Upon the high tides of the Mediterranean floated a broken ship. And upon it, lay a broken man.
The immensity of nature… incomprehensible… indomitable. Yet, there are those who believe they can impose their virtues and sins and wills on the world around them.
The ship was surrounded by debris of another ship - this one mutilated by the other. The little that was still lying above the surface was a red banner with a golden eagle.
The Romans dream of conquering both land and sea. Yes, they could conquer the people who claimed mastery over both but subjugating the lands themselves… that is a power belonging only to the gods.
The broken man was surrounded by the aftermath of an uphill battle. In this carnage, there were a group of men whose faces, even in death, showed no emotion.
Yes, they defeated the Greeks and Carthaginians... but they were unable to learn the secrets of the sea. For all their power, they dared not set sail unless it was an emergency; even then, they prayed to their gods for safe travel.
The other half of the slaughter was a handful of daredevils who looked as if they had not died but merely been sent to another world. One where they finally found peace.
Yet, despite their fear of the waters, they were able to engage me and annihilate my crew. Just like my friends of ages long gone... all gone. I am, once again, alone with nothing left but my ship in this vast world without… anyone.
The ship was dying, gasping for its last breath. With each shift of the sea, more men slid off the decks into the stormy night.
Once again, I am alone. Alone in my ship. The ship I can replace. My body, sliced and scarred, I can heal. But my heart and mind broken, I cannot mend...
The man realized that he needed to break away from this line of thought. So, he did what he had always done to escape reality: jump over the side of the ship in to the water below.
The pale full moon had rose to its zenith. The pitch black water reflected the glory of the moon. He swam, out to the reflection of the moon.
A clear sea full of stars.
The waves had calmed down as if welcoming the strange man into its depth.
Where time flows like molten lazule.
The currents and eddies came to a halt as if coddling the man in the arms of the sea.
Deep blue silence.
Deeper and deeper, the man went as if seeking some treasure at the bottom of the seas.
Neither is the earth visible below, nor the sky above.
Fish of all colors swam to the man as if seeing their prince for the first time.
The ocean whispering that only you are here.
The moon withdrew her rays as if desiring to not intrude on the man's privacy.
Only me, only my lone self.
The sea enveloped him as if he were a boy and it his mother.
Such loneliness, such solitude, only me.
The boy struggled to hold his breath as if not wanting to leave the inky blackness.
Yet, in this loneliness, I become aware of my existence.
*Disclaimer* I do not own Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the character of Percy Jackson, or the Greek Gods. If I did own the Olympians, it would also own the series... but it is safe for now in the hands of Rick Riordan and whoever Mr. Riordan wishes to share it with.
AN:
1. This FanFiction is very different from the original series and most other fics in that the time period is ~200 BC. It will also have no characters from the original series aside from a massively altered Percy. His last name won't even be Jackson.
2. The first ten or so chapters will be focused on Percy before he begins his journey. After that, the adventure will begin in full force.
3. Greek Mythology, late Ancient Greek History, and Early Roman History will be used and referenced with date changes to provide for a better flow.
4. Percy will not be overpowered.
5. I am still a greenhorn in the world of FanFiction. Any Reviews will be very helpful for improving the story.
6. I will be sticking with this story till it becomes complete.