Act II Chapter XXXVIII: "Everyone is so obsessed with prophecy."

"I love you, mom. I'm going to miss you," Percy said as he hugged his mother as tightly as he could. Sally hugged him back. Tears stung her eyes as she kissed his forehead. The week had gone by so fast. Percy spent all of it with his family.

He made cookies with his mom, and she spent every night reading him excerpts from her book. He helped Paul prepare for his lessons for the next school year. They went to the movies and even took a beach day. Only one monster attacked during that time, and he dispatched of it before his mother saw it.

It was one of the best weeks of his life, and he was sad it was over with. Sally pulled away from him, and Percy turned to hug Paul. A gentle hug was given back, and Percy turned toward the hill. The sun was starting to set, so it would be dinner time soon. He wasn't hungry as they already ate on the way here.

"Percy, you can always come home. Whenever you want to visit," Sally whispered. Percy looked at her.

"I remember Chiron said that the old camp used to have demigods who stayed year round. Others went home for the school year and returned during the summer," Percy began. He moved his gaze back to the hill. "We started something good here, and I want to see it through. I also think that I want to come back home for school. To be with you guys."

"You have some time to decide," Paul began.

"Even if you come back halfway through the year, we'll find a reason," Sally promised. Percy looked at them and smiled. He hugged both of them at the same time, and they hugged him. "Be safe Percy, Promise me that."

"I promise," Percy said. His mother kissed his forehead, and Paul placed a hand to his shoulder. Percy watched them for a few moments, trying to freeze the moment in time. Then, he shouldered his duffel bag and began to walk his way up the hill. A glance back showed that his parents watched the entire way.

As Percy made it up the hill, he waved. His gaze lingered on the car as Sally and Paul got in. As the car slowly drove away, Percy knew his mother was staring at him the whole time.

Percy took a deep breath and looked back at the camp. A smile came to his face.. The cabins that were in the shape of an U were completed even if they weren't decorated. Further back was a large house that looked like it was three stories tall.

It looked like most campers were training, and he saw even more faces. Percy walked through the cabins, and as he made it toward the back, he saw a forge. Beckendorf was standing in front with a notebook. Next to him stood Tyson.

"Percy!" Tyson called as he ran toward Percy's side and pulled him into a hug. "I missed you."

"Hey, buddy. Having fun?" Percy asked as he hugged Tyson back. "Anyone giving you problems."

Tyson averted his gaze as he looked away. A large hand rested on Tyson's shoulder, but the hand looked normal sized compared to the Cyclops. Percy looked at Beckendorf, and the son of Hephaestus grinned at him.

"Tyson is a big help in the forge. He's been helping me outfit everyone and get them set with a weapon," Beckendorf said. Tyson blushed and hid his face. "I couldn't do it without him."

"That's great," Percy began.

"Prissy! They need you at the Big House!" a voice called. Percy turned his head and raised his hand.

"Nice to see you too, Clarisse! Which one is the Big House?" Percy called after the child of war. Clarisse stopped walking and stared at him.

"The big one!"

Percy gave her a look, and it was promptly ignored as Clarisse walked away. Percy glanced at Beckendorf. The older boy pointed, "They finished it while you were gone. It's where Chiron and Dionysus are staying."

"Where does Lupa stay?" Percy wondered.

"Not sure. We're supposed to head toward the vault that has Roman supplies tomorrow," Beckendorf said. Percy nodded.

"I should head out," Percy said. He turned and made his way toward the Big House. Annabeth was standing at the top of the steps and staring down at the ground. Luke stood across from her with his arms crossed. As Percy made it up the steps, they both looked at him.

"Hey," Percy greeted as he took his duffel bag off of one shoulder. "I got you guys some of my mom's cookies. They're amazing."

"We have another quest," Annabeth stated. Percy stopped in the middle of unzipping the bag. "The oracle wants us to find the prophecy."

"The prophecy?" Percy asked. Annabeth nodded. Percy grabbed the container of cookies out of his backpack awkwardly. He held it out to the older boy. Luke took the container after a few moments but didn't look up. "So where are we going?"

"My mother's," Luke muttered. "It's a long story, but my father thought that she could help find the other gods. It all went wrong, and I think my mother stole this prophecy from the Oracle. We're going to her house to find it."

"Can I come with?" Percy began.

"I already volunteered you," Luke said as he gave Percy a small smile. "I hope you don't mind."

"Of course not," Percy said. He leaned on the banister next to Luke. "When are we leaving?"

"Tomorrow early in the morning. We can be at her place by dinner," Luke answered as his eyes grew distant. "Reyna will be joining us."

"Any idea what this prophecy is going to look like?" Percy wondered.

"Chiron said it's on a leather cord necklace," Annabeth answered. "Like the Oracle showed us."

Percy nodded and looked at his friends. Luke was just staring at the container of cookies, not looking too happy. Annabeth had a look of determination. Percy looked at Luke, "It's all going to work out."

"I know. Because all of you will be there," Luke said. He took a deep breath and grabbed a few cookies out of the container. The rest were handed to Annabeth. "I'm going to get some rest. Goodnight."

"Night," Annabeth and Percy echoed as Luke walked away. Annabeth looked down at the cookies and smiled.

"You really love blue," Annabeth said. Percy smirked and pulled out another container. He handed it off to Annabeth. "Thank you. I'll give Luke his later.

"Is he taking everything okay?" Percy questioned. Annabeth shrugged.

"Dionysus was being a jerk to him, and Chiron's questioning was more of an interrogation," Annabeth commented. Percy nodded and frowned as the light caught a bruise on Annabeth's nose.

"What happened?"

"Oh. I fell into the rock face near where the Oracle was hidden. Reyna and I had to retrieve her, and she got up and told us to find the prophecy and where to find it. Then, we got to carry her out of there," Annabeth explained.

"Sorry to hear that."

"Poor Reyna had to carry her the whole way, and it was raining," Annabeth sighed. She looked at where Luke had gone. "We have to be supportive for him."

"Of course we'll be," Percy said. He pushed himself off of the banister. "Do you know where Reyna is?"

"Not sure," Annabeth admitted. "I don't think I've seen her yet today."

"Alright. I'll catch you later."

"See you in the morning."

Percy groaned dramatically at the thought of having to wake up early. He heard a laugh from Annabeth as he walked away. Percy made his way to the cabin Reyna was staying in. He knocked on the door, and when no one answered, he glanced inside. No one was in there.

Percy closed the door and stepped away. He took a lazy walk around the camp looking for Reyna. All he found was some new faces. Percy stopped at the cabin he was staying in and dropped his duffel bag off. The cookies would just have to be given to Reyna later.

After a moment of debate, Percy headed toward the lake. He would have to find Grover and catch up with him until the day was over. For now, he just wanted to relax. Especially because he was already missing his mom. And he didn't know if he wanted to go back home for the school year.

Yeah, he would get to be back at home with his mom and Paul. But, he also had to go back to school. Plus there was all the things they were doing here. Making the camp a safe place was just a start. They still needed a lead on the gods, so hopefully, finding this prophecy would be a lead. Or would just make it so the Oracle threw them a hint as a reward.

If the Oracle knew where the gods were. If she didn't, what would they do from there? What kind of leads could they get? Would Terminus, Lupa, or Dionysus be able to help them? Percy sighed as he trekked through the forest. His hand rested near his pocket in case he needed his weapon.

What if he went back home and to school, only for the camp to be attacked? What if he wasn't there to help them? Or what if there was a quest he couldn't go on because he was busy taking a math test? A sigh left Percy.

He stepped around a cluster of trees and found himself standing by the lake he trained with Lupa at. To his surprise, someone was already there. Reyna sat near the edge of the lake with her boot resting on the mud, not resting in the water. She was staring down at the lake.

"Hey," Percy greeted. Reyna jumped and turned to look at him. She placed something in her pocket before leaning back with her hands behind her. "Mind if I join you?"

Reyna patted the space next to her, "Enjoy your visit?"

"I loved it," Percy answered as he walked over. He sat next to Reyna and looked at her. Reyna just stared out at the water. "I brought you some brownies too."

"Thank you," Reyna said in a soft voice. She dug her nails into the grass and sighed tiredly. Percy took his shoes and socks off. He scooted forward until he could rest his feet in the water. All he wanted to do was dive into the water, but then, he couldn't just keep his clothes dry lest he reveal his secret to another person.

"Was I interrupting you?" Percy asked carefully.

"No. I was just relaxing," Reyna replied. "Needed some peace and quiet."

"I'll be quiet," Percy promised. Reyna gave him an incredulous look. "Okay. I'll try."

True to his word, Percy did stay quiet. Sure, he shifted every two seconds and used his feet to splash in the water. He also grabbed his pen and twirled it around in his fingers, thinking about nothing. Reyna just stared ahead for a few minutes.

"You know this is just the beginning, right?" Reyna asked in a soft voice.

"What do you mean?" Percy asked.

"All we have done is found a place for demigods to stay, but that doesn't help us find the gods. There are ten Olympians missing. The only reason we found one was because he let us. Everyone is acting like we saved the world already, but the hard work has just started," Reyna said.

"I mean, we've done a lot. We found this camp. We've cleaned it up and secured it, so all demigods can come here and be safe. We found Terminus, and he is going to protect this camp. You helped save Iris, and we found Dionysus. This was an amazing start, Reyna. You should be happy," Percy said. "And finding this prophecy will be another big step completed."

Reyna remained silent. Percy glanced at her, "What do you mean ten Olympians are missing? I thought there were twelve all together."

"There are," Reyna said. "As you said, we found Dionysus. And the hunters have their goddess they follow."

"Artemis, right? I didn't realize she was actually with them. I know Thalia mentioned her," Percy began.

"Thalia mentioned the goddess will travel with them at times," Reyna shrugged. She dug her fingers into the ground and scooped up some mud. As it fell out of her fingers, she frowned. "What comes after we find this prophecy?"

"Well," Percy began. He moved to sit closer to Reyna. "I figure Annabeth has a wall somewhere with pictures of all the Olympians and little notes on where they could be. Plus these little strings on each pictures with thumbtacks. I saw it on a tv show once."

Reyna nodded and sighed. She laid back on the ground and folded her arms behind her head. Percy looked down at her, noting the scowl on her face, "What else is wrong?"

"Do you know my biggest problem with Chiron and the others?" Reyna asked in a soft voice. Percy looked at her in surprise. He didn't think anyone had a problem with Chiron. "They keep talking like we are heroes. We're not heroes, Percy. We're tools to be used."

"Who's to say that a tool can't be a hero?" Percy said. He shrugged feeling philosophical from all those lesson preps with Paul. "If a tool is needed at the time and saves a life, why can't it be a hero?"

Reyna grunted at that. Which was a bad habit to pick up from Clarisse. She stared at the sky. Percy cleared his throat and spoke, "Thank you again for saving my life. You jumped in front of a bull for me."

"I wasn't going to let you die," Reyna said.

"I owe you, though. That's the second time you saved me," Percy said. Reyna's shoulders moved in what looked like it was supposed to be a shrug. Percy slowly laid back on the ground next to her. They both stared at the sky in a comfortable silence.

"I do appreciate being saved and all," Percy began. Reyna hummed and didn't say anything. "Luke and Annabeth were telling me about this prophecy thing. What do you think about it?"

No answer was given for some time. Percy glanced over, ready to open his mouth and ask the question again. The look on Reyna's face stopped him. She seemed to be studying the sky like it would part and give her an answer. Or she was really thinking about what to say.

"I think a lot of people put too much stock into prophecies," Reyna finally answered. "If it were up to me, I would have left that creepy thing in the cave where it could wander out into the ocean or whatever."

"Wander out? It doesn't actually move, does it?" Percy asked. Reyna met his eyes and didn't answer. "Oh gods."

"Everyone is so obsessed with prophecy," Reyna muttered.

"Well, they don't want this prophecy to fall into the wrong hands," Percy commented as he folded his arms behind his head. "I mean, it's this big scary thing, right? The gods were all worried about it, and it helped cause this divide."

"How do words on a paper have so much power?" Reyna asked. "How can a stupid prophecy cause such a divide in the gods?"

"Well, it's fate right. Something that is bound to happen," Percy shrugged. He looked back at the sky as a sudden spike of anxiety hit his chest. "That's kind of crazy. I mean, is our whole life really determined like that? These gods know what will happen to us."

"I believe the story is that of Three Fates. One spins the thread of life, and another measures how long we live. Then, the third cuts it," Reyna said. That spike of anxiety in Percy's stomach tripled, and he swallowed painfully.

His heart was beating faster. In fact, he could feel his heartbeat against the dirt as he laid on the ground. He shifted, and his throat was closing up. Percy tugged at his shirt and sat up. He tried to play it cool as he brought two fingers to his pulse, expecting it to be raising. Instead, his heartbeat was steady.

"You okay?" Reyna asked.

"Um... no. No," Percy admitted. "I had these crazy dreams, right?"

"Yeah. You told me about them," Reyna said. She reached out and gave Percy's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "And, I told you that I have your back. I still do."

"Thanks," Percy exhaled as he tried to calm his breathing. "I guess it just freaks me out. Like, I don't know. I know the life of a demigod is dangerous, but death just freaks me out. I haven't even hit my teens yet, and here I am trying to help save the world. But I almost died!

"I took my eyes off of the bull for two seconds, and it impaled me. I would have died if you didn't save me."

"Will did most of the work," Reyna corrected. Percy shook his head.

"You were the one who rallied everyone," Percy said as he ran his hands down his face. "I can't believe how close I was to dying. And the Minotaur might have taken my head off if you didn't shove me out of the booth. You just keep saving me, and... I don't know."

Percy flopped back on the ground, "I guess I'm kind of scared of death? I don't know. It sounds dumb. Like Percy, you're only a kid. Why are you worried about that? But kids don't fight these monsters from mythology, and I just-"

"Percy, calm down," Reyna said as she looked at him. "Nothing is going to happen to you on our watch. We're your friends, and we're going to protect you. Really, you should be worried that you're going to stab yourself in the eye with your pen."

"I have gotten a lot better," Percy complained. Reyna smiled slightly. "Can I ask you a serious question? Does death freak you out?"

"No," Reyna answered with no hesitation. She looked at Percy. "You know the stories about what happens after you die, right? It's not just the end. You go to the underworld and get your soul judged. You can go to a happy place or even go for rebirth to try and live three good lives. Death is…. It's not the end."

Percy nodded and took a deep breath. He turned on his side to study Reyna and get his mind off of those dark thoughts. But one lingered. He slowly spoke, "Another question. It might be kind of personal. When we talked about my dreams, you mentioned that you wanted to fix the wrongs of the past and wipe away the blood on your hands. And you mentioned your dad."

Reyna's face darkened, and a small scowl settled on her lips. Percy spoke, "Sore topic?"

"I didn't have a good relationship with any of my family," Reyna muttered. Her gaze moved back to the sky. "You're lucky that you have a mom that cares so much."

"And a step dad," Percy agreed. "But hey, we're all a little family here, right?"

Reyna nodded her agreement. Percy stood and brushed himself off. He offered a hand to Reyna. She studied him before taking the hand. Percy helped her to her feet, "I know what will make us feel better, and it's on my bed: cookies."

"Are you sure about this, Annabeth?" Thalia questioned. There was a small frown on her face. She was laying back on her bedroll, and Annabeth felt bad for keeping her up.

"It seems like Luke's mother has this prophecy. We're going to find it and return it to the Oracle," Annabeth promised.

"Just be safe," Thalia said. She sighed and closed her eyes. "I'm worried that Lupa is going to try something."

"Thalia..."

"Look, this prophecy caused a huge rift in the gods, and I don't even want to talk about how bad it was at camp. The stress and tension of this axe hanging over everyone's head was unbearable," Thalia said. "I'm just worried that something is going to happen to the prophecy."

"Do you really think that Lupa would take it?" Annabeth questioned.

"I know she would," Thalia answered. "Just promise me that you won't let Lupa get her paws on that prophecy. You'll give it right to Chiron."

"I will," Annabeth promised.

"I'm going to visit again," Thalia began. "But, I'll make sure it's not as intense as last time."

Annabeth grinned, "I would love that. I'll see you soon, Thalia."

"Stay safe," Thalia said as she raised her hand to run it through the Iris message. Annabeth met her eyes.

"I will."