Third Person POV: (I'm Omniscient Here)
"You crushed them," Annabeth deduced coughing slightly to keep her voice in check, knowing full well of Poseidon's less exposed nature. This isn't the boy she thought she knew. It can't be. On her first quest he was strong, collected, decisive, everything a true hero needed be. The list was extensive. Percy listened to her problems, her ideas, even her rants about architecture. He laughed in the eyes of danger, sarcastically nagged the enemy, it made the situation less tense. But now? Knowing he hid this? Maybe they aren't friends after all.
Percy on the other hand simply nodded, burying his head in his hands scrunching his eyes so tight he began seeing shapes and colors. He grabbed tousles of his white hair frustrated he's reliving one of the worst days of his life. This just proof that he should be alone, once this is all over that is. You can't kill anyone if no one is around. Once he completes his promise, that's it. Percy is done, "First Ismene, then Greg and Fischer, leading into Michelle, and the last escapade ending with Jason." Percy choked into his hands wiping away whatever was left from his tear-fest. Isn't it easier to push other's away then watch them leave? "I'm a curse to be around," Percy continued to mumble swaying from side to side.
"No you're not! Stop trying to push people away! There are still people that care about you. I still care about you!" Of course Annabeth won't forget the mention of Michelle and Jason, but now is not the time. Someone has to stop Percy from spiraling any further. It sure as hell doesn't seem like Zoe is going to jump in anytime soon. She just took a seat back and is letting it play out. She does agree with Perseus, it is his fault.
"No you don't." Percy sighed shaking his head. Come on, he is responsible for nineteen deaths and a damn earthquake. It'd be hard for anyone to look past that seriously. Not to mention stupid. It's not like they were the monsters.
"Of course I do! The thing with Greg and Fischer was not-"
"My fault? Yes it was. I tried everything to convince myself it wasn't, but lets be real here, I'm tired of pretending," Percy rubbed the bridge of his nose wondering why Annabeth just can't seem to see it, then it hit him harder than necessary, "Can you seriously look me in the eyes and tell me they wouldn't have lived longer if it weren't for me?" It's a question he asked himself numerous times. It's not just one mistake, but a collectively woven thread trapping him within his own net.
"That's not fair." The question is filled with so many flaws, there is no way of telling how'd life turn if something else happened.
"Neither is trying to convince me of a lie." Percy forced his head between his knees, rocking back and forth during the river calm belt. The soft sound of water moving being his only solace.
"Percy, that's all in the past. You've changed since then." Annabeth tried reassuring him, but isn't exactly hitting the mark. Zoe scoffed, sitting as far from Percy as she could manage. If she'd known of his atrocities sooner, he'd be something not worth burying.
"I'd be more convinced if you weren't ready to fight." He managed to mumble without even glancing. Right now, the only thing that'd help is having his sister around. Or maybe even Psyche. They always know what to do in this situation. How long has it been since he last saw them? It feels like forever.
"How did-" Percy hardly looked up since he began saying anything.
"Small canoe."
"Percy, you can't keep-" Annabeth was cut off by a blinding light beaming up from beneath the boat. The water starting turning over, shaking the boat as water started rumbling with pockets of air. The light gaining strength erasing all traces of shadows. On instinct Annabeth, Percy, and Zoe shut their eyes shut. Damn gods and their stupid theatrics.
"KHIONE!" Percy screamed before being swept in a current not of his control.
The canoe beneath their feet vanished as the air smelt of sea air and ozone permeated the air. The harshness of the odd mixture burned their lungs for a second before settling down. Their feet slowly came into contact something solid beneath their feet. Something cold and smooth, Percy isn't wearing shoes remember? The ground is pristine, flawlessly polished marble, too good to be made by mortal hands.
Zoe and Annabeth stood in the center of the hall without so much as tripping over their own feet after the sudden whoosh of teleporting. Twelve Olympian gods sat before them in their respected thrones, eyeing the two comers with their chins held high. Thinking that surely these two don't have to be here, do they? In a meeting regarding Perseus nonetheless.
Still, no one looked at the one in question as he hid behind the girls as close to the hearth as he could bare. Speaking of baring, he curled into himself tightly on the ground squeezing his eyes so deeply it might burst a cornea. He wrapped his arms around his ears shutting out as much noise as possible knowing that there is something here that will trigger him.
"I told you I had it handled!" Poseidon grunted resting his hand on his chin. It's his son, he should be the one responsible on bringing him here.
Zeus waved him off, "As if I'd trust you to send your son here."
"This meeting concerns him, does it not? Why wouldn't I?" Poseidon glared. Though the recent development has him wondering if he really should have.
"Hn." Zeus grunted, choosing to face the rest of the room.
A couple of confused faces looked around, if Poseidon and Zeus brought him here then where is he? The ladies on the floor looked around then noticed Percy's fetal position. He was fine just a second ago... Well, fine isn't exactly a good way to describe it, but he was definitely better than he's portraying now. Several gods took notice pretty quickly and what Annabeth and Zoe were looking at. It was sad, pathetic even for a few. Yet, those that cared, or didn't hate the poor guy sported remorseful expressions.
"OOkaayyyy, not sure how to procced, but I recall we were supposed to have a meeting about our *Ahem* guest. Shall we?" Apollo drawled out. It is because of him they are all gathered in the first place. If it weren't for Percy swearing in Apollo's domain, then it'd have been at least another week before this meeting would have taken place.
Zeus straightened his back resonating a ruler's aura, "Yes we shall-"
"Where is he!? Where's Percy!?" Triton burst into the throne room followed closely by someone special. Much to the displeasure of the King of the gods. The two newcomers rushed over to Annabeth and Zoe with air cold even to give them goosebumps. This cold lady can only be one person. After a quick grab with her ice cold hands and a plea in her eyes Annabeth nodded behind her. Percy still in his strange state.
Khione's eyes widened as she knelt down next to her beloved brother. She gently maneuvered her hands under his upper torso lifting his head, so it lay on her lap. A few side glances from the gathered twelve didn't bother her, "Percy!" Khione's voice was quick and sharp, unable to hide the shock in her tone, "What did you do to him?!" She accused. No one took the bait. Triton relaxed his breathing and slowly approached his father's side. Poseidon, glad to have another person on Percy's side here, slightly nodded his head in acknowledgement.
"Nothing, that is how he appeared," Athena responded calmly, "After what we just heard, I'm not surprised." She mentioned crossing her leg over the other.
Triton leaned towards his father, "Which was what father?" He whispered. Just looking at the state of Percy, it is not good.
"Greg and Fischer," Poseidon didn't hide the fact, announcing it to the entire congregate. Triton straightened his back expressing a very serious manner, while avoiding eye contact with everyone, "You knew?" Poseidon questioned knowing how to read his son. If he knew then why didn't he say anything sooner? "We'll discuss this later. Understood?" It wasn't really a question, but a demand. One which Triton refused to acknowledge.
Khione, in an attempt to further calm Percy down, gently ran her hand through his white hair. Basically petting the poor boy, "Percy, it's okay, you can open your eyes now," She whispered hoping to get a reaction.
The one in question didn't think so. Percy shook his head violently because he knows exactly what will happen if he does. Closing his eyes and ears are helping, but honestly not by enough.
"Perseus, you must," Khione edged him on, "Psyche said you should... It will get worse before things get better," She sighed, knowing this story all to well. Last time he mentioned it, it took both her and Psyche to get him to calm down with words alone and subside the mini storm he created. At least one thing is true, time does heal.
Percy gradually removed his hands from his ears still unsure of himself, "It's been getting worse for awhile now," He voice hushed, before anyone got the chance, Khione rose her hands signaling to shut it. If they want answers, they'll have to be patient. Even if it is not their strong suite, "Tell me sister, just when does it get better?" She didn't respond so Percy sighed, "Yea, I don't know either."
The Ice goddess released a quiet breath and waited until Percy sat up himself. Eyes still shut. If there is anytime to get this over with, it'd be now. She stood up and straightened out her icy blue frost dress then turned to face Artemis. If Psyche was right then Artemis is the key to this whole mess Percy caught himself up in.
With a quick nod Artemis took the initiative, "Perseus?"
His eyes snapped open, his jaw slacked, it felt like a nail was being driven hard into his brain. Percy gasped for air, but could never seem to get enough. His chest expanded and expanded taking in more air than he's letting out. His eyes rolled back into his head as he fell onto his knees. It's coming back. The rest of it... The worst of it.
"AAUUHHGHGH!" He wailed letting out all the air he gathered. Percy keeled over grabbing locks of his hair still screaming, now into the ground. His feet pushed and pushed shoving his head further, deeper into the marble floor. Percy punched the floor, cracking the ground, and most definitely his knuckles too. That didn't stop him, he didn't even feel it. Perseus then flopped onto his side arching his back in an unnatural angle, shouting.
Annabeth and Zoe were the first and only to respond, rushing over to try and calm Percy down. However, before they could even budge Triton whisked Annabeth away, setting her down in front of her mother's thrown. Khione pushed Zoe back to her mistress, not one to let anyone interfere. There is nothing they can do about it anyway.
That didn't dissuade the two from trying again. Only this time Athena placed her hand on her daughters shoulder, while Artemis grabbed Zoe's. Something is amiss, something that needs to happen first though. Khione and Triton looked thankful backing up close to Poseidon's throne. Although the Snow and Sea gods are not too keen of each other, he let's her close by. If not for anything else, then for the sake of his son's sanity.
Maybe they should've let them.
Percy froze in an awkward position as quick as a snap, his back arched, mouth open, fingers and toes oddly twirled, it was creepy. The gods looked over at each other, none having the answer to describe it. Even Triton and dearest Khione look taken back. The only ones who didn't they their eyes off of him were Annabeth and Zoe. The first because she so obviously cares. The other? Well it's still her mission to say the least. Until he is all well and good as they say.
Poseidon's mortal son first twitch brought all their attention back to floor. Like an undead mummy he slowly unfolded himself until he was straight enough to hold his balance as he stood. The fact that his eyes were still hidden, only showing the milky whiteness of the ball itself, with a mouth agape, really added to the whole mummy thing. Except mummies don't cry. Or are fully hydrated.
Annabeth took a single step forward, not held back by her mother. Big mistake.
A pulse erupted from Percy. The air temperature dropped so rapidly everybody got on edge. Some ready for a fight. Khione's eyes widened, he can't really show his secret now of all times, would he? Athena dropped from her thrown shielding her daughter with her trusty shield. If there was anytime to be prepared, now was it. Khione and Triton were about to step in, but Poseidon blocked them with his Trident, his symbol of power. If anyone was going to do anything, it has to be him.
The wind in the high council of the eldest gods and goddesses began picking up, water from all across Olympus began to gather. It's congregation centered directly above Perseus Jackson. The mix of cool air and water circled together amassing into a form of dark grey clouds. Those dark clouds grew heavy, dropping and spinning as a barrier. A tornado's eye being the only clearing to the heavens above.
Ares dropped from his throne as well, getting fed up with the drama this brat is causing.
The strength of the storm only grew in power, picking up Percy until he was fully airborne. Zeus, not pleased that a son of the sea had the gall to enter his domain in his home, summon his lightning bolt.
Athena ordered her daughter to get back behind her thrown, she refused. Zoe was at a loss for words. The other gathered Olympians sat taking in this strange turn in events. It will make one hell of a story to tell. So many rumors to spread, drama's to make... a god's paradise.
The surge of the storm grew even more, power pulsed from Percy again, cracking the pristine architecture all around him.
Zeus had enough.
So did Percy.
His irises rolled back into place... Not the ones everyone remember. Not the sea green in a sea of icy blue. Not the lively ones once so care free and fun. No, not those.
These were blue all right, though without any hint of green in them. Not the clear blue of springs that hold life in them. Nor the blue of the heavens that promise those wonderful days. Not that kind. This blue mirrored that of the darkest depths of the oceans. One where monsters roam freely, where the deadly call home. There is no remorse there, no sympathy, nor guilt. It's from the place where only the strongest survive. A blue so deep it lacks all emotion... where the coldest parts of the world truly reside.
Khione opened her mouth to warm them, but Poseidon already took the leap. He tore through the storm with ease, swiping away the tornado like a nosy fly, as he reached his son. Poseidon locked eyes with his boy, but couldn't find him. With a heavy heart he thrust his trident onto his mortal child, locking his son between the second and third prong. It took him a full swipe of arm to calm the waters down, only another for Zeus to clear the air.
Annabeth moved from behind her mother, "What the hell just happened!?"