A quest
“What do you mean by too much baggage?” Asked a ravenclaw. “Just continue watching and you will see what he means.” Thalia told the kid.
Cassiopeia was walking back to her cabin with her siblings, when one of the satyrs ran up to her. “Hey Cassie, Mr.D and Chiron want to speak to you.” Cassiopeia looked confused but was too tired to argue. “I will see you back in the cabin Alex.” Alexander nodded his head at her. Cassiopeia then turned to start making her way towards the big house. “If I am in trouble because of Clarisse’s actions I am going to be upset.” As Cassiopeia walked into the big house she could hear Mr. D talking about the many ways he was going to kill the new kid. When she fully walked in she could see the scowl on Mr. D's face as Chiron told him he could not cause harm to a camper. She then looked to the right and saw Annabeth Chase sitting at the table and sighed. “Great, I have to be in a meeting with her, and I don't even know if I am in trouble”.
She waited until Mr. D and Chiron were done talking to announce her presence. “Hello Mr.D and Chiron you wanted to see me?” Cassiopeia asked as she bowed her head down towards Mr.D.
“Is that why Mr.D always says your name correctly?” asked Percy surprised. “Yes and also because I will sometimes sneak him wine.” As soon as Cassiopeia said that thunder roared outside. “ Get over yourself! Do I have to remind you that you also broke an Oath! The same one My father broke! So be quiet!” Percy Jackson yelled back. This time the thunder roared even more loudly. Before Percy could respond Annabeth threw her shoe at him. “What was that for?” Percy asked confused. “You do not need to get into a shouting match with him.” This made all the wizards confused at what annabeth said. “Sorry I am awfully confused, but who was he arguing with? And what oath did they break?” Asked Euphinma Potter. Nico turned towards her. “It will show in the movie.”
“Cassiopeia have a seat.” Chiron told the girl. Cassiopeia gave a confused look but walked towards the table and sat down. “Mr. D and Chiron what am I doing here?” Cassiopeia asked. “While Cassiopeia Black, Chiron here has a horrible idea for you.” Mr. D replied.
“What Mr.D means is I have a quest for you.” This caused Cassiopeia to give Chiron a confused look. “And what is the catch Chiron?” Chiron looked towards the girl. “There is no catch, Cassiopeia. You just have to team up with Percy Jackson for this quest.” This caused Cassiopeia to look at Mr. D, and at the nod of confirmation she quickly stood up.
“Sorry Chiron but I have to turn down this offer, Me and my siblings only go on quests by ourselves,and even if we did have questmates I would not want to go on a quest with Percy Jackson” Cassiopeia exclaimed.
“I feel like I should be offended that you did not want to go on the quest with me, my ocean” Percy said out loud. Eurytion turned towards percy “Call her by her name Prissy Or else my fist will be in your face.” Percy smirked and turned to face Cassiopeia “My ocean why should I stop calling you that?” Cassiopeia smiled, “I don’t know my seastar.” This caused Eurytion to scowl before reaching for a pillow. As this was going on Regulus Black noticed the look Percy Jackson gave his sister in which she returned. ‘Are they dating? If so, I just hope mother and father aren't too mad.’ he thought. “Can you two stop please?” Cassiopeia asked the two. “And Eury put the pillow down.’’ “Ok putting the pillow down Cass/ Ok my ocean” Eurytion and Percy responded.
“I am sorry Cassiopeia but you have no choice but to go on this quest, it is your destiny.” Chiron told the girl. Cassiopeia sighed ‘of course this is my destiny.’ the girl thought. She then looked over towards Annabeth “What are you doing here wise girl?” asked Cassiopeia. Annabeth looked up towards Cassiopeia “I am here to volunteer for this quest” She replied.
Cassiopeia groaned at this. “Of course not only do I have to go on a quest with the new kid, I will most likely have to go with the wise girl.” Cassiopeia muttered. Cassiopeia was about to ask Chiron a question when she got interrupted. “Now would you two please step out of the room for a moment.” asked Chiron. “Yes sir.” The two girls said and exited the room, But decided to lean against the door to eavesdrop.
“The Stoll brothers would be super proud of you two.” Clarisse told the two. “All I was doing was trying to see if Percy would have gotten incinerated or turned into an animal by Mr.D.” Cassiopeia replied. “And all I was doing was gathering valuable information.’’ Annabeth told Clarisse. “Sorry to interrupt but who are the Stoll brothers you speak of?” Asked Arcturus Black. “The Stoll brothers are sons of Hermes, they are famous in camp for playing pranks, stealing, and causing chaos.” Thalia replied. ‘Like a group of friend here’ thought Lily evans.
They then heard Percy Jackson and Grover enter the big house. “Well, well,” They could hear Mr.D speak up. “Our little celebrity.” Cassiopeia turned towards Annabeth “Mr. D is going to turn into an animal.” Annbeth looked at Cassiopeia with an annoyed look “Chiron wouldn’t allow that to happen. And be quiet.” Cassiopeia muttered an ok and turned back towards the door to listen into the conversation.
“Come closer,” Mr. D said. “And don’t expect me to kowtow to you, mortal, just because old barnacle-beard is your father.” A net of lightning flashed across the sky. While thunder shook the windows of the house. Cassiopeia scrunched her nose at the sound.
“Why does he still call you mortal even though you are a demigod? And why was their lightning when he called Percy’s father that?” asked Narcissa Malfoy asked. Annabeth turned towards her, “Mr. D calls us mortals because we can still die, and the lightning is the gods way of communicating that they are upset about something.” The wizards all nod their head still confused but decided not to ask any more questions.
“Blah, blah, blah” Dionysus said. Cassiopeia wish she could see his face when he said that.
The two girls could hear grovers hooves clopping back and forth. “If I had my way,” Dionysus said, “I would cause your molecules to erupt in flames. We’d sweep up the ashes and be done with a lot of trouble. But Chiron seems to feel this would be against my mission at this cursed camp: to keep you little brats from harm.”
“What does he mean by trouble? Why does he want to kill you?” Andromeda Tonks asked. The demigods just continue looking at the screen not wanting to relive the last three months again. With no response Andromeda turned towards her cousin. “Peia what does he mean?” Cassiopeia turned to look at her disowned cousin “Do not call me Peia, only my cousins and family can call me that.” Andromeda looked down in sadness, while the older Black family members smiled in pride of the youngest Black for following the rules. “He wants to kill me because of who my father is.” Percy replied. “What is so special about your father that makes him want to kill you?” asked Remus. “It will be explained in the movie.” Thalia replied.
“Spontaneous combustion is a form of harm Mr. D.” Chiron said. ‘Why can’t Chiron bend the rules just a little only once’ Cassiopeia thought wanting to see the new kid explode into ash. “Nonsense,” Dionysus said, “the boy wouldn’t fell a thing. Nevertheless, I’ve agreed to restrain myself. I’m thinking of turning you into a dolphin instead, sending you back to your father.”
“Mr.D-” Chiron warned. “Oh all right,” Dionysus relented. “There’s one more option. But it’s deadly foolish.” The two girls could hear a chair scraping against the wood. “I’m off to Olympus for the emergency meeting. If the boy is still here when I get back, I’ll turn him into an Atlantic bottlenose.” Cassiopeia felt disappointed nothing happened to the new kid only a few threats of turning him into a dolphin. Annabeth turned towards Cassiopeia and smirked. “I guess you were wrong, star” Casssiopeia scowled “If I could punch you right now I would Wisegirl”
“Do you understand? And Persus Jackson, if you're at all smart you’ll see that’s a much more sensible choice than what Chiron feels you must do.” That was the last time the girls heard Mr. D speak that night.
“Sit, Percy, please. And Grover.” the girls heard Chiron say. “Tell me, Percy, what did you make of the hellhound?” ‘why is chiron asking him that? What is the significance? The new kid didn’t even defeat the thing.” Before Cassiopeia’s thoughts could continue she heard Percy start speaking.
“It scared me, if you hadn’t shot it, I’d be dead.” ‘Of course he was scared, that is going to get him killed.’ “You’ll meet worse, Percy. Far worse, before you’re done.” Chiron told him ‘what does he mean?’ Cassiopeia turned towards Annabeth whispering “Wise Girl what does he mean?” Annabeth turned to her “I don’t know, what he means, hopefully it is not anything bad.” “Yea”
“Why is he acting all mysterious?” asked Peter Pettigrew. The rest of the wizarding world was wondering the same thing. The demigods all shared a grimace on their face. Alexander turned towards him, “Because of Percy’s fate.” This made the wizarding world even more confused. “What about his fate?” asked Marlene Mckinnon. “His fate is tied to who his father is, that is all I can say. It will all be explained further in the movie. Just continue watching.” Eurytion told the girl. The wizarding world is still confused but decides not to ask anymore questions.
“Done…. With what?” Percy asked. “Your quest of course. Will you accept it? “ Chiron asked. “Um, sir, you haven’t told me what it is yet?” ‘Did he not pay attention to the orientation video?’ Cassiopeia let out a scoff at the thought. ‘Well, that’s the hard part, the details.” Thunder rumbled across the valley. Cassiopeia looked out the window and could see that the storm clouds have reached the edge of the beach. ‘What is going on? Why is the storm getting this close? Don’t think about it, just focus on getting information.’
“Poseidon and Zeus” Annabeth faced palmed and muttered the word idiot. “They’re fighting over something valuable…. Something that was stolen, aren’t they?” “How did you know that?” Chiron asked. “The weather since Christmas has been weird, like the sea and the sky are fighting. Then I talked to Annabeth and she overheard something about a theft. And… I’ve also been having these dreams.” Cassiopeia had to cover her mouth to stop herself from laughing. “Wise Girl not only does he have a big mouth he threw you under the bus.” Annabeth turned towards her and frowned. “Shut up star.’’
“Wait, so you dreamed of two gods fighting over something? And it could be true?” asked Beauregard. Percy turned towards him and smiled. “Yea, it is called a demigod dream, every demigod had at least one.” Caspian smiled and whispered a cool under his breath. “Princess have you had one?” asked Evan Rosier. Cassiopeia looked at him and nodded her head. “Yea a couple, and it is not Caspian.” “Why is it not cool? I would love to experience that.” Annabeth turned towards him “It is not cool. Do not wish for things you do not understand.’’
“I knew it,” Grover said. “Hush Satyr.” Chiron ordered. “But it’s his quest!” Grover argued back. ‘Good for Grover for arguing back.’ Cassiopeia thought. “Only the oracle can determine. Nevertheless, Percy, you are correct. Your father and Zeus are having their worst quarrel in centuries . They are fighting over something valuable that was stolen. To be precise: a lightning bolt.” Chiron spoke up.
The girls heard Percy laugh “a what?” He asked. “Do not take this lightly.” Chiron warned. “I’m not talking about some tinfoil-covered zigzag you’d see in a second grade play. I’m talking about a two-foot-long cylinder of high-grade celestial bronze, which packs enough power to make hydrogen bombs look like firecrackers.” “and it’s missing?” Percy asked. “Stolen” Chiron said. “So that was what was stolen.” Annabeth said. “You were right about something, Wise Girl.”
“By who” Percy asked. “By whom.” ‘Of course Chiron is worried about the vocabulary.’ “By you” He continued. ‘The new kid couldn’t have done it, he is too much of a scaredy cat.’ ‘’At least that’s what Zeus thinks. During the winter solstice, at the last council of the gods, Zeus and Posiedon had an argument. The usual nonsense: ‘Mother Rhea always liked you best,’ ‘Air disasters are more spectacular than sea disasters.’ et cetera. Afterward, Zeus realized his master bolt was missing, taken from the throne room under his very nose. He immediately blamed Posiedon. Now, a god cannot usurp another god’s symbol of power directly– that is forbidden by the most ancient of divine laws. But zeus believes your father convinced a human hero to take it.”
“I am going to assume you didn’t take it. But who did?” asked Regulus. “You are correct I didn’t steal it, but I am not going to reveal who actually did.” Percy said loving dramatic build ups. While the rest of the demigods scowled at the memory.
“But I didn’t-’ Percy argued. “Patience and listen child,” Chiron interrupted. “Zeus has good reason to be suspicious. The forges of the Cyclops are under the ocean, which gives Poseidon some influence over the makers of his brother’s lightning. Zeus believes Poseidon has taken the master bolt, and is now secretly having the Cyclopes build an arsenal of illegal copies, which might be used to topple Zeus from his throne. The only thing Zeus wasn’t sure about was which hero Poseidon used to steal the bolt. Now Poseidon has openly claimed you as his son. You were in New York over the winter holidays. You could easily have snuck into Olympus. Zeus he has found his thief.”
‘Pretty good theory only if the new kid wasn’t too much of a wimp.’ Cassiopeia thought. “But I’ve never been to Olympus! Zeus is Crazy!” “I know he is an idiot, but I didn’t think he could get any dumber.” Cassiopeia whispered. She looked outside towards the clouds only to see that the clouds weren’t parting over the camp like they usually do. ‘This is getting bad.’ She thought. “Er, Percy..?” She heard Grover speak up. “We don’t use the c-word to describe the Lord of the Sky.”
“I don’t care about that now. I will call him whatever I want.” Percy said. “Have fun getting struck by lightning seaweed brain.” Annabeth replied. “ One I already have been struck by lightning thanks to someone *cough* Pinecone face *cough*. And two they need me.” he retorted back. “You got struck by lightning, How? Why?” Asked Fleamont Potter. “I have, It will show in the movie.” Percy replied.
“Perhaps, paranoid.” Chiron cut in. “Then again, Poseidon has tried to unseat Zeus before, I believe that was question thirty-eight on your final exam.” Cassiopeia looked over at Annabeth, “Why and how does he expect Percy to remember a question on an exam?” she whispered. “I don’t know Chiron has weird ways of teaching.” Annabeth whispered back.
“Something about a golden net? Poseidon and Hera and a few other gods….. they , like, trapped Zeus and wouldn’t let him out until he promised to be a better ruler, right?” “Correct,” Chiron said. ‘Wow he got it right.’ Cassiopeia thought. “And Zeus has never trusted Poseidon since. Of course, Poseidon denies stealing the master bolt. He took great offense at the accusation. The two have been arguing back and forth for months, threatening war. And now, you’ve come along–the proverbial last straw.”
“Why is your existence the last straw?” Rabastan Lestrange asked. Percy sighed. “Might as well reveal the truth, Percy.” Eurytion told him. Percy turned to the Wizarding world. “The reason my existence is the last straw is because I am a forbidden child. A child that was supposed to never be born.” This confused the wizarding world even more. “What do you mean, that you are a forbidden child.” Orion Black asked. Clarisse spoke up “Back in the 1940’s the big three realized their children due to the immense power that they wield, were often caught in dangerous situations, and caused major conflicts. They did not want a repeat of World War II, so they swore an oath to the River Styx, vowing to never have any more children.” “And my dad broke that oath.” Percy finished. “And why didn’t you tell us this earlier?” Asked Arthur weasley. “Because I like the dramatic build up it was going to be revealed soon anyways.” Percy replied. The wizarding world sits in silence at this new information.
“But I’m just a kid!” Percy replied. “Percy,” Grover cut in. “If you were Zeus, and you already thought your brother was plotting to overthrow you, then your brother suddenly admitted he broke the sacred oath he took after World War II, that he’s fathered a new mortal hero who might be used as a weapon against you…. Wouldn’t that put a twist in your toga?” ‘Great way of explaining things, Grover.’ Cassiopeia thought.
“But I didn’t do anything, Poseidon–my dad–he didn’t really have this master bolt stolen didn’t he?” Percy asked. The girls heard Chiron let out a sigh. “Most thinking observers would agree that thievery is not Poseidon’s style. But the Sea God is too proud to try convincing Zeus of that. Zeus demanded that Poseidon return the bolt by the summer solstice. That’s June twenty-first, ten days from now. Poseidon wants an apology for being called a thief by the same date. I hoped that diplomacy might prevail, that Hera of Demeter or Hestia would make the two brothers see sense. But your arrival has inflamed Zeus’s temper. Now neither god will back down. Unless someone intervenes, unless the master bolt is found and returned to Zeus before the solstice, there will be war. And do you know what a full-fledged war would look like, Percy?” “Amazing!” Cassiopeia whispered at the same time Annabeth whispered “Horrible!” They turned towards each other and just shook their heads.
“Bad?” Percy said. “Imagine the world in chaos. Nature at war with itself. Olympians forced to choose sides between Zeus and Poseidon. Destruction. Carnage. Millions dead. Western civilization turned into a battleground so big it will make the Trojan War look like a water-balloon fight.” “That sounds even more amazing!” Cassiopeia whispered as Annabeth shook her head at her.
“You really thought a war that big would be amazing?! Padfoot your sister is going crazy!” James Potter said. “What did you call my sister?” Asked Alexander as Eurytion, Clarisse, and Percy began standing up. “I said she was crazy. I mean why would she say a war is amazing?” James Potter replied. “ I mean it does make sense she is a filthy Slytherin after all.” He added. Euphemia looked upset at the words that just came out of her son's mouth, but before she could talk another voice spoke up. “ I would suggest you shut your mouth before I make you!” Clarisse says while cracking her knuckles. Before they could do anything Cassiopeia stuck out her arm to stop them from moving. They looked down at her as she shook her head. “Remember we can’t hurt mortals.” She whispered. “But My ocean he is calling you crazy and I can’t let him get away with it.” Percy argued. “It’s fine, after all I am a filthy Slytherin and we always have a plan.” Percy saw the mischievous glint in her eyes and took her word and sat back down. Her siblings were still upset but followed after. “Potter, I really think you need to use your brain. You remember who her father is right? Her father is the God of War of course she would think war is great. Just like you think your hair looks great. So maybe shut your mouth before you call my little sister crazy again.” Regulus told the Potter heir. “Oh I would like to add, the next time you call my youngest sibling a filthy slytherin, I will make you swim with the giant squid.” Barty Crouch Jr. threatened.
“She isn’t your sibling Crouch.” Sirius responded. “And you are Sirius? You abandoned her and Reggie, You weren’t there for them, I am more of a brother to them than you will ever be!” He argued back. Before the arguing could continue the movie started playing again.
“Bad,” Percy repeated. “And you, Percy Jackson, would be the first to feel Zeus’s wrath.” Chiron replied. Cassiopeia heard rain and looked outside to see it was raining inside the barrier. ‘Why is it raining?’ Cassiopeia thought. She watched as the volleyball players stopped playing their game and stared at the sky. ‘Are we as a camp being punished?’ Cassiopeia thought.
“So I have to find the stupid bolt, and return it to Zeus.” Percy said. “What better peace offering,” chiron said, “than to have the son of Poseidon return Zeus’s property?” He continued. “If Poseidon doesn’t have it, where is the thing?” Percy asked. “I believe I know.” Chiron replied. “Part of a prophecy I had years ago….well, some of the lines make sense to me, now. But before I can say more you must officially take up the quest. You must seek the counsel of the oracle.” ‘Chiron and his prophecies.’ Cassiopeia thought.
“Why can’t you tell me where the bolt is beforehand?” ‘Chiron never reveals anything to you, you have to find it yourself.’ Cassiopeia thought. “Because if I did, you would be too afraid to accept the challenge.” Chiron told the kid. “Good reason.” Percy replied. “You agree then?” Chiron asked. “All right. It’s better than being turned into a dolphin.” Percy agreed. “Then it’s time you consulted the Oracle. Go upstairs, Percy Jackson , to the attic. When you come back down, assuming you’re still sane, we will talk more.” Chiron instructed.
“People have actually gone insane from speaking to the Oracle?” Asked Lily Evans. “Only a couple of people, but that is rare.” Grover answered
After Percy walked upstairs the girls came out of their hiding place. “So Chiron I have a quest?” asked Annabeth. “Only If Percy agrees.” Chiron replied. Annabeth nodded her head at this. “So if he doesn’t agree for me to go on the quest I don’t have to go?” Asked Cassiopeia. Chiron turned his head towards her “No Cassie, you have to go. You don’t have a choice.” “But Chiron-” “No buts, Cassie” Chiron told the girl. After a couple minutes they heard Percy walking down the stairs and Annabeth put on her cap that turned her invisible as Cassiopeia walked back into the room she was hiding in before.
“Well?” Chiron asked. “She said I would retrieve what was stolen.” Percy replied. “That’s great!” Grover exclaimed. “What did the oracle say exactly?” Chiron asked. “This is important.” He added. ‘She…she said I would go west and face a god who had turned. I would retrieve what was stolen and see it safely returned.” Percy answered. “Anything else?” Chiron asked with a dissatisfied voice. “No, that’s about it.” Percy responded. ‘He is lying.’ Cassiopeia thought.
“Very well, Percy. But know this: the Oracle’s words often have double meanings. Don’t dwell on them too much. The truth is not always clear until events come to pass.” Chiron replied. “Okay,”Percy said with an anxious voice. “So where do I go? Who’s this god in the west?” ‘Hades. But would he actually steal the bolt?’ Cassiopeia thought. “Ah, think, Percy,” Chiron said. “If Zeus and Poseidon weaken each other in a war, who stands to gain?”
“Somebody else who wants to take over?” Percy guessed. “Yes, quite. Someone who harbors a grudge, who has been unhappy with his lot since the world was divided eons ago, whose kingdom would grow powerful with the deaths of millions. Someone who hates his brothers for forcing him into an oath to have no more children, an oath that both of them have now broken.” Chiron replied.
“Wait, the Lord of the dead was forced into that oath?” asked Evan Rosier. Cassiopeia turned toward Evan and smiled. “Yes Ev, we left that part out because it would require going into even more of a backstory about the oath.” She responded. Evan nodded his head at the answer.
“Hades.” Percy said. “The Lord of the Dead is the only possibility.” Chiron replied. “Whoa, wait. Wh–what?” Grover asked. “A Fury came after Percy,” Chiron reminded him. “She watched the young man until she was sure of his identity, then tried to kill him. Furies obey only one lord: Hades.” “Yes, but—but Hades hates all heroes,” Grover protested. “Especially if he has found out Percy is a son of Poseidon.…”
“A hellhound got into the forest,” Chiron continued. “Those can only be summoned from the Fields of Punishment, and it had to be summoned by someone within the camp. Hades must have a spy here. He must suspect Poseidon will try to use Percy to clear his name. Hades would very much like to kill this young half-blood before he can take on the quest.” ‘So I guess this quest is happening.’ Cassiopeia thought “Great” she muttered under her breath.
“Great,” Percy muttered. “That’s two major gods who want to kill me.” ‘He is really unlucky.’ Cassiopeia thought. “But a quest to…” Grover swallowed. “I mean, couldn’t the master bolt be in some place like Maine? Maine’s very nice this time of year.” ‘Poor satyr.’ Cassiopeia thought.
“Hades sent a minion to steal the master bolt,” Chiron insisted. “He hid it in the Underworld, knowing full well that Zeus would blame Poseidon. I don’t pretend to understand the Lord of the Dead’s motives perfectly, or why he chose this time to start a war, but one thing is certain. Percy must go to the Underworld, find the master bolt, and reveal the truth.”
“Woah dude, since you are here alive I am assuming you completed the quest. How did you get through it?” Remus Lupin asked. Percy turned towards him with a soft smile. “Because I am invincible. Also I had my three questmates with me to help.”
“Look, if we know it’s Hades,” he told Chiron, “why can’t we just tell the other gods? Zeus or Poseidon could go down to the Underworld and bust some heads.”“Suspecting and knowing are not the same,” Chiron said. “Besides, even if the other gods suspect Hades—and I imagine Poseidon does—they couldn’t retrieve the bolt themselves. Gods cannot cross each other’s territories except by invitation. That is another ancient rule. Heroes, on the other hand, have certain privileges. They can go anywhere, challenge anyone, as long as they’re bold enough and strong enough to do it. No god can be held responsible for a hero’s actions. Why do you think the gods always operate through humans?” ‘Did this kid really not watch the orientation video, it gets explained in that video.’ Cassiopeia thought.
“You’re saying I’m being used.” Percy said. “I’m saying it’s no accident Poseidon has claimed you now. It’s a very risky gamble, but he’s in a desperate situation. He needs you.” Chiron replied. ‘Is the new kid being used? Or is he promising pride to his father? Does my father use me?’ Cassiopeia thought.
“Cassie..” Annabeth started. “Don’t, I was only thinking about it. Doesn’t mean I actually believe it.” cassiopeia replied. The wizarding looked at her with pity but then remembered Regulus Black’s threat and turned away.
“You’ve known I was Poseidon’s son all along, haven’t you?” Percy asked Chiron. “I had my suspicions. As I said…I’ve spoken to the Oracle, too.” Chiron replied. “So let me get this straight,” Percy said. “I’m supposed to go to the Underworld and confront the Lord of the Dead.”
“Check,” Chiron said. “Find the most powerful weapon in the universe.” Percy listed. “Check,”Chiron replied. “And get it back to Olympus before the summer solstice, in ten days.” Percy continued. “That’s about right.” Chiron finished. “Did I mention that Maine is very nice this time of year?” Grover asked weakly.
“You don’t have to go,” Percy told him. “I can’t ask that of you.” “Oh…” Cassiopeia could hear him shifting his hooves. “No…it’s just that satyrs and underground places…well…” Grover continued. Cassiopeia could hear how nervous he was. “You saved my life, Percy. If…if you’re serious about wanting me along, I won’t let you down.” ‘Good for Grover, he is becoming more brave.’ Cassiopeia thought.
“All the way, G-man.” Percy then started speaking to Chiron. “So where do we go? The Oracle just said to go west.” Chiron began to answer. “The entrance to the Underworld is always in the west. It moves from age to age, just like Olympus. Right now, of course, it’s in America.”
“Where?” Percy asked. ‘Ok he either really didn’t pay attention to the orientation video, or he is just slow.’ Cassiopeia thought.
“I am going to clear up some confusion, to stop this slander to my name. I never watched the orientation video.” Percy said. “You didn’t? That explains a lot.” Annabeth replied. “You are still an idiot.” Eurytion replied. Percy just rolled his eyes. ‘I kind of want to see the orientation video now.” Caspian Nott said. “NO!” all the demigods minus Percy replied. “We already had to watch it once, we are not going through it again.” Hoping the fates listen to them. When the screen opened up again to show Cassiopeia still eavesdropping, the demigods let out a sigh of relief.
“I thought that would be obvious enough. The entrance to the Underworld is in Los Angeles.” Chiron replied. “Oh,” Percy said. “Naturally. So we just get on a plane—” Cassiopeia sighed at his stupidity. ‘If only it was that easy.’ she thought. “No!” Grover shrieked. “Percy, what are you thinking? Have you ever been on a plane in your life?”
“Percy, think,” Chiron said. “You are the son of the Sea God. Your father’s bitterest rival is Zeus, Lord of the Sky. Your mother knew better than to trust you in an airplane. You would be in Zeus’s domain. You would never come down again alive.” As soon as Chiron said that lightning crackled overhead. And Followed soon after was the sound of thunder.
“Okay,” percy said. “So, I’ll travel overland.” Cassiopeia was trying to ignore the storm hoping it would pass over, and it was a false alarm. “That’s right,” Chiron said. “Three companions may accompany you. Grover is one. One of them has already been chosen by me. And the other has already volunteered, if you will accept her help.” Cassiopeia rolled her eyes. ‘Great n way of escaping this.’ she thought.
“Cassiopeia Walburga Black, we are going to have a talk about this issue of rolling your eyes when we get home.” Walburga said, not wanting to cause another scene. (Because of the death stare Acturus is giving her). “Yes mama,” Cassiopeia replied. Regulus grabs Cassiopeia’s hand and just squeezes it. “It’s going to be ok, Etoile.” he whispers to her. Cassiopeia just nods her head.
“Gee,” Percy said. “Who else would be stupid enough to volunteer for a quest like this? And who did you choose?” He asked. ‘I guess this is my time to shine.’ Cassopeia thought. Cassiopeia walked through the door as Annabeth removed her hat. “To answer your question, new kid. I am the one Chiron chose. So you are going to have to deal with it.” Cassiopeia said.
“Ok,” Percy said confused. “I appreciate you going on this quest with me.” He added. Cassiopeia was about to cut in to say she didn’t have a choice but Annabeth cut her off. “I’ve been waiting a long time for a quest, seaweed brain. Athena is no fan of Poseidon, but if you’re going to save the world, I’m the best person to keep you from messing up.” “Woah there Wise Girl, I am going on the quest too.” Cassiopeia argued.
“I think you both have good qualities for this quest.” Percy said to stop the oncoming argument from happening. Percy turned to Annabeth “I suppose you have a plan, wise girl?” Cassiopeia smiled and let out a laugh. “See wise girl I told you that nickname was catching on.” Cassiopeia said with a smile. Annabeth just blushed.
“And it stuck.” Cassiopeia added. “Yea it did starhead.” Annabeth replied. “Eww no that is your worst one yet wise girl.” Cassiopeia said. “Yea you are losing your groove.” Thalia added. “I know I know, just you wait Cassie I will come up with a good one for you.” Annabeth said. The adults in the room smiled at the three friends.
. “Do you want my help or not?” Annabeth asked. “A quartet,” Percy said. “That’ll work.”
“Excellent,” Chiron said. “This afternoon, we can take you as far as the bus terminal in Manhattan. After that, you are on your own.” Cassiopeia just plastered on a fake smile. “Off to tell my siblings I am going on a quest with the wise girl, grover and the new kid. Yay.” Cassopeia mumbled
Lightning flashed. Rain poured down on the meadows that were never supposed to have violent weather. ‘It is getting worse.’ Cassiopeia thought as she watched the rain fall. “No time to waste,” Chiron said. “I think you should all get packing.