Hey everyone. This is my newest story, and the sequel to Tamers of the Sea. Which, if you haven't ready, I suggest you do, otherwise there will be many things in this story that will be rather confusing. But if you'd rather not, then continue on. It is entirely up to you. Anyways, enjoy this first chapter of our new adventure. And many of you can thank Cherrry98blossom for this getting up when it did, I believe they personally reviewed Tamers like 26 times to get a new chapter up.
P.S. I will be answering and replying to the review that were made for the last chapter of Tamers of the Sea to start this story out.
Valdusanihilate- Haha, I'm sorry it was such a cliffhanger. Hope you enjoy the new story. This journey is about to begin.
Fruitqueen- Long time no talk, btw. I'm trying to get a little bit of emotion from you haha. Hope you didn't mind it too terribly. Here is the new story though. Read and enjoy.
Cherry98Blossom- Once again, a big thank you for all your reviews. Though silly, I still enjoyed them. And I wish you'd review for more than getting the new book up. But thank you, enjoy.
Another Random Human- Nope, it will now. If it seems too futuristic or whatnot, that would be because the gods take a more active role in the world in this story. Or at least begin to a lot when the children are born. And yes, it is a shame to be sure. Thank you for the compliment. I'm actually currently working on a trilogy, which I've already got two publishers interested in. It's part of the reason I'm not updating as much or often, as I'm still working on world-building, creating a language, and tweaking the characters to perfection.
.39- Hey Lily! It's awesome you've got an account now! Here's that new story for you. Hope you enjoy.
Guest- thank you very much.
Guest- Thank you. Thank you. I hope you enjoy this new story.
Guest- I will indeed.
Sissy- Haha. I have, I have. And right here it is.
A Random, Person- Thank you, and now you've got the opportunity to do so. The new story is here.
Rolos- Mostly I've read so much, have quite the imagination, and already wrote poems and music, (It's my major) and now I'm working on a book. But practice is important.
We Luv PJ- Thank you. More is here.
Julia- I'm thankful that I'm the story for you. I hope you keep reading and get to this story after. Thank you.
Stacieamazegirl- Thanks haha. And a huge Sunflower doesn't really go with the whole underworld, death theme that Hades has going.
Guest- thank you. I plan too.
Guest- Thanks, I thought it was a neat idea.
Guest- Yes, a cliff hanger, I'm sorry haha. And unfair to be sure. I totally agree. And no need to be desperate, the new story is here. Read and enjoy.
Cookieslurver34- (I love cookies too.) Lolz. Good, then it served it's purpose. But no worries, the new story is here, with the FULL chapter. So I enjoy.
Macaroniaddict12- The sequel is here, and ready to be read. Enjoy.
Crazymuffin64- Dat sequel, is here and ready for you. Enjoy.
Guest- Thank you very much.
Stickman6969- Well the Sequel has arrived. And I plan to, thank you.
Guest- It's still unique as she'll never be as strong in any way to him. But it was a way for them to bond and become closer. I hope you've kept reading, and plan to read this chapter as well.
Random Person- Thank you. I appreciate it.
Hello- Hi! And they did indeed.
0o0- Yes, yes he does.
Guest- Lolz. Well thank you very much, I'm glad you like it. And I hope you read this one as well.
Hi- Hello! I don't mind at all. I'm glad you enjoy it and find it 'yummy'. I hope this new story is Delicious.
Cherry98Blossom- Thanks again haha. I have a full page on my browser of your reviews when looking at them.
Chapter 1
He was a newcomer at this gym. He's just moved into town and was looking to prove himself here. He'd been the undefeated champion at his last gym. He was an ex-marine, and a rough and tumble sorts. Entering the room he found it full of people mostly lifting weights, only a few of them on the mat, or sparing some. Walking towards the men's locker room, he changed into his shorts and a tight fitting tank, slightly annoyed that they didn't allow shirtless workouts, but still confident that his muscled physique would garner the ladies attention in the gym. Especially the brunette he'd seen when walking in. He was sure she'd given him an appreciative up down when he was walking through. He'd test his theory after knocking out someone on the mats.
Walking back into the gym as he began wrapping his fists, he walked over to a mat where a two large men were fighting. One a larger African American man was winning his fight against his slightly bigger white friend. It ended with a solid punch landed on the larger man's chin. Causing him to tap out.
"I've got a date tonight here James. Otherwise I'd keep going. But I'd rather not show up to the date with too many bruises on my face. I'm already worried about that last hit. It was a solid hit." He laughed as the friends clapped hands in front of them.
"No problem man. I got you. I was hoping for a good fight, but maybe Jackson will show up. He's always up for a round. Though he doesn't let me land to many hits before he finishes the fight. You have a good day man. Good luck on that date tonight Verner!"
"You know it James. See you round!" The men split, James staying on the map, as the larger man Verner took off towards the locker room for a shower.
"You looking for a new partner?" The man spoke, crossing his arms imposingly over his large physique.
"You must be new here then? Sure, I'm up for a few rounds. Rules are pretty simple here, nothing below the belt, and no breaking bones, or tearing muscle. Stop if they tap out. Other than that, anything goes. Sound good?"
"That'll work just fine." The man responded.
"Can I get your name? Mines James." The large African man offered his hand towards his new sparring partner.
"Names Caleb. Let's get this going. I haven't hit anything in a while."
With an odd look at him over that comment, James through his hands up, deciding to test the rookie and see how well he did before he really committed.
"Alright you two. Ready. Set. Fight!" Called a nearby spectator.
Caleb flew from his ready pose like lightning, landing blow after blow on the surprised James who was now back pedaling and trying to get a defense up. But was taking too many strong blows to the face and chest from the man in front of him.
"That's enough! That's enough!"
They were pulled apart by several spectators as Eddie thrashed against them for a moment. "Come on! We were just getting going!"
Looking around, he spotted the brunette from earlier, her eyes having been drawn to the noise. Mistaking her look of worry for James as sadness for himself not finishing the fight. Caleb turned to the spectators. "Anyone else up for a round?"
After this he fought three more men, each of whom started off better than James, not giving Caleb the element of surprise. But still he'd thoroughly beat each opponent, having to be pulled apart as he'd fail to see, or at least, acknowledge their sign of tapping out and continue hitting them. Even breaking one man's nose from too many hits.
With the final fight ending, he waltzed over towards the brunette he'd seen, who was currently preparing to do some squats.
"That's it baby. Nice and low." Caleb whistled appreciatively.
She stopped her squats and set down her weights. "Can I help you?" She asked annoyed, this man had been ogling her since he'd entered.
"Just wanted to introduce myself and see if you were, perhaps up for a drink later on tonight. Names Caleb." He said, extending a hand with a smile.
"On a Monday night? I'm good. Thank you though." She dismissed, turning back to put her weights up, deciding that squats weren't what she should be doing right now.
"Oh come on. Just one drink." Caleb pressed, moving closer to her and back her up into her weights.
"I said no. Now if you'll –"
Getting angry he stepped even closer. "Come now darling. That ain't no way to treat the new champion around here."
Her scoffing laugh angered him even further. "Please. The people you've fought today are all pretty good, I'll give you that. But if you want to be the king around here you've got to take on Jackson. And I've only seen about three people here who can even land a blow on him. Let alone win. But it was a cute attempt. Now if you'll please move. Now." She finished with a blazing glare at the large man who was backing her further into a corner, and way into her personal space.
"Well where is he. I'll beat his ass, and then you'll go for a drink with me right? That sound good? Huh?!" AS he spoke he kept getting closer, enjoying the look of fear in her eyes as he kept getting closer, knowing she couldn't take out her much larger opponent very easily, if at all. She's seen him fighting, and he was good.
The hand that grabbed on to his shoulder and pulled him backwards and onto the floor was powerful. His grip like iron as Caleb was tossed backwards.
"You alright there Danielle?" The voice was smooth like the ocean, concern flecking in as the man stepped forward to help her out of the corner she's been pushed into.
"I am now. Thanks, this creep was beginning to worry me. Wasn't sure I could take him. Thanks Jackson. If you're wanting a drink tonight, I'm buying." She finished with a wink, aggravating Caleb to no end as he stood up, the man who'd thrown him had his back to him as the girl, Danielle threw a flirtatious wink at the man in front of him.
Caleb put his hand on the shorter and thinner man in front of hims shoulder, planning to throw him back as he'd done to Caleb himself.
He was met by an unmoving wall of flesh as the man simply shrugged off his pull and turned about. "I think it's time for you to go buddy. You've stepped way out of bounds here today and need to leave. So do so, before I make you."
It was Caleb's first look at the man. He was probably the most attractive man he'd ever seen. Messy raven black hair, with eyes that were a deep sea green that were currently glaring at him. He wasn't bulky in his muscle mass, but he was as if cut from marble, almost godlike in his looks and body.
"You Jackson?!" Caleb angrily questioned, not liking the attitude of this, admittidely good looking, but also smaller opponent in front of him.
"I might be."
"Good. I'm wanting to have a good fight, and hear you're the person to ask. Mind going a few rounds?"
Jackson's eyes looked back towards Danielle.
"He's already fought James, Mallory, Vick, and Smith. Broke smith's nose, and opened up some nice cuts on James face after coming out of the ready stance for blood. Not to mention his behavior with me. The man needs a beating." She stated, having finished putting up her weights from before.
"Well then, seems I will be willing to oblige you…"
"Caleb."
"Caleb. Well then, let me change and we'll get right to it. Names Percy. I'll meet you on the mat."
/-/-/
Caleb was waiting on the mat when Percy walked over from the gym, and to his anger, was shirtless, only wearing a pair of shorts as he stepped onto the mat.
"Last I read, rules were you had to have a shirt." Caleb growled, hating how cut the man in front of him was. He cut a much more impressive figure standing there. He even looked like he'd gotten a little taller.
"I have special permission from the owner. But thanks for worrying about me. Really means a lot." Percy smirked at him.
It was then Caleb really noticed them. All over the man's body were intricate tattoos. He was marked with a trident, he had one trident tattooed all down his spine, with an ocean spreading out behind it. An ocean that seemed to move. Causing Caleb to blink and rub his eyes before looking at it again. Along with a bow and arrow on one shoulder, and what looked like the sun on the other shoulder. With two separate tridents on either forearm.
"Same rules as usual?"
Percy's voice snapped him out of his reverie at the man's numerous tattoos. "Those boring rules? Guess I have to, everyone here seems to need the protection anyways." Caleb scoffed, bringing his fists up as he smiled at his own little dig to the people here.
"How about you choose the rules and I'll fight by them then? I'm sure the owner will be fine if I say I agreed to it."
His infuriating smirk caused Caleb to see red. "Well then. Anything goes, and we don't stop till one of us is out cold."
"Sounds good to me. What about breaking bones?"
"If you're worried I'm going to hurt you too much you can just say so now." He smirked, spitting onto mat, much to the disgust of Percy and the others' now watching the impending battle.
"Fair enough. Anything goes. Let's do this then. I need to work out and get to my classes. James, you want to start us off and ref this match?"
"Sure enough Jackson. All right you two, take your positions Ready. Set. Fight!"
/-/-/
Caleb had always been proud of his explosive speed. He'd been the fastest and most brutal fighter in his unit during the war. And he'd been the fastest at every tournament he'd attended after, or just about any gym he'd worked out at.
But his speed paled in comparison to the man in front of him.
From the sound of the T in fight he rocketed forward in such a fluid and graceful motion that Caleb wondered if this man was liquid lightning itself.
His fist felt like thunder as it struck his face, knocking him back two steps as his hands didn't even move from their ready position. Percy moving too fast for his body to have caught up with being struck.
But Percy didn't let it sit there. He followed through with three more rapid strikes, two to Caleb's gut, and one to his sternum, knocking what little air was left in his lungs out. Spinning around his roundhouse kick caught Caleb on the temple, throwing him to the ground violently.
Due to his height, strength, and his body being used to a beating. Caleb unluckily stayed conscious.
"Come on. Get up. I've places to be." Percy's voice infuriated the man, knocking him from his shock at Percy's speed, grace, and deadly power.
He came up swinging with a wild haymaker, just wanting to land a blow. Percy simply dodged, moving out of the way with lighting precision and speed. Caleb's fists hitting only air, making him even angrier as he attacked even more vigorously.
His attack was put to an end as Percy caught his arm, and spinning, and twisting it behind his back. Many crying out at the sickening crunch that accompanied it. Caleb's own scream of pain overpowering their voices as he pulled his arm away from Percy, worried he'd completely broken it. Sighing in gladness when he realized that though it hurt he could still move it, it was probably cracked, but that was it.
Before anything else could come to his mind, he was once again the target for Percy's lighting fast fists. Blow after blow landed, as Percy worked him over, from head, down to his gut, then back up. Not stopping until finally the larger man fell to the matt, eyes rolling into the top of his head as he did so.
"Damn Jackson. I've never seen you fight like that. Brutal man. Brutal." James laughed, offering a hand to Percy, along with a water bottle.
"Pigs like this need to be put down fast and hard. Or they become a problem, real fast." Percy simply state, taking the bottle of water, and draining it.
"Thanks Percy." Danielle said, standing on her tippy-toes, to kiss him on the cheek in thanks.
'No problem Danielle. I'll see you all around. I need to get to my classes. Dammit. A day of workout time ruined by some idiot. Dammit." Percy cursed, walking off towards the locker room, leaving the wakening of, and subsequent kicking out of the man he'd fought from the gym.
/-/-/
Percy walked from the gym, his gym back and backpack slung over his shoulder as he left.
Making his usual route from his condo, he stopped by the little coffee shop on the way to his campus for classes. Smiling at the waitress who usually served him, who'd already prepared his coffee just the way he liked it. Blue.
The first time he'd walked in, she'd been rather shocked when he handed her a bottle of blue food coloring and asked her to add it to his coffee as it was made. Her look had been priceless, torn between who is this god-like man in front of me, and if it were some sort of joke that he wanted Blue coffee. After the fourth stop by, she'd already had a bottle of food coloring waiting and a smile as she said she was more prepared this time. By the sixth stop she'd offered her phone number on his coffee cup. But he'd regrettably told her he wasn't really searching for anyone right now.
She'd smiled and said she understood, and to keep her number. Should he ever change his mind, or maybe just need a friend, she'd be there in a jiffy.
So he had, and he'd even gone to the movies with her and her friends one night, though the constant flirting from every one of them had gotten rather annoying by the end of the night. Especially when they saw what he was driving home in. So after that, she'd apologized and he hadn't gone out with them again.
Smiling softly to himself as he tipped her a little extra that morning, he left the coffee shop heading towards CAL state where he'd been studying Marine Biology. For the second time.
Life was hard being immortal as it were. Ever since they'd eaten that apple that… she'd given him… and after bleeding out what regular mortal blood was in his veins. He hadn't aged a day. As far as his mother had said, he could die from a fatal wound, such as decapitation, or perhaps losing his heart. Otherwise he would heal back from any wound, couldn't be poisoned, and would never age.
At first he and his brothers had thrown themselves recklessly into any war or battle they found. Finding themselves in such major battles as, the Revolutionary War, the French Revolution, Both World Wars, and most recently as a special spec ops group for America, doing what no other group could do, and with virtually no casualties. As they'd fought on, trying to kill themselves without doing it themselves, they'd realized that… they… wouldn't want them to throw their lives away, especially after they'd paid so much for them to get it.
So they'd stopped trying to be killed in the fighting, and instead had dedicated their lives to doing good when they could. Things that, in their minds, would further others. They'd used all their money from the various wars, and when they'd been pirating. And with some subtle hints from their uncles, Hermes, and Apollo, had invested in businesses, people, and stocks and bonds. And were now each very wealthy. Though they donated often to various organizations, and homeless shelters, they'd come together and buy an entire Walmart's Christmas stock and let the orphanages in their towns meet them there, and let the kids get what they want.
They'd gone to colleges in between wars, each getting various degrees as they went, whatever intrigued them. Moving often so people wouldn't notice that they weren't aging a day. If they liked a particular place, they'd come back after several years, claiming to be a grandchild or other such relative, if people mentioned them looking alike.
California was one of those places. Percy was currently in Sacramento studying Marine biology, while Jason was in Stanford, taking classes there for an Aeronautics degree, as Nico decided he preferred Oakland, taking classes at Mills University as a bio-premed major.
These thoughts flashed through Percy's head as he entered the front doors to his first class of the day, worry darkening his mood as he thought about tomorrow being the anniversary of her death. The day he hated most. And the day he would never forgive his father for.
/-/-/
He was almost to his seat when his phone rang. Pulling it out he quickly read the text from his mother.
"Hey I'm stopping by tonight. Have something ready? I'll bring drinks."
With a smile on his face, he texted back that he'd be ready. Then focused on his teacher, his heart a little lighter knowing his mom would be there for him that night.
/-/-/
He loved it up here. So high, with nothing around him but the clouds. Smiling he looked down for his target of the day. Spotting his landing zone he pulled his parachute. Only a moment of sadness at not being able to just fly down himself, the mortals around would find it strange to see a man flying on his own, and landing from an aircraft high above. Mist concealing helping him or not.
But it was a quick thought, taken over by the beauty of the land around him as he floated towards the ground.
/-/-/
Landing with a light step, he kept his feet about him as he fell, taking of the parachute and handing it to one of the workers that rushed to meet him.
"Thank you Mr. Grace, your car has been pulled around for you. Have a good day sir!" The worker shouted after their most prestigious client.
"Thank you Steven! Have a good weekend, and ask that girl out on a date! I know you can do it!" Jason called back as the young man stuttered out an answer.
Jason was met at the exit from the airport with the Valet in his favorite car. Nodding towards the man he hopped in and took off from the airport, not wanting to be late for his classes again.
/-/-/
It was while driving that his car suddenly filled with the smell of perfume as his car lit up golden for a moment. His Aunt Aphrodite in the chair next to him.
"Hello my handsome prince. How are we today?" She asked, pinching his cheeks as he shifted gears and leapt between a car and a semi to get more lane to drive in.
"Good Aunty. But really, the pinching the cheeks thing? Really?"
"Oh I know you love it. Anyways, I'm just stopping in to let you know that your mother will be by for dinner tonight, she'll bring something with her. And before you say, she would have texted you like you ask, but the phone is dead and she's not sure where the charger goes, she's hoping you'll show her."
"More like she doesn't want to deal with it and that's her excuse." Jason grumbled, though his mood was good, especially since tomorrow was the anniversary of the worst day of his life.
"That's probably true, not all the gods and goddesses can be as hip as me and your uncles are." Aphrodite smirked, currently on her Iphone6 scrolling through different shopping apps. "Also, my new clothing store opened up today, you should stop by tomorrow and see it. It has some clothes I'm sure you'll just adore." She gushed, turning and frowning as she saw him on his own Galaxy S5 Active. "You know, you shouldn't text and drive…"
"I'm just looking up the location of your store so I can visit tomorrow. Really Aunty, I'm not a newborn."
"You may be several hundred years old mister, but just remember. To me, you're still a baby." She finished, kissing him on the cheek as she flashed away.
Putting his sunglasses on, Jason sped away. Eager to get to classes, then get home to a good meal and his mother.
/-/-/
Nico himself was currently leaving his classroom when his phone went off. Pulling it out of his pocket, and reading the caller name, he quickly slid to answer.
"Hey mom. What's up?" He asked, popping the P.
"Hey sweetheart. Just wanted to let you know I was going to come by tonight and hang out for a bit. I figured we could watch a movie together, and just relax for a little. I thought I'd bring your favorite dessert and everything."
"Sounds good mom, you know I'll never say no to you. Especially since tomorrow is… well you know." His voice dropped, almost to a whisper as he finished, before bucking up some as a thought occurred. "Are we good to watch "Star Wars?""
"Of course dear, I know they are your favorite." Her voice trailed off at the end, a sure sign to Nico that she had more to say, and was afraid to ask. "Speaking of your favorite, I know someone else who finds those movies rather exciting…"
To anyone walked past at that moment, would have said death himself would have feared Nico's face. As it swiftly, darkened, his eyes a piercing glare at any who passed by. "NO. Don't even finish that thought. You know how I feel. You know how my brothers feel. We don't want to see our dads. We don't want to talk to them. They can ask forgiveness all they want, and say they had to. But we aren't going back to them. Sorry mom, I'll talk to you tonight. Bye." Nico hung up so fast that he didn't even leave his mother time to apologize, stepping into his next class with a clash of emotion. Happy to see his mom, angered she'd brought up his father.
/-/-/
He'd just arrived home, deciding that for tonight, they'd have Pastitsio for dinner, with Bougatsa for desert.
Making his decision, he looked at the clock, figuring he had around four hours before his mother arrived. He hoped that was enough time. Grabbing a pot, he started boiling some water for the pasta on the back left burner.
Grabbing a pan and putting it on the bottom right he let up the fire, dropping a sliver of butter into the pan to cook the beef in, also starting a smaller pot next to it to begin on the Béchamel sauce. Using his abilities, he quickened the water's boiling time to almost nothing as he tossed in the pasta, focusing most of his visual attention to the beef, wanting it to be cooked to perfection. Focusing on the sauce next as the meat reached a place that it could sit on low heat and be fine. He began on the sauce.
Having already put butter in while adding some for the meat, he added in the flour. Grabbing a whisk from a kitchen drawer he began carefully stirring it, slowly adding in milk as he did so. Deciding to make it a thicker sauce, added a bit of extra milk. Finishing with some melted cheese and nutmeg to make it a more cheese based Béchamel sauce.
Turning from this he quickly turned the heat up where the sauce had been, putting a new pot there, putting in some eggs and cheese, stirring and melting until it was mixed well and ready to hold the noodles together.
Turning back to the noodles as he set the sauce aside so it wouldn't thicken much more, he quickly drained the noodles, pouring half into a pan he pulled from a drawer under his oven. Adding a layer of cheese and eggs over the noodles, then adding the beef he'd cooked and spiced with tomato and cinnamon, with a pinch of nutmeg. Adding the rest of the noodles, cheese and egg mix, finishing with the sauce and a sprinkling of grated parmesan, he put it in the oven, setting it on a slow bake so it would come out, hopefully when she arrived.
Having already prepared some Phyllo dough and vanilla Semolina custard for a rainy day, he pulled it from his fridge. Setting it on the counter as he pulled out some flower and sprinkled it on a clean and free area of his counter, he began rolling the dough out and shaping it, keeping a wandering eye upon the Pastitsio as he worked.
After shaping it correctly, he added the custard down the middle, proceeding to fold the dough around the custard. Finishing with a sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar he set it aside with a hand towel draped over it. Planning to put it in when his mother arrived, so it could bake, and then cool as they ate.
Seeing that the Pasta still had plenty of cooking left to do. He set a timer for the oven to shut off in forty minutes just in case, and headed off towards his bedroom and shower.
Passing through the living room he took a moment to look at the wall the TV was on. Eyes gazing down the length of the Trident and Harpoon hanging above the TV, a set of crossed Bronze Hoplite swords over Spartan shields to either side of them. Shaking his head with a sigh, he continued on. Tossing his clothes on the bed, not even bothering to look at the two harpoon like weapons that were crossed over a Roman shield hanging over his bed.
Stepping into the shower, he let the water reenergize him, thankful for Hephaestus helping with the renovations of the condo when Percy moved in. Allowing him to have a special water system, pulling water from the nearby ocean to shower and wash with. It would have taken a special eye to see the tears falling from his eyes and mixing with the water rolling down his face and body.
/-/-/
It normally chose well, picking small and weak targets to try and feed upon. Often getting the meal in the end. But this time, it choose wrong. It had been hiding in plain sight, using the mist as usual to be seen as a hot dog vendor on the side walk when he saw him. Or rather, smelled him. He was a rather imposing looking demigod when he came into view, and his scent warned the monster that this was no ordinary demigod, nor was he weak. But he smelled too good for the monster not to try. Besides, the worst that could happen was he be sent back to Tartarus for a few months to reform.
So with its decision made, it quickly stalked after the demigod.
It was a following the demigod, intending to follow him home, and then attack. When, to the monster's luck, he turned into an ally way.
Eager for the meal, the monster sped up, running into the alley and shredding its disguise as it did so, coming face to face with… and empty ally.
"It's not nice to follow people you don't know." The voice seemed to erupt from the shadows all about the monster.
It realized the demigod it'd been following's parent a moment too late as the demigod suddenly appeared from behind him, stepping form the shadows, a long stygian iron sword held loosely in his hand.
"That's too bad aint it then? You choose the wrong demigod, on the wrong day."
That was all the beast herd as it lost its soul to the blade, never to reform for years. If ever.
/-/-/
"Fucking Mormo. Can't tell heads from tails when they're that hungry. They just attack. Well, too bad for him." Nico muttered, stepping from the ally as he dusted gold dust from his hands and pants. Walking away, as if for all the world, things were normal and fine.
Getting to his condo, he stepped inside, sliding his card inside the elevator so it would take him to his room. Enjoying the long ride up.
Arriving at his room, he headed towards his bedroom, intent on taking a shower after ordering some takeout from a nearby Chinese food restaurant, deciding that was what he was craving that night.
After ordering some bourbon chicken, with noodles, a bowl of egg drop soup, and an order of cheese wantons. He stepped into his shower, intent on washing the day, and the dread for tomorrow, away.
/-/-/
Stepping from the shower and drying off. His towel wrapped around his waist, he entered the living room, checking his buzzer to see if his food had arrived yet.
Seeing no messages he grabbed the bone flute that resided on a stand hung above his TV. Putting it to his lips he began to play.
Had there been a soul to hear it, they would have wept as he played. His fingers moving skillfully over the holes, the tune a haunting melody of pain and loss.
He became so lost in his music, that he almost missed his buzzer sounding, informing him he had a guest or something to pick up.
With a deep breath to control his roiling emotions, he replaced his flute and buzzed down, letting them know it was alright to send him up.
/-/-/
He came home to find his mother already there, food on the table and looking like it had just exited the oven.
"So how long ago did you conjure that? And do I have time for a shower first?" Jason questioned, smirking at his mother's indignant snort.
"You know better than that, I cooked this in your kitchen actually so I'd like a little credit. And yes you have time if you're quick. I'll keep it warm for us till you're finished." She kissed him on the forehead, smiling as he headed towards his room to do just as she'd said.
/-/-/
Jason was sitting down at the table with his mother, nor more than ten minutes later, thanking his mom for the meal as they dug into the baked fish with a lemon sauce and cheese on top.
It humored Jason that his mother didn't need any regular, and he needed little, but a bite or two a week, of food to survive. And yes, he'd eat every day, and his mother ate often with him. And it never bothered them. It was nice that she was willing to do such lowly mortal things for him. Such as getting a cell phone to chat and talk during the day, or with the other Olympians' and gods.
Or going shopping with him instead of just creating whatever he wanted, or whatever she wanted him to wear. Visiting museums, even though the two of them had lived through most, for him and all for her, of it.
It was these little things that helped keep his relationship with his mother so strong. He told her everything. And she told him everything as well.
He was enjoying the flavor of the fish when his mother cleared her throat. "So are you going to Aphrodite's store tomorrow?"
"Why? Probably." Jason questioned, stuffing another delicious bite into his mouth.
"I think you'll find something you'll really love there. Who knows?" She trailed off, wiping a small drip of sauce from the corner of her mouth with a grace that would freeze mortals.
"Are you trying to set me up again? Mom, I told you already, I'm not searching for anyone right now. I've tried that already. And every time it just didn't work out. So let me have a moment to breathe right now please. Especially since tomorrow's her… her… the day she… She died." It took him a moment to get it out, closing his eyes in anger and sadness, his hand clenching tightly upon the fork in his hand, bending it in his hand as his strength was left unchecked for moment.
He visibly calmed when his mother's hand was soon placed over his, her eyes gazing into his own when he opened his eyes. "I know sweetheart. Honestly, I'd never try to set you up with someone new on a day like tomorrow. Never. I just really think you should stop by alright? Just to placate your Aunt. She's ecstatic for her first store to be opening here."
"Alright. Fine. I'll stop by on my way to class, instead of getting a smoothie like normal."
"Good. Thank you darling. Now come, it's time for your mother to curl up on your wonderful couch and watch a chick-flick. Let's go."
With a shake of his head in exasperation, Jason followed her, just glad for the company.
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When he exited the shower, towel wrapped around his face as he went to check on the meal. He found his mother already at the oven, turning the dish and checking it's temp.
"Hey mom!" Percy called out. Walking up and giving her a hug, shaking his wet hair as he tried getting her wet.
"You're powers are strong little one, but not strong enough my love." She said, laughing as the water simple fell from her, not leaving her wet in the slightest.
"How are you?"
"I'm… I'm good. It's a little easier ever year after I suppose. Just a little, tiny bit easier."
"I know my little wave. I know." As she spoke, she traced her marking on his back, still loving the way it claimed him as her child, and how she could close her eyes and see every part of her that he shared with her.
"I'm going to go change, I'll be back in a sec. You alright with setting the table?"
"Of course. I know where everything is, so hurry up. This smells delicious and I can't wait to try it out. Shall I put the Bougatsa in for you as well?"
"That'd be awesome. Thanks mom!" Percy called out, heading towards his room to throw on a pair of boxer-briefs, skinny jeans, and a long sleeve dark blue v-neck. Pushing the sleeves up to just below his elbow, shaking his hair out one last time before going back to the kitchen and dining room, taking the seat next to his mother as she served them up each a plate.
"You going to classes tomorrow, or will you be skipping?"
"I'll go. Don't know how much I'll pay attention. But I'll be going."
"Good. You be getting your usual coffee?"
"Yeah, I'll definitely need it tomorrow." He said, smirking with dark humor as he placed another delicious bite of the Pastitsio in his mouth.
"Good. I think you'll especially like the coffee tomorrow." She responded, her smirk hiding something he didn't know.
"You care to share what that smile is about?"
"Will you accept this delicious meal?"
"No. Though it is amazing." Percy smirked, eyes boring into his mother's.
"No, you can't ask. I was just saying."
"Fine. Fine. You done?" He questioned, taking her plate as she nodded her acquiescence.
"Dessert?"
"Of course. You and I both know it's our favorite part of any meal. Though I do prefer a good chocolate cake." Amphitrite said, smiling as Percy hummed his agreement, taking the fresh dessert bread from the oven and placing it on a plate for the two of them.
"Also grab a deck of cards. I need to beat your butt again. What am I at now? A ten win lead?"
With an exclamation of laughter Percy through the hand towel at her with a snort. "In your dreams. Five wins, tops."
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He was almost asleep. The 'Empire Strikes Back' playing in the background. His head in his mother's lap on the couch as she stroked her hand through his hair, slowly leading him to sleep. Smiling to herself as she knew that her son's brothers would be receiving the same treatment tonight. Each of the mother's knowing their sons slept best, and with no nightmares, when their mothers were present and keeping a watch on them.
"My little flower. I have a request from you."
"Yeah mom?" He yawned, struggling to stay awake and answer her question as Luke began his training with Yoda.
"There's a new street fighting gym that's opened up nearby. Would you stop by tomorrow? There's supposed to be a rather impressive fighter there, who has yet to lose to anyone. I'd like you to show them what a true fighter is."
"I'll stop by and see. If they seem like a challenge I will. Otherwise I'd rather not bother…" He sleepily trailed off, falling into a deep sleep as Persephone continued to stroke his hair, smiling down on her child.
"Good. Sweet dreams my little flower. I won't be leaving you tonight. So sleep in peace."
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