Percy's POV:
The ship ride back home was shrouded in an unbearable silence as we neared the shores of West Virginia... Sort of. I was completely fine with it and so was Triton. Clarisse went below deck, something about sending a prayer to her father or something like that. It seems she was gonna deal with it her own way and it looked like she needed some space. I understand people need their own time and cope differently.
I just wish that we weren't in this situation to begin with...
It hurts, your death stabbed a dagger in my heart twisting it to pieces. The hurt is a spider web, intricate, yet strong. I know in time it will pass and the sun will regain its warmth, but the joy from my heart is gone. I cannot cry, cannot grieve for you, cause if I do I'll fall into the web. You gave me a chance but, it was I who failed to follow through with it. I was never going to let anything bad happen to you... ever. Remember when I took it upon myself to take care of you after I saved you life? When I said I saved you so now it's my responsibility to make sure you're ok? Yea... I did phenomenal, didn't I? But now you'll never know, never find out the answers you so desperately wanted or experience life. A good normal life, perhaps...
"Hey, Annabeth... How are you feeling?" I heard the not so quiet whisper from Grover across the deck. Again.
"The same as the last time you asked... How about you?" They had gone over this conversation a thousand times. I don't mean any disrespect but, after asking the same thing over and over it kinda gets on your nerves. Sometimes all people want is knowing someone is there. Not the constant ramble of repetitive conversations.
"...I'm more concerned about those two at the moment." Oh?
"What do you mean?" Annabeth tentatively asked. She spared a peek before looking back at her old friend.
"Just look at them," Annabeth glanced over at us as discretely as possible, "I can't read them. Their emotions I mean, it's like they placed a marble wall and that's the only thing I'm seeing. I can't read a wall. Even with the link, I can't get anything out of it." Maybe you shouldn't. I don't like my privacy being spied on.
"Why'd you even make the link with Percy when you knew he was banned?" Now it seems like the conversation is getting somewhere. I have a feeling that Annabeth doesn't want to talk about it and relive again. I sure don't.
"I was on an island in the middle of the ocean. I-I thought I had no other choice..." Grover finally went into a low whisper, "And please don't get mad at me but, he and I- well- he's my best friend..." I smiled a big ole smile, on the inside of course even though I don't think I deserve it, "You and I are close but, his connection with the wild, his confidence in me, and the strength to push me forward honestly was just something Luke, you, and... Thalia... just didn't give. I'm not saying we're not friends-"
"I understand," Annabeth cut in, "I can't quite explain it either but, there is something about him that just... It's like his nickname, The Guardian Angel. You may not see or hear him but, he's always there." I don't deserve that praise. Especially now.
They are putting me on top of this pedestal with full confidence. They are even giving me their trust and loyalty... Loyalty. That's not something I deserve or can give out. My loyalty has been reserved for a select few. My family, Triton and Khione. Yep, not even my own father is on the list or any campers for that matter.
After misplacing my own loyalty, I find it hard to give it to others. But that's a story for another time.
There are lots of folks who can talk the talk, but show me a man who walks the talk - then I have trust, then my loyalty is to them, then I have faith in him because that language is not spoken but lived. That's how Triton and Khione gained it. I don't care what you say, I'll watch what you do. That doesn't mean I won't love you or be your friend, but then it is I that will gently lead you and not the other way around. Show me my err and the roles reverse. You don't have to be perfect and neither do I, we learn together, catch each other, hold more ideals than we can live up to - yet keep walking even though all say the dream is only a dream. Dreams can come true, just dream the right one in that language and know what it means - strong hearts, brave souls, complete and healed minds.
So far, I have been disappointed. Luke, his spies. Yea, I know them...
"Hey," Triton nudged me slightly, "We're here." I looked in front and a faded outline of the coast was surely there. Which meant...
"You know the quest isn't over. Not until we get it all back to camp." I tried to convince him but, I guess I was just delusional.
"You know I can't stay. I have duties to get back to, you know as a god?... Eh, don't worry about it. We'll see each other soon enough. I've got complete faith in you guys." Triton stepped onto the railing and before he jumped he looked back at me, "Oh and get your head out of your ass. It won't do any good." A small smile on my face was his cue and he jumped. I walked over and stared down but, he already disappeared into the blue abyss.
I watched in longing. I want to go home. I ache when I remember I can't. It sucks knowing that can't go home.
I want the familiarity of my moms. For me. I want to come home and get a hug; because gods know I really feel like I need one. Feel the warmth you've given me.
I'm thirteen for crying out loud! I don't want to deal with this ache.
You've been there since the beginning. You worked hard. You fought for every step; even if it wasn't always in the right direction. You wanted me to fly and now I've crashed. I ache. Broken heart and healing soul. I ache to think that this is as good as I can be.
You'll always be there for me. Even when I'm not.
Sometimes it becomes a source of guilt. If I'm not there, what's to stop them? If anyone noticed, I'm worried about what's gonna happen next. I've been heartbroken before. For that, sometimes I am glad. Glad to know that I can deal with it. That's is the only thing. I just want some time with my moms.
Now Jessica and I won't be meeting each other.
If we met, if we spoke; what would you think of me? That's what scares me the most. Sometimes I'm left wondering if it's better we don't meet. Maybe it would be better if I let you fade from my life, back out of it like you were never there.
But I can't let go... Won't let it go.
Did you have regrets? Cause I know I do. Is that truth or my wish? My instinct is that it's true. But in the same thought I don't know if we would agree. The same thoughts or feeling but with a different approach? Now I'll never know.
The ache won't fade. Not from Jessica, not from my moms. It. Just. Won't. Fade.
"Incoming!" A clear and very obvious Clarisse war cry shouted across the ship. I scanned the horizon and at first I didn't see anything but, then a glint of ship was spotted on the starboard side. It was still a ways away but, it was gaining on us.
"Of course this had to happen! Right when Triton leaves too! Can't we ever catch a damn brake!?" I shouted in frustration at nothing. Maybe it was at the Fates.
"Percy what are you talking about?" Annabeth called out as she jumped onto the bridge followed by a shaken Grover and a happy looking Clarisse. What else would be expected of a daughter of the war god.
"The Princess Andromeda!" Clearly they had no idea what I was talking about by the look of confusion, "That's Luke's ship! He's coming after us!" The look of pain spread their faces because he was one of them. It was especially prevalent on Annabeth. She was the closest to him and he just threw that away over a selfish vendetta. "We're leaving!" I ordered while taking command of the ship in order to reach the shore fast.
"And then what? I doubt all of us can out run them on land." Annabeth made a fair point but, I already had something in mind.
"Not us, you guys." I could already hear their voices of denial even before they spoke.
"Percy we're not leaving you! That's the whole reason we came here for! So that all of us can make it home together! What about the quest!?" It was nice to know that Annabeth still cared. Even Grover was adamant at leaving me alone. Clarisse didn't care if I was alone, I bet all she wanted to do was prove herself. Not today however.
"There is no quest! It was over as soon Triton left!"
"What are you talking about!? You still need to bring the Fleece back to camp and save it!" Clarisse butted in. I was glad she did because I really thought that Annabeth was gonna go off on me.
"Not according to the prophecy! It was over as soon as Triton and I slip up!"
"What even was the prophecy?" Grover managed to ask between glares from Annabeth and myself.
"*Sigh* Like other's it isn't good.
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 what my brother and I were dealing with." What we went through proves that prophecies should never be taken at face value, "No where does it say we are the ones to bring it home, nor does it say how any of it is accomplished! Our best bet is to throw Luke off of our trail so that you guys can protect your camp, while I lead him on a wild goose chase."
"What in the Hades do you mean our camp!? It's just as much ours as it is yours! Just stop it with all this nonsense and get this done together!" Grover pleaded.
"No, you don't understand! That ship is an entire cruise line filled to the brim with monsters and if it manages to catch us you can say goodbye to your home."
"It's your home too! Why can't you understand that!? And if it is that bad we would a much better chance if we stick together!" Annabeth argued. This wasn't going anywhere.
"I haven't seen my home in years! I want my banishment to be over, I want things to go back to the way it was! But, from where I'm standing right now, I won't get to see my family again... Or get a chance to get back to camp. Just let me do this for you guys." This is the only thing I can do, they may not understand that but, that's the truth. I don't know how else to describe it but, they looked hurt.
"What about when you got to camp not so long ago? Or the fact that we're right in front you of you right now, talking? This just proves that your banishment isn't all it's cracked up to be." Annabeth, clearly desperate tried to find the loophole to all of this.
"Trust me, I've tried wrapping my head around it too... But, the only reason I'm not a pile of ashes right now is because the gods need me. They need me to save camp because the Fates declared it. That's what this is all about. When this is all over, my banishment won't be lifted. In fact, I doubt you'll ever see me again. So, let me do one last thing for you and get you guys home safely." I used to think I could change the way things are but, I can't. I was dumb enough to grab the sliver of hope when I entered camp only to have it ripped out and stomped on right in front of me. I seriously hate the Fates.
"B-but Percy-" Grover started looking like the worst thing was about to happen. Damn it, this must remind him of Thalia... But this is the only way.
"No buts! We have no money, the cruiser is gaining, and there is no way in hell I'm letting Jessica's death be in vain! You got that!?" I raised my voice even though I didn't want to.
"We could work something out, anything! Come on Percy! We did nothing last time and I'm about to let that happen again!" Annabeth shouted in desperation.
"As much as I appreciate this, there is nothing you can do." Faster than her eyes could follow I lifted her up bridal style and threw her overboard. The more we argue the more time is wasted. I heard the sudden screech from Annabeth and the undeniable splash against the cool sea. She kept screaming curses and I couldn't blame her.
"What in the Hades Percy!?" Grover yelped as her ran over to the railing and looked overboard. I'm sorry Grover. In the same fashion I threw him overboard. I didn't even want to look into the sea where my friends floated.
"Clarisse," I spared a glance at her and an understanding passed in between us, "Get Jessica, I'll get the Fleece. Then come back here and I will transport you guys as close to camp as possible." She only nodded and quickly dashed away. I didn't have to move far because the Fleece was wrapped tightly around the mast. Anywhere else risked losing or misplacing it. And we can't have that now, can we?
Clarisse appeared back above deck carefully carrying Jessica in her arms. From the way she was carried it almost seemed like the two of them had a strange friendship between them. "So how are you planning on doing this?" She asked.
"You guys get in the water and I'll transport you to a puddle, pond, river, or lake on land. Depending on how far I can make you go, may or may not leave me utterly exhausted." I draped the Fleece carefully over Jessica and got one last look at her. She looked like she was sleeping.
"This is a completely retarded plan, you know." I didn't need to be told that twice. This was a long shot but, our only shot. The only shot that was a guarantee of them of them getting back alive...
"I know," Clarisse was about ready to jump off when I began again, "Get them to camp safely, you got that?" She didn't respond and hopped off with little grace, splashing into the sea along with the Golden Fleece and Jessica. Who was held tightly.
I sighed heavily and sat crossed legged on the wooden craft. Ignoring the shouts from those below. Focus on the a destination, on any destination, yet also focus on my friends as well. For as a broken atom cannot make a whale, broken focus cannot get them anywhere. So fix yourself in body, brain and soul. Do the inner work to be able to stand alone, focus on all the skills I need in order to get them away from here in one piece... then disassemble and water travel. For when I am whole I am the the focal point my friends need, the one who can guide them, save them, support them, and remain sturdy myself, already understanding how to lead a balanced will. Let them become one with the water to the degree I am comfortable with. So, what I'm saying is, my absolute attention is required as I throw myself out and find a destination for them. So they can have more support. Thus you become safe, moved by someone who has the best interests of others at heart.
I reached out and found a small lake, about four-hundred miles away. Probably about one-hundred or so miles away from camp. That's good.
I felt my connection with the sea strengthen as I mentally grabbed hold of Annabeth, Grover, Clarisse, the Fleece, and Jessica separately but together. In an odd sensation it felt as if I threw them through my connection with the sea. All the waters touching and leading to one another. In an instant they were no longer here.
The moment they left my energy became nonexistent. In that moment I felt like my entire body has become liquid, no longer solid, just barely holding on to the humanity I have. Maybe I am going insane... I can't even make sure that they arrived at that lake. I heard a creak and a crash, maybe I am going insane...
I collapsed backwards as the darkness threatened to take me. It was a futile tussle of conflicting thoughts. I don't want to sleep, not yet. I just spent every ounce of my strength getting them away and I'm not ready to go down without a fight. My second voice chastises me, the longer I lie here on this cold hard floor the more chance of sleep I have and the better chances I may have. But I know that between now and the opening of my eyelids are nothing more than time passed. Six hours will feel like sixty yet I'll rise in an unknown amount of time, just as exhausted as I am now. Who knows what will happen? I certainly don't. Then I'll put a drunken fight, giving them an opening and probably ending me right then and there. That is if I'm lucky. I can't be the only one who has gone through this. I wonder what I'll wake up to? That is if I wake up at all. Who knows how Luke will deal with me this time? Either way it sucks; "live today, fight tomorrow" now there's a slogan that probably could have gotten me out of this. But who knows?
I feel this blackness come over me. Like a blanket, but not a blanket of warmth but a blanket of coldness making me shiver. But somehow it's making my eyes feel heavier and heavier. I finally close my eyes finally sending me into a dreamless sleep.
...
...
A sudden jerk and a cold slap dragged me back to the land of the awake. My eyes snap open suddenly and take in every inch of lights in high definition yet, completely foreign. My ears catch the relentless prattling of shuffling feet and drowned out conversations while my eyes adjust. I thought I was gonna be exhausted but, the adrenaline pumping through my veins gave birth to new life. How long was I out? A kick to my ribs brought everything to focus, I kept my mouth shut while the pain scissored it's way deeper.
I began feeling myself, minding the pain, and to notice to everything. I was tied up, on the aft deck, in front of the swimming pool, monsters around me, demigods in armor, the bear twins, and Luke. Oh joy...
"So where is it?" Luke mused probing around with his sword. I know how it looks and I should probably say something but... I'm stubborn, "The Fleece? Where is it?" I remained silent and that earned a slap across the face. It wasn't even from Luke., just a lackey. I paid no attention to Luke, I glared at the demigod engulfed in armor too big. He flinched and backed away, good move.
"Wrong move kid." I liked saying kid, even if he was older. I doubt that though.
"What was that!?" He attempted at sounding threatening but, it came out as a squeal.
"Stay here, you die. Simple as that, even if you win," His gears were turning, "But, if-" A punch to the gut shut me up, the air in my lungs has left the building.
"Don't be difficult Percy, just tell me where you hid the Fleece and I'll be on my merry way." Luke smiled. It would have been convincing if I didn't know the guy
"Are you stupid?" Yea, great plan. Let's antagonize the villain who has me tied to a chair surrounded by monsters, "Cause I think you're stupid."
"Just. Tell. Me." Luke dug deeper with his sword, blood slowly began seeping out from my abdomen.
"Use your brain Lukey. I wasn't alone last time but, now?..." His face redden when the realization came to him. Albeit a little slowly.
"You... You wouldn't!"
"But I did. Now you're here," I saw the sun wasn't out and knowing how resourceful my friends may be, they could very well be at camp by now. That is if they started moving as soon as I dropped them off, so to say, "with no time. I could just see the Fleece hanging gracefully at camp." I smirked, the pain began subsiding.
"Humph, this could have been done very simply but, just had to make things complicated." Why wasn't he freaking out? Gods damn it! "Agrius!" Luke commanded. Without another word spoken the bear man hobbled below deck. Luke started pacing and as he did he grew more and more impatient. He started cursing in Ancient Greek, none of which I care to repeat.
I'm a genius... or they are just plain stupid, leaving me in front of a pool that sprayed mist. I'm gonna go with a tad bit of both. I mentally called out to my good friend Iris. 'Please do me a solid and show me the Olympian Council and camp, I'm begging you.' I prayed. I don't even know if they care enough to watch. But, I have to try. "Listen here mister villain, you're completely moronic idiot for doing what you did."
"What was that?" Luke glared. A shimmer played behind him and I needed his attention on me.
"All I'm saying is that you made it completely obvious," I flexed my body and felt the rope tighten, so they used plain ole rope on plain ole me? How sweet, "Getting rid of Chiron? That was amateur. Getting a freak to replace him? Tacky. Oh and the worst of all?" With every ounce of strength I had I struggled with the ropes and chair. In one last push I snapped the chair with the ropes sliding right off of me, a bit dramatic for my taste but, it works, "You poisoned Thalia." I drew Riptide and stared my opponent down.
"And what of it? If she were here, she'd be on my side after everything that's happened," Luke drew his own weapon, "So put that little toy away and be a good little prisoner.
"No. Just tell me why? What do you have to gain from all of this? Why would you of all people destroy your family over petty revenge?" I got him now. If looks could kill, Luke would stab me right through the heart.
"I'm doing this for them! I just needed Chiron out of the way in order to waltz right into camp. And the replacement? Ha! That was purely luck! Now Thalia? That was necessary... To drag you out of hiding and get you to see reason. Don't you understand what's at stake? But, that's besides the point. After I was done with the Fleece I would have let you have it. It would cure that elder python venom right up." I love it when they babble about their plans.
"Of course you would. Kronos definitely needs it. However, you just let all that slip through your fingers." I nodded my head behind him. He turned and paled significantly. Sitting their through an Iris message was the twelve mighty gods sitting in their high thrones. While in a split screen was the dining hall of camp staring in shock about what just unfolded in front of their very eyes.
In act of pure rage Luke swiped away the message and glared daggers at me. "Kronos was right... You're an unbelievably erratic weapon and need to be replaced. Luke blew an ear rape of a whistle, a sign that got the deck doors to smash open circling me with about a dozen more enemies. "You are going to die here tonight."
"Not likely." I formed another weapon in my arm and waited for them to make the first move. Before anyone could make a move, Agrius, the bear-man, burst onto the deck leading a flying horse. It was the first pure-black Pegasus I'd ever seen, with wings like a giant raven. The Pegasus mare bucked and whinnied. Kicking a few monsters in the face as it made it's way over.
"Until next time..." Luke declared walking over to the cursing bronco. A dirty mouth on that one.
"A leader never runs from a fight unless they're scared. Is that the message of the oh so great Kronos Army? Pathetic." I antagonized. In this moment he couldn't afford to look weak, not after his plan was so neatly thrown out the window just now.
"I'll make this quick." He decided. His own sword, backbiter I believe, was a foot longer than my own. Unless he knows how to use it, it won't matter. Its blade glinted with an evil gray-and-gold light where the human steel had been. Truly masterful craftsmanship. Add to that the shield he just obtained.
He couldn't waste any time and lunged first. I sidestepped easily and even though I woke up not too long ago, I still did good. Not great, but good. I tried kicking his midsection but, his shield got in the way. One shove and I was on my back. Cut me a break, I'm still tired. I rolled backwards narrowly avoiding a stab to my ribs and pushed up with my hands. Once on my feet I counterattacked with Riptide only to have it knocked to the side by his shield. I saw an opening an swung with my other sword barely scratching his forearm.
Luke was relentless and lunged one more time at my thigh. If it hit, I'd be done for. Slapping it away with my Freezy, I did an overhead swipe towards his head. See how much he likes that. Anyway, his shield stopped me short. I really hate that shield.
I jumped back and looked around me. I could probably keep Luke busy for awhile but, everyone else was looking a bit skittish. Ready to jump in at any moment, that wasn't a good sign. I trust them not to jump in as much as I trust being in Zeus's element. So, not at all.
Any moment and I'll be swarmed, I could tell. The drooling mouths, hungry eyes, beasty moans, and the hatred forced upon the demigods. Any moment and I will be swarmed. I need to get out.
My heel was on the edge of the pool and I got a sudden idea. Distractions are simple when I'm around. I just need to have a non-discrete diversion for just a moment. Typically they look soak their focus on me, heads at an unnatural angle while they absorb the salacious details, lips twitching upward as I was put into a corner. That's all I need, their focus placed solely on me. Forget everything else but, me. Super easy.
I concentrated on my connection with the water, in one swift motion I drained the pool. I must've have looked like a crazed lunatic by the looks on their faces. Utter shock and fear drowned out any arrogance or thought of victory. Cause I was gonna leave here alive.
The water smashed into the first line giving me a chance, a chance to escape. But, how? How!? The water? They probably have a plan for that. So how!?
One quick once over and I saw the black steed kicking and whining against all the excitement. 'Please help me. Please! And I'll help you!' I mentally talked to the horse, pleading him to help.
'Well alrighty then. Hop on!' I couldn't believe it was that easy. I sprinted pass the disoriented monsters and demigods leaping high into the night sky, kicking the bear twin right in the face. His fingers slipped from the reins which seemed uncomfortable on the horse. I brought out Riptide and sliced the reins right off and hopped onto his plain back. 'Ahah! Freedom!' The horse screamed.
His raven wings spread and flapped with a resounding whap! Lift off...
'Where to boss?'
'Boss? What's that about?'
'Ah nothing. The names blackjack.'
'Percy Jackson.'
'So where to?'
'Long Island.'
'On it.' That was that conversation, short and sweet. I think I just found a friend. My ride was pleasant, forgetting the doom over my head as I entered Zeus's domain. Long, quiet, sweet.
...
...
...
I told Blackjack to take a couple days, lord knows that after the excitement we just had, that was a great plan. Soaring barely over the wilderness for long periods of time just melts the stress right out of me. Even Blackjack relaxed the freedom he had. To go where he pleases, fly as he pleases, absolute freedom.
We touched down next to Thalia's Pine, just one last look is all I wanted before I'm gone. Blackjack stayed for a moment, before flying off and leaving me with a message. 'If you need me just call.' I love him.
I watched him sore off just like that. Ugh, I need to relax.
I laid back with my back against the pine, feeling myself take a deep breath for a while before coming letting it out. In the distance there was the chirps of birds, but far away enough it was calming. I thought of my family, then my friends just over the hill. The hill that I can't see over or in to. I guess the Fleece has been working hard. Just last week that thought would have sent me worried the hell of me. But Triton swore that switching off for a bit would do me the world of good and I had to agree. I closed my eyes and drew in a lung full of the woodland air. I let the sound of birds fill my ears instead of the ticking of clocks. Here ten minutes was a long time and so the day stretched out like a small eternity. I couldn't stop bad things happening in the world even if I tuned into the news twenty-four-seven, it could only make me more anxious, more fearful. In my quiet contemplation I could think about love, the people I cherished and what was right with my life. I felt like destiny's whisper was in the trees. Once found, this happiness would be easier to find again...
"Ugh..." That was strange, did I hear something just now?
I stood up and walked around the Pine. For some reason my chest tighten and my breaths shortened. Why though? A couple more steps and I froze. It was her. Older but. it was her.
"Thalia..." I whispered.