Chapter VI — I Get A Quest
At first, I thought that Nico was kidding. Artemis and Apollo were Gods, why would Gods need our help? After hearing Percy’s story about the time they defended Olympus, as in the Empire State Building from the Titans, I knew better. But still, a quest to save Artemis and Apollo, that’s kinda a big deal.
Thalia was still in shock after hearing what Nico had said about the Gods, “Lady Artemis is in trouble? How did you know? Where is she? ….” She started blurting out questions nonstop, expecting Nico to answer them all in one single breath.
“I dont know what it is.” Nico said. “And I don’t know where. Apollo told me to follow Artemis and help her if she needs it. Then he teleported me somewhere, and I saw Artemis, fighting off a manticore. I wanted to help but Apollo insisted I dont.”
Thalia grunted, “A manticore? Please, as if that creature could defeat Lady Artemis.”
“I havent told you the whole thing yet.” Nico said as he stared at Claire. “A black mist swallowed the manticore, and a monster twice its size came out. Artemis was already bruised and battered from her previous battles, and I didnt think she could beat this one without any backup. Apollo jumped in and shot a couple of golden arrows at the giant manticore, but it just bounced off.”
“Manticore? I thought you guys killed that creep a few years ago.” I asked.
“Well, monsters cant die. They reform eventually after a few years or so.” Percy explained.
“But the manticore isnt suppose to reform that fast!” Nico complained. “ And its not supposed to be that big either.”
“Then how’d you beat the guy?” Annabeth asked. She stayed so silent I thought she’d left the room.
“I tried creeping behind the manticore while Artemis and Apollo kept it busy. Apparently it saw me and almost swept me off the mountain with its gigantic tail. I was holding onto a rock near the edge. I pulled myself up but the manticore saw me and shot spikes at me. I managed to dodge most of it, but one spike pierced my shoulder.
He showed us the shoulder wound. It was a bit greenish but its getting better. “The manticore could’ve crushed me but I raised my sword and stabbed its tail before it hit me. My sword absorbed its essence and it was gone. I almost fainted and dropped off the mountain but Artemis, thank the gods, caught me. Apollo healed me but I was still in a world of hurt. Then I saw a horde of monsters approaching the monttain. I wanted to stay and help them but they told me to go back to camp, and I did.”
I tried to process what Nico told us about, but my mind wandering off as usual, thanks to the ADHD. But I couldnt help notice tears were forming in Thalia’s eyes.
“What was Artemis doing there in the first place?” Percy asked. “And how did all those monsters knew they were there?”
Thalia wiped off her tears. “The ophiotaurus is missing, Percy. Lady Artemis told me that before she headed off to track him. Someone must have kidnapped it while the Gods were away.”
Percy started getting angry,”Bessie? Someone kidnapped Bessie? Who could have…you dont mean the prophecy right? The one the Oracle saw a few hundred years ago?”
“Whoa, hold up,” I said, “What’s this ophiotaurus, whose the Oracle and what prophecy did it make?”
Percy started explaining. “Bessie, the ophiotaurus, is an ancient creature, but he’s not a bad one. I rescued it a few years ago and took it to Olympus. As for the Oracle, She predicts the future. She said whoever killed and burned Bessie’s entrails would be granted power to defeat and overthrow the Gods.”
“Well its just a prediction right? Predictions dont always happen.” I said hopefully.
“But Bryan, the Oracle has never given a prediction that didnt come true. Whatever she says, will happen” Annabeth said.
“Then where’s the Oracle now?” I said, “Is she dead?”
Annabeth sighed, “You dont have a clue do you, the spirit of the Oracle gets passed down to a chosen one once old Oracle dies. And uh, our current Oracle will be arriving in camp soon.” She stared at Percy and he blushed.
True enough, later that afternoon while we wre having archery practice, a girl with 2 luggages the size of pickup trucks came into camp. She was dressed very classy-like, as if she were heading to a royal barbeque or something.
Percy walked up next to her, “Rachel Elizabeth Dare, late as usual.” He told me to help with the bags.
Rachel stomped her feet on the ground, which was very unlady-like. “Percy Jackson, you meanie! Whose your little friend here?” She said, pointing at me.
“I’m Bryan, uhh, ma’am.” I introduced myself
“A son of Zeus eh, this summer might get interesting after all.” Rachel said.
“Huh? What do you mean?” I asked.
“You’ll find out soon. Apparently the spirit of the Oracle is umm, somewhat hyperactive these days.” She explained. “Oh gods, its happening.”
“Whats happening? Whats going on here?” I demanded.
Then Rachel started speaking in a very unnatural tone, like a couple of Rachels were talking at the same time.
“step forth, seeker. And ask” She pointed at me.
Percy told me to ask about the gods, so I did. “What can I do to help the Gods?”
She floated 3 feet in the air and started speaking.
“ Monsters once defeated before,
Shall arise again and not be ignored,
Six shall go and help the gods in battle,
A long time prophecy will be settled,
Together combined to defeat the scythe,
But one might even lose her life.”
“Ok, that was freaky.” I said. “Whats up with the voice?”
Rachel stood unsteadily. “What just happened? Another prophecy?” She asked as if she didnt know what she just sprouted out of her mouth.
“Umm, yea..this isnt going to be good.” Percy said. “Well, since you’re the seeker, you’ll have to be the quest leader.”
“What? Me? You have got to be kidding me.” I laughed nervously. “I just came into camp for like, 2 weeks? Now you’re telling me to lead a quest?”
“Don’t worry man, I got my first quest a few days after I came to camp.” He looked pretty nervous but he put on a brave smile. “You’ll do fine.”
“Great…” I muttered.
