Percy's POV:
"What's it with you pissing off beings with powers?" Charles asked as we entered the Poseidon cabin. At first glance it looked just like I left it. Except for the fact that it was completely clean and that my bed was the only one with a pile of dust on it. I smiled a little at that. It seems that people have used this place. That's awesome.
"It's not like I enjoy doing it," I shrugged but, Charles just gave me a look of uncertainty; "Mostly." Charles scoffed and sat on one of the bunks. "Listen, I can't help it. I don't care if it's just me going at it alone, I will do what's right. Even if that makes me an enemy in the process. And what's right, right now, is mending my mistakes." I sighed and plopped onto my bed sending a cloud of dust to float up.
"But do you really want Thalia as an enemy?" Charles asked leaning back against the wall.
"Of course not, but you saw the way she was. And I can see where she is coming from... I left. That caused problem after problem after problem. I'd blame me too. And this way she won't be pissed off in general, it will be focused on me. I can live with that." I crossed my arms over my chest and leaned my head back onto the frame.
"You know, you're setting yourself up for a lot of crap. Right?" Charles asked with a touch of pity.
"I know. Trust me this wasn't exactly what I was hoping for if or when I was gonna meet her."
"Oh? What were you hoping for?" Charles asked clearly suggestion something based off the smirk on his face.
"Wow. I didn't know Selina had such an affect on you."
"How do you know about that? You weren't even at camp!" Charles complained.
"I have my ways." I answered cryptically. "Anyway it's nothing like that. Even if I liked anyone, there is no way in hell it was gonna last anyway."
"You don't know until you try."
"No you misunderstand. It will not happen with anyone." I told him as firmly as possible. He furrowed his eyebrows and leaned forward.
"What do you mean?"
"...Nothing. Hey, do you know if the Apollo kids would help me make a bow?" I shouldn't have said anything. It's not anybody's business to know about that. It just something I have to live with. Stupid mouth saying nonsensical things.
"Of course they will. They're generally a nice bunch, but it is getting dark." I said a quick thanks and hopped off the bed heading for the exit quickly. Just please don't say anything, "Percy wait. Seriously, what do you mean?" Just my luck. I just had to say something to the only guy other than Grover who could read me like a book.
"Nothing. I think a part me thinks the that with everything going on, I should put that kind of life on hold. For all I know I could be dead tomorrow. Which is seriously likely at this point." I answered quickly hoping he bought it. A second later he laughed a hearty laugh and walked over past me. Smacking my back in the process.
"I get that." He said and walked out. Leaving to contemplate my own words. For gods sake I'm only fourteen! I shouldn't be dealing with this. I mean come on what do I even know about love anyway? I'm barely a teenager who was raised in the woods and trained to survive. It's not like I'm an expert on this. Honestly I really hate the Fates. This is all their fault.
I leaned on the doorframe and hummed the last thing my moms sang. I really am glad for that month and a half.
You know what? I should actually go to bed. Tomorrow is Friday after all. I wonder how everyone will react?
As I made my way over to my bed I plopped back down and just as my face hit the pillow the door creaked open. "You know I love you Charles but, I actually need some sleep." The shuffling of multiple footsteps stopped. Wait, multiple? Also the hushed whispers gave them away. I can't believe I have visitors. "Never mind. So, what can I help you guys with?" I cracked open my eyes and shifted my face to face them. Standing barely in front of the door was seven kids huddled together. Three older than I, dudes, and the other's were younger. Six boys and a single girl and barely anything carried between them.
"...Uhm we were sorta wondering- unless not- if we can still sleep here- only if it's totally okay with you... please?" One of the younger boys asked not fully confident in himself. "I mean we understand since you just got back if you-"
"Nonsense!" I cut him off, "Sleep where you like. Just pretend like I'm not here." I told him stifling a yawn.
"Like that'll be easy." One of the older gentlemen mumbled. I ignored him and made myself comfortable. Or as comfortable as someone can be when a bed is something you're not used to. But I'm too tired to move anyway. So, tired in fact that as soon as I took a breath I...
I stood in front of a wicked castle like building where a malicious king once ruled. Now it lay abandoned. It had all black stone, with towers and slit windows. It looked suspiciously like a villain's prison. A big set of wooden doors looked to be the only way in. It sat on the edge of a rocky, snowy unwelcoming cliff overlooking a big frosty forest at one side and a gray churning ocean on the other. The slow patter of snow quickly picked with a blanket so thick I could hardly see the tip of my nose.
With no other choice I started making my way forward hoping that the building could offer protection from the blizzard. Slow going but, I finally made it. I raised my fist to knock on the wooden gates. However, it opened itself without giving my the chance. I cautiously walked in, dim lights giving me only a single heading. Forward. As I walked, the inside is decorated with antique war paraphernalia: battle flags, old rifles, and medieval weapons.
I don't know how long I've been walking. There were no other doors or anything for that matter to show me where to go. I stopped and glanced behind me only seeing darkness. I turned back around and everything changed.
I no longer stood in a hallway. Or on solid stone. And the moon glowed fiercely with an unfathomable amount of stars. The grass shimmered with silvery evening light, and the flowers were such brilliant colors they almost glowed in the dark. Stepping stones of polished black marble led round either side of a five-story-tall apple tree, every bough glittering with golden apples. It was by far one of the most beautiful places I have ever laid my eyes on. Yet in contrast with it's beauty lay a being terrifyingly enormous with one hundred heads. His serpentine body is thicker than a redwood trunk, and his bright scales shimmer like copper.
This is undoubtedly The Garden of the Hesperides along with Ladon.
I didn't have time to dwell into things for long when a bellow shook the very earth from high above. My body began moving on it's own towards that cry. Of course I have to go towards the dangerous sound.
Finally reaching the peak, I trip over a black stone I swear wasn't there just a millisecond ago. Right in front of me was a black wall blocking everything in sight.
That doesn't matter at the moment because a figure spoke from beyond my vision, "Free me from my prison and you shan't regret it." Whoever it was wasn't speaking to me. And my body isn't complying to move, "You need me. Whatever you plan; whatever you seek; whatever the plan; it will be foiled if I stay here."
"You are only needed because my master wishes it. Don't fail him." Another figure threatened. He was hidden behind the shadows. His voice was cold and harsh.
"Don't think so low of me mortal. I have the power, strength, and necessary revenge for this plan to work out perfectly." The standing figure spoke with bravo.
"We know. Just don't get blindsided by that petty revenge concoction in your head." The other figure replied snark like.
"Don't forget who you're speaking to, boy. I don't care who you are, if you get into my way I will personal drag your soul to Tartarus. He can always find a new vessel. Especially with our numbers on the rise." The bigger one threatened. It actually seemed more like a promise than a mere threat. "Ahh yes, someone is here. Listening." This is just a dream. There is no way he knows. There is no way he should know.
"What!? Who could possibly?-" He cut himself off then shouted in a rage. "How long?" He asked after calming himself down.
"Long enough. But do not fret," The wall in front of me shifted and twisted, "For you are the key to my prison." My stunned eyes locked onto unfamiliar grey ones. But they weren't just a grey, that term was far too plain in comparison. His eyes reminded me of ashes and smoke blowing in the wind coming from a fire that burned everything to the ground. Cold and hardened like stone. "Yes, you'll do nicely. So much I can use..."
The ground beneath me gave way, snapping me out of my shock. And into a lapse of fear. The deity cackled as my body was swallowed bit by bit.
The anxiety I felt as my head finally dipped below the surface nearly drove me insane. In the grip of my own silent panic my wild eyes darted around against the soil. It felt as if my own eyes wanted to scratch themselves out. My heart was racing, brain on fire, brain synapses firing like a hyped up internal aurora borealis, like a cluster bomb exploding in my brain. My head has never felt like this, into a mental soup of conflicting instructions, brain feeling like it's seized up. I let out shrill scream before soil toppled down my throat.
My head is pounding, every cell in my body is screaming for oxygen. I keep fighting until I feel like my head is about to explode, I have to take a breathe. So I do. More soil. For some reason it doesn't hurt like I thought it would... It was infinitely more painful than I could possible imagine. I begin to fall. I fall further and further into the darkness until it threatens to swallow me whole. But, of course it does.
Darkness echoed around me puncturing my very soul. The soul closed in around me, filling me with a deep dread. I could only hold my breathe so long, too long in fact. Red and black splotches danced in front of her and for a second I couldn't remember if my eyes were opened or closed. The coldness I had felt upon falling into this hell has seeped away. A desperate hot wave had come over me, warming even my frosted toes. My heart was beating rapidly in panic. The urgency for air was more apparent than ever. There weren't red blotches in her field of vision anymore. It was all black.
The breath I held in so long danced through my brain leaving me lightheaded and sick. In me desperation to alleviate this ache, I let the held in breath escape my mouth slowly.
Big mistake.
Something that is always forgotten is the fact that soil is heavy. Heavy enough that any break in space was filled in an instant constricting you down to the core. Similar to a python patiently waiting till death took his toll. Only much worse.
The cackle soaked it's way into the ground with me keeping an unwanted company.
Everything shook and quaked. I gasped for air...
Third Person POV:
Evidently enough, it took them quite awhile to get used to the idea of actually spending the night in some one else's home. Like come on, it was basically a cardinal rule to never enter another god's cabin unless given permission. It felt wrong. But, the way they were constantly reassured by nymphs and other nature spirits, they finally relented.
And by the gods did it help. They even made a schedule. Some would stay certain nights and other's would clean. Granted that thought hadn't crossed their minds until Annabeth told them they were guests and shouldn't get in over their heads. So, they didn't. They took the seriousness to a whole new level. A well maintained schedule, where everyone pinched in. It was the least they could do from Percy's sacrifice.
So, here they are. Unsure what would happen now. That is until he was already willing to let it go back to normal. On the first night nonetheless. Well, normal for them anyway. It's hard to guess what the Percy was thinking. Not even Chiron could surmise what that could be.
Generally speaking, it was pretty damn easy to fall asleep in light of the new resident. In fact, they only stared for a couple of seconds, finding it somewhat hard to believe that he was so nonchalant about the whole ordeal. It is cabin after all. Wouldn't he want some privacy given what he went through? It's not like they have a clue what it might be anyway.
Everything was going perfectly...
Until they were woken up that is. And of course it wasn't by normal means.
The ground beneath their feet rattled forcing them to an early rise. "What in the Hades?" One of the older boys asked throwing on a shirt.
"Are we under attack?" Someone else asked pulling his pants up.
"From underground! We have to warn the others!" The oldest one ordered rushing towards the door only wearing half of his clothes.
"Wait! I-I think it's Percy!" The younger gentlemen who spoke first before spoke up. Sure enough everyone glanced back at the severely uncomfortable position the so called Guardian Angel slept in. He was absolutely drenched in sweat and it partially soaked the bed. Every limb was stiff and shaking like he was trying to claw his way out of something. A couple seconds passed and he gasped for air. A couple more and he repeated. One of the boys didn't bother staying and rushed out wanting to call for help.
His contorted face was in mass pain, scrunched up and heaving. But they didn't know what to do. What can they even do? Wake him? He may act out. So what? It didn't matter. They rushed Percy and started to try and get him the hell up. How can a guy sleep so freaking heavily? He didn't budge or shift.
Without even thinking the little girl shoved past everyone and grabbed Percy's shoulders instinctively.
"Percy! Percy wake up! You're having a nightmare!" The little girl shouted shaking his shoulders. One click and his eyes are open. In the morning shine he moved entirely on instinct, fast enough to have Riptide out and deadly. After so many years of being hunted every action is automatic, reflexive, efficient. Before he can swing, everything clicks in his head. 'I'm still dreaming.' Percy thought. He was still breathing heavy and his body ached.
"Don't move." Percy lightly threatened. He's been tricked before in his dreams and doesn't want any repeats. Percy scanned everything... and it seemed so real.
"Wow dude, calm down! This is real! You're awake!" They tried to reason. Percy let out a small growl and sneered at them.
Two small hands reached up and took hold of Percy's. Grasping firmly around his roughed up and calloused hands. "This is real. I promise." The little girl confirmed shutting her eyes and leaning against his leg. A shock flared through his core.
Percy gasped and let go of Riptide, letting it clatter on the floor before he, himself, dropped to his knees. He took his arm and slid it down his face. "Damn it." He whispered.
"Are you okay?" The little girl asked.
Percy didn't answer and rushed out of the cabin as fast as he could. No one dared to stop him. The life of a sleeping demigod was hardly ever pleasant. They all dealt with one nightmare or another. It came with the territory. But this... This hardly felt like a normal occurrence. In fact it was barely light outside.
"Should we go after him?" Someone asked and an older teen shook his head.
"Not yet, Simon. Let's just wait until Jack comes back." Everyone nodded. Not even a few minutes later Jack barged in with the so called help. Standing at the door was none other than Chiron, Annabeth, Charles, and of course the not so new, new child of the Big Three. Charles looked across the room with a semi blank stare. Chiron sported a worried expression that was copied by Annabeth. And Thalia looked down right pissed. Which seemed to be her normal expression at this point.
"What happened?" Chiron asked forcibly stuck at the door.
"We're not really sure but, we were woken up by the ground shaking. I thought we were under attack until we realized it was Percy. So we tried to wake him and nothing worked. Liz was the one who actually woke him. It seemed he thought he was still dreaming and threatened us. He told not to move. Then Liz again stopped him and got him to his senses. He collapsed and not a moment later he rushed out the door." Simon told them rushing his words.
"Damn that seaweed brain!" Thalia grunted before turning around and leaving the cabin. Followed closely by the Charles and Annabeth. Of course they we gonna look for him. Each having their own reasons but, were gonna go nonetheless.
Chiron stayed behind and tried to get every detail from them. Being around for centuries while working with demigods has got him curious as to what this whole thing was about. Nightmares were a common occurrence. Especially after dealing with prophecies. Even more so when a war was looming over them. But, never in his time has he ever bore witness to a demigod subconsciously using their powers in the midst of a nightmare. Just what was he going through? How powerful was he?
It seemed that nothing was making much sense theses days. Chiron believed he was gonna die because of it. It all just seemed so ridiculous. He tried to usher them back to sleep, but knew that they weren't gonna get a wink of it. Hopefully Percy turns up at breakfast or sooner. He really needs to have a talk with the boy. Granted he hasn't had a chance since his banishment and disappearance. However, he really needs to talk with him. For his own sake and Percy's.
Something has just been eating at him.
The same could be said for Annabeth. She, nor anyone else, could understand Percy's situation. No matter how how hard they thought it never really went anyway. Plus they have their own stuff to deal with. But, what friends would they be if they didn't lend their assistance to one of their own.
So they weren't willing to stop until they found him.
Except for Thalia. She just can't believe how big a coward Percy is being right now. She remembers clearly how back then he jumped into the fray without so much as a thought for his own safety. It moved her to a higher standard. One that she can't simply climb down from.
Now after hearing the tail of the of so great Percy. She was disappointed. First she gets the revelation that when the going gets tough he leaves. He left Grover and Annabeth after his first quest. Comes back and tries to save the day only to do it alone. Leaves them again only to find that some one dies because of it. Throws them off the ship thinking he doesn't need them. And of course adding icing to the cake, he was the first one there when she woke. Only to leave right then and there. Who does that?! Again and again and again. She just doesn't understand.
Thalia knows that something is being kept secret from everyone. Though she has no clue what. Clearly it has to do with the son of Poseidon. That dimwit. When she finds him, she swears she is gonna wipe the floor with him. Maybe then will he realize just how much he's hurt everyone.
They ran through the places where they thought Percy could be. It seemed pretty obvious that he would be around the water or close to nature, but every place they checked they were left with nothing. It was still pretty early so no one has actually seen him. Making this uncharacteristically hard. It looked quite strange watching head councilors gallop from one spot to the next as breakfast neared. Nothing to say where he went. Even the nature spirits decided to stay quiet. That never happens.
Then it occurred to them that you often find things if they take their mind off of it for a little while, and perhaps refresh themselves with a bit of food.
As people filed into the dining pavilion with a skip in their step, it occurred to them that they were expecting to spot Percy. Percy said he has some news to share. He wouldn't miss the that chance. Would he?
...Of course he would because breakfast went on as it did. With disappointment rolling off people. Oh Thalia was definitely gonna beat him to a pulp. And then some.
The rest of the morning was uneventful except for a couple fights between the Ares and Aphrodite cabins. Verbal fights.
So now it was time for lunch. Ah yes lunch... Always delicious and always plentiful. Many would agree that it was one of the best parts of the day. It is food and everybody loves food. Percy certainly does. So it was a treat to see him sitting at his table waiting patiently and silently. He had a lot on his mind. So much so, that he has completely disassociated from reality. You know, like you do.
It was strange for the first to arrive to see him staring up at the sky arms crossed over his chest and head leaned back. From past accounts he was always doing something. Seeing him so still was... unnerving. Percy absently stared at the sky, preserving only a sliver of attention on avoiding looking at the sun. The first to arrive was a Hermes girl and waved her hand in front of his face. Nothing. Still his attention wasn't deterred as more campers arrived.
His gaze fell like an act of violence, a glare to stop an animal dead in it's tracks. For in that moment anyone knew that the man in front of them carried a heavy burden. This was the real Percy and for some reason he was no longer afraid to show it. His glare into the sky carried volumes on what he might be thinking.
It was hard to tell where his mind was at. Leading an army of ten thousand into battle perhaps? Or sailing the seas alongside his unflinching, undaunted crew. Adventures of perilous journeys and triumphant outcomes to satisfy any young heart. Or perhaps he wasn't thinking at all, but instead simply taken by the endless sea of blue that silently rocked along the horizon, his domain and his home.
Percy's POV:
I wonder what would happen if Apollo through me into the ocean from the sky. Would I survive? I know that water is my superpower and all but, do I have limits? Like is there a point where my mortality takes over and I die? Or am I immune to all affects of water? I should really ask Apollo if he is willing to test this out with me. For science.
Speaking of science, would Athena be useful in helping figure this out? I know Ares would gladly be willing to toss me across the planet. I doubt this has ever been done before. This could seriously be a first. Athena would definitely want to be a part of making history. The history of whether water may or may not kill a son Poseidon. That would be interesting.
Oh wait! Since I'm also the son of the earth-shaker, would that give me the power to make volcanoes? After almost falling into a pit of lava, my parents never let me near anything volcanic since then. This is for science! I'm sure they will let me at least test it out. For all I know, this may help me take down Kronos.
I could see it now, a fierce battle of swords and the next second lava is spewing out from the ground giving me the edge. And wham! I win. That would be so awesome.
Oooo what about my ice and snow powers?... Nah, I'm gonna keep that a secret for as long as possible. Only three beings know about it and Khione and I are two of them. Psyche also knows but, I trust her. Also Khione is laying low. Apparently she isn't trusted amongst the council. If I just pop up from nowhere and use those powers then who knows what hailstorm that would bring... Hah puns. I hate myself.
Why does my sense of humor range so widely from a stupid pun to really anything that is even slightly funny. Seriously, why would I laugh at the idea of Kronos being a midget? I thought of that in a middle of a sparring match against Triton and it nearly killed me because I could not stop laughing. Something is seriously wrong with my psyche. Not the goddess, but I bet something is wrong with her too. If our last meet is anything to go by.
Now that I think-
"PERCY! What in the living HADES!?" Hey, it's Thalia!... And everyone. When did they get here? Wait, did I miss lunch!? Noo, I don't smell anything... Oh thank gods! I stood up quickly pushing my seat back. "I should skewer you right here and now!" Thalia threatened. Sheesh she's starting to sound like Clarisse.
"Oh hey Thalia. Why?" I simply asked. That apparently gained the attention of everyone. Even the fly on the wall.
"Don't play dumb! Or did you forget the stunt you pulled this morning? Or the fact that you've been missing since then!" Oh come on!
"I left because I didn't want any one to get hurt." I shrugged her off.
"And what about since then?" Annabeth snuck up behind me and questioned.
"Jesus Christ!" I jumped. I heard someone say that once when they got scared, I don't even know what it means, "Would you believe me if I said I went back to sleep?" I sheepishly stated.
"Of course not." Thalia sneered.
"That sucks. Because that's exactly what happened. And it was probably one of the best naps I have ever had. I feel great!" Is it still considered a nap if it's over six hours? I'm guessing the little girl has something to do with it... Huh maybe. I'm seriously in a happy mood. I slept great, I woke up great, everything feels great. It's been forever since-
"Do you have any idea how dangerous that could have been?" Thalia again threatened.
"Of course I do. Which is why I left in the first place. Oh, that has lead me to make a decision." I stood on my table and clap my hands getting the attention of everyone. Useless because they were already looking, but who cares? "I am no longer going to be sleeping in my cabin! In light of early morning events I have deemed myself a risk. So, I will be finding other sleeping arrangements." I declared and flipped off the table. "Though you can use my cabin at your leisure."
Something doesn't seem right. I jumped back onto the table narrowly avoiding a sweep to my legs. "Don't you dare think you can fix this by leaving again!" I was completely calm up until then.
"I have to, okay!?" I blurted out. Finally shutting her up. "I get that you're angry! I get that what I'm doing isn't okay! I get it, okay!? But, you clearly don't know anything!"
"Don't put the blame on me kelp head!" Thalia shouted right back.
"That's not what I'm doing. Do you want to know why I kept leaving? I'll tell you. I'm telling everyone because clearly no one knows." I scanned the crowd and my eyes fell on Chiron at the head table, "You should have told them... That's what I came back to tell. That and then some. Because I cannot stay. I want to but. I. Can. Not. Stay." This isn't exactly how I want this to go, but I guess it's now or never. "I was raised and trained as a demigod... As you all may know, the more you know about your heritage the stronger your scent gets. And by the gods did my scent grow. I was attacked constantly and put my family in danger. So much so I lost a sister. We put it off as long as possible. I didn't want to leave and neither did they. And damn did it hurt when I finally did. Then I met some one who dared to make my life a little normal. And I left because I'm a risk. So I spent the next few years alone with only someone I consider my sister to keep me company. Then I came here and finally I thought that perhaps there is a chance I'm not a risk. Though that wasn't the case because my reason for coming here was to stop the gods from fighting. And do you want to know my reward?... Banishment. From everyone I knew. Though I was lucky enough to have a chance to visit my father and gain a brother. Then I was sent on another quest thinking that if I was late someone dies... That was true, I couldn't save Jessica. And you want to know the real kicker? I could've! But, I froze and thought for a split second too long! Oh and don't let me forget about my little scuffle with Luke prior to that. I pissed that bastard off and he wanted nothing more than to kill me and anyone with me. So I kicked my friends off the boat. Because, again, I am a risk... And you want to know something Thalia? I saw you wake. I saw it but, since we met before the banishment curse took over and you vanished. So I left. Again. Nearly died because of a misunderstanding. And I spent the last month and a half trying not to get my family killed because I was selfish and wanted to see them."
"I'm-" Thalia stared but, I cut her off.
"And you want to know the worst part? I've been plagued with nightmares that trap me in my sleep. Today was the first time I managed to rest properly and not die a gruesome death or watch someone I care about die. Again and again and again. Because I am meant to suffer! The Fates are taking out my father's punishment on me! Good! Because if it were on anyone else I swear they'd already be dead... I was finally able to rest..." I was getting more and more hysterical with every word, "Do you think I enjoy being forced away from my friends and family!? Without any of you I am nothing! I'm not the hero your rumors make me out to be! Even now I am being forced away from my homes! Because some immortal bastard wants my head on a spike! Apparently I'm his key... Luke has gotten in before and there is chance he already has another way. I came to say... Goodbye, for now. I'm leaving. Alone. No one will know where or how long. If you guys figure something out. Have Grover let me know... I'm sorry for shouting and ranting but, it needed to be said... Other than that; goodbye." I finished off and sprinted away.
People may not understand and that is okay. I hope they never have to. There was a feeling in my gut that said, "no," but another in my heart that said, "yes." And what are we if don't fight to find the courage to do what is right for others. They call it apprehensive, as if we are afraid of being apprehended by something or someone, but it's all rubbish really, isn't it? When we choose to be brave instead of being the puppets of fear everything get's better. So I'm gonna make the choice that's right, the one I believe in. I am apprehensive, yet unafraid. It is the jolt I need to know that I am walking into a storm, but not so much that my steps will be hindered. If anything it gives me the courage I need to make them, knowing that few good things in this life come without a cost to the self.
Though what's the good in this? That's easy. I'll carry the world if that's what it takes to save my friends.