Humility - Gorillaz
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AS SHE SLOWLY DISSOLVED, Y/N smiled happily. I have the coolest mom ever, he thought. Turning around, Y/N was met with the glowing face of Chiron, smiling earnestly. Behind him, stood Annabeth, who seemed to be holding a large duffel bag. Other campers also milled around, eager to see what he had to say.
"I can see it went well." He mused, a warm smile on his face. Y/N nodded, before turning to Annabeth.
"Sorry to break it to you, Wise girl, but my Mom is WAY cooler than yours." He smirked. Annabeth blushed slightly, before grumpily throwing the bag to his feet. Y/N stared at her quizzically, picking up the bag.
He unzipped the it, revealing some fresh t-shirts and shorts in his size, along with some other toiletries and necessities. Y/N glanced up to Chiron, confused. "What's this for?"
"Some just some belongings you will need." Y/N glanced back to cabin eleven.
"But I thought I already had a cabin?" He questioned. Chiron glanced behind him, suppressing a smile.
"You have been claimed, Y/N. You shall be moving into your own." He trotted up to him, putting a hand on Y/N's shoulder.
"But... she's technically not an Olympian." He murmured, looking down at his feet. "She doesn't even have her own cabin at camp." Chiron raised an eyebrow, gesturing behind him. As Y/N glanced behind, his eyes widened and he gasped loudly.
Emerging from the ground, as if it had always been there, was a beautiful new cabin. It stood gracefully, bathed in warm, inviting light. The cabin's design was unlike any other at Camp Half-Blood. It radiated an aura of serenity and comfort.
Y/N walked over to it, as if in a trance. Chiron followed, grinning from ear to ear.
The Hestia Cabin was constructed from polished cedarwood that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight. The exterior was adorned with intricate carvings depicting hearths, flames, and homey scenes that exuded warmth. The roof was made of a golden material that glinted like the flickering flames of a hearth.
The front porch was adorned with cosy rocking chairs and wooden benches, inviting anyone to sit and bask in the cabin's peaceful ambiance. A large bronze hearth, a little smaller than the main campfire, sat in the middle. Small lanterns hung from the eaves, softly illuminating the area in the evening.
As Y/N approached, the cabin's entrance revealed itself. The double doors were carved with intricate patterns of dancing flames, and they swung open soundlessly as he drew near. Inside, the Hestia Cabin was a haven of tranquillity. Soft, warm colours dominated the interior, with plush armchairs and sofas arranged around a central hearth.
The hearth itself was a marvel to behold. It was a living entity, with flames that danced and crackled with life, yet never consumed the wood within. The fire exuded a soothing warmth that enveloped the entire cabin. Above the hearth, a beautiful tapestry depicted Hestia in all her glory.
Each corner of the cabin was adorned with comfortable beds, and soft, handwoven blankets that looked as if they had been spun from the very essence of home and comfort. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with volumes about the hearth, hospitality, and the importance of family.
At the back of the cabin, a fully-equipped kitchen awaited, with a large wooden table and chairs nearby. The scent of freshly baked bread and warm cookies filled the air, even though no one was currently cooking.
The Hestia Cabin was unlike any other, a sanctuary of warmth, comfort, and hospitality. It felt like a true home, a place where any demigod could find solace and respite from the trials of just existing.
Y/N turned to face the entrance, seeing Chiron and some other campers looking in with stunned expressions. He stuck his head in slightly, taking in the surroundings.
"I must admit," Chiron said, impressed. "I did not expect this at all."
As the campers continued to marvel at the cabin, Annabeth's expression remained a mixture of awe and nostalgia. She stepped inside, her eyes scanning the interior with a hint of longing.
"It... smells like home," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. Chiron nodded in agreement.
"It is all thanks to Hestia," he murmured. "No doubt this new cabin will become a place of solace and unity for all campers."
Chiron turned to me, a twinkle in his eye. "Y/N, I believe this cabin is a reflection of your mother's love for you. Make the most of it and use it as a source of strength and inspiration."
Y/N nodded hastily, still a little stunned. "Of course, Chiron." The centaur smiled at him, before turning to the rest of the campers.
"Campers, return to your cabins. I think it's best if we let Y/N have some time alone." Chiron's words hung in the air, and the other campers slowly began to disperse, heading back to their respective cabins. Some still cast curious glances toward the Hestia Cabin, while others simply looked content to have witnessed this remarkable moment.
Y/N turned to Chiron. "Thank you, Chiron," I said sincerely. "I appreciate everything you've done for me."
The centaur nodded with a warm smile. "You're most welcome, Y/N. But I think it's best to thank your mother, after all, she was the one that designed it."
With that, Chiron also left, making his way toward the camp's main area. As the campers cleared out, Y/N stood there, alone in the warm, inviting embrace of the Hestia Cabin. It was a moment of profound gratitude and reflection, and he couldn't help but feel that he had found his true home at Camp Half-Blood.
.
.
.
The next morning, Y/N awoke on the softest bed he had ever felt. It was like sleeping on a cloud, and he couldn't help but smile as he stretched out comfortably. Best of all, Y/N didn't have to share it with anybody. The Hestia Cabin had plenty of room for all his clothes and belongings, and it felt like a personal sanctuary.
As he got ready for the day, Y/N couldn't help but marvel at the freedom he now had at Camp Half-Blood. He could pick all his own activities, call "lights out" whenever he felt like it, and not have to worry about anyone else's preferences. It was an incredible feeling.
And so, Y/N's days at camp began to unfold. He quickly discovered that being a child of Hestia came with its own unique perks. The warmth and hospitality that radiated from my cabin seemed to draw others in like a magnet.
He quickly became one of the more popular campers. Everyone wanted to hang out with Y/N, whether it was by the hearth in the Hestia Cabin, where they shared stories and food, or at various camp activities and training sessions. His training wasn't lonely either. He learned sword fighting from the Ares kids, archery with Apollo, and even Greek lessons with Athena.
Hestia was also right about another thing. Y/N was powerful. He seemed to have an interesting control over fire, able to bend and manipulate it as he wished. A source was still needed, and the Stoll brothers kept trying to convince him to carry a lighter. Since being claimed, his cooking skills head also dramatically improved, and he was cooking up gourmet dishes that even the Aphrodite girls found impressive, describing his culinary skills as 'sexy', and 'attractive', Which was... a compliment? Y/N's words also had an effect on people, not as potent as charm speaking, as Annabeth pointed out, but effective in diffusing conflicts.
Ge also talked to, 'Lucy', quite a lot, often telling stories about his father and the past. For a goddess, she seemed like one of the most down-to-earth beings he had ever met. Y/N almost felt spoiled by her at times, and he could tell he got some envious looks from other campers.
Y/N also felt incredibly guilty.
Ever since Percy had been claimed, he'd been separated out as if he had some rare disease. Nobody mentioned the hellhound directly to his face, but whenever he wasn't around, it was always brought up. The attack seemed to have scared everybody. It sent two messages: one, that he was the son of the Sea God; and two, monsters would stop at nothing to kill Percy. They could even invade a camp that had always been considered safe.
Y/N made an effort to engage with Percy, trying to act casual and friendly. But it was evident that he was going through a tough time. Campers avoided training with him, and he ended up having private lessons with Luke, the camp's senior demigod.
One morning, Y/N was hanging out with the Clarisse and some of the Ares kids at the deckchairs. They were a rowdy bunch, shouting and laughing, but it felt like a big, boisterous family. There was something magical about the front deck - whenever people gathered there, all conflicts seemed to dissolve. Bonds grew stronger, and the usual rivalries that existed at camp seemed to disappear.
As he sat there with the campers from the Ares cabin, Y/N heard the sound of footsteps approaching. He turned to the right and saw Percy, nervously making his way towards the cabin.
The atmosphere grew tense as Percy neared them. The Ares campers exchanged angry glances, and Y/N could sense their annoyance.
Percy hesitated for a moment, looking for a place to sit. That's when things took a turn. Clarisse stood up, her hands balling into fists.
"Jackson," she spat, her voice dripping with disdain. She stomped over to him, snarling.
Y/N jumped to his feet, standing between Clarisse and Percy. Y/N raised his hands in a calming gesture, trying to prevent any violence from erupting.
"Hey, let's not do this," Y/N urged, his voice firm but soothing. "Percy is one of us. Let's not fight." Clarisse glanced at Y/N, her expression softening slightly.
"Y/N, you're too nice for your own good," she grumbled, before turning to her siblings. "Come on, guys, I don't want to be near this loser."
Reluctantly, the Ares campers followed Clarisse away from the front porch, grumbling and shooting resentful glances at Percy. Y/N turned back to Percy, offering a reassuring smile.
"Don't mind them," he said with a reassuring smile. "You're welcome here anytime." Percy nodded, his gratitude evident in his eyes as he finally found a seat.
As we sat in a comfortable silence, Y/N decided to offer Percy a drink. He got up from his chair and headed over to a particular magic water pitcher that Hestia had given him. Filling a cup, Y/N turned to Percy and asked, "Want a drink?"
He nodded, a sullen expression still on his face. Y/N poured him a cup, and a familiar caramel liquid flowed from the pitcher, splashing into the cup. Y/N raised an eyebrow quizzically and couldn't help but smirk a little.
"Never thought of you as a Coke guy," He teased with a playful smile. Percy seemed a bit embarrassed but took the cup gratefully.
As he took a long sip, he seemed lost in thought. Y/N sensed that something was troubling him deeply, so he decided to take the initiative.
"Something bothering you?" I asked gently. Percy looked a bit startled but then settled back into his chair. He nodded miserably.
"I hate it here, Y/N," he confessed in a low voice. "Just when I'd started to feel accepted, to feel I had a home in cabin eleven and I might be a normal kid, I got claimed. Now everyone either hates or is afraid of me."
Y/N nodded sympathetically. "You know, I don't hate you," He assured him.
He rolled his eyes jokingly. "Yeah, only because it's basically your job to love everyone," he said with a half-smile.
Y/N chuckled softly. "Well, that may be sort of true." He admitted. "But I'm not talking to you out of pity or obligation. I genuinely want to be your friend."
Percy seemed taken aback for a moment, and then a small, grateful smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Thanks, Y/N. That means a lot." Y/N returned the smile, taking a sip of his own hot chocolate.
As they sat in a comfortable silence, Y/N heard a faint clopping sound coming from the Big House. Grover walked up to them, clearly a little flustered. As he reached the front porch, Y/N smiled, gesturing to the seat beside him. Grover smiled warmly but shook his head, looking worried.
"Mr. D wants to see you, Percy," Grover informed him, fidgeting with his hands.
Percy's brows furrowed in confusion. "Why?"
Grover hesitated for a moment, his expression uneasy. "He wants to discuss something with you. I'd better let him explain."
Y/N couldn't help but feel curious about the situation. "Can I come?" he asked excitedly. Grover pondered this for a moment before giving a reluctant nod.
As he gazed up at the sky, Y/N noticed a strange phenomenon. Over Long Island Sound, the sky looked like ink soup coming to a boil, and a hazy curtain of rain was moving in their direction. Y/N questioned Grover if they needed an umbrella.
"No," he said. "It never rains here unless we want it to."
Y/N pointed at the storm. "What the heck is that, then?"
Grover glanced uneasily at the sky. "It'll pass around us. Bad weather always does."
But this storm... this one was huge. The campers seemed tense, and their eyes were fixed on the approaching tempest.
Grover, Percy, and Y/N walked up to the front porch of the Big House. Dionysus sat at the pinochle table in his tiger-striped Hawaiian shirt, holding his Diet Coke, just as he had on Y/N's first day. Chiron sat across the table in his fake wheelchair. They were playing against invisible opponents-two sets of cards hovering in the air.
"Well, well," Mr. D said with a wry smile without looking up. "Our little celebrities."
"It's good to see you, Sir," Y/N greeted him warmly. He seemed to ease up a bit, sitting comfortably in his chair.
"Polite as always, Y/N," he replied. Beside me, Percy stiffened, waiting.
"Come closer, Peter," Mr. D said. "And don't expect me to kowtow to you, mortal, just because old Barnacle-Beard is your father." A net of lightning flashed across the clouds, and thunder shook the windows of the house.
"Blah, blah, blah," Dionysus said dismissively. Chiron feigned interest in his pinochle cards, and Grover cowered by the railing, his hooves clopping back and forth. "If I had my way," Dionysus continued, "I would cause your molecules to erupt in flames. We'd sweep up the ashes and be done with a lot of trouble. But Chiron seems to feel this would be against my mission at this cursed camp: to keep you little brats safe from harm."
"Spontaneous combustion is a form of harm, Mr. D," Chiron interjected.
"Nonsense," Dionysus retorted. "The boy wouldn't feel a thing. Nevertheless, I've agreed to restrain myself. I'm thinking of turning you into a dolphin instead, sending you back to your father."
"Sir, please..." Y/N pleaded.
"Oh, all right," Dionysus relented. "There's one more option. But it's deadly foolishness." Dionysus rose, and the invisible players' cards dropped to the table. "I'm off to Olympus for an emergency meeting. If the boy is still here when I get back, I'll turn him into an Atlantic bottlenose. Do you understand? And Perseus Jackson, if you're at all smart, you'll see that's a much more sensible choice than what Chiron feels you must do."
Dionysus picked up a playing card, twisted it, and it became a plastic rectangle. A credit card? No. A security pass. He snapped his fingers. The air seemed to fold and bend around him. He became a hologram, then a wind, then he was gone, leaving only the smell of fresh-pressed grapes lingering behind.
Chiron smiled at Them, but he looked tired and strained. "Sit, Y/N and Percy, please. And you, Grover." They did. Chiron laid his cards on the table, a winning hand he hadn't gotten to use.
"Tell me, Percy," he said. "What did you make of the hellhound?" Just hearing the name made Y/N shudder. Percy seemed to think for a moment, before answering.
"It scared me," he said. "If Y/N hadn't killed it, I'd be dead."
"You'll meet worse, Percy. Far worse, before you're done." Chiron replied solemnly.
"Done . . . with what?" Percy questioned.
"Your quest, of course. Will you accept it?" Percy glanced at Grover, who seemed to be crossing his fingers.
"Um, sir," He said, "you haven't told me what it is yet."
Chiron grimaced. "Well, that's the hard part, the details." Thunder rumbled across the valley. The storm clouds had now reached the edge of the beach. As far as Y/N could see, the sky and the sea were boiling together.
"Poseidon and Zeus," Percy said. "They're fighting over something valuable . . . something that was stolen, aren't they?"
Chiron and Grover exchanged looks. Chiron sat forward in his wheelchair. "How did you know that?"
Percy seemed embarrassed, the tips of his ears turning pink. "The weather since Christmas has been weird, like the sea and the sky are fighting. Then I talked to Annabeth, and she'd overheard something about a theft. And... I've also been having these dreams." Percy explained.
"Same with me, actually." Y/N added. "Not the dreams, but I've been talking to my mother." Y/N shot Percy an apologetic look. "She mentioned something about how, 'Zeus has been extra angry lately'. And that, 'something important was taken from him'."
"I knew it," Grover said. "Hush, satyr," Chiron ordered.
"But it is his quest!" Grover's eyes were bright with excitement. "It must be!"
"Only the Oracle can determine." Chiron stroked his bristly beard. "Nevertheless, Percy, you are correct. Your father and Zeus are having their worst quarrel in centuries. They are fighting over something valuable that was stolen. To be precise: a lightning bolt."
Y/N laughed nervously. "A what?"
"Do not take this lightly, Y/N." Chiron warned. "I'm not talking about some tinfoil-covered zigzag you'd see in a second-grade play. I'm talking about a two-foot-long cylinder of high-grade celestial bronze, capped on both ends with god-level explosives."
"Oh."
"Zeus's master bolt," Chiron said, getting worked up now. "The symbol of his power, from which all other lightning bolts are patterned. The first weapon made by the Cyclopes for the war against the Titans, the bolt that sheered the top off Mount Etna and hurled Kronos from his throne; the master bolt, which packs enough power to make mortal hydrogen bombs look like firecrackers."
"And it's missing?" Y/N questioned.
"Stolen," Chiron said.
"By who?"
"By whom," Chiron corrected. "By Percy." Percy's mouth fell open. "At least"-Chiron held up a hand-"that's what Zeus thinks. During the winter solstice, at the last council of the gods, Zeus and Poseidon had an argument. The usual nonsense: 'Mother Rhea always liked you best,' 'Air disasters are more spectacular than sea disasters,' et cetera. Afterward, Zeus realized his master bolt was missing, taken from the throne room under his very nose. He immediately blamed Poseidon." Chiron explained.
"Now, a god cannot usurp another god's symbol of power directly-that is forbidden by the most ancient of divine laws. But Zeus believes your father convinced a human hero to take it."
"But I didn't-" Percy protested.
"Patience and listen, child," Chiron said. "Zeus has good reason to be suspicious. The forges of the Cyclopes are under the ocean, which gives Poseidon some influence over the makers of his brother's lightning. Zeus believes Poseidon has taken the master bolt, and is now secretly having the Cyclopes build an arsenal of illegal copies, which might be used to topple Zeus from his throne."
"The only thing Zeus wasn't sure about was which hero Poseidon used to steal the bolt. Now Poseidon has openly claimed you as his son. You were in New York over the winter holidays. You could easily have snuck into Olympus. Zeus believes he has found his thief."
"But I've never even been to Olympus! Zeus is crazy!" Percy exclaimed. Chiron and Grover glanced nervously at the sky. The clouds didn't seem to be parting around them, as Grover had promised. They were rolling straight over the valley, sealing them in like a coffin lid.
"Er, Percy . . . ?" Grover said. "We don't use the c-word to describe the Lord of the Sky."
"Perhaps paranoid?" Y/N suggested. Chiron nodded.
"Then again, Poseidon has tried to unseat Zeus before. I believe that was question thirty-eight on your final exam..." He looked at Percy like an irritated teacher, as if he was interrupting the class. Chiron seemed to be waiting for an answer.
"Something about a golden net?" Percy guessed. "Poseidon and Hera and a few other gods . . . they, like, trapped Zeus and wouldn't let him out until he promised to be a better ruler, right?"
"Correct," Chiron said. "And Zeus has never trusted Poseidon since. Of course, Poseidon denies stealing the master bolt. He took great offense at the accusation. The two have been arguing back and forth for months, threatening war. And now, you've come along-the proverbial last straw."
"But I'm just a kid!" Percy protested.
"Percy," Grover cut in, "if you were Zeus, and you already thought your brother was plotting to overthrow you, then your brother suddenly admitted he had broken the sacred oath he took after World War II, that he's fathered a new mortal hero who might be used as a weapon against you. . . . Wouldn't that put a twist in your toga?"
"But I didn't do anything. Poseidon-my dad-he didn't really have this master bolt stolen, did he?" Percy seemed desperate at this point. Chiron sighed.
"Most thinking observers would agree that thievery is not Poseidon's style. But the Sea God is too proud to try convincing Zeus of that. Zeus has demanded that Poseidon return the bolt by the summer solstice. That's June twenty-first, ten days from now. Poseidon wants an apology for being called a thief by the same date." He pinched the bridge of his nose, before turning to Y/N with a wry smile.
"I hoped that diplomacy might prevail, that perhaps Hera or your mother, Hestia would make the two brothers see sense. But your arrival has inflamed Zeus's temper. Now neither god will back down. Unless someone intervenes, unless the master bolt is found and returned to Zeus before the solstice, there will be war." Chiron glanced back to Percy. "And do you know what a full-fledged war would look like, Percy?"
"Bad?" Percy guessed.
"Imagine the world in chaos." Chiron explained. "Nature at war with itself. Olympians forced to choose sides between Zeus and Poseidon. Destruction. Carnage. Millions dead. Western civilization turned into a battleground so big it will make the Trojan War look like a water-balloon fight." He pointed to Percy.
"And you, Percy Jackson, would be the first to feel Zeus's wrath."
It started to rain. Volleyball players stopped their game and stared in stunned silence at the sky. Y/N glanced at Percy, who was getting angrier by the minute.
"So I have to find the stupid bolt," He said. "And return it to Zeus."
"What better peace offering," Chiron replied, "than to have the son of Poseidon return Zeus's property?"
"If Poseidon doesn't have it, where is the thing?" I asked, confused.
"I believe I know." Chiron's expression was grim. "Part of a prophecy I had years ago... well, some of the lines make sense to me, now. But before I can say more, you must officially take up the quest. You must seek the counsel of the Oracle."
"Why can't you tell me where the bolt is beforehand?" Percy asked.
"Because if I did, you would be too afraid to accept the challenge."
Percy grimaced, swallowing. "Good reason." He muttered sarcastically.
"You agree then?" Percy looked at Grover, who nodded encouragingly.
"All right," He said. "It's better than being turned into a dolphin."
"Then it's time you consulted the Oracle," Chiron said. "Go upstairs, Percy Jackson, to the attic. When you come back down, assuming you're still sane, we will talk more." Percy nodded, before getting up and moving to the door.
After he left, Y/N noticed some other campers walking about. It seemed as though they heard the conversation, and were muttering between themselves. Y/N glanced over to Chiron, who seemed to be conversing with Grover.
"Chiron, I want to go with Percy," Y/N declared. Chiron stared at him with a surprised expression. All around me, other campers began whispering intently.
"Y/N..." Chiron warned. But he was on a roll.
"I want to go." He demanded. "I want to experience my first quest. Besides." Y/N paused, shifting uncomfortably. "I don't know who else would want to go anyway." Next to him, the air seemed to shimmer slightly, but he decided to ignore it.
"Y/N," he cautioned, "this is no mere excursion. Going on this quest could put your life in extreme danger, and I cannot take that lightly." He turned his gaze to the campers who were listening intently. "The safety of our first Hestia camper is of paramount importance."
Y/N refused to back down. "I understand the risks," he said firmly. "But I've trained for this, Chiron. What's the point of training if I don't get to test my skills?"
Chiron sighed and rubbed his temples, as if grappling with a difficult decision. "Y/N, your determination is admirable, but you must realize that this quest could be deadly. Your safety is my concern."
Y/N wasn't willing to back down. "I don't care," He declared. "I'm willing to face the risks. I want to go."
Chiron looked around at the other campers, who were still watching the exchange with varying expressions of worry and curiosity. After a moment of contemplation, he made his decision.
"If you wish to go, then it is Percy's decision," Chiron stated. "Ultimately, he will have the final say on whether you join the quest."
He nodded, determined to plead his case to Percy when he returned from consulting the Oracle. The tap of footsteps at the door alerted Y/N, and he turned to see Percy standing at the door, as white as a sheet.
"Well?" Chiron asked him. Percy slumped into a chair at the pinochle table.
"She said I would retrieve what was stolen." Percy murmured.
Grover sat forward, chewing excitedly on the remains of a Diet Coke can. "That's great!"
"What did the Oracle say exactly?" Chiron pressed. "This is important."
Percy paused, before continuing. "She... she said I would go west and face a god who had turned. I would retrieve what was stolen and see it safely returned."
"I knew it," Grover said.
Chiron didn't look satisfied. "Anything else?" Percy seemed to think briefly, before adding, "No That's about it."
Y/N winced slightly. Clearly, there was more to it, but he didn't seem comfortable sharing.
"Very well, Percy." Chiron said. He obviously knew there was more as well, but decided against pressing further. "But know this: the Oracle's words often have double meanings. Don't dwell on them too much. The truth is not always clear until events come to pass."
"Okay," Percy said, anxious to change topics. "So where do I go? Who's this god in the west?"
"Ah, think, Percy," Chiron said. "If Zeus and Poseidon weaken each other in a war, who stands to gain?"
Somebody else who wants to take over?" Y/N guessed.
"Yes, quite. Someone who harbours a grudge, who has been unhappy with his lot since the world was divided eons ago, whose kingdom would grow powerful with the deaths of millions. Someone who hates his brothers for forcing him into an oath to have no more children, an oath that both of them have now broken."
Percy seemed to think before answering. "Hades."
Chiron nodded. "The Lord of the Dead is the only possibility." A scrap of aluminium dribbled out of Grover's mouth.
"Whoa, wait. Wh-what?" He stammered.
"A Fury came after Percy," Chiron reminded him. "She watched the young man until she was sure of his identity, then tried to kill him. Furies obey only one lord: Hades."
"Yes, but-but Hades hates all heroes," Grover protested. "Especially if he has found out Percy is a son of Poseidon..."
"A hellhound got into the forest," Chiron continued. "Those can only be summoned from the Fields of Punishment, and it had to be summoned by someone within the camp. Hades must have a spy here. He must suspect Poseidon will try to use Percy to clear his name. Hades would very much like to kill this young half-blood before he can take on the quest."
"Great," Percy muttered. "That's two major gods who want to kill me."
"But a quest to..." Grover swallowed. "I mean, couldn't the master bolt be in some place like Maine? Maine's very nice this time of year."
"Hades sent a minion to steal the master bolt," Chiron insisted. "He hid it in the Underworld, knowing full well that Zeus would blame Poseidon. I don't pretend to understand the Lord of the Dead's motives perfectly, or why he chose this time to start a war, but one thing is certain. Percy must go to the Underworld, find the master bolt, and reveal the truth."
Percy seemed to grow angrier. He balled up his fists, before unclenching them. "Look, if we know it's Hades," he told Chiron, "why can't we just tell the other gods? Zeus or Poseidon could go down to the Underworld and bust some heads."
"Suspecting and knowing are not the same," Chiron said. "Besides, even if the other gods suspect Hades-and I imagine Poseidon does-they couldn't retrieve the bolt themselves. Gods cannot cross each other's territories except by invitation. That is another ancient rule. Heroes, on the other hand, have certain privileges. They can go anywhere, challenge anyone, as long as they're bold enough and strong enough to do it. No god can be held responsible for a hero's actions. Why do you think the gods always operate through humans?"
"You're saying I'm being used." Percy said.
"I'm saying it's no accident Poseidon has claimed you now. It's a very risky gamble, but he's in a desperate situation. He needs you." Chiron replied.
"You've known I was Poseidon's son all along, haven't you?" Percy narrowed his eyes.
"I had my suspicions." Chiron said. "As I said...I've spoken to the Oracle, too."
"So let me get this straight," Percy said. "I'm supposed go to the Underworld and confront the Lord of the Dead."
"Check," Chiron said.
"Find the most powerful weapon in the universe."
"Check."
"And get it back to Olympus before the summer solstice, in ten days."
"That's about right." Grover winced slightly. "Did I mention that Maine is very nice this time of year?"
"You don't have to go," Percy told him. "I can't ask that of you."
"Oh..." He shifted his hooves. "No . . . it's just that satyrs and underground places...well..."He took a deep breath, then stood, brushing the shredded cards and aluminium bits off his T-shirt. "You saved my life, Percy. If....if you're serious about wanting me along, I won't let you down."
A look of relief crossed his face, and a warm smile crossed Percy's face. "All the way, G-man." He turned to Chiron. "So where do we go? The Oracle just said to go west."
The entrance to the Underworld is always in the west. It moves from age to age, just like Olympus. Right now, of course, it's in America." Chiron explained.
"Where?" Chiron looked surprised. "I thought that would be obvious enough. The entrance to the Underworld is in Los Angeles."
"Oh," Percy said. "Naturally. So we just get on a plane-"
"No!" Grover shrieked. "Percy, what are you thinking? Have you ever been on a plane in your life?" Percy shook his head, a small blush growing on his face.
"Percy, think," Chiron said. "You are the son of the Sea God. Your father's bitterest rival is Zeus, Lord of the Sky. Your mother knew better than to trust you in an airplane. You would be in Zeus's domain. You would never come down again alive." Overhead, lightning crackled. Thunder boomed.
"Okay," Percy said. "So, I'll travel overland."
"That's right," Chiron said. "Three companions may accompany you. Grover is one. The other two have already volunteered, if you will accept their help." I smiled at this, standing up slightly.
"Gee," Percy said, feigning surprise. "Who else would be stupid enough to volunteer for a quest like this?"
Y/N stood up defiantly, his hands on the table. "Me." Percy looked at me with a look of surprise.
"But...." He began.
"Just because my Mom is the hearth goddess, doesn't mean I don't know how to handle a sword." Y/N retorted. "I want to go." Percy seemed stunned briefly, before smiling.
"If that's what you want, then I guess I can't argue." He turned back to Chiron. "You said there was another one?"
The air shimmered behind Chiron. Annabeth became visible, stuffing her Yankees cap into her back pocket. "I've been waiting a long time for a quest, seaweed brain," she said. "Athena is no fan of Poseidon, but if you're going to save the world, I'm the best person to keep you from messing up."
"If you do say so yourself," Percy said. "I suppose you have a plan, wise girl?" Her cheeks coloured.
"Do you want my help or not?" She exclaimed.
"A foursome," Percy said. "That'll work."
"Excellent," Chiron said. "This afternoon, we can take you as far as the bus terminal in Manhattan. After that, you are on your own." Lightning flashed. Rain poured down on the meadows that were never supposed to have violent weather. "No time to waste," Chiron said. "I think you should all get packing."