Forgotten prophecy

Chapter 78

"So, this is it then?" Percy asked, leaning on the car that Leo had built to take them on their leg of the quest. The other eight demigods were assembled together in a loose circle, glancing to one another in silent concern.

"You guys be careful." Jason said seriously, looking to each of the group in turn. "Watch each other's backs and keep your head on a swivel. Whatever Tartarus throws at us, it won't be anything that we expect."

"Monsters, traps, freakish attempts to kill us." Leo counted the ideas off on his fingers. "Yeah, see, he kinda fell behind the curve on that one."

The group broke into nervous laughter and they quickly hugged and said their goodbyes. Frank and Hazel boarded a chariot that was attached to the foul-mouthed Arion, the horse stamping impatiently. "Since we can't really go much further West, I guess that we will have to see if Arion can run on water." Hazel explained to them. "Because I doubt we will get lucky enough for the chain we are looking for to be only a few dozen miles away. We'll start with Japan and then go from there."

"Be careful on the water." Leo cautioned. "I modified that chariot so that it is lightweight enough for you to float on water, and I even added a seriously wicked engine to it that can take you a few thousand miles if you need it, but it still has limits. If it takes a hard hit from a sea monster or something like that it won't last too long."

"Got it." Hazel said, nodding confidently.

"We'll make sure that it comes back to you." Frank told Leo with a smile. "In one piece I can't promise."

Leo had to stifle a groan as he thought about losing yet another creation he had poured his combustible soul into. He turned to Annabeth and Piper, both of whom had a Pegasus standing behind them. The winged horses were staring at Arion with interest. Arion seemed aware of this and was pointedly not looking at them in return, raising his head in a superior fashion instead. "You sure that you two want to take Pegasi instead of one of my babies?" Leo asked, the question having come up several times amongst their preparations. "Seriously, I could have two magical dirt bikes for you in like, an hour. Maybe two if you want some sweet body work on them."

"Pass." Piper said, smiling.

"It makes sense to take the Pegasi." Annabeth shrugged. "We can see more from the air and we only have to worry about the occasional venti or other air monster."

"Fine, fine." Leo said, turning his gaze to Will and Nico. "I'm guessing you two-."

"Shadow travel." Nico nodded, his hand in his boyfriend's. "With only Will and I, we can cover a lot of ground every day. And, since this chain will probably cast a shadow, I should be able to find it pretty easy."

"Suit yourselves." Leo shrugged.

The group lapsed into another awkward silence before Annabeth clapped her hands together loudly and mounted her Pegasus. "Time for us to get moving." Percy moved forward to stand by her horse and she leaned down, sharing a final kiss with her boyfriend. "You'd better make it back, Seaweed Brain." She told him sternly.

Percy said nothing, staring at her for a long moment. He thought back to what his father had told him and sighed. "You too Wise Girl." He said sincerely.

The first to leave was Nico and Will. Waving goodbye to the others, Nico stepped into the shadow caused by one of the Pegasi and vanished into thin air with Will going with him. Frank and Hazel were the next ones to go, stepping onto the chariot and taking a deep breath. Arion finished the pile of gold that Hazel had summoned for him and stamped his feet several times. "Okay, Arion!" Hazel said encouragingly. "Let's see how fast you really can run!"