Quest For Iris

WHY THEM?

CAMP HALF BLOOD, LONG ISLAND (Percy's pov)

Percy was literally tired. All this journey from Camp Jupiter to Camp Half Blood had worn him out. Not that he and Annabeth had fought dozens of monsters but also because he had spent an entire day holding the purchases while Annabeth recklessly kept on shopping in Medusa's sisters' mall. But he was disrupted in his thoughts by the arrival of Annabeth.

"Wow! Wise Girl you look great!"

"Always the tone of surprise Seaweed Brain." Said Annabeth rolling his eyes but apparently pleased. Percy smiled. He couldn't help it. It was the name Annabeth had given him on his first quest. No, their first quest out of irritation and his brainlessness which he had yearned to hear when they were separated. All that Hera affair.

"Percy we need to talk. My mom's told me to come to Empire State Building. There is a constant disturbance. They keep on seeing rainbows there, she suspects Iris is angry."

"Come on Annabeth! You know how moody she can be. Remember that cupcake rain in the senate I told you off? Tell your mother we're on a vacation. Send some other sibling of yours. Why us?" Annabeth smiled, came to him and held his hand. It was enough to send shivers down his spine. Percy could tell she was about to take an attacking mode. She began...

"The Oracle, or I must say Rachel, says that duty-"

"You win" he said half irritated and half annoyed. "Alright it is no good of skulking. Get yourself up. We need to move." Percy grunted and moved to Cabin no.2. After all this time in Rome that he had spent with Annabeth the camp had changed drastically. And the most surprising change of all was Nico. He had started getting along with the others. Especially the Stroll brothers.

"Tyson could you help me in packing. I feel this is going to a different trip." The Cyclops turned and looked at him questioningly.

"But brother you came now. Why you going? Did Tyson do something wrong?" He asked his innocent brown eye becoming teary.

"Oh no! Tyson! You did not do anything wrong, just it's that Athena is calling us for some investigation, after all she is so busy."

"Okay brother. Tyson will help. Ella says hello."

"Say hello to her from me also." said Percy and busied himself in packing. He put Riptide in his pocket along with the Shield that Tyson had made for him, which had pictures of their adventures together. Tyson killing the Ma Gasket with Ella flying around, Percy beating up Polybotes, Jason, Piper and Leo flying on Festus, Frank, Hazel, Nico and Reyna fighting with the army of Gaia. Frankly there was nothing else to pack and he was wondering why he had asked Tyson to help him for such a stupid task when he heard something. Before he could move a voice came from behind him.

"Going somewhere Percy?"

Percy turned around to see Jason and Piper standing there. "Dude!" shouted Jason and lunged at Percy, nearly crushing all his bones in his bear hug. "It's okay Sparky! You'll kill him." said Piper rushing to hug Percy. "Yeah! Guys....... it's been a long time like what? A month- ouch! You're seriously killing me Jason."

"Sorry Percy. A month is long enough. I got the news. Going to Olympus?"

"Yeah, sister call."

"Good luck dude! She still resents you for being Annabeth's boyfriend. After all she and your dad are arch rivals."

"Wish me luck! All the best to myself" said Percy grinning as he searched for Blackjack and soon he found him.

Blackjack I need 2 of you to carry me and Annabeth to Olympus said Percy. Don't worry boss, we'll be there in a sec. Percy went out of his cabin and was as usual not astonished to see Annabeth waiting for him. Together they set of to find Chiron. They found him strolling in the stables and chatting with the Party Ponies who had come all the way from Manchester to meet Percy. As soon as he spotted both of them he said, "Oh there you are Percy and Annabeth. Athena has briefed me already, but where are your rides."

Yo! Boss! Your ride is here. Doughnuts? He asked.

"Yes, yes later I promise" said Percy.

"Hi! Blackjack" said Annabeth stroking his flank. In response Blackjack neighed affectionately. My Lord said the brown Pegasus Guido bending down.

"Guido I told you I don't like these courtesies. Just tell me weather you can carry Annabeth to Olympus."

It will be a pleasure my lord.

They mounted their rides. Percy had a queer feeling about this trip. "Okay guys! I feel it. Let's get ready for adventure" shouted Percy as they soared off........