6. 𝘓𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘱, 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵

473 9 1
                                    

faint saxophone sounds awoke me

Austin played beautifully, I was just wondering why he had to do it at 10 am in the morning. I felt like shit. That nightmare had kept me up for some time last night, it took me at least 2 hours to fall back to sleep. After sitting up straight I noticed a note next to my pillow. I opened it and it said for me to come to the stables as soon as I read the note. It was signed by Rachel. It also said for me to burn the note after reading. So I got dressed and snuck out as silently as I could. I don't want to attract anyone.

The sun was out and hit my skin, energizing me. The stables were quite far from the Apollo cabin, still I managed to get there without seeing anyone. Rachel was sitting down and stood up when she saw me. She was wearing a camp Jupiter shirt and had a suitcase with her. "I wish I could stay longer but there is no point. You're leaving on a quest anyway." She said as if she could read my mind. "I'm sorry we didn't get to know each other more, but I'm in a hurry, and I have a feeling you're gonna need this information." "Is this about the conversation you and Percy were having last night? I heard bits of it." I asked her. "Yes and no. I do not know much of the eons old prophecy, you are gonna have to ask Percy that. What I do know is that you are caught up in something much bigger than us. Which has to do with that old prophecy." "So what does that mean? What is that prophecy about?" "Like I said, ask Percy, I have different news to bring. It is about your dad" she said with a very concerned tone in her voice. What does this have to do with my dad I wondered. "Whatever is brewing, you'll find out. However because I am the oracle, I'm in contact with your dad a lot. Even after all these years of my powers being lost. He was always there. Ever since you were claimed, he has broken contact with me. Not one visit in a dream or real life. Which is strange even for him. The thing is, the last time me and him spoke he told me something big and bad was coming. He and the olympians had discussed it, but they're clueless. He also had a feeling that whatever big and bad is brewing, it is coming for him." Rachel explained. "I don't understand, he made contact with me, he looked fine." "Gods have multiple forms, maybe one form is fine, the other might be in grave danger. My point is with you being his daughter, and having these powers, whatever you have to face is after you and your dad." She said concerned. This was all hurting my brain. All these things, how are they connected? I just didn't understand. "Promise me you'll be careful. This is much bigger than any of us anticipated. Iris message me when you know more, and trust no one, not even Percy or Malcolm, okay?" "Uhm yeah Rachel, i'll be careful." This is all starting to feel strange. I can't even trust Percy or Malcolm. "I do have to leave now, I'll be spending these weeks at camp Jupiter, my job here is done anyway. Good Luck." She sounded scared and walked away from me. I was left all alone in the stables, with too much information, and no one to trust.

Eventually I left the stables for breakfast where Malcolm greeted me. "Good Morning sunny, did you get a good night's sleep in?" "Not really Malcolm, this quest is gonna be a disaster. I don't even know where to go." Which was true, the prophecy said north, but what can I truly do with that information? "I might have a clue. Look, you said Odysseus was in a cave, right? In your dreams?" "Uhm yes, but there are millions of caves, it looked like a normal, standard cave Malcolm. It was big, had a huge opening, the cave was high up and was surrounded by stone mountains." "Okay and what kind of trees did you see?" "I think they were pine trees. They were big and had big gaps in between the different branches. Very tall and the wood had a light brown color, almost red." "You are brilliant, sunny!" Malcolm said. "What did I do?" "I know exactly where that cave is. The pine tree you are describing is the ponderosa pine. Which is located in north/west America. Now the only parks and places that have both those tree's, caves and stone mountains is Glacier national park. Which means our guy is in Montana." He explained excitedly. "Malcolm, I'm so gonna need you on this quest. You are truly the best I could ask for!" I hugged him and ran off.

Back at the cabin I grabbed the last of my stuff. I put all my clothes, books, money, medical kits, and basic camping stuff in a backpack Will gave to me. It was dark brown, very big and had a sun embrofied on it. He said it's an omen that will keep me safe. "You'll be fine, you have both Percy and Malcolm with you. The best and brightest demigods from camp. Plus you are definitely not too bad yourself." Will said. "I wish you could go with me. I could really use your positivity, you know." I said to him. "Everything packed? Because the hephaestus cabin got Percy's car all fixed. There's some other stuff in there. Of Course it's not expected that the car will make it the entire trip, it can still help you to get a long way." Will explained. "Thank you, Will. I'm scared shitless but you might just make me believe I can do this quest." "Anytime, just make it back safely. Another healer at camp is always good. Until we meet again." He said and smiled. I nodded, grabbed my backpack and left.

Percy stood outside the Apollo cabin. He looked stern and almost scared. This was not the Percy I knew, and I feel like I wasn't the only one who didn't know him like this. He noticed me and smiled, the tension melting off of him. "So are you driving or am I?" He asked jokingly. I laughed. "Well guess we'll take turns. Good Morning to you too." I said. "My time at camp really was too short, wish I could spend more time here instead of going on a deadly, confusing quest." I said to him while sitting down on the porch. He sat down next to me, I could feel his arm behind me, touching my back just slightly. "Me too, you deserve a good camp experience. Just get back safely and alive and you might just have it next summer. I have a feeling that the chaos and drama will continue if we do not go on this quest. It's up to us now." He said. He stood up, and gave me his hand. He pulled me up. "Sorry I had to drag you into all this, you have been through enough Percy." "It's fine! At Least now I get to spend more time with you." He smiled and we ran off to the exit of camp.

Chiron, Malcolm and a few other campers we're waiting for us. The car looked brand new and ready to go on an adventure. We said our goodbyes and Percy and Malcolm got into the car with all their stuff. "Iris message me whenever you can. Be careful and stay safe. Camp hasn't seen a camper as bright as you in years, we cannot lose you." He said. I smiled at him and nodded. I got into the car. Malcolm was sitting in the backseat, Percy was driving and I was sitting shotgun. Percy started the car, and put on the radio. Sunny by Boney M was playing on the radio. Definitely a good omen. Percy drove off while everyone was waving us goodbye. The camp entrance became smaller and smaller until I couldn't see it anymore. "Guess we are really doing this?" Malcolm said. "Yup, no turning back now." Said Percy while he turned the song up.

him, in all of his glory.Where stories live. Discover now