Chapter 22: Prophecies and Quests

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"What's your verdict, doc?" I ask. The Apollo child rolls her eyes as she stands back up from her inspection. "You look fine, but make sure to regulate your workload better."

"Will do! Thanks for taking care of me," I say as I start to leave the Apollo cabin.

I take a deep breath as I step outside, the summer sun shining brightly on the camp. "Back to a hundred percent?" Annabeth asks as she stands next to Luke. "Yup!"

"I got to say, you're really something else. Who works so hard that they catch a cold? In the middle of summer?" Luke says as he softly laughs. "I guess that would be me. So, what're you doing here, Luke?"

"I have a Quest! So, I wanted to say goodbye before I go," he says excitedly. I smile at him as I see the excitement. "Good luck, Luke! I hope it goes well," I answer back as I hug him. "Thanks, Lady Fear," he chuckles. "Don't be reckless, Luke," Annabeth says as she gives him a supportive hug too.

After that, he went to get his things and waved us goodbye. "I hope things go well for him. At least he seems honored and excited," I say as I take Annabeth's hand. She squeezed it while nodding. "I hope so, too. Shall we get to the Oracle? You wanted to read the prophecy, right?"

"Yeah, I am curious to see what it is. If it makes the Gods careful, it must be 'great' indeed." Annabeth glances at me before looking towards the Big House. "This is not a joking matter, and best kept from the others. Come."

Eventually, I am led into the Big House towards the attic. It is filled with trinkets and items of previous quests, it gives off a spooky environment as no obvious light source is there. Annabeth leads me deeper into the attic. On a comfy chair, a mummified corpse can be seen. It gives me a chill, but somehow you can tell that it is special.

"The Oracle of Delphi," Annabeth explains, "She gives us prophecies and guidance when..." Annabeth stops as a green light fills the surrounding air. A voice starts to speak.

"You will fail in the shadows and travel far.

You will be received, but will not be ready by far.

A piece as dark as the night will be discovered.

And when peace has come, you will be changed forever and fill an abandoned role."

The light swirling mass goes back into the corpse as the room becomes silent. "By the Gods..." Annabeth whispers in shock. "Holy moly, the corpse can speak!" I say in wonder, eyeing the corpse curiously.

"Aileen, don't you know what just happened?! That was for you! The Oracle spoke about you and what will happen!" She says in a loud tone. "She did?! Oh, Gods..."

She grabs me by the arms to go downstairs, where we find Dionysus and Chiron are playing Pinochle on the deck. Dionysus sighs with frustration. "Again?! How can I lose?" he says.

"Mr D! Chiron! The Oracle spoke to Aileen!" Annabeth says. They both turn to us with a raised eyebrow. "And? Please, do tell!" Dionysus says with mock anticipation. Annabeth quickly explained what the corpse said.

"It seems you have a personal Quest, Aileen. But I am uncertain what the meaning is," Chiron says as he strokes his beard. "The Oracle is vague and words often have double meanings. I can't be certain what you'll be facing or experiencing. Well, enjoy," Dionysus says as he looks at the game again. However, you can see he is thinking deeply about what he heard from us. Perhaps he cares deep down for us.

"We can't give you any advice, Aileen. But keep an open mind. You'll have our help, of course, but you'll most likely be facing it alone," Chiron says in a supportive manner. I nod softly, stunned by the event. Annabeth and I soon walk away, the other prophecy forgotten.

"I will help in any way I can, Aileen. You're not alone!" Annabeth says as we walk back to the cabins. I smile softly at her. "Thanks, Wise Girl. I feel better already, but it doesn't sound dangerous. I only fear what I will change into..."

Annabeth stops me from walking and looks straight at me. We stand surrounded by a small patch of forest, alone on the road leading to the cabins. "Whatever may happen, I will be with you. Okay? We'll figure this out," she assured me. It makes me smile.

"Thank you, Annabeth," I take a deep breath, "but it sounds like it will take some time before it happens. No need to worry about things we know nothing about. Change is not bad, right? Your lessons in biology showed me that! So, maybe I'll become even prettier or smarter," I say with a chuckle.

Annabeth rolls her eyes in slight annoyance. "Sometimes I wonder why I bother... but I love your optimism. I guess you're right, but be careful, Aileen. I do not want to lose you."

"I promise, Annabeth. I'll do everything in my power to stay with you for as long as you wish it. I promise on the River Styx," I say without wavering, doubts, or lies. The thunderous and deep sound again fills the surrounding air. It cannot be taken back and for us that are not immortals... breaking it never ends well. I am determined to be with Annabeth. Prophecy or not.

"You really are stu-" Annabeth says before I cut in. "I am not stupid. I love you Annabeth," I cup her cheeks, "This won't change that. I mean it. I swear it on anything you want. You won't lose me." I lean to her and kiss her deeply. Annabeth face has never been so red before. Cute.

"I love you too, Aileen..." she then looks to the ground briefly as her brows slowly furrow together. Annabeth looks at me with her mind made up. "I will stay with you till I die of old age. I promise on the River Styx," she says with a wide smile. We kiss again as our promise is sealed by the Goddess of Oaths.

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