Sea of Monsters

Chapter 13

When I woke up the next morning, and headed out to breakfast, I saw three men standing talking to Dionysus who looked bored out of his mind, Dionysus said something before leaving and the three men looked at each other before shrugging.

I sat down on the Poseidons table with Taylor. Everyone else soon started filling in, and when everyone had sat down, the three men spoke.

"Greeting everyone." The first spoke. "My name is Odyssius, to my right is Perseus and Theseus. By orders of Lord Hades, we are tasked to take over Camp Half-Blood and train the next eneration of Heros."

"We heard about your previous Director," Perseus spoke up. "Let us just say, we arn't going to be like him, we will try and help everyone. And will... upgrade the camp."

"Lets be honest." Theseus spoke. "Chiron was kinda slacking and Dionysus really failed in his job. So from this day on. Lets create a Camp where all heroes are welcome no matter your divine parent!"

Everyone burst into cheer, and I couldn't help but grin. Father really pulled through. Lets see how different things will be.

As the day progressed, I observed the three legendary heroes - Perseus, Theseus, and Odysseus - as they took on their roles in training and improving Camp Half-Blood. Each of them brought their unique skills and qualities to the camp, and I couldn't help but feel inspired by their presence.

Perseus, with his chiseled features and a mane of dark, curly hair, looked every bit the part of a hero. He wore a simple, well-worn set of armor, and his sword, a gleaming celestial bronze blade, was slung at his side. His eyes held a spark of determination as he led campers through sword-fighting drills. He demonstrated precise footwork and showed them how to make every strike count.

I watched from a distance, taking mental notes as Perseus instructed the campers. His words were laced with wisdom and experience. His approach to combat was not only about strength but also about strategy and finesse. As he sparred with campers one by one, I could see their skills improving under his tutelage.

Meanwhile, Theseus, a towering figure with broad shoulders and an air of authority, led the campers in grueling physical exercises. He wore a simple, sweat-soaked training tunic, and his bare feet pounded the ground as he demonstrated exercises. His voice was like thunder as he encouraged the campers to push their limits.

I decided to join in on Theseus's training session, eager to challenge myself and gain some valuable experience. The exercises were intense, and the campers around me panted and strained, but Theseus's presence was inspiring. He pushed us to discover our inner strength and reach new heights of physical prowess.

Finally, Odysseus, the most cunning and strategic of the heroes, walked through the camp, taking in its layout and structure. He was dressed in a simple yet elegant tunic and carried a notebook where he jotted down his observations. His wily, intelligent eyes studied the camp's defenses and facilities.

As I approached him, Odysseus acknowledged my presence with a nod. "Young Percy, what do you think of Camp Half-Blood?"

I gazed at the camp, looking around before responding. "The camp needs improvment. More fortification. It needs cabins for other gods and goddess, not just the Olympians. We could do with a better barrier and if I had to say, we need to expand in better training, get all demigods involved and make sure that nobody is left out."

Odyssius nodded and wrote some notes down. "You are a smart boy. I am surprised you are not the son of Athena."

"Just because Athena is the goddess of wisdom does not mean others can't be just as wise." I responded.

"Good answer." Odyssius chuckled.

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That night at the campfire, Apollo's cabin led the sing-along. They tried to get everybody's spirits up, but it wasn't easy after that afternoon's bird attack. We all sat around a semicircle of stone steps, singing halfheartedly and watching the bonfire blaze while the Apollo guys strummed their guitars and picked their lyres.

We did all the standard camp numbers: "Down by the Aegean," "I Am My Own Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandpa," and "This Land is Minos's Land." The bonfire was enchanted, so the louder you sang, the higher it rose, changing color and heat with the crowd's mood.

On a good night, I had seen it twenty feet high, bright purple, and so hot the whole front row's marshmallows burst into the flames. Tonight, the fire was only five feet tall, barely warm, and the flames were lint-colored. Dionysus left early. After a few songs, he muttered something about how even pinochle with Chiron had been more exciting than this and headed back toward the Big House.

When the last song ended, Perseus spoke, "Well, that was lovely!"

He came forward with a toasted marshmallow on a stick and plucked it off, real casual-like. He popped it in his mouth commenting about how good it was.

Odyssius laughed as he stood and turned to address all the campers. "Now then! Some announcements about tomorrow's schedule. I would like the Hephestus campers come by early so I can give them a task, tomorrow all those not claimed shall also go to the Big House and we wll try and learn of your godly parent."

"I want all campers to learn how to fight with a weapon, so everyone who doesn't have a weapon come to me, that includes the Aphrodite cabin," Theseus spoke getting a groan and complains from the cabin. "I'll hear nothing of it, you are all demigods so you shall learn how to fight and defend yourselves."

"Now, the last announcment," Perseus spoke after eating another smore. "The barrier of camp, anyone has any idea of how to fix it?"

"Any ideas on how to fix the camp's barriers?" he asked, addressing the gathered campers.

I felt a surge of determination as I stood up. "I think I might have an idea." All eyes turned to me. I took a deep breath and began to explain about the Golden Fleece and its incredible healing properties. As I spoke, the campers listened intently.

"The Golden Fleece could heal the tree, the source of our camp's magic," I said, excitement building in my voice. "It's said to have the power to purify and restore. With it, we can mend the damage done to our camp's protective barrier."

Odysseus leaned forward, his keen mind already working on the problem. "Do you know where this Golden Fleece is located, Percy?"

I nodded. "Yes, I do. It's at 30 degrees, 31 minutes north, 75 degrees, 12 minutes west. Somewhere in the Atlantic, off the coast of Florida. The Sea of Monsters."

The mention of the Sea of Monsters brought a collective hush. I could see the worry in the campers' eyes as they considered the dangers of that treacherous place.

Perseus exchanged a knowing look with Odysseus and Theseus. "A quest is in order," he declared. "A quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece and restore the heart of Camp Half-Blood."

The campers began to murmur and speculate about who would lead this critical quest, but Perseus surprised everyone by turning to Clarisse. "Clarisse, will you lead this quest?"

Clarisse, taken aback by the unexpected offer, stared at Perseus. The campers started chanting her name, their voices growing louder and more insistent. She glanced around, feeling the weight of their trust and expectations.

Finally, she nodded, a fierce determination in her eyes. "Alright. I accept the quest, and I shall take Percy with me. As the Son of Poseidon, he will help sail the ship and navigate the seas."

"Sure I'll be happy to help." I responded. "As for the last member I would suggest Silena Beauregard or Ethan Nakemora. They have the best abilities to help in this quest."

"Why not take both?" Odyssius asked.

"Because we are only allowed to have three in a quest." Annabeth spoke up. "Three was found to be better at surviving."

"It will be fine, I say take both. The four of you should prepare for the quest." Perseus spoke up, Theseus agreeing with him. "I assume you guys have an Oracle or something right?"

"Yeah, she is in the attic of the Big House." someone spoke up.

Odysseus nodded at Clarisse. "The Oracle, my dear. Go on." She bowed and hurried off toward the Big House.

"So, Percy Jackson?" Perseus asked. "Why don't you tell us about the quest you had went to last year, from what I heard it was... pretty insane?"

I laughed as I helped Taylor with her marshmellow. "Yeah, you could say that. Zeus had lost his bolt and I guess it all began when I...."