Percy left without looking back, they got what they wanted and now it is his turn. So, he made his way back to camp alone. Walking, of course. As much as he'd like to just conger a way to get back to his cabin as quickly as possible, this time alone and conscious is precious. A moment to simply exist without the headache of living. Plus, now that he thinks about it he hasn't got too much alone time since... wow, since he ran from camp after the Thalia fiasco. And even then he was the hunter or the prey. Hell even before that he could always count on some kind of company when he went on an adventure, if you will. It's gotten to be exhausting.
The walk back will take some time, but that is all he needs. With step after step, hands in his pocket, and not a single thought manifesting; he goes. Not bothered at all by the drops of water matting down his bleached hair, or the smell of fresh rain washing away the grime on his torso. Nor the the thundering clapping above him. In fact, he isn't thinking at all. Why ruin a perfectly good stroll with things like thoughts?
Percy sees the world, the small specks of rain, the reflections from pools formed, the streaks of light above him, automobiles, people, all around him without seeing anything. He knows when to walk around something, when to stop, and when to go. He hears the concert of traffic all around him, seamless chatter, ringing, music, but none of actually reaches his skull. Percy's body knows the next step he needs to take and where to take it with all the know how of direction already preset. The creaking of woods, sweet smell of fresh air, or chirping of birds, yes he knows, but doesn't. So he goes. Step by step.
He exists, -that's it. There is nothing more to it. No imaging, daydreaming, nor storytelling. Reflecting? Hell no. Plans? Never heard of it. Regret? Remorse? Pain? Guilt? All of it, gone. There are no what ifs, should haves, could have beens... Nothing.
A hard reset. A chance to finally let go and not have to deal the painstaking agony that is known as his life.
Easy, right?
Sure, why wouldn't it be?
Time flies when this occurs. Until he reaches the crest of Camp Half-Blood, life slows down again. Where below him is the mindless chatter of kids with powers going at each other. That was the first thing his brain processed. He tried to ignore the eyes pouring into him, or the subtle mumbles of those stopping to take notice. But he no longer could. Yet, that didn't slow him down. He went passed the stares, the cluttering tongues, with his back straight with strength and eyes forward. Now that he is back he can't afford to show weakness. At least that's what he thinks.
However, he didn't see what they saw. This is their first chance to witness the scars. The long gashes along his sides, the claw marks digging into his back, the scratches and slashes on his arms and legs. Or the star on his chest that still doesn't look quite like a scar yet. And let's not forget the ghostly pale hair that took place of the messy black mess. They've seen that before, back when he was an unconscious dead man. But the stark contrast from before is as relevant as before. These new ones blanketing the old ones, like the other star on his side. His first scar.
Percy didn't stop, didn't respond. Not when he heard Dionysus, not when Chiron called out to him, and most definitely not when Annabeth and Grover reached out. He carried himself to his cabin, opened the door, stepped inside and looked around rigidly. No campers. Then closed the door behind him, creaking as to announce his return.
His bed was just as he left it, actually it's even cleaner than before. Less dust. The floor is mopped, recently too. The whole place is... immaculate. But, there is one thing that definitely wasn't there before. Yet, he is kind of glad is. Amphitrite, with black hair pinned back in a net of pearls and silk, a circlet of polished red crab claws across her brow, mocha-dark eyes, a kind smile, and a white gown, "You're making everyone worry." She sat on the edge of his bed, legs crossed, arms folded on her lap, and her face was absolutely stoic.
"What are you doing here?" Percy requested ignoring her comment completely. Even though he took the chance to take up a seat next to her. And within the confines of his cabin, no one outside was any the wiser. It makes certain things easier, like the fact that he doesn't have to act a certain way. He's glad that he doesn't have to pretend around her. Not like how he acts strong around his other family, or fine to his friends, or sturdy to those that rely on him. And it is great that she doesn't tolerate that kind of nonsense when it's just the two of them. Not like Psyche, where she's like a therapist. Nor Triton and Khione with thought out solutions.
Percy rested his head on her shoulder, dropping his own. Amphitrite brought her hand to his head and reassuringly running her fingers through his hair. "I couldn't see you at your hearing, so here I am now, checking in on the boy carrying the world." She smiled a little covering it up with her other hand. Percy took in a breath and was happy that the salt of the sea imbedded themselves in his nostrils.
"That's not funny," Percy responded, "I might have back problems now." Honestly he wants to say something else, but he doesn't know how to bring it up. Nor if he should. It's a big deal and honestly... carrying the world on his back? That's not too far off with what he thinks the Fates have instore for him.
"Yet, you're the one joking now." Percy was never really fond of all the small and neither was Amphitrite. But they can make do for now. Well... enough for those few sentences before the silence stretched for a few minutes.
"Listen, I appreciate what you're doing, but there are some people I should talk to first. There is something I need to know." Percy stood up in front of his...Mom? Step-mom? Aunt? Doesn't matter, he just stood up to look her in the eyes. "I'm-"
"Don't," Amphitrite raised her hand, stopping Percy, "That's not why I'm here. I don't need to know. Just checking in is all."
"That's what they all say," Percy sighed rubbing his eyes with both his hands, before taking in a deep breathe and continuing, "But seriously... not knowing is a good thing. I'm sorry... This is incredible important." The whole things frightens him beyond anything he's faced before. He likes his no boundary lifestyle and there is no way he'd allow anyone to take it away from him again. But, in such a way that actually kills him.
Amphitrite stood up from her seat reaching to embrace Percy in a hug, "Percy, it doesn't matter to me." She told him with such gentleness that he thought he could believe it.
He pushed back from the hug ready to refute, "But-"
"If your past doesn't matter then neither does your future. I'll love you all the same. I'll help just like I did back then too," In the back of his mind Percy thought, 'It should,' because this is nothing like his other issues.
"I don't think you can help with this problem." Percy was adamant in his tone that that was true. He doesn't truly know if there is anyone that can actually help him. Except for maybe one person. Which is why he, as much as he missed and enjoys her company, wants her to go so that he could go find him sooner rather than later. If anyone can come up with a solution it'd be him. And he means a practical solution.
"Perhaps," Amphitrite shrugged, yet not necessarily agreeing with him, "In any case someone is about to walk through the door, so I'll take my leave." She patted down her gown and waved a small goodbye before her body began to dissipate into a puddle of sea foam.
"...Thanks," Percy mumbled before she completely vanished from his sight. Just then, just like she said, there was someone knocking on the door, "Come in." He answered walking to his bed to take a seat on. He hopes he didn't let in someone who'd give him a headache.
"We need to talk." Silena practically ordered shutting the door closed behind her, sounds of other campers already distancing. Her black hair and blue eyes were a dead giveaway. Not just because of how unique it is, but the way she makes it seem like they are always changing. Oh gods, this will definitely turn into a headache if he's not careful. Silena eyed the cabin and scrunched up her eyes as she took in all the details of Poseidon's cabin. It's not quite what she expected, but definitely gives off the whole ruler of the sea vibe.
"What are you doing here? What about the everyone else?" - he asked- In hindsight he should have been more careful letting her in. How no one else tried to, he doesn't have the foggiest.
"I told them to leave, made it sound like their suggestion so that we could talk in private." Well that definitely shines some light on the whole thing. But, Percy doubts that is all there is. Yet, he can't find it in himself to care all that much. As long as they don't disturb him for the time being then he is happy.
"That's against the rules." Percy tried to make it sound like he wants her to go as he laid down using his arm as a pillow. Silena didn't take the hint.
"Really? You're gonna lecture me on rules?" She scoffed, taking a seat on the bunk next to Percy's, "Anyway, we definitely need to have a little chat," Her near perfect features shifted to a more cold look. Not one too often seen on children of Aphrodite, but one that can't be ignored.
"Hm, where's Charles?" Percy ignored her in return, really wishing that the person he actually let in was that guy. But considering how close those two have probably gotten over how ever long it's been since last time, she isn't too bad for company. It may not be Charles, but it is the person he wants to share his life with.
"Percy this is serious," She leaned forward, yet Percy still didn't budge from his laying position. Of course the first talk at camp is a serious one. Not that he has been giving much of a positive vibe to begin with, like what else did he expect... Granted, what did everyone expect for that matter, "I've been hearing rumors," Oh goodie, just what he wanted to hear. Percy hates rumors, especially those without any merit.
"Rumors?" Percy asked not really trying to hide the snideness in his voice.
"Yes! Since you told Luke that you know of his spies and whatever, he doesn't trust me as much as he used to! So here I am just sifting through the rumors. And adding that to what little he has told me, it's not painting a pretty picture." Silena crossed her arms over her chest and huffed just as Percy bolted upright on his bed.
"What picture?" Percy was urgent in knowing. Now this sounds like there might be some merit to what she's saying. He's hoping it's not what he thinks it is, but he can be very wrong.
The daughter of Aphrodite took a moment to respond, "...Percy, are you okay? What have you gotten yourself into?"
Immediately all of Percy's danger senses flared. 'Does she know? How many people know?' He tried running through the questions, yet none could be answered. He stood up from his seat and stared, not knowing what she might say. He didn't want to jinx it either by saying something too soon.
"Silena, what picture?" Percy ignored her question wishing that she'd just spit it out. If she'd judt say then he'd know withing having to jump through any damn hoops. It's irritating- oh right... He's done the cryptic message crap for awhile now, and now he has to taste his own medicine. Or however the saying goes.
"Not until you tell me what's going on." She kept pushing, and stood up just like Percy did. Her arms still crossed and her expression something fierce.
"Silena, I'm not here to play games. What did you find out?" Percy took a step closer, eyeing her with untold conviction.
"And I'm not saying until you tell me what you've gotten yourself into," She took a step. If what she's heard is true, or at least somewhat true, then Percy is some serious trouble. It reminds her of Luke in so many ways. "Percy, tell me what's going on. You wouldn't want Charlie to worry, would you?" Silena dripped a little bit of honey in her voice to force a response.
Percy almost fell for it, he wanted to tell her, but, "... Your charm speak is strong, but it won't work." He fought back.
She wasn't fazed, "I could just spread my own rumors, you know." A small sly smile promptly stole a spot on her lips.
"Blackmail? You'd stoop to that level?" Percy glared, but knew if she needed to she would.
"In this case? Yes." Yep, he was right. So she must know. With the threat of blackmail, she must. She'd never swoop so low if it weren't so damn serious.
"Fine, just... fine," Percy sighed and waved her off in surrender, and thought about flipping her off, however didn't, "There is a reason The General wanted me specifically, why he reached out when he did... and before that The Titan King. I'm sure you know all about their attempts to revive the guy, plus the final piece they need." Percy knew how vague he was being. And for good reason. No one wants to be the one responsible for carrying a Titan around. And the King at that...
"So it is true." Silena sighed too, sitting down and running a hand through her hair. She hoped she was wrong. Percy's too kind to go through with something like this.
"And I don't know how to protect myself." He collapsed on his bed trying to figure out a way where he can come out on top. Or you know, not die.
"You're worried about what will happen if they capture you again?" After hearing what happening to him pretty damn recently? It is really concerning what they might try to attempt this time around.
"More like when." They both knew that that is a very real possibility. It's a scary thought to have.
"You could just stay here." She suggested half heartedly.
"Unless this place is safe from a Titan, then no way." They both sighed, spitting out things to say as if that's all they can do. Let's be real, it probably is.
"And what do you plan to do out there? Hide?" She knows that hiding never really works out for demigods. And Percy's scent is big enough as is to cause monsters to challenge the camp border.
"I've done it before, I've hidden in places where nothing got to me. Not even the nightmares." Silena almost got whiplash with how fast her head turned to stare at Percy in utter shock and awe. There are plenty of awesome about being a demigod; powers, community, and fighting stuff... However, the worst thing, probably the absolute worst thing is the nightmares. Some demigods can escape monsters, but they can never escape nightmares.
"Now that? I'd like to see." She tried to sound casual, but there is a part of her that is thinking that Percy is pulling her leg.
"You should go, you know the rules," Silena nodded her head, not wanting to be caught by the harpies, "Don't tell anyone," She didn't stop and reached for the door handle. She knows Percy well enough to see that he doesn't want anybody to worry... and after all that he's done for them she feel like giving him the courtesy, "Not even Charles," She bit her lip thinking that that might be a bit much, "Please," Percy sat down, seeping a plea into his voice since he got everything back. Silena turned to look at Percy and nodded sternly. "Thank you."
Now all he has to do is figure out a way to survive whatever coming up next.