Ch23

Lou Ellen was taking a nice walk around the camp's lake enjoying the cool air around her. Be safe guys. She prayed that her mother would guide them and lead them to victory.

The nuzzle of a snout nearly made her jump. Turning around she saw Blackjack behind her his eyes nervous. "What's wrong? Don't worry Percy will be safe."

Blackjack snorted and pointed to the lake and dug his paw into the ground. What are you trying to say? The pegasi flew into the sky and flew over a portion of the lake in a circle pointing his hooves at the water.

"Is there something down there?" She asked. "A creature?"

Blackjack nodded and neighed in affirmation. Alright but how can I free it? She wasn't a child of the sea but Percy was a friend of hers and Poseidon had helped her mother she couldn't just ignore a plea of help from Blackjack.

"Alright I'll do my best." Taking a deep breath she spread her arms out and began to mutter in Latin and Ancient Greek.

Her arms glowed gold green as the water reverberated with energy. "Libera!" A wave of energy reverberated throughout the area.

Did I do it? She watched the area and eventually, she saw a small head pop out of the water, it looked like a manatee. I guess I did. She smiled and waved at the creature. The creature bobbed its head before going into the water.

Well that was cute. Blackjack landed next to her and rubbed his head against her. "Good boy lets get you some food."

The pegasi neighed in delight and followed her to the stables. After giving him a snack she headed towards her cabin when she noticed the large bus land on the ground with loud thud.

Visitors? She watched as Chiron and Mr. D quickly went over to the bus as the doors opened. To her surprise Thalia Grace and Clarisse exited the bus along with various other young girls.

Hunters of Artemis. She had heard of them, apparently some of her sisters had joined them but she herself never took an interest in them.

Wait a minute where is Annabeth? She had heard that the three of them had went on a mission but. Oh Gods. The look on Clarisse and Thalia's faces said everything.

"She's gone," Clarisse muttered. "She fell off the cliff with Dr. Thorn and her brother." The daughter of Ares pointed to a young girl with watery eyes.

Chiron sighed. "We'll talk about this later, lets all get some rest."

Oh boy. A pit formed in her stomach. Yeah Annabeth Chase was nothing but rude to her and her family but she didn't deserve to die over it.

She discreetly went to her Cabin where her siblings were tending to the pyre. "Remember if anyone asks about Al he's with our aunt."

Her siblings looked at her and nodded. "Don't worry he'll be fine," Balthazar said. "We also put a variety of wards to prevent any potential spies from listening in."

"Good." She went over to her bunk bed. Al be safe. She knew he would be safe but worry still built up inside of her. Don't show off. Just do the quest and get it over with. Her gaze went to the flames. She'd want you alive more than dead.

The next day the atmosphere at camp was tense as Clarisse argued with Chiron. "Annabeth has ben taken we have to save her now! Luke, he tricked her!"

"Calm down we'll figure out what to do as soon as we can," Chiron said firmly. "We must not act rashly."

Clarisse's body shook as she turned around and stormed off to her seat. Well I guess even she has people she cares about.

Out of the corner of her eyes she could see Thalia glaring at the table, her body shaking while the hunters of Artemis sat at their table. Their leader Zoe appeared deep in thought while that new girl Bianca looked as if she were worried about something.

After breakfast she and her siblings were going to get ready for morning archery when she heard a knock at the cabin door. To her surprise she found Zoe her face tense.

"Hello you're the head of the hunters correct?" She asked politely. "Zoe Nightshade right?" Personally she hadn't met her before but she heard of her from other some of her sisters who associated with the hunt.

Zoe nodded her face stern. "Correct. I heard there was a cabin for Lady Hecate, I wish to know if thou can see Lady Artemis?"

"Uh sure I'll see what I can do." She turned to her siblings who were watching Zoe carefully. "Alright guys give us some privacy."

Balthazar nodded, his gaze was cautious but he did not protest as he left with the rest of their siblings.

She turned to Zoe and smiled. "Come on the pyre is warm."

Zoe followed her and stood on the opposite side of the pyre. "Lady Artemis always Lady Hecate in high regard. Some of tine sisters are in my ranks, they serve me diligently."

"Yeah so I hear," she said as she waved her hand over the pyre. The green flames grew larger creating a familiar presence in the room. She began to chant in Ancient Greek. "Oh mother goddess of the paths show us the way to Lady Artemis."

The flames flickered in the pyre. She and Zoe watched intently as an image appeared in the smoke. She saw a young girl fighting off a hoard of monsters.

"My lady!" Zoe screamed.

The image flickered before turning to smoke. She swore. "Something was following her and interfered with the spell."

Zoe's face darkened. "I-I see. Thank you daughter of Hecate."

She smiled. "Call me Lou."

Zoe only nodded her gaze downward as she turned around and left. Well that was interesting. Looking into the flames she saw nothing else. Mother whatever is happening I hope you make it out safely.

The tension at the camp only increased the following days as Clarisse and Zoe both insisted on going on quests to save Artemis and Annabeth respectively. Eventually they had a massive capture the flag tournament hunters vs campers.

She and Balthazar stood in the woods as the cold wind passed through the area. "Do you think there will be another quest?" She asked.

Balthazar frowned. "Wouldn't surprise me. We've heard nothing of Lady Artemis or that daughter of Athena."

She looked up at the dark sky. "So much is happening."

Balthazar nodded. "We must be diligent as our mother in our choices. One wrong move and we are done."

Suddenly the sound of lightning reverberated throughout the area. "WHAT WAS THAT PINE CONE FACE!" Roared Clarisse.

Oh boy. They quickly ran to the creek where they found Clarisse and Thalia exchanging blows. "Hey guys calm down," she said.

Suddenly Chiron sounded his horn and she heard the hunters cheer in victory. Well it was fun while it lasted. If Percy and Al were here they would've won.

"It's your fault Annabeth was captured why don't you use your head for once!" Thalia yelled.

"Calm down both of you," Chiron said firmly as he emerged from the brush with Zoe who had their flag. "This isn't the time for-"

"Look!" Someone shouted. Turning around they all stared in shock as the Oracle stood on the ridge.

"Zoe Nightshade come forward," the oracle said as green smoke reverberated throughout her body.

Zoe stepped forward. "What must I do to save my lady."

Smoke emerged from the oracle's mouth.

Five shall go west to the goddess in chains

The bane of Olympus show the trail,

Campers and Hunters combined prevail,

The Titan's curse must one withstand,

The lost shall find what he searches for.

Angels separate down the two roads.

With that the oracle fell to the ground. Another quest. Lou watched as Clarisse and some her siblings brought the Oracle back to the Big House.

"Come on lets go," Balthazar said.

She noticed Chiron's brow furrowed as she spoke with some of the Cabin heads. "I'll go talk to Chiron."

Balthazar frowned. "What for?"

"Percy is gone and someone needs to represent Poseidon and our mother." She met her brother's gaze and he seemed to read her mind.

"Lou you are too young!" Balthazar said through gritted teeth.

She rolled her eyes. "I went with Percy and Al through the Sea of Monsters. Besides Lady Artemis has always been a friend of our mother."

Balthazar sighed. "Fine."

She smiled at her brother and went off to the Big House where the Cabin heads and Zoe were gathered. "Ah Ms. Blackstone a pleasure to see you," Chiron said. "Please have a seat."

No one protested her presence. Zoe's face was dark while Clarisse looked like she wanted to stab someone. She sat down next to Thalia who awknoledged her with a polite nod.

"Well then Ms. Nightshade you've received a quest," Chiron said. "Have you thought of your companions?"

"I'll go!" Clarisse said her gaze burning with determination.

Zoe frowned. "This isn't a game daughter of Ares."

Clarisse stood up her posture rigid. "Annabeth needs to be saved. That bastard Luke has her, I see them in my dreams!" Her gaze turned dangerous as if daring Zoe to say no.

"Fine but our priority is Lady Artemis," Zoe said firmly. "I have already thought of another hunter to take."

As everyone deliberated who should go she thought of Artemis. The moon goddess was close to her mother, so close that many mortals worshipped them together back in the day. "I'll go." She hadn't really thought of why she agreed but deep down she knew it was the right thing to do.

Everyone turned to her and she looked up at Zoe. "Lady Artemis has always been good to my mother, I wish to repay her for all that she has done over the years."

Zoe looked at her and nodded with a glint of appreciation. "I accept thine help daughter of Hecate."

Hang on Al you aren't the only one who wants to improve our mother's standing.

Percy took the monsters out when he noticed a dark figure in the distance take down one of the enemy monsters. "I-Is that a dog?"

The large hound stood up and looked at them curiously, they readied their weapons preparing to strike as the dog merely fell to the ground and rolled over and smiled at them with a wide grin.

"Does it want a belly rub?" Ethan asked.

Alabaster lowered his torch. "It doesn't seem that hostile but be careful."

"Yes please don't harm my pet."

They raised their weapons as a man wearing Greek armor appeared in front of them. "Peace I mean you no harm," the man said.

"Who are you?" he asked cautiously.

The man looked them over. "You may call me Quintus. Where are you boys from?"

The looked at each other, the man didn't seem hostile but they weren't about to let their guard down. "We are demigods from Camp Half Blood," he said cautiously. "Do you know how we can get there from this labyrinth?"

The man knelt down and patted his dog who got up and let out a playful bark. "This place is ever expanding and reaches far beyond my comprehension. Don't worry Mrs. O'Leary is friendly she just wanted a friend."

The dog got up and began to sniff him. He cautiously patted the dog on the head and looked into her deep eyes. "Um cute dog."

Alabaster quickly picked up a rock and muttered something in Latin. In a flash it turned into a rubber ball. Mrs. O'Leary turned her gaze to it and her tail began to wag. Alabaster threw the ball and Mrs. O'Leary chased after it.

Quintus chuckled. "She likes you boys. A son of Hecate I presume? A remarkable woman"

Alabaster eyed the man over. "You know my mother?"

"I'm acquainted with her," Quintus said calmly. "Along with a few other children of Hecate in the past."

"Do you know this guy Al?" He asked. The way Quintus spoke it was as if he knew Hecate and her children well.

Alabaster shook his head. "I don't."

Quintus looked them over. "You wear the shirt of that camp, tell me is your mother recognized?"

"It's a work in progress," Alabaster said. "If I may ask how do you know my family?"

Quintus chuckled. "Oh this place has many paths and your mother often helped." The man's eyes glinted as he looked them over. "Tell me what do you make of the camp?"

Alabaster frowned as his torch flickered in his hand. "It's a nice place. As with all places it has its faults but-" Alabaster paused and looked at the dog on the ground. "But it works and that's all that matters."

"The camp is a home for many people," He said. "Life isn't easy for a demigod."

"That I know too well," Quintus said, his gaze turning towards him and Ethan. "Who are your godly parents?"

"Poseidon," he said.

"Nemesis," Ethan responded.

"I see." Quintus looked at them all curiously. "A child of the Big Three and two children of minor goddesses. Tell me what is your quest?"

The three of them looked at each other. "We are looking for a way to our camp," Alabaster said carefully. "My mother's torch has been guiding us for a while now. I'm leading this quest in the name of my mother."

"I see." Quintus studied them carefully before throwing them a dog whistle. "Here take this, if you need help just blow it and Mrs. O'Leary will come."

Alabaster caught the whistle. "Thanks." The hell hound barked playfully and wagged her tail.

Quintus smiled at them. "If we meet again we should have tea. Though I hope it is under better circumstances." With that Mrs. O'Leary went up to him and the two disappeared into the shadows.

They stared at the shadows processing what had just occurred. "Who was that?" Ethan asked.

"I have no clue," Alabaster said his brow furrowing as he looked at the whistle. "How he knows my family is beyond me."

"He didn't seem like an enemy," Ethan said.

"But he didn't seem like a friend either," He said as he looked into the shadows.

Alabaster stepped forward. "Come on we don't have all day." The flames in his torch forming a light arrow up ahead.

They continued on their path when the found a large wooden door. "Well lets see if this is it," he grunted as he pressed against the door.

As the door flung open he heard the sound of gulls as the smell of salt water hit his nose. He blinked his eyes as he adjusted himself to the light bright sunlight. "Well we found a beach."

"Nassau Bahamas," Alabaster said pointing to a sign in the distance.

The sound of the waves calmed him. "Well at least we are somewhere near the east coast this time."

"Oh boys!" They turned around and saw probably the most stunning woman he had ever seen. She was more beautiful than any model or movie star and had a smile that would make any man do anything foolish.

"Aphrodite," Alabaster said. "Be careful with your words."

Aphrodite approached them. "Now what brings you three to my private resort?"

Alabaster bowed. "Forgive us my lady, we are on a quest. We'll return immediately."

The goddess laughed. "Oh don't be shy boys. Come I could use the company, I have a date with Ares in a few hours."

Uh oh. Frankly he didn't want anything to do with Ares but he knew that saying no to a goddess wasn't the best idea.

With a snap of Aphrodite's fingers, their clothes were cleaned and free of dirt. "Come we shall eat lunch in my cabana."

They all looked at each other and then at the nice cabana and nodded. "Yes mam."

Aphrodite smiled. "Good. Young heroes need to be rested. Now come on we don't have all day."

He had to admit the cabana was nice and cozy and his stomach growled at the sight of the food on the table. "There's a shower feel free to use it," Aphrodite said with a smile. "Make yourselves at home.

They all quickly showered and found a fresh pair of clothing for each of them. As they sat down and ate Aphrodite smiled at all of them. "You three are so cute. So many quests these days, so much excitement." The goddess then turned to Alabaster. "You know I haven't seen Circe in a while, how is she?"

Alabaster cleared his throat. "She's alright, busy with her various spas."

Aphrodite smiled. "You know back in the day we'd always gossip together while getting our hair done. Send her my regards."

"Uh will do," Alabaster said.

Frankly he welcomed the gesture. After a nice shower and a change of clothes provided by Aphrodite, they sat on a relaxing lunch across from the goddess. "Rest well," Aphrodite said with a smile. "Oh my you three are all cute, I hope my daughters can break the hearts of men as cute as you three."

"Uh thank you mam," Ethan said. "Are you on vacation here?"

Aphrodite sighed and relaxed in her seat. "Of course. I love a nice Caribbean getaway." The goddess looked at each of them. "A son of Poseidon, Hecate, and Nemesis. What an unusual pairing for a quest. Tell me how is your quest coming along?"

"Uh it's going well," Alabaster said. "My mother guides us, I know we can find the camp."

Aphrodite smiled. "You're one of Hecate's children, aren't you? Her children had the nicest eyes and the most interesting paths to love." She then turned to Ethan. "I knew your mother Nemesis as well. After all vengeance often accompanies love." Finally she turned to him and smiled. "I know you'll break a lot of hearts too."

He blushed not knowing what to think. "Thank you."

The goddess sat back with a smile that would make most men go crazy. "Love comes in many forms. I can feel the love and devotion each of you have towards your parents." She then picked up her martini. "Unfortunately I don't know much about the labyrinth but rest here for a bit. The least I can do is give you the strength you need for your quest."

They looked at each other and shrugged. "Thank you Lady Aphrodite," Alabaster said politely.

Aphrodite looked at each of them. "Your combined strength will lead you to what you desire. Familial love is also one of my favorites." She then picked up her drink and turned away. "Now rest well. The three of you have a long journey ahead I can feel it. I hope you all have entertaining love lives."

The goddess then turned to Ethan and smiled. "You know I always had a fondness for how cute Japan is. Have you met my daughter Drew Tanaka ? Her father was a famous host in Japan, such a polite man."

Ethan shifted where he sat. "Yeah I've seen her around."

He probably guessed Ethan was politely saying Drew was not the type of girl who he would usually associate with and he couldn't blame her after all Drew Tanaka was a bit of a snob.

Aphrodite smiled and got up. "You boys take care I have things to handle." With that she got up and disappeared in a flash of light.