The next morning, Ikenna woke before dawn, the events of the past few days swirling in his mind. The sunlight filtering through the windows of the Zeus cabin painted the walls in hues of gold and silver, as if the sky itself was offering a blessing. But Ikenna didn't feel blessed. He felt heavy, the weight of the prophecy lingering in his chest like a storm cloud ready to burst.
He stretched and got dressed, pulling on his black sweats and gray T-shirt. His dreadlocks, still slightly damp from the shower the night before, hung loosely around his face. He stood in front of the mirror for a moment, looking into his electric blue eyes. They seemed brighter today, as if the storm within him was growing.
By the time he reached the pavilion for breakfast, the camp was already buzzing. Campers huddled in groups, their voices low and urgent. The news of his impending quest had spread quickly, and it was clear that everyone had an opinion about it.
"Morning, Storm Boy," Maria's voice cut through the chatter as Ikenna sat at the Zeus table. She stood beside him, her expression unreadable. "You ready for this?"
Ikenna gave her a half-smile. "Do I have a choice?"
Maria snorted. "Not really. But hey, if anyone can handle this, it's you. Just don't get yourself killed, alright?"
Before Ikenna could respond, Marcus appeared, carrying two plates of food. He set one in front of Ikenna and plopped down beside him. "Eat. You're gonna need it."
Ikenna looked down at the plate piled high with eggs, bacon, and toast. "You sound like my mom," he said, though he started eating without complaint.
Marcus grinned. "I'll take that as a compliment."
As Ikenna ate, he couldn't help but glance around the pavilion. Percy Jackson sat with the Poseidon cabin, his green eyes glinting with curiosity as he watched Ikenna. Annabeth Chase, ever the strategist, whispered something to Percy, her gray eyes flicking briefly toward Ikenna before returning to her plate. Even the Ares kids, usually too busy bickering among themselves, seemed unusually quiet, their gazes darting in his direction.
By the time Chiron arrived to brief him on the quest, Ikenna was more than ready to leave the pavilion. The centaur stood at the edge of the amphitheater, his presence commanding yet calm.
"Ikenna," Chiron began, his voice steady. "Your quest will take you far beyond the safety of this camp. The storm mentioned in the prophecy is no ordinary weather pattern. It's a manifestation of Zeus' anger, a storm that threatens to destroy the mortal and immortal worlds alike. Your task is to find the Eye of the Tempest, an artifact that can calm the storm and restore balance."
"And where exactly is this Eye of the Tempest?" Ikenna asked, crossing his arms.
Chiron's expression grew somber. "In the heart of the Labyrinth."
The words hit Ikenna like a bolt of lightning. He'd heard stories about the Labyrinth, a sprawling, ever-changing maze filled with traps and monsters. Even seasoned demigods avoided it whenever possible.
"Great," Ikenna muttered. "Just throw me into the most dangerous place imaginable. No big deal."
"You won't be going alone," Chiron said, a hint of a smile softening his stern expression. "You'll need a team. Have you thought about who you want to accompany you?"
Ikenna glanced at Marcus and Maria, who stood a few feet away, their expressions a mix of concern and determination. He didn't have to think long. "Marcus and Maria," he said firmly.
"Good choices," Chiron said. "Marcus' craftsmanship and Maria's combat skills will serve you well. But remember, the success of this quest will depend on more than just skill. Trust and teamwork are just as important."
The trio spent the rest of the day preparing for the journey. Marcus tinkered with his gear, ensuring his hammer and various gadgets were in top condition. Maria sharpened her sword with methodical precision, her movements smooth and deliberate. Ikenna practiced summoning lightning, trying to focus on control and precision rather than raw power.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Chiron gathered the camp for a send-off ceremony. The amphitheater was packed, the air buzzing with anticipation. Campers held torches, their flames casting flickering shadows across the stone seats.
Chiron stepped forward, his voice carrying over the murmurs of the crowd. "Tonight, we send off three brave demigods on a quest that will test their strength, their courage, and their resolve. Ikenna, Marcus, Maria—may the gods guide your steps and watch over you."
The crowd erupted into cheers as the trio stepped forward. Ikenna's heart pounded as he met the gazes of his fellow campers. For the first time, he felt the full weight of their expectations.
After the ceremony, the trio gathered their supplies and headed to the camp's boundary. The magic barrier shimmered faintly in the moonlight, marking the edge of the only home Ikenna had ever truly known.
Maria clapped him on the back. "Ready, Storm Boy?"
Ikenna smirked, though his stomach churned with nerves. "Let's do this."
As they stepped through the barrier and into the unknown, Ikenna couldn't shake the feeling that the storm wasn't just waiting for him—it was watching him. And it was just getting started.