter that this one would be dramatic. Next one will be coming out in sometime in the next week, so make sure to stay tuned!