Chapter 8: The Prep Time

Percy let the group into the cabin and after sitting down, he explained, "Okay, here is the situation. Zeus's master bolt was stolen, and he blames my dad. I have proven my own innocence; however, it didn't stop him from blaming my dad. So, I guess he's punishing my dad by making me retrieve the bolt. I can take three people with me, due to the Order of the Cloven Council. Grover has to come with me, and I am taking Annabeth with me as well. You two, however, I cannot decide on. Both of you have skills that could be beneficial to the quest..."

Luke said, "Before we get to that, let's hear the prophecy."

Percy said, "Okay, it goes like this: Four shall go west, and face the God who has turned. You must retrieve what was stolen, and see it safely returned. You will be betrayed by one you call an ally. All for nought the war happens in end."

Clarisse said, "That's some heavy stuff."

After thinking for a moment, Luke said, "Clarisse should go."

Annabeth said, "What I thought you wanted to go on a quest."

Luke said, "I want to go, don't get me wrong, but knowing where I'm needed is important and it's clear from that prophecy there is someone trying to undermine the quest. The two best suited for doing this won't be here. I do mean what I am saying, Clarisse; you are an excellent fighter, but an investigator you are not. It would be best if I tried to flush the person or persons responsible."

Percy saw the logic and said, "Now that we've settled that, let's get down to business and actually plan this thing out."

Annabeth piped up, "We know we have ten days to start with what we do know."

Percy said, " Chiron suspects Hades."

Annabeth said, " What do mean suspects? He out right said it was him."

Percy said, " While I do agree, Hade is a good place to start, all of it seems a little convenient even with all the evidence against him. If he wanted to start a war with his brothers why attack me more importantly why a hellhound and a fury? While don't think we should take him of the list of suspects, yet. It just seems like someone playing a game of tri-dimensional chess with us."

Annabeth didn't argue because Percy just open to the possible it maybe some one else. Percy said, " Let's eliminating from the list of people who hates my dad, Zeus is out for obvious reason."

Mentally added, " No way he would fake his bolts disappearance just for a chance to kill my dad."

Annabeth said, "Hades is here for obvious reasons."

Luke said, "Hermes is a slim possibility, but I doubt it's him; he may be the God of thieves, but he generally dislikes war."

Clarisse said, "I wish I could take my father off that list; war makes him stronger, and he loves it."

Grover said, "I am taking Hestia off that list; no matter how much evidence you show me, you can't convince me she's the thief."

Percy said, "To accuse Athena would be as foolish as accusing my father."

Annabeth said, "Aphrodite…"

Percy said, "Don't even bother talking about her as a potential suspect; the woman is vain, not violent."

Luke asked, "Hera?"

Annabeth said, " Why do think Hera targets her husband's Demigods? She vowed on the styx that she never do anything against Zeus himself."

Clarisse, " Demeter is out I don't see a motive for this."

" Apollo is out." Luke said, " The man can't lie to save his life."

Percy said, " Artemis is daddy's little girl so it not her Zeus would quicker hand it to her if she ask."

Clarisse said, " Dionysus is just to lazy to do anything again Zeus.'

Percy said, " The most likely suspects are; Hades and Aries with Hermes being a very slim chance."

Percy changed the topic back to supplies. "Let's start with the essentials," he said. "A first aid kit, weapons, clothes, and food supplies. We'll mostly be given a spending allowance. As for weapons, since I can just summon mine, it wouldn't make sense for me to list them. What weapons are you planning on bringing?"

Clarisse said, "Just a spear and shield."

Annabeth said, "I only have a dagger."

Grover said, "I don't have any weapons."

Percy said, "Seriously, Clarisse. The most prepared in terms of armor."Okay, we'll fix that," Percy added.

The wall behind Percy turned into a giant weapons rack.

Annabeth asked, "Percy, what's all this?"

Percy said, "This is every weapon I've ever owned—some of them I've made myself. The ones in the gray panels are my best weapons; I don't loan them to anyone."

Percy picked up a kanabo, a telescoping Billy club, and a Taser and threw them to Grover. He said, "The kanabo is for monsters, and the Billy club and Taser are for the mortals who want to pick a fight. Just twist the bottom to conceal the kanabo, then press the button to turn it back."

Percy asked Annabeth, "Are you any good with throwing knives?"

Annabeth nodded to the affirmative. Percy threw a pouch of throwing knives at her. He said, "There are twelve knives in there. After making contact with any object, the knives will automatically return to the pouch within a minute or two. To disguise it, tap the pouch; it looks like a phone, but it isn't. Tap the screen for the pouch to return, and take a Taser. Clarisse, I trust you to know what you can or can't handle. You only get to take two weapons and a Taser from the rack. Lastly, while I don't believe Hades is the one behind this, it's a place to start, and who knows? Maybe we'll find some clues along the way."

Luke said, "Grover, how would you like some flying shoes?"

Grover grinned and Percy said, "Great! I'll tell Chiron we have some sort of game plan."