The next two weeks I only saw Matthew at meals or training in the arena. Chiron must've split up the twins to accommodate their "preferences" in trainers. Bobby was a quick learner on the bow, having already had the patience to make his own. He was one of the rare demigods that didn't have ADHD, but he did have dyslexia. His brother had both, and according to Percy, it showed in his battle reflexes. Matthew didn't hold Percy in contempt like he did me so, at my request, Percy became one of Matthew's huge trainers. Bobby excelled one the bow and was quick on his feet. He was also a rarity as an Ares kid, because Bobby didn't like swords. He learned it fast enough, but stayed with his bow for a long time, until I showed him a spear. He quickly mastered it and began using it more and more.

"Run at me again. This time don't get too close. You have the reach of the spear so don't forget about it.", I drilled him after a round of sparring. He ran at me again, causing me to step aside, but he turned fast enough to catch my shield. Feeling the tension of a possible break, Bobby broke away, but came at me fast again. I ended up disarming him, but the sparring lasted much longer than usual. "Good job", I said, helping him to his feet.

"Ya think so? Think I can challenge Percy soon? Or Matthew?"

"I wouldn't challenge Percy yet, but Matthew is on you. Just make sure someone is watching over the match and you'll be fine."

My brother grinned up at me, giving me a high five. Suddenly, a figure caught my eye. Percy was in the arena as well, his arms waving wildly. My senses went into alert and my stomach curled on itself. Something was very wrong. "You guys need to come quick! It's Matthew! Rachel has him!"

i didn't process his words. All I knew was something was wrong with Matthew. That's all Bobby knew either, but he took off with me. All three of us ran, Bobby following us closely as we traveled up the mountain to the oracle's cave. Chiron and three other Ares kids were standing outside of the cave. At the mouth was Rachel, green mist around her. The Spirit of Delphi was here. Her hands were locked around Matthew's throat, but he didn't look uncomfortable. Matthew stared back at the oracle, as if transfixed. Suddenly, the oracle's glowing green eyes snapped towards Bobby who stood bravely alongside all of us. A hand let go of Matthew and reached out to him. "Second child of War. Come to me." Without hesitating, Bobby did as the serpentine voice commanded. Together, the boys sat before her and the oracle fooled her hands on her lap, smiling at them. It was part kindly, but still serpent like. Then she spread her hands and spoke:

The chosen twins of War and Blood

Shall search for what they love

To fight their father's greatest foe

Taking three with them to go

One the sister of Art and War

Two shall walk through Death's Door

Suddenly Rachel's eyes closed and the mist disappeared. The two other Ares kids raced to catch her as she fell while the twins blinked wildly. Matthew looked at Chiron. "What the Hades just happened?"

Chiron shook himself befor clearing his throat. He met my eyes with sympathy. "The two of you have just been issued a prophecy. A prophecy that demands you not only face a terrible enemy, but that your sister also accompany you." With that he gestured to me. Matthew's eyes narrowed further, his eyes hardening on me. Hatred burned in his eyes. Without a word, he stood, holding his hand out to his brother. Silently they both stood. They shared a look, one of those looks that held a silent argument. Finally, Matthew groaned, before looking back at Chiron.

"She will have to come." Then he looked at me. His eyes chilled me to the bone and I could feel Percy take a step closer to me. "Two people will die on this quest. Keep your distance from me."