A maiden's son.

Rachel POV
I knew all things were going to hell when I got the next prophecy. Nothing good about it, nothing at all. From what I understood some people are going to die and that’s that. The question is: who? I just dismissed the prophecy, knowing that the signs would come along later. I didn’t expect them to come so fast though! Only after about two days did things start to get “coincidental.” As soon as Percy left with Chiron I saw Annabeth shaking. The poor girl, she was probably still messed up from her adventure in Tartarus, at least that’s what I thought.
“Hey,” I said softly, “What’s wrong.”
Annabeth just looked at me with fear in her eyes.
“It… It’s nothing.”
“Well it’s clearly something. You look like you’re about to hurl. Now come on, tell me all about it.”
I led her towards the Apollo cabin for healing while she talked about her dream. I only got fragments of it, however, when she broke down. She collapsed onto the grass and started to hyperventilate. I tried moving her but she just started lashing at me. Di Immortales! Percy was still in the Big House. I ran over to the Apollo cabin and dragged Will Solace over to Annabeth.
“And then she just collapsed.” I was explaining.
“Hmm. It may be a curse from someone, or something. I’ll keep her in the infirmary until she gets better.”
He slowly got Annabeth to her feet without her freaking out. Her eyes were still wide and her forehead was drenched with sweat. Just before they left she clamped on to my hand.
“Jason,” she said, “I’ve already told Jason.”
I nodded and left to find him. Luckily he wasn’t too far, only a few yards away from the Zeus cabin. Of course when I got when I got to him he didn’t know what I was talking about. He was about as helpful as Annabeth on this subject.
“Wait, people are going to die and you couldn’t be bothered to tell us the prophecy?”
“I received it when you guys left, I decided to tell you when you came back.”
“We need to tell Chiron, now!”
We sprinted to the big house, the sun was starting to sink. Storming in through the wooden doors, we saw Chiron and Percy at the living room couch. A stack of papers was in front of them.
“A short ceremony,” Chiron was saying, “I think you’ll be a great leader.”
He turned and.
“Rachel, Jason. What seems to be the matter?”
“We need Percy,” I said, “Summon the cabin leaders. There’s another prophecy. Percy, it might have to do with Annabeth’s dream.”
“Very well,” Chiron said, “I will summon the cabin leaders. Discuss this dream and see if it has to do with the prophecy.”
He trotted out the door and I sat on the couch.
“Annabeth told me she had a nightmare last night. She tried to tell me about it but collapsed.”
“What?” Percy exclaimed, “Is she alright.”
“She’s fine. Will put her in the infirmary but she’s alright. Now about this dream.”
Percy did his best to explain but even he wasn’t entirely sure. What he did remember wasn’t good though. A flaming city, a laughing shadow. All of it gave me the chills.
“What’s the prophecy?” He asked when he finished.
“Let’s wait until the leaders are all here.”
The meeting was held, as it always was, in the Big House game room around the ping pong table. I recognized most of the people there: Jason, Percy, Travis and Connor Stoll, Nico, Will Solace, Piper, Leo, Clarisse, and Katie Gardner. There were a few I didn’t recognize, however. Filling in for Annabeth was a scrawny blonde kid around fifteen, and an African American teenager representing Dionysus. Most were paying attention but Chiron hadn’t started the meeting yet so a few of the campers were idly chatting. Nico and Will shared a few warm glances and I couldn’t help but wonder if something was going on between them. Travis was juggling a conversation with Katie and another with Connor. Percy was looking stressed out. Like REALLY stressed out. I could hear his foot tapping even from here. His hand was tangled in his mess of raven hair and his face was pale and distant. Finally, Chiron stopped his hoof to silence everyone. All heads tuned to Chiron.
“Young heroes. I’m sure you’re wondering why I’ve called a certain meeting. As you’re all probably aware we’ve had our fair share of trouble. Well, I’m afraid we might have more. But before we get to the bad news, let’s start with the good news. Well, it’s good and bad. The bad part is, I’m retiring.”
Nearly everyone sighed in sadness.
“You can’t retire,” Clarisse said, “We need our centaur to keep things in order.”
“Well I’m afraid my time here is almost up. Age is starting to get to me and the Gods are allowing me to relax. My duty was to care for halfbloods until a new champion worthy of the job found his way here. As you’re aware many the life expectancy for halfbloods has increased dramatically after the falls of Kronos and Gaea. We have many people to thank for this but one person in particular, Percy Jackson.”
Most faces smiled brightly but Clarisse looked slightly annoyed. All head turned to Percy, who was still starting into the table.
“Is he alright?” Nico asked.
“I’m afraid that’s where we get to the bad news. A new prophecy has been revealed to young Miss Dare, here. Miss Dare, are you ready to speak the prophecy?”
I nodded and stood. I could feel the Spirit of Delphi take over as the words from my mouth.
Scales shall be tipped and spirits arise.
One from the grave returns from his demise.
Embodiment of evil, a cursed body possess.
A bring forth others from their everlasting rest.
Grandson of Greece will fall to fire.
But a maiden of Olympus a son will sire.
A spirit of purity will be the savior of the scales.
Or fall to darkness while friends watch as he fails.
“That doesn’t sound good,” Travis said, “But it might not be our prophecy, right? It might happen a long time from now.”
“I’m afraid not,” I said solemnly, “The reason Percy is distraught is because Annabeth is in danger. Someone sent her a vision of a town in flame. A shadow spoke to her, promising to kill her. I believe this prophecy is closer than we think.”
“Well what town was it?” Leo said, “We have to find it now!”
“I don’t think this prophecy is happening right away,” Nico said, “If powerful spirits are returning from the Underworld I’d know about it by now.”
“So we just need to keep an eye out for this child,” the Athena representative said, “Athena is a maiden goddess. Not to mention it was Annabeth who was given the vision. Perhaps we’re looking for a child of Athena.”
“Perhaps,” Chiron agreed, “But we must keep our eyes and ears open for any new halfbloods. I imagine he’s not popular with this embodiment of evil and is being hunted.”
Everyone looked uncomfortable, ill at ease.
“Until then,” Chiron continued, “We have other matters at hand. Percy will take my place at the beginning of next summer. All of the summer campers will be here as well as you year-rounders. Now then, I believe the others are beginning the camp fire.”
We all stood and the meeting was dismissed. Jason, Nico, and Piper were trying to reassure Percy. I walked over to them to help.
“Percy,” I said, “Annabeth’s going to be fine.”
“But what if the prophecy is about her?” He exclaimed, “What if she’s being hunted right now?”
I shook my head.
“No, the prophecy tells of a SON of Athena. Last time I checked Annabeth was a chick.”
“Still, she received the vision. I just have a bad feeling I need to go see her.”
“You better catch up with Will, then.”
He started to speed walk out the door.
“I should go with him,” Nico said, “Just, just to make sure Annabeth is alright.”
He left awkwardly after Percy.
“So Piper,” Jason started, “Maybe you can find this burning city with your knife?”
“Chiron said the prophecy isn’t happing right now but I can try. Rachel, you should let us know if you get more of the prophecy.”
“Of course. I’m going to go lie down for a bit, though. The Spirit of Delphi drained a lot out of me.”
I walked up the big house stairs and into my bedroom. My parents had found out about my “Gift” and Chiron, allowing them to see through the mist, persuaded them to let me stay here year round. I still get letters from them and I miss them but honestly, I’m glad to be here for as long as I can. I feel much safer here and now I don’t have to deal with the other girls at my old school making fun of me when my eyes turn green. My bedroom was small but homey. There were a few easels and cans of paint scattered around, a dresser for my clothes, a bed pushed in front of the window, and a few books Annabeth had given me lying around. I collapsed on the white comforter forgetting to take off my jeans, or even my shoes. I just hoped that if I got any more of the prophecy, it would come to me tonight.
Unfortunately though, that night dreams eluded me.

Notes