Thalia's POV:
It was getting difficult for me to find a spot to get any rest in. Usually it wouldn't be this hard to find an area cozy enough for my body to simply relax. However, with sleep came dreams and with those dreams came unpleasant revelations. Some I'd rather not know of. Or care to repeat ever again. To bad I'll never be so blissfully ignorant.
I curled up into a ball on an empty seat even though there were plenty of empty beds. No matter how hard I tried, sleep never got a firm enough hold on me. So, I opted for this seat and shut my eyes already feeling the nice clasp of rest.
A few minutes had past when I heard the quiet tip tap of feet walking past my seemingly uncomfortable positioning. I didn't care though. As long as it was enough then I won't have a problem in the morning. I took in a deep breath, filling my lungs with oxygen, and let my mind clear. The first day had been rough...
Something soft brushed up against my cheek just before my consciousness was swept away.
My eyes slowly brushed open, I was standing in the middle of a dark abyss stretching out too far to see. Suddenly hysterical laughter echoed from the edges of the abyss, slowly creeping up to close to me. The laughter only grew louder and as the seconds turned into minutes the voice began booming in my ears. Shaking the foundation I stood upon.
I squeezed my eyes and ears shut as it became far to deafening to bare, "Everything is going to turn out okay. You'll just have to trust me." That wasn't the laughter of a psychopath. I know that voice. Percy. My eyes fluttered open and the first thing I noticed was the mountain I sat on. I tried to move yet my body didn't respond to me in the slightest. I gazed all around and saw, actually barely noticed, that Artemis was chained to a rock looking a lot better than she thought she would. I know I heard Percy so where is he?
"I do. But, there is something that you aren't telling me. Something important. A full day of questioning and the only thing I managed to get is an understanding. And for that, I must apologize for my earlier behavior." Now that voice sounded very similar to Artemis. My head swirled around seeing her, yet her lips didn't so much as move or twitch. I still can't find Percy.
"There's no need. It was entirely justified. Just look at what I have done, it's not like I can snap my fingers and undo it." Where is that damn seaweed brain?
"You still haven't told me why." Artemis stated.
"I know... I want to tell you, I really do. It's just... I'm scared." I've never heard him sound so broken. Or tired. I looked all over trying to spot him, yet anything outside of Artemis and the statue was clouded in a thick black fog. Like a demented demon coiling it's fingers over a secret.
"Do-... Does he know about your other family?" Artemis asked with a high degree of sincerity. She cared, like really cared. It wasn't some act.
"He doesn't just know." Percy hinted. His voice quivered and shook as he spoke those seemingly simple four words. Percy sounded like it was driving him crazy with worry. I don't know how quite to say it, but I felt as though Percy was letting on a lot more than four words. I don't know what's going on and it's killing me. Who knows what about his family?
"...Don't worry, we'll make it out of here and everything will turn out okay. Just trust me." Artemis tried soothing him. I never thought I would see the day. Artemis did a once over on the chains and made a tsk sound of irritation.
"Heh, that's my line." Percy huffed. From my spot I saw a small smile appear on her face. One that symbolized some sort of understanding. I think. From what I know, she's been here at least a full day with the son of Poseidon. While he has been held captive a full day longer. Maybe they came to an understanding of some sort in that time.
"...Listen, there may be a way to get you free of those chains. I have a plan. Sort of." Percy commented from whatever corner he lay in.
"You're telling me this now?" Artemis mused.
"I needed to know that I could trust you. And it's not like it is risk free." Percy grunted like he was struggling a lot.
"What's the cost?"
"A day." Percy answered without missing a beat. I couldn't help notice the flinch from Artemis.
"No. That's too much. We'll just figure something else out." Artemis damn near ordered.
"It's the only choice. If they are coming then they'll need all the help they can get. He won't let it come down to a one on one. He may be arrogant, but he isn't stupid. This is big so he'll plan for bigger. And... I want you to check in on them. My family, I mean. It has to be you." I felt like I was intruding on something. "You're smart and the council needs you, if things don't work than you can make a dash for it. We can't afford to lose another year because Zeus was too stuck up and ignorant." Why in the Hades was I even hearing this!? I don't know what to make of this!
It couldn't have been more than a minute of silence that stretched over the inky black sky. Yet, all I could think of was why it was taking her so damn long to answer. I wanted to shout and argue against it, there is no way in hell they can leave him. Without knowing Percy's situation, it could lead him to an early death and- and- we can't allow that!
"If you die, I'll kill you." Artemis threatened. My heart pounded in my chest. I was furious that she agreed.
"Get in line..." I think he tried to sound endearing, but all I heard was others were counting on him too. This cannot be happening.
"Perce... You shouldn't have to suffer this much after everything you've been through. How you're still mentally capable is beyond me." No no no no no, don't make it sound like a goodbye!
"You don't even know the half of it..." Percy sighed. My eyes were fixed on the goddess and the vision sent a chill down to the bone. An immortal goddess was deeply concerned and held a face of sympathy for a mere mortal. "Now get ready, it might get a little chilly."
"Wait!" I screamed jolting up trying to reach out in desperation. Percy was in trouble. A lot of it. If they don't speed up then Percy will have one less day. Whatever that means! I jolted slightly when I felt a fur coat slip off of my shoulder, "Damn it all to hades!" I cursed bringing my fist down repeatedly on the seat cushion. "Damn it! Damn it! Damn! It!" I punched and punched trying to drain out my frustrations on the poor seat. "Damn it." I sighed and brought my hands up to face and knees to my chest. Silently going over all of it. "Why do you do this to yourself Percy? Why can't you just be a little selfish like the rest of us? Why does it always have to be you?" I mulled over to myself hiding my head between the crook of my knees.
"Hey? Are you okay?" Someone sat across from me, but I didn't dare look up. Percy's forced and strained voice was still very fresh. Every time he wanted to say something, it's like he had to take in as much air possible for nothing more than a sentence... Like it hurt. "Was it my brother?" he asked wholeheartedly and without the same peace the sea brings on a calm morning.
I didn't- couldn't say anything. It didn't feel right. "It was, wasn't it?" He earnestly brought up after a couple minutes of silence. "Please..."
I can't fault him for wanting to know. What should I even say? That his brother is willingly giving up a full days time for a chance that Artemis could escape. All the while sounding broken and exhausted himself. I can't even tell him the state his brother is in because I don't know. He was there and wasn't. It felt like a part of him was slipping.
How do I tell his brother that? How do I say that Percy was there with Artemis, but wasn't at the same time. That his voice cracked every time he had to say something. That he was nowhere and all around at the same time. That Artemis didn't move her lips and still spoke. Nothing made any sense. And the fact that Percy is playing the sacrifice; is just adding to the hurt.
Yes, I admit it. I'm hurting. It hurt hearing that dry voice and knowing there was nothing I could do to prevent it. Or help. When he ranted and burst in front of the entire camp, I didn't know what to do. Every sentence was like a punch in the gut. He said that's why he came back, I think that's a lie. Every sentence was just thrown out it quick succession as if he didn't know what to say. Just that he needed to say it.
Which is why it hurts so much hearing his voice now. It wasn't hysterical like before. It wasn't a need to say the truth. It was cracked, forced and sounded like someone without options. I don't want to hear that. I never want to hear that. Not when I know how strong he really is. It's hurting in a way I can't quite describe either.
Is there even a way to say that Percy is okay? When he clearly isn't? I don't want to be the one to be the barer of bad news... Yet, all I can think of is what would he do? It's stupid that I already know. They all deserve to know. He's not just my friend.
"It's just that-" No one was there, only an empty seat. I looked around me and saw nothing. I mean no one, the entire cart was empty. I swiveled around and noticed that the sun was starting to climb over the horizon. Or it should be. As I gazed out the window a massive sheet of white blotted out what I was sure to be mountains and a valley. Yet, all that was gone as the chill seeped through the closed window and the wind lightly rocked the train on the tracks.
"Someone is upset." I jumped a bit from the unexpected gruff voice. I turned around meeting Triton standing tall in his armor and still face.
"What do you mean?"
"Come on. I'll tell everyone at the breakfast table. I hope you guys enjoy it." He spoke with a tinge of sadness laced in. I doubt anyone would notice if they weren't looking for it in the first place.
"Uh, I also have something I need to tell you guys."
"Okay, we have plenty to talk about anyway." Triton mentioned as he began to lead the way to the dining cart. Wait, did he say that he made us breakfast?
I slowly walked behind him dwelling on my own thoughts. I can't break in front of the others, I need to be strong. I'm a daughter of Zeus for crying out loud, I need to set an example of some sort. For Grover, Annabeth, and that Bianca chick. Zoe can go screw herself and Triton; Triton is a god so I think that speaks for itself. I want to be strong for them at least. What if Percy?-
"We're here." I nodded numbly and strutted past him finding an empty seat in the middle of Annabeth and Bianca. Grover indulged in his obsessive love for the huntresses and sat as close to Zoe as he could muster, which was directly next to her. Triton didn't even take a seat and left to what I'm guessing is the kitchen.
No one spoke a word and that gave me plenty of time to look around. It was still snowing. The room was very plain with a faded red carpet and yellow trim, plain wooden tables covered in a white covering. The seats were cushioned in a darker red and basically the whole room was exactly what people would expect from some random train. It honestly wasn't much.
"Do you think he can actually cook?" Bianca broke the ice.
"I doubt it. He'll probably just give us some mush and call it food. Maybe even that won't be cooked right." Zoe commented brashly.
"Oh come on, you haven't even tried it yet." Speak of the devil. Triton spoke confidently as he wheeled out multiple carts of food steaming with a wide variety of deliciousness. Eggs, ham, piles of fried potatoes. A tureen of fruit sits in ice to keep it chilled. The basket of rolls he set before me smelled absolutely divine. There was also the sweet aroma of croissants, toast, hash browns and all the other confectionaries you could possibly imagine. In small bowls were cut vegetables as toppings and a wide assortment of beverages. Everything anyone could possible want for a good breakfast. There was even foil for the nature glutton.
"You made all of this?" Bianca practically shouted while she drooled. Everyone was. Even the horse that wandered in here without anyone realizing it. "Oh my gods! This is fantastic! Did you actually make this?" Bianca asked between bites and mouths full of food. She couldn't help herself it seems.
"Yeah, but it isn't my recipe so I can't really take the credit for this. I'm sure he'd love to cook for you if he gets the chance. He may even has improved it since then." Triton acted humbly while waving off the compliments.
"What? Do we know him?" Grover asked with a mouth full of foil.
"You could say that."
"Well who is it?" Annabeth wondered half mindedly as she dove into this divine meal. She was distracted.
"I can't say. It's going to be a surprise. If the timing is right and all." Triton spoke with a high sense of nostalgia. Like, he was recalling a fine memory. After that the conversation seized. In the quiet all that was heard was the tapping of utensils on plates and gulps of drinks. Until everyone finished and we had to get down to business.
"Ahem." Zoe called for everyone's attention. "Last night, Triton and I have made some unpleasant discoveries after our encounter at the museum." She's just jumping right in, isn't she? "First and foremost the monster that Artemis went out to hunt; is a lot closer than we once thought." She waved her hand and Triton took his cue.
"Right. I didn't know what to make of this until I actually joined this quest and had some idea of what we were up against. So as things about the monster go, I have felt a presence follow me for the past week or so. Not a mortal presence I mind you. An old one that gave a sense of destruction and power. It would show up in strange places, such as fountains and other aquatic environments. I haven't even gotten a good look at it yet, it always there nagging me." Triton informed the group. Those of us not fully versed lightly gulped.
"Can't you just bait it out?" Annabeth questioned. "What about it's identity? Do you know that at least?"
"I tried. Didn't work... As for it's identity, I believe it should best be kept secret for the moment. It could very well tip the power scale in the enemies favor as a worst case scenario. They may know it too, but I wish to keep it from spreading to leave out any unwanted parties from going in for a power grab move." I probably wouldn't even have thought of that. Damn, he thinks about it almost as much as Annabeth. "If that is possible." He added.
"Didn't you say that you were gonna explain the storm currently outside?" Annabeth asked clearly trying to get the through the meeting. She appeared to be jumpier than usual. Not hyper. Man- Triton is just a part of every conversation, isn't he?
"I'm not the only god that is upset at the disappearance of one Percy Jackson."
"You mean?" Grover hinted.
"Yes... Percy has been busy. All the time you believed him to be alone was falsely presumed. I swear that kid..." Triton began mumbling to himself crossing his arms over his chest.
There was a lull on the conversation. I don't know about the rest of them, but it was getting uncomfortable. Should I say something now?
"How much longer till the solstice?" Bianca question. We all knew the answer, though I think she got that.
"Four days from now." Zoe cleared up. Four days before things go from bad to worse. "Now to the other discoveries. In our haste to leave the predicaments at the museum we have overlooked the obvious. That someone sent those beasts after us specifically. And our very own god here has shown some more use for his being here by figuring it just who it might be... Atlas." Voices and opinions were thrown out like grenades, but that name was the thing that caused the ringing in my ears. Silencing everything out.
The pieces from last night began to fit together. I couldn't breath, it felt as if someone was choking me. My heart was racing and all I wanted to do was curl up into a ball and wait for someone to save me. But no one would, no one was there. A choked cry for help forced itself up her throat, and I felt a drop run down my cheek. 'Artemis wasn't under the sky.' "Artemis wasn't under the sky." I mumbled repeatedly to myself. "It wasn't her... No. Come on. No. Why? Why Percy? Just why?" I began asking myself ignoring the odd look I was getting from my best friend.
"Hey Thals? You okay?" Annabeth rubbed her hand in circles over my back and I couldn't help myself.
"Artemis is not under the sky!" I blurted out getting shocked expressions from all. Before anyone could interrupt I went into great detail about what I overheard in my dream. I didn't leave a speck of information out as the words just flowed right out of me. The happy mood from breakfast dissipated faster than the morning dew.
"Percy..." Annabeth whimpered. Tears begging to escape. She wiped away at the side of her eyes and quickly left the room.
Bianca stayed silent.
Grover's eyes grew wide and he started dry heaving. He began hyperventilating and did his damn best to try and get fresh air.
The air around Triton grew damp. I'm sure his mood began adding to the storm outside.
Blackjack- in all honesty I have no idea what he was going through.
Zoe went from pleased to disbelief to confusion to hatred to admiration in the span of a couple seconds.
And me? Well I am still hurting.