σɾɳιƚԋαʂ (ρʝσ x ɱαʅҽ σƈ)

I Play Capture the Flag Again

Percy's POV

The next morning after breakfast, I told Grover and Theo about my dream. Turns out, Theo had the exact same dream. We sat in the meadow watching the satyrs chase the wood nymphs through the snow. The nymphs had promised to kiss the satyrs if they got caught, but they hardly ever did. Usually, the nymph would let the satyr get up a full head of steam, then she'd turn into a snow-covered tree and the poor satyr would slam into it headfirst and get a pile of snow dumped on him.

When we told Grover our nightmare, he started twirling his finger in his shaggy leg fur.

Grover: A cave ceiling collapsed on her?

Theo: Yeah. What the hell does that mean?

Grover: I don't know. But after what Zoe dreamed—

Percy: Whoa. What do you mean? Zoe had a dream like that?

Grover: I...I don't know, exactly. About three in the morning she came to the Big House and demanded to talk to Chiron. She looked really panicked.

Theo: And how exactly do you know this?

Grover: I was sort of camped outside the Artemis cabin.

Theo: Why?

Grover: Just to be, you know, near them.

Percy: You're a stalker with hooves.

Grover: I am not! Anyway, I followed her to the Big House and hid in a bush and watched the whole thing. She got real upset when Argus wouldn't let her in. It was kind of a dangerous scene.

I tried to imagine that. Argus was the head of security for camp—a big blond dude with eyes all over his body. He rarely showed himself unless something serious was going on. I wouldn't want to place bets on a fight between him and Zoe Nightshade.

Theo: What did she say?

Grover: Well, she starts talking really old-fashioned when she gets upset, so it was kind of hard to understand. But something about Artemis being in trouble and needing the Hunters. And then she called Argus a boil-brained lout... I think that's a bad thing. And then he called her—

Theo: Wait, back up. What do you mean, Artemis could be in trouble?

Grover: I...well, finally Chiron came out in his pajamas and his horse tail in curlers and—

Percy: He wears curlers in his tail?

Grover covered his mouth.

Theo: Is this really an important conversation right now?

Percy: Right. Sorry. (turns to Grover) Go on.

Grover: Well, Zoe said she needed permission to leave camp immediately. Chiron refused. He reminded Zoe that the Hunters were supposed to stay here until they received orders from Artemis. And she said...She said, "How are we to get orders from Artemis if Artemis is lost?"

Theo widened his eyes in shock.

Percy: What do you mean lost? Like she needs directions?

Theo: More like she got kidnapped.

Percy: Kidnapped? How would you kidnap an immortal goddess? Is that even possible?

Theo: Ask Persephone. It happened to her.

Percy: Yeah, but she was like, the goddess of flowers.

Grover: (offended) Springtime.

Percy: Whatever. Artemis is a lot more powerful than that. Who could kidnap her? And why?