Nico

Waiting around for a prophecy to come had to be the most nerve racking thing that we've done since we got into this whole mess.  We had been staying in New Rome for the last three days and still haven't heard anything.  Since we didn't want to be completely bored, we've been trying to keep ourselves occupied with other things.  Will and I have been going to the gym every day.  We've also been brushing up on our weapon skills since the practice areas have been vacant during the hot afternoons.  Will spent his time at the archery range while Jason and I sparred in the practice arena.  He still wasn't quite as good with a sword as I was, but, he tried his damnedest to keep up with me.

After the second day of waiting, we talked Leo and Calypso into staying in one of the guest houses.  Leo wasn't about to leave the ship unattended even though it was perfectly safe at the camp.  He gave in when I asked Bob to guard the ship for us.  The Titan hasn't left it since and he even washed the hull for us.  I know Calypso would have stayed there with Leo, but, I could tell that she was grateful to get away from it for a while.  Leo did manage to get the air conditioning working better, at least for the time being.

It was now the afternoon on the third day and Jason and I were just finishing up our sparring for the day.  I walked over to the side and took off my new pair of sunglasses.  Just as I finished peeling my chest armor off of my sweaty skin, I saw someone running toward us from the distance.  The figure appeared to be glowing in the afternoon sun.  It almost looked like it was Apollo himself approaching us.  After putting my sunglasses back on and my eyes adjusted, I realized that the Godly form was Will.  His tan skin was covered in sweat and his long blond hair was sticking to his face.  The sun was reflecting off his sweaty chest.  When he got to us, he barely stopped to catch his breath before speaking.

"I think... something... is happening," he said while panting for air.  "Have... to get... to the library... now!"

Jason and I didn't stop to ask any questions.  We dropped our things and picked our shirts up from the ground.  All three of us made a mad dash across the road to New Rome.  After working out and training for the past three days, my legs were already killing me.  If it wasn't for Will putting his hand on my lower back and sending his healing power to my legs, I don't think that I would have made it.  We didn't even stop at the statue of Terminus, we just kept running into the city.  When we got to the library, we went inside and headed straight up the stairs to the Librarian's Office.  Inside we found Reyna sitting on the couch holding Rachel.  Reyna looked like she just ran a marathon to get here herself.  If I didn't know any better, I would say that Rachel was having a seizure sitting up.  Her eyes were rolled back in her head so all that was visible was the white part of the ball.  She was staring straight forward looking into space.  Reyna had her arm wrapped around her back, but, it looked like Rachel didn't even know that she was there.  I could tell from the expression on Reyna's face that she was worried about her fiancé.

I was just about to put my shirt on when everything started happening.  Rachel started to slowly rock back and forth on the couch.  The whites of her eyes took on a glowing greenish hue.  Green smoke started coming out of her ears and her mouth.  Suddenly she sat straight up and started to speak.  The voice didn't even sound like hers, it was much older, almost ancient.  Everyone stared at her as she spoke.

"To the east the three must go,

The sun, sky, and Hell below.

Find the seven that make unrest,

Finding the first will lead to the rest.

Start in the land of the rising sun,

Chaos will fall when all are done."

As soon as she was done, the green faded from her and her eyes went back to normal.  Rachel appeared to be completely exhausted as she slid back into Reyna's arms.  The three of us, still taking in what the prophecy said, stood by the desk looking at Rachel.  Nobody said anything until Rachel sat back up.

Rachel asked, "why are the three of you staring at me?  And, why aren't you guys wearing your shirts?"

Someone behind us spoke, "I can at least answer one of those questions.  My dear Oracle, you have just delivered the prophecy that will hopefully help save the world once again."

We turned around and found a guy sitting in the Librarians desk chair.  He sort of resembled my husband, but he looked like he was only around eight-teen.  He had blond hair and perfectly tanned skin.  The young man was wearing a pair of designer sunglasses and had a skin tight tank top on.  When he smiled, the reflection off his pearly white teeth was almost blinding.

Will spoke to him, "hi Dad."

"Hey Will," Apollo said, "and hello to the rest of my friends.  I just stopped by to make sure that there wasn't a problem with the delivery of the prophecy.  Sometimes, after Zeus bans her, there's problems coming through again.  I'm pleased to see that wasn't the case this time."

"Lord Apollo, what exactly does this prophecy mean?"

Apollo leaned forward in the chair and rested his arms on the desk.  "Ah, my dear Son-in-Law, that is for your group to figure out.  However, there is one thing that I am permitted to tell you.  Chaos is growing stronger with each passing day.  As its influence spreads throughout the world, it will become more difficult to stop.  Your group must move swiftly if you are to prevail.  Until next time then and may the Gods bless you on your journey."

Then, Apollo was gone in a flash.  After he was gone, I suddenly became aware of a chill across my chest.  I guess the air conditioning had finally dried the sweat that was covering me from the run here.  After pulling my tank top out of the back of my shorts and putting it on, Will and Jason did the same.  The girls were still sitting on the couch looking at us.

"Boys," Reyna said, "how about we all get cleaned up and discuss this over dinner.  Jason, may I suggest that you invite Piper to join us.  I would also suggest inviting Leo and Calypso as well.  Unless there are any objections, we'll see you all at the Villa Roma at six.  Let the hostess know that you are meeting me when you get there.  I'll have the reservations set up in advance.  Until later this afternoon my boys."

Will, Jason, and I left the girls and headed out of the library.  Once outside, we parted ways with Jason and followed the road back to our guest house.  Both of us were in dire need of a shower before getting ready for dinner this evening.  At least now we had some clarity of the quest that laid before us.  Now, it was up to the group to decide how we needed to proceed.

...

Leo wasn't really thrilled about going out to a nice dinner, but Calypso was absolutely thrilled.  When we stopped by their guest house to get them, Calypso was wearing a nice dress.  Leo, on the other hand, was wearing a pair of shorts and a stained white t-shirt.  Apparently, Leo didn't pack anything but white t-shirts and tanks.  We had to stop back at our place to get him one of Will's shirts to wear.  After making Leo look a little more presentable, the four of us walked to the restaurant.

We went inside as soon as we got there and told the hostess that we were meeting Reyna.  She led us through the busy restaurant to a door at the back.  The hostess opened the door and led us inside.  The room looked like a big meeting room with a single large table in the middle that could easily seat twenty.  There were tables down the inner wall and large windows on the other.  The room was decorated much like the rest of the restaurant in an Italian theme.  Jason, Piper, Reyna, and Rachel were already here waiting for us seated around the end of the table.  The four of us sat down at the vacant seats that already had glasses of water in front of them on the table.

The group sat and made casual conversation until after the meal had been concluded.  We talked about anything but the quest before us.  Once the plates were cleared from the table, Reyna addressed the group.  "Now that our fabulous dinner is over, it's time to address the prophecy."

"Yes," Will said, "let's start with the second line, 'the sun, sky, and Hell below.'  I think it's safe to assume that Nico and I are two of the references.  However, I'm not too sure about the sky part of it."

"It has to be me," Jason said, "unless it's referring to Thalia and the Hunters of Artemis.  We're the only two known demigod children of Zeus.  No offense to my sister, but, I don't think the prophecy means to take the Hunters along for the ride."

Piper spoke next, "as much as I hate to say it, I think that he's right.  And, if Jason's going, then I'm coming too."

"Hold on here," Leo said, "where are we going and who else needs to go with us?"

"Um, that should be it and we're going to the land of the rising sun."

Leo asked, "which is where exactly?"

"China," Rachel replied, "and exactly where is still up for debate.  It is a pretty big country after all."

Reyna said, "actually, if you're looking for the seven that make unrest, I'd start wherever the biggest area of unrest is.  It shouldn't be too hard to narrow it down."

"So," Leo replied, "the six of us are going to fly to China and land near the biggest area of civil disturbances.  Then, the three of you are going to track down an unknown person and deal with them.  Leaving the rest of us to stay behind and protect the ship.   Okay, that sounds pretty cool."

"That just leaves one more line," Rachel said, "'finding the first will lead to the rest.'  I guess you guys are going to have to figure that one out when the time comes."

"All right then," Jason said, "when do we want to head out?"

Will replied, "since that trip is going to take a couple days, I think that we should leave as soon as possible.  Either later tonight or first thing tomorrow morning."

Piper said, "you guys are probably already to go, but, we still need to pack our things yet.  I say we leave first thing in the morning."

"That's fine," Leo said, "Calypso and I will head back to the ship tonight and get her ready to fly."

"Okay then, we'll see everyone tomorrow morning."

We said our goodbyes and thanked Reyna for dinner.  Will and I went back to our guest house and got our bags packed back up before relaxing for a while.  We laid on the couch and watched TV for a bit before getting ready for bed.  After a quick shower, both of us went to bed not knowing how long it would be before we slept in a bed on the ground again.