I awoke to the sounds of fanfare from Apollo cabin. With the recent push to unite cabins closer, Chiron has been letting them 'help us' by blasting massive noise into the streets of cabins row. I don't even sleep in too late! Just until after breakfast some mornings. But as the only Hypnos kid, they decided that I should be everyone else's responsibility. Gods, I hate morning people.

I sat up, pulling the journal from next to my dagger and began transcribing last nights dream. That way, I don't forget, and I can use them as cheat sheets. Because of half-blood prophetic dreams, it often will do me some favors to be able to consult them. While the haiku spouting dweebs refuse to acknowledge the fact that dreams can give you more info than even a visit to Rachel's cave, I know better. So I keep my journal on me just as religiously as I keep my knife.

With a huff, I finished up the summary, opting to do the dissecting after breakfast. The floor boards creaked loudly as I stood and walked over to the shower, knocking quickly before entering. With the world not ending, the city started getting caught up to our pals in new Rome, and whilst most things stayed the same, running water in the cabins was the greatest change they could ever make. I bathed as fast as possible, pulling on an orange Camp hoodie and some blue jeans. It was finally fall, and that meant my constant hoodie wearing was finally in style. Plus, I sew in some extra pockets so it was great storage. Fashion aside, I finally rushed to the door, nearly at the same time as my neighbor.

"Mornin' Ajax" She called out half asleep. She had on a (blood stained) tee shirt, and her hair was up in braids. 'So something important is happening today, got it'I thought, considering the 'nice' outfits my dear neighbor had on this morning. Her gore obsession signaled her heritage from Thanatos, but she somehow managed to play it off as cutesy and girly. While that bogus charm worked enough to not have her drafted for capture the flag, it got old quick.

"Morning dot. What's with the formality today? Chiron got you talking to the sharks?" I asked, strait to the point.

She rolled her eyes, before adjusting the collar of her shirt. "You know he only lets the nerds and the princes run that stuff. Plus, I don't think investors would think I pull off the red. Mist might even sell my style as a crime!" She said with a mock gasp, walking beside me and lingering at my side. Then she spoke again "I'm actually 'spose to welcome newcomers get around the construction at temple hill. So it's a day full of arguments with Athena and Hephaestus cabins over how much some newbie's life is worth compared to their new library. And they have the gull to call me a brute!" She whined.

I laughed, patting her back heartily. Then I put on my best 'um actually' accent and spoke up. "Sure they could get impaled, but what about reading! I don't care we're dyslexic, we could look so smart!" I mocked before breaking into laughter again. "Your gonna kill one of 'em! I just have writing and sparring today. Then I can just hang around!" I brag, before she jabs two fingers into my side, hitting what I can only assume is my spinal cord. She, in turn, received a slap upside the head. Her neck rolled, almost as hard as her eyes.

"Fine, fine, I'll leave you to contemplate your suffering on your own," I giggled, "And I'll go see if I can trade with Hermes cabin for some monster."

"You an addict" She said deadpanned, but holding back her own laughter.

"Why quit when I thrive so?" I say poetical, whist turning my back. "See you at lights out, dork"

—

After the noble sacrifice of my assist for war games, I acquired my daily dose of caffeine. I've always been a quick eater, so I was out of the dining pavilion quite quickly. Seeing as Dorothy was busy talking gore with the Ares cabin, and the only other people who were worth my time were either wrapped up in plans or wrapped around some girls finger, I wondered down to Rachel's cave. Last time we talked, it seemed like she was on the edge of some painting, It was safe to assume she was on another painting bender. That was always interesting. So after quickly making her a plate of food, I hobbled down the hill to her studio. But on my way through the pavilion, I noticed some weird whispers from the corner. I skidded under a table, and listened.

"He's been out for college for a few months now! Now that he's killed every godly opponent, I suppose education is fair. But three more years without our saint is painful." Said the first weirdo in a blue cloak. I made the connection quickly. He was talking about Perseus Jackson. Though I arrived after the titan war, I was well aware of his accomplishments. His feats trump those of other legends. And he was alive now! Despite being unbelievably cool, I had never heard of him described as a saint. Before I had time to digest, the other spoke up.

"He is among the gods, my friend. He pulled the Pontifex Maximus from hades, and he pull himself from hell. I have no doubt he will return if we are in danger. And when he does, his followers will be ready." And with that, the cloaked strangers were off. It was all too strange. What did he mean followers? And among the gods? All the stories made it clear he and the seven weren't gods. So why does he have followers? When Dionysus rose, he meant too. But if enough believers flock to him, would he rise? So many questions and so little answers. So with renewed importance, I rushed down to the cave of the oracle.

—-—

"Rachel?!" I shouted, and was met with the clattering of several paintbrushes before she rushed over.

"Oh hey Ajax, what's going o-" Before she could finish, she snatched the food from my hands, before groaning 'food' like a satyr. Two and a half strips of bacon later, she finally looked up at me. In he freshly fed mania, she rushed back into the room, pulling me by my jacket sleeve. Once we got to her easel, she compared some paint to the color of my jeans, while muttering something about it being just right. She kept painting for a solid two minutes before I cleared my throat.

"Bit of a strange way to greet guests, isn't it? I figured we could chat a bit before you force me to be a muse" I chuckled sarcastically, grinning at her.

She replied, "Oh, no I do this for all of my fans."

"Aww I thought I was getting the backstage pass"

"An ego worthy of Zeus." She said teasingly, before swapping out paints and taping over her canvas. As she worked, it was like her muscles knew what to do before he brain did. It was incredible to watch. Finally she spoke up. "So you just here to hang out, or did the horse send you for something?"

"Just stopping by. Dot was hanging out with the ares kids and I'm too tired to put up with their garbage. But I did see something weird I wanted to tell you about." I explained, running my hand through my hair.

"Ahh. So you're trying to dodge the next round of drafts for construction," She called me out, "And your first thought was to go bug me. I'd like to remind you that I'm not just some cave lunatic with a couple of finger paints, Ajax. But go on, tell me your story" Even though the sarcasm I could hear some intrigue in her voice. Not to brag, but I have some pretty great gossip quite often. It probably doesn't help that I'm her lead source of information.

"So I was walking here because my aim is too bad to shoot myself in the foot, and I'm too broke to flee to Canada," She snorted and flicked back her hair, before beckoning me to continue, "And there was this group of these two weirdos. Now I'm not one to judge, my best friend wears blood stained clothes as a fashion statement, but they were dressed strange. Each one of them had on a blue cloak. Not just like some jacket, no, a full cloak! That was what tipped me off, so I hid under a table to eavesdrop. They were vague, but I'm pretty sure they were talking about Percy." I rant explanatorily, noticing how her head jerked up at my mention of the hero of Olympus.

"Like Percy Jackson? Is there some sorta attack planned? I swear I'll-"

"Yeah him, but they aren't planning to kill him. In fact they seem like they like him. Like a creepy amount. They were calling him weird things, one even called him their 'patron saint'! It was so weird"

Her anger faded into shock, and she set down her paintbrush. "I can't tell if I like that more. It's probably just some hero warship, but keep an ear out. I feel like something may be coming. Why don't you keep coming over and talk about your dreams, okay? It's too early for a quest, but if you catch anything off, tell me or Chiron."

I nodded. "Didn't Syble's last puzzle drop? We have most of Hermes Weekly, but her 'crossword' was cut outa our last issue. Maybe she's got something helpful?"

It was barely noticeable, but I could tell she got a bit paler. Something was in it last time, and I could tell. "What was in it?" I asked with my most stern voice. Likely out of surprise, she jumped a bit, before sighing speaking up.

"You're right again, detective dung brain." She joked to lighten the mood. "I thought it was just some meta joke, but it had four words. 'Duo, south west, prophecy, and creator' if I remember correctly. Find yourself a friend and you just might be up for a quest"

I nearly puked. A quest? The last time someone set out on a quest, they came back half deaf and had burns all up and down their sides. But also, the glory of a quest might finally let me shut up morning fanfare, and maybe even meet my dad. I would probably have at least a while, and it might not even be towards me. With this in mind, I sighed, before checking my watch.

"Looks like I got writing soon. See you tomorrow, Rachel. I'll try to keep an eye out for questers" With that I walked towards the door, and headed out.

Thud.

"Ouch! Watch where you're going, moron!" I shouted to whoever just rammed into me, halfway out of the doorway.

"You watch where you're going! I've got places to be!" She responded. What a punk! I turned to look at the walking obstacle, and saw a short, blonde, freckled girl. Judging by the glowing spot in her hair, she was from Apollo cabin. Great. Her shirt was a camp tee, modified to hang off her shoulder. On the covered shoulder was a rope, likely attached to some sort of weapon.

"You gonna keep staring, idiot? Or you gonna apologize." She demanded with a glare, pushing herself off the ground.

"I ain't staring Rapunzel! And you ran into me!"

"Did not! And don't call me that, sleeping beauty!" She pushed on my shoulders. She actually put her hands on me! I pushed her back, harder. She had an indignant look in her eyes, despite being entirely at fault. She stepped up to slap me, but I grabbed her arm. Then she swung at me with the other. It connected, and in my anger, I twisted the wrist in my hand, and swung straight at her gut. She sidestepped my punch like a dancer, and tripped me, before climbing on top of me and starting to take punches. I once again caught her wrist,and slammed her off of me, into the doorframe. I was just about to throw another punch when I felt a pair of hands pull me back.

"Stop it! I swear, this is why I don't let people into my studio! Break it up!" Said Rachel, who evidently heard the fight. I turned to justify myself but was met with a withering glare. I'd just have to tell my side later. "You're lucky I don't tell Chiron! Unbelievable!" I just stayed silent. But, the minute she saw both of us in the same frame, something clicked. The girl must have a reputation! Wait no, that isn't the same motherly scorn she showed me. Her face was just blank. And it all clicked when the green mist filled the air. This was going to be a miserable quest. She spoke in a voice that wasn't her own, that of the oracle.

A duo will venture, three will return

An oath subverted, and a favor to earn

Vultures and fire, the lost son revealed

A bond to be made, and one to be healed