The eight-year-old werewolf was sitting on Snow's lap and leaned against her chest, she ran a hand through his hair repeatedly and he smiled. Caesar walked over to the two and kneeled down beside Percy.
"Merry Christmas buddy!" Caesar cooed and Percy looked up at him with a wide smile. Lycaon never celebrated Christmas but Caesar and Snow did all the time, it was his favorite time of year. He wiggled out of Snow's lap and bounced up and down excitedly, Snow laughed before she stood up next to her mate.
Caesar reached in his pocket and pulled out a cane, it looked odd and was stripped with red and white. It was wrapped in plastic, which the beta quickly ripped off and handed it to his pupil, the smell was strong but it smelled delicious.
Percy tilted his head to the side,"Caesar, what do I do with this?" He asked before tentatively taking the cane, he didn't want to break it. It felt smooth in his fingers before the object began sticking to his hands.
Caesar gave him an apologetic look,"I'm sorry it's not much, but you eat it. It may not be meat but it taste really good and sweet. It's called a candy cane." He kept his voice low for he didn't want any of the other wolves hearing their Christmas celebration, the trio didn't want to get punished. Percy hesitantly popped it in his mouth and his taste buds exploded with the new flavor, it tasted like peppermint. He devoured it quickly and hummed at how good it tasted, once it was gone he found that it stuck to his teeth and he repeatedly ran his tongue over his wisdom teeth so he could keep the flavor in his mouth.
He grinned up at Caesar,"Thank you!" He cheered and tackled his mentor in a large hug. Caesar smiled into Percy's hair and held him close, unbeknownst to Percy he had Caesar and Snow wrapped around his finger, they both adored him. Caesar wished that Percy would start calling him dad like he had called Snow mom. But Percy already had a father, Lycaon. Caesar set Percy down who looked up at his motherly figure in expectation. Snow reached into her pocket as well but instead of a candy cane she gave him a chocolate bar.
"Outdoing Caesar is my specialty." She said cockily and Caesar scowled at her, she merely laughed before giving him a kiss on the cheek.
He perked and Percy covered his eyes,"Ew that's gross!" He shrieked and the two laughed loudly.
Caesar bent down so he was eye level with Percy and smiled at him knowingly,"One day, you'll have girlfriend Percy. Maybe even a mate." He said enthusiastically.
The eight year old made a face,"Girls are gross!" He then beamed up at Snow,"Except for mommy." She smiled down at him in adoration before sitting on the ground and pulling him into her lap, Caesar sat beside them and took one of Snow's hands in his.
Percy cleared his throat and grinned at both of them,"I have something for you guys too!" He exclaimed proudly before pulling out two wooden P's. He handed them to both of them and smiled.
"This is so you guys will never forget me!" His fangs protruded from his mouth in his famous fanged smile that made him resemble a vampire. Caesar kissed Percy's forehead before tucking the wooden P in his pocket.
"Thank you so much Percy." He whispered and Percy grabbed one of Caesar's hands and gave it a firm squeeze.
Snow smiled down at him,"I'll never forget you baby boy, I love you. Thank you Percy." She cooed, there was a lull in the conversation as the three sat comfortably together. Caesar decided to speak.
"You know Percy, when I was your age I always wanted to fly. Could you imagine flying through a never ending blue sky." Caesar said dreamily before looking up at the fluffy clouds.
Percy smiled at Caesar,"Then why don't you?" He asked curiously before snuggling deeper into Snow, she kissed the top of his head before resting her chin on his hair.
Caesar shook his head sadly,"Zeus would blast me out of the sky."
Percy frowned,"Well when I get bigger I'll watch you fly! I'll beat up Zeus for you!" He exclaimed and Snow let out a soft laugh while Caesar beamed proudly at Percy.
"I bet you would Percy, merry Christmas."
Percy looked down at Caesar's corpse numbly, on his walk to give his presents to the hunt he had stumbled upon it. Snow stepped out from behind a tree and had tears in her eyes.
"I thought we could say goodbye." She whispered hoarsely before bringing out a pack of matches.
Percy swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded before reaching into his bag and pulling out one of the wrapped boxes.
"Help me with this." He murmured before kneeling next to his mentor. Caesar was lying there undisturbed with his hands to his side, his eyes were open and his dark hair was messy from trying to escape death.
"Death is a scary thing Percy, something we can't escape. We'll all die eventually." Caesar told him slowly while trying to gauge the twelve year old's reaction.
Percy frowned,"But we're big, strong werewolves, we can't die."
Caesar chuckled,"Of course we can, silver. One day I won't be here anymore, and you'll have to be strong." He whispered while looking into Percy's yellow eyes with such intensity that the boy had to look away.
Percy grimaced,"But if you die one day...what about me? What about mom? We need you." He said pleadingly, his face held unbearable sadness and confusion.
Caesar put a hand on Percy's shoulder,"Don't worry Percy, death is only a deep sleep that loved ones go into, it's nothing to fear. I will always be here Percy." He used his index finger and poked Percy's chest where his heart was,"Always, death isn't scary, it's peaceful. When someone dies their finally in peace, I have a dangerous job but someday I'll finally fall asleep. Promise me you'll be brave Percy, promise." Percy wanted to cry and tell Caesar to stay awake but he had Lycaon right? He needed to be strong, but a large part of him knew that if Caesar ever died...a part of himself would go with his mentor. Caesar was scaring him with the talk of death.
"I promise." He said meekly and Caesar grinned.
"Now there's my little soldier."
It was as if Caesar had predicted his death and it haunted Percy. What mortified Percy was seeing his fatherly figure's eyes that used to be so full of mirth, wisdom, understanding, and love...completely dull and lifeless. He saw the arrow wound smack dab on the middle of his chest and it made his blood boil. He closed Caesar's eyes gently and the two covered him in wrapping paper so he would burn, they were both silent until he was completely wrapped up. Snow lit the match before she could drop it on him Percy grabbed her arm.
"Mom...do you mind if I do it?" His bottom lip quivered as he blinked rapidly to fight back the tears. She bit her bottom lip and held back a sob, she nodded and handed Percy the lit match.
"Percy, would you rather be buried or burned if you die?" Caesar asked curiously and the twelve year old rolled his eyes.
"I dunno Caesar. What about you?" Percy noticed that Caesar had said if instead of when.
Caesar gave him a small smile,"When I die, I want you to burn me. Why rot in the ground when my ashes can be free?" Caesar had said when...not if.
Percy frowned,"You won't die Caesar." He protested somewhat angrily.
Caesar only smiled at him sadly,"Your right, I'll sleep...I'll finally find peace."
He shakily took it and gently placed it on Caesar's corpse, he then wrapped his arms around Snow who embraced him tightly and sobbed loudly as well. He let the tears slide down his cheeks as he watched Caesar burn.
"I want you to burn me Percy." Caesar said again as they laid out on the grass.
Percy glared at him,"No! Stop talking about death, you won't die because I won't let you."
Caesar merely smiled,"I want you to do it because I love you Percy." He didn't respond and little did he know that he would regret that decision for the rest of his life.
"I love you too Dad...merry Christmas." Percy rasped as he clung to his mother. The two stood there until there was nothing left but ashes, the cold wind began to blow them away and despite the heart wrenching pain of it all Percy cracked a smile when he saw the ashes soar through the air.
"Congradulations Dad, you're finally flying." Percy whispered as he watched the ashes vanish. He then let out a heartbreaking sob and buried his face in Snow's neck who was crying just as loud as he was. Tears didn't seem so uncommon to Percy anymore, but the death of his fatherly figure was all too much, he wasn't weak...he was sad. He looked over at the ashes that remained and slowly walked over to them, he knelt to the ground and blew them away. He blew them away because that's what Caesar would of wanted. He blew them away so his dad, mentor, best friend, and protector could finally be free.
"Ho ho ho!" Percy bellowed as he entered the camp with the bag slung over his shoulder.
One of the girls frowned,"Did you just call me a ho?" She asked angrily and Percy's eyes widened before he started laughing heartily. He pushed away his thoughts of Caesar; he knew his mentor wouldn't want him to be sad on Christmas. He was done crying.
"It's what Santa Claus says, today's Christmas." He said in exasperation, the hunt froze.
The same hunter, Mandy, spoke up,"Bu-but I'm Jewish." She stammered and Percy frowned.
"That sounds like a personal problem." He said seriously and a few of the girls snickered.
Thalia grinned,"It's Christmas! Perce what did you get me!" She asked excitedly and he smiled widely at her before reaching into the bag and pulling out Aegis, a large bronze shield with the face of Medusa on it. The hunters flinched as well as Thalia, he chuckled and handed it to her. Phobos must have found that goat that Thalia and Luke had been looking for. Her grin became smug and she admired it before setting it down so she could hug Percy. Luckily for him it was an enchanted bag, whomever he wanted to give something to the gift would automatically appear in his hands.
"Thanks Perce, where did you get it?" She asked curiously once she pulled away.
Percy merely smirked,"If I told you...I'd have to kill you." He joked and she chuckled before picking her shield up and began toying with it.
Zoe spoke up,"Percy...we don't really celebrate Christmas."
He frowned,"Well that sucks...anyway MERRY CHRISTMAS!" He cheered before pulling out Zoe's gift; it was two new bright silver daggers. Imbedded in the metal was a large Z. They were sharper then her original knives and had a leather grip, her eyes nearly popped out of her head once she saw them and grin nearly split her cheeks and she tackled him in a hug. He laughed and squeezed her tightly before letting go and giving her the daggers.
"Make killing me a lot easier." He winked and she rolled her eyes playfully before discarding her old knives. He handed out gift after gift and even got Luke a sword. There was laughter and several hugs exchanged as Percy handed Piper her gift until a loud cough made everyone freeze, Artemis stood there in confusion as she saw the hunt with new weapons. She put her hands on her hips and tilted her head in a somewhat frustrated and annoyed gesture.
"I'm gone for thirty minutes and-" She stopped once a happy Percy walked towards her.
"Merry Christmas Arty." He murmured fondly before pulling out...mistletoe. His eyes widened and his ears turned a bright red, he was so going to kill Phobos. The hunt stifled giggles unsuccessfully as they watched the two red faced, immortal beings stutter and avert each other's gaze. Artemis's cheeks were as fiery red as Percy's and he quickly dropped the Christmas decoration before quickly thrusting his hand in the bag again.
"Sorry Arty." He muttered awkwardly and pulled out a sliver and black bow with a wolf etched on the metal. Its head was tilted back and it made Artemis smile widely, all awkwardness forgotten. She grasped the bow and her lithe fingers danced around it, Percy could only smell happiness and excitement throughout the entire hunt and watched Artemis closely.
"Thank you so much Percy." She whispered before looking up at him with soft silver eyes, she slowly pulled him into a tender hug and he wrapped his arms around her small frame. He buried his face in her hair and smelled the familiar pine scent before letting a grin break out across his face.
"This isn't a pity hug is it?" He whispered teasingly and Artemis chuckled.
"Surprisingly…no." She whispered back with the bow still clutched tightly in her hands.
Phoebe frowned at the closeness of the two,"Man this is weird." She grumbled so only Zoe could hear, but because of Percy's superb hearing he slowly pulled away from her with cheeks bright red.
Artemis coughed awkwardly and Percy scratched the back of his neck sheepishly,"I might have had the help of a god to get these gifts...so sorry." He muttered to everyone only to be smiled at.
"It's still great Percy." Phoebe beamed up at him before playing with her new knives.
He smiled proudly,"Good, can't believe you party poopers don't even celebrate Christmas! Snow, Caesar and I celebrated it all the time." Percy whispered the last part fondly with eyes filled with happiness and love as he spoke of them. Phoebe cringed and looked down at her feet, she shouldn't care...but she did. Because as much as she'd hate to admit he was her friend, she had befriended the enemy. Percy could smell the guilt eating away at her and he turned to her with a sad smile.
"It's okay Phoebe, Caesar knew he would die. He wouldn't want you and I to be sad about it...it's Christmas Phoeb." He murmured and she looked at him with a small smile.
"Merry Christmas Percy."
-Line Break-
"We're heading to Yellow Stone." Percy told Lycaon and the werewolf smiled at his son.
"Excellent. Good work Perseus." Lycoan praised and Percy nodded emotionlessly before turning away from him.
"A problem Perseus." Lycaon asked and Percy slowly turned to his father.
"You are so strong Percy, don't let anyone tell you differently. Don't let anyone take control over you."
He remembered Caesar telling him this and he narrowed his eyes at his father before squaring his shoulders,"Were you ever going to hold a funeral for Caesar?" Percy whispered and he looked his father dead in the eye.
Lycaon raised an eyebrow,"Caesar was a great friend but he was weak enough to be killed by a hunter-"
"He was not weak!" Percy roared and his fangs sharpened along with his claws. Lycaon stared at his son in disbelief before his claws became unsheathed as well.
"You will not talk to me in such a manor Perseus." Lycaon snarled and Percy snorted, he couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"Caesar was a greater man and wolf then you will ever be. He was stronger than you could have ever dreamed to be! The hunt is stronger than you know father, and you're just afraid to admit it and take them on because you're a coward." Percy spat furiously, Lycaon let out a savage growl before he tackled his son to the ground. He punched him as hard as he could, blow after blow. Percy was seeing stars, his face was numb and blood pooled out of the corner of his mouth.
"You are so strong Perseus, Lycaon shouldn't beat you for making mistakes. He makes them all the time." Caesar whispered soothingly as the twelve year old fought back the tears.
"No I deserve it, I couldn't take on three of the werewolves at the same time. He has every right to hit me because I'm a screw up." He muttered sadly as he looked down at the claw marks on his arms.
Caesar grabbed Percy's chin and made the boy look at him,"No! If I ever hear you say that again I'll beat you myself." Percy knew it was an empty threat but he's never seen Caesar so angry,"What he does is wrong and if he lays another hand on you I'll kill him! You. Are. Not. Weak." He growled slowly before crushing Percy to his chest.
"You are strong, caring, smart, funny, handsome, and overall fantastic. Don't EVER let your father tell you different, because I know the real Percy, and he isn't what his father portrays him as."
Percy regained his wits and grabbed his father's incoming fist before giving it a hard twist, there was a loud snap and Lycaon howled in pain. Percy shoved the werewolf off of him before pouncing on his father. He smashed his fist in his face several times. He was relentless and animalistic, his eyes had turned red and a malicious smirk was painted across his face once he saw his father's blood spill on the snow.
"I am not weak." He snarled,"And neither was Caesar." He slowly got off of the werewolf king and stepped away. His father wasn't even recognizable anymore and Percy merely glared at the werewolf king in disdain.
"He deserves a funeral." Percy said gravelly before he disappeared in the thick woods.
He smiled despite the pain and blood that adorned his face,"Hope your proud of me dad." Percy murmured, because if anyone deserved to be called his dad it was Caesar.
Two weeks later the hunt was trekking through the woods, Thalia and Luke had went their separate ways and Percy had come to like the son of Hermes. Percy had given Thalia a huge hug because she didn't belong in the hunt, or she had said. Piper decided to put all males behind her and jumped at the chance to be a huntress. She had left her extremely busy dad behind without an explanation...which probably wasn't the best idea.
After a long walk of silence Percy spoke up,"Do you guys ever sing? Like on your walks do you sing like pirates except in a maidenhood fashion?" He asked curiously and everyone looked at him in confusion.
He shrugged,"Like this!" He cleared his throat before he began singing like he thought a hunter would sing,"I'm forever alone! No guy to call my own! Nobody loves me because I am ugly-" Multiple arrows were shot at him and his eyes widened before he dropped to the ground.
"Kidding!" He yelped and Piper tried to suppress a snicker at the girl's reaction to his...odd song.
Artemis snorted,"Get up dummy." Her tone held fondness in it and Percy smiled before standing up.
They all continued walking again,"Well I thought I was a pretty good singer." Percy grumbled.
Zoe scoffed,"Yeah for a tone-deaf werewolf."
He rolled his eyes,"Don't be jealous Zoe, it's very unbecoming. I KNOW you wish you had golden pipes like mine." Percy boasted and Phoebe laughed.
Zoe chuckled,"Sure, if I wanted to kill someone."
Percy frowned,"Sheesh princess, someone's hurtful today." He said in mock sadness.
Artemis gave him the look,"And someone is a huge baby today." She shot back teasingly.
Percy grinned,"Oh Arty, always so lovable. Apollo must love having you as a baby sister." He cooed and pinched her cheeks.
She swatted his hand away and glared at him murderously,"I'm older!" She screeched and Percy laughed.
"How cute, the virgin goddess and a demigod." A voice laughed mockingly and the hunt whirled around to see a giant manticore, right next to the ugly beast was...the chimera.
Percy sighed,"Dude, I REALLY need to come up with some sarcastic comment...can't really think of one right now." He mused before he grinned mischievously,"Well your looking like an awful lot like Zoe on a good day."
Zoe turned to him in shock,"I really hope you get turned into cat food." She hissed, he knew she was beautiful but teasing her was so much fun that he couldn't resist doing so.
Percy smirked,"No way, I hate cats." He laughed before a massive wolf took his place.
"Woof."
Now this was a fun chapter to write, Christmas is a few weeks away...approximately 38 days away. So I wanted a nice little fun Christmas chapter...well ignore Caesar's funeral...and Percy beating the snot out of Lycaon...yeah other than that I think it went fine.
The Invisible Pretender: Well, obviously I want to know what the presents are. All I know is: sharp objects. Still not much to go on.
Well, nice chapter and I didn't know we were grounded on one of the stories. This is a romance story, but a very angry romance story. Which then makes you question if it really is. Fine, I'll give you that it is very slightly a romance story. But those two are so angry at each other all the time! I swear, it's like they are both on a period. And I've only heard how bad a period is! And how mood swingy females get! Are you sure Percy isn't a female in this story? He sure acts like one on her period...
It should be against the law for any guy to claim they know how bad a period is because they don't know the half of it. You sir, please stop. Anyway I have explained that Percy is around hormonal girls making him in tune with their emotions. First he is clearly not a female because I don't write or read those kinds of stories. Not that I have a problem with gays. Any way, uh uh, no more talking about periods because holy crap they just ruin my month and thinking about them makes me angry and depressed so this topic is over. Secondly why can't he be angry? His father is the king of tempers and Percy is his a growing werewolf who had problems with his tempers as well.
Urias Invictus: Yep you almost did it... That scene with Snow was touching.
I love how you work this story and I must say it's amazing. Keep up the good work and stop making me want to cry. Joking, keep making me want to cry, I love this story.
-Invictus
Well that was what I was going for! Glad I accomplished that, Caesar, Snow, and Percy have a very tight knit relationship so it's made to be a bit sad. Glad you like this story, glad it's realistic enough. Thanks for your review!
Now I better clarify, right now Percy is at this very...awkward stage with his father and I haven't decided where to go from there. Anyway comment bellow and let me know how I did.