Jade

4. Car Ride

Percy's Pov:

Percy told Chiron and Mr. D about what the oracle had said about his quest.

"Three more companions may go with you. Grover is one. Another, Jade, has been chosen. The other has already volunteered, if you will accept her help." Chiron said

"Gee," Percy said, feeling surprised. "Who else would be stupid enough to volunteer for a quest like this?" 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 say so. I suppose you have a plan, wise girl?" Her cheeks colored.

"Do you want my help or not?" The truth was, he did. He needed all the help he could get.

"A team of four." He 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." Rain poured down on the meadows "No time to waste I think you should all get packing."

Percy and Annabeth went to their own cabins to pack their stuff. It didn't take long until he met up with Annabeth and Grover who were standing in the rain, waiting for them.

"Are you ready?" Annabeth asked. Percy nodded. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Jade walking towards them.

She had completely given up on trying to stay as dry as possible. She was just walking through the rain like it was a bright sunny day, water drenching her new orange shirt and brown shorts.

"Hey guys." She walked up to them. Percy noticed that Annabeth rolled her eyes when she saw jade but he didn't say anything.

"Let's go." Grover said excitedly. He ran towards the hill and the others followed walking behind him. They waved good-bye to the other campers, took one last look at the strawberry fields, the ocean, and the Big House, then hiked up Half-Blood Hill to the tall pine tree that used to be Thalia, daughter of Zeus.

Chiron was waiting for them in his wheelchair. Next to him stood the surfer dude he'd seen when he was recovering in the sick room.

According to Grover, the guy was the camp's head of security. He supposedly had eyes all over his body so he could never be surprised. Today, though, he was wearing a chauffeur's uniform, so he could only see extra eyes on his hands, face and neck.

"This is Argus." Chiron told them. "He will drive you into the city, and, er, well, keep an eye on things." Percy heard footsteps behind them. Luke came running up the hill, carrying a pair of basketball shoes.

"Hey!" He panted. "Glad I caught you." Annabeth blushed, the way she always did when Luke was around. "Just wanted to say good luck." Luke told him. "And I thought...um, maybe you could use these." He handed him the sneakers, which looked pretty normal. "Maia!" Luke said, to the shoes.

White bird's wings sprouted out of the heels, startling him so much, he dropped them. The shoes flapped around on the ground until the wings folded up and disappeared.

"Awesome!" Grover said. Luke smiled.

"Those served me well when I was on my quest. Gift from Dad. Of course, I don't use them much these days...." His expression turned sad. Percy didn't know what to say. Percy had been afraid he might resent him for getting so much attention the last few days. But here he was giving him a magic gift.

"Hey, man." He said. "Thanks."

"Listen, Percy..." Luke looked uncomfortable. "A lot of hopes are riding on you. So just... kill some monsters for me, okay?" Percy nodded and Luke walked off.