We'd Like to Thank Our Godly Sponsors
*DF slides in on their knees*
Yoooo! How's it going my sweet ducks? I was so happy reading all the reviews and answering your Asks on Tumblr! They made me smile like crazy and want to crank this bad boy out sooner!
So shoutouts to:
LadyArtemis13
tiffanygunawan
ShadowAzar
Your feedback is literally golden to me :)
Hell yeah, Triton makes his way to camp and meets the horny demiteens and let me tell you folks...he is NOT amused lol and this leads to one of my favorite writing prompts...OVERBEARINGLY SOFT AND PROTECTIVE TRITON, with a side of his trademark snobbishness.
Also, let me clarify right now, Percy and April are NOT in a sexually physical or romantic relationship. I'll reveal the nature of their bond later, she's not a major character nor will she ever twist the fic her way in order to become a major character. So please, don't hate on her too harshly. She's my ace bb.
I do believe a disclaimer is in order: DearlyFictitious does not own the Percy Jackson series or anything related to it. This was written purely for entertainment and no money was made off this. It belongs to Uncle Rick Riordan!
And hey! I might be repetitive in saying this but...PLEASE head over to my Tumblr page dearlyfictitious2 ! I've posted exclusive content and outtakes that didn't quite fit into this story.
{ There's a oneshot of Apollo kissing Percy :D }
Well, I will post it here eventually, but Bonding isn't quite ready for it yet.
Alrighty then, LET'S GET THIS SHOW ON THE ROAD! *DF trips out the door*
It was officially the end of the second week of camp renovations and since putting Percy in a godsforsaken pair of pants, the community Iris Messaging fountain was finally completed, the floors and tables in the pavilion were restored, the showerheads were replaced, and the pegasai stables were about halfway done. Next on the agenda of big projects was the expansion to the medical building and gathering more supplies for the new alter-dimensional vineyard. Though right now, everyone was at the campfire singing songs and eating s'mores to their heart's content.
Percy was sitting on a log with Jason on his left and Annabeth on his right. Both blondes were hard at work with managing the large projects and they just retired for the evening going over plans for Hestia's new temple. The Son of Jupiter leaned heavily against the Sea Prince's shoulder while the Daughter of Athena was currently casting an evil eye on their most recent addition to their rag-tag team.
Sat right in between Percy's legs and leaning her head against his denim covered thigh (thanks the gods), was a naiad named April.
April was a mocha skinned young lady with deep dark blue eyes and chocolate brown hair that reached down to the small of her back. Within the last few years she'd replaced the retired elder naiad Lily and was the newly appointed leader of the rest of her naiad sisters in Camp Half-Blood. Normally she'd stick to being in the lake and occasionally be seen around during lunch and dinner times at the pavilion, but recently she'd been joining the demigods in performing tasks for the renovations.
She was also plastered next to her Sea Prince any chance she got.
And Percy, her dense seaweed brained friend, didn't have a single thing against it!
He was currently conversing with Jason while absentmindedly running his fingers through the naiad's hair, and she sat there, happy as can be, roasting his s'mores for him.
She withheld a scoff at the scene and continued with roasting her own s'more over the fire.
The exact nature of their relationship was...uncertain. She'd stick unbearably close to him and talk his ears off all day if they had the time to do so; it was really annoying when she was trying to discuss water line layouts him one afternoon, she'd just slid right up to them and latched herself to his arm with absolutely no regard to his personal space. Though the most annoying thing about the whole ordeal wasn't the naiad herself, oh no.
It was Percy that infuriated her the most.
He just didn't care! Or more accurately, he did care about April that's for sure, but what he didn't care for was when others pointed out her clinginess. Percy would look at them as if they were morons and say to just leave her alone.
Her? A moron?! Annabeth raged.
And Jason just went right along with it as if it was the most normal occurrence out there. Annabeth sometimes saw him grab Percy's other arm if April's presence was in question; he'd go right up to them and stare the offender down into submission!
Annabeth had asked Percy two nights ago if that naiad was his girlfriend, to which he denied heartily with a fond smile, much to her relief. She had looked to the naiad to gauge her reaction and she just continued to stare up at him in adoration! She didn't get it!
She watched as April blew on the s'more before patting Percy on his leg, "Percy dear?" she looked up at him with her annoyingly big doe eyes.
"Bro it doesn't count if it has less than five heads, you gotta- huh?" he looked down and saw the treat in her small delicate hands, he smiled and took the offering, "Thanks April, you always make them the best."
Annabeth rolled her eyes at the absolute lovestruck look on her face, "It's no problem! Would you like me to refill your milk?"
"Yeah, could you do Jason's too?"
"Of course." she stood up from her spot and collected their glasses, "Would you like to have yours refilled as well?" she asked her cordially.
"No thanks. I'm good."
She nodded and made her way back to the ice chest.
Annabeth nudged Percy on the shoulder, "You really shouldn't get her hopes up Percy, it's not nice to lead a girl on like that."
"Annabeth, for the last time, it's not like that. April can do whatever she wants to do, and if she wants to bring me more milk? Then she can bring me more milk." he said dismissively.
Jason's hand came between them, "Annabeth, just drop it okay?"
No, she would not drop it as he so kindly put it, and was about to tell him so, but Chiron joined the campfire and held his hand up to halt the low chatter,
"Demigods, after reviewing the numbers and organizing funds for our renovations, it is with great pleasure to announce that we may begin outlining plans for one of our more ambitious side projects."
"Which one is it Chiron?" asked Nyssa excitedly.
"Like I said, with all things put into consideration, we may now start outlining plans for our Navy!"
Whoops and cheers were tossed throughout the crowd, Percy couldn't help but give a huge dopey smile. He'd been hinting at making one for ages now!
"Finally!" cheered Clarisse, "Another way to whoop the enemy's ass!"
"Here, here!" some of the Nike kids echoed back.
"Another Leo masterpiece is hot on the table!"
Chiron stomped his hoof to call for attention again, "As much as your enthusiasm is welcomed, we have just one minor setback." He waited for complete silence, "We may now proceed with outlines, however, we are also in need of a sponsor."
The whole camp groaned. The rebuilding process so far wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for the godly sponsors that camp managed to wrangle up; the cost and sacrifices for them were borderline outrageous! And they could only do so much to provide, especially the Olympian gods. A handful of them had been a nightmare to negotiate.
Connor and Travis had to go on a quest to slay a monster in Maine to provide their whole cabin a box of flying shoes and safety equipment.
Mason and Leo had to sort through their Father's junkyard for a week looking for a single bolt that Hepahaestus swore was absolutely vital for a new device of his. Their payoff was a HUGE shipment of raw materials.
Drew, Piper, and their brothers Benton and Lyle were tasked in organizing their Mother's closet for extra funds; any spare drachmas they found in there was just a bonus.
Pollux and Dakota had to impress Mr. D with a tasty new beverage in order to learn how to create and care for a divine vineyard properly; that one had been a challenge, though luckily for them they managed to make a hibiscus ginger drink their Dad fell in love with.
Lou Ellen got off scott free with her Mother, she was extremely thankful for it and sacrificed the tastiest portions of her food at every meal.
Nico was currently on a quest for Hades in the Bahamas, he had to IM camp everyday to ask why-should-he-even-bother-with-the-quest-anymore-ohmygods-guys-give-me-strength. Nico swore that if the payoff wasn't worth it, he'd go for his Father next.
So for a god or gods to sponsor an entire Navy? The possibilities of their demands were as endless as they were frightening!
"Welp, there goes our Navy." deadpanned Leo.
"Let's not lose hope." Chiron stated calmly, he along with the majority of camp turned in Percy's direction, "What are your thoughts Percy?" Him being the Son of Poseidon, it made sense to ask him first.
He chewed his s'more a few more times before answering, "Dad doesn't really care a lot about quests, so he'll probably want a huge sacrifice for something like a Navy."
The whole camp shuddered.
Lord Poseidon had an...interesting history when it came to sacrifices, they couldn't imagine what he could want for a Navy. As a member of The Big Three, it would most definitely be something dangerous or impossible to obtain; his son was the only one who seemed unfazed by the prospects.
"What kind of sacrifices would he possibly want?" Jason braved to ask.
"Maybe a couple of drakon hides, or some titan's ichor?"
"Titan's ichor?!" exclaimed Annabeth, "What does he want with their ichor?"
"He'd probably give it to Mother Amphitrite, she likes using it to fertilize her flower beds."
The demigods stared at him in shock, tending to gardens with titan's ichor? His stepmother sounded like quite a fearsome lady!
"Clarisse, what about your Dad?" asked Annabeth.
The Daughter of Ares paused in sharpening her knife and faced the group, "Believe me, we'd like to take part in founding a Navy, but I don't think Dad's gonna pitch in for this one."
"Why not?"
She sighed heavily, as if her next words physically hurt to say, "A couple of us got in trouble with him a few months ago and he told us not to expect anything from him anytime soon." She looked back at her sheepish siblings, eyeing up her brother Sherman in particular, "Since our 'allowance' was cut, we're definitely out of luck."
Annabeth pursed her lips, "Have you tried calling him and asking?"
Clarisse snorted, "And get even more on his bad side? Yeah right, my siblings and I are waiting this out."
No one there blamed her one bit. Stepping out of your godly parent's good graces was bad enough, but to push it and make them write your name on their personal shit list?
Nope, they weren't going to pursue the subject anymore that night. They all felt too much sympathy for that kind dilema.
"What about Lady Athena?" asked Miranda.
Annabeth shook her head, "It's not happening on our end either."
Her brother Malcolm added, "Mom already gave us a blessing for safety and she said that was all she would contribute."
And it was a good strong contribution too, if it wasn't for that blessing, more than half the camp would've been put out of commission and checked into the medical ward; demigods were unfortunately born with the worst luck.
That, and they also happened to become easily distracted when a devilishly good looking Sea Prince decided to walk by…
"Excuse me, might I make a suggestion?" Everyone turned and saw April coming back with a tray of milk glasses, she walked to Percy's group, handed him his glass, and sat right back down between his legs, "Percy dear, what about asking your brother Lord Triton?"
Percy blinked, "You want me to ask Triton?"
"Yes, I think he'd be the perfect god!"
Before he could even reply, Annabeth piped in from the side, "He's only a minor deity, he'd contribute maybe a fraction at most."
The Sea Prince felt something ugly stir in his gut at her words.
He didn't like bringing it up because of who was involved, but Triton was in fact the god chosen to foster a young Athena and teach her all about the art of warfare and strategy. If anyone was qualified or strong enough to provide for a Navy, it would without a doubt be his godly brother, who just happened to be a SEA GOD.
He would've said so, but April beat him to it. She rounded on Annabeth and got right in her face, leaning heavily on Percy's thigh, "How dare you speak that way about Lord Triton, and in front of His Highness too!" She stood up and stared her down hard, "May I remind you that it was he who raised your mother and taught her almost everything she knows?"
Low jeers and snickers murmured across the group of demigods and Annabeth's face felt like it was on fire, but April didn't let her get her say in to defend herself.
"And if anything, why would you speak the way of someone who's so close to my Prince, and right in front of him too?"
She had no words, but she must've stood up at one point because Jason rushed over and pushed her down onto the log with a heavy grip on her shoulders while Percy had wrapped his arms around April's waist and sat her down on his lap.
"Annabeth calm down!"
"It's okay April," Percy said directly into the shell of her ear, she could feel the corners of his lips stretch into a smile, "You've done enough."
There were still a few snickers going around, but Chiron pressed on to try and relieve the tension, "Ahem! Ms. April has given us a few valid points, Lord Triton would most certainly be a good candidate to ask." His blood pressure gradually lowered when he saw that both girls had finally calmed down, "Percy, since he is your brother, would you mind contacting him as soon as you can tomorrow?"
Percy tilted his head, "Why wait? I can do it right now." he stretched a hand out and made a beckoning gesture in the air. After a few seconds, ocean water came rushing from the forest and settled in a swirling ball in his open palm. He was actually excited about calling his brother, he was starting to miss his arrogantly handsome face with his girly bottom lashes that he was so vain about.
"Percy you can't just call a god!" sputtered Annabeth.
"Why not?"
"Well," she argued, "It's because they're gods, I mean, how much more is there to it?"
"I don't see a problem with it." he said dismissively, "Besides, my folks said I could call them whenever I felt like it."
"Are you sure it's okay to call him this late at night?" asked Jason, eyeing the swirling water wearily. He didn't want to enrage a potential sponsor by accidentally waking them up from their beauty sleep; he'd also much rather travel at sea with an ease of mind and without having a Sea God with a personal vendetta against him, thank you very much.
"Nah, it'll be fine. Besides, he's probably awake right now, and if he is sleeping, well too bad."
"How're you going to make a call?" asked Butch, "You don't have the right lighting to make a rainbow."
"This isn't an IM," He explained, "Dad taught me how to call home without needing a drachma or rainbow. As long as I'm calling Him, Triton, or Mother, all I need is some sea water to do it."
The surrounding demigods stared at him in shock, he was calling the gods as if it were the most normal thing to do!
"Whoa, Percy has some connections!"
"I wonder what else he can do around them?"
"Who else do you think he's close to?"
"Quiet, he's starting!"
Percy willed the water in his hands to form a mirror large enough so that Chiron could be in the frame as well. When he deemed it to be the correct shape, he started to hum a low tune directly at it.
Jason was mesmerized and as he listened to his song** in awe. It was a low but soft melody that made him feel like he was safe, like he'd travelled for a long time and finally made it home where he could rest in peace. It was actually sort of somber, the low tones made him feel an emotion he couldn't quite put a name to.
The water started to glow a pearly iridescent light and the image zoomed in on a calm scene. When Lord Triton's image settled on the moving surface, Percy saw that he was staring out from his private office suite in Armoniá with an expression that didn't quite sit right with him.
While his brother usually had a broody or annoyed expression on his face, this time around, he had a sort of melancholy glazed look over it. It was as if he was hoping and waiting for someone to come along, but knew they'd never be there.
It twisted something within Percy and he decided that he hated seeing him like that, so he got his attention right away.
"Hey Triton!"
Said god blinked out of his stupor and turned to face him with a peculiar expression, "Perseus?" and after he realized that Percy's face wasn't just a figment of his imagination, his eyes became reanimated with inner light and he smiled wide enough to show off his pointed teeth, "Good evening brother, how have you been?"
Percy smiled fondly at his older brother's voice, gods he missed him, "Nothing much, just here with the rest of the camp around the fire." he placed his chin on top of April's head, who remained silent and demure in front of the Sea God's presence, "How about you?"
Triton quirked a curious eyebrow at the naiad underneath his brother but said nothing about her, "Armoniá has been keeping me busy, though I'm guessing with the present audience around you that this isn't just a social call."
"Right...I was gonna call you y'know, honest!" he added quickly after receiving a sharp glare from the Crown Prince, "But listen, I actually have a big favor to ask."
"A favor?"
At this point in the conversation, Chiron stepped forward and addressed him, "Lord Triton, I'm sure that you are aware of the renovations taking place here at Camp?"
"Yes, Perseus did mention them in passing."
"I didn't just mention them! I was telling you about it the night before I left."
The corner of Triton's lip went up in a smirk, "Brother, half the things you say before you retire for the night is a load of gibberish. Or are you going to try and convince me that the bunny eared hydra you swear you saw outside your window actually existed?"
"Hey, that seahorse was as big as a hippo!"
"May I continue?" Chiron said while looking at his senior camper.
"...fine."
"Anyhow, our smart budgeting has allowed us to outline one of our more ambitious projects on our list. We are in need of a sponsor to support and help us achieve this endeavor of ours."
"Hoh? Color me intrigued Chiron, what could you and your band of merry misfits possibly need my help with?"
Feeling rather impatient, Percy cut right to the chase, "We wanna build a Navy Triton."
The Crown Prince's eyes widened in surprise, "A Navy? Why not ask our Father?"
"We did consider it, but we veto'd it cause Dad would probably ask for something really weird."
Triton's pained expression mirrored his demigod's brother's, "Ah. Fair point brother, but out of all your available options, what made you choose me?"
Percy smiled big and wide, "Well, you're kinda perfect for the job."
Triton metaphorical feathers preened and he couldn't help but smile in return, "Goodness, such flattery! How could I refuse?"
"So if you agree, what would you have us do, Lord Triton?" asked Chiron.
The Sea God rubbed his chin in thought, "Hm, I believe the better question here would be this: What would you be willing to do?" At the nervous looks he was receiving, he added, "What you're asking for isn't just some luxury yacht or school of sea serpents to use, but support for an entire fleet of naval armed forces. You can't get something for nothing."
Without waiting for anyone to say otherwise, Percy looked his brother straight in his clear oceanic blue eyes, "I can handle anything you dish out."
The surrounding campers gasped in shock; of all the things Percy could've said, that had to have been the worst one!
"Seaweed brain!"
"Dude, don't just rush into this." warned Jason. He eyed the god in the water, his tails were swishing leisurely behind him and his pupils were constricted into slits; like a predator eyeing up its prey.
Triton's grin was savage, "Is that so? Think carefully my dear brother, I could ask anything of you." he threatened.
The hero did not back down from the challenge, "Bring it on."
He hated to admit it, but he missed the feeling of the thrill of battle. He didn't like saying it aloud out of respect for those who had fallen, he tried many times to deny it, but deep down, his divinity was singing for a challenge.
Triton studied his brother and nodded a moment later, "Very well then, if Perseus agrees to do anything I task him to do, then you will have my full cooperation."
Chiron bowed low, "You have our gratitude my Lord. What portion are you willing to sponsor?"
"Did you not hear me? I said you had my full cooperation, so I'll be funding your entire project." He ignored the gasps of the surrounding campers and looked directly at his brother, "Perseus just has to agree to my terms."
Without missing a beat he declared, "I swear on the styx I can take anything you throw at me."
Thunder boomed in the distance and sealed the deal.
"Perfect," Triton purred, "Then I'll see you tomorrow, my dear brother. Have a pleasant rest of your night."
"G'night Triton- hey! What's that on your desk?"
The Crown Prince looked startled at his outburst, but then quickly shuffled something behind him, "I haven't any idea what you're talking about."
Percy leaned forward with April and they both peered into his office, "Are those my pickle flavored sardine and coral chips?!"
"...Maybe?"
"Those were from my stash!" he said in dismay, "At least save me some!"
Now exposed, Triton brought the bag into view and deliberately took a slow bite out of one, "Hmmm, but they're so good and so very crispy." he taunted, "It's too bad I have no one here to share them with."
"Triiiitooon!" Percy actually whined when Triton went and swiped his hand, thoroughly ending their conversation, "Gods, he can be such a jerk sometimes!" He could feel April's light laughter through his sternum.
"I think it's just his way of showing he cares."
"Sure, whatever."
"Percy." said demigod turned towards a solemn Roman, "Are you sure you're okay with what you just did?"
"He could have you do something really dangerous." warned Annabeth.
In a rare show of superiority, the two time Champion of Olympus straightened his posture and addressed everyone, "Do you guys doubt my abilities?" no one, not even any of the Ares kids refuted his statement, "Then there's nothing to worry about, so you guys can chill out alright?"
"Very well Percy, we shall put our trust in you once again." said Chiron.
The mood lightened considerably after that and the sing-a-long started back up again with the Apollo cabin taking the lead.
Percy felt a gentle tug on his wrist and looked down at the naiad still sat in his lap,
"Percy darling, would you like to take a swim with me?" she looked up at him in concern.
The Sea Prince felt bad about worrying her so he easily agreed to her simple request, "Okay, let's go."
As they stood up and left, the demigods watched as their forms got smaller and smaller until they disappeared completely in the forest; wolf whistles and catcalls followed them on their way out.
"Go Jackson!"
"Get some!"
"Don't be too loud you two!"
"See you in the morning!"
Annabeth did her best to tune out the vulgar remarks being tossed around and looked at her fellow blonde companion, "How are you not bothered by them? Percy's the leader of the camp, he should be setting an example!"
After Jason calmly finished off his glass of milk, he addressed Annabeth, "You heard what Percy said, they're not like that."
"I'm not blind Jason."
"Neither am I, but I'm starting to wonder if you're hard of hearing."
"Hey!"
"We have to keep repeating ourselves to you!"
"Tch!" She hugged herself and looked down at her dirty shoes, "Look, I'm not trying to be the bad guy here alright? Percy's been one of my closest friends for years, and I worry about how others look at and treat him. He's more than just 'that sexy hero who beats all the baddies' Jason, I don't like that he's so nonchalant with others."
Jason's expression softened, "Annabeth…"
"What I'm trying to say is that- hades, he's making himself out to be someone he's not!"
Someone he's not? If anything, Percy was being more true to himself then he ever has been. He looked at the Daughter of Athena in near pity, he knew that she had a huge unrequited crush on the Sea Prince, heck everyone knew, and since he's made it very clear to everyone that he's not the type to settle, it was almost as if she'd been in denial and tried her best to retain the image of the boy she fell so in love with.
In doing so, she'd been trying in vain to get the real Percy to remain the way he was immortalized in her imagination and not allow him to mature into his real adult self.
He may not be the shy boy who wore clothes considered a 'safe' choice in society or be the awkward teen who could barely keep up a conversation with another female; but he was still Percy; and Percy Jackson was now a drop dead gorgeous young man with powerful abilities he now used without any reservations and enough confidence in himself to fill a Roman coliseum.
Annabeth didn't want anyone else to know that maturing side of him and steal him away; it would be a huge blow to her ego if someone took what she couldn't have.
Jason slid up next to her and got her attention.
"Listen, people change all the time, so we shouldn't count Percy out of that percentile. If he wants to go hang out with a bunch of pretty naiads? I say let him, he deserves some nice company every once in a while; his world doesn't just revolve around us y'know?"
"But Jason-
"Annabeth let's be real here, let's say he is in fact having sex with the naiads, who are we to tell him not to?" he continued on despite her flushed expression, "Exactly. He's a seasoned demigod and deserves to let off some consensual steam every once in a while."
"Is he?" she asked wide eyed.
"I dunno. But what I do know for a fact is that he and April do NOT have that kind of relationship, I can guarantee it."
"Okay, so just what is their link?"
"You can ask him yourself, but other than that, you need to lay off a bit on him. You might accidentally push him away, and he'd be sad about that too."
She looked away, "Am I a bad friend Jason?"
He put an arm around her, "You're not Annie, but you need to accept that the Percy you knew as a kid won't be around in another few years; he's not some virtuous hero your imagination made him out to be. You can't tell me that you're the same person you were at thirteen years old?"
She laughed, "You've made your point mister, you can stop with the pseudo 'birds and bees' talk now."
Jason snorted in his palm, "Well excuse me, you made me have to spell it out for you. I don't know if you're aware, but we get certain urges that gives us these things called erections-
Annabeth quickly covered her ears and shoved him off their log with her leg, "Ugh! I swear if you continue that line of thought, I'll string you up by your ankles and let the harpies find you!"
Jason could barely hear her over his laughter.
•••
It was bright and early when all the campers lined up by the shore to greet Lord Triton, Chiron had them all swear to be on their best behavior since he was essentially the up and coming patron god of their Navy.
Which was apparently a HUGE deal in the divine world.
Sure the other gods have contributed to their projects here and there, but to single handedly fund something as big and important as a Navy?
Of course it was gonna be the talk of the town.
Dionysus, who was visiting his wife yesterday, was standing next to his sons with his hands on his hips. He was eyeing the sea with great interest.
"Hey Dad?" asked Pollux.
"Hm?"
"Is Lord Triton really capable of founding a Navy?"
"Do you think he won't be able to hold his end of the deal?"
"Isn't he, like, a minor deity?" added Dakota.
Everyone within earshot paid rapt attention to his next words.
"You're not wrong boys, he is considered a minor deity."
"But?" both his sons asked.
Since the Sea God's initial visit, it was recently discovered that Triton and Dionysus had an amicable relationship, you couldn't call them good friends or anything similar, it was more like they were mutually in agreement to not wreck havoc on each other. They tolerated and respected one another quite well; Dionysus almost looked conflicted with what he wanted to say.
Internally making up his mind, he crossed his arms and looked up at the sky, "Let's just say that good old Daddy dearest played all the cards closest to him and someone had to pay the price and wear the shock collar."
This mystified the demigods, what did Lord Zeus have anything to do with Triton?
Dionysus pinched the bridge of his nose at the confused looks sent his way, "Yes, Triton is very much more than capable of building a Navy for camp. He wouldn't have agreed to sponsor otherwise." He looked behind him and spotted two demigods approaching the shore, "And here comes the catalyst himself."
Jason was hauling a half-conscious Percy to the shore, it looked as though they'd barely gotten dressed and left the cabins without looking in the mirror; Percy's hair was a rat's nest!
"Sorry we're late," Jason puffed, casting a glare at his companion, "Percy here was trying his best to pull a Clovis."
"Excuse you, but who the heck said that we had to wake up at the buttcrack of dawn to call my brother?" grumbled an irate Son of Poseidon while scratching his abs through his open shirt, "Couldn't we have waited to call him at a more reasonable time, like at nine?"
"The sooner he arrives, the better for us it is." reasoned Chiron, "Percy, would you mind calling Lord Triton again?"
Percy straightened up and yawned, "Yeah, yeah. Gimme a second."
He walked into the surf and splashed a handful of sea water on his face, erasing any and all remaining traces of sleep. It seemed to do the trick and he felt much more refreshed and alert.
He took a deep breath in and savored the smell of the salty air, he missed the sea greatly, he missed it way more than thought he would. If he was being honest with himself, it was a lot harder to transition back onto land than he initially thought. He looked at his reflection in the water and withheld a wince. He'd taken to avoiding most reflective surfaces around camp, including the mirrors in his room; every time he looked and didn't see a blue merman staring back at him, it left him feeling almost empty.
The only time he could stomach looking at himself was when he was holed up in the new addition his Dad added for him in the cabin, and boy was it proving to be a life saver!
With Triton coming to camp, he was hoping he'd be able to talk about his unsettling thoughts and get some good old fashioned brotherly advice.
But first things first, he needed to know what Triton wanted in return for a Navy.
He squatted down, cracked his knuckles, and started to knock on the surface of the water as if it were a door, "Knock knock Triton, we're ready for ya!"
The entire camp sweatdropped. That was certainly one way to call for god.
Not another moment passed before two webbed green hands shot out and pulled the Sea Prince into the surf. Percy yelped and flailed around, the last thing he saw before being submerged was the horror stricken faces of the demigods, he was dragged down to the bottom and started to laugh when Triton proceeded to give him a noogie.
"Haha! Nice to see you too!"
"Would it kill you to be more respectful Perseus?" bemoaned the Sea God. "It is simply beyond my comprehension as to how you've lasted this long without being smited for your gall."
"No way, if the gods are gonna have me, they gotta take me as I am. Besides, you ate my chips, so no respect for the disrespectful!" He countered back.
"Why you little-!
Their tussle lasted another few minutes until they were panting and laying on their sides in the soft white sand. They made eye contact and shared a round of giggles.
"Hiya Triton!" Percy chirped cheerfully at his brother after letting out his last chuckle, he sat up and gave him his best dopey grin, "How's it going?"
The Crown Prince shook his head fondly and maneuvered his larger body over to cradle his brother's face in his webbed hands, "I've managed. How have you fared so far?" he asked softly while wrapping his tails around them in a protective embrace.
Now that they were alone and without anyone to witness, Triton let down the last of his barriers and smiled genuinely at his younger brother.
The Sea Prince beamed up at him, "It's been a lot of fun up there, I get to hang out with the other demigods and rebuild camp."
"Is that so?" Triton said thoughtfully, "How did you like my little surprise I put in your other rooms?"
"Holy moly, you could've warned me first. They nearly gave me a heart attack when I first went in to check the place out!"
"But they're so cute and cuddly." Triton actually pouted, "I even picked out the ones that liked you the most."
Percy raised an unimpressed brow, "Triton, you're just about the only person who thinks six foot homicidal barracudas are 'cute'"
His brother hand raised and bred ten barracudas to deliver priority messages all over the ocean for him in Armoniá; they had almost literally scared the poop outta him when all ten of them came to 'greet' him the first time Triton brought him to his soundscape.
He'd been so naive…
•••micro flashback!•••
"Wow." exclaimed an awestruck Percy, who swam up to the enormous nautical map. The blinking lights lit up his cyan face in various colors, "This place is amazing!"
"I'm glad to hear you say so, I designed and built this structure myself." bragged the Crown Prince.
"I didn't know you had so many workers here, I've never seen Hermes with anyone but George and Martha."
"And therein lies the reason why I get better reviews and results. I'm not ludicrous enough to handle all this by myself, I'd much rather have time for other important duties." he sniffed pointedly.
Percy refused to add more metaphorical fuel to their feud so he asked a question to change the subject, "Hey, who do you send when a secret or top priority message needs to be delivered? Do you take them yourself?"
"I used to, nowadays the only messages I deliver personally are Mother and Father's."
"Who does it now?"
Triton smiled mischievously, "Do you want to meet them? I hand raised them myself and they're just the sweetest things."
"Really?"
"Oh yes, they're so very charming. Shall I call them over?" at Percy's enthusiastic nod, he snapped his fingers and called upon his darling helpers.
Percy grinned in excitement, he wondered what kind of cute creatures Triton had managing the important stuff?
He heard them before he saw them.
He turned around expecting to see something like a pod of porpoises or dugongs with hand sewn carrier bags and cute hats on their heads that had the words 'We're here to help!' and flowers embroidered on their caps.
Oh no. He was greeted by the sight of ten fearsome barracudas charging right at him.
THOSE WERE NOT CUDDLY CREATURES AT ALL.
"WaitwaitwaitwaitOhmygodsTritonyouliarthosearen'tcuteporpoises!" He squealed in terror; and like a dumbass, he was rooted to his spot in fear.
Triton swooned as his precious helpers 'playfully' surrounded his brother in a flurry of bubbles and snapping teeth, "Aww, they like you!"
"TRIIIITOOOON!"
•••end of micro flashback!•••
"But do you like them Perseus? Be honest." asked Triton.
Percy exhaled slowly through his nose, they did keep him company, and once he got over the amount of razor sharp teeth in their mouths, they were actually pretty nice to have around.
He looked up at his brother and was surprised to find the smallest traces of vulnerability on his face.
"Yeah, they make for some pretty good pillows at night." he admitted.
Triton's smile reached all the way to his eyes and he pat his demigod brother's cheek, "That's splendid."
Their little moment was ruined when Triton's earfins perked up, casting his gaze towards the sunlit surface, he sighed a long suffering sigh of annoyance, "We might as well get a move on, your friends are starting to worry and think I've maimed you."
"Seriously?" scoffed Perseus, "Fine, let's go."
Together they swam up and breached the surface to join the rest of the land dwellers.
Percy broke into another fit of laughter upon seeing their faces, "What the heck guys, you look like fish with your mouths open like that!"
They couldn't help it, Lord Triton was intimidating as hades in his merform.
He was a pale green all over and had razor sharp fins on his body, his scales glistened in the sunlight and caused the light to bounce off him in mesmerizing patterns, his teeth were pointed and dangerous looking, they looked out of place being set in his human looking face.
But wow was he handsome.
The resemblance between him and Percy was strong, and it became even more apparent when he stepped out of the water and morphed into his human form next to his brother.
Triton wasn't big or bulky like most of Poseidon's offspring, he was lithe and very lean with just as much muscle definition as his demigod brother. He was a shy few centimeters taller, with a frame just a touch larger than his, and he had long sleek stygian hair that stopped between his shoulder blades and was pulled back into a half up half down do.
His face was chiseled and angular, his eyes were a clear oceanic blue, and they were framed by thick lashes; oddly enough, his bottom lashes were very prominent and made his eyes even more striking.
Huh, Jason thought, Percy was top lash heavy while his brother was bottom lash heavy; and much to hiss horror, he stepped out of the surf in a classic cut green chiton that complemented his pale skin and immediately changed his brother's clothes into a seafoam blue chiton to match.
"Why aren't you wearing the clothes Mother had made for you?" he asked with his hands on his hips.
"Y'see, I tried doing that, but apparently some people," he raked his eyes over his entire group, "Have issues with what I wear."
What utter minotaur shit, one way or another, everyone had an issue with it, just for different reasons than what he was implying.
Though Triton was no fool and caught on right away to what more than likely transpired while his baby brother wore a chiton.
His eyes narrowed dangerously, "Oh, is that so?" he cast his gaze on them and immediately pinpointed the main perps within the crowd, "Well, that's too bad. You're gonna wear nothing but chitons while I'm here."
"Cool." agreed his oblivious younger brother.
Fortunately for them, Chiron and Dionysus came forward and approached the Sea Princes, the centaur bowed low while the Wine God gave a slight tilt of his head.
"Greetings Lord Triton, it is our pleasure to have you here and for such a momentous occasion."
"Likewise."
"Bah! Enough with these formalities." exclaimed Dionysus, "What does Perseus Jackson need to do for a Navy?" It became dead silent as his words resonated within every person present.
Triton exhaled slowly through his nose and turned to face his brother who was sporting a challenging grin on his face. He met his enthusiasm head on and spoke aloud so that everyone present could hear, and like the showman he was, he made it way more dramatic than Percy thought it had any right being.
"Prince Perseus Achilles, yesterday night you made an unbreakable oath to me in front of numerous demigods and deities alike, do you hereby stand that you were of sound mind and of sound body while doing so?"
"Yes, I was."
"You had claimed that, in your words 'I can take anything you throw at me'. Does this statement still hold truth?"
"It does."
"Very well, then I Triton, Crown Prince of Atlantis, would have you do this." he paused and everyone held their breath at his next words. He held out his hand and declared, "Surrender your trusted blade, relinquish Anaklusmos to me."
The space around them dropped around ten degrees and the campers around them all gasped in shock.
Percy's heart felt like it just fell out of his chest and he couldn't breathe, "...What?" Why? How could Triton do such a thing to him? He knew he said he'd do anything, he thought he might issue him a quest or a challenge.
But to take his Anaklusmos from him?
The hurt must've shown on his face because Triton flinched back in shock and exclaimed, "Oh for Father's sake, I don't mean for you to hand over ownership of your blade, I just want you to hand her over to me for a bit."
Oxygen flooded his system and Percy felt faint with relief, "Jeez Triton, why didn't you just say that?!"
"Haven't you ever heard of keeping to the ceremony?"
"You nearly gave me another heart attack!" he accused.
Triton shook his head and plopped his hand on Percy's head, "You can be such a headache sometimes, my dear brother."
"If I'm a headache, then you're a migraine."
"Touché. Will you hand over your blade?"
Percy slowly took Triton's hand off his head, but kept his grip on it, "What are you gonna do to her?"
Triton closed his fist around Percy's, "It's about time she received an upgrade. Don't you worry, I'll keep her original form, I swear to you Anaklusmos will turn out better than you could ever imagine."
"Hold on just one second!"
The Sea Princes both turned and saw Dionysus approach them. He didn't look mad per say, he just looked extremely out of sorts, "Let me get this straight; you're going to give these demigods an entire naval armed forces and all the components involved." he glanced at Percy, "And you're going to do it if Perseus agrees to let you give his prized weapon an upgrade?"
Jason blinked. Now that Mr. D had said it out loud, he and the other demigods just couldn't believe what they were hearing.
No god could be this generous, it was absolutely unheard of!
The Crown Prince met the Wine God's eyes, and said without any hesitation, "Yes. Is there a problem?"
Dionysus let out a guffaw before it transitioned into side aching belly laughter,
"Ouranos, Gaia, and Chaos Almighty Triton! You're just too much!" he wiped a tear from his eyes, "You're almost as bad as Old Salty when it comes to spoiling this boy."
Triton smirked, "Do you have any objections?"
Dionysus waved him off, "Nah, just get it over with already."
"Very well then. Perseus, I'll ask you again, will you hand over your blade?"
Percy hesitated before reaching into the side pocket of his chiton (Jason: That thing has pockets?!) and pulled out Anaklusmos, he uncapped her and admired her beautiful form.
A form that might change forever.
Triton's expression softened, "I'll take good care of her Perseus, I'll swear it to you that she'll return safely."
"Okay."
With a heavy heart, Percy handed over Anaklusmos to Triton.
And CUT!
Hooo boy, I have absolutely no self control. This was supposed to be around 6k but ended up at nearly 8k!
Not much action happened here, but I think we got a lot more in return. Triton is definitely glad to be with Percy again :)
The Navy won't happen right away, but it's a surefire thing now!
And now for the important question….WHO WANTS A CLASSIC TRUTH OR DARE TROPE CHAPTER? Cause I sure as hell do! Suggestions are more than welcome :) and yes, Triton will definitely be there to witness the chaos! Gimme your suggestions via PM here or in an Ask on Tumblr!
** The tune that Percy sings/hums is a song he made to specifically call for Triton, each of member of his divine family has a song for them:
Triton: Ocean Lullaby - Colossal Trailer Music
Poseidon: Chant of the Deep Sea - Colossal Trailer Music
Amphitrite: Her and the Sea - CLANN
Alrighty, until next time!
~DF
Edited: 11/22/21