"Milord, the time is nearing, and we need to prepare," Delphin advised the lord of the sea.

Poseidon nodded, staring down at the extensive and detailed map of the ocean. 2015: only approximately two years away. Oceanus's threat was still present, and small skirmishes had broken out in the Indian Ocean, drawing parts of his army towards that location. Poseidon's hair had become slightly grayer, representing the strength and condition of his kingdom, and the danger they were in was grave. The Kraken was never recovered, meaning that Oceanus was indeed planning on using it in his army. Poseidon sighed, his thoughts drifting to his son, Percy. Poseidon knew Percy was somehow involved in the Great Prophecy, whether he was the main prophecy kid or not. He rubbed his temples, trying to imagine the amount of pressure that would be put on Percy's shoulders. But he needed to stop worrying about his son; Percy could take care of himself, whatever the circumstance.

Poseidon felt slender arms wrap around his waist and felt a warm body press against his back. Poseidon smiled warmly at his wife's touch.

"Hello, dear," Poseidon greeted Amphitrite.

Poseidon turned around and gave his shorter wife a proper hug, placing his hand on the back of her dark-haired head. Amphitrite rested her head on his chest.

"You need to stop worrying, Poseidon. Your hair is turning gray," Amphitrite commented.

"I'll excuse myself, milord. I'll meet with you later," Delphin said, before swimming out of the room quickly.

Poseidon rested his chin on the top of Amphitrite's head.

"I'm afraid that not worrying will make my hair even more gray, my dear. Oceanus's army will be big enough for a serious attack in two years and we have absolutely no information on where he is, what he is doing, how big the army is—nothing. It worries me. I cannot lose my kingdom, Amphitrite, I cannot," Poseidon spoke into her dark locks.

She rubbed Poseidon's back soothingly. "We'll figure something out."

They were silent for a moment.

"How's Percy?" Poseidon asked his wife, knowing that she had been watching over him at the camp.

Amphitrite smiled fondly at the mention of her son in everything but blood. She had seen him at the camp, and was proud of her boy. He had already stood up to the two camp bullies—Annabeth and Zane—and defended that man-hating girl that he fell in love with 2,000 years ago. She smiled at the fact that Percy was as loyal as his father (well, now Poseidon is loyal, anyway). Amphitrite remembered watching Percy beat up Heracles on Hephaestus's Iris message show (A/N: Was gonna say Hephaestus TV, but it was before 0 AD), and how her pride swelled when she watched him defend that Hesperid. She also remembered that it was the day that Percy got his first and last kiss. Percy was so stubbornly loyal that he hadn't even looked at another woman besides the lieutenant of the Hunt. Now, even 2,000 years later, Percy was still just as in love with her as he had been the first day—and also the last—he had met her, not even bothered by their separation.

Amphitrite also noticed how much Percy hated concealing himself from her. Yes, Amphitrite knew of Hades's children, and so did Poseidon. Poseidon didn't care for violence upon his brothers, so he didn't want to kill Nico or Bianca, for he didn't fear nor hate them.

"Fine, dear," Amphitrite said, "but I have a dreadful sense of foreboding. I fear something will happen soon."

Poseidon nodded. "My senses have been on the fritz for a while now. I have felt it as well, but I have no idea what this could be."

Amphitrite looked up. "Perhaps a prophecy? Artemis has been captured."

Poseidon perked up at this. "What?" He asked incredulously.

"Artemis was kidnapped and she took the sky, dear," Amphitrite explained.

Poseidon furrowed his eyebrows. "One must willingly take the weight of the world. Surely she would not save Atlas from his burden."

Artemis nodded grimly. "That is correct; she took the sky to save a maiden: an unclaimed girl that was roaming the country. Artemis willingly took the sky for her, and she is now imprisoned on the mountain with Artemis. I believe a prophecy will be issued to the campers by the Oracle."

Poseidon nodded in agreement. "You are most likely right. I hope it won't be dangerous . . . I fear Percy may be involved."

Bianca's POV (Surprise!)

Bianca hurried to the infirmary to tell Percy the news, but she was surprised when she found him asleep next to a girl, who was also sleeping. Bianca recognized the girl as Miranda, the daughter of Demeter that Zane hit for insulting him. Bianca couldn't keep an evil grin off her face as she remembered how Zoë had served him his ass on a silver platter after Percy left with Miranda. Zane belonged in the infirmary himself, but Chiron thought it would be unwise considering the fact that Miranda was in there also. Zane was currently unconscious in the Big House, lying on the living room couch, recuperating from his nasty beating.

Bianca gently shook Percy awake, refraining from laughing when she saw the drool drip from his chin. Percy woke up finally after Bianca slapped him through his hood.

"Ow," He muttered groggily.

"Arcus," she hissed urgently, still hating that fake name, "there was a prophecy issued to Zoë! There's a meeting in ten!"

Percy stood up quickly knocking over his chair, and waking up Miranda in the process. Will Solace came by and helped the daughter of Demeter up before carrying her towards the door.

"Bye, Arcus," Miranda said as she waved.

Percy smiled warmly and waved back. Bianca wasted no time and grabbed his wrist before yanking him towards the door.

Once the pair got into the Big House rec room, everyone that was supposed to be there was present, including Zane and Annabeth, unfortunately. Chiron nodded towards Zoë.

Zoë turned to Arcus and recited the prophecy.

"Five shall go west to the goddess in chains,

One shall be lost in the land without rain,

The Spartan of Olympus and Lieutenant of Artemis show the trail,

Campers and Hunters combined prevail,

The Titan's curse must one withstand,

And one shall perish by a parent's hand."

Percy sighed next to Bianca. Everyone remained silent until Phoebe spoke up.

"Who the hell is the Spartan of Olympus?"
"That would be me," Percy said. Everyone looked at him incredulously. Bianca nodded, knowing that Percy was a Spartan demigod. Zoë glared at him.

"What's that supposed to mean? How do you know?" She accused.

"Because I know my heritage. My mother was a Spartan woman," He answered.

Annabeth burst into uproarious laughter, while some other joined in with nervous chuckles or coughs. She pointed a finger at Percy.

"You would have to be immortal or a time-traveller, idiot! The Spartans were wiped out thousands of years ago. You're lying!" Annabeth screeched.

The other campers nodded in agreement while Zoë stared suspiciously at him.

"I am immortal, in fact," Percy replied to the daughter of Athena.

Everyone was quiet again until Zane stood up, his face red from anger.

"You're so full of it! Immortal my ass!" He called, some others voicing their agreement.

Faster than the eyes could register, Percy whipped out a knife, cut his palm, and squeezed his hand into a fist. Everyone watched silently in states of shock as a drop of golden ichor splattered onto the Ping-Pong table. Percy calmly sheathed his knife.

"Is that enough proof for you?" Percy questioned quietly.

No one replied until Chiron broke the silence moments later.

"Well, we know two of the five going: Miss Nightshade and Mr. Arcus. Anyone else?"

"I'll go," Bianca volunteered, ignoring the shocked stares of the other campers.

Zane stood up again. "What? She's unclaimed! We can't trust her just as much as we can't trust that demititan!"

"She's braver than you," Percy commented, "and that counts for a lot. She may be unclaimed, but the fact that she just volunteered shows she had more guts than you."

Zane looked down before looking back up again. "Fine. But I want to come too. I'm a pretty good fighter."

Bianca could tell Percy was glaring at Zane, but he then turned to Zoë. Zoë opened her mouth, but Phoebe interrupted.

"I hate the kid, but his fighting skill is respectable. He'd be a valuable teammate," Phoebe said with grudging respect.

Zane nodded in thanks, and the Zoë spoke.

"If I hear one demititan comment on this quest, you'll come back without one of your fingers. Got it?" Zoë asked warningly.

Zane swallowed nervously before nodding. Bianca noticed Percy look away in disgust before Chiron asked the question everyone wanted to hear the answer to.

"So who will be the last quest member?" Chiron asked.

"I will," Phoebe said bravely.

Zoë nodded in approval. Chiron smiled grimly. "Then the quest is set in stone. I bid you all good luck. You will leave tomorrow afternoon. Meeting adjourned."

All of the campers stood up and exited, heading for whichever cabin was their own. Bianca and Nico walked back to the Hermes cabin with Percy.

"You two won't die, right?" Nico asked worriedly.

"Nico, it's going to be—" Bianca began.

"Okay? It's going to be okay? You heard the prophecy, B! Two people aren't coming back!" Nico exclaimed with a tear running down his face.

Bianca hugged Nico fiercely. "We won't die. Remember Percy's promise?" She whispered in his ear, "He'll keep me safe. I'll come back; I promise."

Nico nodded and gave Percy a hug too. Bianca smiled, seeing that they had already formed a brother-like bond with each other. Bianca herself was proud to be able to call Percy an older brother. Now all she needed to do was fix his love life . . .

Percy's POV

Percy and Bianca walked groggily and rather slowly to Half-Blood Hill, around four p.m.. Chiron wanted them to sleep in and wake up around twelve, but the anxious demigods hardly got any rest. They all awoke around ten, although still tired. They took several naps throughout the day, trying to become rested for the upcoming quest. Percy and Bianca had just awoken from one of those naps. When they arrived at Thalia's tree, only Zoë and Phoebe were present. The dropped their bags by the two Hunters and took a seat, leaning against Thalia's tree. Phoebe shot Percy a nasty look like always, and, like always, Percy brushed it off; it was in her nature to despise boys.

"Where is that idiot boy?" Zoë asked with clear distaste in her voice.

Bianca shrugged. "Maybe he overslept?"

Phoebe scoffed. "Typical male behavior."

Percy rolled his eyes under his hood and leaned his head back against the trunk, closing his eyes. Percy wanted to show Zoë who he was. He wanted to. Badly. But Bianca and Nico would be in danger, a small part of his brain reasoned. The other side of his brain rolled its imaginary eyes. Sure, it said, but we love Zoë! We have to tell her!

Percy was just beginning to question his sanity when a loud yawn pulled him from his thoughts. Percy saw a groggy son of Zeus stumble up the hill, his bag slung over his shoulder.

"Finally," Zoë huffed angrily, "you're late."

"Sorry, princess, we humans need sleep," Zane retorted. Percy stifled a laugh and then frowned. He laughed at something Zane said? Weird.

Phoebe shoved him roughly. "Shut up, pig. Let's go; Argus is waiting."

Bianca stayed close to Percy, something that didn't go unnoticed by the lieutenant of the hunt. Percy's eyebrows raised as Zoë kept shooting suspicious looks at the pair with a little . . . jealousy mixed in?

Before Percy could think more about it, they reached Argus's van. Argus tossed Percy the keys and they all piled in: Zane and Percy in the front, and the girls in the back. Percy started the engine, and soon they were driving through the streets of Manhattan. Zane was looked out the window sleepily while the girls conversed quietly in the back.

"Where are we going?" Percy asked, directing his question towards the back of the van.

"DC," Zoë replied, "that's where Artemis was headed last."

Percy nodded and stepped on the gas, speeding southward through the streets of Manhattan. Percy drove for hours until he began to feel tired. It was one a.m., and everyone was asleep except for Zane. Now that Zane was alone with the rest of the quest members, he didn't seem vain or cocky at all. He was reserved and sort of . . . nervous looking?

"Zane," Percy asked, keeping his eyes on the road, "you okay?"

He heard a slightly muffled sob and realized it came form the son of Zeus.

"Zan—" Percy started.

"I didn't hit the little g-girl, Arcus," Zane said, lifting his head up to show his red and slightly swollen eyes, "and I d-don't have anything against Zoë for being a d-daughter of Atlas."

"Zane, are you feeling—" Percy tried to start again.

"It wasn't m-me!" Zane whisper-yelled, "Annabeth was the one who h-hit Miranda! I didn't t-touch the girl! My girlfriend despises Zoë, so she told me to insult her at every chance I got! I-I'm not like this, Arcus . . . I . . . I'm not a b-bully, I just . . . I didn't want Annabeth to be mad . . . she sad she'd break up with me if I didn't do what she said . . . I think I love her! I couldn't lose her! So she told me to stand by the girl and stay quiet and act guilty when everyone turned around! I d-didn't know why s-she hit Miranda! I d-didn't know she was g-going to!"

Percy's eyes widened in shock, trying to take all the information in. Granted, Zane could be fake crying and lying, but Percy noticed the pained look in Zane's eyes. Was it possible that Percy misjudged the son of Zeus? Percy could believe the part about Annabeth; she was a ruthless, conniving bitch and she definitely hated Zoë, but why would she just randomly hit Miranda?

Zane put his head in his hands, drying his eyes. Percy glanced over at him.

"Okay . . . say I believe you. Why would Annabeth hit Miranda?" Percy asked.

"I-I don't know," Zane admitted, "she said she needed a distraction for her plan to work. I d-don't know what she meant by it."

Percy frowned, but he was beginning to believe Zane. It made since; Percy didn't remember seeing Annabeth when Miranda got punched, but why would Annabeth do that? What was the "plan" she mentioned to Zane? Was Zane actually not a bad guy? Percy realized that Zane was hopelessly in love with a cold-hearted-bitch—much like his own situation, actually, although Zoë wasn't a bitch; she was just a little cold and harsh at times.

Percy didn't know what compelled him to believe Zane; maybe being Apollo's champion, he had increased detection of lies. His senses weren't going crazy, meaning Zane was most likely telling the truth, or he was a really, really good liar. But looking at Zane's expression in the corner of Percy's eyes, Percy could tell he wasn't kidding or being fooled. Zane was being honest.

"Well . . . alright, I believe you," Percy said to him.

Zane's head snapped up. "What? Really? Just like that?"

Percy nodded, although frowned. "Why? Do you not want me to believe you?"
Zane shook his head. "No . . . I just thought you hated me and wouldn't believe anything that came out of my mouth."

"Ah," Percy replied awkwardly, for a lack of a better response.

They were silent for a while before Percy spoke up again. "Why do let Annabeth boss you around?"

Zane looked surprised. "She doesn't boss me around."

Percy furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "But you said Annabeth told you to do all that stuff, right?"

Zane looked away. "Yeah . . . but she doesn't boss me," he argued feebly.

Percy sighed. "Look, I won't tell you who to hang out with, but Annabeth is bad news. And as for the stuff you told me, don't expect me to treat you differently right away. You still have to prove yourself to me, got it?"

Zane nodded before turning to face the window. Zane leaned his head back and Percy soon heard a soft snoring. Percy felt bad for the son of Zeus, but he still had no excuse for insulting and bullying Zoë because of her parentage. Percy had a new, budding respect for the son of Zeus, but was far from liking him. Zane had a lot to answer for, as did Annabeth. Percy was going to make sure he got in a little talk with Annabeth for what she did after Capture the Flag, a party trick that ultimately got Miranda hurt. She would answer for her wrongdoings.

Percy drove on into the night.