The Forbidden Child

Chapter 22: Final Planning

Percy POV

By the time Percy and Helena arrived, Leo, Piper, and Annabeth were already deep in conversation. Piper looked through maps that were strewn on the ground, Leo was frantically messing with things from his tool belt, and Annabeth was wildly searching through 3 books at once. Piper was the first one to notice them.

"Hey guys. Just in time, we're about to lose it." Piper sighed.

Percy gave Annabeth a quick kiss on the cheek. "Helena and I were actually talking about the quest. Remember the day we took her to Clovis? Apparently, a woman spoke to her before she blacked out."

Everyone stopped what they were doing. Leo rolled his eyes and said, "It better not be another locked up goddess."

"Helena, what exactly do you remember from that vision?" Annabeth said, staring at her with such concentration that Percy was worried she will burn a hole through the new camper.

"She said free me, daughter." Helena paused. "And something about setting the truth free."

Piper looked confused. "Does that mean Helena is supposed to come on the quest with us?"

Annabeth shook her head. "No, three is the lucky amount. And you saw yourself with Leo and Percy. Maybe Helena's vision means something else."

"It's okay, you guys. Let's figure out the main problem first. Percy told me you guys are heading to California?" Helena changed the subject, eager to get the attention away from her.

Annabeth looked like she wanted to say more but decided to let go of the topic for now. "We came to the conclusion that New Rome is the revival of the Roman civilization and we will be joining hands with the Romans at Camp Jupiter. I've already notified Reyna and they'll be expecting you guys soon."

"I think I know why I made the scrolls. Helena, if you want them, it's yours." Leo said suddenly. He stood up and grabbed some items off the table and headed towards Helena. "Percy, you still got that ink I gave you?"

Percy nodded. "How come we're giving the extra to Helena?"

Leo looked at Piper while she was glaring daggers at him. "Leo that was supposed to stay between us."

"Sorry, Beauty Queen but it was starting to take up my space." Leo shrugged and gave Helena a couple of scrolls, an empty journal, and a pot of ink and a quill. "If you need anymore, don't hesitate to ask."

"Piper... you told him? I thought I asked not to tell anyone." Helena sounded so betrayed, that Percy was glad he was not at the other end of that conversation.

"Sorry Helena, he's my best friend and I thought he could stay quiet. But we think those might come in handy."

"What are you guys talking about?" Percy asked.

"It's nothing. I'll explain next time. We have more important matters to discuss." Helena said.

"She's right." Annabeth agreed. "We need to figure out the line The mind is what you shall seek means. Is it a being? Or could it be an item?"

"Annabeth, your mom is the goddess of wisdom, AKA the mind. Maybe she is the one we are seeking out." Percy said. "What was her Roman counterpart? Mineral?"

"Wow, Seaweed Brain. It's Minerva but I think that's the first time I've heard you say something intelligent."

"Hey give me some credit here."

KNOCK, KNOCK

Everyone jumped at the unexpected noise. Leo went to the door and yelled, "Who is it?"

"It's Jason. I have some news."