I'm so sorry for not updating in forever!

I was extremely busy with school and my other stories and I'm disappointed in myself because I really enjoy writing this but anyways- I'm sorry.

I hope you like this chapter, it's a Percy one!


Chapter 4

Percy

Bubbles formed around Percy's body as a tail took the place of where his legs once were. He grinned to himself before looking back at the shore that was a good ten feet away from where he was standing. He could see Annabeth's house towering over the beach, and his eyes lingered on it for a moment before he dove under the waves.

The water was chilly, but Percy knew that it was only like that near the surface. He kicked his sea-green tail, and sent himself flying forward. Fish from all over greeted him with warm hellos, some even bowing in respect to him. Percy just smiled and waved back, used to the routine by now.

He could hear some of the fishes' thoughts in his head, and he smiled at some of them being amusingly comical.

"You're Majesty! What a lovely day we're having!"

"Prince Perseus! Are you excited for the royal dinner?"

"If you ever need someone to rant about your future wife, I'm here!"

Percy chuckled and nodded respectfully towards the fish, dolphins, and even passing sharks as he swam by. Some of them just understood the predicament he was in.

He hated to admit it, but Annabeth was stuck on his brain like a sea urchin was to coral. He couldn't shake her from his mind, and every time he closed his eyes he could picture her blonde princess curls and her grey eyes that seemed to analyze every little detail.

Stop it, Percy, he warned himself, remember what happened last time you fell for a mortal?

Percy shuddered, and tried to shake the memories from his mind, hoping that they wouldn't torment him like the usually did. He took a shaky breath, some bubbles coming out of his mouth as he did so, and continued on his way back to the kingdom.

He looked up at the waves far above him, and saw the sun shimmering into the ocean. As Percy grew closer to the kingdom, he could feel his father's magic becoming more present, almost like a magnet pulling him in. His father, Poseidon, kept strong magic around the borders of Atlantis, wanting to keep it completely safe of any predators. He also wanted to keep Percy in the boundaries, since his son liked to wander.

Especially to the mortal world.

Percy sighed as he greeted the guards that stood in front of the large gates made out of every different color of coral. They bowed their heads respectfully before opening the doors, and allowing Percy to enter the kingdom. He sighed once he was inside and the gates closed behind him with a loud bang.

He glanced up at the surface of the ocean which was many miles away, since Atlantis was at the very bottom of the ocean. He sighed in distaste at his father's boundaries that kept not only the citizens, but more importantly; Percy, from swimming upwards and over the walls. His magic was like a dome, keeping predators out, and the citizens (aka Percy) in.

Percy was greeted on the cobblestone streets of his kingdom and he smiled kindly to the citizens, more importantly; his soon-to-be citizens. He shuddered at the thought of being king, and he felt like his whole world was spinning at the thought.

He glanced at the clock tower that stood tall in the middle of the square, and let out a string of curses under his breath that would make a pirate blush. It was five minutes until noon, which meant that he had five minutes to get to the palace before his parents figured that he had left to the mortal world again.

He raced towards the palace, making his way up the stairs and passed the guards. He pushed open the two very large doors made completely of marble and embedded in gold. When he was younger, he used to feel like the doors were made for those of a giant, and he liked to play Jake and the Bean Stock with his cousins, but now whenever he looked at those doors, he felt bored and trapped.

"Percy!" he was greeted by his cousin, Jason, who was standing right behind the doors as if he was sent on Percy-watch to bring him directly to his father when he got there.

"Yeah, yeah, I know I'm late," Percy grumbled and swam past Jason, who went to catch up with him, his sky-blue tail flapping nervously behind him.

"Yeah you are, but you also need to get dressed," Jason said warily as if he knew the type of trouble Percy was in. It's not like Percy didn't know already, this was a daily thing, and it was just different this time because he was supposed to be meeting with his future-wife's family for lunch.

"Dressed?" Percy questioned, and then he groaned. His parents always made him dress in the finest robes, and embedded with shells only found in certain seas like the Mediterranean or the Caspian. He hated wearing it, it made him feel like a spoiled brat.

"Come on," Jason ordered, ushering his cousin up the stairs made of marble to his bedroom.

Percy groaned when his thoughts were confirmed and the dark blue shirt was laid out on his large bed. He glanced at Jason and noticed that he was wearing a shirt similar to Percy's only his was white. His blond hair swayed around his face as he waited for Percy to change.

"The more time you waste, the more time your parents are going to take to yell at you," Jason commented, and Percy rolled his eyes before slipping the fancy shirt over his head, cringing slightly as he did so.

"Okay, let's go," Percy said and tried to swim past Jason, but he put his hand out and stopped him.

"Not so fast. Your mother said to make sure that you polished your tail and combed your hair as well."

This time Percy was ready to just give up. He only polished his tail if they were to go to a wedding of a royal in another kingdom, or if there was a ball, which there rarely was.

"Are you serious?" he whined, and Jason crossed his arms over his chest.

"Hurry up. This dinner is important, you're meeting the royal family of Ogygia and you have to be there," Jason scolded as if he were chiding a young child. Percy rolled his eyes and grabbed a comb while lazily combing his hair, not really caring how he looked, but only to please Jason.

"I don't even get why I have to do this," Percy grumbled, "I don't even want to marry her."

"You don't even know her," Jason said.

"Exactly!" Percy protested, dropping the comb he was using and letting it float slowly back down onto his dresser made completely out of shells. Jason sighed and swam over to Percy, while placing his hand on his cousin's shoulder.

"Just try to talk to her, maybe you'll like her," he said, and Percy resisted the urge to roll his eyes before he and Jason left to head to the dining room where his torture was to begin.

He didn't even polish his tail.


The large doors leading into the dining room towered over Percy as if they were saying: Here's your last chance to turn back.

But Percy knew that the only way to get through this quickly was to actually go or else his parents would most likely disown him. Jason was by Percy's side, and he nodded to Percy curtly, as if to say that it was time to go in. Percy sighed, expecting his father's raging wrath to come as soon as he opened the doors.

The doors opened slowly, like the intro to a dramatic movie scene, and Percy took in his surroundings. His father sat at the head of the table, as he usually did, with his mother at his right side, and an empty seat for Percy to sit. His father's dark black hair similar to his own was brushed back, resisting the urges the water was trying to make his hair float around his face like it would any other person; or in this case, mortals. His trident was held firmly in his right hand, and his sea-green eyes flickered as they fell on Percy. Percy would have gulped, but he pushed it back, not wanting to show himself as weak in front of his father.

His mother sat to Poseidon's right, looking as beautiful as ever. Her light brown hair was curled in ringlets around her face, falling gracefully onto her shoulders. Her brown eyes glowed with happiness when she saw Percy, and Percy swear he saw a little bit of relief in them. Had she thought he wouldn't come home?

Percy floated over to his seat, and sat down quietly, much to his surprise, not receiving any yelling from his father, but he expected it to come later.

"Perseus," his father spoke, his voice loud and powerful, echoing off of the marble walls. Percy watched as Jason sat down next to his sister Thalia, and he nodded encouragingly at Percy.

"So glad you could join us," Poseidon said, and Percy could swear he heard a hint of sarcasm in his father's voice.

"Always a pleasure, Father," Percy said, hinting at a little bit of sarcasm of his own. His father's eyes lingered on Percy as if to send a warning for him to shut his trap or to be blasted to bits.

"Percy, I'd like to introduce you to the royal family of the kingdom Ogygia," his mother said kindly, interrupting the impending argument between Percy and Poseidon. Percy looked down the table, and took this time to take in who else was around the large table.

Zeus, king of Olympus, the kingdom next to Atlantis, and also Percy's uncle, sat at the head of the table opposite Poseidon, with his wife Hera to his right. Thalia was sitting across from her step-mother, with Jason next to her.

Next to Percy was Grover, head of the nature department of Atlantis and was in charge in keeping everything clean for the citizens, surprisingly a very big deal in Atlantis and Poseidon greatly respected Grover. He was also Percy's best friend, and Percy was relieved to see that that was who he was seated next to for the evening.

Next his eyes fell on the family that was unfamiliar to Percy, whom he assumed was the royal family of Ogygia. A tall man was seated at the center of the table. He had a strong build and sat up so perfectly straight Percy half-expected him to have a pole up his back like a puppet. He had dark hair, similar to Poseidon's, but this man's hair seemed to be tinted a dark blue. It was cut short, similar to an army cut, and his eyes were a dark stormy blue, like the sky right before a storm. Percy couldn't see what color tail he had, seeing as it was under the table, but the man was dressed in a dark suit with a blue tie. He had a cold stare, and he gave Percy a glare, which Percy greatly did not appreciate.

Next to him on his right was a woman, a beautiful woman. She had light brown hair, similar to Percy's mother's, but her gaze was hard, much unlike Percy's mother. Her eyes were the color of lilac, and her complexion was pale. She had a flowing white blouse that moved slowly around the water that circled her. She was also giving Percy a glare, and Percy gulped down his nerves. He must have set them off by coming late.

On the other side of the tall man was a girl. She had caramel colored hair that was pulled over her shoulder in a loosely tied braid. She a gold head piece around her caramel hair, and her eyes were a kind brown. She also had a white blouse, a little similar to her mother's, but Percy thought she wore it better. When Percy's eyes landed on her, she smiled a little bit, and the small gesture made Percy's nerves lessen.

Everyone else around the table were either nobles or important figures in his father's legislature. Percy recognized a few, some consisted of Ares, leader of Atlantis's army, and Aphrodite, the fairest maiden in all of the kingdoms combined, but also head of relations and affairs with other kingdoms. She smiled warmly at Percy, and he returned the gesture.

Percy noticed other figures, such as Hades and his wife Persephone, both heads of the royal tombs, of which Percy liked to stay far away from. He didn't necessarily want to walk in the tombs of his ancestors.

Next was Demeter, Persephone's mother, and head of the royal gardens. She and Grover worked a lot together, making sure the environment was as clean as it could be. A few years back, an outbreak broke in the water, contaminating the city and many people died from the outbreak. Thanks to the two of them, they fixed the problem and with the help of Apollo, the best doctor in the land, they found a cure.

Percy remembers being evacuated during that time, and he shuddered at the thought, not wanting to go back to those memories.

Percy noticed Dionysus, who was in charge of all of the adolescents, he was pretty much like the police officer of the kingdom, and making sure the kids were in school and such and not goofing off. Percy really just saw him as a big old drunk.

"This is King Atlas," Poseidon said, interrupting Percy's thoughts. His father gestured towards the man that sat up straight and gave Percy a glare that could kill. Percy bowed his head respectfully despite the intimidating glare.

"And his wife, Queen Tethys," Poseidon said, gesturing towards the woman with the lilac eyes who was glaring rather angrily at Percy. Percy managed a weak smile, and bowed his head once again respectfully to her.

"And their daughter, Princess Calypso."

Percy stared at the girl with the almond colored eyes, and he smiled a bit, to which she returned.

"Your future wife."

Percy froze. He almost forgot. He was supposed to marry this girl, and although she was pretty, Percy didn't know her at all. How was he supposed to marry someone he didn't even know, or more importantly, love?

He glanced at his parents, and noticed that Poseidon and Sally's hands were intertwined on top of the table. His parents had fallen in love before they got married, so why didn't Percy get to?

He forced another weak smile at Calypso, but now he really didn't feel like eating, even when the servants brought out all of the wonderful food for them to eat. Percy, having the large appetite that he usually had, felt sick to his stomach. The assortment of salads, and lobster, and other sorts of delicacies sat in front of him, taunting him to eat them, but the thought made Percy sick.

He played with the salad on his plate, tossing around some of the lettuce with his fork, barely even taking a bite. Poseidon and Atlas were talking, mostly about diplomatic terms, and Percy noticed that Calypso was sneaking glances at him throughout the entire lunch.

"Perce," Grover whispered to Percy halfway through the lunch. Percy looked to his best friend, his ears raised.

"Your dad is going to squish you with his trident if you don't eat something," Grover mumbled, and Percy glanced at his dad. Sure enough his sea-green eyes were glaring so intensely at Percy that he was worried that laser beams would come shooting out of them. Percy glanced down at his untouched plate of food and instantly shoved a lobster tail in his mouth. Politely of course.

Poseidon grinned when his son started eating, but it was forced. Percy glanced at Calypso and their eyes met for a moment. She smiled, but Percy had to manage one back. He didn't want to come off as rude, but he didn't know this girl. Let alone want to marry her.

Once lunch was finished- finally- both royal families headed into the living room to…socialize. Zeus, Hera, Thalia, and Jason joined them as well, which Percy was grateful for.

He couldn't help but think of Annabeth during the whole time, even with Calypso sitting next to him. Percy noticed that her tail was a light lilac, similar to her mother's eyes. Her father's tail was a dark navy blue, and her mother's was a deep purple.

"Oh look at you two," Percy's mother gushed at the two teenagers. Percy felt his cheeks color when everyone looked at the couple-to-be, and he had to force back a snippy remark.

"They will be a wonderful couple," Tethys said, and smiled at Sally, who returned it.

"Rulers of the century," Poseidon mused, a proud grin on his face, and Percy wished that he could be back at the pond with Annabeth. He wondered what she would think of all of this. She'd probably think it's crazy.

Stop it, Percy! He scolded himself, and chewed on his bottom lip to give his mind something else to focus on other than the blonde girl that he's known for approximately two days.

"Why don't you two go get acquainted while we freshen up?" Sally asked the two, and Percy glanced at Jason and Thalia nervously, hoping that they'd intervene or something. They gave him a look as if to say: You're screwed, man.

Percy would have to "thank" them later.

"Perseus," Poseidon growled low enough for only Percy to hear, "be a gentleman, and show Calypso around."

Percy nodded, and stood up, holding out his hand for Calypso.

"Would you like to join me for a walk?" Percy asked, trying to be as polite as possible, but hating every moment of it. He glanced at his father, and Poseidon nodded with approval. Calypso smiled sweetly and took Percy's hand before he helped her to her feet- or tail in their case.

Percy glanced back at the living room as the parents dispersed among the living room, and Jason and Thalia both gave him a thumbs up, with huge grins on their face. It's like they were amused at this whole situation. Percy glared at them, and rolled his eyes before turning around, and swam next to Calypso. He was a good three inches taller than her as they swam.

"So," Percy started, trying to break the awkward silence while they walked through the palace towards the gardens, "Do you like it here?"

"Look, I'm no happier about this than you are," Calypso said suddenly, surprising Percy suddenly. He had expected her to be quiet and sweet the whole time, but she came off more abrupt than Percy had expected.

He liked it better than what he was expecting. It made it less awkward.

"You're not?" Percy asked incredulously. Calypso nodded and starting ringing her fingers together as if she was nervous.

"My parents think that this marriage while bring our kingdoms together as one strong empire," Calypso muttered, and Percy nodded. He had heard his parents say that plenty of times.

"But Percy this is for the greater good!"

"You will be doing your citizens a favor!"

"Our empire will be rich beyond compare!"

Blah, blah, blah.

"Tell me about it," Percy grumbled, and Calypso smiled lightly, a playful smile danced along her lips.

"Have you ever been in love, Perseus?" Calypso asked suddenly, her eyes turning sad, and her smile disappeared from her lips.

"Percy," Percy corrected, "and I have."

His heart ached at the memory, but he decided to push it to the back of his mind, not wanting to think of…those memories. They were too painful. A sad smile came upon Calypso's face, and she let out a sigh that was so heartbreaking it almost made Percy want to give her a hug.

"Percy," she said, "Sorry."

"It's okay."

"I am in love," Calypso said, "and as I'm sure you are a wonderful person, I am not in love with you."

Percy laughed lightly, and Calypso stared at him as if he was crazy, but then she herself started laughing as well. When they both stopped, Percy stared at her, as she opened her mouth to continue.

"If you have been in love, like you say you have, you know that when you see that person, they take your breath away, and they make you contemplate on how you could have ever lived your life as long as you did before you met them. They make you hurt ten times more than you ever thought was possible, but they make you love thousands times more than you ever thought could be true. That's how I feel whenever I see the person I love," Calypso said, and Percy could sense the sadness in her voice, just like how he had been when…it happened.

"I know what you mean," Percy whispered, "about the pain."

Calypso looked at him, her eyes large in curiosity.

"Do tell," she said, "only if you wish to tell."

Percy took a shaky breath. He hadn't really talked about Rachel for a long time, and he didn't really think he wanted to, but when he looked at Calypso, her kind smile, and her warm eyes, he felt like he could.

"I made the mistake of falling in love with a mortal," Percy explained, "she lived on the beach, and I used to visit her all of the time. We knew it would never work out, but I was determined to try. That was my mistake. It would never work, and I should have realized that before I put her life in danger."

"What happened?" Calypso asked gently, not out of curiosity, but out of concern.

"She wanted to come with me. She wanted to come to Atlantis and be changed into a mermaid and we could live together happily ever after, but it wasn't that easy. My father didn't like the idea of me in love with a mortal. So as soon as she stepped into the ocean…she drowned," Percy spoke softly, his voice shaking with every word, and every memory of what happened two years ago. He hadn't spoken to his father for a whole year, and to this day he resents speaking to him.

Calypso surprised him with her arms around Percy's torso, hugging him.

"I'm so sorry, Percy," she said softly. Percy blinked back the tears and hugged her back.

"If it's any condolence," Calypso spoke after pulling away, "my father hates the boy I love as well."

"What's he like?" Percy asked, "The boy, I mean. Not your father."

Calypso laughed lightly before getting a faraway look in her eyes like she was somewhere else, and she wasn't really in this palace with Percy. It was like she was imaging her life with that boy, and Percy sighed softly.

"His name is Leo," Calypso explained, "he lives here, in Atlantis, but he is a peasant boy. My father refuses to allow me to marry anyone other than royalty, so it is dangerous for Leo and me to meet, seeing as I am afraid that my father will hurt him."

"Wait," Percy said, his ears perking up at Leo's name, "Leo Valdez?"

Calypso's eyes brightened at the mention of his name and she nodded quickly.

"I happened to know him," Percy said while grinning, "Being prince of Atlantis comes with its perks. I can be friends with everyone in the kingdom, and my parents don't mind because they said it's 'good publicity'. Whatever. He and a few others are good friends of mine."

Calypso smiled so brightly that Percy thought she was going to burst.

"Why did he never mention you?" Percy asked, thinking back to all of the times he and Jason have teased their friend about not finding a girl. He had only smiled and shrugged them off.

"Probably out of fear," Calypso said, the sad look casted over her eyes again as the pair walked aimlessly off towards the gardens, "he is afraid to speak of me, for the threat of my father or anyone else finding out. Please don't tell anyone, Percy."

Calypso looked at him, pleading, and Percy nodded. He could never intentionally hurt someone like that. Like Rachel…

Stop it. He scolds himself for thinking of her again, her fiery red hair, and her freckles that always covered her nose like a splash of paint. She loved to paint. Percy remembered the picture that she painted of him once, and he smiled sadly at the memory.

"You have my word," Percy promised Calypso and she smiled gratefully.

"Now," Percy said, "instead of this walk, why don't we go see Leo?"

Calypso brightened, and nodded vigorously, before Percy led her through the gardens and towards the secret spot he had made when he was younger to get out of the palace whenever he wanted.

He led Calypso to it, and once they were free, they headed towards the neighborhoods to find Leo.


So this was a long chapter.

But I hoped you liked it. I'll give you guys a double update, considering that I haven't updated in a month and I'm very very sorry!

By the way, this is a Percabeth story, so don't worry. Obviously there's Caleo as well. And I added Rachel in there because I don't like how everyone always depicts her as a bitch in every story, like she's not that bad in the books, I actually like her.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy!

The next chapter should be up as well so go read!

Thanks for reading xx

~stay beautiful~