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Music I listened to was Unsteady by X Ambassadors and Father and Son by Cat Stevens.

The next morning, Percy and Annabeth came out to Grover nervously eating a tin can and Thalia pacing back and forth.

"There you two are! Rachel stole Blackjack and went to Camp Half-Blood this morning. We just got told by Hermes and we need to get there now!"

Annabeth looked at Percy. "Never a dull moment," she sighed resignedly.

"Hold on. She stole Blackjack! And he let her! Also, come to think of it, why does Hermes seem to always be around? Wait, never mind. Stupid question."

"Yeah, that's what we thought, too," said Grover.

"It is my belief that she has been called to host the Oracle of Delphi. Since the curse has been lifted, she will most likely be safe. Even so, you should go to her," Hermes explained.

Percy jumped, having not noticed that he was standing right next to him.

"Um, if the curse has been lifted, wouldn't May Castellan be alright now?" he asked.

Hermes face softened at the mention of his lover. "Yes, she will be there with Rachel to be healed."

Their conversation was effectively cut off by Luke coming out of the guest room. He stopped in front of them and shifted from one foot to the other a few times. When he saw Hermes, his face darkened. His posture became defensive, and his hands clenched into fists at his side, as though he were restraining himself from hitting Hermes.

As per usual, Thalia took the initiative.

"Good morning. Glad you're just as much of a morning person as ever." She turned to Percy. "Some things never change. Ever."

"Your mom told me about the, uh, arrangement, just so you know. Thanks, I guess," Luke addressed Percy. He was visibly trying and failing to ignore Hermes.

"Yeah, it was actually your dad who fought for that. I was just told afterwards. I know that might not be what you want to hear, but it's true. He's the one to thank."

Luke narrowed his eyes at Hermes. "Really?" The question was riddled with verbal booby traps.

He really is my son, Hermes though wistfully. Trying to ensnare me.

"Yes, I love you, despite what you may think. I had to stay away because of the way your destiny was set. It was terrible and I wish that it hadn't been necessary. I know you think I don't care, but I do. Very much."

Luke's jaw twitched. "I wish that were true."

"It is. Forgive me, my son."

Luke's mental battle was evident on his face. He looked like he wanted to believe him but was struggling to. Perhaps being the kid of a god famous for deceiving people made him distrustful of said god.

An uncomfortable silence rested in the living room for a few minutes. Then, to the surprise of everyone, he strode over to Hermes and wrapped him in a hug.

"Then be my father now," he whispered fiercely into Hermes' neck. "Show me what you say is true."

"Deal," Hermes promised as he hugged Luke right back.

"I hate to interrupt," said Percy. "But we need to go after Rachel."

"Who?" Luke questioned.

"The girl who hit you over the head with a blue plastic hairbrush."

Luke grinned. "Oh, I remember her. What happened?"

"She's gone off to camp with my pegasus because she was called to the spirit of the Oracle of Delphi after the curse on it was lifted. Ten second warning, your mom will be there, too."

Before he had time to respond, they felt their bodies evaporate and then they were right in front of the Big House. Rachel was just coming out, and she looked like she was about to faint.

She noticed them and smiled dizzily. "I think it worked!"

"Woah, there," Percy said. "I think you should sit down and catch your breath first."

"No, no. I'm fine."

Percy turned to Apollo, who watching Rachel closely. "Is she alright?"

"Yes, she has succeeded. Well done Rachel. Now you must pledge yourself to the Oracle and that will be all." Apollo was literally shining with anticipation.

Rachel closed her eyes. "I accept this role as host to the Oracle of Delphi. I pledge myself to Apollo, God of Oracles. I open my eyes to the future and embrace the past. I accept the spirit of Delphi, Voice of the Gods, Speaker of Riddles, Seer of Fate."

"I accept your pledge and grant you my blessing."

"Are you sure you're alright?" Percy asked.

"I'll be fine." Rachel rolled her eyes. "Stop worrying."

"Yeah, stop worrying," Annabeth grouched.

"Jealous much?" Percy teased.

"Shut up, seaweed brain."

"Both of you stop it," Rachel grinned. "I'm ok."

She was immediately jinxed. She doubled over like someone had punched her. Then she stood ramrod straight and her eyes glowed green.

Everyone gasped. Luke jumped back and stared at her like he was seeing a ghost, because he was. He looked petrified. Even Thalia was nervous.

Then Rachel spoke in the voice of the Oracle:

"Five heroes will go on a quest,

to find the One who causes unrest,

One follows free and one follows bound,

two's judgments clouded and one's judgment sound,

the traitor will do what traitors will do,

but trust is the key to get them all through,

victory will be theirs at last,

if they look to the future and not to their past."

"As I said," Percy sighed. "Never a dull moment."