More adorable little Percy- she's a sweetheart, and Julius may have a soft spot for her.
Reviews:
Undeath9087: She'll start coming to terms with things partway through the first KC book plotline. It'll be fun when she gets past the jealousy because let's face it, those two will be a chaotic duo.
The Official Clarisse: I mean, it's Percy, of course she'd do that, she's a six year old. Gotta love her. And don't worry, they will.
Ryan Fowler: They'll be close eventually, don't worry!
MKDemigodzilla-Warrior: She will be very heavily involved and they will get better.
Guest: Yes we will get to see Percy being badass- even though she's still pretty young- but no Carter won't be jealous. Sadie is, for different reasons- Carter's just crazy protective of his youngest sister. Percy knows who her bio dad is- but Poseidon has no clue where she is- which will be addressed later- and all I can say is poor Poseidon. And no, Julius doesn't know about the prophecy.
Julius had to admit, Amos' reactions were quite amusing, though his younger brother managed to hold back from commenting until Julius had finished his story.
There was a long moment of silence when he was done and then Amos let out a breath. "Julius- you're playing a dangerous game-"
"I know brother." Julius shook his head, "But they're worth it- Sally and Percy- they've been good for me. I'm happier than I have been for a very long time.
And so is Carter- Sally's not afraid to tell me when I'm being to tough on him-"
"That's all well and good but the Greeks-"
"The amulets shield her- and you cannot deny her Egyptian blood brother. She has as much right to be trained as anyone else, Demigod or no."
"And you've started training her when you haven't even started with Carter or Sadie." there was disapproval in Amos' voice, "I understand why but- this whole situation is dangerous Julius-"
"It's worth the risk." Julius shook his head, "I wish you could meet Sally-"
"Julius-"
"I know." Julius raised a hand, "Even coming to see me today is risky, I wouldn't ever expect you to do more. I imagine I won't see you again for a very long time."
"It's not fair on any of them." Amos sighed heavily, a pained look on his face, "I miss you brother-"
"Daddy!" and Julius' attention instantly shifted to Percy, who was almost skipping towards them- her dress- a light shade of blue, had grass stains on it and she was grinning, her hair, which had been pulled into pig tails by Sally that morning, had come loose on one side, so one was still high on the side of her head and the other was much lower- Julius laughed despite himself, holding out his hands.
"My little princess-" he caught her under her armpits as she reached them and hauled her up into his lap, his gaze shifting to find Carter and Sadie- who were by the climbing wall, Carter watching his sister. "Why aren't you playing?"
"I thought Carter should play with Sadie so I told him I was tired." Percy declared brightly, resting her head on his shoulder.
"That's very good of you Percy." Julius shot Amos an amused smile- and Amos looked startled, but he smiled slightly, a flash of understanding on his face.
"Who's this daddy?"
"This is my brother." Julius informed her, "Amos."
"I suppose you can call me uncle Amos." Amos gave Percy a slight smile, "It was nice of you to give Carter and Sadie some time to play on their own."
"Well Sadie doesn't wanna play with me, but I figured she'd be sad if she didn't get to play with Carter at all so I should share-" that drew a laugh from Amos, a deep amused one, and he shook his head.
"Very nice of you. Your daddy told me you're kind."
And Percy's face went red and she twisted, pressing her face into Julius' shoulder, which just made him laugh, shifting slightly so that he could neaten Percy's hair, as awkward as that was while Percy had her face tucked into his shoulder.
"She also gets shy when people give her compliments." Julius' voice was fond, and Amos nodded."
"I can see that."
"And yet she's a fierce little thing during our lessons aren't you Percy?" that made Percy's head snap up, and she grinned.
"I like our lessons. Can I show uncle Amos?"
"Hmmm-" Julius glanced around, but there was no one else there, and both Sadie and Carter were distracted- Sadie was climbing the climbing wall and Carter was stood beneath her, head tilted up, his hands out slightly- he'd gotten used to being ready to catch Percy- she was usually fairly steady but her ADHD did sometimes mean that she'd get distracted and end up slipping- though that had been happening less since she'd started her training, Percy was born to be a fighter. "I suppose you can show off a little bit." he decided, lifting her up and off of his lap, and Percy grinned as she stood up straight "Not the Khopesh though sweetheart."
"Awe." Percy pouted, "But I like the Khopesh dadd-"
"No Percy. The Khopesh is only for if you really need to fight with a blade, and last time you summoned it you nearly decapitated your favorite teddy." he wanted her to be skilled with one- Julius also knew that the chances were that one day she'd need to use a more Grecian style blade, and he wanted her to be proficient in every area that she could be. "Summon the staff."
"Awe." Percy pouted but she focused, closing her eyes and reaching into the Duat.
She curled her fingers around the cool wood and she pulled it free, and when she opened her eyes she beamed as she glanced at her hand- sure enough the staff- which was taller than her, was in her hands, and she focused, brows furrowing, face scrunching up as she thrust it forward and a stream of water burst from the tip of it.
"By all the gods-" Amos' voice was startled and Julius laughed as the stream of water stopped and he reached out, catching Percy when she swayed on her feet.
"Woah there princess. See brother, Percy's a quick study- she has an innate gift with water- I imagine that's her fathers power coming through but she'll be a killed Magician when she's older."
"Very impressive." Amos nodded, "Julius-"
"We're being careful." Julius took the staff from Percy's hand and casually flicked it, making it slide back into its much smaller rod form which he tucked into his pocket as he pulled Percy back into his lap, letting the suddenly tired little girl curl into his chest, her head automatically moving to his shoulder. "Her mother agreed to let her train-"
"The House wouldn't approve."
"I no longer care what they think Amos. I will do what I believe to be right. It's best that Percy can defend herself for whatever is to come." his voice was heavy when he said that, "As much as I hope that she'll never have to fight- danger comes Amos, what Ruby saw-"
"Don't." Amos' voice was sharp, "I love and respect you but what you say is dangerous Julius- look what happened to her. He is bound, there is no-"
"I don't want to argue." Julius spoke up, "He's gaining strength- if they would just listen- it's not about bringing Ruby back Amos, not anymore. I will always miss her but I'm happy now. But brother what she saw-"
"Do you want them to hunt you more? Do you want that for the children?" neither of them were too worried about Percy hearing their words, the little girl was drifting off in Julius' arms.
"Of course I don't. But I believe what Ruby saw- I'm not going to rush into anything stupid- I'm being careful Amos-"
"You know I can't stand by you if-"
"Relax brother." Julius shook his head, "The time isn't right yet. We have a few years before we need to worry about it. Hopefully she was wrong- I- there's a chance. Believe me I would much rather her visions never come to pass. For now my focus is preparing Percy and learning and planning for when the time comes- even if Ruby and I were wrong Percy will need training, Sally and I both believe she was born to be a hero some day. I'd like it if I could have trained
Carter and Sadie but that would draw too much attention."
"You worry me Julius. Say you're right- the only one of them who even knows magic will be Percy-"
"I know. And when the time comes she will help me teach Carter and Sadie what they need to know." he shifted his grip on the sleeping girl. "I know it's not fair Amos- believe me I've considered it- but Percy isn't like Carter and Sadie. The House fear what Carter and Sadie might be capable of with training- I worry of what would happen if Percy isn't trained- she has power in her- if the House knew- I doubt they'd want to let her live but if I want to keep her safe and hidden she needs control. At least Carter and Sadie's outbursts have lessened with them parted. Percy- I can't be sure what would happen but-"
"I understand." Amos let out a breath. "Gods help us but I understand." his gaze focused on the little girl. "You love her don't you?"
"As much as Carter and Sadie, yes." Julius nodded, "I didn't expect to- when I first suggested the arrangement to Sally I just thought it would protect an innocent child and a woman at her wits end and it would make Carter's life easier too. Having someone to look after him when I'm busy. I didn't realise-"
"Love comes in strange ways." Amos smiled softly, "I am glad for you Julius- I didn't expect you to ever find happiness again. I didn't think you'd let yourself move on."
"Neither did I." Julius shook his head, "I really didn't plan on it Amos. It was the last thing I ever expected. But- Sally is-" he let out a breath, "She's beautiful and brave and fierce and loving and I truly don't know how I got so lucky a second time but I did-"
"I wish I could meet her." Amos paused, "You do seem very much in love. Tell me brother, do you plan on making it more official?"
"I-" Julius paused, "It's not even been a year yet." he stated slowly, "But I won't deny that I've thought about it." he looked down at the girl in his arms,
"Sally and I have discussed the possibility of my officially adopting Percy and Sally adopting Carter- in case anything was to happen- that way the children would stay together. I would like her to be allowed to adopt Sadie too but the Faust's, the House and Sadie herself would never allow it."
"Sadie is a child-"
"Yes but I won't force that on her. Sadie has a mind of her own. I hope she can grow to love Sally too but- at most she'll see her twice a year, they won't form a bond until she's older and has more say in how often she can see us- and even then-"
"I know." Amos shook his head, "Sadie will probably feel bitter at not being allowed to live with you in the first place. But she'll understand eventually."
"I just hope she doesn't resent Carter and Percy too much."
"She's a smart girl Julius- it'll take time but she'll understand." then he let out a breath, glancing at his watch, "I should go. I've lingered too long already." he shook his head, "I wish I could stay longer- say hello to Carter and Sadie."
"It's probably for the best that you don't- not when you can't see them again. It's bad enough that I'm in and out of Sadie's life so infrequently."
"Of course." Amos looked pained but he nodded as he rose to his feet. "It was good to see you again brother, even if it was only for a very short time. And it was a pleasure to meet little Percy. You're going to have your hands full with that one."
"Oh believe me I know I am." Julius laughed, "She's already a little terror when she wants to be- and she has Carter following her around like a personal guard."
"Be careful. Look after them, Carter and Percy I mean. Sadie's fairly safe with the Fausts but-"
"I know." Julius nodded, "I- sometimes I wonder if Carter and Percy would be better if we settled down a bit but- I can't settle, not when the House is still sending people after me. And if I had a home base- even if I didn't always stay there-"
"It's better for all of you to stay travelling." Amos sighed, "I know. If you ever need me- damn the House if you need me I will be there I promise."
"I know brother." Julius shifted his grip on Percy as he rose to his feet, holding Percy with one arm- the little girl was petite, easy enough for him to hold, and he clapped his hand on his brothers shoulder. "Hopefully next time I see you we can talk for longer."
And with that Amos was leaving, and Julius watched him go before he turned his focus back to the two children playing in the park- and gods but he wished that this could be how things always were- the children deserved so much better than he could offer them.
The world really was cruel.