Champion of Olympus

An Unexpected Visit From Fate Itself

Trying to keep a lie to someone who did not believe you was tough. Grover and I had to constantly be on our guard since Percy would always spring the questions randomly on where 'Mrs. Dodds' was. I don't know how convincing I was. I mean I think I was able to fool him. Grover on the other hand...

Grover was not a natural born liar. I can't fault him on that. That's one of the reasons why I grew to become such good friends with him. But unfortunately, Percy also saw through his lies. He knew that Grover knew Mrs. Dodds and not this new 'Mrs. Kerr.

The school term continued as I watched Percy increasingly get in trouble with the staff. I remember one time in English class, he called the teacher an 'old sot' after asking why he was so lazy. I burst out laughing as well got detention for that.

Percy wasn't the only one getting more irritated. As the weeks went by, it was getting harder to get a night of sleep. The shadows under my eyes were getting deeper. More and more monsters kept catching the scent of Percy and I had to stay up for days keeping watch. I know Grover kept telling me to get some sleep, but I was too paranoid. What if I sleep and Percy gets attacked again? I couldn't have that on my conscience. Not for my friend.

It was nearing the end of the school term when Grover and I had a meeting with Chiron. Percy was studying for his Latin test while we slipped away. We walk into Chiron's office to see him in his wheelchair, deep in thought. He looks up seeing us walk in.

"Ah, Grover, Asher. How are you? What can I help you with?" Chiron asks. I nod as I close the door after us.

"Not bad at all, Mr. Brunner." I smiled, "Just classes by day, monster fighting by night. Same old stuff." Chiron's smile turned into a frown as the atmosphere got serious.

"Yes, the situation is getting more dire. I believe our friend up top is getting more restless by the day." Chiron replied.

Grover cut in, "I'm worried about Percy, sir. He's going to be alone this summer. I mean, a Kindly One in the school!"

"We know for sure now. And they do too!" I added.

Chiron cut me off, "We would only make matters worse by rushing him. We need the boy to mature more."

"That's bullshit and you know it. The summer solstice is coming up and there may not be time. Also we had other kids younger before, hell I was a year younger than Percy before it went down. I can't keep lying to him and still protect him." I insisted.

"Asher, language. Please." Chiron scolded.

I scowled, "But he saw her, sir." I hissed.

"His imagination. The Mist over the students and staff will be enough to convince him of that." Chiron insisted.

"Sir, I can't fail... I already failed once, I can't fail in my duties again." Grover's voice was choked with emotion. I patted his back in comfort, "Grover you already succeeded with me, what more can the council want?"

"Asher is right, Grover. And you haven't failed yet. I should have seen her for what she was. We both should have," Chiron looked at me as I nodded in agreement, "Now let's just worry about keeping Percy alive until next fall."

"I'll keep watching more to make sure that he'll be safe." I said.

"You need to watch your health, young Asher. You look like you're going to collapse soon. Are you getting enough sleep?" said Chiron.

I waved my hand in dismissal, "I'll get some rest once Percy is safe." Chiron was about to scold me before a loud thump was heard outside our door. We all looked at each other as I summoned my gauntlets and Chiron took out his bow. I slowly walked to the door and pushed it open. The setting sun reflecting off of the floor was the only thing that greeted me. Weird, I swear I heard something. Chiron was confused and swiveling his head for any sign of something.