Sorry for the long wait for this chapter everyone. I hope you all enjoyed it. And before I get started on the Alternate story following the BBC Atlantis series for my Phoebe Jackson characters, I would like to finish either this book or another one first if that's okay. And it will come sooner, hopefully in February. And don't worry, I'm in the process of doing Encanto 2 and I would to finish that as well.

Just a reminder. I own only my OC characters, not Percy Jackson and a song used in the TV series. It's just part of the episode. Credit goes to tv makers including Roidan. Enjoy the chapter.

We visit the Garden Gnome Emporium Part One:

(Phoebe's Point of View)

The door creaked as I pushed it open the attic was dusty and everywhere I stood, floorboards creaked like I was inside a haunted house in one of those horror movies, Grover and I watched as kids. Old items were stacked everywhere and it was difficult to breathe with all the dust. I made my way slowly and carefully to the other side when I saw what looked like a living corpse with fresh white hair lounging on a chair. "Hey. I'm Phoebe. Phoebe Jackson. It's nice to meet you,". It didn't move nor did it speak. I licked my lips. "I was told a quest isn't a quest until you've said so. Right?" Still nothing. "Man. It's like talking to a Halloween costume," I muttered to myself. Unfortunately, I was too loud. The head twitched, and the body moved. I was creeped out, feeling the urge to throw up. I wanted to leave but the toothless mouth opened its jaws and it spoke. "I am the Spirit of Delphi. Speaker of the Prophecies of Phoebus Apollo. Slayer of the Mighty Python. Approach seeker,".

Swallowing my lunch, I stepped forward and instantly she breathed out green mist which engulfed the room. It didn't smell. But what came next grossed me out even more. In front of me was Gabe and his poker buddies at a table like back home.

"Come on!" I whined. "Really?".

Gabe's head turned to me. "You shall go west and face the god who has turned,".

Eddie spoke next. "And you shall find what was stolen and see it safely returned,".

It meant I would succeed in finding Uncle Zeus's bolt and proving my innocence. But it wasn't over yet. The mist kept speaking through the other poker buddy's mouth. "You shall be betrayed by one who calls you friend and will fail to save what matters most in the head,".

What did he mean?

And the final poker buddy said. "You must take the touched child with you. For without him, all that you strive for will be lost. Lose sight of him, and all will be forever,".

The mist evaporated and the corpse of Delphi became lifeless again. I instantly left.

(Jason's Point of View)

Chiron and I were waiting for Phoebe. She stampeded down the stairs, looking like she was going to puke. "Are you okay?" Chiron asked.

"No," she swallowed her vomit. "I am not going back up there any time soon,".

"It's all over," I soothed. When she looked up at me again, she gave me this hard glance. "What is it?".

"I just want to leave," Phoebe stepped out of the house and I exchanged worried looks with Chiron. We walked back to the lake and gathered together under the plaza ring of stone. Luke, Annabeth and Cody were there and I instantly went to Luke's side.

It was my first night sleeping away from him and I didn't want to be apart from him at all. Poseidon's hut was comfy and I was happy to be providing company for Phoebe considering there were no other Sea God half-bloods around but it would never be the same without Luke.

"The Oracle has confirmed what we expected that this quest will proceed towards the Underworld, where you will confront the god who has rebelled against his brothers,". As Chiron spoke, Phoebe beside him was strong in character.

I knew deep down the only thing that was motivating her to go on this quest was to save her mother.

"Hades. The entrance to Hades's domain lies under the city of Los Angeles. This is where you will journey to. And time is short. I have selected our most compelling candidates, from which you will choose four to join you on this quest and ensure that we succeed,".

Annabeth would have to be one of them. "Annabeth," Phoebe announced straight away. I eyed my 'sister' proudly.

"Customarily, we would wait until at least one or two candidates are named," Chiron whispered out loud.

"Annabeth's the perfect candidate," I spoke up. "This is her destiny like you told her. It will be dangerous and if anyone can help Phoebe achieve this quest, it's her,".

Chiron trusted my judgement. "Very well. Choose your other three,".

"Cody," Cody beamed. This would be his first quest. He would bring honour and finally earn his place in the cabin of Artemis. Luke high-fived him.

"Next,"

"Jason,". My eyes enlarged. Luke's head turned to me, a proud smile on his face.

"I'm afraid he is not a …"

"I choose Jason," Phoebe would not change her mind. Chiron, however, wasn't sure about that. He tried to argue but she refused to stand down. "The Oracle was clear that I have to take Jason with me. Because without him, all that I strive for will be lost. He's important,".

Clarisse chortled. Chiron cleared his throat and she restrained her mouth.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I was important to this quest. Maybe this was my chance to prove myself, to earn a true place in the world of heroes.

My guardian tried to argue again, but Luke spoke up. "This is Jason's moment, Chiron. The Oracle chose him for a reason. The gods chose him for a reason. And this is his chance to finally prove to them that he belongs with us. He can do this. I believe in him,".

I was touched by Luke's support. But I was scared. I had never left New York, let alone Camp Half-Blood at all.

Please pick Luke. Please pick Luke. I prayed.

(Phoebe's Point of View)

I made my way to the Pegasus fields. And there I found Grover shovelling poop. He saw me. "Hey,".

"Hey,".

"I'm sorry I missed your selection ceremony. I was just you know …," he dumped the waste in a wheelbarrow. "Shovelling poo,".

"I take it Mr. D wasn't happy about you telling me about my mum?".

"Nope,".

"I'm sorry," I apologised.

"Don't be. You deserved to know the truth and I wasn't going to hurt you again by doing that. So, who did you choose to go with you?".

"Annabeth, Cody, Jason and you,". My answer earned a laugh.

"No seriously who was the fourth person you picked,".

"You," I said straightly. "I want to come with us,".

A smile crossed his face. "So, are we best friends again?".

"Always Grover," I held up a fist. "Always,".

With a big smile, he punched it and I hugged him. "Thank you. For telling me about my mother. And for everything you did to protect me,".

"So, you still want me as your Protector?".

"Of course you dummy,". I joked. "You are the greatest friend anyone could wish for and there is no one else I would rather go on a quest with than you,".

"Then I'll pack the best snacks. And how does Jason feel, going off on his first quest to the other side of the states?".

"A little nervous. But we need him. We all need each other for what's to come. I think he's a bit upset; I didn't pick Luke as well," I pursed my lips. "I hate that I'm separating them again,".

"Luke will understand. And how does Chiron feel? He's protected Jason his entire life and now letting him go is gonna be one of the toughest things he has ever done.

I pursed my lips, uncertain of what to answer.

(Jason's Point of View)

I was hurt that Luke wasn't picked to come. But I could tell Phoebe was taking a lot of things into consideration. And she knew Grover longer than any of us so he had to come. Chiron wanted us to say our goodbyes in his house. And he was giving me the essentials for the long journey ahead, including two hundred dollars in cash and a bag of golden drachma.

"Make sure you don't mix them up," he said seriously.

"I won't," I promised. "I'm gonna be okay. And I've packed my rainbow crystal. I'll contact you every night if I have to,".

"You know Iris demands payment. So don't use it, unless you absolutely need to,". He hid his eyes. "I knew that this day would come. I just wasn't expecting it to come so soon,".

"I'll be alright. And as Phoebe said, I have to go. I can't hide here forever and this the chance I have to prove myself to the gods,".

"You've never had to prove yourself to anyone. Especially not to me,". Chiron wiped his eyes.

"Don't cry," I begged.

"You know I can't," he sniffled. "There's something I must give you now that your time has come," he walked over to a chest and opened it gently. He pulled out a sheathed sword in a dark leather scabbard. Its handle was golden and its pommel had a bull horn symbol which matched the charm around my neck. "This belonged to your father,". I raised my head to his words. I gently took the weapon and pulled the blade out partly. The steel glowed blue and silver like the colours of the sea. I had never seen a sword like this before and how could anyone in the human world acquire one like that?

"I believe now is your time to wield it and use it to keep yourself safe from all those who would dare to harm you. I have done all that I can to prepare. My only hope is that I have prepared you enough," he cupped my face and I shed a tear. "And my only regret is not realising sooner the man you have become,".

I hugged Chiron who hugged me back. "Thank you for all that you've done for me. Dad,". It was the first time I had called him that. And it made him more tearful than I had ever seen him. He held me for a long time and he slowly let go before wiping my eyes away. He kissed me on the forehead and pressed his to mine. I cried a bit too. "I'm so proud of you, Jason,".

We chose to leave now before I could be tempted not to go. As we made our way, I smiled to see Luke arriving, carrying a shoebox under his arm.

"You ready?". He asked.

I nodded. "I just can't believe it's happening. And don't worry about me, Luke. I'll be fine. I'll contact you whenever I can,".

Phoebe arrived, all dressed up, her hair tied back. "Are you ready?" she asked.

I nodded. "I'm ready,".

She looked apologetically at Luke. "Luke I'm so sorry I didn't pick you as well. I wanted to but …,".

"It's okay, Phoebe," he assured her. "You made the right choices. And you've given Jason the chance to prove to the gods that he belongs with us. Besides, Chiron's gonna need a helping hand in what's to come. I'll look after him whilst you're away,". He promised me.

"Thank you,".

"And one other thing," he opened his box.

"They're …. Interesting," Phoebe commented the red conversed with white laces.

"They're not just any shoes," Luke smiled. I picked one up. "Maia,". White wings sprouted out of the sides.

"Wow," she breathed. "These will definitely come in handy,".

"A gift from my dad. Use them wisely," Luke advised.

I took the shoes out of the box and stuffed them in my rucksack. "Thank you,".

"Least I could offer to lend a hand,".

"That's very kind of you, Luke," Phoebe said. "And don't worry about us. We'll be fine,".

"I wish you good luck as well Phoebe. You'll save your mum,".

She smiled and together we all walked to the entrance where Grover, Annabeth and Cody with Akeda were waiting for us, all dressed and packed and ready to go.

"Good luck everyone!" Chiron bid. "Don't be afraid to call should you need help,".

"I might have brought some other people to say goodbye," Luke spoke up. We turned and we saw all our friends, Naomi, Peter, Layla …. I could see how proud they are that I was on my first quest with Phoebe and they couldn't be any prouder. They exchanged good lucks and goodbyes and hugs with all of us and even Naomi gave us jars of jam to remind us of home. And to spread on bread for the journey ahead.

I said my final goodbye to Luke. "Can't believe this is it," Luke smiled proudly.

"You've taught me so much. I'm really gonna miss you,".

"Come here, you," Luke pulled him into a big squeezy hug. "You're gonna show the gods who you are, Jason. You're gonna prove to all demi-gods that you belong with us. And don't let anything stand in your way,". We touched foreheads to each other, and Annabeth held out her hand for me to take. The five of us walked away from the gates.

"Hey Phoebe," Luke called out to her. "Look after him,".

"Don't worry Luke. So long as we stick together, we'll be perfectly safe,". She promised.

I turned back and looked back at Chiron, Luke and all our friends who glanced out at me with encouraging faces. I smiled and waved back at them before following my team towards Thalia's pine.

(Phoebe's Point of View)

I watched Annabeth as she touched the roots of the pine tree on the hill. "She's really gonna miss that tree uh,".

"That's not just any tree," Jason spoke up. Apart from his wet eyes, he was sad, observing Annabeth's posture. "It's Thalia's tree,".

"It belonged to Zeus's daughter?" I asked.

Grover decided to explain. "When Annabeth, Luke and Thalia arrived here they were being chased by angry monsters. Agents of Hades,".

"Furies. Like Mrs. Dodds?" I asked.

He nodded. "She was Alecto,".

"Thalia turned back to fight to buy her friends sometime. Her satyr protector tried to stop her but she wouldn't listen. So, at the last moment, Zeus intervened to save her life and changed her form,".

I frowned. "The most powerful being in the universe's best idea to save his daughter's life was to turn her into a tree?".

"She was the bravest demigod I ever knew," Annabeth approached us, hiding the grief in her eyes. "She fought valiantly and she met a hero's fate,".

"She met a pinecone's fate," I remarked.

Jason frowned at me. "Really?".

Annabeth, though affected by my choice of words, kept on talking. "Forbidden children are always in danger. Even the strongest ones. Even Thalia. And you are not Thalia. Do exactly as I say and maybe you'll survive. Are we clear?". I didn't like her sharp voice.

"Annabeth," Jason criticised.

"What?" She shrugged her shoulders. She turned around and marched on.

"Does she think she's in charge?" I asked. Her bossy nature annoyed me so much.

"Who do you would be in charge?" Grover asked.

"Uh, I don't know. Maybe do a show of hands," I suggested. I only hoped I could tolerate her enough for the long journey ahead.

"Come on, guys," Cody said. "Every moment counts towards getting to Los Angeles. And we'll only do it if we work together.

"Where is Tuastos by the way?" I asked him. I hadn't seen her since I chose my team.

"Tuastos has made a head-start and she'll be able to track us if ever we need help. To the humans, she'll look like a runaway horse and she's faster than you think. Are you ready, Jason?" he held out his hand and Jason took it before following their best friend.

"No turning back now," Grover said cautiously.

"Let's do this,". And we followed our team away from the safety of camp to the dangers of the outside world. We took a taxi into New York, coming to the bus station where we would be taking a long bus journey across the states. Whilst Jason and Annabeth were getting tickets, I stared up at the flats overlooking the streets. And instantly I recognised the flat my room was in. I didn't even want to think about what my stepdad was doing right now.

"She did it to protect you, you know," Grover spoke up.

"What?" I asked.

"As a child of the big three, your smell attracts more monsters than other demigods. But not if you're concealed by a horrid smell. She knew that your stepfather's putrid smell would conceal you from monsters. She married him to protect you,".

My eyes glistened. "She sacrificed so much for me. And now I have to save her from the Underworld. I will not let her down,".

"We're going to get her back," Grover opened his arms and I hugged him. "I promise,".

"Guys!" Jason came running up to us. "You need to see this!". He had a newspaper article titled. 'Disappearing Mum. Suspect is believed to be a troubled step-daughter'. And Gabe's picture was stamped in black and white.

"What?!" I shouted.

"That doesn't look good," Grover cringed.

"We'd better get onto the bus," Cody said frantically. "Now,". Quickly we boarded the bus and I pulled my hood over my head to avoid detection.

"Annabeth, if someone recognises Phoebe, give your cap to her," Jason sat beside her and Cody sat in front of me and Grover. Akeda, who looked like a dog, in the eyes of humans was placed in the seat next to him. He was gonna guard me as an extra precaution.

(Jason's Point of View)

'Heroes quests are world-defining events'. Chiron had always told me about the value of quests. 'They have made and broken empires that altered the course of human civilization and changed the balance of power on Olympus.' I looked out the window and saw the Empire State Building, the gateway to Mount Olympus. 'A quest is a sacred thing. And to be charged with one is to be in charge is to be in conversation with the gods as well.

We drove out of the city and into the country. And so, the quest began.

We relaxed and I enjoyed watching the scenery change outside the window for miles and miles upon end. Everything was so beautiful. Annabeth marvelled at the sightseeing too. "It's so beautiful,".

"I wish Luke were here,".

"We'll be back together again before you know," she assured me.

Phoebe was gagging at the smell of the toilet. "This is not what sacred smells like,". She really wished were further to the front.

"We're soldiers on a mission. It's not a vacation," Annabeth said strictly.

"Thank you so much for clearly that up," she retorted sarcastically.

"Easy you two," I warned. "No need to get all ratty,".

"Guys, if we're tight on time, why didn't Chiron spring for plane tickets?". Phoebe had no idea what she was asking. "I mean we'd get to Los Angeles a lot quicker,".

Grover became scared. "So, no one's told you?".

"Told me what?".

"Phoebe, it isn't just the monsters who are going to be trying to stop us. You're a forbidden child. Zeus might try to take a shot at you,".

"He's right," Cody said. "We'd literally be serving you on a silver platter if we were flying by air. Zeus wouldn't dare risk striking at you whilst we're travelling by foot or by bus or whatever. We can't go by air,".

"Besides it's not just you who's in danger from Zeus," Annabeth said. She gripped my hand tightly. "He might try to take a shot at Jason,".

"Why?" Phoebe asked. "It's not like he's a forbidden child. I mean he's only blessed by Poseidon right?".

"Yes, but that doesn't mean Zeus would leave me be," I answered. "And it wouldn't be the first time he's tried to kill me,".

"Wait? What?" Phoebe asked.

"Phoebe, don't," Annabeth bossily said. "It's not your business,".

"Annabeth," Cody hissed. "No need to get all bossy with Phoebe. And also, technically she is the leader 'cause this is her quest. So, cut her some slack,".

I spoke up. "Luke probably told you Phoebe when I found Cody,".

"Yes," she nodded.

"Well, when our satyr friend and I were escorting him, Akeda and Tuastos to the camp, Zeus tried to strike lighting at me when we got lost in a storm," I narrated. "It was truly the most terrifying thing,". I quivered and Annabeth rubbed my hands to keep him calm.

"That's why we've got to be very careful who we encounter," Cody said warily.

We came to a stop. Everyone was getting off to stretch their legs. "I'll go get some snacks," Annabeth said.

"I'll come with you," Phoebe stood up but she stopped me.

"Woah, you stay right there,".

"Annabeth, it's stinks back here," she complained.

"Exactly. Monsters can't smell you through that so that's where I want you,".

"I wanna vote. Who thinks that we should all get to breathe fresh air and buy our own snacks?".

Annabeth wouldn't let me have the last word. "There's no voting. Chips and sodas okay for you guys?"

"I don't think you should just get to decide we don't vote,". She answered back stubbornly.

"I'm sorry to hear that,".

"Alright. I wanna vote on whether you get to decide we don't vote,".

I groaned. "Girls, would you please just …," Grover started clapping slowly and rhythmically. "What are you doing, Grover?".

He kept on clapping. "I really don't wanna be a tiebreaker. But I have a better idea,". Cody started clapping too.

Oh golly, the road's getting bumpy

Cause I got me some friends who just can't get along

Oh dear, when the team's getting grumpy

The trick to getting through it is singing this song

"Dude, what are you doing?" Phoebe's voice was a little snappy.

"It's the Consensus Song," he answered. "Someone who taught me that when you sing it a few times, you can get disagreements to just fade away. You see we're not arguing anymore,".

"Annabeth, We could use some fresh air," I implored. "I'll come with you to get snacks and Phoebe will be right by the bus with Grover and Cody at all times,".

She huffed. "Fine. But not for long,".

"Yes!" Instantly Phoebe sprang to my feet and nudged past Annabeth before she could stop her from leaving this stinky vessel.

And that's the next chapter done. I hope you all enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. So Jason is important to the quest and without him, all that Phoebe strives for will be lost. Their fates are entwined. Look forward to the next one.

See you all later, thank you for your support, and keep sending reviews.