𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐄

𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓

𝐀𝐒 𝐃𝐀𝐏𝐇𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐃 𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘, she realised that it was dark outside. Gods, she had been out for ages. Thunder rumbled above the girl, and she shuddered slightly. Ever since she had joined Kronos, she had feared the wrath of Zeus.

"I'm going to go back to Hermes cabin," Daphne said.

"Actually, you might want to come with me," Apollo said, glaring at the sky, "Percy and Annabeth will be there too, I think."

Daphne frowned. Campers were never allowed to go outside at night, if they didn't want to get eaten by the harpies. Of course, campers would still break the rules occasionally, but the god of the sun allowing them to break the rules was a whole different matter. Besides, Percy and Annabeth were barely on speaking terms, let alone sneaking-out-and-getting-eaten-by-harpies-together terms.

"That's against the rules," Daphne said, but followed him nonetheless.

Apollo shrugged carelessly, "Have a little fun sometimes. Besides, Chiron will allow it. Special circumstances."

Daphne waited to see if Apollo would explain the 'circumstances' but he didn't, so they continued to walk in silence. She tilted her head in confusion when she saw that they were heading for the White House. Sitting at the card table was Percy, Annabeth, Grover and Chiron talking sombrely. Apollo and Daphne walked over.

"Apollo, what are you still doing here?" Chiron asked in surprise, "Mr D left a while ago for the meeting at Olympus."

Apollo mumbled a few curses in Greek, "I was busy in the infirmary. I'll get going now."

He looked over at Daphne like he was about to say something, but if he was going to say something, he didn't. Everyone averted their eyes as Apollo used his godly form to get to Olympus quickly. Daphne opened her eyes as she felt the scorching feeling die down.

"So what's going on right now?" Daphne asked.

"I've got a quest," Percy said, his eyebrows knitted together in confusion.

Daphne's jaw dropped open as she looked around. How much had she missed when she blacked out? Nobody had been on a quest since Luke.

"Ok... explanations please?" she asked.

Chiron quickly explained to her the current disagreement Poseidon and Zeus were having over the lightning bolt. Percy was supposed to return it back to them. Daphne felt a knot form in her stomach as she listened. It was an impossible quest: the bolt could never be found. Guilt was shrouded over her like a shadow she couldn't get rid of.

Her bracelet tightened painfully, a warning to be loyal to Kronos. Daphne shook her head slightly. It would be worth it in the end. If the gods were trying to have civil war over a lightning bolt and hurt innocent people, they didn't deserve to be worshipped and respected.

"So, Daphne, the question is, will you go on the quest with them?" Chiron asked.

Daphne blinked, "I- Pardon?"

"They will need an older companion, someone more experienced. I would have asked Luke too, but with his previous experiences..."

Daphne grimaced. She didn't want to go on a quest for the gods that was bound to be for nothing. She glanced at Percy, who was staring at her with pleading eyes. He looked scared and nervous. Her heart ached for him - he was only a kid.

"Ok, I'll go." Daphne flinched as her bracelet tightened painfully.

"Great. You four should go get some sleep and pack now."