Percy

August 1, 2012

Today is the second anniversary of the end of the giant war...and Annabeth's death. I wasn't taking it as hard as I thought I would or maybe even should have, it could be because of her parting words or my lack of time to sit and stew in my own sadness.

The last two years have gone by in slow motion. My life has consisted of two activities, working the boat with Polk and hanging out with Polk. Yeah, Im definitely peaking at nineteen.

Polk isn't actually so bad once you know him. He may have given me a hard time when I first started on his boat, not to say that he's let up, but he's done what he said he was gonna do. Broken me out of my shell. At first I thought it was gonna be hell working for the old man, and I still think that, but Polk is good company. After two whole years I don't know much about him and when I ask he just smiles, "I've been fishing since about as far back as anyone can remember." He has that same 'wise old man' thing going for him and I can definitely see why people call him Grandpa P. I even call him Grandpa P every once in a while just to see him react, but I think he secretly likes it.

He may avoid my lines of questioning most of the time with more cryptic one liners, but he doesn't let me get away from his. He knows about my whole life, in a roundabout way, you know since I can't tell him the whole story without the 'Well you know about the greek gods?' talk. He gets the gist and seems to understand more than he knows. That didn't stop him from working me into the ground though, it is hard work. Not necessarily the work, but the hours. The worst part is the food. Polk eats fish almost every night, and I'm not down for that. How am I supposed to eat something I can have a conversation with? The first trip was terrible, Polk didn't know my objection to eating fish and I pretty much lived on a bread and water meal course like a soldier in the brig. Ever since then Polk is sure to bring some other foods out to sea with us. He may be odd in his ways, but I can see that he definitely cares for me as much as I care for him. He really has taken a 'grandpa-like' role in my life, but we're best friends.

Turns out I'm pretty good at fishing too, I may not be using a rod and reel, but there's definitely an art to commercial fishing. It also helps that I know anything and everything about the boat, at all times. Who knew? I frankly expected to be pretty good at fishing, because the 'Poseidon is my father' thing.

We go out for about a month at a time taking two months off the year. When we're on break I mostly stay with Polk but there's been a few times where I take a boat across the water to Kluane national park and camp out for a week or so. It's peaceful and every once in a while it's good to have some alone time away from Polk, who snores so loudly I sometimes check on him cause it sounds like he's gargling water in his sleep. Last Christmas I was able to catch a used CPAP floating around on Ebay. He thought it was hilarious, and I think he secretly uses it when I'm on my trips.

When I'm out in the forest I normally camp at the bottom of this waterfall that has a stagnant pool of water off the side. The main channel spills into the bay. Sometimes sitting out here I start to worry that one day when I'm trekking in the woods to the Canadian border I'll stumble into the Hunt's camp, which would be a death sentence. I worry more about being reunited with Thalia than running across almost any monster I can think of. It may seem irrational, and it is, but if you've had a literal lightning bolt travel through your body then you can understand where I'm coming from. It's not pleasant to say the least.

I haven't gotten to the Canadian border yet, and I might not ever go that far, I usually turn back before I get too close. Usually when I'm on my trips is the only time I see many monsters and I get to let riptide spring to life. It's not really a camping trip as much as it is a hunting expedition. It brings my life just the right amount of excitement. When we're on the boat I see sea serpents and other 'mythological' creatures, but they never attack or even come too close. There have been a couple close calls where I've had to convince a pod of hippocampi to not tell Poseidon where I'm at in exchange for a few fish.

I've always been good fighting with one sword, and decent with a sword and shield but the passed two years I've trained relentlessly dual wielding Anaklusmos and Phronesis, Riptide and Wisdom. I've taken to using Annabeth's drakon bone sword, I hope she'd like the name. I've gotten pretty good, probably better than I am with a single sword.

Right now we are on our way back to town, still a about a hundred and eighty miles off shore. We pulled in our last net of the trip an hour or so ago and started stowing our catch before heading back. It's times like these where I don't have anything to do besides hurry up and wait that I start thinking back on my old life. I do miss my family. I do miss my friends. I even miss all those Olympians, even if they are a little fucked up, but really who isn't? I think of IMing my mother at least a couple of times a day, but always think better of it. I will eventually go back and meet my baby sister and see all my friends and family, but now isn't the time. I feel ashamed that I let Annabeth die because she got worked up about a threat aimed at me. She asked me not to blame myself, and I have forgiven myself...partially. I don't think I'll ever completely forgive myself. I dread the day I return and face everyone who she loved and cared about, knowing I'm the reason they'll never see her again.

When we get back I think I'm going to head to my spot in the woods and let off some steam. It'll be good for me.

When we got back and situated we cleaned the boat top to bottom. We headed back and had started cooking up fresh ribeyes for dinner.

"So Polk I think I'm gonna head over to Kluane after dinner. I probably won't stay too long, but I might need your help getting the skiff out of the shed," I said while seasoning the steaks.

"Y-yeah, o-okay. Just let me know," he replied with a half hearted smile and staring off over the sea.

That's weird. Never gotten that reaction before.

"...Is everything alright Polk? You're not about to keel over and die on me are ya old man? Cause I might have to kick your ass if you don't eat this steak I'm cookin' you."

"So you think you can take me in a fight now? I'm not too worried, I've watched you try to pull a net off a snag. Can't say I'm impressed," he retorted with a full blown grin. "But yes, everything is fine. I-I was just remembering I had to run and get something from the store...don't worry, I'll be back before you're done cooking so don't start bitchin' and moanin' just yet." He got up and grabbed his coat hanging off his chair and put it on while walking out the door of the enclosed patio.

What the hell. The old man is a wierdo to begin with and he always act like he's uncomfortable with being on land for extended periods of time but this is different. I can't place it but something is definitely up. Maybe he's gonna fire me...nah, he wouldn't do that and if he would I have no doubt in my mind he'd do the exact same thing he did to the last guy and not be bashful in the least. Maybe he's just going to miss me? Me and him have gotten closer than either of us would admit to each other, but I'm not sure, it feels...different.

I pushed that out of my mind for the time being, walked over to the grill, steaks in hand. Time to get these bad boys on the grill.

After ten minutes or so Polk returned carrying a loaf bread and jug of milk. He was just in time too. I walked inside with the steaks and took the potatoes that were baking out of the oven and got them ready before taking it all to the dining room where me and Polk sat on the couch and watched TV while we ate.

After we both finished I grabbed our plates and took them to the kitchen.

"Leave em' in the sink Perce, you cooked so I'll clean. Did you do something different with the meat? Not to be mean but it kind of tasted like shit," he said giving me the side eye, trying to keep a straight face.

"You better watch yourself you old fart. You gotta go to sleep sometime," I fired back.

"That's true but I doubt you could fit those little mittens of yours around my neck if you wanted to," he said while laughing, "But seriously though Percy, the steaks were delicious, as usual. Thanks."

"Well they better be, I've watched enough of your shitty cooking shows for them not to be," I responded, proud of my new skill.

"...Soo have you made up your mind if you're gonna go to Kluane," he asked suddenly getting serious.

"Y-yes, I think I am," I looked at him with a raised eyebrow, "Do you want me to stay or something? You're acting weird."

"No it's not that, I was just wondering if you required this poor old man's help getting the skiff out."

"Well I guess not if you're gonna throw a pity party..."

"Awww poor Percy needs this 'wittle old man's' help," he replied trying to goad me into an argument.

I just stared at him incredulously, "No I don't need your help, I would really appreciate it but since you want to act like that I'll do it on my own. Wouldn't want you to waste any steps, you know you only got so many left."

"Okay, okay. I'll help you, but only because I don't want to wash the tear stains out of your hoody. But let me pack you a bag and we can head down to the shore," he replied somewhat lightly.

I headed to my room and grabbed a few of my things. I stashed Wisdom in my rolled sleeping bag and slung it across my back. Then I went to wait on the patio for Polk. After a few good minutes he started walking down the hall and swung the door out and stepped onto the patio and we wordlessly walked down to the shed.

We pulled the skiff out rather quickly, and I truly didn't need his help, but I like to spend time with him. We walked to the edge of the water and set the boat on the smooth rocks. We stood staring at each other.

"Well I guess I'll be seeing you in about a week o-,"

"Percy there's something serious that I need to talk to you about," he interjected, never looking up from his shuffling feet.

"What is it," I asked, feeling really weird about the situation.

"Well...you know about the greek gods...," he began while looking me in the eyes to see me staring back like a fish out of water. Then he bust out laughing.

What the fuck is going on. Why is it always one surprise after the other for me.

"I'm just messing with you Perce. But yes, I know exactly who you are Perseus Jackson. Two-time Hero Of Olympus."

He let that sink while keeping direct eye contact with me. I started feeling lightheaded and felt myself starting to sway.

Polk snapped his fingers and I immediately felt better, "You've felt but a fraction of the healing power that the seas have to offer. Can you guess who I am?"

I immediately busted open my mental book of the long family tree of the greek gods and monsters. Racking my brain, still struggling to think clearly.

Then it clicked. No. It can't be.

"You're Pontus. Primordial of The Seas," I spoke in a hysterical state, almost dropping to bow to him.

"Oh no ya don't. Percy please, none of that. Ever. Or I will you show what the real power of the seas looks like. You are like a son to me, and oddly enough my best friend. While you may be my only friend, it's still quite an accomplishment. You can parade that title around Olympus if you want. 'Yeah I'm Percy Jackson Hero Of Olympus blah blah blah and The Only Friend of Pontus.' Sounds nice doesn't it?"

I just stared at him like he had grown two faces. Well I guess he kinda has.

"Perce, please. I'm the same old Polk. You met the real me. Me and you are more alike then you'll ever know. After all your father's domain is literally me. You seem to have gotten more of my traits than even your father. But you didn't even question what I meant when I said you'll be going back to Olympus. What fun is that? But yes, you will be going back to Olympus and you absolutely have to go to Kluane and you won't be coming back for some time I'm afraid."

"But wh-why?!"

He just stared at me with a confused look, "Well I don't know why are you asking me?! I don't control how the Fates spin their yarn, that would be Ananke and me and her aren't exactly best friends. But you must go, if you were to try to avoid fate I would have to force you follow it's path. Nothing good comes from defying fate. Im sorry, Percy, but you're ready. I've watched you heal for two years. You have been tested by the sea and have received it's healing blessing, just not in the way you would have imagined. I know this is hard Perce."

I snapped, "Hard?! Hard?! You're telling me. I hangout with this old man for two years and ya think you know a guy, then he busts this shit out and tells you that you have to follow fate. Fuck that. I came to Alaska to get away from those three decrepit bitches." I started calming down. "Pol-Pontus, if you know me then you know why I want to be away from all that."

He looked at me with a sad smile and slowly shook his head.

"You think I want you to go? I do not wish that. These have been the two most enjoyable years of my extremely long life. I told you, you are like my son, and I care for you deeply... That is why I'm asking you to be my Champion. You will take a portion of my power. Although I know you don't care about power you will be stronger than any individual Olympian. You will have limits while you are still partly mortal, but you will be unlike anything the gods or even The Creator himself has seen...if you accept of course. You will have to keep in line with my morals, but I really doubt that will be problem for you seeing as you haven't strayed from them one single time in your life. You will also have a direct link to me, as I will you."

I had to clear my throat and close my mouth to stop myself from choking.

"But why me?" I asked.

"Gods you're dull sometimes, everyone sees it but you. You know the answer you just have to look at yourself without so much modesty and you'll have your answer," he said while laughing.

This guy really never stops with these riddles.

"Okay. Okay. I'll accept," I replied meeting his eyes.

"Now that's good to hear, not that I was gonna give you a choice," he said stepping towards me.

He laid both of his hands on my shoulders and smiled at me. I immediately felt power flow into me, coursing through my veins. I gasped as the pain hit me. I looked down to see my skin beet red like I'd been in a scalding shower. I felt like a new man, like I'd shed my old skin and was ready to give life another go.

"Pretty nice isn't it,"The old man spoke in my mind.

"Umm yeah...I feel...different. Good different."His arms still on my shoulders he leaned forward and embraced me in a hug, which I gratefully returned.

"It's time for you get going Mr. Hard Work," he spoke normally and I could feel his muscles on my shoulder shaping into a grin.

"Okay so do I just go to Kluane like normal?" I asked.

"Yes. I would imagine so..."

We stepped back from each other and I started dragging the boat into the water, while he pushed from the back. I got in and stared at the man that had given me so much shit and played such a giant role in my life.

"Im gonna miss you Grandpa P," I said sadly.

"You can always call on me, my Champion. But I'm gonna miss you too, even if you are a shitty deckhand," he replied with a smirk.

"Yeah whatever asshole. I shoulda pushed your hunchbacked ass over the railing when I had the chance," and with that I pushed off. Listening to Pontus cracking up on the beach as I started to pick up speed."

Artemis

In the throne room

"Artemis. What is the situation with your hunt for Percy" Zeus asked.

"The same as always father. No luck," I replied with a bit of anger.

"Well I'm sure you'll find him eventually. But as of right now I'm changing your priori-"

"WHAT?! You're pulling her off the search for my son?" Poseidon yelled as he jumped off his throne.

"Yes brother, temporarily. The manticore has reformed and he has been attacking young demigods," father replied cooly.

Poseidon sat back down on his throne, muttering incoherently.

"Any leads on where the manticore or where he might be headed?" I asked, ready for a change of mission.

"Yes actually. Last we heard he was in Whitehorse, Canada making his way towards the Alaskan border."

"You want me and the hunters to go to Alaska?! Why?"

"With your hunters you will be more than fine. You have more than thirty hunters at your side now and from what I understand they're pretty good with their bows. Shouldn't be a problem," he said all matter-of-factly, which always irritated me.

"If that is what you wish father," I replied with just a smidge of venom.

After a lot more ranting about different subjects and a couple of Zeus's oh so grand speeches the council was dismissed. I flashed back to the hunt with the news.

"Good news girls," I spoke to the group that had coagulated on my arrival, "we have been assigned to hunt down the manticore."

There was buzzes of excitement all throughout the group, even from Thalia.

"Bad news is we're going to Canada...and making our way towards Alaska. I checked the map and I think we should head into Kluane national park. We leave at sunup."

4k words down in the books folks. Only took me a solid six hours, but I can't lie, I love doing this so I hope you guys enjoy reading it.

Let me know what you guys thinks! Have a great night/day/afternoon!