I do not own Harry Potter or Percy Jackson.

Chapter Five: The New Cousin

The next morning, Chrysa walked into breakfast, told Chiron that she'd be back by dinner, and left camp.

Armed with the list she had made of Percy's sizes, she spent the day at Roosevelt Field, one of the largest malls in the country, and the closest to camp. She was determined that her cousin would not have such a pitiful amount of possessions at camp any longer. Especially since she was now relatively certain that he was not the Lightning Thief. Besides, from what they had discovered while investigating the boy, he was from a lower-class family and didn't have that much to spend on clothes anyway.

She barged into Cabin Three shortly before dinner, arms filled with bags, causing Percy to almost fall off his bed.

"Chrysa?" he asked bemused. "What's all this?"

"The state of your wardrobe was pitiful," she told him bluntly. "I simply decided to rectify that. I copied down your sizes last night, and I went shopping earlier."

"But I – I don't have any money!" Percy burst out. "I can't pay for all this!"

"You don't need to," Chrysa said briskly, pulling clothing items out of bags and placing them on another bed. "I already did. I bought all of this for you. And don't start saying you can't accept charity," she said, whirling around and pointing a finger at Percy, who had his mouth open to protest.

Percy shut his mouth.

Chrysa put her finger down and smiled at him.

"Look, Percy…I don't have much family. My mortal parents were murdered when I was fifteen months old, and I was sent to my aunt and uncle, who hated me. They were the worst sort of people, and they hated me for being different. They made sure to show it too. I was removed from their care when I was thirteen, and my godfather took custody. He, his husband, and their children, my godchildren, are the only non-godly family I have left, along with some friends back in England who are as good as family. But the point is, I grew up without family, so when I find family, I do whatever I can to take care of them. I wasn't able to help Thalia. I didn't even know she existed until three months after she'd been turned into a tree. But I can help you, and if that means buying you a new wardrobe, then I will buy you a new wardrobe."

She shrugged.

"Besides, I inherited a literal fortune and a Lordship from my adoptive father. I could spend thousands of dollars every day still be rich. So, shut up and accept that your wardrobe has been expanded."

Percy closed his mouth.

By the time they had finished putting Percy's new clothes away, the horn was blowing for dinner. Chrysa walked Percy to the dining pavilion, and instead of making her way to the head table, plopped down across from him at the Poseidon table.

He stared at her in shock.

Everyone else did too.

Chrysa sighed and raised her voice.

"My mother was the daughter of the demigod son of Hecate and the demigod daughter of Poseidon. As a great-granddaughter of Poseidon, I am allowed to sit at cabin three's table if I so choose."

The noise level slowly returned, but Percy still looked shocked. Chrysa began placing food on both of their plates.

"But why would you want to sit with me?" Percy asked hesitantly.

"I told you, you're family. I know how lonely it is, sitting at a table all on your own. That's why I sit at the head table instead of cabin one's table. You're not old enough to sit at the head table though, and you don't have my leverage. So I just had to come to you," she replied.

"What kind of leverage?" Percy asked.

Chrysa smirked.

"I told Chiron and Dionysus, that since Dionysus was the son of Zeus and Semele, that meant he was also supposed to sit at cabin one's table with me. I could sit at the head table, or I could drag him to sit amongst the campers."

Percy stared at her, wide-eyed. "How did you get away with that?"

"Dionysus is here in the first place because he's being punished. Father isn't too happy with him right now. Besides, I'm Daddy's favorite."

"You call the King of Olympus Daddy?" Percy demanded in a low voice.

"Not usually. He's usually Father. But Father has always favored his daughters more than his sons: Artemis, Athena…they pretty much always got what they wanted in the myths. I'm just following their example. Besides, Father is still upset over Thalia, and he does his best to keep me safe and happy because of that," Chrysa replied quietly.

"What was she like?" Percy asked. "Thalia, I mean."

Chrysa sighed.

"I only know second-hand, I'm afraid. Not personally. Thalia was already a tree by the time I learned of her existence. From what I know of her, she was brave, protective, and a natural leader. She loved her friends very dearly. "Greater love hath no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends." Thalia did that. She sacrificed herself to the teeth and claws of the worst monsters, all so her friends could live," Chrysa said.

Percy was quiet for a moment.

"Was that Shakespeare?" he finally asked.

"The Bible, actually. John 15:13."

"You know the Bible?"

"My aunt was very determined to be normal. She was also convinced I was demon spawn. We were in church every Sunday. I don't think anyone else in her family was listening to the sermons, but I enjoyed it. It was three straight hours a week where my cousin couldn't be mean to me and my aunt and uncle had to be civil."

Chrysa picked up her food and made her way to the brazier. Her sacrifice at this meal was to Hecate and Thanatos, and she threw in a bar of chocolate she'd picked up at the mall for Hades. Percy followed her there. She heard him whisper, "Poseidon."

Dinner went well, and Chrysa walked Percy back to his cabin afterwards.

"I know how isolating it is," she confessed as they walked. "You and I…we're not supposed to exist. That's why I only stay for a couple months in the fall. Most people avoid me too. Annabeth and Luke are better than most – Luke and Thalia were on the streets together for two years, and they raised Annabeth for six months of that. Neither of them has any problem dealing with demigods who aren't supposed to exist. But the rest of camp…there's a stigma there. It'll get better though. They'll get used to you, and while you might still be on a pedestal, you won't be a pariah anymore."

Her words were discounted as soon as they walked into Cabin Three. There was a copy of the New York Daily News on the floor, opened to the Metro page. The headline of the article read, "Boy and Mother Still Missing After Freak Car Accident." Percy picked it up and began to read. Chrysa read it over his shoulder.

She was fuming after she read it, but didn't say anything as Percy was still reading. After several more minutes of him looking frustrated, she said, "You're dyslexic, aren't you?"

Percy flushed.

"Yeah."

"Do you want me to read it to you? I'm one of the few demigods who didn't get that trait," Chrysa offered.

Percy looked torn between accepting the help and admitting his weakness.

"I can also cast a spell that will translate it into Ancient Greek," Chrysa said. "I do it for Annabeth all the time."

Percy looked relieved.

"Please."

Chrysa pulled out her wand and cast the translation spell. Percy returned to the article and made it through much faster that time. He looked more fatigued than angry when he was done.

"People have always been cruel at all my different schools, but I thought it would be different here," he said quietly as he wadded the paper up and threw it away. He flopped down on his bed.

"People are fickle. And you're young. Once they spend more time with you, once they get to know you better, they'll see what I see," Chrysa replied comfortingly, laying a gentle hand on his shoulder.

Percy looked up at her.

"What do you see?"

Chrysa smiled as she brushed his hair away from his face.

"A charming young man who has the potential to be a great hero one day." She kissed the top of his head. "Get some rest, little cousin. Tomorrow's probably going to be a long day."

For her at least, the day started early. Chiron came by her cabin before dawn.

He looked surprised when she opened the door fully dressed.

"Mr. D is going to call Percy Jackson to the Big House today," he said. "Since I'm certain that you're here to watch him because of this whole Lightning Thief problem, I thought you might like to be there. Besides, Mr. D misses having more people to play pinochle with."

"I'll be there in a few minutes," Chrysa promised.

As soon as she closed the door behind him, she waved her hand to summon her new Gucci purse, while flicking her other wrist to bring her wand into her hand. A wave of her wand had supplies flying from around the room into the bottomless compartment of her purse. She filled it with everything from food and water to ambrosia, drachmas, sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, changes of clothing, two jackets, flashlights, batteries, extra weapons, her leather armor, etc. The non-expanded portion of her purse contained her wallet, car keys, and magical cell phone.

She double-checked that she had everything, laced up her boots, and made her way to the Big House porch. Chiron and Dionysus were waiting for her to start the game.

It was several hours later, long past dawn, when the satyr showed up, Percy Jackson in tow.

"Well, well," Dionysus said without looking up. "Our little celebrity."

Percy was silent.

"Come closer," Dionysus ordered. "And don't expect me to kowtow to you, mortal, just because old Barnacle Beard is your father.:

A net of lightning flashed across the clouds. Thunder shook the windows of the house.

"Blah, blah, blah," Dionysus said.

Chrysa and Chiron were both studiously attending their pinochle cards. The satyr was cowering by the railing, his hooves clopping back and forth.

"If I had my way," Dionysus said, "I would cause your molecules to erupt in flames. We'd sweep up the ashes and be done with a lot of trouble. But Chiron seems to feel this would be against my mission at this cursed camp: to keep you little brats safe from harm."

"Spontaneous combustion is a form of harm, Mr. D," Chiron put in.

"Nonsense," Dionysus said. "Boy wouldn't feel a thing."

Chrysa put down her cards and looked at her half-brother.

"Have you ever been spontaneously combusted? I promise you, it's not pleasant. Even if you die really, really quickly, you still remember it when you wake up in the Underworld," she pointed out. "It could be worse, yes, but it still hurts."

Dionysus sighed. "Fine." He turned his attention back to Percy. "Nevertheless, I've agreed to restrain myself. I'm thinking of turning you into a dolphin instead, sending you back to your father."

"Mr. D –" Chiron warned.

"Oh, all right," Dionysus relented. "There's one more option. But it's deadly foolishness." He rose, and his cards dropped to the table. "I'm off to Olympus for the emergency meeting. If the boy is still here when I get back, I'll turn him into an Atlantic bottlenose. Do you understand? And Perseus Jackson, if you're at all smart, you'll see that's a much more sensible choice than what Chiron feels you must do."

Dionysus picked up a playing card, twisted it, and it became his Olympus security pass. He snapped his fingers and disappeared to Olympus, leaving only the smell of fresh-pressed grapes behind.

Chiron smiled at Percy, but he looked tired and strained.

"Sit, Percy, please. And Grover."

Both sat. Percy took Dionysus' vacated seat, and the satyr was across from Chrysa. She avidly avoided looking at him.

Chiron laid his cards on the table. It was a winning hand.

Chrysa cursed as she laid her lesser hand down, then took the laurels off her head and tossed them to Chiron. He smiled briefly at her.

"Tell me, Percy," he said, "what did you make of the hellhound?"

"It scared me," Percy admitted. "If Chrysa hadn't killed it, I'd be dead."

"You'll meet worse, Percy. Far worse, before you're done," Chiron said ominously.

"Done…with what?"

"Your quest, of course. Will you accept it?"

Percy glanced at the satyr, who appeared to be crossing his fingers.

"Um, sir," Percy said. "You haven't told me what it is yet."

Chiron grimaced. "Well, that's the hard part, the details."

Thunder rumbled across the valley. Chrysa glanced toward the ocean, and could see that the storm had reached the edge of the beach.

"Poseidon and Zeus," Percy said. "They're fighting over something valuable…something that was stolen, aren't they?"

Chrysa gave Percy a sharp look. She didn't think he was the thief, but there was no way he could have known that.

Chiron sat forward in his wheelchair.

"How did you know that?" he asked.

Percy flushed.

"The weather since Christmas has been weird, like the sea and the sky are fighting. Then I talked to Annabeth, and she'd overheard something about a theft. Everyone was completely shocked that Chrysa would go anywhere near me, let alone be nice to me. And…I've also been having these dreams."

"I knew it," the satyr said.

"Hush, satyr," Chiron ordered.

"But it is his quest!" the satyr exclaimed, eyes bright with excitement. "It must be!"

"Only the Oracle can determine," Chiron said as he stroked his bristly beard. "Nevertheless, Percy, you are correct. Your father and Zeus are having their worst quarrel in centuries. They are fighting over something valuable that was stolen. A lightning bolt, to be precise."

Percy laughed nervously.

"A what?"

"Do not take this lightly," Chiron warned. "I'm not talking about some tinfoil-covered zigzag you'd see in a second-grade play. I'm talking about a two-foot-long cylinder of high-grade celestial bronze, capped on both ends with god-level explosives."

"Oh."

"Zeus' Master Bolt," Chiron said, getting worked up now. "The symbol of his power, from which all other lightning bolts are patterned. The first weapon made by the Cyclopes for the war against the Titans, the bolt that sheered the top off Mount Othrys and hurled Kronos from his throne; the Master Bolt, which packs enough power to make mortal hydrogen bombs look like firecrackers."

"And it's missing?" Percy asked.

"Stolen," Chiron said.

"By who?"

"By whom," Chiron corrected. Once a teacher, always a teacher.

"By you," Chrysa said quietly.

Percy's mouth fell open.

"At least, that's the main theory. I've spoken with Father about this multiple times since the theft. During the winter solstice, when all the gods gather together for a council on Olympus, Father and Poseidon had an argument. It wasn't anything major, just two brothers sniping at each other: 'Mother Rhea always liked you best,' 'Air disasters are more spectacular than sea disasters,' et cetera. It's not an unusual occurrence; it happens nearly every solstice. There's a reason the three brothers spend most of their time in their own kingdoms – none of them can get along for more than a few minutes without something to distract them. After the meeting, Father realized his Master Bolt was missing, taken from the throne room under his very nose. He immediately blamed Poseidon," Chrysa explained.

Chiron took over from there.

"Now, a god cannot usurp another god's symbol of power directly – that is forbidden by the most ancient of divine laws. But Zeus believes your father convinced a human hero to take it."

"But I didn't…" Percy began.

"Patience and listen, child," Chiron said. "Zeus has good reason to be suspicious. The forges of the Cyclopes are under the ocean, which gives Poseidon some influence over the makers of his brother's lightning. Zeus believes Poseidon has taken the Master Bolt and is now secretly having the Cyclopes build an arsenal of illegal copies, which might be used to topple Zeus from his throne. The only thing Zeus wasn't sure about was which hero Poseidon used to steal the bolt. Now Poseidon has openly claimed you as his son. You were in New York over the winter holidays. You could have easily snuck into Olympus. Zeus believes he has found his thief."

"But I've never even been to Olympus! Zeus is crazy!" Percy burst out.

Chiron and the satyr glanced nervously at the sky.

"Please do not call my father crazy," Chrysa put in coolly.

"We don't really use the c-word to describe the Lord of the Sky," the satyr said.

"Perhaps paranoid," Chiron suggested, glancing at Chrysa.

She thought a moment, then nodded. "I'll accept that."

"Then again, Poseidon has tried to unseat Zeus before. I believe that was question thirty-eight on your final exam…" He looked at Percy as if he expected him to remember question thirty-eight. Chrysa had a sudden flashback of Hermione doing the exact same thing after the OWLs.

"Something about a golden net?" Percy asked. "Poseidon and Hera and a few other gods…they, like, trapped Zeus and wouldn't let him out until he promised to be a better ruler, right?"

"Correct," Chiron said. "And Zeus has never trusted Poseidon since."

"Even though he really did need the kick," Chrysa pointed out. "He was well on his way to Kronos-level tyranny." Leuke had been one of the masterminds of that debacle, though mortal histories never mentioned her involvement.

"Of course, Poseidon denies stealing the Master Bolt. He took great offense at the accusation. The two have been arguing back and forth for months, threatening war. And now, you've come along – the proverbial last straw," Chiron said.

"But I'm just a kid!" Percy exclaimed.

"Percy," the satyr cut in, "if you were Zeus, and you already thought your brother was plotting to overthrow you, then your brother suddenly admitted that he had broken the sacred oath he took after World War II, that he's fathered a new mortal hero who might be used as a weapon against you…. Wouldn't that put a twist in your toga?"

"But I didn't do anything. Poseidon – my dad – he didn't really have this Master Bolt stolen, did he?"

Chiron sighed.

"Most thinking observers would agree that thievery is not Poseidon's style. But the Sea God is too proud to try convincing Zeus of that. Zeus has demanded that Poseidon return the bolt by the summer solstice. That's June twenty-first, ten days from now. Poseidon wants an apology for being called a thief by the same date. I hoped that diplomacy might prevail, that Hera or Demeter or Hestia would make the brothers see sense. But your arrival as inflamed Zeus' temper. Now neither god will back down. Unless someone intervenes, unless the master bolt is found and returned to Zeus before the solstice, there will be war. And do you know what a full-fledged war would look like, Percy?"

"Bad?" he asked.

"Imagine the world in chaos. Nature at war with itself. Olympians forced to choose sides between Zeus and Poseidon. Destruction. Carnage. Millions dead. Western civilization turned into a battleground so big it will make the Trojan War look like a water-balloon fight."

"Bad," Percy repeated.

"And you, Percy Jackson, would be the first to feel Zeus' wrath."

It started to rain. Volleyball players stopped their game and stared in stunned silence at the sky.

Chrysa let out a groan and reached out a hand towards the sky, pushing the storm away, pushing the clouds away from Camp Half-Blood in a reminder to her father that yes, his brother's son was at Camp Half-Blood, but she was here too and she did not appreciate getting wet!

"Thank you, Chrysa," Chiron said as the storm disappeared.

"Zeus is very unhappy," he told Percy. "Chrysa is here for her own protection, yes, but I would not doubt that she also has orders from her father to keep an eye on the campers for potential thieves and you in particular."

When Percy looked at her, Chrysa nodded.

"He's right. Father has suspected you might be Poseidon's son since Chiron first went to Yancy Academy. Since Father had previously broken the Oath – twice – he wasn't going to say anything. When the Master Bolt went missing, he had a full dossier on you the next day. You have been the prime suspect since December 23rd. He's had me keeping an eye on you since. I told him back in April that I did not think that you were the thief. I have only become firmer in that opinion since you arrived at camp, and by the time you were claimed, I told Father in no uncertain terms that you were not the Lightning Thief. However, he still blames Poseidon, and Father's wrath will still fall on you if a war begins," Chrysa said.

"You've been watching me since December?" Percy asked, dumbfounded.

"Not constantly, or anything," Chrysa said. "I do have my own life to live, and you were at Yancy for most of that. I did follow you around the mall one day when you were there while your mother was working. I've visited the candy shop she worked at several times during the school year. I was at the Metropolitan Museum of Art when Alecto attacked you."

"Who?"

"The Fury. Your former teacher," Chrysa said.

"Mrs. Dodds," the satyr put in.

"You were there?" Chiron asked. "I didn't see you?"

"I spent most of my time in the other wings of the museum until you all showed up. I didn't catch up to you until you were explaining about the stele. I was visible, but I had a Notice-Me-Not charm up. Good job with Alecto though, Percy. But other than those occasions, I haven't been following you. Keeping an eye on you, yes. Following you, no. And nothing I've done since you've been claimed was to try to spy on you for my father. I told you, I don't believe you stole the Bolt. I've been helping you because I want to," Chrysa said firmly.

Percy still looked furious, but he didn't appear to be angry at Chrysa.

"So I have to find the stupid bolt and return it to Zeus," Percy said.

"What better peace offering," Chiron said, "than to have the son of Poseidon return Zeus' lost property?"

"If Poseidon doesn't have it, where is the thing?" Percy asked.

"I believe I know," Chiron said, his expression dark. "Part of a prophecy I had years ago…well, some of the lines make more sense to me, now. But before I can say more, you must officially take up the quest. You must seek the counsel of the Oracle."

"Why can't you tell me where the bolt is beforehand?"

"Because if I did, you would be too afraid to accept the challenge."

Percy swallowed visibly.

"Good reason."

"You agree then?" Chiron questioned.

Percy looked at the satyr, who nodded encouragingly. He then looked at Chrysa.

"It may be the only way to save your life," she said quietly.

Percy gulped again, then turned to Chiron.

"Alright. It's better than being turned into a dolphin."

"Then it's time you consulted the Oracle," Chiron said. "Go upstairs, Percy Jackson, to the attic. When you come back own, assuming you're still sane, we'll talk more."

The table was quiet once Percy left. Chrysa occupied herself by putting the playing cards back into a neat stack.

Finally, Chiron asked her, "Do you have orders to kill Percy Jackson after the summer solstice?"

Chrysa glared at him.

"First of all, I wouldn't even if I did, but no. Father's only orders were to keep an eye on him. Keeping me safe at Camp Half-Blood was just a bonus. I think we both know that I could be safe from Poseidon even if I wasn't here. But I will not harm my cousin. Barring cases of possession, mind-control, or induced psychopathy, of course."

There was more silence at the table, before Chiron stated, "I apologize if I have offended you."

"You have," Chrysa replied. "I understand why you asked though, so you're forgiven."

It was the truth. She didn't have orders to kill Percy Jackson. But she had once been Leuke, left hand of Kronos, and had served Zeus in the same manner. She didn't need orders to kill someone who might become a threat to the gods. It was her job to take care of it.

She did like her cousin though, and her sense of empathy was much more developed now than it had been when Leuke was her only name. If he became a problem, she'd take care of him, but that didn't mean she'd kill him.

She was a witch, after all. The Draught of Living Death was always an option, one she could follow up by leaving him sleeping in the Lotus Hotel.

Several minutes of awkward silence later – only broken by the sounds of the satyr chewing a Diet Coke can – Percy came back.

"Well?" Chiron asked.

Percy slumped into the empty chair at the pinochle table.

"She said I would retrieve what was stolen," Percy said.

The satyr sat forward and exclaimed, "That's great!"

"What did the Oracle say exactly?" Chiron pressed. "This is important."

"She…she said I would go west and face a god who had turned. I would retrieve what was stolen and see it safely returned."

"I knew it," the satyr said, almost crowing in glee.

Chiron and Chrysa exchanged glances. Prophecies were never that short.

"Anything else?" Chiron asked.

"No," Percy replied. "That's about it."

Chiron stared intently at him.

"Very well, Percy. But know this: the Oracle's words often have double meanings. Don't dwell on them too much. The truth is not always clear until events come to pass."

"Okay," Percy said. "So where do I go? Who's this god in the west?"

"Ah, think Percy," Chiron said. "If Zeus and Poseidon weaken each other in a war, who stands to gain?"

"Somebody else who wants to take over?" Percy guessed.

"Yes, quite. Someone who harbors a grudge, who has been unhappy with his lot since the world was divided eons ago, whose kingdom would grow powerful with the deaths of millions. Someone who hates his brothers for forcing him into an oath to have no more children, an oath that both of them have now broken," Chiron said.

Chrysa fumed inwardly at the defamation of her beloved's character. Hades had been perfectly fine taking the Underworld as his lot. He wasn't the biggest fan of water, and he felt more comfortable on or under the ground anyway. Besides, Leuke had grown up in the House of Nyx, in Tartarus, and she had always seen visits to the Underworld as happy vacations. She had been happy there, and what made her happy made him happy. Yes, Hades harbored a grudge against his brothers, but it was more a grudge that everyone had pretty much abandoned him when Leuke died, with the exception of his mother and Hestia. He didn't want to harm his family. And while the deaths of millions would increase the number of subjects in Hades' kingdom, he already had billions. Adding millions more would be a hassle and require more renovations of the Underworld. Hades did not hate his brothers for forcing him into the oath, he severely disliked Zeus for killing Maria di Angelo and attempting to kill Nico and Bianca. Even then, his dislike had mostly dissipated now that Maria had returned to him in the form of Chrysa, Zeus' daughter.

"Hades," Percy said.

Chiron nodded.

"The Lord of the Dead is the only possibility."

A scrap of aluminum fell out of the satyr's mouth.

"Whoa, wait. Wh-what?" he asked.

"A Fury came after Percy," Chiron reminded the satyr. "She watched the young man until she was sure of his identity, then tried to kill him. Furies obey only one lord: Hades."

"Yes, but – but Hades hates all heroes," Grover protested. "Especially if he found out that Percy is a son of Poseidon…"

"A hellhound got into the forest," Chiron continued. "Those can only be summoned from the Fields of Punishment, and it had to be summoned by someone within the camp. Hades must have a spy here. He must suspect Poseidon will try to use Percy to clear his name. Hades would very much like to kill this young half-blood before he can take on the quest."

"Great," Percy muttered. "That's two major gods who want to kill me."

"But a quest to…" the satyr swallowed. "I mean, couldn't the Master Bolt be in some place like Maine? Maine's very nice this time of year."

"Hades sent a minion to steal the Master Bolt," Chiron insisted. "He hid it in the Underworld, knowing full well that Zeus would blame Poseidon. I don't pretend to understand the Lord of the Dead's motives perfectly, or why he chose this time to start a war, but one thing is certain. Percy must go to the Underworld, find the Master Bolt, and reveal the truth."

The satyr was trembling. He had started to eat Chrysa's neatly-stacked pinochle cards like potato chips.

"Look, if we know it's Hades, why can't we just tell the other gods? Zeus or Poseidon could go down to the Underworld and butt some heads," Percy said.

"Suspecting and knowing are two different things," Chrysa said sharply. "Hades is the best guess based upon the information we have. However, even if it is not Hades, someone is still trying to start a war, and they would suspect us to think what we do. The truth will come out."

"Besides, even if the other gods suspect Hades – and I imagine Poseidon does – they couldn't retrieve the bolt themselves. Gods cannot cross each other's territories except by invitation. That is another ancient rule. Heroes, on the other hand, have certain privileges. They can go anywhere, challenge anyone, as long as they're bold enough and strong enough to do it. No god can be held responsible for a hero's actions. Why do you think the gods always operate through humans?" Chiron asked.

"You're saying I'm being used," Percy said flatly.

"I'm saying it's no accident Poseidon has claimed you now. It's a very risky gamble, but he's in a desperate situation. He needs you."

Percy looked at Chiron.

"You've known I was Poseidon's son all along, haven't you?"

"I had my suspicions, as did Zeus apparently. As I said…I've spoken to the Oracle too," Chiron replied.

"So let me get this straight," Percy said. "I'm supposed to go to the Underworld and confront the Lord of the Dead."

"Check," Chiron said.

"Find the most powerful weapon in the universe."

"Check."

"And get it back to Olympus before the summer solstice, in ten days."

"That's about right."

Percy looked at the satyr, who gulped down an ace of hearts.

"Did I mention that Maine is very nice this time of year?" he said weakly.

"You don't have to go," Percy told him. "I can't ask that of you."

"Oh…" He shifted his hooves. "No…it's just that satyrs and underground places…well…"

He took a deep breath, then stood, brushing the shredded remains of his snacking off his t-shirt.

"You saved my life, Percy. If…if you're serious about wanting me along, I won't let you down."

Percy looked incredibly thankful.

"All the way, G-man," he replied. He turned to Chiron. "So where do we go? The Oracle just said to go west."

"The entrance of the Underworld is always in the west. It moves from age to age, just like Olympus. Right now, it's in America."

"Where?" Percy asked.

Chiron looked surprised.

"I thought it would be obvious enough. The entrance to the Underworld is in Los Angeles."

"Oh," Percy said. "Naturally. So we just get on a plane…"

"No!" the satyr shrieked, sounding surprisingly girlish for someone in his sixth year of middle school. "Percy, what are you thinking? Have you ever been on a plane in your life?"

He shook his head.

"Percy, think," Chiron said. "You are the son of the Sea God. Your father's bitterest rival is Zeus, Lord of the Sky. Your mother knew better than to trust you in an airplane. You would be in Zeus' domain. You would never come down again."

"At least, not alive and most likely not in one piece," Chrysa said. "The only reason I can go swimming is the fact that Poseidon is my great-grandfather."

"Okay," Percy said. "So I'll travel overland."

"That's right," Chiron said. "Two companions may accompany you. Grover is one. The other has already volunteered, if you will accept her help."

"Gee," Percy said, feigning surprise. "Who else would be stupid enough to volunteer for a quest like this?"

The air shimmered behind Chiron, and Annabeth became visible, stuffing her Yankees cap into her back pocket.

"I've been waiting a long time for a quest, Seaweed Brain," she said. "Athena is no fan of Poseidon, but if you're going to save the world, I'm the best person to keep you from messing up."

"If you do say so yourself," Percy said. "I suppose you have a plan, Wise Girl?"

She blushed. "Do you want my help or not?" she demanded.

"A trio," Percy said. "That'll work."

"Excellent," Chiron said. "Chrysa has volunteered to chaperone."

All three campers looked at her in surprise. She leaned forward on the table.

"As I won't be an official member of the quest, I can't help you with your quest directly. However, I can be around so no one tries to call the police about the three twelve-year-olds who are running around unaccompanied. I can protect myself, though I can't fight your battles for you. I can keep Zeus from deciding to randomly smite Percy in a fit of anger, because I'll be there too and he won't kill me. Oh, and I can drive, until the first monster attacks my car and it gets totaled. I've lost so many good cars that way." She shook her head. "My poor Lamborghini only lasted a week and a half."

"This afternoon, we will take you as far Manhattan, so that Chrysa can pick up her car. After that, you are on your own," Chiron said. "No time to waste. I think you should all get packing."

"There's no time to waste," Chrysa said. "We leave in an hour."

AN: Hope you enjoyed! Thanks to everyone who read, reviewed, followed, or favorited!