Jessica's POV:

Percy swung Riptide in the immediate circle around himself, cutting the two deadly critters in half. Lunging forward, Percy stabbed the pit scorpion that already sat on my forearm. I didn't even notice it had already jumped and landed. Attesting to the skill and speed of Percy. Only, it already stung me. I fell over just as quickly, as the poison took it's affect. An already swollen welt formed and my ears began to pound, and my vision went foggy. It almost felt peaceful, all things considering.

My body began to shake and I couldn't tell if my body was having a seizure or if it was Percy. Along with, a distant voice calling out and asking me to stay awake. Things made a weird turn when I felt as if my body began to float, and the sounds of the winds went whooshing past my ears. I began to burn up and a pounding headache split my skull. Through my foggy vision, I noticed I was in a clearing... Then everything went black.

It all happened so quickly. First, Percy shows up out of the blue and says he is banished. Meaning I won't ever see him again. Then he speeds off across the lake in inhuman speeds without an explanation, which of course has me mad that he would just up and leave after he was about to say something. Then I follow as well as I could and end being a hostage. Then that's it.

Wait! Am I dead? I don't want to die! Please, tell me I'm not dead! I still have so many things I want to do, like find my mom. Percy said he would help with that...

...

I woke up with a drinking straw in my mouth and the all too familiar taste of nectar making it's way down my throat. The sickroom of the Big House. Not too long ago I was in here saved by Percy from a car wreck and a monster. Now here I am again, saved because I got caught in the middle of something. Apparently that's my life's story.

"Hey, how are you feeling?" The unmistakable sound of Percy asked me caringly. Who also held a washcloth to my forehead. Oh the rumors going around about him could make anyone blush or vomit. There's just so many.

"Like I died and my body is a furnace... Thanks again, by the way." He saved me twice now.

"I don't deserver your thanks. It's my fault. If it weren't for Chiron's healing, I would've lost you too." Too? What does he mean by that. I looked around and saw every one else was in the same boat as I am. We all were asking the same mental question, who has he lost before? Annabeth sat on another bed watching Percy and reading his every move. Argus was by the door like a guard and Chiron sat in his magical wheelchair at the foot of the bed.

"How long have I been out for?" I sorta need to know.

"Two days..." Chiron spoke.

"Wait! That means…" Nooo. I really wanted to hang out him. I don't know much about him.

"Yep, today is my last day," Percy took a look outside the window and then continued, "Actually, by the looks of it, I have a couple more hours." Everyone else in the room didn't partake in his go happy mood. "Oh come on guys, don't act like it's the end."

"But, it is the end! You were banished by the Olympians! Do you realize what that means!? What are the chances that we see you again? Or if you live? What about keeping your promise?" Damn Annabeth just went off on him and he isn't doing anything about it.

"Annabeth calm down." Chiron sternly said. "Percy clearly has a plan, otherwise he wouldn't be so nonchalant about this whole ordeal." Chiron looked over and Percy nodded back. How can he possible be so calm?

"Percy could die out there! Why aren't we doing anything to stop this?" She has a point. "Is there anything we can do?"

"She has a point," Now I was the center of attention, "I mean we can't just let him go. What if something bad happens and we aren't there to help." Was I pushing my bounds? I feel so out of place here, like I shouldn't be a part of this conversation.

"Guys, I'll be fine. Besides, I'm going to be going after Luke first. I won't let him get away. Also, if you've forgotten, I've been on my own before, this time won't be too different." When was this?

"Am I missing something here because other than holding me hostage and nearly killing me, I'm completely in the dark here." What did Luke actually do?

"... You know how I told you about my quest?" I nodded, "I didn't tell you everything because I wanted to be wrong on somethings... Luke damn near killed me. Fine, I could live with that, wouldn't be the first time something like that has happened. But, what really ruffles my feathers, is the fact that he nearly killed his own family. Grover and Annabeth. He wanted them gone, out of the picture as if they meant nothing to him. And he wanted to kill you Jess. That I will not let fly. Not while I still breathe." The water around the room began to flip out. Suddenly it stopped. I looked over at Percy and saw him no longer mad, more upset than anything. He just seems to have it all together, or partly at least. I wonder if I'll ever be like that?

"Percy are you ok?" I asked placing my hand on his shoulder.

"I'm just glad you're ok... Listen, I'm not about to let Luke get any more of a head start than he already has. I should get going. I promise this won't be the last that you'll see of me." You better keep that promise.

"I'm sorry, it's all my fault. If it weren't for me, this wouldn't have happened."

"It's not. Not in the slightest. Like I told you before, I'm here to protect you. I know how cliché that sounds but still. I still plan on keeping my promise. All of them." He patted me on the head like I was a child and made his way out of the room. No one even tried to stop him, not that they could. For fear of the wrath of the gods and all. A couple minutes passed and no one said a word.

"So what now? Percy's gone. Luke turned traitor. And then there's Kronos." Annabeth spoke up.

"All we can do. Prepare." I didn't like the sound of that. Then Chiron wheeled out of the room with Argus following closely behind. Now it was just Annabeth and I. Not gonna lie, the air felt a little awkward. Or she was trying to think of a plan and I was being the awkward one. I can't really tell.

Percy's POV:

Sorry dad but, I won't be seeing you again for a little while. I hope you understand. Man, I really hope you understand... Ugh what am I doing!? If he is working with Kronos this won't be easy. I don't even know where to start! There are so many unanswered questions that need answers. And what am I going to do if I do run into him? I know I can fight and win, sure, but he has Kronos backing him up every step of the way. They clearly have a plan that is already at play and I don't.

There's no point going in blind and without a backup plan. Or a backup for the backup plan. Or afford to waste time. The more I think about it the more going after Luke doesn't seem like the best thing I should be doing. At least right now.

I stopped running through the forest. Come on, I don't even have a place to start looking. I looked over my shoulder, this is getting ridiculous. I laughed a little to myself and turned back. I guess that apology was short lived dad, I'll be staying with you until we figure a good solid plan. Rushing back to camp, I plan on sitting on the beach until my dad comes to pick me up.

I already said my goodbyes, so it might get a little awkward if I run through the middle of camp.

Reaching the borders of camp, I was about to pass Thalia's pine. Until my entire body slaps into an invisible wall and it ripples across the surface. It started off as a dull pain on my face but, it soon spread across my entire body. I grabbed my face and began rolling around in the grass. Soft moans and grunts escaped my mouth. I gasped for air and stumbled on my feet, the world seemed to spin around me. Half my body felt numb, as I ran full force into a wall. Damn it hurts. I thought I still had an hour left.

"Ughhh, screw you Zeus. Screw you so hard... Actually scratch that, you might. Instead go feral! Wait, that's not the right word... Celibate! You should be celibate!" Lightning danced in the air. Good, he got my message. I got up and noticed something very strange. Camp was no longer visible just vastly empty and not a single sound poked it's way out of the barrier. For all I know, some one is laughing their ass off on the other side and I would be none the wiser. Dear gods, my body hurts.

Making my way around the border I finally reached the sea. Only my dad wasn't here. Maybe his option was time sensitive? I don't know, might as well wait a couple minutes. Sitting in the soft sand as the waves danced with the shore. The sun entering the horizon like the ocean was a gate to paradise I waited.

"You ready to go?" That didn't take long. I got up and looked at Poseidon.

"Of course, I can't wait to see everything there is to offer." I was in a giddy mood and couldn't stand still. I was raring to go. My dad just grabbed my hand and lead me into the ocean, smiling with his pearly whites. Once I got to my waste we stopped moving and the water in front of us began to turn as our ride exploded the surface with grace. Four strong Hippocampi lassoed in front of his chariot in reins that were decorated with gorgeous pearls and other precious metals. Each Hippocampi wore bluish green tinted armor on their top halves carved with intricate designs. Their helmets, a beautiful shade of blue didn't deter from the armor. Only with precious stones decorating the linings of the helmets. The chariot itself was the same color of his eyes and lined with gold and silver, also designed with previous battles that were hard fought. It looked like they were moving all on their own.

Poseidon guided me to the back and let me step up, then got on himself taking the reins and snapped them. All the time not even muttering a word. Just smiling. With so much speed and power I nearly fell off the back, luckily dad got my back, literally. We rode over the top of the ocean so nimbly I didn't feel any bounce or rocking. I was so awestruck, I was gaping like grouper. Snapping the reins one more time we dove down with more precious than any submarine and so fast that if I were anyone else, I would have died from the change in pressure.

We sailed underneath the water and I couldn't get enough of it. The salty water rushing past my face as we rode the currents to wherever. I didn't care, this was amazing. I can't believe I almost passed this up. I got so lost in the sensations of the sea, the pure sea, I was caged in joy. The intangible feeling of bliss gave way to a whole new feeling as I saw what we were approaching.

Atlantis, the capital city of my father's kingdom. It felt just so different from either Hades or Zeus, I began to wonder if they were even brothers. All three just so incredibly different from each other but, shared the same blood. Atlantis was as big as the whole city on Mount Olympus, with wide courtyards and columned pavilions. Even though it was night, that didn't harbor anyone from strolling through. Twenty or thirty buildings made of abalone, white but gleaming with rainbow colors. Fish, octopi, squid, you name it, dart in and out of the windows from merpeople's house. The gardens are full of exotic sea plants and coral colonies, with luminescent jellyfish drifting about like Christmas lights. Luminescent fish and squid joining in on the light up fun.

A horn blew, signifying the return of the king. I laughed to myself out loud an began to wave at the crowds gathering. I didn't make out any one as we sailed on by and towards the palace. Oh my, the palace. The Palace of Atlantis was a glorious mansion made of pearl, sea stone, and abalone shell. The paths were lined with glowing pearls, the doorways huge, and the roof has a big open deck that had guards and a couple others standing on top. That's where we were heading. Making a bit of a circle we glided our way onto the deck of the palace.

Poseidon's throne sat on top and made up of the most indistinguishable corals. A mosaic on the floor shows an exact map of the palace grounds and the surrounding ocean. Again, being lost in my own mind I didn't notice Poseidon getting off until he called me. This place is just so overwhelming! Walking right up behind him, I was spinning and twirling around just soaking up very little bit I could. I've never seen anything like it!

"Percy?" Snapping my head back my dad already stepped to the side, showing two merpeople. One of them was a well built male, had the posture of high importance and a face void of emotion. His features very similar to Poseidon's and also looked young. Early twenties or so. Key word looked. He also had two tails instead of the ones with only one. The other merperson was female. She dressed in a simple white gown, wore her hair pinned back in a net of pearls and silk, and used a circlet of polished red crab claws across her brow. She has dark mocha-like eyes, black hair, and an energy around her that radiated a gentle kindness. She reminds me of someone back home. "I would like for you to meet these two. Amphitrite, my wonderful wife. And my son, Triton."

"I am terribly sorry, this place is just a bit overwhelming." I bowed in front of them as a sign of respect.

"There won't be any of that here. Please rise." Amphitrite asked/told gently. I rose and looked at them both in the eyes. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you young Percy."

"The pleasure is all mine. I never thought I would get the chance to sea this place, let alone have a chance to stay for the upcoming future. It's truly an honor. If only my moms could see me now." I said that last bit somewhat quietly but, Poseidon still caught it.

"Mom?" He asked slightly surprised. I guess he still has no clue.

"Uhh more like four actually and a lot more siblings." I sheepishly rubbed the back of my head. This felt weird.

"Let's take this conversation inside, I'm sure there will be plenty to talk about and plenty of time to do it." Amphitrite calmly guided us to the inner portions of the palace.

As we walked Poseidon asked once more, "So moms?"

"Yea, they managed to saved me and raise me for the better part of my life." I figured they'd guess saving me from what. "They are something special, I wouldn't be here if it weren't for them." That's the truth.

"I'll have to thank them personally for doing such a fine job." Poseidon said pleased. "What were they like, if you don't mind my asking?"

"That's easy. Naseae was actually the first one I met. She is very kind and has a lot of patience, always dealing with my shenanigans. She was probably the most motherly out of the four. Asea was very strict and would only accept the best from me. She also had a soft side when she wasn't drilling me into the ground. Kyrene was fun and would always join me in our childish fun. After she overcame her fear of kids, I know I had nothing to do with that. And finally Amphite, similar name, she tended to be stiff at first but, later laughed louder and longer than the rest of us." My smile continued to grow as I continued to talk about them. I then quickly hopped over to my friends and how we always got in trouble with the most stupid situations and finally ended on Phoebe. My best friend. She's so gonna be jealous.

"They sound lovely." The Queen stated. I honestly thought she would hate me or ignore me but, she is really kind. Even though I just babbled for a little while.

"Sorry for going on so long. I just get like that sometimes when I talk about them."

"Yet, you haven't even mentioned Khione." Poseidon mentioned. Suddenly the Prince and Queen stopped, not even bothering to turn around. "How do you know her?"

"I accidently ran into her after I got lost up in Quebec I believe. Then she took me up into her suite and asked me a whole bunch of questions. Actually we asked each other questions and from there she adopted me as her brother." I don't see what's the big deal.

"You made peace with the Goddess of Snow!? For centuries she has had nothing but, hatred and rage to all demigods and even us! How is this possible?" Triton blurted out and swung around to look me in the eye.

"Why does she hate you guys? I mean, I understand demigods but, why you guys specifically?"

"We had a bit of a misunderstanding." Amphitrite spoke this time. For some reason I doubt it was just a misunderstanding. I'll just ask Khione and my dad at a later date. This definitely has my curiosity.

"Uh-huh. Anyway, I just gave her what she wanted." It was that simple.

"What exactly did you giver her?" My father said with a little edge in his voice.

"Amphitrite, Triton, I believe you might understand this more than others. All she wanted was to have some recognition, as all minor gods and goddesses want. I didn't over look her or anyone else for that matter, I cared enough to remember and not pass them over like a cheap rag."

"Are you calling my wife and son minor beings? That they don't get the attention they deserve? They are my family, they have the entire sea to back them up!"

"And yet, not a single being I came across, human or not, ever speaks of those two. They only have eyes for the King of the Sea, the Great Poseidon. That's exactly my point. They are overlooked. Which is why I made it my mission to reach out to every one I could... Even the children that were left behind."

...

...

"That's ma boy!" He wrapped his arms around me and gave me a death hug. One second he seems angry and the next he's ecstatic. "I always knew you were something special! But, never would I have thought that you would take it upon yourself to go this far!" Though that last bit sounded a little rough. I'm sure he means well.

"I like this one." I caught Triton speaking in-between my father smothering me. Amphitrite looked very pleased and held her arms to her chest.

"You truly believe in your mission? That you can do it?" She asked.

"No curse nor anything could stop me." I managed to say through my father's arms. That was not the sorta welcome I was expecting, I thought it would a lot more to warm up to them. Maybe I'm just overthinking all of this. Father finally let me go and it looked as if Poseidon was struggling mentally to say something. What could possibly bring him so much trouble?

"Now I would like to have a word with my son. Alone." Poseidon didn't leave room for discussion and the two saw his seriousness and promptly left us alone. Poseidon waited a moment then turned back to me. He walked past me and further into the corridors of his home. I followed and we entered a huge bedroom. Open windows and beautiful corals and pearls decorated this room. It reminded me of a penthouse suite. I was blown away from the details and aesthetic of the room, I hardly noticed he sat down on the bed. Something was definitely off about him, "The fates can surely be cruel."

"What do you mean?" I still stood.

"Have you ever wondered what would happen to someone if they chose to break their oath on the Styx?" I wonder where he is going with this.

"They would die. More likely Lady Styx would come collect their souls and burn them in her river. They would cease to exist. A fate worse than death." Poseidon didn't like the sound of that because he dropped his head lower and brought his hand to his chin.

"Yes, that's how it is for you mortals. What about us gods? What would happen to us?" I never thought about that, or learned it for that matter.

"... I don't know. Doesn't it vary from god to god? The myths were never really clear about this. Gods wouldn't swear on the Styx unless it was absolutely necessary. I have no clue."

"Since we can't die, in the waters of the river of Styx if any gods were to take upon an oath and should they happen to break an oath, they had to experience a severe penalty: they were forced to drink from the river and had to suffer one year without ambrosia and nectar, the food of the gods; after that time, it was prohibited to the oath-breaker for further nine years to attend the meetings of the other deities. Banished from divine societies. I'm sure you can figure out why gods wouldn't dare break such an oath." Yea, pride. Even now you weren't willing to admit it out loud.

"Is this about the Big Three oath to not bare any more children?" Poseidon nodded his head, "What are you trying to say?"

"Zeus drank from the river and suffered a year without the food of the gods. That was it for him. No banishment. Nothing. At first I was furious and thought he schemed his way out of his retribution... It wasn't until Thalia was turned into a tree that I began to understand his punishment. His penalty fell on her. She lived in pain and agony." That doesn't make any sense!

"How did it fall on her!? She didn't do anything!" This is utter bull.

"I'm sure the fates made a couple exceptions." Oh gods.

"A couple? Dad what do you mean?"

"...I didn't..."

"Didn't what!?"

"... I didn't have to bare any part of my incarceration. Not the Styx, food, or banishment..."

"Please tell me this is some sort of sick joke! You're joking! I don't- This can't be happening! Why me!?" I was growing hysterical.

"I'm sorry son. I wish it were me."

"Why would you tell me this!? What good could possibly come from you telling me that the Fates, the literal fates have it out for me personally!?"

"So you know. Know that this is my fault. So you have me to blame for your misfortunes." I wanted to. I really did. However, it wasn't right. He didn't deserve the blame.

"My life is-has felt like it's constantly going down hill. One damn battle after another, always something else to fight, something else to survive, something else to go after. I almost died more times than I could count and you're saying that some all powerful hags are playing with my lifeline?" I don't even know what to make of this. Thalia had a hard life and is now suffering as a tree. Yet, Zeus was still punished. But my dad wasn't.

...

"I- I don't blame you..." I told my father. I really don't.