The attic was terrifying, just this dark dusty space that held spoils of war from previous demigods. Things like stuffed hydra heads or broken weapons, along with the occasional rogue spider here and there.
"This is it Perce, this is how we die," I state as we crept along, still hand in hand.
"You watch too many horror films Mimi," he stated but kept close to me. Looking around cautiously. That's when we found a dead body. It was the most decrepit looking mummy I've ever seen, just absolutely horrifying.
"Jesus Murphy!" I exclaimed hiding behind him slightly so I didn't have to look at it. "Can we just go back to being semi normal mortals?" That would definitely be alright in my books. Go back in time to around the beginning of the school year and forget any of this happened. Of course that was only wishful thinking.
The mummy was clearly that of a woman, who once had lush long hair. Dressed in clothing from the sixties or seventies hippy era. Maybe even eighties. If I thought things couldn't get worse the thing perked up and a green mist seeped out of the cracked skin that was once her lips. I am the spirit of Delphi, speaker of the prophecies of Phoebus Apollo, slayer of the mighty Python. Approach, seekers, and ask.
The voice spoke in my head, which was slightly creepy to say the least. However there wasn't like this evil presence about her. Like when around Mrs. Dodds so that was a plus. The two of us just stood there not really knowing how to go about this. But eventually we both stepped forward.
"What is our destiny?" We asked together. Although both equally terrified about talking to the mummified corpse. Like what in the ancient Egypt was going on?
Suddenly the mist grew thicker forming into images of Percy's step father, if you could even call him that, and his poker buddies. One who just so happened to be our buildings superintendent. The image of Gabe turned to us and spoke in the eerie voice of the Oracle: You shall go west, and face the god who was turned.
Then the guy to the right looked up and spoke with that same voice: You shall find what was stolen, and see it safely returned.
The guy on the left then chimed in: You shall be betrayed by one who calls you a friend.
Lastly Eddie delivered the most horrible line of all: And you shall fail to save what matters most, in the end.
Well that's highly reassuring. Not. Like who's idea was it to have twelve year olds set out on a quest to stop a war that could wipe out humanity. News flash not mine. We tried asking it questions but she just slumped back in her chair. Completely still once more. Which only confused me more.
"Come on Perce if we just stand here then we'll mildew and get no further answers," I state tugging gently on his arm, and after a few seconds he followed behind me. And I lead us back into the land of the living.
Back out on the porch Chiron asked us to recite what we heard. However Percy gave me the look to leave out the part of a friend betraying us. Yet I knew Chiron suspected that there had been more to the prophecy, luckily he didn't press us any further.
There was then some discussion about who the turned god might be. Chiron thought it may be Hades, but nobody could really know for sure. Then came the discussion on who was to come with us, and Grover volunteered in a heartbeat.
"Very well, now quests usually have a need for just three hero's however I think a forth may be risky. But there is also someone wishing to accompany you," Chiron states and I shook my head, trying to decipher if I'd heard correctly.
"Who would want to willing come with us on a mission that could be the end of our lives?" I asked and just then the air shimmered and Annabeth came into view. "Of course Annie, why didn't I think that," I shook my head because the answer was blatantly obvious. This whole week she's been ranting about wanting a quest.
"I've been waiting along time for a quest, seaweed brain and sparky," she says " My mom is no fan of Poseidon, but she does respect her father Zeus. Besides I'm the best chance you have at not messing this up,"
Percy and I shared a look "If you do say so yourself," we chimed in together "and we don't suppose you have a plan there wise girl,"
Her cheeks reddened "Do you want my help or not?" The truth was I did, and I'm sure Percy does as well. We need all the help we can get. Plus she knows more about this world than us, plus Grover too.
"The more the merrier!" I state offering up a smile. Glad someone doesn't think of us as this curse or illness. With that settled Chiron sent us off to pack some things and prepare.
~~~~
There wasn't a whole lot for me to pack, seeing as I only had the things mom had thrown into my bag. Which contained a few sets of clothes, my book on ancient times and Constance. And the camp shirt that Annie had got for me. As well as a few toiletries.
With the bag slung over my shoulder I gave one last look at the practically bare Zeus cabin. Then went outside to wait for Percy. As I came out there was a little boy standing there, no more than 8 or 9.
He was dressed in a camp shirt, cargo shorts and the bead necklaces everyone wore. Only his just had one bead. Just like with the tree on the boarder I had this comforting feeling being in his presence. The most prominent thing about him was his curly golden hair and surfer like tan. It was similar to Percy's almost Mediterranean complexion.
Unlike the rest of the camp though he was looking at me with curiousity and wonder. A smile formed on his face when he saw me.
"What can I do for you little one?" I asked bending down to his height as I saw Percy exit his cabin from the corner of my eye.
"I'm Will and my brother Michael, who is in charge of the infirmary asked me to prepare these for you. Medical supplies from the Apollo cabin to help you on your journey," he replied holding up a first aid kit and a bag with Kit Kats. As this exchange was going on Percy made his way over, coming to stand beside me.
"Well that's very thoughtful. Thank you sweet Nephew," I replied gently taking the stuff and placing it in my bag. Also gently ruffling his hair. His eyes widened when he saw Percy.
"Is it true that you defeated a Kindly One? And the Minotaur? And put Clarisse in her place?" The boy asked looking between us with admiration.
"Well it was more Percy who defeated the Kindly One, I just sort of stunned her. But yes sweet William we did do those things," I explained as Percy was still observing the interaction.
"That's awesome! My first encounter with a monster was a flock of Stymphalian birds, luckily the Satyr in charge of watching me saved my mom and I. Then he brought me to camp," Will says his eyes filled slightly with fear upon remembering the encounter. But then it quickly left. "Good luck on your quest. I must get back before Michael wonders why I took so long. Lots of people to heal,"
"Well goodbye little Nephew. Thanks for the well wishes," I shout as I watched him turn and race towards the big house.
"Little Nephew?" Percy questioned as I stood back up, looking over at him as I could feel his eyes on me.
"Apollo's kid. I know Annie explained that technically we're only related to those in our cabin, since gods don't have DNA. But it doesn't hurt to play into the role," I state, which was true. Annie had said that often times people from other cabins formed relationships since the godly side only counted with half siblings.
"Cute kid, he'll have so much potential in the future," he replied and together we embarked on a trek to the big house where we met up with the other.
Ready to delve into the world of crazy by voyaging on a quest to save the world. Wish us luck....
YOU ARE READING
In A Flash of Lightning (Percy Jackson)
Fanfiction(On Hold) Naomie Miller was what society would deem as a troublemaker. Which the majority of times was due to no fault of her own, as she was different from most kids her age. Not that she knew it of course, however because of her obliviousness on t...
