Chapter Seven: Threads and Sushi

Her name was Drew, and by gods was she annoying.

The daughter of Aphrodite had struck from out of the blue, and Triton deeply suspected that a certain demigod he had offended on the first day of camp had somehow caused it. Piper, for her part, gave him one wicked smile and then acted completely innocent.

"So, are you like...How old again?" she asked, batting her eyelashes and heard a chuckle from Percy.

"Old enough." he replied, attempting to brush her off, but the girl was starfish to a rock.

"You're so mature." she beamed, touching his arm. "I mean, I know a few gods that-"

"Sorry to interrupt, but we kind of have to go to mess hall now." Percy cut in with an apologetic smile. His look seemed to say he was truly sorry for ending Triton's torture. Drew paused, giving Percy a hard look for interrupting her before changing tactics and moving closer to him. "Annabeth." Percy told her as she opened her mouth. The daughter of Athena's name seemed to be enough to get her to back off, but she still threw a small smile at Triton.

"I'll see you later." she giggled and with a flirty wave, skipped away.

"Don't say a word." Triton muttered as he heard Percy begin to burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter.

"Oh...My...Gods...The look on your face..." he gasped, doubling over as the passed by Apollo's cabin. Giving the demigod an exasperated look, Triton pushed him over, hoping to shut him up. Percy seemed intent on enjoying his torture now that the night was over. Triton had awoken refreshed and completely healthy thanks to the rest, though Percy talked him into getting into the water just in case. Now, the little demon seemed to be getting revenge for Triton making him get up last night.

"Oh, grow up." he grumbled, and Percy's eyes lit up.

"Oh sorry. I forget you are so mature." he snickered and Triton glared at him momentarily before seeing Annabeth rush over to him. She took one look at Percy's face and another at Triton's reddened one, before cocking an eyebrow.

"What happened?" she asked and Triton immediately started to threaten Percy from telling her, but sadly it was too late.

"Drew." he grinned "She's got a thing for Triton now." he cackled happily and Annabeth shot the god a sympathetic look.

"Well...At least it isn't you or Jason anymore..."

"Hey!" Triton snapped and Annabeth smiled. Leaning over she whispered something to her boyfriend, who suddenly blinked and stared at her for a moment in shock.

"Uh...Wha-?" he started, looking at her with wide eyes and Triton gave her a questioning look.

"You're welcome." she told him and then kissed Percy on the cheek. "See you tonight Seaweed Brain." she beamed and Percy, still looking dazed, turned and attempted to speak.

"But...I...You said..."

"I changed my mind." Annabeth grinned and Percy looked as though someone had whacked him over the head with a trident. He didn't look...Upset. Just...Dazed and really confused.

"Changed your mind about what?" Triton asked and Percy simply gawked as she walked away. "So...What did she say?"

"What?" he asked, getting snapped back into focus "Oh, nothing."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Positive?"

"Gods Triton!" Percy scowled and the god grinned evilly, beginning to understand and thanking the gods that Annabeth was an awesome person.

"You are so in deep." he laughed, pleased that he could pick on Percy now and not vice versa.

"Nobody asked you."

"Uh huh. So what did she tell you?"

"Nothing. Gods, you're annoying."

"Hm. It must have been something big then. Are you two moving in together?"

"I'll give you three drachmas if you stop talking." Percy bargained and Triton smirked, not speaking for the next five minutes. Impatiently he held out his hand and watched as the younger of the two rolled his eyes before fishing out the money. "You can't start talking after I give you the money." he added suspiciously and Triton nodded solemnly, waving his hand in a promise. Clicking his tongue, the money was placed into his palm and Triton nudged into their newfound link.

So wait, did she tell you something about me?

This counts as talking!

No it doesn't. My mouth isn't moving.

Groaning, Percy let out a cry of frustration before falling onto their table, banging his head in frustration at how annoying Triton could be when he wanted.

I learn from the best.

"Oh, shut up." he said out loud and Triton couldn't help but shake his head as he gathered his food, pausing as a table at the farther end of the hall caught his eye. Percy must have followed his line of sight, because he shook his head sourly, as if something utterly distasteful lay hidden on that side of the banquet.

"What is it?" he asked and if possible, Percy's face grew even more disgusted.

"I really just wouldn't go down there." he said flatly "The Hermes kids tricked me into eating there once and I couldn't keep anything down for a few weeks."

"What did they do to it?"

"Technically nothing." Percy frowned, glaring heatedly at the wooden table, as if it had caused him some personal pain and trauma in the past and the son of Poseidon was never going to forget it. "But they didn't really need to. It's the sushi bar." he explained and Triton stared at him for a moment before slowly eyeing the table again. Sushi?

"Isn't that...Cannibalism?" he asked cautiously and Percy nodded in agreement.

"I feel like it is, but according to Annabeth I'm not really a fish-"

"I'm half fish!" Triton scowled "That could be our cousin!"

If Percy's face was anything to go by, he may have just caused the half-blood permanent scarring.

The rest of the meal was eaten in dazed silence, both children of the sea sending scathing looks towards the table as a few campers got up and walked towards it, obliterating those poor creatures.

"Sick." Percy scowled as he viciously attacked his potato, looking annoyed. "Can't you just blow up the thing?" he asked and Triton sighed, shaking his head somberly.

"I am trying not to cause problems."

"It wouldn't be a problem." Percy objected, and while that seemed like a fair enough argument, Triton stubbornly shook his head. At that moment Hazel spotted them and sat down at their table, ignoring the glances from the other campers.

"Hey guys." she smiled and nodded respectfully at Triton. Percy opened his mouth, perhaps to explain to her how people were seated at the camp, but paused when he saw her food.

"Is that...?" he started and Triton scowled.

"Really?" he asked and Hazel blinked, looking confused.

"Uh...Really what?" she frowned and took a bite from the bowl as Percy gagged, sliding away from her. She paused to stare at her shrimp gumbo before realization hit her. "Oh my gods! I am so sorry!" she gasped out in horror, moving to push it away. Unfortunately this just ended up spilling the corpses all over Triton, who tried not to throw up at the smell of death all over him.

Snapping his fingers it all disappeared, the two children of Poseidon looking deeply disturbed as Hazel continued to rattle off at least six different apologies. Percy eventually cut her off, both of them giving her some of their food to shut her up.

"Sorry." she breathed again "I didn't mean for all that to happen... I just wanted to talk to Percy to see how he's doing." she frowned and turned to her cousin. "How are you doing? We didn't really get to talk yesterday..." She added, glancing at Triton, who ignored the look. Percy shrugged, suddenly becoming very interested in his food.

"I'm adjusting." He told her, with a smile and Triton realized that they must be talking about his death again. Percy had yet to tell him much more on the topic. A couple times Triton had tried to get some more information, but he learned quickly that that was on the list of 'Do Not Talk About' for Percy Jackson.

"Hmm." Hazel spoke with a disbelieving tone. "Do you know who you're thread is?"

"Thread?" Percy and Triton said at the same time. What was that? Before Hazel could answer though, Chiron came over to kick her out to the Hades table. Both Percy and Triton protested, wanting answers, but Hazel left with the promise to explain later. How annoying.

"Weird. What do you think it is?" Percy frowned, tapping a carrot stick against his upper lip. Triton shrugged in response, reaching over to grab another sandwich. "I guess we could ask her at our sword training later." Percy mused "I think we're paired up with Hades."

Huh. Triton had never actually been in one of Percy's classes or activities before. Sinking his teeth into the bread of his food, he smirked, thinking about how much fun that could potentially be.


The arena looked different when there were more then two people in it. Triton had visited the same place several times already, but never had it been more than himself and whatever annoying person decided to interrupt his time alone. It was a lot more... Energetic with all the demigods squandering about.

The area was about three times as a big as mortal football field would be in a large oval. Seats stood high above them, rising so that the spectators had a good view of the chaos that was going on down below. The ground was basically dust all packed in, white lines dotting around for stances and training. It was nice, he supposed. Nothing like the one back at home, but still acceptable.

"You're not teaching a class, are you?" Triton muttered to Percy as they walked across the arena. His brother had been right about one thing, Hades was training with them today. Unfortunately so was Aphrodite and Nike. Due to personal experiences, Triton knew he would likely not get along well with either cabin. The few times he had met Nike, she was kind enough as well as utterly annoying. Boisterous and ridiculously excitable, she preferred to make everything a competition and won every little thing. On the rare chance you could actually win a round of whatever the contest was with her, she would not take it well at all and demand a rematch until she did come out victor. By the looks of the hooting and hollering of her children, they were very much the same. Then there was the Aphrodite cabin. While Triton didn't get along too well with their mother, it would now appear that he had a new pest to deal with in that cabin as well. Not something he was particularly excited about.

"No, today is just practice." Percy mumbled back and Triton let out a sigh of relief. He didn't think he could stand it if he had to sit around, watching Percy repetitively show incapable fighters how to handle themselves. Way to dull for him.

"Good." He nodded and looked around. "Where is the daughter of Pluto?" He asked and Percy shrugged, pulling out Aukulamos.

"Probably with Frank." He said as he uncapped the pen, letting the blade draw longer and longer.

"The Asian son of Mars?" He asked and a hint of a smile seemed to tug at Percy's lips as he nodded. "Well how long are they going to take?"

"They're a couple so I wouldn't hold out too much hope of a speedy arrival." Percy chuckled before turning his sword to Triton's chest. "Are you any good?" He asked and the god rose an eyebrow. He had heard so many things about Percy's fighting skills he had never been for sure if it was ever real or an exaggeration. Summoning his own weapon, he pushed Percy's sword outwards and grinned.

"Let's find out." He offered and jabbed experimentally, Percy expertly blocking it. They circled each other a bit before Percy lunged out, aiming a strike at his arm that Triton easily deflected. Thrusting forward, he aimed lower, dancing around another strike before leaning out to try to get a hit in. Percy dodged, coming in closer to their blades were shorter and Triton tried to taken advantage and jabbed him hard in the stomach. Not expecting the hit, Percy gasped.

Cursing, he dodged another blow, kneeing Triton back and swinging Aukulamos, almost chipping Triton's shoulder. He blocked it though, using his other hand to avoid another elbow being thrown his way.

"Gods, you've been waiting awhile for this, haven't you?" He grumbled and Triton smirked.

"You have no idea." He added and kicked out, the demigod jumping over his legs and pushing more towards his right. Triton narrowed his eyes, ducking under another blow before seeing an opening and shoving Percy hard against the wall of the arena. In an attempt to escape, the younger tried to knee him again, but Triton drew his arm over his throat, sword an inch from his eye.

"I win." Triton grinned and Percy scowled at him, pushing his arm away.

"Yeah. I got that." He muttered and Triton smirked, trying not to lean over and show how tired he was. Percy was good. Really good. Originally, Triton hadn't been planning on tapping into his powers, but midway saw he would lose without them.

"If it makes you feel better, I am a god." He said instead and between his panting Percy rolled his eyes.

"I've beaten a god before." He shrugged. And titans. And giants. But he didn't say any of those things as he tried to regain his breath, obviously worn from the fight. Triton hoped he hadn't killed him.

"Water?" Triton offered and waved his hand to splash him in the face. Percy coughed at the sudden intrusion, glaring heatedly at him as Triton chuckled before raising Riptide again.

"Come on, let's go again."

"You're exhausted. At least wait a couple minutes before I beat you again." Triton rolled his eyes.

"I'm fine." He said impatiently "How did you manage to get to my right anyways?" He added and Triton shrugged.

"You're crossing over too late." He said "You wait until after you strike. Try doing it before." He suggested and the half-blood moved the sword experimentally before giving a look of approval and thrusting it out a few more times on the dummies nearby.

"Huh." He murmured "Thanks."

"No problem. You might be able to last more than thirty minutes this time."

"Oh, shut up."

"You're right. That's being a bit generous." Triton nodded seriously and grinned when Percy struck out in refusal, Triton barely having enough time to stop it.

"Two out of three?"

"We'll be done in ten minutes." Triton laughed and dodged another blow.


As it turned out, it went more to five out of eight.

No one else even ended up practicing, they had been so enthralled by the two fighting. The Aphrodite cabin had especially loved it, comparing it to some Latin dance. Percy had looked at them as though they were all psychos, but didn't comment on the matter.

Triton was licking his own wounds slightly. He had one the majority, but it was still embarrassing to be beaten by a demigod.

"Ouch." One of the Ares kids who had entered a little bit later had muttered when Percy held his blade at Triton's chest. The half-blood must have heard as well, because he lowered to sword quickly.

"At least you're harder than Ares." He said "You beat me a couple times." He added and thunder rumbled violently, leaving the child of Ares sulking and Percy glowering after him.

"You're going to get killed." Triton told him with a sigh "Camp Half-blood should have a class on proper godly etiquette."

"Who would show up for that?" Percy demanded.

"You need to. Is that Hazel girl here yet?" Triton asked impatiently, fanning himself under the beating heat of the sun. It seemed Apollo was in an especially cheerful mood.

"I don't know." Percy shrugged as he downed another cup of water. Tapping into their link, Triton tried to distribute some of his impatience to him.

Aren't you at all curious about what this thread link thing is? He asked and Percy gave him irritated look.

It isn't as though my life is on the line.

Your sense of humor is officially terrible.

If this offended the son of Poseidon, he didn't show it as he grinned at him, tapping out of their link. It was something they had been practicing lately. Triton had these kind of things with his direct family, though over the years they had grown very adept to blocking one another. Never before had he had one with a demigod, even if the child was his half-sibling. Part of him was bothered by it, but he tried not to read all that much into it.

"Percy!" Someone called out and to Triton's relief, it was Hazel running up to them, her cinnamon hair bouncing in the wind. "Sorry about that." She told them, her accent thickening with the apology "I got caught up earlier."

"No problem." Percy smiled back at her "What was that thread thing you were talking about earlier?" He asked and Hazel frowned at him for a moment, as if it bothered her that he didn't know.

"Did nobody explain how this works to you?" She asked and Percy glanced at Triton, who shrugged.

"Uh... Works?" He replied hesitantly and Hazel pursed her lips, looking thoroughly annoyed.

"Jupiter didn't bother to tell you how you came back? Not even my father? This isn't just done by snapping your fingers you know!" She glowered and Percy rose his hands in surrender, though Triton doubted she was really upset with him.

"Is isn't?" He asked and Hazel gave him an exasperated look, shaking her head.

"No. I... It is all kind of complicated. You all have that saying. If it was easy everyone would do it, right? There are lots of things involved. I mean, technically the fates cut your string-"

"Then tie a knot in it." Triton interjected with confusion. He may have never really heard of someone coming back from the dead, but he couldn't imagine it would be all that hard with Hades being such a powerful god. He may have never liked his Uncle much, but he wasn't as stupid to think he was weak.

"Oh gods, no. That would cause all sorts of problems." Hazel told them with horror "No, no. They tried that once and ended up with those dead things walking around...Zombies I think you call them? Anyways, you have to seal the string as if it was never cut." She told them and Percy nodded slowly.

"Magic?" He asked and Hazel flicked her hand unconsciously.

"Not as much as you would think. It is mainly used to heal your body so that you don't come back to die all over again. Then they have to connect your soul and body back together which requires a god."

"God?"

"Yes. Your thread." Hazel explained, rocking back and forth on her feet. "It is kind of like doing CPR and reviving you. There strings are invincible so they take a sliver of that and use it to meld yours together."

"Whoa, whoa." Triton interrupted with alarm "He's immortal?" He asked and Hazel shook her head.

Thank the gods.

Shut up.

"No, it is just there to connect them. The immortality part fades since it isn't part of that god anymore." She finished and shook her head "They never told you any of this?"

"No... So how do I know who my thread is? I guess it is probably Dad." Percy added thoughtfully, but Hazel was already shaking her head.

"Too strong. I would think it would be Triton..." She trailed off as they both looked as the god who slowly shook his head.

"I didn't donate any of my immortality." He said "I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if Benni did..."

"Who?" Hazel asked and Triton shook her question off as he thought more on the matter.

"Who's yours?" He asked and Hazel made a face.

"Hecate. It is one of the reasons I'm so acute with my magic now." She sighed "My Mother was good, but due to our connection I've grown stronger." She sighed, flickering her hands. Triton watched with lingering interest as a beautifully colored emerald made an appearance and quickly formed into a ring. Hazel examined it carefully before throwing it over her shoulder where it sank back down into the dirt.

"So it could be anyone?" Percy asked, looking as his hand as though expecting it to start glowing. Triton could feel his distress towards the situation. He didn't know who to thank or owe... Or if this god was simply looking to have some sort of control over him.

Calm down. I'm sure it is just someone who just wanted to get the meeting over with and volunteered.

Easy for you to say.

"Anyone who isn't too powerful." Hazel continued, unaware of the second conversation "That would melt your strand altogether. Of course if they were too weak than they would be having death lapses... You're not having those are you?" She asked and Triton rolled his eyes at how white Percy seemed to go at the term.

"Uh... What are they?" He asked and a new voice spoke from behind them.

"Going back and fort between the living and dead because the strand if failing." Nico DiAngelo said as he walked next to his sister, watching them impassively. Percy didn't reply as they looked at each other, obviously thinking about their previous encounter. Nico didn't seem...Upset. Though he didn't have that welcoming vibe either.

He's kind of moody, isn't he?

Keep your opinions over there, will you?

Just commenting.

Not needed.

Rolling his eyes, Triton gave a sarcastic gesture, which caused confused looks from both Hades kids as Percy glared at him with annoyance.

"Thanks." Percy said to them, offering a weak smile. "I...Guess that's all kind of important." He added and Triton scoffed. Really? Important? Try vital so survival.

Still, as much as he mocked the situation part of him was wondering still why nobody had said anything about this. Gods were known to be petty and obnoxious, but reasoning did they have for staying silent about this? Was there something Percy wasn't supposed to know?


Triton really needed to do something about that sushi bar.

Percy had never really accepted that thing. It was wrong on so many levels. It was one thing, he supposed, to eat things that were alive. He ate meat all the time... But if it had once talked? No way. That was just nasty.

"Are you still stressing over that thread thing?" Triton asked as he sat across from him for dinner.

"I wasn't actually." Percy snapped at him "I was thinking about that sacrificial altar over there, but thanks for reminding me." He said and Triton cast him an amused look as he threw his stuff down.

"Wow. You're in a good mood." He said sarcastically and gave him a look "Did you just say sacrificial altar? How much time do you spend with those Romans?"

"That really isn't the point." Percy sighed and looked helplessly at his brother. Over the past few days they had gotten from hating each other tolerating each other to kind of sort of liking each other. Sort of. They at least like making fun of each other and Triton didn't seem to want to blow him up anymore which was something at least. In all honesty Percy kind of liked having someone to be cabinmates with... Even if he was really, really annoying at times.

"Well, you're kind of being baby about this. Just so you know." Triton told him "I mean, does it really matter who your thread is? The point is you're alive."

"Yeah, but isn't it kind of weird that no one bothered to tell me?"

"Well did you ask?"

"I didn't know!" Percy told him, raising his arms in exasperation.

"Then by all means." Triton rolled his eyes and held out a hand "Ask."

"Really?" Percy told him flatly. "What do you expect? I just walk into Olympus and say 'Hey. I know you guys are all busy running the world and stuff, but I kind of just traveled all the way up to the home of the gods to ask you something.' Wow. Brilliant." He muttered "Real mind boggling."

"You are about three seconds away from getting turned into a guppy." Triton told him, pointing his apple slice at him. "You're seeing Dad soon. He's on the council. Ask him." He said and threw the apple at him. "Yeah. So hard." He added sarcastically and Percy sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Sorry." He mumbled "Just...Stressed I guess." He sighed and looked distastefully at the food in front of him. He didn't know why this thread thing was bothering him so much. It wasn't a big deal. It shouldn't be... It just was to him for whatever reason. He didn't know whoever was literally holding his life together for him. Was it someone he should thank or blame? It seemed so petty but... No. He was going to just forget about this right now. He had face bigger problems in the past. Lack of knowledge was something that messed with Athena's kids.

"Well don't be. We should be leaving soon if Dionysus finishes within this century." Triton said with a slight bit of impatience.

"Yeah, what's he even doing?" Percy asked. None of them had heard from their camp director in awhile. Chiron told them it had something to do with the war, but he was never sure of the specifics.

"The survivors. He's deciding whether or not to keep them sane."

"There's a decision involved with that?" Percy frowned in between the bites of his food. "How? You just cure everyone."

"Doesn't work like that." Triton told him "People can't all make it through a war." He told him and Percy made a face.

"They can. Gods just choose not to." He said tersely "I mean, why can't he just keep everyone sane and erase their memories or something?"

"Sometimes people can't be cured."

"He's a god." Percy frowned "I mean... Is it possible that some are so far gone...?"

"He could, but... I'm sure they'd be able to tell. They'd probably have nightmares about it and wake up not understanding or certain things can trigger flashbacks. It would be enough to drive them crazy all over again." He said and Percy considered this for a moment before nodding slowly. He could maybe accept that.

"Wouldn't it just be kinder to kill them then? Instead of making them living crazy?"

"Maybe. But it would be kind of hard for the mortals to take if a bunch of people just ended up dead all the time. They're scared enough of Hades realm as it is. They're always looking for ways to become immortal. If not that then they get really big into religion because they just can't stand not knowing. You're kind of lucky in that way." Triton told him and Percy gave him a wry smile. As much as it sucked being a demigod at times, he knew there were perks.

"Do you ever wonder about it? Being mortal?" He asked and Triton looked at him thoughtfully for a moment before answering.

"I guess. This is actually the closest I've ever really been to it. It has never been that appealing to me. I know Dad wanted to be mortal for awhile. Especially around the time you were born. That was probably why, actually." He added as an afterthought and pushed his empty plate away. "Question. How often do you play that flag game?"

"Capture the Flag? Every Friday. Why?" Percy laughed "Did you enjoy yourself?"

"No, I need to know the absolute time Dionysus needs to get back. That was one of the stupidest things I've ever done." The god told him and Percy gave him a disbelieving look.

"Really?" He asked incredulously.

"Really."

"Uh huh." Percy grinned and finished his food before throwing another look at the sushi bar. "You know, we could totally take that thing out tonight." He said jerking his head towards the table. Triton looked over his shoulder and turned back.

"You have a plan?"


Chiron stared at the dining pavilion with a sigh.

He may not have proof, but he was pretty sure who had done this.

Running a wary hand over his face, the centaur looked at the destroyed table near the end of the line, the food somehow disposed of and the magical plates cracked. Pounding his hoof in aggravation he peered in closer to the crime scene to see that the mess looked suspiciously close to several others he had seen before. Chiron swore, he would forever being asking the question of why with those two.

"Diana." He called out to the young daughter of Apollo who had been walking by. It was early morning and she was just about to start her day when she saw the pummeled table.

"Hey Chiron. You need help cleaning this up?" She asked and the old centaur shook his head with a smile.

"Thank you my dear, but I'm afraid I must ask a much more dire task from you." He chuckled "Do you mind heading over to the Hermes cabin for me? I would like to speak to Travis and Connor please." He added and the girl nodded, changing her direction to fulfill the task.

"Chiron, what happened?" A new voice called.

"Lord Triton." He sighed "It appears as though the Stolls have struck again."

"Huh." The god looked over the wreckage "This was the sushi thing, right? Not that much of a loss." He commented and Chiron smiled.

"I would think not for you or Percy." He said "Speaking of which, where is he?"

"Perseus? He never wakes up before noon." Triton scoffed "If you try to get him up before then, I've discovered it is a dangerous task. Only Annabeth can do it without getting harmed." He said seriously and Chiron couldn't help but notice the touch of fondness that was hidden deep in the exasperation of his words. Perhaps he should give Lord Poseidon more credit when it came to these things.

"Hm. I guess that may explain how come I never see him at archery." Chiron spoke sternly "One thing he may need to attend every so often." He added giving Triton a look.

"I'll give him the message." Triton told him "Uh... Good luck with this too. You said it was the Stolls?" He asked and Chiron nodded.

"Can you think of anyone else it could be?"

"No... Though that daughter of Aphrodite. Drew? I heard her complaining about this thing yesterday." He added and Chiron thanked him, turning away as he saw the sons of Hermes tiredly trudging towards him as Triton smirked in the background.