The Big House loomed against the backdrop of the twilight sky, its white columns glowing faintly in the moonlight. Ikenna's heart was steady as he stepped onto the porch, though the weight of expectation pressed on his shoulders. The meeting Chiron had called wasn't just a casual briefing—it felt important.
"Why me?" Ikenna muttered under his breath, adjusting the hem of his black hoodie.
He opened the door to find a group of familiar faces seated around the long war table inside. Chiron stood at the head, his human torso blending seamlessly with his horse half. The centaur's presence radiated calm authority, but his expression tonight was unusually serious.
Percy, Annabeth, and Marcus were already seated, their faces lit by the map of the eastern seaboard spread out across the table. Maria leaned casually against a bookshelf, her arms crossed, though her sharp gaze never left Ikenna as he entered.
"Ah, Ikenna. Please, sit," Chiron said, gesturing to an empty chair near the middle.
Ikenna took the seat, trying to ignore the way Maria's stare made his skin prickle.
"What's this about?" Ikenna asked.
Chiron exchanged a glance with Annabeth, who gave a small nod.
"There's been... an incident," Chiron began. "A group of demigods on a supply run to Manhattan was attacked by monsters. Normally, this wouldn't be unusual, but the monsters were far more organized than we've seen before."
"They were waiting for us," Annabeth interjected, her voice clipped. "Like they knew exactly where we'd be and when."
Percy leaned forward, his jaw tight. "It wasn't just any monsters, either. There was a storm spirit leading them—one strong enough to blow out half the streetlights in Midtown before we drove it off."
Ikenna frowned. "Storm spirits? Aren't they Zeus's domain?"
Chiron's expression darkened. "Exactly. Which is why we suspect this isn't a coincidence."
Marcus spoke up, his voice low. "What are you saying? That Zeus is behind this?"
"Not Zeus," Annabeth corrected. "But something—or someone—connected to him. The storm spirit called Ikenna by name before it vanished."
A cold chill ran down Ikenna's spine. "What? Why me?"
"That's what we intend to find out," Chiron said. "But we must proceed carefully. If this is connected to Zeus, it could have implications far beyond Camp Half-Blood."
The room fell silent as the weight of Chiron's words settled over them.
"So, what's the plan?" Percy asked, breaking the tension.
"We need answers," Annabeth said. "And there's only one place we're likely to find them: the Oracle."
Ikenna blinked. "You want me to go see the Oracle? Like, a prophecy?"
Maria snorted. "What, scared of a little rhyme?"
"Hey, I didn't say no," Ikenna shot back. "I'm just saying, isn't that... a lot?"
"It is," Chiron admitted. "But it's necessary. The Oracle has guided us through countless challenges before. If anyone can provide insight into this threat, it's her."
Percy leaned back, his gaze thoughtful. "If Ikenna's going, I'll go with him. Better to have backup, just in case."
Chiron nodded. "Very well. Ikenna, Percy, and Marcus will accompany you to the attic."
Maria raised an eyebrow. "You're really sending the new kid up there? Hope he doesn't faint at the smell of mothballs."
"Enough, Maria," Chiron said firmly. "This isn't a matter for jest."
Maria rolled her eyes but said nothing more.
The attic of the Big House was eerily silent, the air thick with the scent of dust and age. Ikenna climbed the creaking staircase behind Percy and Marcus, his nerves buzzing as much as his fingertips.
"So, uh, what should I expect?" Ikenna asked.
"Visions. Riddles. Maybe some cryptic warnings that'll keep you awake for the next month," Percy replied, his tone light but not reassuring.
"Great," Ikenna muttered.
When they reached the attic, the sight that greeted them was like something out of a horror movie. The room was cluttered with ancient relics: broken shields, dented helmets, and faded banners from battles long past. In the center of it all was the mummified figure of the Oracle, its hollow eyes staring straight ahead.
"Okay," Ikenna said, his voice cracking. "This is officially the creepiest thing I've ever seen."
"Just step forward and ask your question," Percy said, giving him a small shove.
Ikenna took a deep breath and stepped closer to the Oracle. The air seemed to grow colder with each step, and a faint green mist began to swirl around the figure.
"Ikenna Anderson," the Oracle's voice rasped, though its lips didn't move. The sound was like wind rattling through dead branches. "Child of Zeus, bearer of the storm."
Ikenna froze, his heart pounding. "Uh... hi?"
The mist thickened, swirling around him as the Oracle continued.
"Beware the storm that seeks to claim the skies. A tempest brews where lightning dares defy. To rise above, the son must face the wrath of gods, and in his choice, find what lies beyond."
The mist began to dissipate, leaving Ikenna standing alone in the silence.
"What the heck does that mean?" Ikenna demanded, turning back to Percy and Marcus.
Percy looked grim. "It means you've got a lot to figure out. And probably not a lot of time to do it."
Back downstairs, Ikenna relayed the prophecy to Chiron and the others. The centaur's expression grew even more serious as he listened.
"It's clear that your path is tied to this storm spirit," Chiron said. "But how and why remain uncertain. For now, you must be vigilant and prepared for whatever comes next."
"Great," Ikenna said, slumping into a chair. "No pressure or anything."
Maria smirked from across the room. "Welcome to the life of a demigod."
Despite her teasing, Ikenna couldn't shake the weight of the Oracle's words. A tempest brews where lightning dares defy. What did it mean? And how was he supposed to face the wrath of gods?
As the meeting dispersed, Ikenna lingered near the map, tracing the lines with his fingers. The storm within him was growing, and he had a sinking feeling that the hardest challenges were yet to come.