THERE WAS a council held shortly after the capture-the-flag game, regarding the words of the Oracle. As always, the meeting was held around a Ping-Pong table in the rec room. There were drinks and snakes supplied by Dionysus, but nobody had the appetite to eat any of it.

  Chiron and Mr. D sat at one end of the table while Zoë and Bianca sat at the other. Thalia, Magnus, Magdalena, Percy, and Grover all took up the right side, while the other counselors— Beckendorf, Silena, and the Stolls— sat across from them. Magnus and Lena had been appointed as counselors by lineage, since they were the only two siblings of Astraeus currently at camp. Even though they didn't have their own cabin, they still had a place in the council by birthright.

  Ares cabin usually had a counselor as well, but they all were currently stuck in the infirmary due to the broken limbs they'd acquired during the game, courtesy of the Hunters.

  Zoe began the meeting with a positive note. "This is pointless."

  "Cheez Whiz!" Grover gasped. He immediately went to town on the snacks, putting the spray-cheese on Ping-Pong balls and eating them whole.

  Magdalena watched him distastefully, not wanting to imagine how many germs were on those old Ping-Pong balls.

  "We have no time for discussion," Zoë said. "Artemis needs us, now. The Hunters must set off at once."

  "And go where?" Chiron asked.

  "West!" Bianca said. It was quite a shock seeing how different the girl looked after only a few days of being a Hunter. Her hair was in a braid like Zoë's, allowing her face to be on full display. She looked buffer, and had skin had a soft glow to it, as if she'd taken a bath in liquid moonlight. "The prophecy was clear: Six shall go west to the goddess in chains. We'll take six hunters and go."

  "Yes," Zoë agreed. "Artemis is being held as a hostage! She must be found and freed."

  "As usual, you're missing something," Thalia said. "Campers and Hunters combined prevail. We have to go together."

  "No!" Zoë said. "The Hunters do not need thy help."

  "Your," Thalia corrected sharply. "No one in the last, like, three hundred years, as said thy. Keep up with the times, Zoë."

  Zoë faltered, like she was trying to say the word properly. "Yerrr. We do not need yerrr help."

  Magnus snickered, popping a cracker with cheese into his mouth to stifle it.

  Thalia just rolled her eyes. "Forget it."

  "Unfortunately for you, Zoë, Thalia is correct. The prophecy claims that you do need our help," Chiron said. "The Hunters and Campers will have to work together."

  "Or do they?" Mr. D hummed, swishing his can of Diet Coke under his nose like it was a fine wine. "One shall be lost. One shall perish. That sounds rather gruesome, does it not? What if trying to work together is what leads you to fail?"

  "You're quite the optimist," Magdalena said dryly, resting her arm against the leg she had propped up on the arm of her chair.

  Mr. D gave her a forced smile. "I try."

  "With the upmost respect, Mr. D," Chiron sighed, "whose side are you on?"

  Dionysus's eyebrows shot up. "Apologies, my dearest centaur. I'm only trying to help."

  "We have to cooperate," Thalia said again. "Trust me, Zoë, I'm not too fond of it either, but we both know how prophecies work. You want to defy this one?"

  Zoë scowled, but from her expression, it was obvious Thalia had gotten her with that comment.

  "We cannot delay any longer," Chiron warned. "There are only five days until the winter solstice."

  "Oh, goody," Dionysus sighed. "Another dull annual meeting."

  "Artemis must be at Olympus for the solstice," Zoë said. "She is the biggest advocate on enforcing action against Kronos's army. If she isn't there, the gods are useless. We will lost an entire year of war preparation."

  "Are you implying the gods struggle to act together, dear Hunter?" Dionysus asked.

  "Yes, Lord Dionysus."

  The god nodded. "Just checking. You're right, obviously. Proceed."

  "I fear I'm with Zoë on this," Chiron said. "Artemis has a critical presence at the winter council. We have barely a week to save her, and potentially more important: seek out the beast was searching for. Now, it's time to choose who will carry out this quest."

  "Three and three," Percy said.

  All eyes turned to him. Thalia even forgot to ignore him.

  "We need six, don't we?" Percy confirmed, feeling antsy with all the heads turned to him. "Three Hunters, three Campers. That's completely reasonable."

  Thalia and Zoë eyed each other.

  "It makes sense," Thalia said.

  Zoë grumbled. "I would prefer if all my Hunters went. Strength in numbers is crucial."

  "You'll be tracking Artemis's previous path," Chiron reminded her. "Moving fast. Artemis surely had managed to track the monster's scent, whatever it may be, as she headed west. You five must do the same. As the prophecy said: The bane of Olympus shows the trail. Your mistress would argue against your wishes. 'Too many Hunters spoil the scent.' You must take a small group."

  Zoë studied a Ping-Pong paddle in her arms, like she was debating on who she wanted to whack with it. "This beast— the bane of Olympus. For many years I have hunted alongside Artemis, yet I have not the faintest clue to what this creature could be."

  Everybody look to Mr. D, most likely since he was the only god present and gods typically knew more than they did. He was browsing through a wine catalogue, but when the table went quiet he looked up. "Psh, don't look at me. I'm a young god, remember? I don't keep up with all those ancient monsters and old titans. They don't make for good party conversation."

  "Chiron," Magnus said. "You don't know anything about the monster either?"

  "I have many suspicions," he said. "None of which good, or make any sense. Typhon, for example, is a possible fit. He truly was a bane of Olympus. Or Keto, the old sea monster. But, we would've known by now if either of them were stirring. They are big beasts, as tall as skyscrapers. Poseidon would've already alerted us. I believe this creature is more elusive, possibly even more powerful."

  "This is some crazy danger you're getting into," Connor Stoll said. "If I were you, I'd steer clear of the desert."

  There were mumbles of collective agreement.

  "The Titan's curse must one withstand," Silena recited. "What might that mean?"

  Magdalena caught Chiron and Zoë eye each other nervously, but whatever they were thinking, they didn't say it.

  "One shall perish by a parent's hand," Grover said. "How's that possible? Whose parent would kill them?"

  A thick silence fell across the room.

  Magdalena glanced at Percy, and she knew he was thinking about the same thing she was. The prophecy of a child of the Big Three who would either destroy of save the gods for eternity. Now that Thalia was back, that prophecy now was fated to either her or Percy. And they were both quickly getting close to sixteen. Thalia faster than Percy.

  It made Magdalena wonder if an Olympian parent would actually turn against their child. If it'd be easier to just let them die instead of letting the prophecy unfold. Thalia and Percy were two half-bloods Lena worried about the most. Two of her closest friends.

  "Death is inevitable," Chiron said gravely. "That is for sure."

  "Splendid!" Dionysus said.

  Everyone stared at him. He innocently turned from his catalogue. "Ah, Pinot noir is making a return. Ignore me."

  "Percy's right," Silena said. "Three campers need to go."

  "Oh, I see," Zoë said sarcastically. "You wish to volunteer, then?"

  Silena flushed. "I'm not traveling anywhere with you Hunters. Don't look at me!"

  "Aphrodite's daughter doesn't wish to be stared at," Zoë scoffed. "What would thy mother say?"

  "Watch it," Magnus snapped, and Lena had to push him back into his chair so he didn't pounce on the Hunter.

  Silena began to rise from her seat, but the Stolls held her back.

  "Enough," Beckendorf said. The guy was more than buff and had a strong voice. He didn't say much, but anytime he did, peopled usually listened. "We'll choose the Hunters first. Which ones are going?"

  Zoë stood. "I, of course, shall go. Phoebe will come too. She's our most skilled tracker."

  "The big girl who enjoys pounding people's heads in?" Conner added.

  "Yes," Zoë quipped. "Why?"

  "Only curious," Travis said. "We have a shirt for her from our camp store." He raised a silver T-shirt with the words ARTEMIS THE MOON GODDESS, FALL HUNTING TOUR 2002 on it, with a long list of national parks underneath. "It's a collector's item. She was looking at it earlier. Figured she might want it?"

  Magdalena stared at the Stolls, and Connor sent her a sneaky wink. They were totally up to something. When were they not? Zoë presumably didn't know them that well, though, and took the T-shirt from them with an eye roll. "Back to the quest. Phoebe will join me, along with Bianca."

  Bianca looked surprised. "Me? But . . . I just figured out I was a half-blood. I don't know anything."

  "You will be fine," Zoë promised. "This is the best way to prove thyself."

  Bianca pursed her lips, but nodded. Magdalena felt a little sorry for her. She knew how scary it was to go on your first quest as a new half-blood totally unprepared. It was an honor, but it was also terrifying.

  "Now, for the campers?" Chiron asked. He met Percy's gaze, but Percy couldn't tell what he was thinking.

  "Me!" Grover stood so fast his legs slammed against the table. He brushed the crumbs off his shirt. "Anything to help Artemis!"

  Zoë's nose crinkled. "Think again, satyr. You aren't even a half-blood."

  "He is a camper, though," Thalia pointed out. "He also has satyr senses and woodland magic. You can play a tracker's song, right Grover?"

  "Totally!"

  Zoë hesitated. Percy wasn't sure what a tracker song was, but apparently it was a good thing.

  "Fine," Zoë said. "The other two?"

  "I'll go." Thalia stood and stared at everyone individually, as if daring them to defy her.

  Nobody did. Zoë didn't look too pleased about it, but she nodded regardless. She must've known that it was the right choice to have the daughter of Zeus come on the quest. She knew better than to deny it.

  "And the third?" Chiron said.

  Percy was about to stand up and volunteer, but somebody's voice beat him to it.

  "Magdalena should go," Thalia said, to which half of the table looked at her in confusion. Lena looked just as confused as the rest of them.

  "No offense to Magdalena, of course, but . . . Why?" Beckendorf questioned, sparing a look at the girl to make sure she didn't get hurt by him asking.

  "She's an amazing navigator," Thalia reasoned, looking at the girl with pride. Sometimes, Percy forgot how close the girl's were, and how much they cared for each other. They weren't very obvious with it, but it was times like this where it really stood out.  "Grover has his magic, but it only works if he's strong enough. Magdalena can read star paths. They guide her like a GPS would for anyone else. We'd be lost if she didn't go."

Percy looked at Magdalena curiously. He didn't know she could read star charts like they were a map. Where was that information back in the Sea of Monsters last summer?

  "You make a fair point," Zoë said reluctantly, "but we can fair without constant navigation. Magdalena is powerful, but would thy be strong enough hold herself in the face of the rare beast that we may find?"

  "She's one of the strongest fighters I know," Connor spoke up, shooting a wink at the girl in question. "Beats my ass any time I try to kick her's."

  "That's because you suck at sword-fighting," Magnus interjected, crossing his arms with a smirk.

  "I wasn't talking about sword-fighting, shithead," Connor retorted. "Have you seen Maggie's punch force? It's like a freaking bowling ball getting swung at your face."

    Percy couldn't help but agree. He'd only seen her punch one person, his old bully, Matt Sloan, and he was knocked unconscious just from one blow. That was enough for him to never question her strength again.

Travis shrugged. "True shit," he agreed. "She dislocated my jaw once when I tried to stick a sparkler down her pants."

Magnus laughed loudly. "I remember that! She totally rocked your shit, dude."

The Stoll brothers and Magnus all laughed and grinned at each other like three idiots, and the whole table just stared at them in silence. It was like they weren't even worried about the fact they're discussing the fate of a goddess and six campers at the meeting. It was more like a get-together with snacks for them, with only a hint of deadly quest-discussion.

"So we all agree then," Thalia summed up after the three boys had settled down. "Maggie knows her stuff. She needs to go on this quest."

Magdalena still hadn't said anything, even though everybody seemed to have put in their two cents on the matter. Percy saw that she was just sitting there in silence, her body a little more rigid than before. He wondered if it was because she hated all the attention she was getting. She had never been one to thrive in the spotlight, after all. She'd even told him that herself.

"Magdalena," Chiron said to the girl. "I think it is a wise decision for you to go. But it is your choice. Will you stand for your camp?"

Magdalena bit her lip. Magnus had a look on his face that showed he felt bad for his sister getting put on the spot like this. Maybe Percy was right— Lena truly didn't like being the center of attention. Or maybe it was something else. Something deeper than being out of the spotlight.

"Okay," she finally said, lifting her eyes up to the faces around the table. "I'll go."

  Zoë nodded once in approval, and Chiron let out it a grave sigh. "It is settled, then."

That's when Percy's not-too-great math skills started to come into the equation. He wasn't the smartest of the bunch, but it suddenly occurred to him that they'd reached the number six, and he wasn't in the group. "Wait, hold up," Percy said. "I want to go, too."

  Thalia was silent. Chiron studied him with sad eyes.

  Magdalena looked at Percy, and the sight of his distress tugged at her heart. She knew he should go on this quest over her. He was more of a hero than she was any day. He deserved to go.

  "It's okay," Magdalena said quietly, sitting up. "Percy can— "

  "Oh!" Grover said, suddenly hit with the issue. His voice drowned out Lena's with how abrupt he was. "Wow, yeah, I forgot! Percy needs to go. I didn't mean . . . I'll stay. Percy can go in my place."

  "He will not," Zoë said. "He is a boy. I won't have Hunters traveling with a boy."

  "You traveled here with me," Percy mentioned.

  "As it was an unavoidable emergency, and ordered by Artemis. I refuse to travel across the country and go into battle alongside a boy."

  "Why can Grover go, then?" Percy demanded.

  "He is technically not a boy," Zoë said. "He's a satyr. It doesn't count."

  "Hey!" Grover protested.

  "I have to go," Percy said. "I can't stay behind."

  "Why?" Zoë asked. "Because thy friend Magdalena is going?"

  Percy felt his cheeks grow hot. He hated everybody staring at him. He saw Magdalena frown in confusion at Zoë's accusation, which only made him feel more embarrassed.

  "What— No!" Percy protested. "I need to save Annabeth! I know I'm supposed to be on this quest."

  Nobody helped support his case. Mr. D was reading his catalogue in boredom. The Stolls, Beckendorf, and Silena were all staring at the table. Magnus and Bianca looked guilty.

  "No," Zoë said flatly. "This is non-negotiable. If a satyr must come along, fine, but not a boy."

  Chiron took a deep breath. "This is a quest for Artemis. It is only fair the Hunters must approve of their quest mates."

Percy's ears were ringing when he sat down. He knew his friends were all giving him sympathetic looks, but he couldn't bear to meet their eyes. He sat there in silence as Chiron wrapped up the meeting.

"So be it," he said. "Thalia, Grover, and Magdalena will follow alongside Zoë, Phoebe, and Bianca. You shall leave at dawn. And may the gods— " he spared a glance at Mr. D— "present company included, we hope— be with you."

MAGDALENA NOTICED Percy wasn't at dinner that night, which didn't surprise her, but it also worried her. She knew he wasn't taking the news very well. And she felt slightly responsible for it, even though there was nothing she could do. Even if she'd gotten the chance to offer up her spot, Zoë wouldn't have allowed it. No matter how much any of them could've tried, Percy would not be allowed to go, simply because he was a boy.

In regard to this, Magdalena went off to find him after they'd all been dismissed from dinner. She knew it might be a bad idea to try and talk to him, especially when she had been picked to go on the quest and not him, but she felt horrible seeing how crushed he was back at the meeting. She knew she had to at least try, even if it meant she got a door slammed in her face.

When she got to his cabin, she paused, noticing Chiron already talking to the son of Poseidon. They seemed to be deep in conversation by the serious looks on both of their faces. That sort of eased Lena's nerves a bit. If Chiron had been able to talk to Percy, there was a better chance she could get through to him as well.

She waited outside until the sound of Chrion's hooves stepping against the porch of Percy's cabin reverberated around the area. Her and Chiron made eye contact, a feeling of understanding transferring between the two.

"How's he doing?" Magdalena asked, absently twisting the ring on her finger.

"He will be alright," Chiron said solemnly, but he gave her a knowing look. "But, perhaps you'll be able to cheer him up."

Magdalena frowned. "You think?" She questioned. "I feel like I'm the last person he wants to see right now."

  Chiron sighed. "He just needs time," he admitted. "But, he is not angry with you, my dear. Though, I don't think he could be, even if he tried."

  Magdalena's eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Chiron gave her a fatherly smile. "I just speak of what I observe," he said, which only confused Lena more.

  "What?"

  Chiron chuckled. "Go check on Percy, Magdalena. You'll be able to help him feel better, I know it."

  Magdalena sighed. "Chiron, I really don't think he— "

  "You have a special way of calming people down," Chiron said, cutting the girl off softly. "A unique aura that deflects the negative emotions of others. I think Percy could use that, right now."

Magdalena's brain was turning. An aura? She didn't think she had any sort of aura around her. She just looked . . . Normal. She didn't see any sparks flying off her or celestial waves radiating from her skin. What did he mean by that?

"I will see you in the morning," Chiron said, giving the girl a loving pat on the shoulder and went off toward the Big House.

Always on brand for Chiron— saying something weirdly intellectual and important, then just walking away. (Or, trotting, for use of better terms).

Magdalena just shook her head and walked up to Percy's open doorway, knocking quietly on the door. Percy was sitting with his head down on his bunk, his messy raven hair strewn over his eyes.

At the sound of the knock, his head turned to her, and his face was nothing short of crestfallen. "Lena," he said, his voice a little scratchy.

Magdalena gave him a small smile. "Can I come in?"

Percy nodded, and Lena closed the door behind her softly, walking over to where Percy was sitting, setting herself down beside him. They sat in heavy silence for a couple minutes.

"I'm sorry," Magdalena finally said, her voice soft and quiet, which Percy mentally appreciated. He always liked how Lena matched other people's energy— energetic and happy when there was a celebration, but also calm and soft-spoken in times like this.

"Yeah, me too," Percy said bitterly, lifting his head up so that he could see her eyes. Right now, they were a calmer shade of blue, like the way the ocean looked when the sun was starting to set. Her hair had been released from her ponytail, resting neatly on her shoulders. She still smelled like citrus, just like she had the first day they met.

Magdalena looked at him and sighed. "You're angry," she stated.

"What gave it away?" Percy said rhetorically, his voice laced with bitter sarcasm.

Magdalena gave him a look, and Percy sighed in defeat. A small flicker of anger had started bubble back into his stomach, but he suppressed it. It wouldn't be fair to Magdalena if he took his anger out on her. She hadn't done anything wrong. It was Zoë which was mad at. And Chiron. And the gods. And—

"Don't let your anger about this consume you," Magdalena continued, shaking him out of his invasive, cruel thoughts. "Sometimes, moments like these happen because they were the right thing."

Percy scoffed, hardly able to believe that. "How?" He asked. "I can't save Annabeth while sitting in my bedroom in Manhattan. I'm useless here. She's counting on me, and I— " Percy's jaw clenched, not finishing his sentence. His anger was rising by the minute.

Lena put a comforting hand on his arm, squeezing it softly. Percy weirdly felt calmer from her touch. (And, no, it wasn't in the corny her-touch-was-the one-thing-that-could-chill-me-out way). It was more like a slow wave of relaxation had washed over him, the root of it springing from her hand. He didn't know if he was just imagining it, but it felt as if she was putting out the burning fire that was flickering in his stomach.

Percy looked at her, intrigued. Her face was closer to his than he thought, which stressed him out a little bit. And now that he was thinking about it, Magdalena had never been this comforting to him before. She'd never shown this sort of softness. But, he didn't mind it. Actually, he really liked it.

"You'll get to spend the holidays with your mom," Magdalena reminded him, her voice fond, maybe even a little envious. Percy couldn't tell. "You can be a normal kid for once."

Percy sighed. He knew Lena was right, but he was still frustrated. His mind had been set on saving Annabeth ever since he watched her tumble off that cliff at Westover Hall. And now, when he's finally given the chance to bring her home, it's ripped away from him.

"I just . . . I wasn't lying when I said I feel like I'm supposed to go," Percy said defeatedly. "I keep having these dreams of Annabeth. I know that she's in trouble. This quest . . . I know need to be a part of it."

Magdalena looked down, studying the floorboards. "If I could have you take my place, I would," she said quietly.

Percy shook his head. "No," he said. "Thalia was right on what she said about you. They need you on that quest."

"She gave me too much credit," Lena muttered. "I'm not any more valuable than you would be."

Percy just looked at her with an unreadable expression. "You always do this, you know."

"Do what?"

"Sell yourself short," Percy responded. "You always think less of yourself, and you're wrong."

  Magdalena sighed. "Percy— "

  "It's true," he cut her off before she could deny it. "I don't know why you think it's not."

  Magdalena sat there silently, the sound of her slow breathing the only noise coming from her.

  "You just don't understand," Lena mumbled, toying with the ring on her finger.

  "I think I understand enough," Percy responded, his voice growing stronger. "I've seen you fight, Lena. I've seen your selflessness. You are important. You are a hero."

  "Stop, Percy," Lena said, her voice cracking a little. Her jaw tightened. "Just . . . Stop. Please."

  Percy sighed, shaking his head in confusion. He still didn't understand why she felt this way about herself. How could she not see herself as heroic and brave? How did she not realize how vital she was to everyone living and breathing around her? He was almost positive he would already be dead by now if it wasn't for her saving his life multiple times in the past six months. But she didn't see it that way, and Percy had no clue why, or how. It didn't make any sense to him.

  "I'm sorry," Percy said reluctantly. "But, I'm telling the truth. Everyone around you sees you as a hero. You're the only person who doesn't."

"It doesn't matter, either way," Magdalena said with a hint of abruptness, sitting up to look at Percy directly. "The group is already decided. I have to go whether I like it or not."

Percy, who now had his head resting in his hand with his elbow perched on his knee, craned his head up to look at the girl. The position was a little awkward, but he stayed there. "You'll be fine," he said, trying to sound more upbeat than he felt. If he couldn't go on the quest, the least he could do was make Magdalena feel better about her own inner-crisis. "You'll be with Thalia and Grover. You three together should make it with no problem."

Magdalena nodded. He was right, but it didn't make her feel any better.

"I wish you were going," Lena admitted softly, which sort of caught the boy off guard. She'd never really expressed how she felt about the son of Poseidon, since they'd both mutually just assumed they were good friends after their life-threatening quest to save Grover and the Golden Fleece last summer. Percy, of course, had a lot of weird feelings twisting and turning in his brain about the girl that he couldn't figure out. Feelings that he'd simply been choosing to ignore. But, nevertheless, hearing Magdalena admit something like that to him left him a little ruffled.

"Yeah . . . " Percy mumbled, running his hand through his hair. He lifted his head and glanced at the girl, a weak, pained smile on his face. "Yeah, I do too."

IF THERE was one thing to know about Magnus Arcturus, it was that nobody holds him back from saving his friends.

So maybe he hadn't gotten chosen to go on a prophetically written mission to go save Artemis and Annabeth Chase from Luke and his stupid Kronos-loving-monster-army. Whatever. He didn't cause a scene, and he most certainly didn't hold back his sister being chosen as the six-member of the group. He wouldn't never hold her back simply because of his own wants and needs. That would most definitely give him the worst-brother-of-the-year award.

But, despite not being chosen to follow along with the Hunters on their quest to save their goddess, Magnus wasn't backing down. Those minor disruptions wouldn't stop him from going after Annabeth.

And how he found himself stalking behind a column of the pavilion as Zoë Nightshade and Bianca Di Angelo talked at one of the dining tables.

Not too far from him, Nico Di Angelo was doing the same thing, except he hadn't been as discreet. One of Magnus's surprisingly useful skills was that he was an excellent creep. (And, no, not in the weird way, he just doesn't know how else to put it). He knew how to control how heavy his footfalls were, where to step to remain silent, and how to control his breathing so that it basically went unnoticed that he was breathing at all.

He knew how to become invisible, without becoming invisible.

"There is no cure," Zoë hissed. "Not one that can heal her fast enough."

"How did she even get poisoned?" Bianca asked.

"A stupid trick," Zoë said in anger. "Those Stoll boys from Hermes cabin. They sprayed that shirt they gave me for Phoebe with Centaur's blood, which is practically acid."

"That's horrible!"

"She will survive," Zoë confirmed. "But she is bedridden for the next few weeks, healing from the hives. She cannot possibly go on the quest. It is up to me . . . And thee."

"But . . . The prophecy," Bianca said. "We only have five of Phoebe cannot go. We have to bring another."

"There is no time," Zoë said. "We leave at dawn. That is now. Besides, the prophecy foretold us that we shall lose one."

"In the land without rain," said Bianca. "That isn't here."

"It may be," Zoë said, but it was unconvincing. "There are magical borders surrounding this camp. Not even weather is allowed in here without being granted access. There is a chance this is a land without rain."

"But— "

"Bianca, listen," Zoë's voice was tight. "I do not know how to say it, but I have a feeling we should not bring another companion. There is too much danger. Their fate would be worse than Phoebe's. I don't wish for Chiron to select another camper to join, and I don't want to risk another Hunter."

Bianca didn't speak for a moment. "I think you should talk to Thalia. About the rest of your dream."

"It would be pointless."

"But if your suspicions are true, regarding the General— "

"I have thy word not say nothing about it," Zoë said. She sounded distressed. "The true will show soon enough. Now, we must go. Dawn is approaching."

Nico slid out of their way as soon as they began moving. But something else caught Zoë's attention. She froze, her eyes narrowed. She began to reach for her bow, but Bianca said, "The Big's House's lights are on. Let's go!"

And Zoë ran after her out of the pavilion.

Magnus crept forward, his suspicions confirmed when he saw Percy Jackson shimmer into existence beside Nico.

"Wait," he called to the boy as he was about to run after his sister.

Nico almost fell on the icy steps as he wheeled around. "What are you doing here?"

"I've been here the whole time. Invisible."

Nico blinked. "Awesome."

"How'd you know Zoë and Bianca were here?"

Nico looked embarrassed. "I heard them outside the Hermes cabin. I haven't been sleeping very well here. So, I followed them when I heard them whispering."

"And you're planning on following them after Artemis," Percy guessed.

"How'd you know that?"

"If it was my sister, I'd be planning the same thing. But you can't."

Nico's stare hardened. "Why? Because I'm too young?"

"Because they would never let you. They'll seek you out and send you right back to camp. And . . . Well, yeah. You're too young. Remember the manticore? You'll find dozens of those even more dangerous on that quest. Some heroes will die."

Nico visibly deflated, shifting on his feet. "You may be right. But, you could go instead."

"Say what?"

"You're able to be invisible! You can follow them!"

"The Hunters hate boys," Percy reminded him. "If you discovered— "

"Don't let them see you. Stay invisible, and watch out for my sister! You need to. Please?"

"Nico— "

"You're planning on going anyways, aren't you?"

Percy looked conflicted, but he knew he couldn't lie to him.

"Yeah," he said. "Annabeth needs my help. I have to find her, even if the Hunters are against it."

"I won't say anything," Nico said. "But you need to promise me that you'll protect my sister."

"That's . . . That is a hard promise. On a mission like this, especially. Besides, she has Grover, Lena, Thalia, Zoë— "

"Promise," he demanded.

"I'll do my best. That's my promise."

"Get moving, then!" He said. "Good luck!"

It was totally nuts. Percy had nothing to his name except the cap, his sword, and the clothes he was wearing. He was supposed to be back in Manhattan that morning. "Tell Chiron— "

"I'll make something up," Nico said with a crooked smile. "I'm good at that. Now go!"

Percy ran off, Annabeth's cap on his head. He got to Half-Blood Hill and watched Argus's camp can disappear down the dirt road, taking the group into the city. After that, they were on their own.

"Think we can keep up with them?"

Percy screamed, knocking the invisibility cap off his head in the process of him wheeling around at the sound of a voice. Magnus Arcturus was right behind him, standing with his hands in his pockets.

"Where did you come from?" Percy demanded, his heart beating wildly.

"I've been following you."

Percy stared at him. "What?" he shook his head. "How did I not hear or see you?"

Magnus shrugged. "I'm a good stalker," he said simply, to which Percy just looked more baffled. "And I'm coming with you."

"Magnus, I don't think— "

"Percy, I don't really care what you think," Magnus said flatly, which made Percy freeze. "My sister's on that quest with only Thalia and Grover by her side. Annabeth, you, and me are what she needs. And we all need to save Annabeth to do that. I'm going with you."

Percy, after a moment of silence, shrugged in acceptance. Magnus made a good point, and he couldn't deny that. But, in reality, Percy was secretly grateful for Magnus's approach to joining him on the quest. It felt relieving to know that he wouldn't be alone on this anymore. Having Magnus by his side made him feel a more comfortable— like he had a partner in crime, in a way.

"I didn't realize you wanted to go," Percy admitted. "I would've come to you before this if I had."

Magnus arched an eyebrow. "Do you really think I'd let those good-for-nothing Hunters dictate who saves our best friend? Yeah, right."

Percy had held a lot of respect toward Magnus before this, but now that respect was doubled. Hearing the son of Astraeus diss the Hunters just as Percy had been the last couple days was like the sound of Olympian bells ringing in his ears. He always knew he could count on Magnus. 

"I'm with you," Percy said, nodding his head. "But how are we going to keep up with them?"

That's when the sound of huge wings approached from behind them. Blackjack the Pegasus landed in front of them. He began to casually pick at a few loose tufts of grass that had broken through the ice.

If my guess is correct, boss, it seems you need a getaway horse. You interested?

Percy couldn't even describe how grateful he was for that damn Pegasus. "Yeah," he said with a smile. "Let's fly."

IT WAS quite easy to cause a traffic jam on the Long Island Expressway if they weren't careful when flying on Pegasus-back. Percy kept Blackjack high up in the clouds to avoid any trouble, keeping on track with the Camp-Half-Blood van. The cold air was even more frigid up in the sky, pelting Magnus and Percy with icy rain that stung their skin.

"We should've gotten some of that thermal underwear from the camp store," Magnus said, his teeth chattering as he spoke. "Because this sucks."

Percy agreed with him on that, but he wasn't sure he trusted any of the merchandise from there after that story with Phoebe and the Centaur-blood shirt.

And, the best part was, they'd lost the van two times! That was an achievement for the group considering the two boys who were leading the pursuit shared a singular braincell.

They'd gotten into the city by mid-morning, landing Blackjack near the top of the Chrysler Building. They eyed the van, figuring it'd pull into the bus station, but it kept going down the road.

"Where's Argus taking them?" Percy wondered.

Magnus shrugged. "Beats me. The guy hardly even breathes, let alone speaks his mind."

Oh, Argus ain't driving, boss, Blackjack said to Percy. That scary girl is.

"Which girl?" Percy asked, to which Magnus gave him a weird look.

"I didn't say anything about a girl," Magnus said.

That Hunter girl. The one with the silver crown.

"Zoë?"

"Dude, are you hearing things?" Magnus asked.

Percy did a double take on Magnus, just now realizing how crazy he must've sounded. Magnus clearly didn't hear the horse in his mind like Percy did.

"Oh, Blackjack's talking to me," Percy explained, throwing a thumb over his shoulder as he turned to face Magnus.

Magnus stared at him. "You're talking to a horse."

Percy winced at the sudden chime of cursing ringing in his head from Blackjack. "Uh . . . Yeah," he said, clearing his throat. "But, he'd prefer if you call him a Pegasus."

Percy made a point not to mention the collection of vulgar terms Blackjack had called Magnus, figuring it'd be better left unsaid. Percy also didn't even think he had it in him to repeat some of the names. His mom would've grounded him for life if she'd heard him say any of them, for that matter.

Magnus looked at Percy thoughtfully. "Huh," he said, like he was pleasantly surprised. He shrugged. "My apologies. Carry on."

Boss, look! There's a donut shop. Can we hit the drive-thru?

Percy did his best to tell Blackjack that sending a flying horse through a donut shop would give a heart attack to every cop on the block. Blackjack didn't seem to understand the problem. Meanwhile, the van made its way toward the Lincoln Tunnel. Percy had never thought about the idea of Zoë being able to drive. She didn't look sixteen, but, then again, she was immortal.

"You think she has a license?" Magnus asked.

Percy's eyebrows scrunched. "I dunno. Maybe."

"I wonder what the birthdate is on it," Magnus said, chuckling. "Maybe it's in B.C."

Percy laughed at the idea of that. "Alright," he said after they settled down. "We've gotta catch them."

They were getting ready to take flight when Blackjack whinnied in alarm and almost knocked Percy and Magnus off. There was something curling around their ankles like a snake. Magnus and Percy both reached for their weapons, but when they looked down, there wasn't a snake on their legs. Grape vines had sprung from the cracks in the concrete and they were winding around the Pegasus's legs, latching down the boys' legs so they were stuck.

"Going somewhere?" Mr. D asked.

He was propped up against the building with his feet hovering in the air, his leopard-print jogging attire and black hair whipping in the wind.

God alert! Blackjack screamed. Wine dude alert!

Mr. D sighed. "The next thing to call me 'wine dude' will meet their fate in a bottle of Pinot Grigio!"

"Mr. D!" Magnus exclaimed with a grin, extending his hands in humble hospitality. "What brings you here? Come to join us to the donut shop?"

We're getting donuts now! Heck yeah! Blackjack said in Percy's head.

Percy's jaw clenched. "Mr. D." He tried to keep his voice calm as the vines continued to wind up his legs. "What do you want?"

"Oh, what do I want? Did you just assume that the immortal, all-powerful director of your camp wouldn't grow aware of you two dimwits leaving without permission?"

"Uh . . . Perhaps."

"I believe I should toss you boys off the roof, excluding the flying horse, and see how heroic you sound falling to your death."

Percy's fists clenched. He knew it'd be best if he kept his mouth shut, but Dionysus was either about to send him and Magnus flying down into the sidewalk, or haul them back to camp in pure embarrassment, and he couldn't stand either of this horrendous outcomes. "What do you hate me? What did I do to deserve this?"

Purple fire danced in the god's eyes. "You're a hero, that's why. I see no other reason other than that to hate you."

"Magnus and I are meant to be on this quest! We have to help our friends, something you will never understand!"

"Yeah!" Magnus agreed, clapping Percy on the back.

Yo, boss, Blackjack said anxiously. Considering the fact we're trapped in vines eight hundred feet in the air, you may want to try some sweet talk.

The vines got tighter around them. In the distance, the van was only getting farther away.

"Have I ever told you about Ariadne?" Mr. D asked. "The most beautiful princess of Crete? She enjoyed helping her companions, like you two. She once helped a young hero, Theseus, also a son of Poseidon. She gave him a ball of magical twine that helped him escape the Labyrinth. Do you want to know how he thanked her?"

Percy wanted to say I don't care! But he figured that wouldn't make him finish the story any quicker.

"They got married," Percy said. "Happily ever after. The end."

Mr. D sneered. "Not exactly. Theseus claimed he was going to marry her. He led her on his ship and sailed to Athens. Halfway there, on the small island of Naxos, he . . . As you mortals say today . . . Dumped her. I found her there. Stranded and heart broken. She'd given up everything to help a handsome young hero who threw her away with a broken sandal."

"He's a douche," Magnus agreed. "But that was thousands of years ago. What does any of this have to do with us?"

Mr. D regarded them coldly. "I fell in love with Ariadne. I mended her shattered heart. And after she died, I made her my immortal wife on Olympus. She awaits my return even now. I shall be back with as soon as I'm finished with this infernal century of punishment at your ridiculous camp."

Percy stared at him. Magnus looked utterly shocked.

"You're . . . Married?" Percy said in disbelief. "But I thought you were punished for chasing a wood nymph— "

"My point is you heroes are all the same. You blame the gods were being vain. You should do some self-reflection. You take whatever you want, use whoever you please, and then betray everybody close to you. So, please forgive me for having no love for heroes. They are selfish and spoiled. Ask Ariadne. Medea. And at the very least, ask Zoë Nightshade."

  "Why would I ask Zoë?"

  Dionysus waved them off. "Go. Follow your silly little friends."

  The vines released themselves from their legs.

  Percy blinked in surprise. "You're . . . You're letting us go?"

  "The prophecy said that at least two of you will die. Hopefully I strike the lottery and you two will be the winners. But, mark my words, son of Poseidon, son of Astraeus, whether you live or die, you two are no better than the other heroes."

  On that happy note, Mr. D snapped his fingers. He folded up like a letter and with a pop! He disappeared, only the faint scent of grapes being left behind.

  Too close, Blackjack said.

  "I can't tell if he was being generous, or if he was helping us to die faster," Magnus said skeptically.

  Percy agreed. He almost would've felt less concerned if the god had dragged them back to camp. The fact he let them go meant he truly believed they had a good chance at crashing and burning on this mission.

  "C'mon, Blackjack," Percy said, trying to gain some confidence. "I'll get you some donuts in Jersey."

  ZOË DROVE like she'd just committed a hit-and-run.

  Magdalena sat between Grover and Thalia as they sped south, cutting and weaving through cars like it was an obstacle course. Every so often, Grover's shoulder would bump into her's, which would lead to Lena bumping into Thalia, and then the other way around, making them feel like they were bumper-cars at the carnival.

  Finally, they pulled over at a rest stop in Maryland to use the bathroom and get snacks.

  Magdalena grabbed a pack of sour skittles and a energy drink (certainly a meal fit for a champion), before returning back to the group as Grover was starting to ramble about his tracking spell he'd done while they were stopped.

  "Are you positive, Grover?" Thalia asked.

  "Yes . . . I mean, ninety-nine percent sure. Well, eighty-five percent."

  "And you did this with acorns?" Bianca asked disbelievingly.

  Grover looked offended. "Yes. It's a time-honored tracking spell. I'm almost positive I did it right."

  "D.C. is around sixty miles from here," Bianca said. "Nico and I . . . " She frowned. "We lived there for a while. That's weird, I forgot about that."

  "I dislike this," Zoë said. "We need to continue west, as the prophecy said."

  "Like your tracking skills are better?" Thalia snapped.

  Zoë took a step toward her. "You question my skills, you scullion? You have no idea of the strengths of a Hunter!"

  "Oh, scullion? You're calling me a scullion? What the hell is a scullion?"

  "Cut it out," Magdalena snapped. "You two are giving me a headache."

  "Grover's right," Bianca said. "D.C. is our best option."

  Zoë looked like she wanted to argue, but she agreed reluctantly. "Fine. Let us keep moving."

  "You're going to get us put in jail with your driving," Thalia muttered. "I look closer to sixteen than you."

  "Perhaps," Zoë snapped. "But I have been driving since automobiles were created. Now move."

  They continued for a few more hours until they made it into central Washington, crossing the Potomac River as they went into the city. Zoë parked the car on a curb a few blocks down from the Washington Monument after Grover had told her to stop.

  Everybody piled out of the van, Magdalena's legs sore from the amount of sitting she'd been doing for the past six hours. And, let her make this clear— sitting between a satyr and an angry daughter of Zeus was not comfortable. At all.

  Grover pointed toward a building that was lining the Mall. "There," he said. "We need to go there."

  "Are you positive?" Zoë asked.

  Grover looked nervous, but he nodded. "Yeah," he muttered. "Whatever we're looking for, it'll be in there."

  Thalia nodded, and the five if them trudged forward into the cold wind toward the Mall.

  As they walked, Magdalena grew more and more uneasy. It almost felt like someone had eyes on her from a distance, like she was being stalked. It made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.

  "Thalia," Magdalena mumbled as they walked. "I think we're being watched."

  "Watched?" Thalia asked, her voice dropping. "By who?"

  "I don't know," Lena said, glancing around the perimeter to see if anything looked out of the ordinary. But, everything looked normal. There were a few tourists mingling around the large buildings, taking photos and trying to find a warm place to go. Nothing looked different. But, it still felt like something was wrong. "I just . . . I have a bad feeling about this."

  Thalia nodded, her lips pursed. "I do too," she agreed. "But, I trust Grover."

  Magdalena nodded in agreement, and they continued forward until Grover stopped in front of a large building that said NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM. The Smithsonian. She hadn't been here since she was young, when her school had taken them on a field trip. Back then, everything had seemed so much bigger than it did now.

  Thalia checked the door. It was open, but there wasn't a lot of activity. The only people going in or out were the few tourists who didn't mind the cold. For everyone else, it was too cold, and school was out for the holidays. They slipped inside.

  They made their way through security by using the Mist to conceal their weapons from the metal detectors, and walked through the museum until they reached the center of it, trying to scout around for clues as Grover continued to follow his nature trail to find any evidence of Artemis being there.

  The longer Magdalena stayed in there, the more anxious she felt to turn the other way and run out of there. The Mist felt strong in the museum— thick and dark— like it was trying to hide something big. Something powerful.

  "We should leave," Lena said to the group. She twisted her silver ring nervously. "The Mist is strong in here. Can't you guys feel it too?"

  Zoë and Thalia both nodded.

  "I sense it as well," Zoë agreed. "But, if Artemis was here, we need to find out why. It is our best chance at finding her."

  Thalia nodded in reluctance, hating the fact that she was agreeing with Zoë. "If we can get any leads on where Annabeth and Artemis are, we need to find them. But once we get what we need, we're out of here."

  Magdalena didn't like it, but she knew they were right. They proceeded toward the biggest area of the museum, where there were three different levels of balconies going upwards, with different types of planes and rockers hanging from the ceiling.

  They all investigated the area, Thalia and Magdalena ending up on the top balcony, observing the Apollo Space Capsule.

  And that's when someone almost knocked her off the balcony.

  From out of nowhere, Thalia and Magdalena were both slammed into the Apollo Space Capsule, almost sending themselves and the two mysterious forces over the railing.

  Out of pure instinct, Magdalena grabbed the person's wrist in her hand and flipped them onto the floor, pressing the blade of her sword against their throat. But, her adrenaline quickly got sucked out of her body when she saw Percy Jackson underneath her.

  "Why do you always resort to violence with me?" Percy complained, eyeing the sharp edge of her blade. He looked out of breath, and there was a wild look in his eyes, like he'd seen a ghost.

  "Percy!" Magdalena said with wide eyes, quickly jumping off the boy and taking her sword off his neck. She didn't help him to her feet, as her attention was caught onto her brother, Magnus, who was pressed against the space capsule with a knife under his throat, Thalia glaring at him.

When Magnus and Percy both looked up, they saw Zoë and Bianca with arrows notched at both of their chests. But, when Zoë realized who they were, she still didn't seem very eager to lower her weapon.

"You two! How dare thee show their faces here?"

"Percy! Magnus!" Grover said. "Thank the gods."

Zoë shot him a glare, and he blushed. "I mean, oh, wow. What? You're not supposed to be here!"

"Luke," Magnus exhaled, taking large gulps of air. "Luke! He's— oh my gods, can'tcatchmybreath. Luke is— " he inhaled again. "Gods! My cardio . . . Horrible . . . !"

"Luke," Percy said hardly, also very breathless. "He's here."

Thalia removed her knife from Magnus's throat almost immediately, the anger in her eyes fading. "Where?"

Percy and Magnus told them about what happened in the Natural History Museum, Dr. Thorn, Luke, and the General.

"The General is here?" Zoë looked perplexed. "You lie! That is not possible!"

"Why would we be lying?" Magnus asked.

"We don't have time for this," Percy said. "There's skeleton warriors— "

"How many?" Magdalena demanded.

"Twelve," Percy replied. "But that's not even half of it. The General said he was sending a playmate to keep you busy. A monster."

  Grover looked nervous. "We had a lead on Artemis's path," he said. "It led us here. There was a strong monster scent . . . She must've stopped her search here. But we haven't found any clues yet."

  "Zoë," Bianca said. "If the General really is here— "

  "No!" Zoë snapped. "Percy must've been eluded by something different."

  "Illusions don't crack marble floors," Percy said.

  Zoë looked like she was trying to keep her cool. She was taking this more personally than anyone else, which confused Magdalena.

  "If Percy is right about these skeletons," she said. "We don't have any time to spare. They are terrible, the most ruthless . . . We need to go now."

  "Great idea," Magnus said.

  "I wasn't talking to you two," Zoë sneered. "You both are not included on this quest."

  "We're trying to save your lives!"

  "You guys shouldn't have followed us," Thalia said. "But, it's too late now. We all have to get back to the van."

  "That decision doesn't fall on to thy!" Zoë snapped.

  Thalia glared at the Hunter. "You don't control the decisions, Zoë. I don't care if you're a thousand years old! You're still a stuck-up brat!"

  "Oh, burn!" Magnus said, sucking a sharp breath between his teeth.

  Magdalena glared at him so fiercely he almost had to look away.

  "You were always so stupid when it came to boys," Zoë insulted. "You were never able to put them behind you!"

  Thalia looked ready to swing on the Hunter. But then everybody froze. There was a loud, ferocious growl from below.

  A couple adults screamed from the main floor. A child's voice laughed in delight. "Kitty!"

  Something huge ran up the balcony. It had silver claws and golden fur, and was the size of a semi truck. Lena knew what it was immediately.

  "The Nemean Lion."

ANNA'S NOTES!
Who's more unserious: The Stolls & Magnus or Magnus & Percy

Place your votes here