We were moved to Cabin 3 when we woke up. It was a lot better than Hermes Cabin. I didn't hit anyone in my sleep. We were able to pick up our activities at our dinner table. We could call "lights out" whenever we wanted. I could draw or do music in peace. Percy could freely go jumping into the water whenever he wanted.

But it was more difficult to make friends when other people steered clear of us like we had some rare disease. Nothing changed with Cassandra or Helen, claiming they already knew as soon as Percy stepped into their river, "We couldn't tell you cause Poseidon says it would've endangered you" said Cassandra.
Annabeth still taught us Greek but was more strict when we messed up.

No one wanted to sword fight with us after seeing what happened to the Ares kids, so Luke train us by himself. He pushed us harder cause we only had each other, so We learn a lot.
Clarrise and her siblings always looked ready to murder me, glaring at us constantly, probably because Percy broke her electric spear. I swear if she wants to rumble, I'm down any day.
Grover still hung out with us, acting like we weren't Camp outcasts.
And even after all this, No one could figure out who my dad was.
And it doesn't help me and Percy keep having strange dreams about the sky and sea practically fighting when I'm not hanging out with Thalia.
To make matters worse, we got a newspaper about crashing Gabe's car. It practically made us suspects in our own moms' murder.

One day Grover woke us up, saying Mr. D want to see us. It was morning but the dark outside cause a storm. It was happening outside of Thalia's barrier, as it only rains if Mr. D or Chiron wants it to.
We got dressed and went to the Big House. Percy was a little fidgety, which makes sense cause technically, his very existence is a crime.

When we got to the Big House, Mr. D was as grumpy as usual, in his tiger-striped Hawaiian shirt and sipping some Diet Coke, sitting on the porch and the pinochle table. Chiron sat across the table in his fake wheelchair.

"Ah yes," said Dionysus, "The two camp celebrities. Oh and don't expect me to bow to you just because Old Barnacle Beard is your father"

"No one asked you too," muttered Percy, "You were the one who called for us out of our sleep."

Grover paled. Chiron raised an eyebrow, but he had a scared look on his face. Dionysus's face was red with rage, "You lucky you're about to go on a quest to prevent a possible war. Someone should teach you some respect."

"Fuck. You. All you do here is sit on your ass and drink soda. You're an asshole to nearly everyone you meet. Why does anyone respect you? Fear you, yes, but not respect." I growled.
He started to glow purple, "I don't care who your parents are. I'm gonna—!"

Before he could finish his sentence, Percy jumped on the table and held Scorchstrike an inch from his eyes, his hand on Dionysus's throat, "Let me tell you about respect, you overgrown tiger fat ass. Respect is earned. Not forced. I know you don't care about what people at this camp think, but if you were respected at this camp, the campers here wouldn't mock you behind your back. Oh and drop the fucking grapevines your raising. I've lost everything. I'm not afraid to die and take your eye with me."

Grover was pale, his eyes wide. He was chewing on a tin can. Chiron had a hand underneath to table, watching with a strange interest. Probably prepared just in case Percy went through with it.
Dionysus stopped glowing, surprised at Percy's outburst. The knife was glowing red like it was about to burn him.

Percy digs deeper into Dionysus's feelings, "Oh and just an FYI, the campers don't want you here either. They would much rather have Chiron and His coworkers run this camp. They fear you. They don't respect you. Instead of moping around cause you're on punishment from your fucking sky daddy, try being a better person. You'd be surprised at how much fun it is to be here if people like you."

Percy struck his final blow, "Actually I know what it is. Your sparking sky daddy had to raise you by himself without your mom, who died because of Hera and her obsession with a guy who doesn't respect her or her domains."

There was a warning boom of thunder, but Percy kept going.

"You had no one to teach you compassion or empathy. I pity your kids. I can't believe Lady Hestia gave up her throne on Olympus for a fucking pathetic excuse of a god who can't even go a single sentence without disrespecting someone who didn't even do anything wrong to him. I'm willing to bet my soul NO ONE on Olympus likes you," said Percy, letting Dionysus go with a jerk.

Meanwhile on Olympus:
Apollo said "Woah. That's a first"
"And it doesn't help that he's telling the truth," said Hephaestus.
Zeus said, "Poseidon, rein in your little thieving brat and his attitude."
Poseidon scoffed, "Why? He's telling the truth. And he's not a thief, you drama queen."

Hera narrowed her eyes at Poseidon, "Why did you let the other boy stay in your cabin? He's not even yours."

Poseidon said "None of your business."
"He and his brother are disrespectful," Said Athena.
Poseidon said "Excuse me Bird brain, but I believe it's common knowledge that people are usually angry after losing a loved one. Dionysus wasn't helping."
Athena rolled her eyes, "I'm the smartest person in this room. Of course, I know that.
Hermes summoned a bucket of popcorn, "Everyone shut it. I'm trying to watch"

He got off the table and sat back in his chair. I was in shock. Percy has never acted like that before. This is the first time I've seen him like this. Dionysus looked offended and...something else I couldn't because he got up without a word and teleported away, leaving the smell of grapevines behind.

"My dear boy, it is not wise to make an enemy out of a god who can set madness upon those you care about," said Chiron in a calm soothing voice. Grover was still chewing on a tin can nervously.
Percy immediately calmed down, "I apologize for what you had to witness. I'm just tired of people like him. He doesn't deserve to be an Olympian."

"Also what did he mean by a quest to prevent a possible war?" I said. A boom of thunder sounded outside the barrier. They're so annoying.
"Zeus and Poseidon," Percy said, "They're fighting over something...something like that's been stolen."

Grover and Chiron exchanged looks. "How did you know that?"
"Annabeth keeps talking about something that's been stolen. The sky and sea have practically been fighting since Christmas. And Percy and I keep having weird dreams."

"Correct, my dear boy," said Chiron, "Zeus and your father are arguing over something that's been stolen. It's their worst argument in centuries. Over a valuable weapon of great power; a lightning bolt"

Percy and I looked at him like he was stupid, "What?"

Grover facepalmed.

"I'm not talking about some tin foil-covered zig-zag prop from a play, so don't take this lightly," said Chiron. "I'm talking about a two-foot-long cylinder made of Celestial bronze of the highest grade that all other lightning bolts were modeled after, with enough explosive power to make mortal hydrogen bombs look like firecrackers. It's the master bolt, the first weapon made by the Cyclops for the war against the Titans, the weapon that was able to hurl Kronos from his throne."

"Ok? Why does he want us to look for it?" I said.
"Cause he thinks you guys stole it," said Grover.
"How? We've never even been to Olympus," said Percy.
"Zeus has good reason to be suspicious," said Chiron. "The bolt went missing at the last winter solstice when Zeus and Poseidon were busy arguing over petty things. Zeus immediately blamed Poseidon cause the forges of the Cyclops are under the ocean, giving Poseidon a little more influence over the makers of sacred weapons. Zeus believes Poseidon is using his stolen master bolt to have the Cyclops build an array of illegal copies which he would use to topple Zeus."

I started talking with my hands, "Ok and? We're not thieves. We didn't even know about the Mythological world when the winter solstice passed. And besides their gods, they can do nearly anything they want."

Chiron shook his head, "Not true, young one. A god can not directly usurp another god's symbol of power, as it's forbidden by the oldest of the Ancient Laws. But a human hero could've done it. You guys could've easily snuck into Olympus since you were in New York over the winter holidays."

"And what if it isn't found?" I said. Grover said, "War. A war that could tear the mortal world apart. Millions would be dead and western civilization would be destroyed. Olympians would be forced to choose sides as nature goes to war with itself."

"I was hoping the Hera, Demeter, or Hestia could help them see sense, so diplomacy could return. But your arrival has set Zeus's suspensions in stone. Neither god refuse to back down unless the bolt is returned before the Summer solstice. There will be war." said Chiron.

"I'm not going anywhere to look for anything if I didn't take it," said Percy. "Especially if there are clear ways to prove our innocence."

There was another boom of thunder. Chiron and Grover looked up nervously.
"What do you mean?" said Grover. I said, "Apollo is the god of truth. If he's watching us, shouldn't he be able to tell we're telling the truth? Or M-Mne-Mnemo—"

"Mnemosyne," said Percy.

"Yeah, her. She could've searched our memories in our sleep."
"I have a better idea," said Percy. "I, Perseus Achilles Jackson, hereby swear on the River Styx I had nothing to do stealing a master bolt."
A loud booming of thunder signaled the oath had been made
I made the same oath and we both looked at Grover and Chiron with raised eyebrows. They looked at us with wide eyes, waiting.
Nothing happened and Grover let out the breath he had been holding in, "You guys...are crazy. Clever but crazy."

Meanwhile on Olympus
Poseidon looked at Zeus with a raised eyebrow expectantly, "You owe me an apology"
Zeus was sputtering with confusion before he finally said "My bolt still needs to be found. And you could've convinced someone else to do it."

"Besides, I refuse to help anyone who helped kill my parents," I said, folding my arms. Percy looked at me confused, "What do you mean?"

"Think about it, dude," I said, "That night our parents were driving us here, our car was struck by lightning. Only tall things attract lightning, so the only way a bolt of lighting would hit us is if it was intentional,"

Percy paled, then become angry, "Why does he expect us to help him if he killed our moms?"

The ground started shaking like an earthquake.

On Olympus
Poseidon had gotten up, grabbed Zeus by the throat, and threw him against the throne room, which was shaking cause of Poseidon's power as the Earthshaker.
Zeus got up a little shakily. Poseidon was in front of him, trident at his throat, a calm look on his face, "What. Did. You. Do. To. Sally!"
"Y-you br-brok—" Poseidon whacked him in the wall, "You broke it first! How dare you! My son and his mother had nothing to do with our quarrel!"
No one else could get to them cause the room was still rumbling.
Everyone was shocked. No one had seen Poseidon like this in centuries.

Poseidon held out his hand and Zeus's body rose in the air, coming to Poseidon, who had tears in his eyes, "Know this Zeus, the next time you endanger my son and his brother over petty accusations you have no real proof of, I'm going to rip that crown off your head and give it to Hades. He's the Elder brother, so he should've been king"

The fire in the throne flared up and a little 8-year old girl walked out of the fire. She seemed unaffected by all the ruckus as she walked over to Poseidon and Zeus, "Brother, please be at peace. I understand your frustrations, but he is still your younger brother. Let him go."

She was emitting a calming aura. The shaking slowly stopped, allowing everyone to get their bearings back.
Zeus fell to the ground, Poseidon pointed his trident at Zeus, "As you can see, the sea can beat sky any day."
He walked over to his throne, everyone else shocked in silence.
else.
Artemis looked at Apollo, "Is that why you called this emergency meeting? So our father could be battered and bruised?"
Apollo shook his head, "No. I just wanted everyone to see this conversation so it could clear some things up"
Hestia kneeled at Zeus's side, waving a hand over him. An orange glow emitted from her hand and spread over Zeus, healing his injuries.
He got up and walked over to his throne, humiliated. Hermes went back to eating his popcorn.

The shaking stopped. We all looked at Percy, who shrugged and said, "What? It wasn't me. I don't know who to do that!"
Chiron looked to the sky, "It must mean the gods are watching this conversation. Poseidon must be ready to tear Zeus to pieces."

"Over my mom?" said Percy. Chiron nodded, "Contrary to what you guys think, the gods do mourn over their human lovers and children."

"Ok then let's say we go on this quest to find this stupid magical candlestick. What do we get out of it?" I said, narrowing my eyes. Chiron and Grover exchanged looks.
Percy chuckled, "Wait. So after practically killing the women who raised us for something we had nothing to do with, causing Zari and me to be wanted on the news, making us orphans, he was expecting us to find a stolen object for him for free?"

There was another boom of thunder.
"Funny," I said. "I didn't know the gods scammed people"

"Guys," said Grover. "I understand you're angry, but going on quests can have gods owe you later on. Those divine IOUs can come in handy when you least expect it."

"Then we want our moms back," said Percy. Chiron strokes his chin, "Maybe. But if you don't take up this quest, there won't be anyone to bring your mothers back."

On Olympus
The Gods are still all watching the conversation about the quest.
Apollo leaned over to Artemis, "Hey Lil sis, you still have that sword, Lunar Lacerator?"

Artemis nodded, "Why?"
Apollo gave her a knowing look.
Artemis snarled, "I refuse! No male shall ever touch the sword entrusted to me by the first Moon dragon, even though the creator was male."

Apollo tsk-tsked, "Unfortunately, sis, you don't have a choice. I know I'm a lot to deal with, but when I tell you to do something like THIS, just do it. This is one of those times where I'm ordering you as the God of Prophecy to do what I say."

Artemis narrowed her eyes, "Or what?"
Apollo rolled his eyes, "What do you think, genius? Something bad obviously. But go ahead and ignore me if you want. Just Zoe," Apollo looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

She paled, "W-what d-do you mean by m-my Lieutenant?"
Apollo shrugged, "Can't tell you that. I can only guide and HOPE people listen."
Artemis grumbled, "Fine. Which one?"

"Percy. The sea yields to the moon as tides, does it not? I'll be giving Zari what he needs for the future," said Apollo, holding out a ring. It was a silver ring with dragon carvings on it. It had a ruby on top that glowed with a mysterious power.

(A/N: As usual, pics of said objects are on wattpad. Search Darkwielder)

Artemis's eyes widened, "The sword of Searian! How?! It's supposed to be in the vault of Soteria!"

"Things are about to change, Lil sis. She gave it to me cause of what I saw in the future," said Apollo, sending the ring to Chiron's office with a letter that explained what to do with it.

"Fine. We'll go on the stupid quest," said Percy. "But where would we even start? We didn't even steal it, so we don't know where it is."

"I have a hunch, something from a prophecy spoken years ago," said Chiron. "But first you must go consult the Oracle. Go to the attic upstairs, then we will talk more after you guys come back."

We walked four flights to reach a green trap door. It smelled mostly of snakes when we opened it.
Inside were old Greek relics: weapons, amour, shields, and clothes? There were even jars filled with various monster parts. But something caught my eye. One of the tables had a cage with two birds in it. Crows. One onyx black and the other snow white. They weren't moving, not even seeming to be breathing, but they were looking right at me.

"D-dude, i-is that t-the Oracle?" stuttered Percy. I looked at what he was pointing at and raised an eyebrow in surprise.

It was a woman so shriveled up, she looked like a mummy without bandages. Her eyes looked like they had been replaced by marbles, white glassy slits that looked like pearls, with a thin and leathery-looking face. She wore a tie-dyed dress and a headband over her long black hair.

Even though she looked like she had been dead for a long time, She sat up in her chair, opening her mouth, a green mist pouring out of it. It filled the entire space around us, sounding like thousands of hissing snakes. I heard the trapdoor close, meaning we were trapped. I grabbed Percy's arm cause he looked like he wanted to run, which didn't make any sense since we couldn't see anything that well.

A raspy voice spoke into my head, like a slithering snake wrapping itself around my mind: I am the spirit of Delphi, speaker of the prophecies of Phoebus Apollo, slayer of themighty Python. Approach, seeker, and ask.

Percy was the one to ask, "What is our destiny?"

The mist swirled and coalesced, forming green apparitions of Helen and Cassandra. It may have been an illusion, but Percy relaxed a little. They spoke at the same time in the raspy voice of the oracle:

"You shall go west, andface the immortals who've turned."
"You shall find what was stolen,and see it safely returned."
"You shall find 2 angels, and set them free from their cage."
"You shall free Hate from the curse brought on by age."
"You shall be betrayed by one whocalls you a friend."
"And you shall fail to savewhat matters most, in the end."

The apparitions dispersed and reformed into a smoking snake that slithered back into the mouth of the mummy before we could form coherent thoughts. The attic was once again desolate and creepy, so we left and went back outside to Chiron and Grover at the pinochle table. However, I noticed the Crows I saw earlier were gone.

"Well? And be exact. The Oracle's words often have double meanings. What she says doesn't always mean what you think, so her words will become clear as you go on your quest." Said Chiron.
We sat back down and I said "She said we would go west and face the immortals who've turned. We will retrieve what was stolen and see it safely returned."

Percy didn't say anything.
Grover exclaimed, "That's great news"

Chiron studied both of us, "Anything else?"

We shook our heads. How could tell them we would fail? That one of our closest friends would betray us?

Hey, you gotta go this quest. Don't worry, you'll get what you need. But you'll fail at what you want. Oh and one of your new friends is about to fuck you over.

Ok toodles :)

How are we supposed to tell them that?

"Where is this stupid firecracker anyway?" Said Percy. Chiron stroked his beard like Wisemen in those kungfu movies. "I have my suspicions. However th-"

On Olympus
"Hephaestus, What happened?" said Zeus. "Why can't we see anything?"

"Hold on, give me a second," grumbled Hephaestus

Boy

Everyone jumped, including me. There was a flapping noise as two crows landed on the porch rails. One white and the other black, like the ones I saw in the Attic. but I could tell they were different.

"D-Dad?" I said, confused. Chiron raised an eyebrow.

The black crow turned to Chiron, Ahhh, old teacher. Glad to see you still alive and well

Chiron smiled, "I'm grateful one of my old students still remembers me. But no matter how hard I dwell on my memories, I can't place your voice. Who are you?"

The white crow cocked its head, We can not say who we are or even our names. We've come to discuss this quest with our family."
The white crow turned to Percy, Boy, trust you're enjoying your headphones, no?

Percy flinched, "Uhhh, yeah. They play sea noises when I can't sleep at night. Also, who are you?"

I am his uncle, said the white crow, beckoning to me.

The black crow turned to Grover, Regardless of how you feel about yourself, I'm genuinely grateful for you protecting my family all this time, Goat one.

I was a little ticked, "Dad, We have names you know."

Aahhhh, But only warriors earn the right to be called by their names. It's how your grandfather raised us, Said white crow.

The black crow flapped onto the table, Boy listen. Find your mother and you will find the bolt.

"No disrespect, but in case you weren't watching, our moms were vaporized right in front of us," muttered Percy.

The crows both looked at each other, then the white crow said, Trust us. Go to the Underworld

I sat up, "We can get our moms back without having to ask the gods?"

"Wait, doesn't that mean Hades has it?" said a pale Grover.

The white crow, I didn't say that. Just go to the underworld. You will find what you seek.

We will now release these crows to you to do with as you please, Boy. They're connected to you and have special abilities. Remember your greatest power is your heart. Goodbye for now, Said the black crow to me.

On Olympus
"Ok, now its working," said Hephaestus

Wisps of smoke flew from their closed beaks and the crows came to my side of the table. They just stood there, looking at me.

"Uhhhhh...Tell them to go somewhere. He said they're connected to you," said Grover.

"But don't you have to name them first?" Asked Percy.

"Um. The black one will be Onyx and the other Corvus," I said. Said-names appeared on their backs in sparks of gold flames.

"Go to My cabin," I said. They flew off the table to cabin three most likely.

Chiron seemed lost in thought, "I don't recognize them, but they were taught by me."

"Well, at least we have a lead," said Grover. He was finished chewing on his soda can.

"It will be a quest of three, who are you picking as the third member," said Chiron. I pointed to Grover, "Grover"

Grover tried to object, "But, I'm as-"

"Satyr? So? We trust you the most out of everyone here at camp" said Percy. "You don't have to go if you don't want to."

"No, I'm going. I may not like underground places, but you guy have always been here for me when I needed it most," said Grover

Grover asked Chiron, "Does it have to be a three-person quest?"

Chiron thought for a moment then said, "I guess not"

"Why'd you ask?" I said, confused

"A certain blonde will sneak out with us regardless if we don't let her go," said Percy. "Isn't that right, Annabeth?"

The air shimmered next to Percy as Annabeth took off her Yankees cap, "I'm gonna be the pone keeping all you boys alive. I know more about the greek world than all of you combine. Athena may not be a fan of Poseidon, but saving the world comes first so someone gotta make sure you don't mess it up."

"What's the plan then, Blonde Brainiac?" said Percy. She became a tomato, "Want my help or not?"

"You were gonna sneak out regardless of whether we picked you or not, so we don't have a choice," I said. She smiled, "Good"

I brought up transportation, "We're supposed to be going west, so we take a plane? or a bunch o-!?"

"Are you mad?" said Annabeth. "What?" I said

"Percy can't go on airplanes," said Grover. Percy was confused, "Says who?"

"Think about it, young hero. Has your mother ever let you get on a plane? Or go into caves, graveyards, or cemeteries" said Chiron.

"No. I had always assumed it was cause of her parents dying in a plane crash, making her fear planes. And why would anyone willing go into a graveyard, cave, or cemetery?"

"Valid story, but its because you would be in Hades or Zeus's domain. You would never leave alive," said Chiron.

"Ok then, so we're supposed to go to the Underworld, retrieve a magical candlestick, and bring it back to the gods in ten days to prevent a war on the summer solstice?" I asked.

"Yes," said Chiron. "We can take you in a van as far as a bus terminal in Manhattan. Then you're on your own. We'll talk more after you pack."