RED ¹ / Percy Jackson !

5

"HIS PROTECTOR?" Viviene asked Chiron in disbelief once Percy left to talk to the Oracle."What in the  underworld is that supposed to mean?"

"He's new and the leader of this quest,so you'll have the job of protecting him." Chiron simply said."I do hope it is no problem for you,because I know you want to go on this quest."

Viviene frowned at Chiron before mumbling a 'no sir' and shaking her head. Chiron nodded and they sat in silence,waiting for Percy to come down.

"Well?"Chiron asked once Percy climbed back down,a little pale in the face.

"She said I would retrieve what was stolen."He slumped into a chair at the pinochle table.

"That's great!"Grover sat forward, chewing excitedly on the remains of a Diet Coke can.

"What did the Oracle say exactly?" Chiron pressed. "This is important."

"She . .. she said I would go west and face a god who had turned. I would retrieve what was stolen and see it safely returned."

"I knew it," Grover said.

 "Anything else?"Chiron didn't look satisfied.

"No," Percy  said. "That's about it."

Chiron and Viviene shared a knowing look. It was painfully obvious Percy was lying.

"Very well, Percy. But know this: the Oracle's words often have double meanings. Don't dwell on them too much. The truth is not always clear until events come to pass."

"Okay," He said anxiously."So where do I go? Who's this god in the west?"

"Ah, think, Percy," Chiron said. "If Zeus and Poseidon weaken each other in a war, who stands togain?"

"Somebody else who wants to take over?" He guessed.

"Yes, quite. Someone who harbors a grudge, who has been unhappy with his lot since the worldwas divided eons ago, whose kingdom would grow powerful with the deaths of millions. Someone who hates his brothers for forcing him into an oath to have no more children, an oath that both of them have now broken."

"Hades." Viviane and Percy said at the same time.They shared a look before putting their attention back on Chiron.

Chiron nodded. "The Lord of the Dead is the only possibility."

 "Whoa, wait. Wh-what?" Grover asked,in shock.

"A Fury came after Percy," Chiron reminded him. "She watched the young man until she was sureof his identity, then tried to kill him. Furies obey only one lord: Hades."

"Yes, but-but Hades hates all heroes," Grover protested. "Especially if he has found out Percy isa son of Poseidon... ."

"A hellhound got into the forest," Chiron continued. "Those can only be summoned from theFields of Punishment, and it had to be summoned by someone within the camp. Hades must have a spy here. He must suspect Poseidon will try to use Percy to clear his name. Hades would very much like to kill this young half-blood before he can take on the quest."

"Great," Percy muttered. "That's two major gods who want to kill me."

"Oh,I bet you really like the attention."the female Ares grumbled,shooting him a glare. Percy narrowed his eyes at her.