VII - Percy

Percy was pretty sure there was a law that stated if something could go wrong, it would. It had a name, he was pretty sure too, since it happened so often.

First, he had realised that they would have to walk quite a distance from the sea upto the place where Bianca, Nico and him were to meet Annabeth and Jason. That was annoying, not to mention time consuming. Oh and did he mention the fact that it was nearly dusk?

When the three benders, and a pegasus finally reached a forest that Annabeth had spoken about, from which Mount Etna was clearly visible, they were too tired to do anything but collapse on the ground. Percy was pretty sure he was half asleep already.

"Blackjack? Could you keep watch?" Percy asked, through half-closed eyes, that noticed that Bianca and Nico were already asleep.

"Sure thing boss. While you weaklings recharge, I will proudly keep watch, not afraid of anything!"

Percy didn't even bother coming up with a retort. He was that tired. "Thanks." he groaned, as he lay on the ground, knocked out asleep before his head even hit the ground.

Percy honestly wasn't surprised when he had another weird dream.

This time, he was underwater. There were fish and other ocean creatures all around him that seemed to beckon him forward. He followed them, and they swam past magnificent underground waterscapes, palaces, and arches, till they finally reached a beautiful palace from which the very water seemed to originate.

Percy was amazed by the grandeur of this palace. He looked at the fish. "What? Am I supposed to go in?"

Percy didn't even have to talk to the fish. They just looked at him like he was incredibly dumb. And frankly, he was already getting his fair share of that look from Annabeth. "Alright! I'm going!" Percy shook his head.

When he entered the Palace, he was greeted by huge white walls that seemed to stretch up forever. Percy scanned his surroundings, looking for anyone that could be present. He saw nothing but white walls seemingly from Mother-of-pearl and wisps of marine flora that peeked from the large open windows.

"Welcome, my son!"

Son?

Percy whirled around. Standing behind him was a very beautiful woman. Her eyes were as dark as the deepest ocean trenches, while her skin was tanned, like Percy's. Her face had a regal appearance, and her thin lips were as red as fire coral. She was dressed in a flowing white gown that had pearls embroidered in it's tassels. She emitted an aura so powerful Percy had never seen anything like it.

"I-er-do I know you?" Percy stammered.

The woman laughed. She ran up and embraced Percy, who, although surprised, hesitantly reached out and wrapped his arms around her, inhaling the scent of the ocean. Was she related to him in some way?

Finally, the women stopped back. "You are definitely a son of the sea. As for your question, my dear champion, I am known by many names. But you would know me as Tethys."

Percy gasped, and frantically stepped back, bowing. "My sincere apologies, your,uh, highness. I wasn't aware!"

Tethys smiled."The sea has chosen well. Rise, my brave and humble Perseus. The sea has chosen you, and thus have I. My time here is limited-I come to warn you. Drakon is closer than you think, but even if you find him in time, it will not be without cost. You will lose one of your companions, whether on the path towards Drakon, or after, I know not. Therefore be wary." Tethys looked sober. "You are such a young lad, but Prometheus and Chaos are so power hungry-" she sighed. "Be careful, my hero." Tethys whispered softly.

Percy nodded. All this was rather new, but hey, he was a waterbender, so it was to be expected..in a way "I will, my lady."

Tethys smiled. "Then go. Remember to call upon the sea."

"Call on it? How? Which sea?"

Tethy smiled. "The sea inside you." She placed a hand on Percy's chest, and Percy couldn't help a sudden flashback from when Bianca had done the same thing. "The sea is in here Percy. Always. As am I."

Percy nodded solemnly. "Will I see you again?"

Tethys laughed. "Oh, maybe. Who knows? We Primoridals are bound by ancient laws that were formed much before our creation, so it is unto destiny. But I know you will fare well, you have the heart of the sea, and the soul of a warrior."

Percy nodded. "I thank you, Lady Tethys."

Tethys smiled, before disappearing in a whirlwind of water.

"Looks like water-benders aren't so tough after all, huh."

Percy groggily sat up, and rubbed his eyes. Nico was staring down at him. "Now that you're up, we can finally decide on what to do."

"What?"

"The Prince, what's his name? Jack? Jason? Yeah-Jason, and the other whiny girl haven't come yet. Are you sure we're at the right spot?"

Percy grinned at the name. Whiny girl. Suited Annabeth, he thought. "Yes Nico. I'm pretty sure even someone like me can't mess up looking for the only forest, or trees, at least within miles of Mount Etna, which, if you may not know, is one of, if not, the largest mountain in the four realms." Percy sarcastically replied.

Nico shook his head. "It is the largest. After Mount Tamalpais was destroyed by the great warrior Zoe Nightshade, an earth-bender, by the way, Mount Etna became the largest."

Percy nodded. Zoe Nightshade. One of the greatest earth-benders to have ever lived. She had single-handedly stopped the fire nation from advancing into Minoan territory, though she had sacrificed her own life to do so. Percy always wondered what she was like, since it was rumored that she was the protégé to none other than Poseidon himself. She was said to have fallen in love with a man whom she could never marry, which confused Percy. How was that even possible? Didn't the man love her back? Either way, after that, she had refrained from loving anyone. She had died, hundreds of years ago, when she blew up the top of Mount Tamalpais, to stop the advance of the fire nation. She was regarded as a hero by all-except the Fire nation, for obvious reasons. "I guess we wait for a few more hours, and then head further, towards Mount Etna."

Nico nodded. "I'll tell Bianca. Or would you rather tell her?" he asked, grinning mischievously. Percy swatted his elbow. "Go ahead. Be the kind little doting brother you are."

Nico wrinkled his nose. "Am not! But okay, fine, I will. Your loss." he replied, dashing off before Percy could even frown at his reply.

"I wonder if I was that annoying at his age." Percy spoked aloud. He paced about, thinking about his dream. He was surprised that Tethys herself had spoken to him. It was his first time ever even seeing a Primordial. And she seemed to be really nice as well. Percy imagined Primordials as old, wizened figures clutching swords and being nuisances, not a motherly figure who made you never want to disappoint her.

Percy straightened his back. He was not going to disappoint Tethys. Nor was he going to disappoint Bianca, Nico, Sally, Jason, Annabeth, or any of the other freebenders. He would do his best-or die trying. He would die, for sure, before allowing any of his companions, even, sigh, Annabeth, be killed. It was the way of the sea-there was much love in the sea. And there can never exist love without sacrifice.

"Percy!" Percy jerked his head up. "Here!" he shouted back, trying to locate the source of the sound- it sounded like Bianca, and as if she was in great danger. Percy's gut clenched, and his palms turned sweaty. Was this what Tethys had meant? He could not let this happen!

He quickly summoned a spear of ice, before rushing towards the sound. "Bianca!" Percy called out.

"Here! Percy, hurry up!"

Percy ran up. He saw Bianca and Nico, running alongside Jason and Annabeth. They quickly ran up to the clearing where he stood. Tempest was nowhere to be seen, though Percy assumed the eagle high up above-he could feel its presence more than see it-was Tempest.

"Well, you're early." Percy remarked dryly.

Jason panted, slapping his hands on his knees. "F-Fire benders." he paused, taking in a deep breath. "They caught us as we were flying towards the clearing. They don't know we can-"Jason paused to catch his breath again"-we can bend. Use it to our advantage." Jason rolled to the floor, where he closed his eyes, breathing in deeply. Annabeth looked beat too, Percy noticed. The debris from the ashes of the dying dragon had already covered her now seat-soaked clothes.

Percy swallowed hard when he saw Bianca and Nico, and even Annabeth looking expectantly at him. Was he supposed to tell them what to do? He scratched his head. "Well, since it's almost nightfall, and you seem to have lost them, I suggest we stay here. Nico, head out with Bianca to fetch some firewood. See if you can catch a deer or rabbit for us to eat. I'll head down to the sea and get some fish. Annabeth, come with me-you need to wash up. Blackjack." he turned to his ever present companion. "Stay here and watch over Jason. And Tempest-if he's really tired."

The other benders-and Blackjack-nodded. Bianca looked between Percy and Annabeth briefly, before shrugging, and following Nico, who had headed off as soon as he had heard the word 'hunt.' Percy watched the brother and sister head off into the woods, before looking towards the sun, inching closer towards the sea as the day grew darker. Percy turned and caught Annabeth staring at him.

"So, I guess, we'll go down towards the beach then?" Percy asked, awkwardly.

Annabeth rolled her eyes. "Yes, unless you want to ignore all those instructions you just gave."

"Why are you so rude? Have I done something to offend you?"

Annabeth looked down suddenly. "No." she said, looking up again at Percy, as the two of them walked the short distance from the clearing to the beach. "Well, besides spraying me with dragon debris-which couldn't be attributed to you alone, really."

Percy grinned. "I wish it could. I mean-" he added quickly, when Annabeth glared at him,"-taking down a dragon all by myself. Lightning boy did more than his fair share of the work. Ever wonder why the dragon followed you?"

Annabeth's face turned grim. "The only possible way for that to happen is if there is a traitor on Olympus. It could be anyone, really, from the army commander, Warrior Ares, to the leader of the Olympus scouts, Luke."

Percy figured Annabeth had feelings for Luke, by the way she said his name. Her voice got all soft and her eyes went dreamy. Besides, probably half the girls on Olympus crushed on Luke, he knew from experience- the fangirl throngs that had almost stampeded on him twice.

"So, Luke huh?" he teased. Annabeth looked like she was ready to kill him, quest and all. "What?" she practically screeched.

Percy raised his hands placatingly. "Your eyes. They went all dreamy when you spoke about Luke."

"You noticed my eyes?"

"Well, yeah. I think they're different." Percy replied, rubbing the back of his neck. They were. A startling, stormy grey, they were the most unique eyes Percy had ever seen. Sure, there were brown, and blue, and deep reds-or even black-ones, but none struck Percy as more brilliant than Annabeth's.

Annabeth blushed. "Thanks. Back at home, everyone thinks my eyes are unsettling, so they don't generally look me in the eye when I'm talking to them-all except the nobles, of course. They would consider it below them to fear me just because my eyes are a bit different."

Percy stuck out his chest. "Well then, that settles it. I am a noble."

Annabeth laughed. "Sure you are. You are aware that a real noble would never allow a lady to get dirty if they could do anything about it, right?"

"Who said you're a lady?" Percy asked, before running away as Annabeth chased him.

Percy laughed out loud into the wind as Annabeth chased him down the natural beach formed by the meeting of the sea and the sandy loam that emerged from the forest. He had never had this much fun in years, given that most of his childhood consisted of scrounging for the next day's meal. He could only remember being this happy when he was at sea, or as a child, on Sally's lap, eating blue bread. He ran into the sea, the water, as always, welcoming him with every touch. Annabeth caught up with him, and threw her arms around him. "What did you say?" she asked, gripping him tightly.

"You're not a-oof!" Percy was interrupted when Annabeth kneed him in the groin.

"Sorry, I didn't get you. Care to repeat that?" she asked sweetly.

Percy chuckled. "Sure." He used the water to push himself forwards, wrapping himself around Annabeth, while falling on top of her. He cushioned their fall with the water. "I said." he repeated, looking down at Annabeth. "That you are no-no.."

Percy stopped thinking. Speaking even. He just realised how close he was to Annabeth-and for the first time, he was at a loss of words. Her grey eyes sparkled in the setting sun, and her golden curls bounced off rays of fading light. Her slim physique made her look every bit a noble, and Percy was suddenly aware that he was a peasant boy surrounded by a lot of nobles. Not that his being a potential waterbending noble mattered anyway-he was technically the last of his kind.

He was also angry with himself. Why was he developing feelings for two girls at the same time? Wasn't a potential world-ending quest enough? What, was he going to be sent back in time next and develop feelings for every possible girl-including Zoe, the sworn maiden?

Annabeth chuckled and placed a finger on Percy's cheek. "Good. Now let me go!'

Percy nodded. As he stood up, taking Annabeth with him, he willed the water to rinse Annaebth, removing the dirt and grime on her.

"Tha-Thanks." Annabeth huffed, shivering in the cold sea water. "But I could have done that myself."

"Now where would the fun in that be, Wisegirl?" Percy asked, grinning. The moment between Annabeth and him had passed- it seemed to be nothing more than his teenage bender hormones annoying him again. Annabeth scowled at him. "Seaweed brain, shut up and go fishing. That's why you came here."

Percy chuckled. "I've got that covered." He dipped his hand in the water, and sent a steady current through it-a warm, homely current, that would attract marine life from all around. It soon did. Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and sea creatures of all kinds began to surround the two, now in shoulder-deep water. Annabeth shrieked and clambered onto Percy's back when a shark swam too close for her confort.

Percy chuckled and rubbed the shark's snout. "Hey there, big fella. Think you could call a few friends and get me a couple of fish?" The shark swam around Percy, Annabeth screeching each time it neared her, before swimming off.

"Percy, that was not funny." Annabeth complained.

"Sure. Yeah. Right." Percy replied, more focused on watching the sea-life around him. He always was amazed by the diversity and life he could find at sea. "You all are free to leave, thank you." he called out, and the aquatic creatures swam away. He turned his head halfway. "Annabeth, you can get off my back now and head for shore. I'll be here when the sharks return."

"Are you sure you won't mess up and lose the fish?"

Percy stuck his tongue out. "Sure. Besides, you're really heavy and afraid of sharks, so I don't see why you are complaining."

Anabeth huffed, before jumping off Percy's back, dunking him in the water, and quickly scrambling ashore. "See you then. Don't die-you're not expendable."

Percy snorted. "And you are?"

Annabeth stopped, and turned around. "Maybe." She added, before sprinting towards the forest.

Oh, that was not happening.

Percy reached out, and tendrils of water sprung forth from the ocean, before they wrapped around one of Annebth's ankles, tripping her. She fell onto the beach, and Percy quickly stepped out of the water and ran towards her. She got up, and looked at him angrily. "Jerk! Why would you do that?"

"What was that?" he asked, glaring at her.

"What was what? Percy? Are you okay?" Annabeth asked, looking equal parts surprised and embarrassed.

"Do you really think you're expendable?"

Annabeth looked down, refusing to meet Percy's eyes. He sighed, before tentatively placing an arm on her shoulder. "You are not expendable. I hate people who think they are. And you are definitely someone who I don't hate. Detest, maybe. But hate? No."

"Don't dictate your terms to me."

Percy sighed. "I'm not trying to. You're much more valuable than you realise, Wise girl. Don't sell yourself short."

Annabeth snorted. "You waterbenders and your loyalty-you'd lose the whole world to save your friends."

Percy nodded, resolutely. "I would-but how many friends do you think I have? It takes a lot to earn my loyalty, but somehow, in some way, all of you have. And I'm not going to let anything happen to any of you."

"Bold words, coming from you when we don't even know where Drakon is, or what's going on right now."

"I mean every word, Annabeth. Do you understand?"

Annabeth rolled her eyes. "Sure. I'll try not to die."

"I wasn't kidding."

"Who said I was?"

Percy rolled his eyes, before surprising Annabeth with a hug- which he quickly pulled back from, blushing. "Okay. I'll be back in a while with the fish. See you, Wisegirl." He added, smiling.

"You too, Percy."

Annabeth smiled back and headed to the beach, before continuing down to the forest, where she disappeared after entering the huge maze of trees.

Percy turned back to the water, before wading deep into the water, and then diving into the ocean off an underwater ledge.

He hoped the water would cool him, because all he wanted to do right now was send Krnons and his army into the deepest trench he could find.

He relaxed his breathing, looking around at the peace that seemed to permeate the sea.

He took in the vibrant colours around him, the glowing corals, the scales of the fish reflecting the setting sun, the bioluminescent algae- sure, others were smart, but Percy could swim circles around anyone regarding anything related to water. He propelled himself through the water, watching the sea creatures move about, before settling at the bottom of the slope he was on. Beyond this slope was the open ocean- a great chasm of seemingly never ending dark blue. It both awd and terrified Percy at the same time. He knew that there was both good and bad in the ocean. Good creatures, like the fish, sharks, and even Drakon. Then there was the Kraken, the Trojan Sea monster and the rest. Albeit few, those few dark yet powerful creatures were enough to give the ocean a bad name and make Percy wary whenever he ventured out into deep waters. He shuddered, the water around him suddenly feeling a bit colder.

Percy fought back to regain his composure. The calming lull of the waves, and the soft feeling of sand helped. He bobbed his head with the current, slowly closing his eyes.

Percy may have dozed off for a bit while he waited. He was still recovering from the flight, and transitioning from a city life to a warrior bender's was never easy. Percy opened his eyes as he felt a gentle prodding on his legs. It was the shark, returning with some mackerel, some tuna, and a marlin. Percy could see that they were good specimens of fish, each in their prime, and clearly the sharks had outdone themselves. He hoped they were dead or diseased, since he could never eat fish himself, he considered them his subjects. But he could not refuse the order of nature. Percy nodded his thanks to the shark, offering some of the marlin to it, and some mackerel to the other sharks swimming by, before he grabbed the remaining fish and propelled himself up through the cold, dark blue water, glowing in the moonlight.

Percy slowly walked back to camp, holding the marlin's sharp snout defensively. He knew that forests, no matter how friendly they seemed, would possess dangerous animals, especially at night. He had heard enough from Sally lecturing him about never entering the Olympians forests at night, and yet, here he was, in an even more dangerous situation. He quickened his pace, heading towards the distant glow of a campfire.

Just as Percy reached the clearing, he saw Jason, seemingly in the same position. Jason nodded at Percy. "Hey man. Thanks for the fish. Sorry, but I'm beat after fleeing those firebenders." Jason slowly sat up. "I'll help you cook. The other three went looking for you."

"Looking for me?"

"Well, obviously. You went out at sunset and it's well into the night now."

Percy groaned. He had forgotten about that. He walked away from the clearing and towards the forest, looking for the others. He would never hear the end of it from Annabeth if he told her he fell asleep. Maybe he could-

"Percy!"

Percy didn't get time to think- a huge mass tackled him to the ground and crushed him.

Percy immediately fell to the ground under the weight, and then craned his neck back looking to see why, and saw three, angry but relieved looking benders looking back at him. Annabeth was the first to get up, before dusting her hands and smacking Percy on the head. "I knew you were a seaweed brain. At least you got us some fish." She walked over to where Jason sat, and deftly proceeded to make a spit and roast the fish over the fire.

Nico grinned at Percy. "Good, you're not dead. I really want to meet Drakon, and that would be hard if you were, well, not alive."

Percy rolled his eyes. "Thanks for your concern. I'm happy that I'm so valued."

Nico chuckled and ran to the fire, stretching out his thin hands towards the warmth it offered.

"Where were you?"

Percy turned to Bianca, who was looking at him questioningly. He smiled sheepishly. "I fell asleep."

"Underwater? Are you insane-?" Bianca practically screeched, and Percy immediately snapped his hand over her mouth. He looked back at the campfire, where Nico and Jason were chuckling and Annabeth merely rolled her eyes.

Percy looked back at Bianca, who promptly stepped back from his hand, before grabbing it by the wrist and twisting. "Hey! Ouch-" Percy yelped.

"Don't interrupt when I'm talking, alright?"

Percy nodded vigorously. "Let go please, mighty warrior?" Percy asked, chuckling, wincing as Bianca gave his hand a quick squeeze before releasing it. "Just don't tell Nico or Annabeth I fell asleep-I'd never hear the end of it."

Bianca nodded. "I'll think about it. Don't do something like that again."

"Really? Why? There's no fun in being boring. The sea cannot be restrained, you know."

Bianca looked at Percy silently for a minute, before she reached out and placed her hand on Percy's chin. Percy's breath hitched as he saw her looking at him from her dark blue eyes, her hair glowing in the moonlight, her graceful poise making her look every bit like an immortal warrior bender. Bianca angled Percy to look down to where she was, ensuring he looked her in the eyes. "I was worried, Percy. Even though we've just met, I know you're out there to do something important. Don't go ahead and do stupid things like that, okay?"

Percy nodded. "Sure thing Bia. Good to know you care though." he added, winking.

Bianca snorted, before pushing Percy to the ground. "I just don't want the four realms to be destroyed because you forgot to polish your sword or fell asleep or something."

Percy grabbed Bianca's outstretched arm, meaning to pull himself up, but instead pulled Bianca down towards him. He let out a soft 'oof' as their bodies collided. "Or something stupid like that." Bianca continued speaking, glaring at him.

Percy sighed sheepishly as the two of them got up. "Sorry, I just expected you to be able to pull me up, seeing as to how strong you are-you basically owned me just a few minutes before that."

Bianca rolled her eyes. "Strength is relative, Percy. The strongest mountain can be destroyed by the work of the tiniest mouse. Besides, strength is not everything. Bravery, courage, wisdom, and even wit can accomplish what brute force cannot, at times."

"Sure thing, philosopher."

"Of course, strength is still a good thing." Bianca added, before pushing Percy down again, and running towards the campfire, laughing.

Percy rolled his eyes. "Real mature." he mumbled, before getting up and running to the welcoming glow of the warm flames.

A/N: Story has not been abandoned, we've just been busy.

Thanks to a very persistent AgellosIsAngel I decided to sneak in another update. Huge thanks to Gabe1234 and Ianoliano for the great reviews! (And also thanks to all the guest reviewers :))
Ianoliano, while I can't say that you will meet all of the seven here, I can assure you that you will meet the most of them.

Percy is still a hormonal teenager don't kill me over it sdhfjsdkh his character will develop with time.