"Do you seriously believe that runt?" Clarisse, the brown-haired, muscular daughter of Ares, exclaimed, slamming her hand on the table. The surrounding campers shifted uneasily.
"It's not possible," she continued. "The gods are hiding, and the oracle hasn't been seen since the camp was destroyed."
"Clarisse, remember that Apollo himself appeared in Percy's dreams," Katie Gardner interjected. "Apollo controls prophecies; the oracle was merely a mouthpiece for his words."
"Percy, could you repeat the prophecy for us?" Beckendorf asked.
The room fell into a heavy silence, all eyes on Percy as if he were a zoo exhibit. He took a deep breath, ready to recount the prophecy.
3 shall journey to the titans' thrones
Bane of olympus, turned ash and bone.
Travel west to seek a seer's aid
Free a Titan from their curse laid
Betrayed by one with a treacherous lie
Olympus saved or razed by sea or sky.
An oath to seal with a final breath
Cruel reign ends in a sea of death.
"Long prophecy, right?" Percy said, attempting to lighten the mood.
Everyone absorbed the weight of the prophecy, the room heavy with the gravity of its implications. Travis spoke, his voice strained, "It seems like there's a lot of death in this."
Katie, trying to offer some solace, countered, "But it also suggests that there's hope. The prophecy points to a chance for something better. It says the bane of Olympus will die and that the cruel reign will end. Surely, that's a positive sign."
Jason, grimly delivering the harsh reality, said, "A reign also ends when all those being reigned over are dead."
A new, aged, and wise voice cut through the tension. "It's futile to try and interpret it all now," the voice said, calm and authoritative. "What matters is how we face the challenges ahead."
As Percy looked toward the source of the voice, he saw an old centaur in a wheelchair. The recognition dawned on him, and he whispered, "Chiron... the teacher of heroes."
Chiron sat in his wheelchair, his face etched with lines of enduring pain. Each shift or movement seemed to bring a new wave of discomfort, but his eyes remained sharp and focused.
"Fate can change," Chiron said, his voice both reassuring and grave. "Nothing is set in stone, young Perseus. The only certainty is that you will lead the quest and have the power to choose who will accompany you."
Clarisse interrupted sharply, "The traitor is Jason. We know this for a fact."
Percy could hear murmers of agreement.
Percy's eyes widened in confusion and anger as he turned to Clarisse. "What are you talking about?" he snapped. The whole room was silent. No one met Percy's eye.
Percy's gaze shifted to Jason, whose face was a mask of blankness. The expression gave nothing away, leaving Percy unable to decipher the truth behind his silent demeanor.
Chiron, noticing the escalating tension, advised Percy gently, "Perhaps it's best if you step away from the meeting for now."
Fury and confusion swirling within him, Percy stormed out of the room, his footsteps echoing through the hallway as he left, seeking solace away from the charged atmosphere.
Percy stormed into the training area, his frustration boiling over. He seized a training dummy, its rough surface barely holding up under the onslaught. With each swing of his sword, he struck with increasing ferocity, the clang of metal ringing out as he vented his anger. The dummy, battered and splintered, bore the brunt of his rage, each cut and blow a release for the turmoil churning inside him.
Percy continued his assault on the training dummy, lost in the rhythm of his anger, until his arms felt numb and heavy. Sweat dripped down his face as he panted with exhaustion.
A soft voice broke through his focus. "Let go of your anger," the girl said gently. Percy turned to see a pretty Asian girl his age, her eyes filled with compassion. Not like the others who looked at him in fear or disgust. "Holding onto it won't help you find the truth " Her calm presence seemed to offer a moment of respite from his fury. She stepped closer, her voice soothing. "You can tell me anything," she said. "I'm here to listen, if you need to talk."
Percy sighed, his frustration evident. "Everyone looks at me like I've grown a third head," he said, his voice laced with irritation. "And nobody has explained anything since I got here. I'm just trying to make sense of it all, but it feels like no one is willing to give me a straight answer."
She nodded, her expression earnest. "I'll tell you the truth about anything you ask," she promised.
Percy looked at her, his curiosity piqued.
"Who are you?"
She offered a warm smile. "My name is Drew Tanaka," she said. "Daughter of Aphrodite"
"Were you using charmspeak on me?"
Drew shook her head, her expression earnest. "I wouldn't do that," she said. "I'm just here to help you understand."
"Why do they call Jason a traitor?" Percy asked, trying to piece everything together.
Drew's eyes grew distant as she began her explanation. "Jason's a demigod like you. There used to be two camps: Camp Jupiter and Camp Half-Blood. Jason was raised in Camp Jupiter, and he was there since he was three. Later on, he'd travel between the two camps. We lived in harmony, visiting each other, sitting around campfires, and watching fireworks." She chuckled sadly at the memory.
"But then a war started brewing between the gods and the Titans. Jason was always there to protect us, especially the younger demigods like me. He went on many quests and missions, each time returning feeling less whole. Yet, he still did everything he could. He brought me to camp after my satyr companion died and talked to me every day until I felt at home. Watching so many kids die, and seeing the gods do nothing while leaving us in the middle of the conflict, broke him."
Drew's voice grew heavier. "His friend Luke, a son of Hermes, convinced him that joining the Titan Kronos would bring mercy to the kids and remove the gods from existence. Jason believed they were a disease and was manipulated into thinking this was the only way to save us."
"What happened?" Percy asked, eager for answers.
"The Titans won the war," Drew replied, her voice somber. "Both camps were destroyed, and there was a lot of death. Jason was our only hope. When he left, the balance tipped. Now, Bunker 9 is where we live because the world outside is too dangerous. Kronos' minions hunt us down, he sends them after us. The gods won't protect us ."
Percy's mind raced as he tried to reconcile the image of Jason with what he'd just heard.
Drew noticed Percy's conflicted expression and gently suggested, "Let's go get something to eat. It might help clear your mind."
As Percy entered the dining pavilion, he immediately felt the weight of the room's atmosphere. Demigods cast him wary glances, their conversations dropping to hushed whispers. He noticed that everyone subtly steered clear of him, creating an uncomfortable bubble of space around him.
Drew and Percy found a quiet corner in the dining pavilion, away from the uneasy stares of the others. Drew made an effort to ease the tension, offering a reassuring smile as she gestured to the food spread out before them.
As Percy began to eat, he glanced at Drew and asked, "Why do the others stay away from me? I get that I'm new here, but it feels like they're keeping their distance on purpose."
Drew sighed and looked around before replying, "It's not just that you're new. Jason's past actions have left a lot of scars. It's partly because you're extremely powerful, and that makes people nervous. They don't know you well yet and are unsure of your intentions."
"But there's another reason," she added, her voice faltering slightly. "I have a reputation for being pretty mean. I'm sorry about that. I know it doesn't help with how people see you, but I wanted..."
Drew took a deep breath, her gaze meeting Percy's with a hint of vulnerability. "I just wanted a friend," she admitted quietly.
"I believe in second chances. Everyone deserves a shot at being better. If you're trying, then I think that counts for something." His words were genuine, and he offered her a small, encouraging smile, acknowledging her effort and extending a gesture of trust.
Percy gave Drew a reassuring smile. "You know, you're the only one who's really been kind to me since I got here. I think that makes you my friend."
Drew's face lit up with a wide, genuine smile at Percy's words. She stood up to move, but was suddenly bumped by someone passing by. Startled, she instinctively curled up into herself, a protective gesture that revealed a hint of her past struggles. Her earlier happiness momentarily faded, but she quickly regained her composure, looking up at Percy with a smile.
Percy's anger flared as he saw Drew's discomfort. He quickly moved to confront the person who had bumped into her, his voice sharp and filled with fury. "Hey, watch where you're going!" he demanded, making it clear he wouldn't tolerate anyone treating her poorly.
The commotion drew the attention of everyone in the dining pavilion. As the crowd watched, Drew gently placed a hand on Percy's arm. "It's alright," she said softly, though her eyes betrayed a hint of weariness. "I'm used to it. You don't need to make a scene." Her attempt to calm Percy was earnest, and her gratitude was evident despite her attempt to downplay the situation.
The injustice of the situation, combined with Drew's attempt to downplay her hurt, made him seethe. He felt like tearing down the place.
Percy's anger didn't wane as he turned back to Drew. "It's not right," he said firmly, his voice filled with conviction. "You shouldn't have to get used to being treated like that. No one should."
"Not everyone is like that," she said softly, though her eyes betrayed a hint of uncertainty. "I really believe there are people who care." She then added, "And you're not like that. I'm grateful for that."
A blonde girl with strikingly intense grey eyes and princess curls approached the table where Drew and Percy were sitting. Her gaze, sharp and penetrating, seemed to pierce through the air. Percy, already on edge from the earlier commotion, misinterpreted her stern expression and purposeful stride as confrontational. He braced himself for a confrontation, his body tensing as he prepared for what he feared might be another unpleasant encounter.
The blonde girl, with her intense grey eyes still locked onto Percy, suddenly threw a splash of water in his direction.
"Hey!", Drew exclaimed. She looked at the attacker.
"Annabeth", She said a little more relaxed.
Percy remained dry. He also removed the water from Drew with a thought.
Her expression shifted to one of satisfaction, as if her suspicions about Percy's abilities or nature had just been confirmed.
The blonde girl looked at Percy, her intense gray eyes locking onto his. "Everyone's hopes lie on you, son of Poseidon" she said quietly, but with a weight that made the words feel heavier than anything Percy had ever carried. "Whether you realize it or not, they're all counting on you."
"I know this is a lot to take in, and it's not fair. But we need you, Percy"
She hesitated for a moment, then added, almost gently, "Just… don't mess it up, okay? I'm not saying that because I don't believe in you—I do. We all do. It's just that… we can't afford to lose anyone else."
Her gaze lingered on him, less challenging and more understanding, as if she knew the burden he was carrying and was offering a silent promise that he wasn't alone.
"I'll do my best," he said quietly.
"That's all anyone can ask for, Percy."
"I came to offer my experience as the daughter of Athena. You still have one spot open for the quest. I think it's important you choose wisely."
Drew furrowed her brow, looking puzzled. "I thought you could choose two?"
Percy nodded, acknowledging Drew's question. "Jason is one of them," he confirmed.
Percy looked around, searching for Jason. "Where is Jason?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. "I need to talk to him about the quest."
Annabeth's voice was curt and unyielding as she replied, "Jason is with Chiron." Her tone left little room for warmth or empathy.
"I'll go see Jason," he said, looking around at the others. "No need for anyone to come with me." He turned to Drew, giving her a reassuring nod. "I'll be back soon."
Percy found them right outside the infirmary. Jason stood with a tense posture, his face a mask of stoic resolve. Chiron, seated in his wheelchair, looked pained but focused, his eyes serious as he spoke.
Chiron's voice was firm and unyielding. "It's you or the boy, Jason."
Jason's expression hardened, and he nodded resolutely. "I'll make sure it's myself."
Percy stepped forward, interrupting the tense exchange. "What's going on here?" he demanded, his voice firm.
Chiron glanced at Percy, his expression weary. "It's a matter of serious concern, but for now, I need to step away. I'll leave you two", Chiron rolled away on his wheelchair.
Jason sighed, looking at Percy with a hint of frustration. "The others don't trust us because we're too powerful," he said.
Percy tried to laugh it off. "I'm not that powerful," he said, trying to downplay his abilities.
Jason's gaze grew serious. "You controlled poison back there. That's not something just anyone can do."
Percy fell silent.
Jason looked at Percy with concern. "Have you chosen a third questmate yet?" he asked.
Percy shook his head.
Percy looked at Jason and said, "Annabeth offered to join the quest."
"But?" Jason prompted.
"But it doesn't feel right to take someone else," Percy admitted. "I know the prophecy said three, but I'm not sure."
Jason nodded and said, "I know someone who could help."