Chapter 43-

Persephone had her hands full later that night with Vim. The stubborn little gelding would often throw in a buck or rear to prove that he wasn't completely under her control like another horse would be. Persephone didn't care much about that though, she enjoyed the mindlessness that came with working with horses and pegasi. How she could go into a trance of peacefulness. She had already introduced herself to the four horses that called the barn home, but had only ridden Vim.

"And here's another." Vim squealed in delight as he kicked his hind hooves out in a marvelous buck that ended with a gigantic twist of his stomach. Persephone was barely able to hang on, but somehow she managed. She saw her dad watching from a corner of the arena and grinned at hi as they flew by in a marvelously, dangerously fast canter.

"Okay, that's enough for today." She had been doing some dressage work with him, getting him to flex and stretch out his legs. The little horse didn't really have the patience though. She slid off onto the ground, wiping the sweat from her brow. Vim snorted, snot dripping out of his nose he decided to rub his face vigorously on her. "Nice." She muttered sarcastically as Vim shook his head, obviously pleased. Persephone hadn't yet started a conversation with the horse, besides the little comments here and there, Vim had decided to keep his mind locked away from hers.

"Well, that was interesting." Poseidon spoke, walking up to them with a grin. Vim bobbed his head, obviously not recognizing the god for what he was.

"Yes." Persephone shook her head as Vim darted around on the lead line, wanting to see everything at every possible moment. "He's still very young." Poseidon nodded in agreement as Persephone hooked the little gelding up to the crossties to hold him still while she brushed him off. Unlike her, Vim had barely broken a sweat and was still full of energy. "Tell Benny that if she wants to work with him, she can go right ahead." She used a soft brush to run it over Vim's body several times as her father stood back and watched.

"He has plenty of energy for her." He replied with a twinkle in his eye. Persephone knew exactly why Benny had picked the little gelding. Unclipping the halter, she pulled it of Vim's head and he trotted away without a second glance. Racing out the back door, he whinnied with joy as he met back up with his friends. Percy rolled her eyes at him. 'Come on, Amphitrite's cooking something delicious." They strode out of the barn.

"Now that everyone knows about Luke and I, what's going to happen." She questioned out loud. She hadn't meant to ask the question, but it had kind of just come out.

"Nothing." Poseidon paused to look at her "You two won't be bothered." He seemed to promise this, and Persephone relaxed a little at this. "All you need to worry about is surviving this quest." He held onto her arm like if he let go she'd disappear.

"Okay." She muttered, knowing that if she worried about dying, she would. Poseidon sighed after a moment and looked towards the house. They could see Amphitrite setting the table and Triton laughing at something she had just said. Sometimes Persephone wondered if it would ever be like that with her and them.

"Come on." He beckoned her with a soft smile and they continued walking towards the house.

Xxx

"Dinner was marvelous, mom!" Triton exclaimed as he walked into the living room after IM'ing Rhode. Persephone was lying on the couch, reading a book and she lifted her feet up so he could sit down. He drummed his fingers in excitement on her combat boots.

"Thank you." Amphitrite answered politely. Both she and Poseidon had been watching Persephone struggle to read her book in dismay.

"Whatcha reading there sis?" He asked, seeing his sister turn the book upside down. 'I don't think that's going to help you any." Persephone glared at him from under the book and he grinned back.

"The Odyssey." She replied, turning back to the book with a frown. Triton as silent for a moment.

'Why are you reading it?" he had heard that most of the demigods at camp had heard the story dozens of times.

"Odysseus decided that Luke and I weren't 'properly educated'" she used air quotes and dropped the book as she did so.

"Interesting," Triton picked the book up and flipped through it before tossing it back to her "What page where you on?" Persephone glared at him as he chuckled.

"No idea." She rolled her eyes as she looked through the book before tossing it back to him in defeat.

"Giving up all ready?' he asked, pretending to be astonished. Persephone rolled her eyes at his acts.

"I'll get a Greek copy from Chiron next time I see him." She mumbled, closing her eyes. Amphitrite and Poseidon had been listening to their conversation, but now started on of their own. Triton listened idly while flipping through the book's pages, adding a soft swoosh! Sound to the air every few seconds.

"She's asleep." Amphitrite nodded towards Persephone after a moment. Poseidon sighed in relief while Triton looked on in confusion.

"Apollo told us she most likely wouldn't sleep." Poseidon answered his unsaid question, but Triton was still confused.

"Apollo asked us if we'd make sure she slept at least once in the next few days." Amphitrite explained further "He told us it'd give her a better chance on the quest." Triton nodded, understanding and looked at his sister who lay peacefully next to him.

"I wish she didn't have to go." He whispered, resting his hands idly on her boots. Amphitrite sighed softly while Poseidon ran his fingers through his hair.

"She doesn't have to go." He mentioned. Triton looked up at him with slight disbelief on his face while Amphitrite shook her head slowly.

"She doesn't know that." Triton spoke with quiet clarity and Poseidon finally understood why Percy had taken the quest.