Chapter Seventeen - Greeks Bearing Gifts

Andromeda and Annabeth were talking with Chiron in hushed voices as I walked downstairs, but fell silent when I entered the office.

"Did...?" Chiron began to ask.

"I got a prophecy," I said, my voice catching. I coughed slightly to clear my throat. "I have to go West to find the bolt. The prophecy mentioned a god that has turned. Toward or away from what, she didn't say. Just turned." Chiron shuffled slightly as Andromeda and Annabeth shared a look. "What?"

"There's really only one god who makes his home in the West, Miss Jackson," Chiron said. "The Lord of the Underworld himself. Hades."

"Hades?" I asked. "Are you sure?"

"I am quite certain, Miss Jackson."

"But, Poseidon was the one being accused," I said. "Or rather, we were being accused of helping Poseidon. Where does Hades come into this?"

"Consider a different question, Miss Jackson," Chiron said, slipping into what could only be called 'teacher-mode'. "If Zeus and Poseidon go to war, what do you think will happen?"

"A lot of people will die," I said, my eyes widening in realization. "And then the Underworld's domain would increase..."

"Hades was tricked into taking that domain," Chiron explained. "Stuck below the ground and not allowed up save for one night a year - and that being the darkest night."

"Winter Solstice," I said. "He was there that night?"

"He was," Chiron nodded. "I fear he has long been embittered against his brothers, and this situation may in fact be an attempt to change the course of things in his favor for once."

"So, what? He hired someone to take his brother's symbol for him, then took it back to the Underworld after the meeting let out? Wouldn't he have been caught holding it before he could leave?"

"We were kicked out," Andromeda whispered, and I turned to her. "All we knew was that Zeus was upset about something. We didn't know what. He just kicked us out. Someone in the camp group would have had to be the real thief. They could have taken the symbol off Olympus and... I don't know... dropped it off for pickup once Hades was allowed to leave?"

"That is indeed a disturbing thought," Chiron said. "In any case, it would seem Miss Jackson has less than two weeks to retrieve Zeus' symbol and return it to Olympus. That isn't much time."

"What even is his symbol?" I asked, looking back to Chiron.

"His lightning bolt. Not some glitter-wrapped cardboard tube you'd see in a school play," Chiron said. "But a powerful weapon. It is a two-foot-long cylinder of high-grade Celestial Bronze capped on both ends with god-level electrical explosives. It is powerful enough to make a mortal hydrogen bomb look like firecrackers."

"Oh," I said, my throat going slightly dry. "That's... Cool."

"Have you given thought as to who will accompany you?" Chiron asked. "Traditionally, three demigods is the best number. If it helps, it would seem that you have a couple of volunteers already."

I turned around to see Andromeda and Annabeth both looking at me. Andromeda looked nervous, but determined. Annabeth just looked determined.

"Are you sure you want to come with me?" I asked. "Even after hearing all that?"

"Of course, I'm sure," Annabeth spoke up immediately. "I've been wanting to go on a quest for years, as if I'm going to pass this chance up! It might not be mine, but if I don't go I'll never know if I'll be good enough."

Andromeda only hesitated for a moment before nodding, "Yeah, count me in too! Someone has to be the common sense in the group if you two are going to be heading off together."

I smiled widely as they agreed to join me and turned back to Chiron, "Can you call Grover in and see if he'd come too? I figure having a satyr as a guide can't hurt."

"I'm sorry?" Chiron stammered.

"Well, a Satyr protector... even a junior one... would be a great boon on this journey," I said. "I mean, I know some survivalist skills, but I definitely don't know healing magic or stuff like that. Plus, as a Satyr, he can sniff out monsters before we get pulled into ambushes."

"Well, yes," Chiron said. "But, there's the issue of numbers. Three is a powerful, magical number. More than that and you run greater risk of danger."

"Well, you said it yourself. Three demigods, right?" I said. "Well, he's not a demigod."

"Well," Chiron said. "That is to say... I can't fault your argument. I will speak with Mr. D and the Council of Cloven Elders about this on your behalf. In the meantime, pack your things and be ready to go at first light. Argus will be ready then to take you as far as the bus terminal in Manhattan. After that... You will be on your own."

The first thing I did before leaving the Big House was to use the landline to call Uncle Joe. I'd decided that I couldn't put off doing so any longer since I would be heading out on a quest the next morning. I told him about everything that had happened since I arrived at the camp - from being claimed by both Hephaestus and Aphrodite, to my brother's claiming by Poseidon and our mother's funeral being interrupted by Zeus. I felt good getting to talk to him again, and managed to fall asleep pretty quickly in my below ground bunk in Cabin Nine, figuring correctly that the added privacy would be for the best.

The next morning I woke up early and decided to head to the dining pavilion to grab a quick breakfast, but was stopped on my way out the door by Beckendorf.

"Oh, good. I was hoping to bump into you before you left," he said.

"Oh? What's up?"

"I was pretty impressed with those token things you made for the capture the flag game," he said.

"They obviously didn't help us win though," I said.

"Maybe not," he agreed. "But that's down to tactics and trickery. Something the other side had in greater supply. Still, there's not many around here that show the level of aptitude for making magical items as you have."

"Oh, um... Thanks," I said, fighting not to blush.

"I think you might find a use for this," he said, handing me a small book. "It's a Cabin Nine heirloom, I guess you could call it. A handbook for teaching enchanting techniques similar to those tokens you made. They're a bit more refined and less volatile to boot, and I figured it could come in handy on your quest."

I didn't know what to say, so I didn't say anything. Instead, I surprised him by pulling him (read: grabbing him and dragging myself forward) into a big hug which he responded to by awkwardly patting my shoulders.

I didn't know what to say, so I didn't say anything. Instead, I surprised him by pulling him (read: grabbing onto him and dragging myself forward) into a big hug which he responded to by awkwardly patting my shoulders.

Unfortunately it was still too early for breakfast by the time I made it to the dining pavilion, so I decided to sit and watch the sun rise while waiting for Andromeda and Annabeth. I only lasted a couple minutes before I found my mind wandering, and then another minute before I was reading through the enchanting book that Beckendorf had given me.

It wasn't until somebody cleared their throat and snapped my attention away from the book that I realized the sun was starting to peek through the cloud cover overhead. I looked up to see Andromeda, Annabeth, Grover, Percy and Luke looking at me with varying degrees of exasperation. Andromeda and Annabeth each had a backpack, and Grover had two, while Luke was carrying a shoe box.

"Oh, uh... Hey," I said, closing the book with a sheepish grin. "Been standing there long?"

"We just got here," Luke said, grinning. "Though, it looks like you've been here a while."

"Yeah," I said. "Figured I'd try to get an early start, but breakfast wasn't being served yet."

"Not for another hour at least," Luke said.

"I see," I sighed, then turned to Grover. "So, are you able to come along?"

"Y-yeah," he said, glancing nervously around. "Chiron apparently made a compelling enough argument, and the Council agreed to give me one final last chance."

"Dude, that's great news," Percy said. "That means you might still be able to get your Searcher's License, right?"

"Great news," Grover said, sounding like it was anything but great. "Yeah."

"You've got this, Grover," Luke said, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "We all believe in you."

Andromeda, Annabeth and Percy smiled and nodded at Luke's declaration, causing the satyr to blush and duck his head.

"You're too kind," Grover sniffed.

"Speaking of kind," Luke said, setting the box down on the table beside me. I opened the box to see a pair of beat up Air Jordans. "I figured you could use these. Annabeth's got her hat, and Andromeda here doesn't like heights."

"A pair of shoes?" I asked. "That's... Cool."

Luke chuckled, "Maia!"

Suddenly the shoes grew wings that started flapping around so much that I had to close the lid on the box to keep them from flying away.

"Okay, shoes with wings are cool!" I said. "Thank you!"

"They're magic, so they should resize to fit," Luke said. "They were a gift for my quest. I just hope they help you more than they did for me."

"I'm sure they will," I smiled.

"Alright, now you should probably get a move on," Luke said. "Argus is probably already waiting at the camp van."

"Oh, this is for you," Grover said, handing me one of his backpacks. "Official Camp Half Blood quest pack. It's got everything you might need. Drachma for Iris Messages, a canteen full of Nectar, a pack of Ambrosia, deodorant and spare underwear."

"That's really handy," I said, standing up and letting out a small yawn as I stretched. Before I could follow the group, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I paused and turned to see Percy looking pensive. "What's up, bro?"

Okay, not sure how I felt about that moniker, even in my head. Might have to try it out a few more times just to be sure.

"So, you really are going?" Percy asked.

"I kind of have to," I said, and told him about the prophecy and what Chiron had told me. He was silent for a moment, clearly processing everything.

"Your prophecy said find what was stolen and see them returned, right?" I nodded. "So... you can get mom back?"

I blinked. I hadn't thought about that, but now that he brought it up I couldn't think about anything else. Hadn't there been myths about people bringing loved ones back from the dead? The more I thought about it, the more resolute I became. I would find the missing lightning bolt and bring my mom back!

"Just something to think about," Percy said.

"Yeah," I said. "Definitely. And in the meantime, train hard. Then we can both keep her safe."

Percy stood a little straighter, his shoulders rising, and he nodded firmly, "I should probably let you go."

I smiled and gave him a hug, which he easily returned. It's funny. Before this Summer, I wasn't really such a big hugger. Breaking away, I gave him one more smile before running to catch up to the rest of the group. Andromeda had already won the coin toss for shotgun, but I didn't mind sitting in the back. At least I wouldn't have to keep one hand on my weapon with Argus driving. His eyes were creepy, but he wasn't likely to try to eat us.

"Penny," Silena called out, running to catch up before the van door closed. "Hold up!"

I gave Andromeda and Annabeth a shrug in response to their unasked question before getting out of the van to talk to my part-time cabin counseler, "What's up?"

It took a moment for the older girl to catch her breath. She was clearly not used to any real physical exertion.

"I wanted to pass on some advice that could help you on your quest," she said, her voice low enough that only I could hear. "If you need a place to sleep, find the best hotel around. Ask for the Dove Suite. It'll cost you a drachma, and you'll have to give a fake name, usually a celebrity. It's one of those things mom set up for her kids. The room is fully compensated though, and the service is free. The drachma is just to verify you're a half blood and not a random paparazza looking for a quick photo op."

"I... Thanks," I was at a loss for words.

Despite my recent turn of fortune living with uncle Joe, I had grown up on the streets for nearly five years from age six as a runaway, not to mention my time running with the hunt. I knew I could get by well enough. Annabeth too, given her time with Luke. But Andromeda was very firmly one of the 'squishy indoor' kids. Having a place with a shower and food on demand would be an incredible boon.

"Just try not to abuse the cleaning services too much," Silena said, smirking. "The Hotel staff might not take as kindly to oil and grease stains as my brothers and sisters do."

"That was one time," I protested. It's not like I intentionally slipped in the oil spill.

"Just try to keep it a secret," Silena flicked her gaze behind me where Andromeda and Annabeth were waiting. "Cabin secrets, you know?"

"Yeah," I said. "I'll do my best. I swear it."

"See that you do," she said, giving me her best stern look - only to break into giggles before pulling me into a quick hug and stepping back. "Wow, you really are warm. I don't know how those two manage to stay so close to you."

"It's certainly a mystery," I agreed. Though, privately, solving it wasn't exactly a high priority for me. I didn't want to jinx myself, after all.