Crystal pushed off and rolled her eyes. She looked down at her feet to find the source of what tripped her. Turns out, it was their bags with everything still there. Piper formed a confused look on her face as she reached into her pocket and pulled out a wad of cash from her pocket.

"You got allowance? No way! Your mom is so cool!" Leo grinned.

_____________

Crystal took in her surroundings while she sipped a cherry-flavored Italian soda. It was bright and sunny with a light breeze. Trees were blooming and many people walked around, entering and exiting shops. The group of demigods has asked the waitress what day it was, to which she replied as December 21st.

"We only have three hours to get to Enceladus," Piper said, after taking a drink from her mocha.

Crystal could see their destination in the distance, a large mountain sitting peacefully on Earth. She looked to Leo who had pulled out a paper from his pocket. It was the drawing from when they saw Aeolus. Crystal zoned out for a moment, staring at the crayon drawing. She couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity. Had she seen that drawing before?

"So," A voice interrupted Crystal's thoughts. "What's the plan?"

"We need to climb that mountain and save Piper's father. I kill some things, a life is saved- boom! A perfect plan." Coach Hedge grinned.

"Right," Leo said.

Crystal...

"Oh my god," Crystal muttered, rubbing her temples.

I would think you'd be more excited to hear from your mother.

Crystal subtly rolled her eyes. "I would think my mother would be less annoying."

I would think you would like to know who I am.

Crystal's eyes slightly widened. "You would actually tell me?"

You wish. But I'll let you figure it out.

"How am I supposed to figure that out?"

Think about it. Why hasn't anyone claimed you yet? Not even the minor gods. Who left could possibly be your mother?

Crystal thought for a moment. The voice was right. There was no one else who could be her mother, except one. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks. How had she not realized this before?

Piper spoke up, "There's more to that. Enceladus is not the real enemy. Gaea is."

Crystal felt like the breath was kicked right out of her lungs as soon as she heard the name. There's no way. Right? It's not possible! ...Is it? She choked on her drink, eyes watering. Leo patted her back, attempting to help. She soon regained control of her violent coughing.

Piper looked concerned and confused, "Have you heard of that name before?"

"Uh, of course, I have, it's basic Greek mythology. Gaea is Mother Earth," Crystal replied, slightly embarrassed by her scene.

"Are you sure? You reacted like you knew something," Coach Hedge narrowed his eyes.

"I'm positive," Crystal looked down at her drink, thinking of a lie. "I think I heard it a long, long time ago. When I was extremely young. My aunt was talking on the phone and mentioned that name, I think. I, uh, I don't remember much."

"My guess is that it wasn't good. Gaea is bad news," Hedge said.

Crystal nodded. As Hedge talked about the goddess's past, she looked into the distance. The thought of that woman being her mother was almost unbearable. Suddenly getting up, she walked away from the table.

"I need to use the restroom." She quickly mumbled, leaving her friends confused by her actions.

Inside the cafe's bathroom, Crystal splashed her face with water. She dried her face and looked into the mirror. Her bright green eyes stared back at her.

You look a lot like me, you know.

"Like the ground?" Crystal deadpanned.

Looks can be deceiving. You also have the looks of your father.

"And who is that?"

You must learn that on your own.

Crystal groaned. She continued looking into the mirror, studying herself. Did this mean she was destined to be evil, like her mother? She thought back to her own prophecy.

If the child should refuse the call

She would forever doom us all.

"Do I really have the power to doom everyone?" Crystal blinked.

Yes, child. You have more power than any other demigod. Your powers rival Percy Jackson himself. This is why I want you to join me.

"Will you shut up?" Crystal yelled, gripping her hair.

"Crystal?" A knock was heard on the bathroom door. "Are you okay?"

Crystal opened the door. Standing in the doorway was Leo. He looked very concerned.

"Are you okay?" He repeated. "I heard you yelling."

Crystal nodded and put on a fake smile. "Never better."