Camp Half-Blood: Legacies

The demi-gods of Camp Half-Blood must assist—or betray— Zeus in defending against the overthrow of Olympus. The demi-gods must complete a mission consisting of three quests in order to save their lives, their land, and the Earth itself!

Travel through New York City in search of Aphrodite’s Pendant, participate in a Camp Half-Blood singalong, and deal with the deities and their whims. Your quests may even take you to the lost underwater empire of Atlantis, and to the depths of the Underworld... Well, it’s all in a day’s work for a demi-god.

Meet and interact with Camp Half-Blood heroes— Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase, learn basic combat maneuvers, discover ancient stories about your godly parent, and solve the mystery: Who is trying to take reign over Olympus and why?

Spoiler

Camp Half-Blood is a Greek demi-god training facility located on the north shore of Long Island, New York. The camp is directed by Dionysus "Mr. D" (God of wine-making, orchards, fruit and vegetation) and Chiron (the activities director, who also happens to be a Centaur).

The camp has magical borders that are enhanced and protected by the Golden Fleece. The camp is described to be the only safe-place for half-bloods.

All demi-gods live in cabins that resemble each god and goddess. (Each godly half-parent).

Spoiler

Your characters should be ages 14-17, with one godly parent. Feel free to use the template below:

Code: Select all

[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Age (14-17):[/b]
[b]Pronouns:[/b]
[b]Godly parent:[/b]
[b]Appearance:[/b]
[b]Personality:[/b]
[b]Gifts/Powers:[/b]
[b]Strengths/Weaknesses:[/b]
[b]Backstory (optional, but recommended):[/b]
[b]Other:[/b]

Spoiler

1. @Spearmint - Caius Jeong (Caerus)
2. @Leya - Marina Aetos (Poseidon)
3. @APoltergeist - Reagan "R" Esters (Twin) (Eris)
4. @APoltergeist - Rowan Esters (Twin) (Eris)
5. @keystrings - Elessia Lavern (Epione)
6. @teatiime - Xavier Londons (Apollo)
7. @Ari11 - Simon FammerWorth (Erebus)

Collab with: Spearmint

My arm hurt. Not because of working out, not because I got thrown into the river at the start of Capture the Flag-- but because Clarisse thought it was a good idea to hide the red flag in a tree. Needless to say, I climbed it. I didn't realize how high up it was until I watched the ground come closer and closer to my body as I slammed into the rough terrain.

"It's not my fault you're dumb as a rock." Clarisse laughed at me, her eyes drilling little tiny holes into my soul. I am not dumb-- if anything, Clarisse was talking about herself. I looked up at her from the ground and smiled back, but kicked her ankles so she fell next to me.

"Who's the dumb one now?" I scoffed, jumping to my feet with Kai's help. Kai had been my teammate for about six weeks now at Camp Half-Blood, and he'd seemed to prove himself since then. Percy picked him every time, and that's no surprise because having the son of a lucky god on our team was quite the advantage. I'd noticed, though, that he was more of a strategist than a lucky person, and that was more impressive to me than luck would ever be. It's hard nowadays to find people who are logical.

Kai flicked a speck of dirt off their jeans and glared at Clarisse. "You realize that we're supposed to be on the same team, right? Our plan only works if we don't go around injuring our teammates."

Clarisse glared at him and jumped up as well, her little goons backing her up as Kai and I snatched the flag back from her.

"Alright, Marina, let's put this flag in the creek like we were supposed to, instead of sticking it in a tree where everyone can see it." Kai rolled his eyes.

"What is she gonna do? Go get her brother?" Clarisse asked as she took a step towards us. "Give me the flag."

"Over my dead body." I took off in full sprint, Kai not far behind me, and ran straight into Percy's chest.

"Let me guess, Clarisse." He grumbled and took the flag from my hand, glancing around him for the other team before he summoned the water to his fingertips. It grabbed the flag, in the shape of a hand, and brought it down into the flowing streams of Zephyros Creek. Percy turned to Kai and me:

"If Annabeth comes here, we stand our ground. I'm not losing again." He picked up a stick and drew a vague map of the game grounds and put an X on where he thought they may have hidden ours. "I say we check here when the coast is clear."

Kai nodded. "I and someone else can go." They took the stick and drew a potential path across camp, running through the woods and using the cover of the stables before cutting straight to the X. "And we can send a distraction over here." Kai traced another route, brushing aside a vine that was crawling onto the dirt map. Wait. A vine?

We all looked up as a horn sounded and a short, curly-haired man popped into existence, one foot right on top of Percy's map.

"Hey! I mean, it wasn't a work of art or anything, but I still put a decent amount of work into that," Percy complained, frowning at the ruined lines.

The man-- no, the god-- scowled. "Too bad, Pedro. We need all campers back at the Big House immediately! I will spread the news to the other campers." Mr. D wiped his nose and popped out again, leaving behind a faint smell of grapes.

I had gotten used to Mr. D's random appearances. He did this stuff all the time, instead of just sounding the horn like a normal person. Around here, nothing was normal. But Mr. D appearing to summon us to the Big House? Well, that was even further from normal than usual.

Percy, Kai and I headed towards the Big House as Rowan caught up to us. She must have been with her sibling-- who was on the opposite team. They always stayed paired up, even if they weren't-- an unbreakable bond between twins.

The Big House was a cheerful sky blue color, a sharp contrast to the mood around it. Chiron was sitting in his wheelchair on the porch, and a couple demigods were gathered there already, murmuring amongst themselves.

Annabeth spotted Percy and turned to us, her eyes a stormy gray. "Hey, Seaweed Brain."

"What's up, Wise Girl?"

"Did you hear?" she asked. The rest of us sat down, but we were clearly eavesdropping. Something was happening around this place, and we all wanted to know what it was.

"No," Percy responded, his voice now merely a whisper, "You know?"

"I think it's best that you hear it from Chiron and Mr. D," she said, gesturing for him to sit down next to her.

Mr. D appeared next to Chiron on the porch, a vine leisurely wrapping around his arm.

"We have gathered you all here because of some unforeseen circumstances," Chiron started, his eyes scanning the group. "I know you all are worried. I know we haven't had a meeting like this in years. But, I ask you all for your patience, and silence, as Mr. D speaks."

The crowd silenced their murmers, and I twisted a stray white-blonde hair piece with my left hand. I was anxious, and I never got anxious. Being the daughter of Poseidon, and Perseus's sister, I was known to be brave and resilient. I had worried that a day like this would come. We all braced ourselves for what we heard next.

"The Oracles have told us that someone will try to overthrow Zeus in the near future," Mr. D stated bluntly, "We don't know if they have been successful in their first step. We don't know any information besides the fact that Aphrodite's Pendant can be of use."

As Mr. D continued speaking, he had to raise his voice to be heard over the clamor that erupted among the campers. He practically bellowed the words, "Aphrodite's Pendant."

Beside me, Annabeth muttered, "An overthrow, yet again. History repeats itself."

The world seemed to slow as Mr.D kept explaining this 'overthrow'. What did he even mean by that?

Percy hushed the distressed campers, and nodded his head in que for Mr. D to continue speaking, "We have been asked, by Zeus, to assemble a group of young, demi-god heroes-- to embark on a quest to find Aphrodite's Pendant, idenify who is trying to overtake Olympus, and put a stop to it."

Everyone quieted. The room seemed to have gone completely silent; the only things that could be heard were the singing songbirds outside. A slight creak in the sandalwood floors sounded in the room, and Mr.D continued his speech:

"The Oracle has issued this prophecy:

A mountain high,
a land below.
Time does pass everyone by,
and cracks in perfection show.

Children of strife,
siblings of the sea,
one who owns their luck in life,
one who does the sunshine see.

Daughter of wisdom,
these demigods unite.
Greater than its parts is the sum,
beware, those who see their combined might.

Meadows so wide,
Grass so green.
You will travel to a city
Where the buildings all lean.

Submerge in the sea,
sink below that too.
Unravel the mystery,
find the ending true."

Just as Mr.D finished reciting the prophecy, I noticed a young woman sitting behind him. Her hair was pulled back into an intricate bun, and her clothes looked rich--almost royal. Her fingernails were nicely painted with the nicest of nudes, and her face was flawless with hints of pink. I knew automatically that this was somebody important. She stood up with authority and moved to position herself next to the head of our camp. Her voice sounded youthful, ethereal...gentle.

"I have come as requested by The Lord of Lightning," She said, "I am Cassandra-- Princess of Troy and daughter of Priam and Hecuba. I will be choosing who goes on this quest."

Cassandra? The last I'd heard about her she died in Mycenae. She was known to be able to tell prophecies, but no one believed her when she spoke of them. Everyone in the camp whispered to eachother. They must have been as confused as me. There must be more to this story.

She scanned the room. I could tell she was projecting-- her body was in the room with us but her soul wasn't. She was trying to figure out which one of us was worthy.

"Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase," She said almost immediately. This wasn't a shock, "Marina Aetos and Caius Jeong."

My stomach dropped. I knew she was going to choose Percy, but me? I'd always wanted a chance to prove myself against my brother. He always got all the recognition-- retrieving Zeus' lightning bolt, finding the Golden Fleece, saving the freaking world. This could be my one and only chance to prove myself as a daughter of Poseidon. I allowed a smile to creep across my lips and looked at my brother, his eyes wide with realization that his little sister was going to embark on her first quest.

Next to me, Caius stiffened as Cassandra said his name. He glanced at me briefly, and I imagined similar thoughts running through his mind, though minus the sibling part, of course.

Cassandra continued saying names, her smooth voice making each name sound beautiful.

Mr.D abrubtly dismissed the campers once she finished. We all rushed out of the Big House and into the pathways of Camp-Half blood. I said my goodbyes to Kai and Annabeth before heading to cabin number three: the sleeping place for children of the sea.

I could win the lottery if I wanted. Granted, it would take an enormous amount of luck, but I could. It would make things a lot easier-- Eomma [note: Korean for "mom"] could stop worrying about money and cursing the gods every day, I could quit my job at MythicBoba and finally stop smelling like tapioca pearls at school, and we could live in comfort as long as we ignored the monsters that occasionally leapt out from alleyways, throwing banana peels and trying to kill me.

But. That's just wishful thinking. I know winning the lottery won't magically solve all our problems. Magic might be real, but magic cures are scams. Eomma would probably still curse my dad (Caerus, the god of opportunities), and being a demigod means a life of comfort is likely out of the question. Besides, I'd rather save my luck for a life-or-death situation.

No matter how satisfying it would be to spend a little luck to make Clarisse trip over her feet just once. I suppressed the urge to trip the daughter of Ares as she harrassed Marina and me. I'd find a way to get back at her later.

When Mr. D arrived and beckoned us to the Big House, I immediately started thinking of ways to find opportunities in this situation. Big crises are often opportunities for profit, and if there was a way to earn money without having to spend my luck, I was definitely paying attention.

I analyzed the prophecy as Mr. D recited it. Strife, the sea, luck, sunshine... I figured strife meant Ares, or some other minor god of conflict, perhaps. The sea was probably Poseidon, and luck? Well, there was a cabin for Tyche, but as far as I knew, I was the only one who could be said to own their luck in life. I bit my lip.

When Cassandra said my name, I stiffened. I'd suspected it'd be me, but to hear it confirmed... Well. This would be my first time going on a quest. I pushed down my nervousness. No, I would not mess this up, and no, we would not die. Hopefully.

As I walked to cabin nineteen, I started planning.

Meadows so wide,
Grass so green.
You will travel to a city
Where the buildings all lean.

Nature, plus a city where the buildings lean? Well, perhaps there'd be an opportunity to earn money in the city? If I could pick up some artifact or something along the way, I could pawn it, perhaps...

Lost in my thoughts, I packed a backpack neatly, with my clothes rolled up to save space and to prevent them from wrinkling. I added some ambrosia and nectar, as well as pens and paper (you never knew when you might have to draw a battle plan), and I collapsed my bow and quiver into earrings. Caerus had seen fit to leave those on our doorstep when I was ten, which just made my mother curse him harder, saying a life of battle was no life for a child. Well. Guess what I ended up doing anyways? Yep. Battling my way to Camp Half-Blood when the monsters started coming after me at thirteen.

Finally, I slung my backpack over my shoulder and exited the cabin, waving goodbye to my cabinmates. Most of them were children of Tyche, but since Caerus and Tyche had similar domains, I'd been put into cabin nineteen.

There was a small group of campers gathered near the road that passed by camp already. I nodded to Marina. I didn't have many friends at camp, but I suppose I'd consider Marina a friendly acquaintance.

"Where do you think we'll go first?" I asked.

Annabeth looked down at her phone, and then glanced up to speak, "If we're going based on the Oracle's prophecy, I'd say somewhere with tall buildings."

Behind Annabeth, I saw a few more campers walking up. One had hair that was half black and half pink, with friendship bracelets layered on their arms. "Um... Hello! Do you perhaps have some candy? Or beads? Or both?"

I stared at the newcomer. "I have...." I fished around in my pockets and pulled out a coin. "A quarter."

"That's enough to buy a baby sized Sour Patch Kids!"

"Oookay." I handed the quarter to the camper. "I'm Kai, pronouns he/they." I ran through the list of names Cassandra had called out. I knew they weren't Marina or Percy or Annabeth, but... Wow. I really didn't know many people here. "Who are you?"

"Hiya! I'm Xavier! Your local breakdancer, idiot and sour candy enthusiast!"

"I see." This person was way too enthusiastic for me. I squinted a little, as if Xavier's energy was physically blinding.

"Hm... Whatcha talking about anyway?"

Annabeth said, "We were discussing the prophecy and where we should go first. So. City, tall buildings... What's the first place that comes to mind?"

"Hey that sounds a bit like the dream I had when I took a nap! Also... What's a prophecy?"

Annabeth's eyes sharpened. "Dream?" She shook her head. "Okay, first, a prophecy is a message, usually in poetic form, that starts off quests and often foretells some of the events that happen. They're... not always helpful, but they're a starting point." Annabeth adjusted her duffel bag on her shoulder. "Now, could you recount your dream to us? It may be more helpful than the prophecy."

"What do I get in return? More money? More beads? More... Sour Patch Kids?"

I was impressed by Annabeth's patience. I mean, not knowing what a prophecy was? Granted, it had been some time since the last quest, but I'd thought all demigods knew what prophecies were. They were part of campfire stories, and who didn't know about Percy Jackson and the many times he'd saved the world?

"We have plenty of beads in the Athena cabin. I can grab some quickly," Annabeth said.

"Yipee! Alright, you can stay here. So, in my dream, I saw a big tower and an apple tree! There was a necklace hanging from the tree... and then I woke up! Then I came here... and I met you two goobers!"

I wasn't sure whether to be insulted or not about being called a "goober."

"If you're wondering, ya dingus, a goober's a good thing. I can tell you're thinking about it with that 'grr im so confused' face."

I frowned. Somehow I got the feeling that while a "goober" might have been a good thing, a "dingus" was not. I sighed. I'd have to control my facial expressions better.

Annabeth coughed subtly. "Thank you for that information, Xavier. The necklace is probably Aphrodite's Pendant. And a big tower... Have you seen the Empire State Building, by any chance?"

"What's an Empire State Building?"

Again, I admired Annabeth's patience. By this point, I would've kindly escorted the kid to the middle of the woods, then sprinted away as fast as possible.

Kind, mature demigod that Annabeth was, she said, "Nevermind. We can check it out later. For now, New York City?"

I nodded. New York City was where I'd lived for most of my life. It had everything, including sewers and bad smells, but eh, apparently that was a fair trade for living in The City™.

Marina chuckled lightly. "Aphrodite in New York? I wouldn't dream in a million years that the goddess of beauty would have any business in that crap-hole."

Percy adjusted his medium-sized brown duffle over his shoulder and nudged Annabeth with his elbow. "Okay, so.... now that we have that figured out, whos going to order the Uber?"

Marina grimaced at him and rolled her eyes, "I vote you, Mr. Savior of the World."

Percy rolled his eyes at his younger sibling and pulled out his iPhone, logging onto the Uber app. He placed a ride and leaned against the off-white pillar, "So, when we get to New York, where should we go, if the Empire State Building doesn't work out? Any ideas on where we could find Aphrodite?"

"Beauty shops?" I offered. "Clothing stores?"

"A spa, maybe?" Annabeth added.

"Those are all good ideas," Percy said as the large all-black Chevy pulled up; its freshly-washed tires squeaked against the muddy path.

The driver's side window rolled down. "Perzy?" a raspy voice said. The middle-aged man pulled down his sunglasses a tad to look at the group. His dark eyes smoldered like coals.

Percy nodded. "Az?"

"Indeed." The driver surveyed the various pieces of equipment everyone was holding. "Baggage can go in ze trunk."

We piled our luggage into the trunk, shoving backpacks and duffels around until everything fit.

Then we piled into the car, shoving ourselves around until we all fit. Somehow, I ended up smushed against the window, right next to Xavier.

"Kai... Kai... Kai... Kai... Kai.."

I groaned internally. "What?" I tried my hardest not to glare at Xavier.

"What's with your resting bitch face?"

"Excuse me, my what?"

"You have a resting bitch face."

"Yes, I heard you the first time, but..." I scoffed. This was the first time anyone had told me that.

"You don't know what a RBF is do you!"

I spluttered. "I know what it is. I don't have one! Look, I might look serious, but I don't have a resting bitch face."

"You look like you constantly want to maul whoever you look at, thats a resting bitch face you dingus."

"No, not everyone I look at. Just annoying people who constantly pester me."

"Like me?"

"Exactly." I stared firmly out the window, hoping he'd take the hint.

"Love you too!"

I spluttered again. Wow, look at the trees. How calm. How peaceful. How not like the utter annoyance next to me.

"Anyway, want to play 20 questions?"

"No."

"Let's play 20 questions."

This was worse than having to deal with a customer insistent on a refund because "the boba was too chewy." (For your information, tapioca pearls are supposed to be chewy.)

"No."

"I said, Let's play 20 questions. Wouldn't that be fun?"

"Sure, just about as fun as getting thrown out of a speeding car," I said sarcastically. I was very tempted to do that to a certain someone, actually. I breathed deeply. No, Kai. You have more self-control than this.

"It wasn't a question. We are playing 20 questions, and if you don't, i'll stuff my friendship bracelets down your throat."

Scratch that. I did not have the self-control to deal with this. "Oh yeah? Well then, I'll vomit them out the window." I tried to press myself even more firmly against the side of the car. Not that that gave me more than a millimeter of distance from Xavier.

"You do know if I open that door, I can easily push you out right? I hope you know, because I have a feeling you intend on doing that to me."

"Gods, I would love to get pushed out if it means not having to spend another second listening to your blabbering." I rolled my eyes.

Behind Xavier, Annabeth frowned slightly at us. I tried to motion my head to indicate that it was all Xavier's fault.

"Fine, be that way." Xavier pulled out some beads and started stringing together some friendship bracelets.

I breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, peace and (relative) quiet. The other demigods were chatting quietly amongst themselves, though I was sure Xavier and I had been the loudest.

Xavier finished one bracelet, and put it around his wrist. It read, Percy. It was made of only blue beads. He then smiled slightly, and continued working on the next. He paused and thought about what letter to grab. He was about to grab a "K" bead, but then instead grabbed an "A". "Annabeth, what's your favorite color?"

"Sea green." She glanced briefly at Percy and smiled. "Gray is also nice." Annabeth looked at the bracelets. "Oh, those are excellent. Are you making one for each of us?"

"Yeah! Except for the dingus next to me. He needs to apologize for being such a dingus." Xavier wagged his finger.

I openly glared at Xavier. "Don't even start. It's clearly your fault."

"It really isn't! I tried to make small talk and you had to be a grouch! Like a dingus!" While doing this, Xavier continued to string Annabeth's braclet, not even missing a letter.

"You're the dingus." Oh gods. I couldn't believe I'd stooped down to his level. I grumbled to myself. "Whatever."

"Ick! Please never say dingus again!"

"Gladly." I humphed and stared out the window again. We were approaching the outskirts of the city now.

"Kai... Kai... Kai... Kai.. Kai.."

Oh, Hades. Not this again. I pressed my lips together and used all my willpower not to respond.

"What's your family like?"

I blinked. That... was unexpected. I cut a glance towards Xavier, but despite his annoyingness, there was no meanness in his expression. "Not... great," I said carefully.

"Oh. Guess we're in the same boat!" Xavier tried to laugh, but couldn't. He was genuinely upset about his family. Which was ridiculous, considering they'd been the one to bring it up, but... I sighed.

"Yeah, maybe. If you also have an alcoholic mom who curses your dad every day." I laughed bitterly. "Sorry. It sucks to have a bad family life."

"Mm... or if you have two parents that... disowned you and your brothers..." Xavier started to tear up a little.

"Oh man." For all her issues, my mother had at least always seemed to care about me. In her own way. "I'm really sorry to hear that." The sarcasm was gone from my voice now. "Are your brothers at Camp Half-Blood too?"

"No but..." Xavier started to actually cry. "Sorry I... I can't."

"No worries. Don't make yourself talk about it." This person confused me. Bubbly one second, in tears the next... Well. I scrounged in my pockets and found a couple of napkins. It was always good to have some on hand in case your drink spilled. I handed one to Xavier.

"T...Thanks..." Xavier turned away and looked out through the window, still holding on to the friendship bracelet he was making.

I looked out the window too, but this time, it wasn't in a deliberate effort to ignore Xavier. I supposed everyone had their burdens, even seemingly hyper kids obsessed with sugar and friendship bracelets.

The buildings of Queens rose up before us, the tops of them obscured by fluffy gray clouds. Good old New York City. I couldn't say I was exactly excited to be home, but... Maybe it'd be different. We were on a quest now.

I always had these weird dreams. Not like, nightmares but... images? I've never had to explain them- or wanted to. Yet, here I am, explaining what I saw in my nap. At least, That's what I saw in another dream. Or maybe that was real life? I don't know at this point.

After a nice long nap I walked up to a big group of people near the road. I carried my backpack to them and sighed. This would be one long car ride. I saw a guy and Annabeth talking to eachother. "Um... Hello! Do you perhaps have some candy? Or beads? Or both?"

The boy stared at me. "I have...." He fished around in his pockets and pulled out a coin. "A quarter."

A quarter... That gets me quite a bit of food! "That's enough to buy a baby sized Sour Patch Kids!" Oh I can just imagine the one day I get my hands on one of those fabled only blue packs...

"Oookay." He handed the quarter to me, looking quite confused.. "I'm Kai, pronouns he/they." He paused for a moment. Maybe he was tired? Or angry? Or tiregry? "Who are you?"

"Hiya! I'm Xavier! Your local breakdancer, idiot and sour candy enthusiast!"

"I see." Kai was very... how do you put it? Nonchalant? Boring? Straightfoward? Maybe all of them. I adjusted the many friendship braclets on my arms. Glancing at a blue and white one that had the name Tyson on it, under it a yellow and gold one with the name Eli on it. I smiled while looking at it.

"Hm... Whatcha talking about anyway?" I said, not looking at them and instead looking at Kai's arms. Very bare. Could use a few friendship bracelets. Maybe I should make everyone their own bracelet.

Annabeth started talking again. "We were discussing the prophecy and where we should go first. So. City, tall buildings... What's the first place that comes to mind?"

Huh... That sounded awfully familiar. Almost too familiar. Then I remembered. "Hey that sounds a bit like the dream I had when I took a nap! Also... What's a prophecy?"

Annabeth glared slightly. "Dream?" She shook her head. "Okay, first, a prophecy is a message, usually in poetic form, that starts off quests and often foretells some of the events that happen. They're... not always helpful, but they're a starting point." Annabeth's arms were horrifingly bare. They could also use some bracelets. "Now, could you recount your dream to us? It may be more helpful than the prophecy."

I would tell them, but if there's one thing I learned from my... parents is that you need to make a profit. "What do I get in return? More money? More beads? More... Sour Patch Kids?"

I mean, sure I did know what a prophecy was. However, pretending to be dumb gets you further. That's another lesson I learned. Being pretty and dumb makes you money and fame. Plus, it would be impossible to not know after Percy Jackson saved the whole world.

Annabeth thought for a moment. "We have plenty of beads in the Athena cabin. I can grab some quickly,"

I could use a few more beads. The Athena ones were trashy, but at least I won't have to go to... the Hermes cabin. Last time I went there I got beads made of dirt. Not even clay, but dirt. That shouldn't even be possible. Anyway, beads were good enough. "Yipee! Alright, you can stay here. So, in my dream, I saw a big tower and an apple tree! There was a necklace hanging from the tree... and then I woke up! Then I came here... and I met you two goobers!"

Kai made a very confused and concerned face."If you're wondering, ya dingus, a goober's a good thing. I can tell you're thinking about it with that 'grr im so confused' face."

Kai made a frowny face. He is not good at hiding his expressions. Honestly, that's kind of cute and weird at the same time. I mean, for someone not to have a poker face is unheard of. Anyway, it was still cute regardless.

Annabeth coughed subtly. "Thank you for that information, Xavier. The necklace is probably Aphrodite's Pendant. And a big tower... Have you seen the Empire State Building, by any chance?"

See, I know what the Empire State Building is, my... parents brought my brothers and I ther once for a buisness meeting. But being stupid will pay off. "What's an Empire State Building?"

Annabeth disregarded this question. How mature of her. "Nevermind. We can check it out later. For now, New York City?"

I slowly crept away, and look down the road. I could make so many bracelets on the way to NYC. So. Many. Bracelets. I overheard something about an Uber? Also something along the lines of "A spa?" Weird.

A large all-black Chevy pulled up; it's freshly-washed tired squeaked against the muddy path. Not my ride of choice but good enough. I wasn't listening to whatever happened next, but someone said that we can put our bags in the back. I still wanted my backpack with me, so I just took the smaller one with all my bracelet stuff.

We all crammed into the car, I ended up to Kai. Not optimal, but maybe he'd be fun to play with. "Kai... Kai... Kai... Kai... Kai.."

Kai looked like he wanted to kill me. "What?"

"What's with your resting bitch face?"

"Excuse me, my what?"

"You have a resting bitch face."

"Yes, I heard you the first time, but..." He looked flustered.

"You don't know what a RBF is do you!"

He spluttered. Cutest thing i've seen in a while. "I know what it is. I don't have one! Look, I might look serious, but I don't have a resting bitch face."

"You look like you constantly want to maul whoever you look at, thats a resting bitch face you dingus."

"No, not everyone I look at. Just annoying people who constantly pester me."

"Like me?"

"Exactly." He stared firmly out the window. He probably wanted me to leave him alone. I won't though. Pestering him is so fun.

"Love you too!" I paused. He's quite intresting... Maybe I should get to know him better."Anyway, want to play 20 questions?"

"No."

"Let's play 20 questions."

"No."

"I said, Let's play 20 questions. Wouldn't that be fun?"

"Sure, just about as fun as getting thrown out of a speeding car," To be fair, I would also want to push myself out right now. Their reaction was so funny though.

"It wasn't a question. We are playing 20 questions, and if you don't, i'll stuff my friendship bracelets down your throat." This threat was not empty. He was being very mean, and I am not above murder.

"Oh yeah? Well then, I'll vomit them out the window." Wait... my precious bracelets? He would actually throw them out! Very dingus of him. A mean dingus.

"You do know if I open that door, I can easily push you out right? I hope you know, because I have a feeling you intend on doing that to me." Still, murder was on the table.

"Gods, I would love to get pushed out if it means not having to spend another second listening to your blabbering."

"Fine, be that way." I pulled out some beads and started stringing together some friendship bracelets for everyone on the quest.

I knew Percy liked blue, so I started working on his first. I finished his bracelet, and put it around my wrist. It read, Percy in cute baby blue beads. It was made of only blue beads. I then smiled slightly, and continued working on the next. I paused and thought about what letter to grab. I was about to grab a "K" bead, but then instead grabbed an "A".
"Annabeth, what's your favorite color?"

"Sea green." She glanced briefly at Percy and smiled. "Gray is also nice." Annabeth looked at the bracelets. "Oh, those are excellent. Are you making one for each of us?"

"Yeah! Except for the dingus next to me. He needs to apologize for being such a dingus." I wagged my finger at Kai.

He was not pleased by this comment."Don't even start. It's clearly your fault."

"It really isn't! I tried to make small talk and you had to be a grouch! Like a dingus!" While doing this, I continued to string Annabeth's braclet, not even missing a letter. I guess doing this for 8 years paid off.

"You're the dingus." Oh gods.That was the most disgusting thing I have ever heard. "Whatever."

"Ick! Please never say dingus again!"

"Gladly." He looked back out the window. We were approaching the outskirts of the city now.

"Kai... Kai... Kai... Kai.. Kai.." This time I had an actual question.

He looked at me once more. Yeah, he definitely has a resting bitch face

"What's your family like?" I asked, still beading Annabeth's bracelet.

"Not... great," They replied. Woah... maybe he wasn't a dingus.

"Oh. Guess we're in the same boat!" I tried to laugh, I really did. All that came out was a weird awkward crying-laugh. I don't know why I brought this up.

"Yeah, maybe. If you also have an alcoholic mom who curses your dad every day." They laughed bitterly. "Sorry. It sucks to have a bad family life."

"Mm... or if you have two parents that... disowned you and your brothers..." I started to tear up a little. Memories came back. Yelling, crying, my brothers standing in front of me. Shards, shouts, blood. I remember it all.

"Oh man.I'm really sorry to hear that." The sarcasm was gone from their voice now. "Are your brothers at Camp Half-Blood too?"

My brothers... I miss them. "No but..." I wanted to say more. Yet... I just couldn't. Like someone just snapped my vocal chords. "Sorry I... I can't."

"No worries. Don't make yourself talk about it." Kai was very reassuring, and maybe not a dingus. He scrounged around in his pocket and pulled out a tissue, and handed it to me.

"T...Thanks..." I turned away from them and held tightly to Annabeth's bracelet. I dried my tears with the tissue and looked out the window. Large buildings started to appear, I guess we were in NYC now. I can't say I wanted to be here, my family could be here and they... they terrify me.

collab with @Spearmint who collabed with @Leya

I stood nearby the flag, watching out for anyone approaching despite figuring that we were probably gonna lose, since we had less members. But, the twins were always hanging out, so at least it felt a bit more even with both sides being down a person.

My attention remained on Annabeth mainly, since I looked up to her a lot after everything that had happened so far -- and she still remained focused on bettering her skills, even after proving herself so many times over the last few years of adventure.

Also, ya know, I was not the one that the group would rely on for physical strength. Actually, was there anyone on the team that had the muscles? Not really. But, I guess it doesn't really matter since Mr. D shows up to cut our game of capture the flag short, and we end up back at the Big House.

Someone overthrowing Olympus? Hasn't someone already tried that before, and well, that's what lead to Annabeth and Percy being so cool? Before I could even process that information however, I heard the prophecy from the very own Cassandra? Surely she couldn't be the same one from like the actual legends.

I tuned out the names being called since I figured I could list off most of the choices and it didn't matter, really. It wasn't like I was going to be called -- "and Elessia Lavern."

Oh, that was a familiar name. Wait.

That was me.

I'm going on a quest? With Annabeth Chase and Percy Jackson? And his sister? And people older and probably cooler than me?

Oh goodness me, I might pass out.

At least no one seemed to be looking at me. Probably more so since I didn't talk often with people here so they wouldn't actually know my name. Maybe I could just sneak out back to the cabin and not have to make eye contact with anyone? The group was better off without me, anyway.

After all, a person that could heal others got to be pretty useless if the goal was to stop someone -- unless someone seriously was in need of an inhaler or a bandage.

Mostly in a daze, I went back to the small cabin I shared with anyone either from Epione's line, or her husband's Asclepius's line once we were dismissed and started packing. I didn't have much to really pack though, since I kept most of my important items still in my backpack that I had everywhere.

There were things I was only willing to lose if I had to throw them out to save myself. I would never leave stuff behind on purpose.

After only a few minutes, I left the cabin and approached the group of teenagers that stood around waiting. Before I knew it, I somehow got into the car and didn't end up talking to anyone even while we all squished into rather tight spaces in the backseat.

Xavier was another member in my capture the flag group, so I recognized their colorful hair, but I didn't want to bother him since they seemed occupied with the newly introduced Kai sitting next to them. I was still trying my best to not embarrass myself over the fact that Annabeth and Percy were in the same car as me, but the only way I knew to do that was to stay quiet.

At least we were moving fast in the car. Soon-to-be in New York City, huh? I tried to close my eyes to take a nap and ignore everyone around me.

Hopefully this quest would be over sooner than later.

SIMON


Did you know that the Northern Cricket Frog is endangered? Well, now you do. They're also extremely tiny, sometimes less than an inch long, and they have a green racing stripe down their backs. Isn't that super cool? A frog with a racing stripe? Maybe they have little frog races when nobody's around, in little pools in the ground with spectators munching on flies in little frog popcorn containers. Wouldn't that be so cute? I'd love to see that someday.

You'd be surprised how many frogs there are on Long Island, too. When I got here I was pretty skeptical, especially since strawberry fields aren't a known frog hangout spot. But the woods around Camp Half-Blood are filled with the little guys. I've only been here a few months and I've already caught an Eastern Spadefoot, an Upland Chorus frog, and a Northern Spring Peeper!

Now I'm looking for a Northern Cricket Frog. I know I should probably be playing Capture the Flag with the other demigods instead, but this is more fun. Besides, it's not like anyone can stop me--the woods are dark this time of day, perfect for me to wrap myself in shadows like a nighttime tortilla.

"Heere, froggy froggy," I called softly into the still air, eyes scanning the undergrowth for movement. I had heard the Cricket Frogs calling earlier this week; their distinctive clicking-marble cry is hard to miss. I still hadn't managed to catch a glimpse of any, though. Maybe they were scared away by all the shouting and clanging of swords in the forest behind me.

"Stupid sportsplayers," I grumbled, casting an irritated glance toward the semi-distant Capture the Flag participants. Not distant enough, it seems. "Don't they know it's mating season? The Northern Cricket Frog will be even more endangered because of their raucous antics!"

I descended deeper into the forest, keeping my cloak around me, but no luck. I didn't spot a single frog in the bushes, Northern Cricket or otherwise. When I heard the horn sound in the distance, I admitted defeat, sliding into step with my fellow demigods. I was so preoccupied with my frog-induced disappointment that I didn't notice where we were going until Cassandra was calling out names.

"Simon Fammerworth," she cried. My head shot up.

Oh, great, I thought with a huff. A quest? Seriously? I have to go on a journey with a bunch of randos?

Despite the time that I'd spent here, I never did make any friends. I don't know why--bullfrogs are the most fascinating conversation starter! Did you know that if a male bullfrog meets another, smaller male in his territory, he'll cannibalize him? Interesting, isn't it? Bullfrogs will eat pretty much anything as long as it fits inside their mouths.

Surprisingly, nobody here seems to share my enthusiasm. They kind of just scoot away awkwardly, muttering some lame excuse about having to water their cat or something. But I'm smart. I know there aren't any pets allowed at Camp.

It doesn't help that I'm the only child of Erebus here, either. My father isn't very busy, which I suppose is a good thing, but he could have at least given me some siblings before he scuttled back down to the Underworld! What I wouldn't do to have a brother who liked the same things as me...at least then I wouldn't be so lonely all the time.

Oh well. Maybe I could make some friends on this quest. After all, we'd be stuck together for quite a while, assuming I don't die halfway through. I hope I don't die. Then I'll never find a Northern Cricket Frog. Truly a tormenting thought.

* * *

It was easy to pack. I've never had much in terms of physical possessions, so I just put a handful of snacks that I nabbed during lunch into a backpack, along with a few clothes. I did manage to get my finger caught in the zipper, though, which complicated things a little. It peeled part of my skin off, which is super fun. Why do zippers have to be so dangerous?

Cursing modern backpack technology for its oversights, I climbed into the car with the others. As I folded myself into one of the seats, I realized my finger was bleeding. A lot. Like, a concerning amount.

Scanning around, I tried to find someone whose attention would be easy to grab. Sometimes people's eyes slip off me, and they forget that I exist. Side effects of being the son of Erebus, I guess. The darkness makes people forget about you.

After a few seconds of careful consideration, I picked the person sitting next to me. Tapping them on the shoulder, I asked; "Do you have a band-aid?"

Sapphira did a little twirl as she accepted the ice cream from Verena. "Thank youuu!"

"You're welcome! We need all the support we can get."

She nodded as she took her first experimental lick. "And this is quite clearly divine."

"It's taro flavored! You said you wanted to try my favorite."

She nodded and whispered theatrically. "Its a hidden source of pure divinity."

Verena giggled.

Sapphira gasped. "You would mock the divine so easily?" She pretended to cower from invisible lightning. "You'll get us killed."

"I would never!'

"Then be more careful as you speak!"

She huffed. "I introduced you to this divinity."

"It's not my fault you disrespect it so openly."

She huffed harder. "We need to get on track anyway." It was Sapphira's turn to huff.

"Come onnn."

Sapphira pouted. "Well we talked about thissss. I suppose we can do a little bit more planning." She looked up quietly. "Can't disappoint my mom."

"I know. Where dd she ask you to check?"

Sapphira's thoughts floated back to that moment. She'd been sleeping of course, when someone had decided to pay her a visit. In dream form of course. The gods hardly saw fit to say hi in person.

She'd recognized her immediately. It had been a few years since she'd last seen her, but the face of her mother, one she saw almost everyday in the mirror wasn't exactly difficult to place. She smiled softly, well. She tried to anyway. She didn't know if anything she did actually reflected to her mother given she was, you know, asleep but she didn't particularly care.

"Mommm!" she'd squealed. "I haven't seen you in soo longg. Is there something wrongg? Did I do something wrongg? Is this about me not breaking anyone's heart yet? Where did you get that eyeliner because I love the look? Also what shade is that lipstick? I can never get mine to look so reddd? I mean I cann. But it feels like I'm from a cartoon you know. Not really. I feel like everyone is laughing at me but like not at me. Just sort of behind me. I think you get it. Maybe you don't because you're like so much cooler."

Aphrodite for her part had simply waited for her to finish, a small amused smile on here face.

"Oh I wish it for something as trivial as that but sadly its not. I assume you've heard of the prophecy. Word has spread that there was quite a big ceremony."

Sapphira nodded. "World's about to end. Percy and Annabeth and a few others go to save it. Sounds like every other Thursday."

"Oh I wish it were that simple this time. I'm afraid this particular Thursday is an especially bad one."

"Oh. Is there anything I can do?"

She smiled. "As a matter of fact there is. Its why I'm here. Look. They're all going in search of my pendant."

Sapphira nodded. "I vaguely remember that."

"I will not have them get all of the credit again, leaving my children to be forgotten."

"We.."

"I know. I was acknowledged in the last war, but its quickly died down again. There needs to be a new reminder, and this time I want someone to be front and center. That's why I'm choosing you. Besides I don't think any of those oafs could even use my pendant, not like you would be able to."

"Awww thank you mom."

"You're Welcome honey. Now I want you to go to New York. Look for where my power is concentrated the strongest. Where my name would be uttered the most often and my glory would be remembered at its strongest."

Sapphira nodded vigorously. "I can do that."

"You can take your friend. If you wish. I don't have any protection I can offer you and I don't want you going completely alone out into the world. Not at this age."

Sapphira nodded. "I'll ask Verena. I'm sure she'll help."

"Good. I'll see you soon then. Make me proud."

"I will do my very best momm."

"And the eyeliner will be on your bedside table when you wake up. Also your lipstick looks fabulous darling. They're just jealous of you. Ignore them." With that, she was gone and Sapphira had woken up some time later to find the eyeliner with a small heart written on it. Less than a day after that, she was out here, with Verena.

"So yeah. She wasn't exactly like, ooh go to this address."

"Well...strong Aphrodite power. That's not like super common."

"It should narrow it down I hope."

"Sooo." Verena thoughtfully took a bite of her ice cream. "Any ideas?"

"Maybe we can like hit the library and google. Maybe something interesting will come up?"

"Oh dear. Computers. Hope divorce is ready."

Sapphira nodded. "Always."

"Good."

"Shall we then?"

"We shall." Verena brought out her spellbook, the dark red leather pages clashing with her appearance.

"Lovely. Uhh. Where's the nearest library again?"

"Uhh. I... do not know."

"Uhh oooh. I know a good internet cafe? They might have a computer? Or a map we can use to find a library."

"If we don't find the answers on google there."

"Yup."

"Lead the way, then!"



They stood in front of Byte Brew Cafe. It was a fairly small establishment, and quite new from the looks of it. The glass shone brightly and the sign looked fresh and unaffected by the weathering that seemed to have affected most of the signs in the vicinity.

"Here we are."

"Here we are!"

"Ready?"

"I am." She opened the door and held it open for Sapphira.

"Thank you." Sapphira walked in carefully.

"No problem!" She followed her inside.

Sapphira smiled. "So how do we do this with as little risk as possible?"

"Someone stands on guard?"

Sapphira nodded. "Whose the fastest on the computer?"

"When's the last time you were on one?"

"A couple of months?"

"Hmm. I'm about the same."

"So you're probably better thennn. You should handle that. I'll stand guard."

"Are you sure?"

"Quite sure. I think its the optimal strategy."

"Fine. Keep the girl with one leg in sitting position." She bounded off to find a chair.

"You say that like I'm the evil one?"

Verena just giggled. "Don't worry about it. Tell me when you're ready."

Sapphira huffed. "I'm always ready."

"Good. Because monster homing beacon turned on... now." She rushed over to Google and started typing.

Sapphira nodded and turned her attention to the window, keeping a close eye on anyone passing by or looking to enter.

"Hmm. There's an antique store that was selling a small statue of her. But that doesn't sound right. A perfume named after her. Hmmm..."

"Perfumes are pretty common to be fair."

"But I'm sure your mom's amulet isn't in a perfume factory."

"Yeah that would be a bit unusual. Besides she'd hate it if they advertise stuff suggesting you can be as pretty as Aphrodite by spraying x."

"Definitely."

"Yup."

She keep typing, muttering keywords under her breath.

"You're doing great!"

"Wait, I think I found something! Aphrodite Against Aging..."

"Go on."

"It looks like a club for... middle-aged women? They're calling on Aphrodite to make them look young so they can get a cute boyfriend."

"Hmmm. Now that's more her speed."

"According to the Facebook group, they meet... every Monday at three pm." Verena gave Sapphira a mildly annoyed face. "A half an hour from now. What tells me your mom knew exactly where we were supposed to go but was much too embarrassed to admit she actually attends this thing?"

Sapphira giggled. "Sounds like mom."

Just behind Sapphira, there was the sound of cracking glass. Sapphira whirled around. Two small giants were breaking in. She remembered them as the Lassi...Lazy...Lousy... Lazy Pastry Gnomes. That was almost certainly wrong.

Verena turned around. "Oh! It's... those guys!"

"Yes. Canadians."

"Canadians. Fight them?"

Sapphira nodded. "I don't see how we how much of a choice besides that. Unless you already have a lead on where to go?"

"You could always die. I need to practice necromancy."

"Huh?"

"Never mind. Fighting it is."

"I mean do you want me to die?"

"It was a jokeee. That's why I said it was to practice my necromancy." She gave Sapphira a truly impressive pour.

Sapphira huffed. "Fineee. Let's kill them thenn. I don't think they're going to stand there in shock much longer."

"Let's go!" Verena started flipping through her spell book. The giants seemed to have honed in on the two of them by now, their eyes turning to lock onto to the two of them as they started rifling through their bags. The bigger one of the two stepped forward. "Half-stinks. In NYC. What are you doing here?"

Sapphira giggled. "I think you're far more out of place than we are."

"We were here first."

"Oh, you were the founders of Byte Brew? What are you...the Byte Brothers?"

He scoffed. "Are you?"

"We're clearly not brothers."

"I meant are you the founders?"

"Well that's for us to know and for you to find out."

He huffed. "We'll find out when we turn your brains to oatmeal." He lifted up an explosive dodgeball.

Sapphira took out her favorite hand held mirror. "I prefer coco puffs." The mirror elongated, changing into the familiar weight of Divorce.

Verena's eyes started to glow as she settled on a spell.

The giant threw the dodgeball. Verena muttered her spell in Ancient Greek and the dodgeball stopped, before promptly vanished into the void.

Sapphira grinned and charged at the giant, swing for his knees, her elbow already angled into his crotch. The giant stumbled back. She did her best to stab at the knee, putting all her weigh into it. It grazed it, barely leaving a scratch. He laughed. "Puny humans!"

She stepped back, not wanting to be anywhere near for whatever retaliation he had planned.

"Verena? Ideas?"

"Duck!"

Sapphira ducked, not questioning what it might be for.

The dodgeball came hurtling out of thin air, crashing into the giant's face and exploding on impact. He promptly burst into dust.

Sapphira beamed. "Good shot!"

The other giant promptly marched up and tore away Verena's spellbook. "Can't do anything without this, huh night child?"

She jumped up to try and get it. "Hey!"

"That's just rude."

The giant punched Verena in the chest, making her fall on her back with a squeak.

Sapphira leaped at him stabbing him in the back. "Get away from her."

The giant howled, trying to grab at Sapphira, dropping the spellbook in the process. Verena shakily stood up. "Saf!"

She jumped back, snapping off her bracelet and pointing it menacingly at the giant. The giant turned around and laughed. "A little pretty thing. I'm so scared."

It quickly morphed into her trusty Beratta. She smirked, before unloading both the twelve gauge slugs into the giant's face.

He didn't even have time to react before he poofed into dust, the shells dropping to the floor. Sapphira cocked it, reloading out of habit before tucking it back onto her arm.

"Well that could've gone worse." She reached for the spell book from where it had fallen, picking it up before she kneeled before Verena and offered it with a flourish.

"Your spellbook milady."

Verena took it before slowly standing up, holding her ribs. "Thanks."

"You're Welcome." She let out a small sigh of relief before patting Verena on the shoulder. "Thank you again for that shot."

"Of course! I'm just glad I didn't hit you."

"Well you warned be plenty of time beforehand. No chance of getting hit."

"Well yeah. But what if you thought I meant a real duck and you turned around to look?"

"You'd have to take me to the infirmary for being a little under the weather."

"And having bronze shrapnel in your face."

Sapphira huffed. "I'm trying to say it wouldn't happen. I know to duck when I hear duck. After all if its an actual duck, I can always turn around later. Its always better to err on the side of the ducking than to assume its a duck duck."

Verena giggled. "Probably the best decision with me around."

Sapphira giggled. "Yeah I mean I would not be surprised on the day that I have to duck because you threw a duck at someone."

"It could happen."

The patrons of the restaurant start clapping, most of them emerging from under tables and behind booths.

"Amazing! You saved the café!"

Sapphira went with the flow, bowing gracefully. "Thank you! Thank you!"

Verena flashed a thumbs up.

"So do we have enough information to get out of her?" Sapphira quickly whispered even as she smiled and waved.

Verena nodded. "We should go before we're on the internet."

"Yeah that would be bad." Sapphira smiled on last time before turning around quickly. "Shall we?"

"Yep." Verena started walking away as quickly as possible. Sapphira kept close with her, already thinking of the best way to get to where Verena had found. They'd have to be pretty quick about it too.

Verena looked through a map of New York, trying to find the street. "What street was it again?"

"Uhh, Plaza Street?"

"Plaza Street. Plaza Street."

"Any luck?"

"I'm trying..."

"We'll find it."

"Hold on, I have a spell." Verena flipped through faer book until fae landed on the page for the incantation for 'The Finding Spell.' Fae said the proper words, perfectly picturing the destination.

Soon, a white arrow appeared in front of faer. Verena grinned. "Show us the way."

The arrow pointed straight down. Verena scoffed. "Go to Hades yourself!" Fae waved the arrow away.

Sapphira patted faer shoulder. "As the crow flies is hard to navigate in cities sometimes."

"Somehow, I don't think that's what it was saying."

"Hmm?"

"Never mind. You look." Fae passed the map to Sapphira.

She looked over it. "Oh, there's so many streets."

"It's sort of New York City."

"It is unfortunate for us."

She gasped. "Wait a minute. Wait a minute."

"What? What?"

"I think I found it." She pointed at something on the map. "Right there!"

Verena took a look. "Oh my gods! You totally did!" Fae hugged Sapphira. "Great job."

Sapphira hugged faer back, grinning. "Thank you!"

"Lead the way then!"

Sapphira nodded and started walking, head buried in the map. Verena followed, keeping faer spellbook tucked securely under faer arm. Sapphira kept pointing out when to turn as they kept on walking.

Soon, they made it to a quaint house, one with a front yard already buzzing with women. Verena looked to Sapphira. "Walk up and start talking or...?"

"Hmm....I think so. We just gotta pretend like we're either part of it and waiting for this or, umm, I don't know. Do we pretend like I'm some sort of emissary from my mom and try to leverage information out of it that way?"

"I mean, hmm. How much do they know about Aphrodite?"

"Hmm.. middle-aged women looking for an easy solution to appear younger. How much do you think they know about Aphrodite?"

"Maybe like... a story or two?"

"Sounds about right."

"So, claiming to be sent by Aphrodite?"

"Seems like a feasible plan."

"We'll see how it goes."

"We will."

Verena walked up to the women. Sapphira was right beside faer.

"Shall we?"

"Hello!" Fae waved.

Sapphira bowed. "Greetings!"

The women looked up. "Uh... hi?"

Sapphira put on her most charming smile and addressed the women.

"Fair ladies. I am Helena, emissary of Aphrodite."

"And I am but her humble servant." Fae did a deep bow.

"We've come to bless you."

The women looked around. "A-Aphrodite?" One woman stepped forward with greying brown hair and a loose sweatshirt.

"Yes indeed."

"Did she send you to give us eternal youth?"

"She has considered it."

All of the women squealed. "And her decision?"

"A test of your mettle."

The woman nodded, eyes wide and reverent. Verena had to fight back a snort. "Tell me. What does our lady need?"

"Have you heard of the famed pendant of Aphrodite?"

"No, we haven't."

Sapphira gasped. "Then that shall be your first task, ladies."

"What will be? Please, we want to please our goddess!"

"And get rid of these wrinkles!" Another woman hid her face in shame. Verena cringed. She never understood the fear of aging. Aging was what proved you had lived. Without it, what proof was there that you had a life?

"Oh yes. Suppose you prove yourself worthy by finding this pendant. You shall be restored to your youthful states."

The leader nodded. "Then we shall do it! Tell us what it looks like, please."

"Hmm. Are you ready to receive knowledge this privileged?"

"We are! We will protect it with our lives."

"Close your eyes and count to twenty."

The woman closed her eyes and started counting. "One. Two. Three---"

Sapphira whispered to Verena. "Get out of here before they start trying to worship me or ask me for what makeup I use. I don't know what would be worse."

"Through a spell or just running?"

Sapphira hummed to herself before quickly scribbling a description onto a note and dropping it. "Think you could make an explosion of fragrant rose petals or something?"

"Yes. But you're going to have to run. Fast."

"I can run fast."

"Okay... start running now."

Sapphira took off immediately. Verena summoned a storm of rose petals encircling the piece of paper. It gave fae just enough chaos to book it after Sapphira. Sapphira stumbled to a stop outside, giggling.

Verena joined her, panting for breath. "Gods... I really need to learn teleportation..."

Sapphira patted her back. "And you will soon."

"We'll see." Verena patted faer leg to make sure it was good. "Okay, we're good."

"You all right?"

"Yep! Just making sure the ole' leg doesn't hate me. It's not a running prosthetic, so I need to be careful."

Sapphira patted faer shoulder. "You certainly do make it look like one sometimes."

"Hephaestus kids make it easier. Without them..." Fae whistled. "I would have broken four of them just this summer."

"They are beneficial."

"So, maybe they'll find it?" Verena shrugged.

"It's possible. Can't hurt to have them on the case."

"What should we do now though?"

"I guess we need to figure out another likely location."

"I guess so. Any ideas?"

"What did that Google search bring up besides this?"

Verena whistled. "Uhh. A perfume. A café. And a few books."

"Hmmm. Of all the places I think my mother frequents, the cafe is probably the most likely?"

"Can't hurt to try!"

"No, it certainly can't."

Verena offered faer arm Sapphira her arm. "Shall we head off?"

Sapphira took it with a smile. "We shall."

Verena walked down the street, pulling out the map to head to the café. All fae could do was hope they found that pendant soon. Who knew who had it now? Or their plans for it? It would be better if they found it as quickly as possible.