Well, at least this update didn't take as long as the last one...But hey, I hope the length makes up for it.

Anonymously96: Yeah, I probably should have specified that. Most, if not all gods are faded. Including the Roman gods. There are a few minor immortals alive for reasons that will be said later. Ares faded because the world's been at peace for a while (more or less), Aphrodite and Dionysus faded because...actually I don't have an answer for that. Plot convenience. And also remember that they're being forgotten. The Hercules movie just didn't do that well...

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

As the lights grew brighter and larger, Percy wondered what exactly that was. Flames underwater? That seemed impossible. Then again, so did almost everything that had happened for these past few days. Were those really flames, or some glowing substance underwater?

Swimming closer, he could start to make out the shapes of buildings. So it was a city. But something was wrong. The buildings nearest were smashed and ruined. Peering ahead, many others were as well. What happened?

Narrowing his eyes, Percy noticed movement on the ocean floor. Sea creatures? His father must have had subjects. Humanoid, fish tailed, subjects, with shark teeth.

Oh. Mermen. Of course they existed. Percy chided himself for being surprised. Pretty much anything could exist at this point, he reminded himself. Rays, whales, and sharks drifted through the street, totally amicable with the merpeople. Percy then realized the sheer vastness of the city. A small whale could fit through those roads. Or what were roads in Atlantis. They all converged on a huge building...the castle. The palace. His destination.

His presence didn't go unnoticed for long. A cautious merman (who obviously lost a bet) came reluctantly swimming up, his hands clenching his spear tensely. His shark teeth bared, Percy started, as a suspicious voice penetrated his mind.

Who are you, earthling? How are you here?

Now that Percy was up close though, he could examine the merman more closely. This one had blue skin, a scaly fish tail, and glowing green eyes like glow sticks. And he could hear him. What else could he telepathically communicate with?

I'm Percy Jackson. I'm the...the son of Poseidon.

The merman stiffened, his glowing eyes widening in shock. But then he narrowed his eyes in dangerous skepticism. You can speak with us. But to claim you are Poseidon's son...that is a bold claim indeed. How dare you!

He advanced with his spear. Percy grimaced in annoyance. He should have guessed. Why would anyone believe him. But at least he knew Poseidon did exist now. Except for the small problem a skilled fish warrior was trying to impale him. He was fast too. But Percy felt more agile in the water. Spinning past the first strike, Percy found himself stabilizing himself with ease. He had complete control over his movements in water. He could move in all degrees with freedom. Ducking under another spear thrust, Percy began to feel a little more confident.

The merman narrowed his eyes in confusion. What is this? How are you dodging my attacks? How are you able to move so fluently?

Percy frowned. He already told him. Opening his mouth (or mind, whatever), Percy went to protest, but the merman redoubled his efforts, sending spear attacks in flurries of slashes, swipes, and thrusts. Water resistance meant nothing to him.

Percy yelped, a stream of bubbles escaping as he did so. Backing up, away from the scary merman and his pointy spear, Percy wondered why no other merman had approached him. Where were they? He narrowed his eyes at the city, looking for any stray mer-warriors. If any reinforcements showed up, and Percy couldn't convince them to not kill him, he was probably dead.

A sharp splash of pain interrupted his thoughts. Percy winced as the spear nicked his ribs and a small stream of blood spilled out into water. But almost instantly, it healed. Percy gaped. Water healed him?

The merman didn't notice. In fact, he was getting a little annoyed. Backing up, the merman readied his spear, then spun toward Percy like a corkscrew, fish tail beating hard. Percy cursed silently. There was no time to dodge. The spear would run him through cleanly, and Percy didn't want to be shish-kebab just yet.

I need a weapon.

Water began swirling around his hands. I need something solid. It began to take form, droplets combining and stiffening into a hard, but still water by nature, blade. All this happened in a single moment, and without thought, Percy brought the sword up.

Instinctively, Percy parried the thrust, using the momentum to throw himself out of the way of danger. Looking down at his new weapon in his hand, Percy sighed in relief. It was a total gamble, but it worked. The sword felt liquid in his hand, but did not spill or dissolve. It remained separate from the water around him.

He raised the blade, much more confident in before. But the merman was staring in shock at him. No, not him. The sword of water.

You...you used hydrokinesis.

Hydroki-what now?

You manipulated the water. The merman was thoroughly mystified. He noticed the healed wound. The water healed you! That means...you are the son of Poseidon!

Uh...yeah. Percy blinked. Well, the merman didn't seem too intent on killing him now. Surprise.

I apologize, my lord! The merman suddenly dropped his spear and bowed, making Percy start in surprise, and his water sword dissolved instantly. I meant no disrespect! I did not know! Forgive me, Prince of Atlantis!

Woah, woah, Prince!? Percy asked with wide eyes. In what world would he be a prince?!

Yes! You are the son of Poseidon! You are royalty of the ocean!

O-oh. Percy frowned. Uh...yeah, I'm looking for–

You must follow me! The merman insisted excitedly. We have been waiting for the demigod Prince to appear. You must come to the palace immediately!

Wait, but I need too–

Follow me, my lord!

Percy grumbled, annoyed that the merman wasn't listening to him. But still...the palace would be where Poseidon would be. They were taking him to the king, most likely. Sighing, he swam after the merman, and entered the city.

Word spread quickly. The path to the Palace was longer than Percy expected (which just went to show how big the palace really was), so he had the chance to examine the city more thoroughly. The merpeople stared at him in awe, some of them bowing to him like he was a prince. Oh wait. He was a prince. Apparently. Many young mermen looked as if they wanted to approach him, but stopped. Percy realized what was familiar about their expressions.

It was hope. But why did they look at him with hope? Paying more attention to the buildings in particular, Percy spotted multiple wrecked and ruined structures. This place was attacked.

The merman guiding him followed his gaze, and his expression darkened. Yes. As you can see, we have been having trouble with raids lately.

But why? Don't you have a god protecting this place?

The merman didn't answer, but Percy felt a glum aura emanate from him. Let us hurry.

Percy, still feeling awkward, swam past groups of mermen, who whispered and pointed. Some waved at him, to which he sheepishly waved back. A hammerhead shark almost rammed into him when he wasn't looking, glancing at Percy with a slight look of distaste.

They soon arrived to the palace. Huge, absolutely gigantic, Percy felt the same feeling of awe when he first saw the Empire State Building up close. This structure was not as tall, but much more wide. It was imposing like the sea itself, vast, powerful, mysterious. It's walls were made of abalone, white but gleaming with rainbow colors, while the pillars were crafter with shining pearl. The main doorway itself was huge, to account of all the mermen soldiers who swam in and out at every moment. And yet they all parted for him, their helms removed in respect.

Man, this was so weird.

The palace was the most amazing place Percy had ever seen. They swam to the end of a long hallway and shot upward on a geyser, using it as an elevator. Octopi and fish swam through the windows. Mermen sharpened their weapons in the main hall. The two swam past more beautiful pearl-lined hallways, huge courtrooms of decorated with corals, and pavilions lit by the green fire.

What is that? How is it still burning? Percy asked the merman in front of him.

That's greek fire. He answered without turning, still leading Percy through the maze of corridors. One of the most dangerous substances in the world, as it can burn even underwater. Ever since Percy asked why the city was damaged, he had been downcast and reluctant to speak. It was worrying. Something must have happened. Why didn't Poseidon protect his people? Did he ignore them like he ignored him and Sally?

He quickly shook the thought away before resentment took over. Suddenly, the merman stopped, and Percy realized they had entered a room that looked like a throne room. Well, room was an understatement. It was a truly amazing hall studded with pearls, and a throne of coral at the end. A merman sat on the coral, but he looked more humanoid, without the blue skin and shark teeth, and he had two fish tails instead of one.

Which made it look very weird since he was sitting.

Hello, Perseus Jackson.

Percy froze. No one had called him that except his mother. Barely anyone knew his full name. How–?!

I've been expecting you. The deep and imposing voice was indeed coming from the merman. A crown of shining seashells sat on his head. Brother.

Percy had read quite a few stories. Even though it was somewhat difficult due to dyslexia, Percy found great interest in heroic novels and fascinating mysteries. He would sometimes pretend himself to be the hero of the story, saving people and fighting danger. Usually at this moment, the book would cut away to the next chapter, in another setting, ending the past chapter off in a suspenseful cliffhanger.

Except it didn't, and Percy was still standing awkwardly at this revelation. You're–you're my brother?!

Yes I am. The merman responded, a small smile pulling at the corner of his lips. I am Triton. Thank you for bringing him here, Bill, he addressed the merman who guided Percy, who bowed, you may go.

Percy was starting to get tired of being shocked. Triton? My brother? So you're a son of Poseidon too?

He nodded. Yes. Father had many children, but not many in this generation, it seems. You are the only demigod child of Poseidon for the last century.

Demigod?

A child of a god and human. Demigod.

Are you a, demigod?

Triton laughed, both telepathically and physically, the sound of underwater laughing unnerving Percy. No, of course not! Do I look like one? I am an immortal, a god, if you may.

Wait, so where is Poseidon? I–I would like to meet him.

Triton halted. Poseidon is...no longer here.

Percy frowned. What do you mean?

He has died.

Percy started. But–you're gods! Immortal! How could a god die?!

Triton sighed, evidently distressed. It's not something I like to repeat. Several months ago, the major Olympians, you must know them, the Twelve, Percy nodded. He knew his fair share of greek gods, faded from Mount Olympus. The minor gods disappeared well before that, almost an year ago.

Why?

Even immortality has its limits. When a god or monster is forgotten, or they lose their domain, they fade. The gods were forgotten, mortals who believed in them so diminished that it mattered not to save them. They disappeared. Forever.

Percy blinked. Triton looked very depressed right about now, probably because his father was one of the faded. Percy felt that maybe he should be sad too, but honestly, he had no recollection, memory, or feeling about Poseidon, except for resentment for him abandoning them, even though he had faded. He was a little disappointed, as he really was looking forward to finally meeting his father.

Deep down, Percy wanted his father to be proud of him. He had always imagined maybe that he was watching him, seeing his accomplishments. Maybe he would congratulate him when Percy finally met him.

Obviously not, however. Percy really wasn't that devastated. Oh. Well...wait, why haven't you faded?

Triton blinked. He uncomfortably said, er...you ever watched the Little Mermaid?

Yeah, of course–oh. Oh.

Precisely. Triton groaned in annoyance. That interpretation of me was totally wrong...but in any case, I rule the seas now. And it is a huge responsibility.

As amusing as it was that people remembered Triton from the Little Mermaid, Percy noticed that his...his brother, was looking tired. Which he didn't think a god could look tired, but he didn't know how hard ruling a region could be, especially something the size of the entire ocean. Is it difficult?

Percy didn't think Triton would really tell him, but the god seemed to need to get something off his chest. Yes. The entire ocean needs to be governed and protected from monsters, natural disasters, and cheating tax collectors. I don't know how Father did this every day. But now, I have to carry his legacy. All that remains of him...is this. He gestured beside his throne, a golden three-pronged spear. The Trident.

I thought you said the Little Mermaid's interpretation was 'totally wrong'...Percy noted dryly (but teasingly).

Triton looked at him, annoyed. This is imbued with the power of a hurricane. It is the one of the most powerful weapons in the universe.

Now. Triton hit the floor with the trident, and the entire room shook. A small earthquake ran through the ground. Percy stumbled, wide-eyed. Was that really necessary? It was cool, but still...Come, brother. Let us begin.

Percy had been worried Triton would be distant and cold. He was a god, after all. Would he look down on mortals and smite them if he was annoyed?

But Triton was a pretty chill guy. Or god. Percy never had a big-brother figure, but he filled that pretty well. He first gave him a tour of the palace. Or some of it, anyways.

This is huge.

Indeed. Triton agreed. You could spend your whole youth here and still not see it all.

The palace's windows were just openings in the walls where fish and octopi and other marine life would wander in and out. There were housekeepers, guards, maids, and all kinds of merpeople doing different jobs in the palace. Though they seemed scarce, and most of them were guards. Thinking back on it, Percy realized almost every merman he had seen was a soldier. Did it have something to do with the raids mentioned earlier...?

Triton? Why are some of the buildings in the city wrecked?

Triton grimaced. Ah. You noticed. Ever since Poseidon faded, the ocean kingdom, Atlantis in particular, has become more vulnerable to monsters and other forces attacking. As the capital, Atlantis has suffered the most from attacks.

Is that why most mermen here are soldiers? Percy guessed.

Indeed. Conscripting more soldiers has helped, but as you can guess, we have had varying levels of success. Triton gestured to the ruined structures.

Percy stared out the window to the city below. Crushed stones, torn walls. It painfully reminded him of the result of his own house. His own...home. Looking closer, he saw merpeople curling in alleys, resting in makeshift homes made of random debris. Homeless, presumably refugees. Noticing a merman just around his age huddle in a corner of an alley, finding no secure house to sleep in, no family for comfort, made Percy sad. He had just experienced this himself. They were the same.

Why? Don't you have the Trident? Shouldn't it have like, immense power?

Triton shrugged. It does. But I am not its original owner, nor am I as powerful as my father. He paused, fingering the Trident absentmindedly. He then sighed. It is also because I am losing power.

You're...weakening?

I am fading.

What?!

The Little Mermaid is not enough to keep me alive forever. I do not know how much time I have left. Triton warned.

Percy didn't know what to say. Or what to think. He had just met Triton today, but he already felt like a brother. He had just found a brother, family, in the midst of literally everyone else gone. And now he was going to fade too?

Triton noticed his looked and assured. Don't worry. A human life is a butterfly's wingbeat compared to a god's. I probably won't fade anywhere in the near future.

Percy wasn't too convinced. Triton already admitted he had no idea when he would fade. For all he knew, his brother could disappear any minute now. Yeah. Yeah, sure.

After a moment, Triton continued showing him the palace. Eventually, they ended in a room, smaller than most, lit by bioluminescent plants and a single large bed in the corner.

What is this place? Percy tilted his head. Why bother coming to this...this guest room, he guessed?

It's your room. Triton gestured. Or, a guest room. I don't have a custom bedroom made, unfortunately.

Percy blinked. And suddenly, the bed was very inviting. How long had it been since he slept? At least 24 hours. And before that, barely any rest on the cold hard floor of an alley. That bed looked soft. Ready to be crashed on.

Go ahead. You look tired, brother.

Percy, almost in a daze, walked in. Surveying the mostly bland surroundings, he felt at home for what seemed like since forever. Triton left him to his privacy, leaving just him, and the bed.

Percy, testing the surface, sat on the bed.

And fell asleep immediately. Ever since his mother had died, Percy had had strange dreams. Nightmares, actually. He saw replays of the Minotaur attacking. He saw past events, acts of Theseus, Heracles, and Perseus, all in their shoes. And he even saw what he now knew to be Triton, beckoning at him and saying, find Atlantis.

It freaked him out before. But it also confirmed that his dreams were like visions. Images of the past, present, future. Which meant the blond haired boy he saw on TV the other day, swinging a golden sword at him might actually happen.

But this night, Percy had no dreams. No, in fact, it was merely long, dreamless, silent slumber.

Percy woke up feeling more refreshed than ever. The bed was like a cloud, and he honestly felt a little disappointed when he got off. He found fresh clothes in the closet next to him, all perfectly tailored to his size. Huh. Did someone put them in last night? How long had he been asleep, anyways?

Changing, Percy put a couple sets of clean clothes in his bag. It was a habit now, just stuffing maybe-useful stuff in his bag for future use. Granted, he wasn't homeless now, but still.

It was weird to be doing all this submerged underwater but still being completely dry. Stretching, Percy noticed how bright it was. It was weird how there was ample lighting on the ocean floor while still being hundreds of feet underwater. Meh, magic.

The door suddenly opened, and Percy jumped, startled. A mermaid swam in holding a plate of pancakes. Apologies if I startled you, your Highness.

Blinking, Percy realized she was talking to him. He was a prince. Kind of like that guy from Prince of Persia. Erm..thanks.

Your are welcome, your Highness. We were going to serve you a traditional mer-breakfast, but his Majesty insisted you would prefer a more human meal.

Percy frowned. What exactly do merpeople eat?

Oh, usually seafood, often raw. The mermaid responded politely.

Well...Percy did like sushi. But it was nice for Triton to send him pancakes. I suppose Triton was right, then. Thank you.

He started to eat, before realizing the mermaid, probably a servant, was still standing near the door patiently. Um...

Do you need anything else, your Highness?

Ah, no, not really. You may leave.

Nodding, she bowed and left. Percy sighed. It was so weird, being treated like royalty. Was this what celebrities and/or world leaders were treated like? It felt off when he first arrived, but now, he really felt at home here. Like he belonged, which he never felt, honestly. Percy had always been different. Normal rules did not apply to him. Here though, while he was still treated different...it was a good different. There were no weird looks, hesitant glances, or odd whisperings.

Besides, the pancakes were 10 out of 10.

Leaving the now empty plate and glass on the coral table, Percy floated out of his room. He decided to go exploring, maybe not the entire city, but at least the palace. First place he visited was the forges. Cyclopes smithed all kinds of weaponry and even siege machinery.

He then passed meeting rooms, foyers lined with columns, and even secret rooms. To which he found Triton in one.

Percy! You found this place already? Triton, amused, called out. Percy looked around. This seemed to be an dojo of some sorts. Blades, bows, and polearms lined the walls. The rest of the room was somewhat bland though, besides a couple training dummies, and it seemed to be a sparring space.

Is this a training ground?

It is. Triton nodded, I often train here.

Percy glanced at the claymore in his brother's hand. Aren't you a god though? Do you need practice?

Triton smiled wryly. Practice? It's not so much as that, more so a hobby or habit. He swung his blade a couple times, neatly bisecting one dummy and beheading another in a flash, as Percy watched with interest and slight awe.

You should train too. Triton turned to him. I don't suppose you've had experience with weapons...?

Percy shook his head, though the memory of using the water blade was in his head. No. But why do I need to learn to fight with medieval weapons?

Triton raised an eyebrow, bemused. Did you not fight monsters on your way here?

Percy winced, but Triton didn't seem to notice. Your prowess with water is great, but it can only bring you so far. Learning to use a weapon is a top priority for a demigod.

Percy thought about it. If he had had a weapon when the Minotaur attacked, would he have been able to save his mother? And more importantly, if he had one now, would he be able to save others in the future?

Alright.

Triton gestured to the wall of weapons. Take your pick.

Percy looked at the array of weaponry. There were all kinds of blades, clubs, even machinery. He was tempted to pick the double-bladed gleaming halberd, but he decided against it. Percy wasn't sure if he could even lift it, after all.

In the end, he decided to pick a sword. He didn't think he would have the prowess for a spear or the strength for an axe, and the sword seemed to be a rather simple weapon, easy to use. Picking up one, Percy grimaced as it weighed his arm down. Too heavy.

He reached for a katana. Too light. Broadsword? Too long. None of the blades felt right in his hands. In the end, he picked a falchion, which still didn't feel completely balanced, but he was starting to feel worried that Triton would become impatient.

Percy expected Triton to start a lecture about swordplay and fencing, but instead he started him off on the dummies in Greek armor. Which made sense, Percy supposed. He slashed and stabbed at the dummy, finding slight satisfaction in the clean stroke of the blade through the straw.

Triton stood off to the side, watching. Good. Stay light on your feet. Keep your blade up. It's easier to drop it than it is to raise it.

Soon, with the coaching of Triton, Percy was feeling pretty good. His reflexes felt honed and despite the unbalanced blade, Percy finally felt like he was doing good at something. Not a feeling he felt often. Well, except for when he went canoeing.

Finishing reducing the dummy to a pile of debris, Triton nodded, satisfied. Good. You seem to have a natural talent at swordplay. Your technique is good despite your inexperience, and your reflexes are top-notch.

I learn from the best.

He merely smiled, then held up his claymore. Then let us spar.

Percy blinked. Wait, with these real swords? Won't I get hurt?

I won't injure you seriously, don't worry. Besides, you should know by now, your wounds are healed underwater.

Percy recalled his fight with the merman. Oh...

Let us begin.

Percy was already unsure about this, due to seeing Triton fence earlier, he didn't think he would stand a chance. And he was right. Triton showed him thrusts and parries, the hard way, of course. He would bruise Percy with the flat of his blade every other swipe. With instructions to lunge and retreat, Percy was soon covered in bruises (that faded almost as quickly as they arrived, which only made Triton push him harder). But Percy felt the water around him empower him. It was like he had just gotten steroids or something. He managed to parry and thrust back a couple times, to which Triton deflected, but Percy saw his eyes shine with pleasant surprise.

Percy's senses opened. He could see his attacks coming.

ADHD. Triton suddenly said, almost making Percy miss a parry. Every demigod has it. Attention deficit hyperactive disorder. It's a sign of demigods that they have a heightened sense and aptitude for battle.

Percy blinked in surprise, because it explained a lot, but didn't waste time responding. Triton showed him more, disarming maneuvers, feints, pursuing attacks. Much more interesting than schoolwork.

Eventually, he called for a break. Percy was tired, but not soaked in sweat due to the water around him already cooling him off. Percy looked at his blade, still in disappointment.

Good work. Remember, out in the world, as a demigod, you lose, you die. Triton warned.

Yeah, and you win by killing the monster.

Triton sighed and shook his head. No. You win by surviving.

Surviving? That was it? Was there any point to a half-blood's life than just: surviving? Moving his hand over his falchion, he frowned. What's this sword made of?

Celestial bronze. Triton answered, placing his claymore back on the wall. Mined on Mount Olympus, and can kill monsters like cutting through paper. It can't hurt mortals, however.

Why not?

They are not worthy to be hurt by the metal.

Huh. That was interesting. But still...Percy looked down at the falchion again. A monster-killing weapon? Would have been real helpful a couple days ago...if only he could find one that was balanced.

Brother?

Triton looked up.

Can you help me find a blade? None of those feel right in my hands.

He grinned. I have just the thing. I was going to save it for later, but any time is good, I suppose.

He tossed a small metallic object at Percy. A pen?

Uncap it.

A gleaming bronze leaf-bladed sword sprung out. Percy held it in his hand. A pen that turned into a sword?!

It's name is Anaklusmos. It has a long and dark history, but I find it will fit you well.

Anaklusmos. Riptide. The three-foot long blade felt perfect in his hand. Taking a few practice swings, Percy marveled at the fluid ease. Thank you. He capped it and it shrunk to a pen again.

Of course. Triton paused. One more thing. We've been practicing for three hours.

Already!?

Yes. So I think you deserve to see the game room.

Wow indeed. Triton nodded in pride. This alone took 600 years to construct.

I can believe that. The game room was a truly immense hall, almost as large as the main anteroom. Lines of games lined the place, arcade style, casino style, everything. Shooting games, sports games, racing games, every kind of game you could think of. He even spotted a long line of VR games on what seemed like every kind of simulation.

Triton merely gestured for him to go ahead. As if Percy needed any more incentive.

He couldn't remember the last time he had so much fun. Percy was from a relatively poor family. Something like this was unheard of. He played Mario Kart, went on the VR and simulated laser tag and sharpshooter, set a new record on the basketball arcade game, and won a stuffed panda pillow pet from the claw machine. It was silly, but he decided to put it (delicately) into his bag.

What? It was cute. Also, he wanted a souvenir.

He played air hockey with Triton (Triton won). He played foosball with Triton (Triton won again). And then Triton promptly beat Percy's new record on the basketball arcade game. At that point, Percy decided to not play competitive games with his big brother, to Triton amusement.

This place was awesome. Percy could stay here for hours. Again, he never had this kind of splurging feeling before. He could get use to this royalty life.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. A merman suddenly swam up to them, King Triton, Prince Perseus!

Percy started and missed his shot, annoyingly. What is it?

The telekhines have been scouted! The merman panickly said.

What?! Already!? Triton growled. Come, Percy! And you, fetch the Trident!

Percy dropped his plastic gun, because it seemed very urgent. What were telekhines? Were they enemies? The way Triton was clenching his conch shell tightly, it seemed likely. They swam through the palace in a hurry, and Percy nervously fiddled Riptide in his hand. Telekhines...telekhines...he had never heard of them.

Percy sighed internally. Annabeth would know. While he sometimes complained at all her fact-rants, they could be really helpful in these situations. If only he had listened to them more...

Triton and Percy sped through the halls, then shot up a geyser like a high-powered elevator. It was the ceiling of the palace, towering above all the structures below. Triton, immediately, put the conch horn to his lips and blew.

It was very odd to hear it underwater, like a trumpet mixed with a dolphin, magnified by twenty levels. It echoed throughout the whole city, which was probably the point. I've alerted the citizens to evacuate to the palace. Triton grimly lowered his horn.

Percy shuddered. What are telekhines?

Sea monsters. They often attack Atlantis, but it's been getting more and more frequent. They're not too dangerous, but their numbers are what make them terrifying.

Percy looked over to the city, and could see mermen starting to swim toward them. Staring across the waters, Percy thought he could make out figures at a distance. Would they get here before everyone could be evacuated?

Here, Lord! The merman swam up, holding the Trident, to which Triton grabbed. Two more older, seemingly more battle-hardened mermen appeared as well, most likely advisors.

You are here. Good. Triton's easygoing and amiable face disappeared, replaced by a grim and stern one. It's time.

They organized into around the roof, and Triton gestured for Percy to move. Hm–? Oh.

The floor had a mosaic that showed an exact map of the palace grounds and the surrounding ocean, but it moved. Colored stone tiles representing armies and probably monsters shifted as they changed directions. Percy could see scattered cyan dots heading toward the palace, the merpeople. And the monsters he spotted at a distance were much closer than he realized. The citizens would not make it. They were closing in quickly. Looking up, the first few telekhines had arrived at the outskirts of the city.

Triton studied the map carefully. Palaemon and his legion are needed at the western front. We have to neutralize those leviathans. With horror, Percy realized a multitude of sea snakes had appeared on the map, blistering forward at high speeds. Looking out to the city once more, green and blue serpents had reached the western front, as Triton predicted. With one swipe of their tails, a building collapsed. Percy could now hear the screams of merpeople.

Yes, lord.

The first merman swam away. Triton studied the map once more, tapping the trident distractedly. We need the soldiers at the front lines, meet the telekhines head on. Glaucus, bring the main troops to there. And send Aalton with the cyclopes to flank them from the side.

Of course. Glaucus, as Percy had just learned, bowed low and swam off.

Triton suddenly looked up. A huge sea serpent suddenly zoomed above them, and dove toward the roof. Percy had no idea how it got there, but its fanged mouth was big enough to swallow a house.

Percy didn't even have the time to scream, when Triton pointed his trident up and shot a beam of blue energy. A thundering sound, and the leviathan exploded into dust. He pointed, and Percy saw huge beasts, a giant lobster and a giant octopus. I need to join the battle as well. No one else can take down these beasts.

Triton gripped his trident and swam up. Percy shook out of his shock and called, Wait! What about the citizens! Who's going to help them?!

We're already doing our best, brother. I can't spare any men to evacuate them. Triton blasted another creature to dust. We're spread too thin, and we're already outnumbered.

Then send me! I can go help them! Percy protested. Triton hesitated.

Percy, you're inexperienced. Triton pleaded. I can't have you just charge into the fray. This attack seems prepared, planned. Soon, you'll be the last legacy of Poseidon.

Percy looked down at the mosaic. He forgot Triton was fading. He could lose his only family, at any moment. But still... I'll be fine! I want to help!

Triton looked like he wanted to protest, but a quake shook the palace, and he grimaced again. Fine! But don't go into the front lines! Stay safe!

His brother swam away, and Percy could see him shooting beams of energy at his opponents. He looked down at the mosaic. Little mermen fought tiny monsters like a board game. If only things were that easy. Archers fired arrows at the advancing telekhines, and the arrows worked surprisingly well underwater. Some were even lit with Greek fire. He noticed the cyclops troop circling the main force of monsters. For him, the citizens, the soldiers, for this kingdom, he hoped it would work.

Percy focused on the east flank. It had the most concentration of merpeople. He needed to get down there.

Percy breathed in deep, and took out Riptide. The sword gave off a golden glow as he looked at the crumbling buildings and fleeing citizens. He focused on the attacking monsters. Monsters like the one who killed his mom. Here I go.

Hah! Percy cut through a telekhine. Up close, these things were weird. They had a head of a dog, and flippers for hands and feet. Despite that, they handled little blades pretty well. And the sheer number of them, Percy shuddered. These were only stragglers. How many were on the main force!?

Go! Run! Percy fended off another telekhine with Riptide, covering the fleeing merpeople. Yah!

The next few minutes were a blur. Percy charged the telekhines, cutting through them, summoning fists of water to knock them away, and helped citizens escape when he could. Riptide turned many telekhines into golden dust. It was pretty helpful to be underwater. He could move all six degrees with freedom, dodging one attack, zipping behind his foe, and backstabbing him. These telekhines couldn't even hurt him. The off chance one landed a glancing hit on him, the salt water healed it quickly.

Percy barreled in front of the mermaid, parrying and stabbing the telekhine that was about to attack her. It exploded into dust and Percy swirled the golden ashes away. Are you alright!?

Please, lord! She immediately pleaded, not even sparing a moment to thank him. My son is still back there! He got lost in crowd! Please, you have to find him!

Percy hesitated. Though of course, the main force of the monsters were at the northern entrance, the eastern flank still hand monsters running amock every direction you looked at. It would be terribly risky, and he could almost hear the nagging, cautious voice of Annabeth warning otherwise.

But then he thought of the homeless merman child. How he looked awfully similar to when he had just ran from home. How they had stared at him with hope and relief like he would be their hero.

Just like how this mermaid was staring at him now. And there, Percy learnt a valuable lesson. With great respect, comes great expectations. Which leads into great responsibility.

Of course. I'll get your son! Please, get to the palace and safety! Percy promised.

He headed toward where she had pointed. This was a difficult search. Not only had he only had a vague direction on where to find the mer-child, he had to fight through hordes of telekhines to get through. Percy really hoped that he would reach and find the boy before monsters did. He spun past a lunging telekhine, not bothering to fight it. This was top-priority. Percy could sense all the lifeforms around him, and he could tell there was no other mermen around. Good news, that meant he did a good job. Bad news, the telekhines were probably going to target the boy.

If he was still alive. A pessimistic part of Percy's brain murmured, which he quickly pushed away. Pausing for a second, he absentmindedly stabbed a telekhine as he scanned his surroundings. Telekhines didn't seem to have heat signatures...so Percy examined the surroundings for any that would identify a young merman.

There! A small heat signature under some rubble. Elated, Percy immediately propelled himself toward it, flinging several snarling telekhines flying away as the water shot him forward. Unfortunately, it seemed monsters were indeed attracted to demigods, so the telekhines seemed to target him. Percy saw the collapsed building. The boy was right there, not 20 ft away. Spinning through and slashing monsters to dust (something he could do since he was underwater), he finally reached the collapsed structure.

Hey! Can you hear me!? Percy peered under the crevice where the mer-boy was, stuck by his tail under some rubble. The merman, honestly, a child, really, just groaned in pain. Just wait, I'm getting you out of there!

Percy clenched his hands, raising the rubble off the seafloor with water. Grunting in effort, Percy raised the heavy abalone. Wincing, Percy hurled it away, and collapsed momentarily. That was actually a lot more tiring that he realized. He hadn't done such concentrated use of his powers since the Minotaur incident, but maybe it was adrenaline, but it felt like he just bench-pressed a hundred pounds for an hour. But thankfully, Percy immediately felt his energy coming back as he dwelled in the salt water.

But it got Percy thinking? What if he wasn't surrounded by water? What if he was fatigued, unable to keep using his powers, and someone, someone he cared about...was lost? He couldn't bear to think of that. Percy decided he had to get more adept at his water control. What was the point of his power if he couldn't use it to help people he cared about?

Climb on! Percy hoisted the boy up (a slightly difficult maneuver since he had no legs) on his back and swam. Hold on!

He slashed through more monsters to reach the palace, moving at a slower pace as to not lose the merman on his back. Blasting away the last telekhine roadblocks with water, Percy finally let go of his hitchhiker at the entrance to the palace, where his mother was waiting.

Thank you, your highness!

Percy merely nodded, before looking up. The ceiling where the mosaic was. He should return there and wait for Triton. Waving in thanks to the cheering merpeople, Percy propelled himself up toward the top floor, but unfortunately, he was roadblocked by monsters.

Not telekhines, and to be honest, Percy was a little annoyed fighting those sea dogs over and over again. No, they were multi-colored jellyfish the size of trash cans. Each one had hundreds of tentacles which looked suspiciously like barbed wire. Percy dodged out of the way of the first one that lunged, quickly turning it to dust.

There were at least a dozen, and each of them attacked Percy. Why were these monsters so close to the palace!? Percy grimaced, preparing to retreat.

The merpeople! He couldn't just leave them here. They would be defenseless against these. Percy dodged one that swung its tentacles at him, cutting them off. Agh!

As soon as he touched the tentacles, a shock went through his right arm. Suddenly, it went numb. He could barely hold his sword, let alone lift it to fight. The jellyfish closed in, as Percy frantically tried to push them away with water.

KA-POW!

The jellyfish all exploded into dust, leaving multicolored mist in their wake. Triton held his Trident, breathing hard. He didn't look great. His armor was ripped, and he had multiple bruises. More significantly though, he looked infinitely weary. Percy!

Breathing a huge sigh of relief, Percy swam up to his brother. Looking at the mosaic and the ocean battle from the top of the palace, Percy felt his heart sink a couple notches.

Things weren't going well. The cyclops sneak attack didn't seem to work very well, but they were thankfully being backed up by the calvary, experienced soldiers riding aquatic shining horses with fish tails. Hippocampi! They plowed through the telekhines, but more just took their place. Monsters of every variety were coming now, like waves of an army. Telekhines, followed by giant octopi, squid and jellyfish, then the leviathans from alternating flanks. Triton was right, this did seem planned. But by who?

You're alright, good. Triton sighed in relief. This is going badly, brother. I genuinely don't know if we can hold out. Especially with the giant sea creatures. They're incredibly–

A thunderous roar shook the seafloor. Percy whirled around, but when he saw it, his cry died in his throat, curled up in his esophagus and it came out as a whimper. A gigantic sea monster, two hundred feet long. It was like a cross between a giant shrimp and a cockroach, with a pink chitinous shell, a flat crayfish tail and millipede legs. With a face of a slimy pink catfish with two glassy eyes and a gaping maw. Tentacles shook and shivered from its nostrils. Gah! Shrimpzilla!

It's a skolopendra. Triton grimly explained. This had gotten worse and worse. I fear I know what this is about. Who planned this.

Percy, still trembling, turned to his brother. You know who's behind this–?

Another booming roar that made the last one sound like a squeak echoed toward them. It shook the palace itself, and instilled fear into the hearts of the merpeople. This one seemed like from a distance away, and Triton grimaced. It's him.

Wh–who?

Oceanus. Firstborn of the Titans, first ruler of the seas. He faded to the deep oceans long ago, and he never quarreled with us before, but has always been ambitious since Father faded. I should have known he was behind this.

The titans!? Percy started. Then...then how do we beat him?!

I don't know. Triton grimaced, pointing. Just in his eyesight, Percy could make out a huge figure, a gigantic merman, with a mass of green hair as a beard, and bull horns. A snake was in his hand, and he held it like a whip. Two crawfish dragged Oceanus chariot closer and closer.

Perseus, listen to me. Triton's deadly urgency shook Percy. You must run. Get away from here.

What?! I'm not just going to leave you here!

Listen to me! Triton gripped the Trident as Oceanus approached closer. This is a Titan! Already faded in my power, I may not be able to defeat him. I need you to run! You cannot let Poseidon's legacy fade!

I don't care about some legacy! Percy protested, unable to believe it. I just want my brother! What if I leave and you...you...

...I'm sorry. Triton turned away. I can't let you die here. Your fight is not here. It lies in the world above. You have a destiny and a life Percy! You cannot waste it.

Percy couldn't imagine Triton winning. Already Triton seemed to age 30 years since the fight started. Could he just leave? The entire sea grew dark, like an inky storm. Thunder crackled, which shouldn't have been possible underwater. A icy presence was approaching. A wave of fear rolled through both armies.

You have to go, brother. I must fight Oceanus in battle. Please, just trust me. You have a more important purpose than being here. Without waiting, Triton gave Percy one last pleading look, then shot down to the seafloor.

Percy longed to swim after him. To fight with him. He couldn't abandon him.

Trust me.

Trust.

Tears gathered near his eyes, but didn't spill since he was underwater. Turning away, Percy shot across the water at speeds that would've caused any normal human to pop. He spun past the skolopendra which couldn't even touch him.

And when he looked back, all he could see were flashes of green and blue as Triton fought the titan, and the sea itself was torn apart by the two armies.

Side note, I actually planned for Percy to instead find a ruined Atlantis, get Riptide, and leave. But I decided this option instead. It did take a lot more writing, but I enjoyed it. And now Percy is annoyed that I keep making him suffer.

One more note, I did make sure to include Percy's Panda pillow-pet. You know, the one Octavian murdered. Does anyone have a name for it?