Modern Myths

Book 1 - The Lightning Thief: Chapter 4: My First Quest begins!

6/10/06, Saturday

Big House, Camp Half-Blood, Long Island, New York

Percy POV

I was called to meet with Chiron & Mr. D immediately after talking to Clarisse, so I'm here, with Wise Girl & Grover, to do that, at 7:30 pm since Capture the Flag is from 7:00 - 9:00.

Mr. D.: "Zeus wants you dead."

Me: "And water is wet. Now that we're done stating the obvious, when should we start the quest?"

Chiron: "Luke obviously wants Zeus to think Poseidon or Hades stole it. The obvious way to clear their names would be to go to the underworld, which has a portal in Los Angeles." He says while looking slightly uncomfortable.

Me: "I'm sorry if I brought back bad memories. Grandma warned me I inherited Grandpa's only 2 redeeming traits, his humor & courage, but I can see why my humor would disturb those that knew him personally."

Chiron: "Oh, no. That's not why I seem upset. You're not the first descendant of his with his humor. I'm used to it."

Annabeth: "So, either Luke is planning to give us the bolt disguised as something else, or War is." She says bringing us back on topic.

We cannot say Ares's name without drawing his attention.

Me: "Does the bolt have a sheath or something similar? Riptide will always return to my pocket, as that's its sheath. Dodona's prophecy mentions War's backpack."

Mr. D.: "Yes and it would be easier to disguise than the bolt itself. A backpack would be perfect."

Percy: "Well, let me get my prophecy before we continue."

The Oracle walks up to us.

Oracle: "Greetings my name is Elizabeth Hill. Let us get started:

You shall go west, and face the god who has turned,

You shall find what was stolen, and see it safely returned,

You shall be betrayed by one who calls you a friend,

And you shall fail to save what matters most, in the end."

Annabeth: "Well, War is the god who has turned. The Master bolt & Helm of Darkness were stolen. We know Luke has betrayed us, but what matters most that we could fail at?"

Percy: "This could be seen as rescuing my mom & Paul, as they don't really need to be rescued, but we aren't supposed to know that."

I told them about how the fates plan these out. My outdated prophecy senses were tingling.

Chiron: "Either way, Argus, the head of security, will drive to the nearest bus stop. After that you're on your own."

Argus is the 100 eyed giant created by Hera.

Annabeth: "Shouldn't we take out a loan from the store for essentials? It does hand out loans for quests."

Me: "No need. Both of my bank accounts, mortal & Greek, are in the thousands."

We moved stuff, including the horns & ax into my cabin & I started to pack, while explaining everything to Clarisse.

Clarisse: "So my dad is possessed by Cronus & Luke is the traitor?"

Me: "Pretty much. I need you to keep an eye on everyone & tell me if anyone is acting suspicious."

Clarisse: "Well my sisters will be relieved."