Triton's POV:

I have never been one to ease drop on somebody else's conversation, until now that is. This mortal definitely caught my attention and continues to do so. First he was presumed to be dead for twelve years and managed to stay under the radar of the gods that entire time. Not counting that little hiccup he had with Artemis and her band of man haters. I was caught off guard when she thought it be pertinate enough to bring to the council instead of dealing it with herself like she tends to do. Secondly, his actions during his quest lead me to believe he was mentally ill. What person actively chooses to undermine the gods and do it with such boldness? Those stunts earned a little bit of my respect, only a little. That lead me to following them and wondered what my father had to say that was so important it had to be done alone. Which lead to my last point, it was the discussion I just overheard he had with my father.

I didn't even question why Father didn't seem to undergo the same punishment as other immortals. Time has a different concept to us, I thought he dealt with it and it just passed by and he didn't want to talk about it. It's been so long since the last time an oath was broken from anyone. Now knowing that my father got off free from any retribution and having it fall on his mortal son, I wonder what horrors he has been through and what the future holds for him?

Even so, he is taking it better than I would've thought. He sure is a peculiar little one. I best get going before I make habit out of these actions. It wouldn't be a good image for the Prince to have as son of Poseidon. Swimming back to the throne room, there awaited my mother with a blank look on her face. That face doesn't hold good things for me. "Did you find what you were looking for?" She asked.

"Of course, who do you take me for?" I responded confidently.

"I have never seen you lose anything. What changed?" She asked tilting her head a little and giving a sly smile.

"It was nothing, I just had a misunderstanding on my part."

"...It isn't like you to take such strong inquiries about your half-brothers." Damn, she already knows.

"I would hardly call it strong, he just stands out. It's nothing to loom over or fret about."

"Yet, you did something that is completely out of character for you. Listening to other people's conversation? I thought that was beneath you?" How does she already know all this?

"That's not what happened. I walked by and just so happened to catch a bit of conversation. Nothing more." I tried to reason out but, her face told me she wasn't convinced.

"If you say so. I must say that he is quite the interesting boy. There is something about him that is unlike any hero I came across." I nodded in acknowledgement. I know what you mean mother, I felt the same thing. Appearing back in the throne room was Poseidon, alone. His mistake was no where to be seen...

"Did I miss something?" He asked like what I just heard never came up.

"Nothing at all dear. Where's the boy?" Probably second guessing every decision he's made up to this point.

"He is getting settled in his room, I'm sure he'll be joining us in the morning. We have a lot more to discuss about his accommodations and what is to be done while he is here with us. Now if that is all, I would like to have some things prepared for the boy in the meantime."

"I do have one thing, what did you guys have to talk about behind closed doors?" She always knew when to get straight to the point. I looked back to father and he gripped his trident tightly. A sign that he was frustrated and had plenty on his mind. Of course he does, he just dropped a nuke of information and that poor boy and now has to deal with it. So, why not let us in on it?

"It's nothing to worry about."

"That's utter bullshit." I blurted out without thinking. Of course that caused the two of them to look over at me questioningly.

"What was that?" Poseidon said in a tone that told me I better answer quickly or else.

"I over heard you two talking and clearly it was big enough to freak the kid out. What makes him so special compared to your family?" Again I didn't think my words through.

"You listened in!? That was supposed to be private, I told you it was supposed to be alone." Poseidon spoke in a strong tone.

"Poseidon! Triton! That's enough!" Amphitrite jumped in before things could've gotten worse, "Now if you don't mind, I would like to know what that was all about." She always had a way with words and always could get the two of us to calm down. I guess it's in her nature. Poseidon calmed down and deeply sighed.

Then he spoke, "Like I said it's not something for you to worry over. Just something else for the life of a demigod. I'm sure he can handle it." He wasn't budging.

"Triton do you have anything to say?" Amphitrite asked as soon as he was done. I glanced back to my father and his expression didn't change. Though I'm sure he would like for me to keep quiet.

"No, nothing at all. It is like he said." I said.

"Now let's put this matter to bed as I have some things to take care of." Poseidon said and we all agreed. Who knows when this boy's luck will run out. Deciding to call it a day, we all went our separate ways. Poseidon went to make arrangements awfully quickly and Amphitrite decided to go to her own personal garden. As for me, I didn't know what to do. Maybe go for a swim, that always helps me. What's done is done.

Coming back from my refreshing swim that took all night I came back as the sun hit the underwater castle and reflected it's beauty for miles upon miles. Always a sight to behold. Even from a distance I got the sense that something wasn't entirely alright. It could be my father getting upset about over the rumors that old monsters were beginning to stir up. Those were only rumors however. I made sure myself. Getting closer, there was a lot more movement happening inside that never came from a thing as trivial as a rumor. Something was definitely up. Arriving inside the Palace I was met with chaos.

Guards and spirits were dashing through corridors on high alert looking through every room and every accessible spot they could think of. It hasn't even been a full day and the kid already has everyone freaking out. What could he possible have done? I swear if he decided to prank some one it better have been worth it, otherwise I will be the one to beat him senseless. He's a prince for crying out loud! Maybe he should act like it. What imbeciles raised him to act out in such a way?

I marched towards the throne room and opened the door. Amphitrite sat in her seat with her legs crossed and her arms in her lap, normally that wouldn't be out of the ordinary but, the constant tapping of her foot was a sign of unease. That was a rare occurrence in of itself, don't tell me she already cares what happens to the boy. I doubt it, she only met the brat yesterday. It must be something else.

Poseidon was in the middle of the throne room pacing around with his arms behind his back. He faced lacked all emotion except seriousness. "What appears to be the matter?" I asked getting their attention.

"Where have you been?" Poseidon asked with the slightest hint of hope laced in his voice.

"I went to clear my head. That's all." I replied almost immediately.

"Percy... You haven't seen him have you?" He asked.

"No, what has he done?"

"It's what he hasn't done. We can't seem to find him anywhere. I thought perhaps he was with you, maybe showing him around, seeing as both of you have missed breakfast." He answered back.

"Why would he be with me?" It's truly a mystery.

"You said you liked him, what else were we to assume?" Amphitrite butted in.

"I said that because of his will and mission. It's admirable. What do you mean he missed breakfast? It's not difficult to miss the dining room."

"At first Percy was a little late so, I went to check up on him in his room. Once there, I found no sign of him anywhere. Maybe he got lost, maybe not. Either way, I sent out every one to search for him on the palace grounds just to be sure. So far there hasn't been a single of him." Seems a little overboard for the Ruler of the Ocean.

"That's not possible. How long has it been since you started your search?"

"About thirty minutes..." And he still is in hiding? That long in the heart of my father's kingdom? "I'm sure he'll show up soon, it's only a matter of time." Poseidon dismissed the Queen and I. But, I could tell he was growing more worried with every passing moment. It isn't like the kid could simple vanish into thin air. He left the guards and sea spirits to continue their search...

However the young boy's whereabouts were never found. Even after hours of searching and expanding it to the city. No coral or fish was gonna be left unturned. Poseidon even wanted them to go from door to door and search the entire place, from top to bottom. Even I began to get suspicious. No one should be able to vanish for this long. Father continued to grow worried and asked for every bit of news anyone could get their hands on. None of which helped his unsettled stomach as most of it wasn't pertinent to the lost boy. Even I was asked to look for him.

As I scanned the crowd in the open streets of the capital I realized that I could see no sign of him from this level. I started to move amongst the families, my eyes darting more wildly with each passing second, noticing any child with a glint of skin, hoping that he decided to explore the town. I have never failed my father before and I don't plan on it by losing this child now. Then I began to call his name, getting ever louder, until many heads were turned in my direction. I had their attention. I might as well use it. "Has anyone seen the Prince wondering through here? The Prince that showed up last night?" I yelled, my voice expelled in a commanding voice, "He's about this high," I said, gesturing with my hand. The sea of blank faces stared back at me. Murmuring began to spread through out the gathered crowd and they had no clue about the boy. "Please notify us if you have or get any news!" I shouted into the growing crowd and went on my way. Now the city was searching too.

I went back to palace and started in his room. Running through the list of places Percy could be in my mind, checking off the ones I had already searched. As I gazed around the room, it now had the look of a place that had never been touched. As if he was never here. Only one spot on the bed that some one clearly sat on. Then it occurred to me that you often find things amidst the obvious, and I set about the task with a sort of meticulousness that was quite uncharacteristic of me. As I sifted and sorted my eyes were constantly on the look-out for any gleam of something, anything off, that might be part of the reason that Percy's gone. By the time I cleared every spec of the room I was in something of a short-temper, having turned up nothing but, the spot where some one sat.

The fact there is nothing, is something. Just up and disappeared. This could mean two things; he left on his own and wanted time to himself or something took him. But what could do that? No one can enter this realm unless they have my father's permission. It is the law of the gods, it cannot be broken. Which leads only the first option.

What do I know about him? Mostly talk from other beings of mythical relation, nothing personal. Let's see, he lived his entire life in the wilderness and managed to keep hidden from the goddess of the hunt for three or so years. All the while understanding and fighting off myths. Clearly he knows how to hide his tracks well, otherwise he'd be dead or dying right now. Also he is intelligent enough to stay hidden and avoid trouble that would catch other's attention, minus the Artemis hiccup. Then there is his defiance and flat out calls pointing at the flaws that even gods are capable of. That defiance is going to make this even more difficult. It's almost like he himself is a myth that popped out of the blue.

All signs point out that we won't find him unless he wants us to. That doesn't bode well for me. I told father that I would find him and bring him back. It is critical that I do so. To prove myself.

I don't believe he has the know how to hide in the palace, if anything he would go back to what he knows best. Running and hiding through the natural landscape, covering his tracks as he goes. Question is, what direction will he be heading? Swimming to the upper balcony of my home, I needed to scan the horizon. From the looks of things he'd either go through the coral forests, which will have a ton of eye witnesses and spectators, or towards the mountainous landscape in the other direction.

The best option is the mountains but, he's proven multiple times that he won't always go with the obvious. Hmmm best head back into town and ask yet again for information. Swimming down with incredible speed I landed in the city center. A open market with a statue of the royal family present in the center of it all. Walkways of the softest sand and the basalt lining them. Talking to the vendors, I gained nothing from half of them. We've been searching all day and the sun was beginning to set. Swimming up to one of the older vendor stations, I asked again, "Have you seen anyone that fits the description of the prince wandering through here? It would most likely be late last night or early in the morning."

"Nothing comes to mind. It was all ordinary. Just a sec, let me get my father. He might know more." He walked further into his station and I could hear murmuring coming from within. Next thing I know, an older merman came up and I asked him again.

"Hmm there was something... I came out here and began setting up early like I would do any other day. However, as I was getting things up and ready at the back, I saw someone dash past. In the direction of the corals outside the city limits." It's not much.

"What did it look like?"

"Smallish and I don't recall seeing a tail on the lad."

"Lad? Was it a boy?"

"Definitely a male. But, like I said it was someone moving fast. Sorry if I wasn't more help." The old merman said. If only he knew how helpful he actually was.

"Don't worry. You've helped plenty." I must report back to Poseidon, he is gonna want to hear this. First, I should check if anyone saw what the older gentleman seen. Going from tent to cart, I was met with nothing.

Getting back to the palace I met up with Poseidon in the throne room. He still had that troubled look plastered on his face and continued to pace around. Amphitrite looked like she hadn't move a muscle. "Father, I've brought news." I knelt in his presence.

"Have you found him?"

"No but, I came across a lead that may be him. A vendor saw a blur dash by but, only managed to catch a glimpse. A smallish lad and he doesn't recall seeing a tail... What would you like to do?"

"... I want you to find him, do what you must to bring him back. I don't care what it takes... I lost him once and don't plan on a second time." I nodded and got up. Using my powers, I willed the water to propel me in near impossible speeds. The water moved around my limbs in swirls, creating a buoyancy and sense of freedom. I made the turn in the direction of the coral reef. In the water I have little worries, just freedom and my duties - it was me and the cool water. I guess this is how all of feel us feel in the freedom of the sea. I moved with robotic precision but organic fluidity, stroke after stroke nailed to perfection as my twin tails propelled me forward. Arriving in seconds after leaving.

Trying to not waste time, it would be better if I get this done sooner rather than later. My father tends to get attached to his children very strongly and when he loses them, he becomes inconsolable and depressed. When he lost Sally and thought he lost Percy, it was one of the worst times. Hurricanes and tsunamis plagued many parts of the of globe for months on end until Amphitrite finally managed to calm him down. He truly loved her. That is indisputable.

Using my powers and skills, I scanned and asked for any bit of information available. Safe to say that most of it was useless and didn't help my case. Maybe the vendor was wrong. What if Percy decided to do a fake out and head in the other direction? Continuing my search, my eyes caught something unnatural among the coral. A couple small fragments of coral were broken and among them a shred of clothing. Someone definitely came through here and was in a hurry. I followed the minimal tracks available further.

Even more pieces... Then nothing. That isn't right. He must be somewhere around here then. *Gasp* I heard and knew I had him. Following the barely audible gasp I rounded on a hole in the coral. Invisible from above and well hidden among the surrounding structures. "Very clever Percy, very clever. ut you should've known that I would have found you sooner or later." He didn't respond, "Come on, father is worried. It is time to head back... I have permission to do whatever it takes so don't try me boy." I was getting sorta frustrated. Getting closer to the entrance I peeked inside.

Dodging a sword, I got back and took out my own trident. What does he think he's doing? Crashing through his little hideout, he sent coral flying everywhere as well as sand and dirt, providing him with cover. To bad it won't work on me. Diving straight in I met his blade and caught his hilt. Yanking upward I caught him off guard and he let go of his weapon. Very dumb. Spinning around, I knocked him on the head with the butt end of my trident. Or so I thought. It should have knocked him out but, I felt movement underneath. Yanking my trident forward I was met with a light headbutt, not impressed. Let's see how you like this! Headbutting him back he let go and I pointed the three prongs at his throat. One move is all it would take. I thought he would be a better fighter. Guess not.

The sand and everything began to clear up giving me a clear view... "Who in the Hades are you? You aren't Percy! Where is he?" I spitfired with a bit of anger in my voice. This was not Percy. Just some short and barbaric spirit wasting my time.

"Haha like I'm going to tell you." The man answered. I pressed a little harder and his blood began to seep.

"You will answer me as Prince of the Sea. Or the wrath of my father will fall upon you and all those you hold dear." That was not a threat.

"That's if you remain in power." He replied smugly.

"What was that?" I pushed, not having it.

"You shall know soon enough. Things are beginning to stir and there is nothing you can do to stop it. This was nothing more than a formality." He said. I just had about enough of- His blood began pouring out, pooling around and his eyes rolled back into his skull. He drove himself into my trident and killed himself with my weapon. Straight through his throat. He'd rather die than answer me.

Father must know.