A/N: Hey guys. I'm not dead. Just been rushing through life. Anyways, I wrote this chapter on impulse, trying to release some stress. Let me know what you guys think. I should be updating my other stories as well. I don't what life has in store for me in the coming days. Anyways as always, review and let me know what you think and how i could make it better. Favorite and follow if you like it for further updates, which will come. it's just a matter of when :D. Also i noticed in the reviews someone say that Tal doesn't talk much, this chapter dedicated to you :) enjoy and until next time, pce

Disclaimer: i don't own any of this stuff.

Chapter 20

There stood a boy in a front of an old beach cabin. Watching as the waves were roaring against the sand with vigor, the rain pouring down with harsh intent, the sky screaming with lightning and thunder. It seemed as if the sea and the sky were trying to subdue each-other, but each were just a little bit out of reach of the other. There, amongst the heavy rain and vigorous waves, were two creatures battling as if their life depended on it. One was a bald eagle, the size of man, while the other was a winged horse, which the boy recognized as a Pegasus.

"Screeeee….."

"Wheeeee….."

Two shrills ripped through the sound of the storm as the creatures clashed against each other, repeatedly. The anger and hatred evident on their eyes. They continued to clash as the storm brewed, all while the boy watched with an expression of curiosity and a hint of confusion. The boy had a head full of messy black hair and sea green eyes, clearly matching the image of Percy Jackson.

"What the heck is going on here?" Percy muttered under his breath. "Are Zeus and Poseidon fighting?"

Percy continued to watch as the two animals stalled in the air for a moment, as if to catch their breath, before rushing towards each-other. It was clear that this last clash had all their remaining strength behind it. Just as the two animals were about to meet the each-other, Percy heard a strange knocking sound and jolted awake.

He sat up on his bed, confirming that what he had just seen was clearly a dream. Remembering the old cabin behind where he stood in the dream, he realized this occurrence had taken place in his favorite vacation spot; Montauk.

He heard the strange knocking again, only now realizing that it was his door, signaling that someone was looking for him.

"Coming…." he muttered loud enough for the guest to hear, before dragging himself out of the bed and wobbling to the door.

As he opened the door, the first thing to hit him was the morning sunlight, rising from the east. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the light before he could see who it was that was calling him so early in the morning.

"What is it Annabeth, morning routine doesn't start for another hour?" He grumbled, clearly unhappy about the early awakening.

"Chiron told me to wake you up. Hurry and get ready." She said ignoring his unhappy tone.

He didn't argue anymore, just exhaled a sigh before walking back inside and getting ready. Annabeth waited 15 minutes before Percy emerged again, wearing a green v-neck shirt, black sweats and a pair of converse. He seemed more awake now, but it was clear he hadn't attempted to control his hair after his shower, and just let it do whatever it wanted.

"Man I hope this is important, missing even an hour of sleep feels terrible, especially after last. Stupid electric spear…" Percy whined, rubbing his back where Clarisse had placed her spear the night before.

"Congrats on getting claimed by the way, didn't get a chance to talk last night." Annabeth said giving a small smile as she matched his stride; the two walking towards the Big House.

"It's not that big of a surprise. I knew I was going to be a child of sea god, just didn't expect him to be such a major figure." Percy returned with a small smile of his own.

"Ace told you that you were a child of the sea?" She asked, curious as to how he had come to his conclusion.

"No, but when we were in school, all the free time I had was spent either with my friends or in the pool." He replied smiling at the joyous moments. "Oh, and my mom always told me that my father went out to sea and never returned, kind of a dead giveaway if you think about it."

Annabeth chuckled hearing his answer, but deep down she was wondering why Ace had never told him about his heritage. It was hard for her to deny the fact that that boy was one book she couldn't read, no matter how hard she tried.

"Was it because he didn't know? No, it was clear from last night that he expected Poseidon to claim him. What secrets is he hiding?" These questions ran through her head as they walked up the steps and entered into the Big House.

When they entered, they saw 5 pair of eyes looking at them, as if waiting their arrival.

"I brought Percy Chiron" Annabeth said, glancing at Ace and Tal, as if surprised to see them here. She walked over and took a seat next to Grover, while Percy took a seat next to Ace.

"What's going on Ace?" Percy asked Ace, even though it was Chiron who invited him here. It was evident that his trust in his friend outweighed all other.

"Good news, I know you've been bored out of your mind in the one week we've been here, but now it's time to see some action. You're going on a quest." Ace explained with a smile.

The mention of a quest startled the daughter of Athena, clearly she hadn't been told the reason for this meeting.

"Chiron, really? He's going on a quest?" Annabeth asked nervously.

"Yes my dear, there are some...disturbances." Chiron sighed, trying to find the right words to explain the situation. The idea of a quest had a different meaning to the old teacher than it did to the campers. Last time someone from his camp went on a quest, it had almost cost the camper his life, changing him forever.

"What's the quest about?" Percy asked. His eyes holding a clear eagerness and yearning for some action. Being trained Ace had turned him into a warrior instead of a regular camper, a warrior that felt alive when metal clashed against each-other.

Before Chiron could speak, another voice interrupted. "Your daddio and Zeus are bickering; typical, and you've been chosen to be the middle man, to break up the fight between those two overgrown children. Doesn't that sound fun?" Ace's voice was dripping with sarcasm.

The moment Ace finished there was a loud bang as everyone jerked their head to see a fuming Mr. D. He had smacked his hand down on the table, cracks appearing from where his hand and the table connected.

"Child, you go overboard in your speech." His eyes had turned into bright orbs of purple flames, his body exuding a bright glow as the temperature in the room dropped by the minute.

"Uh-oh, he's lost it." A sound came from the wall, as Chiron felt a chill run down his spine.

"Mr. D…." Chiron started say before he was interrupted once again.

"Hmph!" Ace sneered. "Can it you drunk, you can't even do anything, unless you plan on spending your entire lifetime here in this place. What would that stolen wife of yours do if you left her alone for all her immortal life. You don't expect her to stay faithful to you while you leave her alone and go around banging mortals, do you. Hmph!"

Everyone was stunned, the god present included. The anger that was on his face was replaced by shock, and a tiny bit of fear.

"You...you...who are you? Speak! SPEAK!" Mr. D growled as he jumped to his feet. His hand had already reached out and tightened around Ace's neck.

His sudden yell broken everyone out of their trance as the demig-gods stood up seeing Mr. D's sudden action.

"Ace…" Tal said softly, trying to figure out how to handle this situation. The other four in the room were obviously afraid of things escalating any further. But they were all unable utter a word, seeing the actions of the immortal in front of them.

"Brat, you better talk…" Mr. D said in a clear threat.

Ace opened his opened, and everyone felt a hint of relief, thinking he was going to avoid making the situation any worse. But once again they had judged the young demi-god wrongly; even tal was surprised by his action.

"Pffoot…"

That single sound filled the entire room as a clump of liquid landed on Mr. D's face. Suddenly everyone in the room, Ace excluded, was trembling. Chiron, Tal and friends were trembling in fear, while Mr. D was trembling in rage. Even though he was the youngest Olympian, he had been alive for quite a long time, and this was the first time he had been humiliated in such a manner.

"Let go…" Ace growled. His lack of concern for his action was tangible on his face.

"Dead...you're dead...DEAD!" Mr. D howled as his grip tightened around Ace's neck.

"ACE…" Tal shrieked. Knowing that her friend was no longer truly immortal, the scene taking place in front of her frightened her to no end.

Suddenly there was a flash of golden light, as everyone had assumed that Mr. D had blasted Ace with golden energy. But the shine of a metal led to them to believe otherwise. Everyone stared in disbelief as Ace brought out his sword and placed the tip in front of Mr. D's jagular. His eyes clear as water, as if he was unafraid of what he was doing.

"ACE…" Chiron yelled rushing up from his seat, which rolled out behind him hitting the wall before stopping. "A-Ace, stop this madness. Lower your weapon." His voice showing his panic at the scene in front of him.

"Brat...you want to kill me?" Mr. D frowned feeling the cold blade at his neck. For the moment he had loosened his grip on Ace's throat, but not releasing it.

"The feeling is mutual, isn't it?" Ace smirked, finally showing some emotion on his stoic face.

"You brat, how dare you raise your weapon at a god. If I don't cripple you today, I'm not an Olympian." Mr. D sneered, but didn't take further action, being weary of the sword.

"Please, at worst you'd kill me while I kill you. But I'd sure as hell revive before you." Ace continued to smirk.

"Hmph! Revive? Do you think yourself an immortal brat?"

"I know plenty of secrets concerning Hades for him to make a deal with me for my release, while you on the other hand, will be slowly regenerating in Tartarus." Percy countered.

Hearing that Mr. D frowned. The amount of time he had gotten to know the brat in front of him, he had picked up a couple of things about him; one of them being that he didn't spout careless words.

"Good...good. Remember boy, you have made an enemy out of an Olympian today." Mr. D smirked as he released his hand and stepped back.

"Don't flatter yourself you fat drunk, you aren't the first, and you clearly won't be the last. You don't get to know the things I know without making enemies left and right." Ace said with smirk of his own, causing Mr. D to frown once again.

"Hmph! Presumptuous brat." Mr. D scoffed. "Chiron, get these brats out of here and on their way to death. I don't want to see them when I return."

There was a flash of light as everyone turned their heads before Mr. D disappeared.

There was a brief moment of silent before a whack sound filled the air.

"Ow...that kind of hurt." Ace grumbled rubbing his head, the sword in his head disappearing with a golden flash. He turned his head to see a face filled with a plethora of emotions; there was a mixture of worry, fear, anxiousness, relief and a hint of another emotion that Ace couldn't understand.

"ARE YOU CRAZY?!" Tal yelled. "NO DON'T ANSWER THAT, BECAUSE YOU'RE CLEARLY CRAZY."

"Ta…" Ace started but was interrupted with another explosion.

"DON'T TAL ME...I'VE BEEN WITH YOU FOR TEN YEARS ACE, AND I'VE SEEN YOU DO STUPID STUFF, BUT THIS TAKES THE PRIZE." Now that MR. D had left, her fear and worry were slowly fading, she knew Ace's personality so she wasn't surprised, but she still had to put up an act of for the others present, and seeing Ace's expression, she knew she was doing one Hades of a job. "I THOUGHT WE WERE SUPPOSED TO STICK TOGETHER, BUT WHY DO YOU KEEP TRYING TO GET YOURSELF KILLED EVERY CHANCE YOU GET. YOU WANT TO LEAVE ME BEHIND THAT MUCH…"

The words had been said before she even realized what she was saying. To the others present, it seemed appropriate, but to the both of them, these had a different meaning. Ace could clearly tell that there was some lingering feelings from what he had said to her yesterday; she had truly been hurt by his words. Tal paused her scolding as a flash of red cross her cheeks. She herself knew how much emotion those words carried, and they weren't said just for the act.

Ace, knowing that they couldn't let up their act, put up an apologetic expression, with a mix of hurt. "I'm sorry Tals...I promise I'm not trying to get rid of you. And I promise you, from now on I won't go out of my way to look for trouble." He took a small step towards her.

Tal, seeing his intention, stepped forward as she wrapped her arms around him, and he her.

There was silence in the room once more. Ace and Tal stayed wrapped in eachothers arms for about five minutes before someone cleared their throat, breaking the thick silence.

"Well bro, I gotta hand it to you; you've got some gigantic balls." Percy said stepping forward. His forced a smile that tried it's hardest to keep his fear at bay.

"And don't you forget it." Ace laughed as he finally let go of the girl in his arms, turning to face Percy. He glanced at the other 3 people present in the room, all still looking at him with a mixture of shock, nervousness, and fear.

"Ah...I'm sorry about that guys, Chiron. Tal always tells me I need to manage my temper." He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck, as if making an enemy out of an Olympian god was an everyday thing.

"Which still you haven't done." Tal said playfully punching his arms.

Seeing the pair's' antics, the tension in the room slowly faded away.

"Ace my boy, you truly gone too far this time. I don't know what kind of enemies you've dealt with before, but an Immortal, an Olympian nonetheless, is not someone to be taken lightly." Chiron stated, finally getting ahold of his emotions.

"Y-yea Ace, t-that was re-really sca-scary." Grover stuttered, falling on his behind, his trembling legs unable to hold him upright any longer.

"Ah you worry too much Chiron. Immortal, Olympian, or whatever, if the three sisters want me to to live, who can stop them, and the same goes for if they want me to die." Ace said swatting his hand in the air, blowing away any sense of concern.

Hearing Ace's words, Chiron was a take aback. He had lived for a long time, trained many, many heroes, but this was the first time he had met someone who based their actions with their belief in fate, and such a strong belief too.

There was a hint of a smile on his face as he let out a sigh, walking over to his chair and taking a seat again. "Well, what's done is done. But you better live up to your promise to Tal. Breaking a maiden's heart may earn you the wrath of Artemis, and she might just turn you into a jackalope, whether you're alive or dead." Chiron said rolling his chair over to the table. He had been unable to see through their little act.

Even though it was a performance to deceive the people present, that still didn't stop a streak of red from flashing across Tals' cheeks when she heard those words. "Oh the irony, I wonder how Chiron would feel if he knew that I left Artemis to follow said boy around"

"If that ever happened, I'd welcome it, for I'd be clearly deserving. But I'm sure Tals here would beat Artemis to the punch and just beat me up herself." Ace said laughing.

"Hmph! You better believe it, I'll definitely kick your butt." Tal said with a smile as she softly shoved the boy sitting next to her. Her words and actions caused Percy to laugh, knowing all too well that Tal would indeed go down to the underworld just to beat up Ace, if he ever got himself killed.

While everyone either laughed or smiled, there was one person who was sitting there stoically. Annabeth was staring intenty at Ace, trying to figure out his actions and words. "What does he know about Mr. D? What does he know about Hades that Hades would release his soul back into the world of the living? Was he bluffing? No, Mr. D wouldn't have let him go if he was bluffing? Where did this guy come from, and how big is his bag of courage? And what did he mean stolen wife?"

Annabeth's brain was working overdrive trying to figure out these questions, but for the first time in her life, she was stumped. Every possible route she took ended at dead end without a clear answer, and that frustrated her to no end.

She was broken out of her thoughts when someone touched her shoulder.

"Annabeth, you alright?" Grover asked shaking her shoulder. She turned her head to see everyone looking at her.

"Sorry...I was thinking about something." She muttered feeling a little embarrassed under everyone's stare.

"Oh, okay. Well listen, Percy's about to recite prophecy." Grover said turning to look at mentioned boy.

She too turned to look at the sea spawn, who was looking at her with narrowed eyes. It was obvious that he was trying to figure out what caused her to be so distracted that she hadn't even noticed him leaving to the attic and returning with a prophecy.

"Well Perce, don't hold out on us…" Ace said smiling, he clearly couldn't care less about what the Athenian was contemplating about.

Percy nodded before reciting what the old mummy in the attic had told him.

"You shall go west, and face the god who has turned,

You shall find what was stolen, and see it safely returned,

You shall be betrayed by one who calls you a friend,

And you shall fail to save what matters most, in the end"

"Wow, well that's something…" Ace muttered, acting as if he had heard this for the first time.

"Tell me about it, betrayed by a friend. Is there something you aren't telling me Ace." Percy said smirking.

"Ha! It said friend, not your brother you loser." Ace said wrapping his arm around Percy's neck and pulling him into a headlock.

"Uncle...uncle…" Percy's said in a muffled voice as he tapped Ace's arm.

"Well there's someone who's going to betray you, so stay sharp Perce." Tal said smiling at their antics. Percy nodded as he ran his hand through his hair, trying to get it to be less messy.

"Prophecy itself aside, how many people can I take with me Chiron?" Percy asked turning to face the old mentor. It was clear he hadn't put much thought into the lines of the Prophecy. He knew Ace and Tal would never turn their backs on him, and that's all that mattered to him; he didn't care about how many of his so called friends would betray him.

"Well 3 has always been an auspicious number throughout history; the big three, the 3 fate sisters. So I suggest going with 3 members; plus considering you're a son of Poseidon, any more than 3 would attract too many problems on your journey."

"That's perfect." Percy said grinning from ear to ear. He already knew who he was taking. He looked at Ace and Tal with enthusiastic eyes.

Seeing what his friend was thinking, Ace let out a chuckle. "You need to take Grover on this quest."

Grover looked startled hearing his name. "Ah...that's fine. I don't need to head outside. I don't like the outside place anyways." He replied quickly, pushing aside the thought.

"Don't you need to prove yourself to the council or something? This is the perfect chance. You sure you want to give up this chance?" Tal said raising an eyebrow.

"Ehhh…how do you know about that. And yes, it's true that they see me bringing Percy here a failure, since the monsters attacked us, and I was unconscious. But you two should go with him, he'd have a much safer journey with you two at his side, rather than me." Grover muttered looking down, fiddling with his fingers.

Tal glanced Ace, who gave her a slight nod. She turned back to Grover with a smile. "No buts Goat Boy, you're going. I'm surprised you haven't come to us for help with this already, seems like you don't see us as friends."

"What're you talking about? You guys are my closest friends. But this quest seems like a dangerous one, and even though I want to go, I know it'd be better if you two went instead." Grover replied hurriedly.

"Well, you better build some confidence because you're going. I don't want to go on some quest to help those loser gods." Ace replied smirking at Gover.

"That's fine, at least Tal is coming." Percy said smirking at Ace.

"There be not be any funny business you little brat. She can go with you but you better remember that she's mine." Ace said playfully glaring at Percy. He stepped closer to Tal and wrapped an arm around her waist.

Once again, Tal was attacked with a streak of red across her cheeks, which she covered up perfectly; as usual. "Who's yours?!" She said as she elbowed Ace in the gut, forcing him to stagger back.

"Joking...only joking." Ace said rubbing his stomach.

"All's fair in love n' war bro." Percy said laughing.

"Sorry Perce, but you aren't my type" Tal said sticking her tongue out.

"No chance bro." Ace laughed, Grover joining in with a chuckle.

"Hmph. we'll see. A lot can happen when faced with danger." Percy replied sticking his tongue out at Ace.

"You brat…" Ace said lunging for Percy, only for him to side-step out of the way.

"Alright enough guys, let's go get ready to head out." Tal said smiling as Ace kept trying to grab Percy, only for him to move out of the way at the last second.

"Wa-wait…" Annabeth said finally speaking up. All eyes turned to her. "So it's you three that's going on the quest?"

"What of it?" Ace sneered, an action that caught Chiron's eyes. Ever since he showed up in camp, he made it clear that he didn't care about anyone here, and he wouldn't bother anyone if they didn't bother him. But every time he was talking with or about anyone from the Athena cabin, there was a clear sense of disdain. Chiron made a note to ask him about it at a later time.

"My dear...I know what you want to say. But...but seems like it isn't your time yet." Chiron let out a sigh. He had practically raised the demi-goddess; he knew everything about her; including her acute desire to venture in the outside world. Living inside of camp for almost a decade had made her restless.

Annabeth turned to look at Percy, a hint of pleading in her eyes.

"Uh...sorry Annabeth, I didn't know that you wanted to go." Percy replied awkwardly.

"Why else would she be here, aside from wanting to tag along with you to garner some accomplishments." Ace muttered, loud enough for everyone to hear.

Annabeth's pleading eyes turned into a fierce glare, directed at Ace. Hearing that even Chiron had a slight frown.

"That's enough Ace. Don't be an ass." Tal reprimanded. She sent him a glare that warned him to dial down his words. She then turned to Annabeth with a light smile. "Sorry Annabeth, don't listen to him. He kind of doesn't like your mom."

"Why?" Annabeth inquired, still glaring at Ace.

"Hmph! What's there to like about an arrogant woman who acts like she knows everything." Ace scoffed.

"Out...get out. Wait for us outside" Tal barked pointing at the door.

"Not like I said anything wrong." Ace grumbled not arguing and heading towards the door.

Just as he was about to head out, a voice called out from behind him.

"For your information, my mother does know everything" Annabeth ridiculed, there was a hint of amusement at her voice. It was clear that she had a strong belief in the fact that her mother did know everything, and a mere demi-god saying she didn't amused her. Her mother was the goddess of wisdom afterall.

"Your mother doesn't know jackshit. She read a couple books and called herself the goddess…." Before he could retort another voice interrupted him.

"I'm seriously considering kicking your ass right now." Tal barked glaring at Ace.

"Alright, alright...I'm leaving." He let out a chuckle before exiting the room.

"I don't like your friend Talitha." Annabeth sneered. This was the first time she had used Tal's full name; it was clear that she was unhappy with Ace's words.

"Yea, I don't like him either. Don't let whatever he says get to you, he's just a cranky jerk." Tal replied smiling.

"Cranky jerk? I'll believe that." Percy said laughing. A small smile cracked on Annabeth's face hearing Tal's words.

"Okay, you three should head back to your cabins and prepare to head out. I wanted to discuss the prophecy a little more, but knowing Ace, he's going to break it down word for word for you so I see no need to discuss it here any further. I will arrange a ride for you guys, but it will only take you into Manhattan. After that you have to venture on your own." Chiron stated. "The first line says that you have to travel west to face a god who has turned. So you're going to head west, and there's only one god in the west, but pray that my suspicions are wrong."

"Thanks Chiron, and don't worry. Prophecies always have double meanings, it might not be who you are thinking about." Tal said softly, trying to reassure him.

"I hope you are right my dear." Chiron said with a smile.

"Wait, I have a question. I know Zeus and Poseidon are bickering, I had a dream of something relating to them last night; it didn't make sense at the time but now I understand. What I don't understand is, why are they fighting?" Percy inquired. He had been wondering this question since the moment he woke up. He had been planning to ask Chiron, before finding out about the quest.

Chiron let out a tired sigh. "Zeus' Master Bolt is missing. And he thinks Poseidon stole it."

"But isn't that impossible. Aren't gods not able to touch a weapon that's not theirs without the consent of the owner?" Percy inquired.

"That's true. He had only suspected Poseidon previously, not having any proof on how he could have done it. But that was until he claimed you, giving Zeus all the answers he needed to fully believe that Poseidon had stolen his bolt to usurp the throne." Chiron explained.

"Zeus thinks my father used me to steal his bolt? That's ridiculous, I have yet to meet the guy and I'm already being accused of being an accomplice of his in his scheme." Percy sounded exasperated.

"Zeus has always feared his brothers turning on him, and with you showing up just when his bolt went missing makes it seem like more than a coincidence in his eyes." Chiron said with a chuckle. There was a hint of pity for the young demi-god who had been thrusted into the mess of the gods right after being claimed.

"Zeus is a little retarded isn't he?" Tal muttered under her breath. Suddenly there was a loud bang outside and the sound of thunder shook the entire Big House. Dust fell from the ceiling of the house as the sound of laughter could be heard from outside following the loud thunder.

"Whoever said something, I approve hundred percent." Ace shouted from outside the door. It was clear that the laughter was coming from him.

"Tal my dear, you must not speak like Ace. They are the gods, they cannot be insulted, questioned, they cannot be even frowned upon. Especially the King of the gods. Zeus has a temper that covers the entire sky. Nothing good comes from mocking the gods." Chiron warned. His voice displaying his clear fear and nervousness at Tals' words.

"Sorry Chiron, guess Ace rubbed off on me a little bit. But still, Zeus' ideas are a little farfetched don't you think?" Tal replied, but her eyes showed no sense of apology at all.

"Even then, we can't question them. Being King, not even the other Olympians dare to question him." Chiron clarified, he didn't understand how these kids could be so bold. He had lived for quite some time, and he still couldn't build up enough courage to speak badly about the gods.

"I'll try to keep that in mind. We should go get ready, thanks again for getting us a ride Chiron." Tal said heading towards the door, Percy and Grover on her tail.

"Make sure you prepare well. You don't know how long this is going to take." Chiron called out after them.

"Gotcha', thanks Chiron." Percy shouted from outside the door.

Chiron let out a sigh once the three exited the room.

"Who are those two Chiron, they clearly don't have any respect for the gods, especially that Ace." Annabeth said turning to face Chiron. The way she said Ace's name made it as if it was the worst curse she could think of. "Can we even trust them?"

"Trust or not my dear, they definitely won't harm Percy. I've come to realize that after watching them in the institute." Chiron sighed. Ace's methods, ideas, and even the words he spoke were far from the best, but he unambiguously cared about his friends, especially Tal and Percy. "I'm sorry that you couldn't have your adventure. But hearing the prophecy, I think it's best you didn't go."

Annabeth gave a small smile, trying to hide the palpable disappointment in her eyes. "It's alright, I don't know why but I had a gut feeling that he was going to ask me. Guess I was wrong."

"Maybe in the future you might get your chance." Chiron returned her smile. "Alright, go wake your cabin-mates. Time to get the day started."

X*X*X*X*X

A group of five were standing on top of Half-Blood hill, next to a thick tree. There were four teens and one centaur, conversating.

"Did you prepare well? Enough ambrosia, nectar and drachmas?" Chiron asked.

"Everything's here." Percy said lightly tapping the book bag on his back.

"Did you pack enough tin cans Goat Boy?" Ace smirked.

"Baaah...How can you ask me about eating when we're heading out on a dangerous quest. But yes, I packed a lot." Grover let out a nervous bleet, making his three friends laugh.

"Alright, you must be weary of everything, and don't trust strangers, they could be monsters. Oh and Percy before I forget, I have something I need to give you. It's a present from your father. He told me to hand it to his son, at the time I was confused but now it makes sense." Chiron said smiling as he took out a pen.

"Gee, thanks. Does he want me to write him postcards or something?" Percy quipped taking the the pen and rolling it over his hands; examining it. It was clearly one of those cheap pens that you could get for a buck.

"Uncap it you dork." Ace said chuckling.

Percy followed his instructions and uncapped it, revealing a 3 foot bronze sword, all the while Chiron was looking at Ace in surprise.

"Woah, cool. And it's name is Riptide?" Percy smiled, looking at the words on the newfound sword.

"You know about Anaklusmos?" Chiron asked looking at Ace.

"I've read about the sword, it's sea origins and it's history. Didn't think that it had fallen in Poseidon's hands though. But I guess it makes sense. Whatever belongs to the sea will return there."

"We should talk over some tea my boy. I'd love to hear about all the things you know." Chiron laughed. He had been underestimating the knowledge of the young demi-god in front of him time and time again.

"We should, someday." Ace laughed along.

"Alright, we're heading out. Wish us luck. And Chiron, if he causes any trouble, IM me and let me know. I'll give him a piece of my mind when I get back." Tal said glaring at Ace, who in return stuck his tongue out at her.

"Will do my dear. And may the gods be on your side."

"Hmph! Forget the gods, just remember your training and you should be fine." Ace said with disdain.

"Gotcha'." Percy nodded, giving Ace a brotherly hug before walking down the hill. Tal stepped forward, giving Ace a hug as well, as he whispered something in her ears. After that she gave a nod towards Chiron before joining Percy and Grover.

"What did you tell her?" Chiron asked as he looked at the kids entering the minivan at the bottom of the hill.

"To not do things I would do. She's all I have left, and I'd tear everything down into Tartarus if anything happened to her." He replied stoically.

Chiron was a little startled hearing his words, but then gave a small smile.

"It's obvious that you're worried. Why didn't you go with them?" Chiron asked the question that's been on his mind.

"I have other things I need to do. I can't waste time playing a quest for the gods. Plus having both Tal and me there would be overkill; there'd be no challenge at all, and Percy would just complain about how he's bored the entire time." Ace said with a smirk.

"The outside world is a very dangerous place my boy. Don't look down upon it." Chiron warned, there was a sense of worry in him for Ace at his clear disdain for everything.

"I know Chiron, and thanks for worrying."

"Well let's head back. We might still be able to catch breakfast if we hurry." Chiron said turning around, slowly trotting towards the Mess Hall.

"Actually Chiron, I'm going to head out too. Without Tal and Percy here, I don't have a reason to stay. Plus I'm sure Mr. D wouldn't want to see me around for a while anyways, this will give him time to cool down." Ace said from on top of the hill.

Chiron wanted to argue but he knew it was pointless. "Where are you going to go? Don't do anything dangerous."

"Don't worry. I'll go see Percy's mom first. Let her know that everything is well and that Percy got claimed. I'll decide what to do after from then."

"Alright, becareful. Follow the advice you gave Talitha." Chiron said softly.

"Will do. Take care of yourself Chiron. I'll see you soon." Ace said before walking out of the borders.

"You too my boy." Chiron muttered before walking to the Mess Hall.

X*X*X*X*X*X

Rain was lightly drizzling down as thunder and lightning roared in the sky. Any visible light from the stars and the moon was covered by dark clouds.

Three silhouette's were weaving through a patch of trees. They looked like three teens around the age of 13 or 14, two being boys while one of them being a girl.

"Well that sucked. As soon we head out, we're attacked." The girl, who had black hair and crystal blue eyes, muttered; the anger and annoyance clear in her eyes.

"Aside from losing our ride, that was fun. Got to fight monsters so soon, awesome." The boy with black hair and sea green eyes said with enthusiasm.

"Tal, Perce look, there's a store up ahead. Maybe we can wait out the rain in there." The last boy said pointing towards the front. The three quest mates didn't look like they had started off on a good journey. Being ambushed by monsters as soon as their bus left the city, and almost getting hit by lightning.

"Hopefully they have some food, c'mon guys." Percy said jogging towards the store. Tal and Grover without saying anything else followed him; they too were hoping for some nourishment.

As they neared the store, they noticed the life size statues scattered all around the store. The faces of the statutes giving the questers chills.

"Well this isn't creepy at all." Percy muttered as he neared the door. "Hello, anyone inside?"

They waited as they heard shuffling and steps heading towards them from within the door. The door slowly opened to reveal a tall veiled woman.

"Oh my deary. What're you all doing around this area at this time?" The woman said softly.

"Sorry to bother you miss, it's just that we go lost wandering away from our parents, who brought us here to sightsee. We found your place by luck, and were wondering if you had any food?" Tal said putting up her guard. She had recalled the story of Percy's first quest, and how he had met Medusa in a place called 'Aunt Em's Gnome Emporium'. Looking up, she saw those exact words on the sign.

"Of course my dears. Aunty Em has plenty of food. Not a lot of people come around here, so Aunt Em rarely sees any visitors. Come in, I'll prepare some delicious food for you all." The woman, Aunty Em, said sweetly as she gestured for them to walk inside.

"Thank a lot. And we have money, if you want us to pay." Percy said walking inside.

"Nonsense. How can Aunty Em ask for money from such nice children."

As Tal walked passed the woman, she heard a distinct sound that matched a snake's' hiss.

X*X*X*X*X*X

"Free burgers, and we get to kill the legendary Medusa. This is the best night ever." Percy howled from behind the statue he was using as a hiding spot.

"Don't relax Perce. She's dangerous." Tal warned from her hiding place which was to the left of Percy. She was hiding behind the statue of a couple holding hands. "Perce, you take point, I will distract her. Grover see if you can hold her in place a little bit, and then Percy, you will rush in and cut her head off."

"Roger." Percy replied turning to see the approaching monster.

"She can see what her snakes see so be extra careful when you're nearing her." She warned making her bow and a quiver full of arrows appear.

"I really hope this works. This is for you Uncle Ferdinand." Grover said hiding behind the statue of a satyr.

"Where are you my dearies?" Medusa hissed behind them.

"Alright go." Tal said as she jumped out from behind the statue and shot arrows after arrows at the snake lady; taking special care to look at her feet instead of her face.

"That's wasn't nice you little brat." Medusa snarled as an arrow lodged itself into her shoulder.

There was a sound of music dancing through the air as Grover played his reed pipes.

"Ahhh...you brats are going to die." Medusa shrieked as another arrow lodged into her, this time in her thigh, while weeds and grass slowly grew at her feet, binding her.

"Thanks for the food but you have to die." Medusa heard behind her. But before she could turn to look she felt something pass through her neck.