Chapter 6: Quests Foretold
The Olympian council chamber hummed quietly with barely contained tension as trusted gods and demigods alike gathered around Athena's sprawling strategic table. Golden sunlight filtered through the high windows, illuminating the elaborate maps, charts, and stacks of scrolls meticulously laid before the assembled group. Percy watched quietly, recognizing the familiar tension that preceded war—a feeling he'd hoped never to experience again.
Athena stood at the table's center, her gray eyes scanning the crowd with practiced calm, analytical authority radiating from her presence. "The initial preparations are solid. However, we still lack specific intelligence on Tartarus's plans."
Zeus, sitting at the head of the grand table, frowned darkly, his stormy gaze fixed on the intricate maps. "Then how do we proceed, daughter? Must we simply brace for impact?"
Athena shook her head smoothly. "No, Father. Thanks to Selena's timely arrival and the intel she brings from her own timeline, we can preemptively act rather than merely react."
All eyes shifted toward Selena, who stood calmly next to Percy, projecting quiet confidence despite the gravity of the situation. She took a deep breath, preparing herself, and stepped forward to address the Olympians directly.
"In my original timeline," she began, her voice clear and steady, "we faced Tartarus unprepared. The gods responded too slowly—quests issued long after our enemy had already gained insurmountable advantage. By the time these missions were finally carried out, it was already too late."
Poseidon leaned forward attentively. "These quests—do you remember their nature, child?"
Selena nodded firmly. "Clearly. Each was vital—too vital to ignore now, given we have the advantage of foresight." She looked around the chamber, her eyes solemn. "Tartarus used powerful artifacts and tactics that we weren't ready to counter. Artifacts we could have secured earlier had we known their true importance."
Athena studied Selena thoughtfully, clearly appreciating her strategic insight. "Describe these quests to us clearly, Selena. If time truly works in our favor, we must use it."
Selena took a breath, eyes fixed resolutely on Athena. "Firstly, the Chalice of Ganymede, hidden deep within a sacred grotto in the ancient Troy. Tartarus empowered mortal followers and corrupted demigods with its divine essence. Without it, their ranks would never have grown so formidable."
Athena nodded slowly. "And the next?"
"The Arrow of Delphi," Selena said quietly, carefully avoiding Artemis's gaze. At the mention of an arrow, both Artemis and Apollo noticeably straightened, their eyes sharp with curiosity. "It's hidden within an ancient cavern complex beneath Delphi. In my timeline, Tartarus's followers used it to assassinate Lord Poseidon."
An immediate hush fell over the chamber. Poseidon stiffened visibly, his expression darkening as uneasy murmurs rippled through the assembly. Selena hesitated, her voice quieter but firm. "This arrow can pierce divine armor, crippling even immortals."
Athena continued evenly, prompting Selena gently. "Continue."
Selena nodded. "Finally, we lost crucial time preparing naval and aerial capabilities. In my timeline, Tartarus swiftly destroyed the Argo II to prevent us using it against him. Without an upgraded vessel, we lacked mobility and firepower. Leo Valdez and Jason Grace attempted to salvage the ship, but by then it was too late."
Leo, standing quietly with Jason and Reyna near the rear, perked up immediately. "Wait—the Argo II still exists? Where?"
"Currently," Selena answered, "its decommissioned hull is stored covertly on an abandoned Greek island. Unnoticed, forgotten. If retrieved now and upgraded—properly—it could turn the tide."
Athena straightened decisively. "Then we must act immediately. Each of these quests will be strategically assigned to trusted demigods capable of swift, subtle action."
Zeus's powerful voice resonated throughout the chamber. "Agreed. Percy, have any teams in mind?"
Percy rose calmly, feeling every pair of eyes settle upon him. Taking a breath, he stepped forward and spoke clearly.
"Nico di Angelo, Will Solace," Percy began firmly, turning towards Nico's shadowed figure and Will's steady golden gaze. "You'll retrieve the Chalice of Ganymede. You've both confronted darkness before, and this artifact requires experience with powerful, corruptive magic. Under no circumstances can Tartarus regain control of it."
Nico nodded gravely, determination flaring briefly in his dark eyes. "We'll handle it."
Percy continued without hesitation, turning toward Artemis's Hunters. "Thalia—if you please."
Thalia immediately moved beside Artemis, her stance confident yet alert. "Percy?"
"You'll lead a handpicked group of Hunters to Delphi to secure the Arrow of Delphi," Percy explained, voice steady but edged with urgency. "Its power poses a direct threat to Olympus—especially after hearing it was used to assassinate my father in Selena's timeline. You know firsthand how dangerous and precise an enchanted arrow can be. Find it and retrieve it if possible."
Thalia exchanged a brief glance with Artemis, who gave her a subtle nod of support. Thalia straightened resolutely, eyes blazing with fierce purpose. "Consider it done."
Next, Percy faced Leo Valdez, Jason Grace, and Reyna Ramirez-Arellano, who stood ready, waiting expectantly. "Leo, Jason, Reyna—you three will recover and upgrade the Argo II. We'll need speed, protection, and firepower. Leo, your mechanical skills are unmatched. Jason and Reyna, your leadership and tactical knowledge will ensure the ship and its crew are ready for anything Tartarus throws our way."
Leo's eyes gleamed with excitement, his confident grin growing wider. "Piece of cake, Percy. Leave it to us."
Hephaestus stepped forward, sparks flickering gently from his fingertips. "I'll provide all the resources and celestial bronze you need, Leo. Anything necessary to make the Argo III unstoppable."
Leo's grin widened even further. "Awesome, thanks, Dad."
Percy stood quietly, feeling slightly uncertain about the role and responsibility thrust upon him. Before he could ask, Selena cleared her throat softly, gently interrupting.
"There's one more quest we absolutely must undertake," Selena said clearly, her gaze shifting toward her father. "In my timeline, Kronos returned—fully restored by Tartarus's dark power. Percy eventually faced him, but without the cost of victory was immense. The Sands of Chronos, hidden deep within Alaska's wildlands, would provides a critical edge against the Lord of Time."
Percy felt a chill run down his spine at the mention of Kronos, a name he hoped never to face again. Yet he understood the necessity. "Then we have no choice. I'll go."
Selena nodded, though she hesitated slightly. "There's one thing more. I'd like Lady Artemis to accompany us."
Artemis blinked in surprise, clearly taken aback by Selena's direct request. "You wish me to join you? Why?"
Selena chose her words carefully, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she hid deeper motives beneath careful practicality. "The temple lies deep in wilderness inaccessible even to most gods. We'll need your mastery of the hunt and wilderness. Without you, I fear we could fail."
Artemis considered carefully, clearly aware Selena had ulterior intentions, though not yet certain what they were. After a thoughtful pause, she nodded slowly. "Very well. I'll accompany you. This artifact sounds too crucial to ignore."
Percy glanced curiously toward Selena, sensing hidden intent behind her request but choosing not to question it publicly. Whatever Selena had planned, he trusted it was for their benefit.
Athena quickly organized the remaining demigods into smaller, carefully disguised assignments, subtle enough to appear as mundane divine errands. Hermes, smiling mischievously, promised staggered, stealthy deployments to avoid alerting Tartarus prematurely.
Zeus, standing at last, addressed the room gravely. "Olympians, demigods, allies—we have the advantage of foresight thanks to Selena Jackson's bravery and sacrifice. Do not waste it. Act swiftly, silently, and decisively."
A solemn murmur of agreement filled the chamber as gods and demigods alike quickly dispersed, preparations set swiftly in motion.
As the council concluded, Artemis lingered momentarily beside Selena, her gaze quietly thoughtful. "Your insistence on my presence seemed... purposeful," she remarked lightly, her voice calm but observant.
Selena smiled faintly, eyes gently sparkling with hidden amusement. "Let's just say, Lady Artemis, that you're exactly where you need to be."
Percy approached, glancing between them with amused suspicion. "You and your secrets, Kiddo," he teased, nudging her lightly. "Should I be worried?"
Selena's grin widened innocently. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough, Dad."
Percy sighed, shaking his head in amused resignation. Artemis silently watched Selena, a subtle curiosity hidden behind her calm expression. She sensed deeper layers behind Selena's words, yet chose not to press further, allowing the girl her secrets—for now.
Hours later, Percy gripped the plush leather seats of Apollo's gleaming Maserati convertible—the current shape of the sun god's chariot—as it raced effortlessly through the clouds. The sun chariot seemed to paint the sky in vibrant hues of orange and gold. Despite the spectacular view, Percy found himself more focused on Selena, who sat beside him in the backseat, clutching tightly at the car door, clearly unused to Apollo's idea of casual flight.
"You okay?" Percy called gently over the wind, giving Selena a sympathetic glance.
Selena managed a faint smile, though her fingers still clutched tightly to the seat. "I'm fine. Just not used to traveling at… Mach Apollo."
Percy gave her an understanding grin. "You'll get used to it."
"Or you won't," Artemis muttered drily from the passenger seat, her own expression perfectly composed despite the intense speed. She cast a pointed glance at Apollo, who casually tapped along to music blaring from the car's speakers, sunglasses perched rakishly atop his nose.
Apollo sang loudly along to his latest single—something obnoxiously catchy about heartbreak, sunshine, and golden-haired beauties. Artemis's fingers drummed irritably on the armrest, her silver eyes narrowed in mild annoyance.
Noticing her discomfort, Apollo deliberately increased the volume, belting out the chorus enthusiastically. "Come on, baby sis, you know you love it!" he called playfully over the wind, giving Artemis a sideways grin.
Artemis glared pointedly ahead, her voice clipped and tightly controlled. "Apollo, would you kindly pay attention to your driving? I'd prefer not to crash into Mount Hood."
Apollo glanced sideways at his sister, a teasing grin spreading slowly across his face. "Relax, baby sis—I've flown this route thousands of times. Besides, I never crash."
Artemis scowled slightly, clearly unamused by the nickname. "You crashed last month."
"Landing enthusiastically," Apollo clarified breezily, waving away her accusation. "Totally different."
Selena glanced nervously at Percy, silently mouthing, "He crashes?"
Percy chuckled softly, patting her reassuringly. "He's exaggerating… probably."
"Hey now, no undermining the driver," Apollo called out dramatically from the front seat. "Passengers' criticisms always end badly—just ask Helios."
Percy raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Comforting."
Artemis rolled her eyes slightly but said nothing more.
Apollo turned slightly, noticing her tense posture. "Relax, Selena. Your Uncle Apollo's got this. Besides," he added dramatically, lowering the music volume and his sunglasses, "we need something more interesting to talk about. Like who exactly your mysterious mom is."
Selena hesitated slightly, then offered a polite, neutral smile. "That's not really important right now."
Apollo scoffed theatrically, feigning offense. "Not important? Selena, sweetheart, family gossip is the nectar of Olympus! Surely you can spare your favorite uncle a tiny clue? Hair color? Favorite hobby?"
Selena carefully avoided looking toward the passenger seat, instead shrugging lightly. "Sorry, Uncle Apollo. Not a clue."
Apollo sighed dramatically, leaning back thoughtfully. "Fine. Let's see—Aphrodite?" He shook his head. "Nah, not enough glamour. Athena? Maybe, but too serious. Hmm, Demeter maybe—you like gardening?"
Percy rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Apollo, let it go."
Apollo ignored him cheerfully. "Wait, wait—maybe Hestia! Quiet, reserved, calm…that could fit."
Percy chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "Hestia's a maiden goddess, Apollo."
Apollo raised an eyebrow dramatically. "Right—totally forgot that minor detail."
Selena relaxed slightly, offering an amused smile, clearly relieved at Apollo's increasingly improbable guesses.
Artemis shifted slightly in her seat, eyes coolly disinterested. Apollo glanced at her sideways with a mischievous smile. "Obviously not Artemis, right, baby sis? Can you imagine?"
Artemis's eyes sharpened immediately, voice icy and dismissive. "Apollo, your absurd speculations are distracting—and completely illogical. Please, just drive."
Apollo laughed, shrugging dramatically. "Alright, alright. So touchy today."
Selena glanced carefully away, expression carefully neutral as Artemis settled back into composed silence.
Percy leaned forward slightly, teasing Artemis gently to ease the tension. "Regretting this yet?"
"From the moment we departed," Artemis replied drily, though her tone softened just enough to reveal mild amusement.
The Maserati dipped gently, finally breaking through another cloud layer, revealing the majestic snow-capped peak of Mount Hood. Percy felt Selena slowly begin to relax again, her awe outweighing lingering anxiety.
Apollo expertly guided the chariot downward, landing smoothly at the outskirts of Portland, Oregon, at the edge of the gods' domain. He glanced back at his passengers, smug satisfaction evident on his face. "See? Perfect landing. Told you."
Artemis arched an eyebrow skeptically as she stepped gracefully from the convertible. "Only because I reminded you where the mountain was."
Apollo laughed lightly, sliding his sunglasses back into place. "Details, baby sis."
Percy helped Selena step from the car, noticing her relieved yet amused smile. Apollo turned to Percy, expression playfully serious.
"Good luck out there, Percy. And please, try not to break the universe—or bore my sister."
Percy chuckled lightly. "I'll do my best."
Artemis offered Apollo a small, dignified nod. "Thank you for the transportation, Apollo."
Apollo flashed a warm, sincere smile, his teasing softened by genuine affection. "Stay safe, baby sis."
Artemis sighed lightly, allowing a faint smile despite herself. "Likewise, baby brother."
With a confident salute and a final wink toward Selena, Apollo climbed back into his chariot. The Maserati rose smoothly, soaring back into the sky, leaving a faint trail of sunlight behind.
Percy glanced toward Artemis and Selena, shifting his backpack slightly. "Ready to continue?"
Selena smiled warmly, eyes bright with quiet confidence. "Always."
Artemis nodded resolutely, her calm gaze fixed firmly ahead. "Then let's begin."
