The Forbidden Child

Chapter 21: A Sign of Help

Percy POV

Percy helped Helena sit at the nearest bench. He grabbed her some water and sat next to her while she calmed down. He didn't know what to do. He didn't want to trigger her but wanted to make sure she was okay.

Helena wiped the remaining tears and breathed in, sounding as if there were maracas in her chest. "Sorry you had to see that. I don't know what came over me," Helena laughed shakily.

Percy put his hand on her shoulder. "Hey. It's hard being a demigod. Life's hard in general. Do you want to talk about what happened?"

Helena stared at the shredded up mannequin. She looked lost. Percy coughed, "So you know how I'm leaving for the quest tomorrow? I could use your help. Maybe we can get your mind off of things for a bit. Plus it looks like you should be the one teaching me swordsmanship."

Helena looked over at Percy. Tears were about to pool over but this time it was tears of gratitude. "So, what seems to be the game plan for you three?" Helena whispered.

"We're going west. We think the prophecy is telling us to work with the Romans. But there's still so many unanswered parts of the quest."

"Where in California does inspiration grow weak?"

Percy thought for a second. "Okay I didn't think this far ahead."

Helena shook her head. "Percy I need to tell you something. Remember when we went to Clovis? I heard a voice right before passing out. Some woman whispered in my mind to find her. I didn't tell anyone this because it scared me. But it can't be a coincidence that I heard a voice right before a quest. Maybe you're supposed to find a goddess."

"I really hope not. Did the voice say anything else to you?"

"She-" Helena paused, realization on her face, "she said find me daughter."

"What! Why didn't you tell us this sooner?"

"Well my main concern after waking up in the infirmary wasn't 'Gotta go tell all my friends I have a mommy!'. It was more 'Where the heck am I.'" Helena laughed.

Percy stood up, grabbing Helena with him. He laughed with such joy that Helena was smiling along with him. "Helena! You might know who your mom is! This is a sign. It has to be."

Helena looked like she won the lottery. She started mumbling to herself that this is the sign she was looking for. Percy didn't know what she was going on about but he was happy his friend might have an answer.

"Hey Helena, let's go meet up with Piper and Leo. I have a meeting with them anyways but you might be able to help us a little more with the quest."

"I can't guarantee you that you'll find answers but I promise to do my best. And Percy, thanks for getting my mind off of things." Helena smiled.

Percy smiled back. "We're going to find out who your mom is, I promise."

They left the arena together and headed towards Bunker 9, hoping to find more answers.