The Earth Monarch

Chapter 29: Quest Begins

"We cannot sit idly while our mistress is in chains. The Hunters must leave immediately, not debating," Zoë stated. "You never listen, as usual. The prophecy stated that campers must work with the hunters. You can't just leave by yourselves," Thalia retorted.

"Thalia is right. It is unwise to meddle with prophecies, and you must go with the campers in order to free Artemis," Chiron agreed. "But first, we should try and interpret the prophecy to the best we can."

"The first line is pretty simple. There is a goddess, Artemis, in chains in the west. Second line; stay away from the desert," the son of Hephaestus stated. "The Bane of Olympus shows the trail. Who's the Bane of Olympus?" The daughter of Aphrodite asked.

"Quite a number of monsters, who we would know if they are active. Must be an elusive creature, one that escapes my mind," Chiron explained.

"Campers, Hunters, that we understand. But, who's the Royal?" Percy asked. "That, I believe, would be Perseus. He is the Earth Monarch, after all," Zoë answered. I shrugged at all the stares, gesturing to move the debate onward.

"The Titan's Curse must one withstand, and one shall perish at parent's hand. Who would kill their own child?" One of the sons of Hermes asked. "The Titans, a few of the Primordial, a multitude of Monsters, Ancient Warriors, and Gods. Though, I'd rule it relates to the Titans, given the reference to The Titan's Curse," I answered.

"Zoë, you are who the Oracle was directing. Who are your quest mates?" Chiron asked. "Perseus, obviously. Not just because of the prophecy, but his expertise and vast expanse of knowledge, not to mention his formidable reputation, will be very useful on this quest," Zoë answered.

"You flatter me, Ms. Nightshade," I said with a smirk, bowing my head respectfully. "I also choose Phoebe. She is an excellent tracker, and is one of the few hunters who is acquainted with Perseus, so the chances of conflict are slim," Zoë answered.

"Thalia and Annabeth?" Zoë asked. "What?" Thalia exclaimed. "Good choices. Though her lust may get in the way a bit, a powerful, impulsive individual would be a good addition," I agreed. "Lust?!" Thalia exclaimed. "Yes, lust. Like all demigods of Zeus, you have a lust for power. I am not referring to the sexual lust seen in children of Aphrodite, no offense," I explained, stating the last bit to the present child of Aphrodite.

"None taken, as you are absolutely right," she replied. "And the addition of Annabeth is another brilliant play, as a strategist is a useful addition in times of war," I added. Annabeth blushed, and nodded in thanks.

"One more. Any suggestions?" Zoë asked the 2 female questers. Percy slowly raised his hand. "No," Zoë immediately answered. "I agree. My apologies, Percy, but both you and Thalia would not make a good combination for a relatively quick quest," I agreed. He lowered his hand dejectedly.

"What about Grover?" Annabeth asked. "The Satyr?" I asked. She nodded. "I suppose. He could be useful, given Satyr's expertise in Woodland Magic. His senses wouldn't come close to that of the Hunters or I, but would still be good to have more observational skills within the team," I answered.

"Grover it is, then," Zoë agreed. "This meeting is dismissed. Questers, be sure to be packed for your mission. You should leave tomorrow at dawn," Chiron said. Everyone began dispersing, quickly leaving the War Room.

"I know it's very Greek of you to have this place be relaxed, and all. But I believe your war room should be more professional than a ping pong table," I commented. "What did you have in mind?" Chiron asked.

"A underground, circular room consisting of a large round table with seats for every Cabin Counselor. In the center of the table in an interactive, 3D map of the US, with assistance from Hecate," I explained, creating an open model from some stones.

"Useful, but seems too advanced for our... renaissance design of the camp," Chiron replied. "Just think on it. It's simply an idea, take it how you wish," I answered, getting up. I set the model on the table, and left the room.

I pulled out an advanced phone, and dialed up my company.

Time Skip:

I leaned against the tall pine on Half-Blood Hill, awaiting the other quest members. The sun was rising over the horizon, casting a bright glare on the field. A sleek, black limousine waited down the opposite side of the hill at the road, a well-dressed driver waiting at the passenger door.

"How long...were you waiting?" Thalia asked tiredly, coming up with a still sleepy Annabeth and Grover. "Not long, an hour at most," I answered. Thalia nodded, not really paying attention. She then stopped dead in her tracks, wide-eyed at the sight of the parked limo.

"Uhh..." she announced dumbly. "Is that...yours?" Grover asked, equally stunned. "It is. Wherever our destination is, he will drive us. Got any acorns?" I asked. Annabeth and Thalia gained confused looks at my question.

"Yeah, I do. Do you know any woodland magic?" Grover asked. "Quite a lot, actually. Having the same power of a primordial deity helps, though I am not as adept as you are," I answered. He nodded.

"Who got the limo?" Phoebe asked, announced hers and Zoë's arrival. "Perseus," Thalia answered. They seemed shocked by that. "What? I've spent time with mortals for millennia, of course I'm going to come across some wealth," I stated. The 2 shrugged in understanding, but still looked baffled.

"Shall we?" I asked the party. Excitement flooded over Thalia's face, and she ran to the limo. "Teenagers," I sighed, shaking my head. The rest of the party moved at their own pace, as I watched them go.

"Good luck, Lord Perseus. This will not be an easy quest," Chiron said, walking up to me. "I understand. I already know most of the details of this quest, especially which Titan we will be facing. This is going to be...annoying," I replied.

"Take care, old friend. I will see you once you return," Chiron said, before walking down into camp. I climbed into the back of the limo, to see Thalia, Grover, and Annabeth trying to not scramble at the sweets buffet.

"Just...don't make a mess, and conserve. It's not an unlimited amount," I said. They grinned, and attacked the chocolates and candy.

"What if they start to annoy us because of Sugar High?" Phoebe asked. "I drain the blood from their brain a bit, knocking them out," I answered simply. They stared at me. "Would you rather me punch them, when I can punch a skyscraper to pull a 9/11?" I asked. They looked away. "Exactly," I muttered.