Percy's POV:
I didn't have to pray long. Amphitrite decided to answer me in a split moment. She told me to wait in my room and I did as I was told. I have a feeling that whatever happened in the past week, it'd be better to get some answers. I do have a brain and was taught to use it. Now is one of those times. I waited patiently on my bed and made idle chat with Nerio for about five minutes. Just random things that popped into our minds. Mostly about things that happened during my mysterious disappearance.
Amphitrite appeared at the door along with Triton dressed in their normal wear. "Nerio do you mind waiting outside the door? We have a lot to discuss." Amphitrite patiently told him.
"Not at all. If you need me just ring." He bowed slightly before preceding out and shutting the door behind him. Immediately Triton and the Queen made their way over to me and I did the first thing that popped into my head. I bowed even though they said I don't need to and then let them sit on the unnatural comfy sheets. Neither commented and expressed serious faces.
"Percy, whatever I tell you must not leave this room under any circumstances also I ask that you stay quiet until whatever I finish up. The both of you. Understood?" I nodded and looked over at Triton nodding. It seems that he isn't in the loop either. "Good. Percy the reason you went missing is because you were taken but, not by anyone ordinary, no. It was the three Fates..." I know we weren't allowed to speak so we sat in stunned silence as we gaped at her. When was the last time they ever interfered directly? "I don't know why she took you or why for so long but, they decided that you Percy were apart of yet another quest...
Two shall take the journey of the lost and
To find the cure of the weakened soul.
An enemy to reappear arises
It's up to the brothers to dwindle the masses.
Finding themselves in a land unmapped
A single choice must be made.
Answers held with the ones who hate.
To be late means death awaits.
"That was the prophecy that was given. Now your father was called to Olympus for a meeting about the events that transpired. Which he hasn't returned from. However I did get a hold of him and we decided on something. You will train and learn under the watchful eyes of... Triton." Amphitrite waved over to her beloved son.
"What!?" Triton lunged out of his seat. "I have better things to do than look over this brat!" Aww that hurt me right in the feels.
"No you don't. You will train the boy and I will make sure you do otherwise you'll deal with me." She replied with a deathly still smile that caused Triton to shake within his twin tails. I don't even wanna know. "Now that that's that, any questions?"
"Yea, I do. The prophecy said brother. As far as I know I don't have a brother so, who is it that I'm going with?" It was a valid question in my mind at least.
"We aren't sure. Only time will tell. Anything else?" How helpful.
"How long until I set off for this Fate sanctioned quest?"
"We aren't sure on that either. The Fates only mentioned that it would be soon. For them it could be anything from a week to a couple years down the road." Also very helpful considering that being late means death.
"Not to sound rude but, is there anything you do know?" I really didn't want to sound rude but, having a quest that mentions death puts things into a certain light.
"Only that you must prepare. I guarantee that this will be extremely difficult." That sounds lovely. "Remember nothing leaves this room under any circumstances. You will begin your training tomorrow at five A.M. sharp in the training arena." She made her way out of the room and left me with the company of my good friend Triton.
"Just like old times…" I mumbled to myself. I thought no one was gonna hear.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Triton spat as if I hurt his pride. I really should work on my mumbling skills.
"I used to train everyday from sunrise to sunset under the guidance of my mothers. This just reminds me of those days is all." I shrugged it off and stretched my limbs out. They were stiff from, you know what.
"Weren't your mothers human?" No one ever asked that.
"Not at all. They were Naiads which is also how I got so proficient with my water powers." I demonstrated by creating a current from within the room. Nothing to big just enough show what I was taught. It held the strength of a small river and I accidently knocked some things over. Dragging them across the room.
"Whatever." Is all he said as he swam out of the room without being even a little bothered by my little show. I sighed and went to pick the small table and coral up. It wasn't much but, I guess it's progress. Being a child of your father's secret lover definitely has some drawbacks but, I'm gonna push past that. So for the rest of the day I lounged in my room and played around with my powers to pass the time. Poseidon didn't return so there's that and Nerio kept to himself mostly. It's mostly that I didn't want to say anything and he respected that, got a lot on my mind. I guess the break will have to wait.
So I went to bed sorta early which of course lead me to having a dream.
I was sitting in front of the Poseidon cabin in the middle of the day as other kids were going about their daily activities. The same basalt structure I remember but, this time it was cracked all around the foundation. Like a concentrated earthquake only around this specific building. Getting up off the floor I walked inside however, nothing was out of place. Just more dust collecting over the drawers and beds that never seemed to be occupied. The lonely life of a child of the Big Three. I walked over to the back end of the cabin and stopped. On queue an earthquake hit and rumbled pushing and moving everything out of place. I watched as everything crumbled around me, trapping me inside the desolate cabin. Yet, the happy cheers and laughter outside didn't cease.
Turning my head back around a crack appeared in the wall a that lead to a pitch black hole that let loose a cool draft. No other choice except forward. Squeezing myself through the tight fit space, the landscape slowly mangled and changed into the hull of a ship. The curved wooden planks creaked and screeched against the pressure of the sea. Crawling around on the lower decks of a ship. It was too dark too notice anything other than I the swaying of the ship from side to side as it traveled forward. I love the perks of being Poseidon's son, I can tell exactly where I am on the ship and where to go. Sneaking around and trying not to get caught was a lot easier than expected. I mean I couldn't find anyone even in the dark. Just a bunch of rats, rations, and gunpowder.
"Land Ho!" I heard the distant call from crows nest. At this point I didn't care about being seen, I rushed up with still no sign of anyone anywhere and burst onto the upper deck. Quickly scanning the deck I realized... it was abandoned. And docked. Snapping my eyes up, the ship was sailing under the command of pirates. Which means that they are probably pillaging and plundering right now. Running to the starboard side of the ship, I caught my breath. A paradise surrounded by an ocean so vast it merged with the clear blue skies. On the island itself, a five star resort, soft sand beaches, lush palms, and beautiful trees that held an assortment of fruits and flowers to much to pinpoint.
My amazement was short lived however. A whistle pierced though the skies with such speed, I couldn't catch a glimpse of what it was. Instead the bow of the ship exploded and caught fire. Eating and cackling away at the majestic ship with such lust like a long lost love. Jumping overboard into the shallows bubbles coiled around my body. Pieces of charred hull and burnt sail smacked against the surface as more explosions tore their way across the decks. Splinters which held such velocity, they shot through the water like bullets.
Propelling back to the surface, I no longer saw the paradise of an island. Instead I floated in the lake of Camp Half-Blood. The camp was overrun with monsters chasing and picking off demigods who feared for their lives. Others who held experience charged with weapons and armor raised against the onslaught of deadly beasts. The entire camp was lit in a flame that roared and destroyed the lives of many nature spirits and anything that was unlucky enough to get caught in it's path of annihilation.
I looked to the top of the hill and saw a somewhat older looking Annabeth crying while clutching of what I'm guessing was left of Thalia's tree. The pine rotted and utterly wilted, it only served for fuel for the fire. While Chiron was nowhere to be seen as his kids suffered. Jessica lay unconscious and blood soaked on the ground gasping for fresh breath. Clarisse along with whatever demigods capable of fighting stood their grounds until slowly one by one they fell to the hoard. Grover was nowhere in sight. What's happening?!
I was frozen in place and watched the events unfold. I couldn't move, shout, or use my powers.
The camp boarder should have prevented this. Why didn't it?... Am I supposed to prevent this?
With a shock I jolted from my bed upright. What in the Hades just happened? I know that demigod dreams are special but, that felt very strange. Grabbing at whatever breath that will hold. Looking at the clock, three A.M. I watched as minutes passed until it was four thirty in the morning and my first day. Nerio still stood guard and opted to follow me.
Now where was the training area I'm supposed to be at? Wandering aimlessly, I knocked and opened doors at random which lead me to the kitchen, bathroom, another bathroom, dining room, the kitchen again and other bed rooms. So, after the fiftieth door I finally reached my destination. At exactly five o'clock. Lucky me. Oh and Nerio didn't say anything to help just giggle behind his helmet while I made a fool of myself.
Opening the door wide open it was exactly what I expected. All the while it all being underwater. In the far left corner was lifting equipment that was very modernized along with a track right next to it. The right contained whatever weapons and armor a warrior could dream of and a fridge filled with Ambrosia and Nectar. Now that is handy. In the middle was an open arena that the only thing separating it from everything else was a big square of sand. No wall, or fence, or rope. Plus a couple of dummies off to the side. And right in the center was good ole Triton. "If you'd stop gawking, I'd like to start with a bit of sparring. To gage where you're at. That is if you're up for it." Ohhh is Triton trying to taunt me? How cute.
"Taunts won't work on me Gilbert."
"Gilbert?" Triton questioned like it wasn't obvious.
"Yea, you have gills don't you? Gill-Bert. Don't worry you'll grow to love it." I think that was pretty clever.
"Funny but, I'm not some monster you can make fun of to death." I didn't even get a twitch of the eyebrow from him.
"Make fun of!? I would never! I'll have you know that I have plenty of friends with gills!..." I tried to keep a straight face but, that just lead me to snort a couple of times. I even got a light chuckle out of my sparring partner.
"Heh. Go and choose your weapon of choice and armor." Spoil sport.
"I've already got everything I need." Taking out the average ballpoint looking pen I flicked the cap and instantly got the bronze sword glistening. Riptide. Next, I got the flute from my pocket and hung it around my neck. Since my bow broke I'll just have to resort to these two things in a one on one fight with a god. I better keep my dagger secret just in case.
"Your funeral." Extending his own arm out, the water shimmered before a trident appeared in his hand. Slamming the butt end on the ground, I was watching as if the water was condensing into shape of ancient Greek armor. Covering his torso and head with a sword strapped to his side, leaving his twin tails exposed. I may need to rethink the idea about armor.
"Woah, fancy." Triton smirked beneath his helmet. I stepped onto the sand and with no warning Triton appeared right in front of me with his trident aimed at my naked torso. I barely got my sword up in time to hold back his incredible strength, one hand on my hilt and the other on the flat of Riptide. The three prongs barely nicking my skin. I grit my teeth as I struggle to keep him from turning me into a shish-kabob.
Falling onto my shins his trident slides past my face slicing a bit of my hair off. Quickly acting, I twirl my sword and attempted to slice him in the gap of his armor. However, I only met metal with metal. Using his other hand, Triton only half drew his other sword to block me. Damn. Not wanting to get in an uncomfortable situation I used my powers to swim away. "That wasn't half bad Percy." I chose to stay silent and try to read his body. He stood in a defensive position and was ready for me.
I know if I make a move I'll be at a disadvantage but... Clearly he doesn't know me all that well. Bringing my flute to my lips with a single hand I swiftly began playing a tune. Triton was no fool and read me like a book. Charging me within a split second, he tried to force me to stop playing by repeatedly stabbing me. Perfect. Letting the pipe go, I now got him off the defensive.
Blocking and deflecting as best as I could, I was still slowly being pushed back. We are both sons of Poseidon but, he is a god in his domain. "Ah, I see you're beginning to realize it." Triton casually spoke, like he wasn't having any trouble. Kicking up a little sand as a distraction I had no other choice but, to bring out my dagger. Grabbing it in a reverse grip, I charged through the sand. Without trouble Triton caught Riptide by the hilt mid swing with his free hand and ducked under my dagger. Using his weapon he brought it behind me and whacked me behind me knees, making me fall down. It stung like hell. Locking my legs in a kneeling position Triton's trident was now stuck. I rolled back and kicked my hand free from his grip and landed upright, losing the chance to take his weapon.
Triton pushed forward and I threw my dagger. Only to bounce harmlessly off his shoulder. Triton lunged forward however I locked his trident with Riptide I now got a free hand. Bringing my left hand over my head I opened it slightly and dropped the temperature of the water in the form of a second sword. Swinging downward I tried to overpower Triton, to no avail. I was gritting and struggling while Triton looked as calm as a mid summer evening. Kneeing the butt end of my swords I set us free and began fighting feriouscly.
Using both my swords I arced Freezy downward and caught his trident. With Riptide I stabbed at his armor. Expecting this the Sea Prince brought out the sword strapped to his hip and swiped Riptide away. "You might actually give me a workout, Percy." Twirling his Trident to the floor, he trapped Freezy and slapped my in the chest with one of his tails. Leaving me with only one weapon. Those things really pack a punch.
"Yea? I expected more." I replied and ducked under his sword while forming a second Freezy and sliced at his forearm. I didn't get him per say but, I did cut the strap and made that armor piece float to the ground. He looked genuinely shocked at my doing.
"Impressive but, I'm done playing around." Sidestepping his first strike I blocked the second with Freezy which shattered on impact. In a slight daze Triton uppercut my jaw in and smacked me in the backside with the length of his favored weapon. Smashing into the sand he lifted my head and put his sword to my neck. "Do you yield?" Not by a longshot.
Using my control over water, I let loose a powerful current that whipped up the sand which gave me the chance to water travel to the other side of the arena. With riptide in my hand I silently charged. Jumping into the floating sand I got knocked back by someone else's hydro-kinesis. "That's enough!" Triton shouted from within the veil of sand.
"Aww I was just getting started." The truth, I never thought I would have to fight a more powerful version of myself. He is really good.
"I wanted to gage your prowess and I gotta say... You've impressed me." Suddenly the veil of sand fell and settled on the floor like a fight had never occurred. There stood Triton, no longer wearing his protection, nor having his weapons. "Keep using tricks like that, you might actually have a chance. However, there are still things you could vastly improve in. Everyday, from now until your quest, we will spar. After all, this is the best way to fix what you lack in."
"I don't mind. I do have a question though," He nodded giving me the yes I wanted, "I fought Ares so, why does it seem like... I don't know how to put it."
"Why does it feel like you won by a mere chance and not like it was a true fight?" He hit it right on the money. "He played you. Probably doing what I did and gaged your abilities. Trust me if he got serious, you'd be nothing by a spec of ash right now. However, I don't know how far he was pushed." Triton said seriously then excused himself. He called it a day and said that this was the only easy day that he would give me. Figures. Going to the practice dummies I began just practicing while letting my mind loose.
I was being played, not by Ares. Kronos. He tested me. I don't know what to make of that. Now the question is, how screwed am I?
I wonder how everything is going back at camp? Jess and Annabeth were pretty upset and I still haven't seen Grover. I really do wish he's out there chasing his dream of finding Pan. Not only that but, I swore I was gonna help the unclaimed so, how am I supposed to do that from here? Maybe I could ask dad to let some people crash in my cabin since it isn't in use. There isn't much else I can do without actually being at camp. Then there's Jess, I promised to help and that doesn't seem plausible at the moment either.
I'm upset that I can't get back there until Zeus decides to overcome his ego and let me live my life. This isn't bad though. I did get to meet my father, although our conversations have been a bit on the short side of things. And Triton is a bit stiff and Amphitrite... I don't know what to make of her. She seems sweet, though Triton is scared of her in some aspect.
Ugh, and then there is Luke and his misguided view of overthrowing the gods. I have to start somewhere, the question is where and with whom? There isn't a doubt in my mind that he is trying to recruit monsters and other possible allies who have been wronged or overlooked... Dear gods, that is a long list. I'm gonna need to reach out to friends and see if they saw that bastard of a Luke.
…What of Piper? What will she think if I just stopped writing entirely? She is practically my best friend at this point, even if we met only a few times. In all honesty, she and I have a sort of relationships that isn't like the one I have with Phoebe, or Grover, or even Khione. She reminds me that there is such a thing as normal out there. Don't get me wrong, being raised knowing full well what is out there in the not mist covered world is great and all. Add to the fact that I'll mostly likely die when I turn sixteen is a fun twist over a demigods already expected short life... Talking with Piper just... makes all of that just melt away. It is nice to once in awhile forget the inevitable doom of my life. I never had normal per say. Piper is as close to normal as I'm gonna get.
I didn't even read her letter which... Khione has! 'Khione!... Heyyy Khione!'
'Percy!? Where in the Hades have you been? Do you have any idea how boring my life has gotten since you left? I was left in the company of my brothers for crying out loud.'
'I'm sorry to hear about that but, I need you to do something for me.'
'Not until you tell me what happened.' So I told her that I was kidnapped and given a quest to accomplish sometime in the future and that I was gonna be training until that day comes. 'Oh, you should train with the powers I've given you.'
'What powers?'
'Really? You don't remember when I told you about a little surprise when you became my brother? Ah, it doesn't matter. Just practice.'
'How am I supposed to do that when I have no clue what I should be practicing in?'
'Figure it out. I'm not here to babysit you.'
'Fine, fine, whatever, now about that thing I want you to do. Can you give me the letter Piper sent?'
'I don't see why not. Do you have one for her?'
'Not yet, I've been sorta busy. Thank you by the way.'
She didn't respond and I wanted to see if I can figure out how I'm supposed to train with her powers. Stopping my mindless slash and stabbing I sat on the soft sand of the arena. Wait, should I really be doing this out in the open? It would awesome to have a trick up my sleeve should the need arise. Water traveling out of the room and somewhere open but, near by and without anyone in the vicinity. I sat in the sand and extended my hand outward.
Ok, she is the goddess of snow so it should be related to something about snow and cold. Extending my arm out I thought and concentrated about the feeling Khione left me with whenever I visited. Trees, posts, lakes loomed into my vision, then vanished, swallowed in white. A horizon of a blank canvas that I was made to paint on with what she gave me. Not only snow but, ice. Icicles dangled from the shadowy skeletons of trees, each one like an ominous sword of Damocles. The river, frozen solid, was covered with ice so thick that it showed reflections as clear as a mirror of the heavy, grey sky. The memory of a chill breeze slicing through the air seemed to whisper "ice... ice... ice..." I wanted to repeat it.
Not just in making a sword but, around me. Chilling and cooling the surrounding area through exertion. Feeling that slight tingle in the tips of my fingers I opened my eyes... and sure enough there were tiny pieces on snowflakes floating in my hand. I wasn't much but, it was a start. That should be enough for today, I don't want people to freak out that I'm gone.
Returning to my room. I noticed an unopen envelope on the foot of my bed. I don't know how she got it here. Khione isn't allowed in Poseidon's realm for some reason.
Ripping open the side of the envelope I reached in and took out a folded piece of paper. Just a regular piece of paper that I kept from getting soaked. Unfolding the letter I began to read.
Heyyaa Percy!
Writing dear has a weird feeling don't ya think? Well, at least it does for me anyway. So, you wouldn't believe what happened to me. I was walking around and saw this cool looking car and was curious about it. Walking up to the guy I asked him if I can have a looksie inside and without hesitating he said yes! Can you believe it? Yet, that still isn't the best part! I asked if he would let me take the car for a test drive and again said yes! I've never driven a car before and hit the back end of the car in front me right away. I guess the guy was embarrassed because he called the cops and me and had the audacity to say that I pickpocketed him and stole his car! Thankfully, Dad's assistant came and got me out of trouble, no harm done. Also, lately he has gotten more and more distracted with work and can barely make any time for me. I know how busy he can be but, sometimes it feels like I'm being ignored. And his assistant is probably the worst person I have ever met in my life! She never let's anything slide and even told me once to stop distracting my dad. My dad! She is a complete jerk. I heard talk about sending me away but, I think that is only a rumor. Well that's basically what's been happening in my life. How bout you? How has traveling across the U.S. been going for ya? What about finding other family friends? I remember you told me about some one that was really into rainbows. Let me know next time you're in town, I would love to catch up in person. Your life seems like a blast compared to mine. Please write soon!
I sat on the mattress and smiled. We don't write much to each other but, it's nice. Scuffling for a piece of paper and a pen I began writing my own letter.
Sup, Pipes!
Really? I thought your life was great compared to mine! I'm always moving and causing trouble it seems but, it isn't anything I can't handle. Actually I may have pissed off the wrong people and caused myself to be banned from a place I really enjoyed and made friends at. Whoops. But I don't think it's going to stay like that for long-
In a sudden combustion of flames, my paper no longer existed and was reduced to a smoking pile of embers. Underwater. My paper blew up in flames underwater! Holy crap! I can't even write Piper!? Oh, come on! This is completely stupid!
'Hey, Khione! I need a favor!' If I can't write her then I'll just ask Khione if she is willing to do it for me. Probable just about finding my dad and living with him for awhile and meeting a whole new part of my family. There isn't much else I can say.