AN: Wow, it's been over a month... Okay, I have the usual for not updating (school, homework, TV shows, tons of books that you haven't read that you promise yourself you would read but still haven't (does that make sense?)) so you are allow to throw stuff at me but I must warn you, I have very good reflexes :P

Anyway, on to this chapter: Like I said before the first half of this chapter would be about Percy dealing with his family issues so please don't be discouraged if there are no Percy/Annabeth moments yet, I promise you that the second half of the story (which would be the next chapter. YAY!) will mainly focus on Percy and Annabeth :)

Both of my betas are very busy at this time of year so this chapter wasn't editted... Well, I edit it but yeah... So sorry in advance for any mistakes.

Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson and the Olympians

10. Triton's deadly surprise.

Triton held out his hand, gesturing us to join them. "Come on," urged Triton, "We aren't going to cause any problems." He continued. Yeah, like anyone would believe that. I thought sourly.

"No thanks." I said, "You guys wouldn't want us to ruin your fun, would you?"

Before Triton could reply, Annabeth asked, "What is going on here?" Then she looked at Luke and Ethan, "What are they doing here." She asked acidly.

"Is this how you treat your old friend?" Luke answered, smiling at her.

Annabeth didn't return the smile, "I wasn't asking you." She snapped, clearly angry.

Triton stood up and came to us, "Whoa, Annabeth calm down. Like I said, we aren't here to cause trouble." He looked back at Luke and Ethan. "I invited them so we can have dinner together. We haven't hung out together before so I thought this might be a good idea." I clenched my fist. What a liar. Is this some kind of plan to get to me? If it is, it's not working very well.

"How thoughtful of you." Annabeth said as she continued to glare at Luke and Ethan. When she didn't make any attempt to move, Triton turned his attention to me. "We got off the wrong foot when we first met." He said, "But after the big argument between our parents and all the other disagreement that you and I have, I realised something very important."

"What are you talking about Triton?" I asked, annoyed and curious at the same time.

"The reason that I invited Luke and Triton here today," Triton said, ignoring my question. "Is because I want us to clear all the disagreements that we have with one another. Sort of like making peace with each other."

Okay, I wasn't expecting from Triton. Making Peace? What on earth is he talking about? I looked at Annabeth; I could see that she was also confused by what Triton is saying. I have only known Triton for a short time but I know that he is definitely not the kind of person that would make peace with anyone especially me. I doubt that he even say sorry when he stepped on someone's foot.

"I think that you are out of your mind," I finally said, "Even though I have known you for a short time, I know that you are not a person that would talk to solve problems."

Triton looked offended, "Percy, my brother, I know that I have done a lot of awful things to you—"

I scoffed.

"But I want you and Annabeth to give me, Luke and Ethan a chance to explain so we can all end this hatred once and for all." Triton said.

I think that he should really be in the show business. His acting is brilliant. In fact, if I haven't known him well (or as much as I could in two weeks time) I would actually believe him. Unfortunately, I know him, don't ask me how, maybe it's some kind of instinct or brotherly bond or something but I know that Triton is faking the whole thing.

Lucky for me, Annabeth was thinking the same, "Triton, what is this really about?" she demanded, "I know you. You are not a kind of person who is eager to make peace with anyone."

Triton gave her a reassuring smile, "Oh Annabeth, you don't know how eager I am."

She looked at him confused, an expression that Annabeth rarely has.

"Lately, I seen you and Thalia having trouble with Luke and Ethan here," he nodded in their direction. "So I thought that you guys could, you know, clear up all the misunderstandings that you have with me, Luke and Ethan."

Triton's words seemed to have hit Annabeth in the nerves because she seemed very tense. Her fists were clenched at her sides; her eyes were locked on Triton.

"If you really want that," She said, "Then why didn't you invite Thalia along? I think that she would really enjoy this reunion."

Yes, she would really enjoy beating up everyone here. I thought dryly.

Luke who had been strangely quiet for a while spoke up, "We tried, but Thalia didn't want to talk us. She would yell at us every time we went near her. We never got the chance to even say a sentence to her before she stomped off."

"Gee, I wonder why? Oh, I remember, you betrayed us." Annabeth said sharply. "Do you have any idea how badly you hurt Thalia? She was really hurt by what you did." Then she added in a softer voice, "So was I."

Luke stood up, "That is why I want you to give me a chance to explain!" he said, looking at Annabeth.

"You had your chance but you blew it."

Luke took a quick glance at Triton, "Look, I had my reasons for why I did it okay?"

"Oh yeah," Annabeth cut in, "And what are the reasons?"

Luke growled, "I don't need to tell you that."

"Then we have nothing to talk about." Annabeth said, crossing her arms over her chest.

"See, that your problem, Annabeth, you think you know everything but you don't!" Luke snapped.

"Why you –" Annabeth made an attempted to move towards Luke. I had put my hand on her arm to stop and calm her down. This argument between Annabeth and Thalia with Luke is bigger than I thought. I must talk with Grover as soon as possible about this.

"Now, now." Triton said as he moved to stand in front of us. "Let's not fight," he glared at Luke, "We're here to clear the misunderstandings, not make more of them."

Luke returned Triton's gaze and slowly sat back down. Annabeth took a deep breathe to calm herself. She took my hand off her arm and nodded to me, telling me that she was alright.

Triton put a hand on my shoulder, "Come, Percy, sit down. We have problems to clear between ourselves as well."

I shrugged his hand off violently. "What problems? I don't have any thing to clear with you." That was a lie, of course. All the problems I have since I arrived here all seemed to be connected with Triton one way or another.

"Don't fool yourself, you know what I am talking about."

"Nope, not at all."

"Then let me give you a clue. It's something that we have differently."

When I said nothing, he continued, "You have problems with my mother."

"So? I can't just go up to her and say 'Let's talk about our problems and try and find a way to clear it all up' now can I?"

"Hmm." Triton put one hand under his chin, pretending to think the problem over. "Why don't we clear your problem with my mother right now?"

I laughed, "Are you out of your mind, Triton? Amphitrite won't give me any chance to explain and I'm not really eager to 'make peace' with her."

Triton ignored me and turned to face Annabeth who was still standing at the same spot, glaring at Luke and Ethan.

"Why don't you enjoy yourself Annabeth." He smiled at her. "I need to talk to Percy privately."

"Whoa, who said I'm going with you." I protested. I'm not going to leave Annabeth alone with Luke and Ethan. Not that I'm afraid for her but I'm afraid for Luke and Ethan instead. I'm sure that Annabeth would surely slice them to pieces if she could.

"Go with Triton, Percy." Annabeth said, "I'll be fine here."

"What? But –"

"Go." Annabeth gave me her signature glare telling me not to argue with her.

"You heard what she said. She'll be fine. Let's go." Triton grabbed me roughly by the arm and pulled me towards the stairs.

"Hey!" I took a last look at Annabeth before unwilling following Triton.

When we got to the foot of the stairs, I managed to pull my arm away from Triton. I pushed him away from me, "Dude! What do you think you're doing?"

Triton answered innocently, "Taking you to Mother of course."

I admitted I was surprise when he said that, "Amphitrite? Oh, you're planning to take me to her so she could bit my head off? Sorry, but I'm not falling for that."

Triton pretended to brush invisible dust off his shoulders and said, "Why would I do that? But I have to admit that is a good plan, leading you directly to Mother."

"Then why are you taking me to Amphitrite?"

Triton gave me an I-know-something-that-you-don't look, "Amphitrite wants to see you personally."

Anxiety crept up my spine, "What?"

"Just follow me." Triton started up the stairs. For a second time today, I had a feeling that gives me the shivers. Well, if Amphitrite really wants to see me, then I'll go but only to end this stupid disagreement. Then another thought came to my mind, Gods, I'm starting to sound like Triton.

Unwillingly I trudged upstairs, following Triton. As soon as I caught up with him, he smirked at me, "Worried?"

I snorted, "No, not at all."

"I would be if I were you."

I stopped and looked at him, "So you are admitting that there's something going on."

Triton shrugged but didn't stop walking, "I'm not admitting anything. I'm just saying what's on my mind."

"Whatever, lets just get this over with." I continued up the stairs to the third floor.

Now before we go on, I just want you to know something about Poseidon and Amphitrite's private floor. It's nothing like the second floor; the deep blue carpet that covered the floor seemed more posh. Marble statues of horses and mermaids (or merman) lined up the hall. The walls were decorated with paintings of sea animals of every kind but the picture that really caught my eyes was the picture of the Atlantis family: Poseidon with his dark blue suit, Amphitrite with her flowing green dress, her arms were around Triton who was wearing a black suit that made him look like an evil surfer dude. All of them were smiling. They look like a happy family. A lump formed in my throat. Maybe Triton was right, I was the reason for Poseidon and Amphitrite's arguments. If I hadn't come here, would they be arguing? Probably not. Amphitrite wouldn't know that her husband had an affair with another woman and had a child with her. She and Triton wouldn't know that I even exist. I would just be a normal kid living in New York with my mom instead of living with the Atlantis, being Amphitrite's step-son, or worst being Triton Atlantis's half-brother. Would my life be better if I hadn't given in to my mom's wish?

Triton cleared his throat, breaking me out of my thoughts. He was standing in front of a big wooden door with a trident embedded on the frame.

"We're here." Triton announced, "The master bedroom."

He touched the doorknob, preparing to open the door.

"Aren't you going to knock first?" I asked, standing behind him.

Triton looked at me as if I was going crazy then pushed the door open without any thought.

Note to myself: Don't ask Triton any simple questions; he doesn't seem to understand them.

He held the door and waved at me to go in first. "Wouldn't want to keep her waiting would you?"

Bracing myself for the worst, I took a deep breath and went inside.

Stepping inside I felt as if I was entering into another world. The master bedroom was a majestic place befitting for Poseidon and Amphitrite being the master/mistress of the house and all. The heavy drapes on the ten-foot-tall windows hung opened slightly, forming slits, letting light into the room making lamps unnecessary. On the glossy, mahogany table to the side sat a silver tray with tea, soup, biscuits and all kind of fruits. None of it had been touched. The sight reminded me that I hadn't eaten anything yet. I had lost my appetite since Triton said that he had a little surprise for me.

Standing against the far paneled wall, was the huge bed, its four great dark polished posts rising up like columns in front of a palace. The thick, embroidered bedcover cascaded down the sides of the bed like a colourful waterfall frozen in place. A slash of sunlight cut across the dark carpet and the lower part of the bed.

I know that I shouldn't be surprised at this but I still make myself believe that I would be living in one of the richest man in United States. It was too much.

I looked around trying to find Amphitrite. If she were here right now, she would already bite my head off right now.

"So where is she?" I asked.

Triton didn't answer. I turned to look at him but was surprised to find him on the floor, kneeling.

"Where is it?" he mumbled to himself. "I swear it was in here."

"Triton?"

"Yes, I've found it!" Triton exclaimed, reaching under the bed. He stood up holding something that looked vague familiar. It was something I've seen before. Then it hit me: it was one of those horns thingy. A crouch horn.

Why would Triton's crouch horn be in Poseidon and Amphitrite's bedroom? But the bigger question is: why would he even have a crouch horn?

Triton turned to me and gave me his signature smirk. Then something occurred to me. Something very bad.

"Amphitrite didn't really ask me to see her personally did she?" I asked.

Triton chuckled, "Well, my brother isn't dumb as he looks."

I gritted my teeth, "What do you want?"

"Don't worry Percy. No one would get hurt. Well, not physically anyway."

He walked around me as a hawk would circle around its prey. "I just want to make sure that you wouldn't cause any more trouble than you already have." He stopped and looked me straight in the eye.

"I knew it. That 'peace making' speech downstairs was really fake." I said, "You can't really fool anyone with that speech. Not me or Annabeth."

"It doesn't really matter. I just want to give Annabeth something to think about while I get you alone."

"What I still can't believe is that you came up with this whole thing yourself." I said trying to distract Triton a little longer. I knew that I couldn't just bolt to the door and go out just like that. I had to find another way out.

"Are you surprised that you have a smart brother like me?" He grinned as he said it.

I let out a bitter laugh, "You? Smart? Even a dolphin is smarter than you."

He growled, "If you are smarter than me you wouldn't be here either." He walked towards one of the shelf that was filled with antique looking stuff. "But if you must know it was Luke who came up with the whole 'peace making' part. Since he known Annabeth the longest, I trust him to come up with something to occupy her mind while I talk to you." He touched a small statue, examining it carefully.

I made a split decision; I rushed to the door, pulling it open. But before I could go any further, Triton grabbed me by the collar and tried to pull me back in. "Not so fast." I reached back, gripped his hands and attempted to drag him out as well.

Triton wouldn't give up and tighten his hold around me. We struggled for a few seconds before Poseidon's voice boomed from the hall, "Where are they?"

That took me off guard, I lost my balance and Triton was able to pull me back in the room. He closed the door as quietly as possible and turned to grin at me.

"Just in time."

"What –" Before I could finish the sentence Triton grabbed the statue that he previously held and threw it onto the floor. It fell onto the floor, breaking into pieces, glass were shattered all around the room.

"What was that?" Came a voice outside the room. It was Amphitrite. "It came from our bedroom." Another voice said. I also knew whose voice that is. It was Poseidon.

Triton rubbed his hands together and said, "Show time."

The door burst opened, Poseidon and Amphitrite came in. They looked at us then at the pieces of the statue.

"What in the Hades…" Poseidon breathed as Amphitrite knelt on the floor, picking up the pieces. "Is this…?" She stood up, her expression turned from shock to anger. "Who did this?"

Triton hurried to her side taking her hand, "Mother, it was Percy. He did it."

That's when everything fell into place. This was all part of Triton's 'surprise'.

He made Luke and Ethan came here so they could distract Annabeth while he and I come up here to see Amphitrite. But of course, she didn't ask to see me personally; Triton made that up so he could lead me into the master bedroom and get me into trouble and I was stupid enough to follow him. I had walked right into a trap.

"It wasn't me." I protested, "Triton did it, he tricked me!"

"Oh please," Triton said mockingly, "Don't use the 'he tricked me' excuse. It wouldn't fool anyone."

"It isn't an excuse and you know it!" I yelled.

"Enough!" Poseidon shouted making both of us quiet. "I want to know what the both of you are doing here in the first place." He looked at his son. "Well?"

Triton cleared his throat nervously. So the great Triton Atlantis is afraid of his own father eh?

"My crouch horn was missing so I came looking for it. The last time I saw it was when I came up here to talk to mother and I thought that I must have left it here by mistake. When I got here, I saw Percy here lurking around so I confronted him and he broke the statue."
"Lies!" I broke in angrily. "Triton brought me up here; he said that Amphitrite wanted to see me so I came but no one was here when we arrived."

"And then Triton broke the statue." Amphitrite cut in.

"Yes, that's exactly what happened. You can ask Annabeth, she heard what Triton said. She saw that he and I came up here together."

"I don't trust that girl. She thinks that she's so smart." Amphitrite said, "The person I trust is my son and I do believe that you were trying to steal something from this room."

"Your son is lying!" I snapped, getting angrier by each moment. "And why would I steal something from you? I'm not greedy like you. I don't care about all these statues and antique stuff."

Amphitrite walked towards me, "How dare you speak to me like this?"

"Because I'm telling you the truth!" I retorted not caring about anything anymore.

"Perseus! Enough!" Poseidon yelled, silencing me.

"You see, Poseidon. He is arrogant and rude. He obviously came into our room to make a mess." Amphitrite insisted. "We should punish him or better yet send him back to his mother!"

Poseidon rubbed his forehead, "We are not punishing or sending Percy anywhere."

"WHAT!" Both Triton and Amphitrite shouted. I admitted I was shocked myself.

"Percy and Triton were probably just fooling around like young boys do. Percy couldn't possibly know where our room is since he never came up here until now. So this is all just an accident." Poseidon explained calmly.

"How could you be this naïve? The boy is fooling you!" Amphitrite exclaimed.

"Mother is right. How could you believe him and not me?" Triton added, glaring at me.

Poseidon ignored them both and turned to me, his expression unreadable. "Today is a school night; you should be in bed by now."

I guess that meant go to bed right now. "Thank you, father." I walked towards the door but Triton moved to stand in front of it.

"You're just going to left him off like that?" Amphitrite cried, "What is wrong with you."

"Leave the boy alone!" Poseidon said, "We'll deal with all this later."

"Deal with this later?" Amphitrite started. "How could you deal with this later? He broke one of my most valuable statues!"

Poseidon cut in, "Triton, get out of Percy's way. You should be in bed as well. Go now."

Triton scowled distastefully, he slowly moved out of my way. I glanced back at to see Poseidon with his unreadable face; Amphitrite's fuming and irritated look that clearly said 'You're dead." And Triton with his angry look, I opened the door and walked out not knowing what to think any more.

About Triton's conch shell: it's his real symbol so I just put it there so it can relate to like Greek Mythology :) Maybe I'll write why he has it later on :P

Any thoughts? Please tell me in your review :)

I can't promise that I'll update fast but I can promise you that the next chapter would have Percabeth :) (Tell them, Nurazlin XD)

P.S. Five more days till The Lost Hero, baby! FIVE MORE DAYS!