Chapter 3
Travelling to Atlantis was nothing like Percy would have imagined. Thanks to Triton they were able to travel at unimaginable speeds in a comfortable manner. Percy had tried to make small talk with the couple, but he could tell things were tense so decided on silence.
Arriving at Atlantis was so much more than Percy ever dreamed of. The lost underwater city was more than a dream. Palaces the size of skyscrapers, sea creatures swimming and blending in with the city as if it was nothing special at all, and the army of Atlantis was conducting training exercises just outside the city limits, and all stood at attention as Triton darted above. The mermen, dolphins, cyclops and other varieties of creatures that took part in the army seemed quite humbled by the appearance of the Prince of Atlantis.
When they arrived at the palace of Neptune Triton guided them to the ground and they all smoothly began walking on the marble like stone that held a pathway towards the palace. When they made it to the front door two hulking mermen were guarding the doors and saluted them as they walked by. When they made it into the entrance of the palace it was shockingly empty. With a soft kiss Thetis wished Triton luck, and wished Percy the same. Triton looked distracted, but finally stopped his strides in front of massive bronze doors that clearly led to some kind of throne room, "Percy I want you to go into this next room, and tell nothing but the truth do you understand? You have done nothing wrong, and the council just needs to hear it from your mouth. If you attempt to lie, or manipulate the council in anyway you will not walk out of this building a free man. Do you understand?"
Percy's heart began thundering against his chest. What was going on?
"Triton what is this?"
Percy didn't even have time to realize the fact that it was the first time in five years Triton had called him by his everyday name instead of his birth name, but the young immortal threw the doors open and dragged Percy by the arm in front of a circle of beings that were gathered silently staring at the two whom had entered the room. The young son of the sea realized why Thetis did not follow them into the council room of the High Sea Council that Percy had grown up hearing stories of.
The man in the largest seat in the circle had a dead serious look on his face, and the rest of the council followed his motion as Triton bowed, "Father I have brought Prince Perseus Jackson before the High Council of the Sea as requested."
The man Triton called father was undoubtedly so. He was practically a spitting image of the man, and so was Percy. He could see it in his eyes, and his facial structure, and for the first time he felt like he couldn't breath underwater. A tall being next to his father leaned over and whispered in his ear and the man nodded causing the man to stand, "Perseus Jackson. Welcome to Atlantis. We all wish you could have been brought here under different circumstances, but that was not the hand the fates dealt. My name is Oceanus. I am the Titan of the Seas, and I will lead today's interrogation. Do you understand?"
Percy shook his head bowing, "No my lord I am afraid I don't understand why I was summoned. My brother did not give me any details."
"Excellent, that is exactly what he was instructed to do. Well done Grandson." Oceanus applauded.
Triton nodded his head over so slightly, but kept his eyes fixed on Percy.
"Perseus Jackson. You stand accused of stealing Lord Jupiter's Master Bolt, how do you plead?" Oceanus asked evenly.
Percy's jaw dropped, "I'm sorry? Lord Jupiter's Master Bolt?"
"Yes boy, the Master Bolt, the most powerful weapon ever created. It has been stolen and the Olympian Council believes you did it. The Lords of the Ocean demanded that your father bring you to trial to ensure you were not responsible before we dared to take arms against Olympus."
Percy did everything he could to prevent himself from swooning. The Gods thought he had stolen Jupiter's bolt? That was madness. The legion would frame him a spy, a traitor, an outcast, a graceus.
"I swear it on the River Styx that I did not steal Lord Jupiter's Lightning bolt nor anything else from any Olympian ever. Nor did I have knowledge of it." Percy swore.
Thunder boomed so loudly overhead that everyone except Neptune flinched. Many looked surprised by the oath, and some even stared expectantly as if they expected him to spontaneously combust. Triton spoke now, "Well that was rather simple. As my brother does not know his rights as an Atlantean I am going to speak on his behalf. I have trained him for the last five years, and he has shown no desire, or even the slightest bit of anger towards Olympus or anyone that is a friend of Atlantis. I would've seen the signs. I have spent hours a week with him for five years, and it wasn't just his judgment called into question when this came up but mine as well."
Neptune spoke for the first time, "Peace my son. No one actually believed Percy stole the bolt, but now Olympus itself will have heard such an oath on the River Styx. This however does not ultimately solve the problem. A great enemy is stirring in the pits, and my brother must have his weapon."
The council stirred at multiple points during his father's short speech, and Percy could immediately tell many had suspected him of stealing the Master Bolt. He wasn't quite sure even if they stirred more over the theft of the weapon or talk of a great enemy stirring in Tartarus.
"A quest must be issued. Perhaps Triton himself could lead it. We could even request Bill from Camp Fish Blood!" One of the council members suggested.
Many nods and murmurs of agreement went throughout the council room, but Neptune held his hand up for silence, "No a better idea I have. Perseus, my son...I wish for you to return to Camp Jupiter, and inform them of what has happened. Take your Centurion Jason Grace and lead a quest to find the Master Bolt. I have every nymph, sea creature, neriad, and water deity on the planet looking for it, or keeping an ear out for it at the least. The thief must be a demigod or a monster, and you must hunt this down to clear your name. If you lead a successful quest then perhaps you will answer your own prayers about bringing honor back to the house of Neptune in Rome."
Dead silence in the chamber, and dozens of eyes were on the youngest son of the sea, "But Lord Neptune, father, I don't even know where to begin my search. Will this really lead to war on Olympus, and will Atlantis really come to my defense?"
Oceanus bellowed laughter, "Oh young prince you must understand that you are one of us. You may be a surface dweller, but your father is King of the Oceans. A strike against one of his is a strike against us all. If they wish to kill you, they will have the full might of Atlantis brought down upon them." Many cheered and banged their weapons on the ground, "Besides my boy you have already sworn an oath on the Styx. If the oath was broken the Lady Styx herself would claim your soul what could have been instantly. An attack on you at this point would be treachery that only the Olympians would stoop too."
"Oceanus." Neptune said warningly, and the man backed down instantly at the sound of his name.
Triton stepped in, "Grandfather is right father. Even with the oath not everyone will be convinced by his words. Your brother Lord Pluto might send the most powerful monsters to hunt Perseus down if they think he has the bolt. I am much better suited for this quest to clear the name of not just House Neptune but the Kingdom of Atlantis itself."
Many cheers of agreement went up, but Neptune held his hand up and the silence fell again immediately, "I HAVE SPOKEN. The matter is not up for debate. Perseus, you have had the training of a young God, now go prove yourself to the world. It is your time."
Many people looked like they wanted to protest even Triton, but it was clear in Neptune's domain no one dared question him.
Percy didn't have a choice. He couldn't back down from a quest issued directly by his father. He would be seen as a coward, and that couldn't be allowed, not with the plans he had. He bowed his head and said, "I will not fail you father."
Neptune nodded approvingly, "Very good. Triton is my messenger, and if any intelligence reaches our ears we will notify you immediately. Good luck my son. You have until midnight on the Summer Solstice. If the Master Bolt is not returned there will be war on Olympus."
With that Neptune banged his trident on the floor, and Percy felt himself go weightless as he closed his eyes, and suddenly he was back in his fifth cohort barracks at Camp Jupiter.
The Senate watched Percy in awe as he retold the story of his meeting with the Seas High Council. Many looked suspiciously at him even after his oath on the River Styx. One stood up at the end of his story and shouted, "The children of Neptune are a curse! Jupiter's master bolt goes missing, and a great enemy stirs could only happen when a son of Neptune was in our midst!"
Some sounded off their agreements but Praetor Mark stood, "Enough. Optio Jackson has been an upstanding member of this legion for five years now. In those years, the only problems we have had with the son of Neptune is the infighting from other legionnaires that torment him. Myself and Praetor Cassie had often witnessed these events, and that is why he has not and will not be punished. Now Lord Neptune himself has issued this quest to Jackson, and we will honor a request from Atlantis as a long time ally of the Twelfth Legion."
Percy felt a swell of affection for the son of Mars who had never once said a good word about him to his face. It was clear the quieter son of Mars was always watching, and was decisively fair in his judgment.
When the hall fell into silence the more outspoken of the Praetor duo spoke, "Percy. Who would you like to go on this quest with?"
Percy looked back at the two praetors whom he respected immensely, and then looked down on the rest of the seated senators with something that was akin to defiance, "I would take both my Centurions if possible, but I know the chain of command must be kept in place. I will take Centurion Grace as my only companion. With his rank in our legion we will continue to honor tradition that only someone of Centurion Rank may lead a quest."
There was a short silence followed by an uproar of protest. Jason, who was in his purple toga, looked at Percy with a grin as the senate was screaming over the upset. Cassie held a hand up for silence, and when it fell she spoke with Percy, "I commend you for your choice Perseus. Though I would recommend another more experienced warrior with some age and wisdom to accompany you. Three is a sacred number."
Percy bowed, "With respect ma'am a quest or expedition hasn't been issued by the gods for the last 30 years so as far as experience goes in the real world outside of the Legion we are all on pretty even ground. Gwen and Jason are the only two who have welcomed me into the legion with completely open arms, and no judgement because of who my father is. I wouldn't trust many with my life ma'am, but Jason has saved my life on more than one occasion. I believe two sons of the most powerful Olympian Gods can safely return the Master Bolt if we can find it. My brother Triton has also offered his assistance as the Sea's High Council receives intelligence. If we hit a roadblock we can always call for help."
The son of the sea had shocked the senate to silence. Many were glaring at the son of Neptune for putting them all on the spot, and making some realize that he had never been treated fairly. Mark leaned over to whisper into Cassie's ear, and she nodded her head, "Very well Optio Jackson. Yourself and Centurion Grace will depart at first light for this quest. Augur, will you please give our quest members a reading of the gods and report back to the Senate tomorrow as to what those readings pertained to?"
Octavion rose and stood, "It would be my honor Praetor. Centurion Grace, will you meet me at your father's temple after we convene here?"
Percy glared at the boy, and Jason spoke, "Percy and I will both be there Octavion."
The augur merely shook his head, "I believe it unwise to allow the Child of Neptune into Jupiter Optimus Maximus at this time. He stood on trial just a few short hours ago for stealing Lord Jupiter's bolt, and tempting fate by allowing him into the temple would be unwise."
Jason looked like he wanted to argue, but Percy put the back of his hand on his arm to stop him.
"Your terms are wise and agreeable Augur." Percy said with a bow.
The son of the sea wasn't sure who was more surprised Jason or Octavion for the respect shown, but the Praetors then interrupted before it could dissolve into an argument, "Mark and I have agreed that we can't spare anything beyond cash to the two of you. If you are unsuccessful in your quest there is a real possibility the Legion will be mobilized for war at the request of the Olympians. That along with letters of Introduction could help you with immortal allies to Rome, or Legionnaires who have retired outside of New Rome. The resources of Rome are vast, and if you have a chance to use them I would suggest it."
Percy and Jason exchanged looks. Many times over the years they had talked about scenarios in which something like this could happen, and what they would ask for from the legion, but in a situation like this with no idea of where they are going it would be practically fruitless anyways. Percy spoke, "We have until Midnight on the Summer Solstice. That is in three days. We will do what we have to do to ensure the legion is not rallied for War. We will protect our peace times with all we have."
Percy bowed to the praetors, and they nodded at him in acknowledgement, and dismissed him to pack for the quest.
Jason and Percy had arranged to meet up on the river for privacy after Jason's meeting with the Augur. Percy had been staring out over the Tiber towards the Bay City with a great anticipation building in him. He wasn't sure how long he had been staring out over the place he called home before Jason came up, "How did it go?"
"Oh you know the usual. Octavion claimed we didn't have to be enemies, and I told him that I didn't like the way he spoke about my friends yada yada. Then when we finally got down to business he said we would reclaim the bolt at great cost, and save Olympus from a Civil War." Jason said nonchalantly.
Percy snorted, "Well at least he predicted we would complete our quest successfully. Maybe he is hoping I would be a great cost."
"I don't think he would call you a great cost, Jackson!" The last part Jason intimidated Octavion yelling his voice, and the two chuckled.
Suddenly Jason frowned, "Though there were some lines that he told me. He said he had been having a dream and...I don't know if it was nonsense."
Jason looked shaken and that slightly worried Percy, but he could tell his friend didn't want to talk about it, "Well Jason looks like we are about to get our first adventure together. We should've gotten more cokes."
Jason grinned this time, "The first of many I hope. You think we can do this? Do you know where we are going to go first?"
Percy continued to stare out over the water, "I think the first part of our journey is the most dangerous. We must go visit our Uncle in the Underworld."
Jason stared at Percy, and before he could tell him it was crazy his grin widened into a full blown smile, "The first heroes to ever go to the Underworld and come back. Not even Hercules did that."
Percy laughed, "They may raise you to Praetor at 12 if we pull this off."
"Why Pluto though? You don't think he stole the bolt do you? That would be against the ancient laws." Jason said in thought.
"No, I don't think our Uncle is the thief. But if someone stole the lightning bolt then I am thinking they have likely killed with it. Or killed someone in the process of taking it. All of the dead go through our Uncle, and he will have heard something. Perhaps we can convince him to give us some intel. Or do something for him in exchange. Our Uncle has no mortal heroes to do his bidding, and maybe we can owe him a favor for his help, or-"
"Maybe he will capture us, and use us as a bargaining chip against the gods." Jason said morosely.
Percy grinned, "Well technically he can't fight us unless we challenge him, so in the worst case scenario we will just have to fight our way through the Underworld's most powerful creatures. Including Cerberus, the furies, and all sorts of other problems that only the greatest heroes in history have faced."
Jason for the first time paled, and Percy laughed, "Well you said you wanted to sail the Mare Nostrum, and I think the Underworld is a nice warmup for that."
"Well at least in the Mare Nostrum we can use our powers. The sky and sea are our elements. In the Underworld we are going to have to rely completely on our weapon to monster combat skills." Jason said ominously.
The two sat in silence before Jason said quietly, "Percy the lines that Octavion has been dreaming...maybe his legacy of Apollo seeing into the future thing isn't all that phony...Or maybe he made them up...I just don't know."
Percy could tell Jason was a little nervous so said, "Just tell me what he said, and maybe we could talk it over. Maybe Octavian is crazy, or maybe we have somethings we need to at least keep in mind."
Jason stared off into the distance so Percy waited until he spoke,
Two will venture into the land of the dead
To save the one hanging by the thread.
A Bane of Olympus will guide the trail.
Children of the three combined prevail.
A weapon to bring the champions to its knees.
An old threat will be set free.
Silence rang throughout the hills for several minutes before Percy spoke, "It doesn't sound good. I agree though it does sound like something we might be doing. A weapon to bring us to our knees, possibly your father's bolt. Children of the three as far as anyone knows is just us. We are going to the land of the dead, but the other half of the lines I can't make sense of."
Jason shook his head, "I don't think we should try and read too much into this. Many people have driven themselves mad trying to decipher the possibilities of a prophecy. Look what happened to Michael Varus..."
With that solemn thought the two looked out into the horizon and wondered of their adventures that would begin tomorrow. Jason spoke again, "Let's go Percy. We should get some sleep, and rest up for tomorrow."
Nodding Percy sighed, "One last prayer to our fathers, and then to bed."
The two agreed, and went separate ways. When Percy arrived at the Shrine of Neptune he sighed, and took a knee staring off for several minutes before rising, and saying, "Father bless me in my travels, and help me unravel the mystery of stolen weapons."
As he began to walk out he felt a powerful presence enter the room from behind him. When he stood he did it slowly knowing the deity behind him could blast him to pieces with any sudden movement,"Relax son I just wish to talk."
Percy turned to see a man in warlike silver armor looking down upon him. The man was Triton's height at just over seven feet tall. He was a giant standing next to Percy and his thick black beard made him intimidating. The sea green eyes however is what eased Percy from his nerves, "Father."
"We don't have much time, but I wanted to tell you that your journey into the Underworld is a most dangerous one, but I fear it is necessary if you are to recover my brother's weapon." Neptune said solemnly.
"You came to make sure we didn't back out of it didn't you." Percy asked before he could think.
The man looked deeply into his son, and had an even look on his face, "I hear you boys talking just outside my domain. You remind me very much of Jupiter and myself when we were young Godlings. Determined to bend the world to our will, and there is a certain strength to the tragedies that have brought the two of you together. You will make a good team, and if you remember that your trust in each other cannot waver in combat then I believe you will make it to the more manageable stages of your quest alive. You must uncover the thief, and when you find the answer you may be forced to create a lie. The world you live in is not quite ready for the truths that may be unveiled. The Gods trust yourself and Jason to be loyal to Olympus, but also to Rome, and know the truth won't bring good consequences to our way of life."
Percy felt his mouth dry. This was the second time someone had told him that his way of life was close to being threatened, "I will do my best to make you proud father. Please guide me on my journey."
The man smiled for the first time, "I'm always watching my child. Go forth and bring honor to the House of Neptune. Your transportation will be waiting for you in the Tiber tomorrow. I am afraid that is all the help I can give you. Remember my son, the sea always pays its debts."
With that the man disappeared in a breeze that smells like it came straight from the Ocean, and Percy stared at the shrine in determination knowing what must be done.
(A/N) Another chapter in the books. Tell me what everyone is thinking of the story so far? Please review and enjoy! Cheers.
Wattpad readers be advised the update came late, but you will get a normal update on Friday. Sorry for the delay!
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