Chapter FIVE

AT THE HEART OF THE SEA

( Part II fnl. )

Early Start of the 18th Century

Pluto III,

CALLIPHONE (POV)

It had been almost a week since we set sail from Nantucket to the Caribbean. My excitement had reached Its peak, and for good reasons. You see, for a person who has been closed off from the world, it is logical for me to feel excited for once, and of course me wanting to explore makes it even more exciting. Even if It's not my world, and it's someone else's It really doesn't matter.

My enthusiasm for sailing the Seven Traitorous Seas had been one of my most exciting dreams, well one of many I had In this world. Back at Olympia there was hardly any Sea or Lake for me to admire. But now, I couldn't feed my eyes from seeing the vast expansion of the Sea. That could stretch a thousand, and even a million miles away from the New World to the Old One. I heard stories from Zoë, as to how the Hunters, and the Olympians had arrived in the Americas not a century ago. From what I could remember, Olympus was based firstly in Greece,the Origins of the Gods. Then it moved to Rome, France, London, and now here. From the Old world, Olympus moved further to the West, and Into the New World.

I give myself a small squeal. You couldn't blame me. I'm literally stuck on a foreign planet, where Gods are real, Monsters are real, and Magic Is real. And oh! Monsters Are Real!

So no, you can't judge me. Yes I might be stacked with a band of warriors that could obliterate the hall ship, In less than 5 minutes. But, I am also an orphan...literally.

I reached my necklace that my Brother had crafted. The Green emerald was still shining, even when it brought daylight. I sigh, as my memories of my dear Brother come back to me. Bo had promised that he would find me, and to this day I still am holding to that Promise. I know, ain't I tired of waiting for so long. The answer, Is No.

Perturabo was always patient with me. He always had to put up with me, and I always remember he cared deeply for my safety. We may not have been blood related, but I considered him a Brother, no less. Besides the brother I had, before Bo came to our lives, was a total Idiot, and a Bully. When Bo came, things changed, and he had done a lot to keep me away from my father's schemes.

The Sun, the Sea Salt Air, and even the waves combined the best atmospheric relaxation I could ever ask for. As I closed my eyes I Inhaled one more time, taking in the fresh air. I turned my head to my right, and saw Aquila's Figurehead, a Wooden Eagle striking through the waves.

Captain Faulknair's story was said that he was given the Eagle by Jupider as a reward for glancaning the coast of New York from Sirens. He had said that his Godly Parent Neptune hadn't been more proud to see his son rise to fame.

But my astonishment was the part where he revealed that other demigods of another faction actually lived In the New World. When I asked him about Where, OR What where are they doing right now, or If I could ever meet them.

Instead he looked down as If I cloud had risen In his head, and said that.

"Lass, somethings are best to be kept a secret. As the devastation that could occur could be catastrophic".

To say that I was disappointed, Is exaggerating and to say that I was curious Is also exaggerating. I sigh as I glanced away from the wooden eagle and straight ahead. The view was the same, Blue Sky, Blue Sea, The Sun, and The Seagulls diving into the surface of the ocean, trying to catch a fish or two.

I stretched my arms and closed my notebook. 'I could have gotten used to this life' I thought as I climbed up towards the deck.

Around me the crew was busy, half of them were checking that the ropes, the sails, and the provisions were in order. While the other half of the crew were taking their time to enjoy the weather. Some played the flute, the violin, drums, or even two metal spoons being constantly hit with each other.

As my feet started to walk on their own, I glanced around every 5 seconds on every corner. I am famed for being curious, so you can't blame me…again.

"Calliphone!" I heard my name being called, and as I turned to the person who called me. I couldn't help, but smile at my friends gathered around In the corner of the deck, surrounded by wooden boxes, and rowboats. Among them I could see Maria and Alexa being in deep conversation, Hemithea and her Sister Parthenos were leaning to the side, watching the view, and all the while Chloe was calling me over while waving at me.

"Calliphone! Come join us!" she yelled.

I rushed over to them, and I Immediately hugged Chloe, the poor girl was sick for days. Unable to join above the deck where we would have our daily meetings, this would be her first after a while.

"Chloe!" I said. "I am so glad that you're finally able to join us".

Chloe In response rolled her eyes "Tell me about It, being stuck on a dirty old bed doesn't suit me" She said.

It was my turn to roll my eyes, and grin at my friend's sillines.

"Calliphone!" Alexa called "About time, let's get on with It".

I sat above a wooden box, and as I did everyone paid attention to Alexa.

"It's been days since we have seen any kind of ship that could resemble that of one of the three names we've been given" She Sigh "And I fear that our presence may have caused quite the uncomfort to the rest of the crew".

All of us glanced to the side, and saw that indeed, most of the crew were giving us weird glances. Captain Faulkair suggested that the crew is weary when it comes to the different.

"Furthermore" Alexa drew our attention to her "Zoë says that if there were any kind of funny business, we should handle it with care". We all nodded at that.

"Do we have any news from Lady Artemis?" Asked Hemithea.

"Yes, they intercepted a whaleship just two days ago. For all we know, Lady Artemis Is planning to hunt to the Eastern Coast all the way up North".

"Let's hope…that this business doesn't last long" Said Maria.

"As do I Sister" Said Alexa "But we gonna remain patient, only then we will be able to remain focused on the objective".

"Agreed" I said, as everyone nodded.

"All Hands on Deck!".

The Sudden sound of Captain Faulkner's voice echoed throughout the deck, and the rush of the crew who made haste to their position.

Meanwhile we were dumbstruck as to what was happening.

"Is something going on?" Chloe asked in concern.

I was about to reassure her that everything was fine, until.

"Sisters! To me!" The voice of Zoë Nightshade, our Lieutenant, thundered through the yelling and shoutings of the men.

We rushed to our Lieutenant's side, there at the helm, and beside her stood Captain Faulkner.

With a swift move he pointed forward.

"Look!" He yelled.

All of us turned towards the direction he pointed, and sure enough, right about in front of us.

The Wreckage of a ship, torn to pieces from the midst of nowhere. Wood scattered everywhere, Fire burning so hot that the smoke It made reached the Sky above, and the amount of Bodies floating around, couldn't be described. It was clear that this was an ambush.

"Pirates" Whispered the Captain.

I looked at him with wide eyes.

"D-Did you say Pirates?" I said.

"Aye, the plague of the Sea" He narrowed his eyes "Pirates".

We looked at each other, none more concerned than me and Chloe. The only ones who didn't seem that fazed were Alexa and Maria.

"Captain" Zoë spoke "Do thee recognize the name of the Ship".

"Young Mr. Turner the Spyglass if you could be so kind".

A young boy rushed to the side of the Captain, he was skinny with messy black hair.

"Here Capt." The boy said, his voice weak.

"Cheers Lad" The Captain said, as he grabbed the spyglass and inspected the Wreckage In front of them.

After a minute, I heard the Captain's deep breathing, as he spoke In a harsh tone.

"Aye" He said "It's the Liberty".

We all stared in disbelief.

"Or…whatever is left of it".

"How much time till we reach Kingston?" Zoë asked.

Faulkner scratched his white beard as he looked at the sky for a split second.

"A day or two" He finally said.

"So, this was organized. T-this attack?" I said.

"Nayy Lass" The Captain said "These waters are treacherous, and It's normal for Pirates or any other marauder to attack a trade ship".

"What now?" Asked Chloe "Now that one of three ships has been obliterated. We must focus on the next, the Duchess" Answered Alexa.

"And what of survivors?" She asked.

Captain Faulkner signaled the crew mates to report on their findings. The man in charge looked at his Captain, and shook his head slowly.

"There are no survivors" Faulkner whispered "We must move on, and be more cautious".

"Agreed" Said Zoë "Sisters I want you on the top main must. If you see anything, alert the rest of us".

We all nodded and went into position.

"All Hands Set Sail!"

11 Days at Sea

Okay, when I meant that I was excited to explore the Sea. I didn't quite mean It, you know.

I mean don't get me wrong, The vast ocean, the waves, the sky, and the thrill were all there. Believe me, but, no one told me that It would be THAT Dangerous.

What do I mean, well~.

"TAKE COVER!"

In the distance, the sound of cannons being fired was heard from everywhere. Men screaming, Pistol and Rifles being fired at one another. Me and Chloe were trying to find cover from the enemy, while the rest of my battle sisters were either firing their arrows at the enemy or fighting them in melee combat.

One of them being Zoë as she pierced her Sword through a man's face. Brutal, but honestly he deserved it.

Captain Faulkner wasn't doing bad either, he himself had the skill of a swordsman, which came to a surprise. Considering his age.

Anyways back to the main topic. You see when the Old Captain said that the Liberty had been attacked by Pirates, he wasn't joking. Because this was happening to us right now.

"Calliphone on your right!" Chloe yelled at me.

I turned to my right, and sure enough a big ugly man was charging towards me, sword in hand. With a quick move, I grabbed an arrow, pulled the string back, and released it. All that in a matter of a few seconds. The arrow pierced through the man's eye, and with that he fell into an endless sleep.

"Nice shot," Chloe said. I grinned, I have come far enough to Express any kind of emotion. I just learned to ignore it, because at the end of the day. We are all guilty of something.

"Come let's reach the others" I said, as I pulled my bow behind, and drew my sword. In the distance, I saw Zoë, Hemithea, Parthenos, and Captain Faulkner fending off any enemy coming near them.

I quickly look at the other side of the battle. The enemy's ship wasn't near compared to the Aquila, their ship was a brig, and It didn't have the length or the size of ours.

I scanned the enemy's deck, and sure enough there were men of our own in their fighting. Amongst them I saw Alexa wielding a double hammer, and behind her was Maria with two daggers. Both Sisters were ferocious, each striking at their own precise time.

Alexa quickly caught my glance, and with a fierce move she pointed at something. I followed her lead, and immediately understood the assignment.

"Chloe!" I said as I caught her attention.

"Stay here, I'll be back" I told her, without any hesitation as I climbed the rope ladder towards the nearest must, and as I stood I walked carefully on the other side. Jumping from one must to another, and as I landed, my eyes locked at the target.

"Come On you Swines put your backs into it!" A Man Yelled "They are nothing! And their treasures will be ours!".

I narrowed my eyes, as I focused on him, and only him. I breathed deeply, once, twice all the while I blocked all kinds of sounds that were happening around me. I only had eyes for him, and on my fifth time I took a breath.

I jumped.

And before I knew it, the man's body laid on the ground, right under me. My sword on his chest, and his eyes out cold.

The Battle was over, we had won.

The enemy surrendered once they saw their dead captain on the floor. Without hesitation we took prisoners, and released prisoners as well.

Apparently there were survivors of the Liberty, It was those Pirates who attacked them. They told that the remaining crew who survived the massacre, were scooped up by the Pirates, and instead of showing them mercy. They were tortured or killed.

Me and half of our crew were furious, and as such justice was served. The Pirates begged, and pleaded, but they learned. That fire can always be encountered with fire. Something that Bo taught me.

As the last remaining pirates were put to cages, and the survivors of the Liberty were to be put to quarter's. Captain Faulkner approached us Hunters and said.

"As much as I wish we could celebrate this Victory, I can't uphold you the importance of the damage Aquila has taken. Faulkner said "We need to reach the nearest port for provisions and repairs".

There was dead silence, as we all looked towards our Lieutenant.

Zoë sighed "How long will the repairs take?"

"I can assure you that it will be less than two days".

Zoë gazed at the old man.

"Captain, our mission is important, and we can't waste time as It Is".

"I understand Mrs. Nightshade, believe me I do, but It won't be to no good if the Aquila was to sink in the middle of your hunt".

Zoë made a click noise, before nodding.

"Very well Captain, where Is the nearest Port?"

The Old Man frowned as he looked at us with great concern.

"The City of Caracas, it's the nearest from where we are".

"Caracas!?" I said "Isn't there a war happening there".

Everyone turned to the old man with concern in their eyes.

"Aye…: He said as he heavily breathed "It Is not the best place to dock, but I assure you that the War is far from the City".

Simultaneously we all turned towards Zoë, who herself was contemplating her choice.

After a moment, she nodded.

"Very well, make haste".

"Aye Aye".

CARACAS,

13 DAYS AT SEA

The Weather had gotten a lot hotter once we had reached our destination. The City of Caracas was an astonishing place, but the war of independence against Spain had Its consequences.

For instance, the arrival of an American Ship had triggered an alarm around the city. Now every citizen passing by our docking point, either glared or avoided eye contact.

Old man Faulkner was able to get in touch with one of his old friends. Who was able to come and provide us with the provisions we needed to repair the Aquila and prepare our journey to Magellan Pass.

While the crew was repairing the damage. Me and my Sisters were sightseeing the City from the main top must. It was the easiest way not to get in trouble.

"So remind us again as to what's happening around the world" Asked Chloe.

I rolled my eyes, as I concentrated at the Sunset that was happening before me. It was beautiful, as the Sun started to set behind the tall mountains.

"All I can tell you is that the country is on an uprise" I said.

"Why?".

"The People want Independence".

"Makes sense, a little chaos always brings a bit of order" Said Alexa.

"Well, the world Is In Chaos as It Is, Napoleon waging war, Lines being drawn. Trade being much more difficult than ever before, and Lives being wasted" Parthenos said.

It was a rare thing for the Sister to talk, but Hemithea nodded.

"Agreed, all that because men have power and grave It ever more".

Most of my sisters nodded, but the one to surprise the lot was.

"Men, Women we are all the same, Humans. Animals that grave for something, and at the same time It Is a circle that goes round and round. Until It stops, and you stop with It" Maria said "That's when you realize that you had so much time to enjoy life, rather than waste it on little Stupid things. Because In the end of the day, no one truly cares".

We all gazed at her. It was the very first time I heard her speak clearly, most of the time it would be a whisper.

Alexa grinned.

"Maria's right, It doesn't matter what or how the world will treat you. Maybe it will be better or worse in the future. But we can't always take up against the Cosmos. I mean there Is always a bigger fish to eat the smaller. But who knows, maybe there Is something or someone bigger than that of the previous one, that could make the difference. Until then we must stick together, and enjoy as much as possible".

After a moment there was a deep silence. The only sound that could be heard was that of the breeze and the sound of the seagulls flying over heads.

I didn't know what my sisters were thinking, but for myself.

Everyone of us had different backgrounds, and most were unpleasant. As such It was natural for us to see the world differently.

But for me, I was gifted for having another caring brother. Though the Galaxy tore us apart, I knew at some point that the Fates would reunite us again.

I smiled as the last glimpse of light fell behind the mountains.

I turned to my Sisters and said "Let's enjoy it then!" I announced my hands in the air. Everyone looked puzzled at me.

"Last one to climb down has to do the laundry for an entire week!".

As I said that I jumped and reached out the rope ladders that connected to the must. Above me I could hear the curses, and my name being called up.

"Calliphone! That's cheating!" Said Chloe.

"Eat my dust!" Alexa followed suit.

Though I couldn't fully see behind me, I could see my Sisters laughing as they tried to outrun the other.

As I made it to the deck and In first place. I laughed and pointed to the rest.

"I Win!" I announced.

"You cheated," Chloe said as she stepped down, I stuck my tongue out to her, and she responded by puffing her cheeks.

"You're just mad because you lost," Alexa said with a bright smile.

"I-I didn't lose!".

"U-huh".

"I didn't!".

"Whatever you say"

We all burst into laughter. The rest of the crew looked at us with curiosity, and then with a smile. The day after the attack they had grown to respect us, which was a nice thing to see.

After a while, Zoë joined us, and followed behind her was Captain Faulkner.

"We have news," She said "The Duchess has been upper handed".

We all were taken up by the Information she just said.

"H-How" Hemithea asked.

"Well believe it or not" The Captain started "The Duchess had a run through with the Pirates we had encountered days ago. To our astonishment, the Duchess was able to escape, to the disappointment of the Pirates".

"We were able to learn that after we gave the criminals to the authorities" Said Zoë "The crew and the Captain of the Duchess were in jail, for suspicious activity".

"Once we had handed the Pirates, the crew of the Liberty had spoken up to our defense. Making us favorites to the governor" Said Faulkner.

The fates were truly with us.

"And the crew of the Duchess?" Asked Alexa.

"The Governor freed them, but their ship will be commandeered for the military" Said Zoë.

"One step closer to finishing our mission" I said.

Zoë nodded.

"Indeed, and we need to make haste otherwise we will never catch up with the Essex". She turned to the Captain.

"Captain If you please".

He nodded and yelled orders to the crew to make sail. Now we were one step closer to finishing our mission.

18 Days at Sea

Puerto san Julian

As we landed from our boats, I couldn't stop but admire the scenery. This was the very ground where two of the greatest explorers ever stepped foot.

Sir Francis Drake, and then first ever, Ferdinand Magellan.

It Is said that the mutineers of Magellan that were left behind are still roaming the coast, ever begging for the forgiveness of their Captain.

"M-Miss Calliphone" a young voice asked from behind me.

"Yes, what Is little Turner".

"Is this the land where the greatest explorer visited?" He asked In an innocent voice.

"Indeed It Is!".

"Woah".

Chloe had befriended the boy just a couple days ago. She thought of him cute, as he would shy around us whenever we passed through.

Most of us weren't that pleased with him being with us. But at times we grew used to him.

"We should get back Miss, I believe they gathered supplies for the journey ahead".

I exhaled with disappointment on the sudden leave.

"I believe we do".

27 Days at Sea

It's been days since we passed Magellan pass, and now we are on a hunt to secure the last ship that was on our list.

My sisters had grown tired of being stuck at sea for so long, and we knew that we had a long journey to go back home. For me, I just told myself that if Odysseus had to journey 10 years at sea, so could I. However, I hoped that it wouldn't last that long.

Young Turner grew ever bolder by the day. Being more open with us, and asking us questions about our origins, and our skills In a bow and sword. Though he knew never to cross the line with Alexa.

Meanwhile Turner wasn't the only one who grew bolder. The rest of the crew were also more welcoming than before. At nights we would sing, Chloe, Hemithea and Parthenos being the ones to lead.

We would hear tales from one man to another. Some were utterly ridiculous while others were extraordinarily true.

At times I could see Zoë ever being stressed. The last news we had from Lady Artemis was that they had succeeded in undermining the hunt for whales up North.

Zoë was determined to find the last ship, and reunite with our Lady.

As we are all.

44 Days at Sea

"Uuuuuh I'm losing my head" Alexa said.

"And there Is nothing for us to hunt," Said Parthenos.

"We could…shoot down the birds," Suggested Maria.

"Nooo, we did that ages ago" Said Chloe.

At this point I was losing my head as well, but we had to endure.

"Captain! Captain!" A man yelled as he ran towards the helm.

"What sailor! Spit It out" Said the old man.

"Man at drift Captain!" Said the man.

"Where!"

"2 O'clock".

"Mr. Turner!"

Young Turner gave his Captain's Spyglass, and as Faulkner scanned the waters.

"There!" He pointed "All Hands up front, I want that man on board".

As the crew brought the soaked man to the Captain's Quarters. We all gathered around to see the man up closer.

The man's clothes were almost torn, half his body was bloodied. His hair wet, his eyes red, and he was shivering every second.

"Mr. Turner, Bring me some blankets my boy" Faulkner said, and Turner ran to bring him some.

"You're alright now lad, you're in good hands" The old man tried to comfort the man, but no response came.

"What's your name man".

Nothing. Suddenly a small whisper was heard from him.

Captain Faulkner leaned on closer to hear him.

"What?"

"El…Diablo".

"Captain!" I said "Let me".

As I leaned closer to him I spoke.

"Estás bien, estás en buenas manos, qué pasó?"

The man looked at me, with fear in his eyes.

"No vayas a mar abierto, el monstruo te atrapará" He said, as tears fell down from his eyes.

"What Is he saying?" Asked Alexa.

"That we shouldn't be sailing to the open sea, and that there is a monster that will get us" I translated.

"A monster?" Asked Alexa, as Turner came in with the blankets.

"Quick ask him, what kind of monster".

"de qué clase de monstruo estamos hablando".

The Man looked at me, and then towards the Old Captain.

"A Whale" The Injured man said "Big as No Other, and White as the Sky. It hunts those who dare hurt It's kind".

"A whale…" Captain Faulkner said with a tiny disbelief.

"From which Ship did you sail?" I asked.

"I was on board the Ship Santa Maria" Said the sailor "My Captain, he thought he could obtain more whale oil, as we were told that there was a location where we could obtain It. But we were so wrong" He said as he looked at us with fierce anger. "The Beast takes no mercy to anyone, run while you still can".

Silence had fallen, everyone stared at one another, the Captain scratched his beard, and while he was in deep thought.

"Have thee heard of the ship named the Essex?" Asked Zoë.

The injured man shook his head.

"I only saw a ship going the same direction as we did. WestNorth, but that's it, it was moments before I blacked out".

"Then It Is Settled, Captain".

"Aye…".

5 Hours Later

"Captain" I said as I moved to stand beside him. Throughout the journey the Old Man had taken the time to teach me how one can master a Ship and the Sea. So while on our adventure I had taken the pleasure of wheeling the Aquila from time to time, even though they say "A woman behind the helm brings bad luck". I thought of It as Nonsense superstitious, shenanigans.

"Aye Lass".

"You alright Captain". I saw that beneath his eyes, the dark circles were slowly visible. "Been kept up at Night?" I asked.

He sigh.

"Aye" He said with an amount of tiredness "I have been sailing the Sea for Decades, the Gods know that I have been lucky enough to live that long".

"You have the most experience of us all" I said, and he looked at me with a questionable look.

"All of your sisters are the oldest and more experienced than me".

"Did you just call me old?" He rolled his eyes and a playful smirk on his lips. Before continuing on stirring the wheel, ever so often he would look at the stars and see if their path they took was the right one. Something the ancients did.

I looked around, half the crew was asleep, the other just dozing off. My sisters must have been below deck playing cards, and of course Maria would always win In cards. In the frustration of the others. As I looked around, I spotted Little Turner seated in one of the barrels, his back turned against me.

I sneak behind him and grab him by the sides. He yelped in surprise and turned to look at me with a red face.

"M-Miss Calliphone" He stuttered, and I giggled.

"Sorry Little One, I couldn't help myself"

He scratched the back of his head, and as I peaked at what he was holding, I said "Is that a notebook little Turner".

His eyes widened as he tried to hide It.

"N-No"

I crossed my arms, and stared at him sternly "Oh really".

As If he knew that the fight was over, he handed It to me.

As I opened It, I saw nothing but small scratches and marks that looked to be like letters. But where poorly hand writed. I glanced at him.

"Turner…what Is this?" I asked.

"A-A diary".

"A diary!" I said "Turner, do you know how to write?" I asked.

He slowly shook his head in embarrassment.

"Whatever do you need a diary for?" I asked.

In an instance his shyness had gone, replaced with that of excitement.

"I want to write about us!" He said "Everyone, the Captain, the Ship, the Towns we visit, and You. I want to write about you and the rest of the girls".

I eyed him suspiciously, my mind drifted to uneasy thoughts.

"Turner, you can not-".

"Please!" He interrupted me, and made the perfect puppy eye plea I ever saw. I closed the notebook and gave It back to him. I thought deeply.

"How about this" I said "Once this Is over, and we set Sail back. I will teach you how to write". His jaw fell.

"Really! Oh Thank You-".

"But! In return you can say anything you want in your Diary. Except Us Hunters". I said the last sentence more firmly.

"Deal?".

He contemplated It for a long minute, before standing up he spit on his hand and said "Deal".

I rolled my eyes at his antics.

"Good Good" I said, stepping slightly away from him "The handshake isn't necessary". He laughed.

As the night continued we told different kinds of stories with each other, our past, and our future plans. Well, more like his future plans. He wished to have his Tavern when you grew up, a Tavern where he could tell stories to his young, and drink with his friends, and sleep beside his ever dreamfull wife. I smiled at his stubborn youth.

Many of my Sisters would have envied him. For the Life of a Demigod, Is never too easy.

As the hours passed. The Sun started to Rise.

Lady Artemis' brother, Lord Apollo must have been In a good mood. As he rode the sky with his Chariot In grace, but for us It would be an eventful morning.

Just a few miles away 3 boats were floating aimlessly in the sea. Hemithea was the one to detect them from her position at the main top mast.

As the Aquila approached, we saw unconscious bodies laying on the boats. Men whose skin had dried up, and red had their bodies become. Captain Faulkner had hurried the crew to gather them up. As I was one of the people to climb down the boats, I approached the first man In front of me.

His eyes were still open, the color of green. He had tanned skin, and messy blonde hair.

As I was about to reach out to him. He Instantly grabbed me by the shoulders, and whispered with a very weak voice.

"D-Did y-you get him".

"What" I said, as the man's face was nearly into mine. My sister's had drawn their bows at him.

"D-did y-you get the b-bastard".

Before I could respond to him, he fell backwards and dozed off. I wasn't sure, but I had a nudge as to what he was talking about, and sure enough. It was that moment. I Heard It.

The sea beneath us started to stir, and then the sound. A Cry, A Growl I didn't know what It was, but as I leaned over the boat to see what was going on. I saw him.

The Whale.

It burst beside the Aquila, Its massive body fell down just beside the boats. Making a small wave. I cried out, from behind me I could hear the shouting and belling of my Sisters. Telling me to climb aboard. I couldn't, my feet were frozen.

As I leaned over again, I saw It going circles around us. I heard Captain Faulkner ordering the crew to prepare to engage. Near me the survivors that we found were waking up, and cried out to the Sailors above them to take them out from their doom.

As It circled again, It approached the boat I was on. Fear went through me, I wasn't sure what to do, should I draw my sword, my bow. But what kind of damage would that do to such a creature.

But as It neared, I saw how It turned and Its eye looked at me. In the brief second, there I saw the anger, the sadness, and the curiosity all together.

The whale didn't move nor did it below or turn to flee. It just stayed there, In the water, staring at us.

"Stop" I said "Stop!" I yelled as I turned around to my friends.

"It's Harmless" I said.

As everyone at the deck looked in disbelief, the crew had slowly pointed their rifles down, my sisters included.

"Trust me" I said "It won't hurt us".

I looked back at It, gazing at Its eye, and there the emotions changed. Relief, Exhaustion, and Appreciation.

As If on cue it moved again, doing one more circle around us. Before vanishing Into the deep depths of the Sea.

It took days for the crew of the Essex to recover. Their Captain being amongst them told us the story of how their ship had been destroyed by the Whale. To say that this was the most terrifying thing I heard, It would be a lie.

As I stumbled down the deck, I approached the dirty blonde man who had told his side of the story of how they learned about the Whale. As I stood beside him while he laid on the hammock his eyes closed.

"Enjoying life sailor?" I asked.

He opened one of his eyes, and smiled weakly at me.

"Aye…Thank you for saving us".

"Don't mention It".

"You know, women are bad omen at Sea". I rolled my eyes.

"Tell me something new, wise guy". He chuckled, only to cough a little.

"After years of experience at Sea. Never have I thought of facing such a beast In life".

"That makes two of us".

"I think God punished us for being greedy". I sigh.

"Maybe, or maybe It's a sign for you to find another profession".

"Nayy" He said "The Sea has been my Home ever since I was able to walk. I won't leave it".

"Then stick to something simpler, your family would appreciate having you closer". I said.

"Aye, maybe I will" He said with a grin "You know, my wife was pregnant, and when I left I hoped to come back quickly and witness my child's birth".

A tiny tear escaped from his eye, and as he sniffed.

"Now I just want to make sure that both are safe".

"They are, and they will be," I told him.

"You know" He said while chuckling "My wife was right, maybe I should stick to books rather than chase endless wild dreams". I smirked.

"Maybe you should, or at least give your child the proper education It needs". I said before I started walking off.

"Wait" He said, as I glanced back to look at him "What's your name".

"Calliphone".

"Calliphone, Thank you for everything".

"My pleasure, Mr.?".

"Owen" He said with a warm smile.

"Owen Chase".

Several Years Later

Boston,

(POV) ?

As I was walking down the road, I couldn't help myself but feel excited for what I am about to stumble upon. My resources have told me that there was only one survivor still remaining, and though Mr. Thomas Nickerson had been a delight to speak to. I couldn't ignore the possibility of another story to be written. Two to be precise for they had one connection that was common, but for now I need to find my other source of Information.

As I strolled down the road I found myself in front of a Tavern. From what I heard It was the best Tavern In all Boston. The so-called "Bow & Arrow".

A humble establishment big enough to house at least 100 people, and they say that the food here was majestic. As I took out my D'orsay Hat I knocked on the door, and waited patiently. As the door cracked open ever so slightly I heard.

"We are closed!" Said the voice behind It. It was a woman, middle aged but her face was ever so angelic.

"My deepest apologies madan, I am here for an appointment" I said.

The Madam scoffed as she opened the door to let me In, and as I stumbled through the wooden floor. I admired the scenery. The walls were decorated with that of every fur of an animal you could imagine, candles in every corner, two sides of doors leading to one huge hall, a wooden desk between them. On the side I noticed between the door and that on my far right side was the stairs for the first floor.

"And what kind of appointment do you have, Mr.?".

The madam snapped me from my daydreaming as I instantly tried to say.

"H-Herman Melville Mam".

The madam smiled.

"Ah It's you" She said In realization "Mhm, yes he's waiting for you Inside, near the fire".

I quickly nodded and made my way there. Tables had been cleaned and chairs had been put upside down, and as I looked closely I saw the Hearth, and In front of It were two sofa chairs, and a wooden table in the middle of them. A man sat on the right, smoking his pipe and looking at the fire with huge interest.

The man I was looking for, for my other source of information for my other book. As I closed In I noticed how the man had a mixture of gray and black hair. A sign of old age, he also had a small beard, not like mine a bit shorter.

"Greetings" I spoke softly, my heart pumping ever so fast.

"Mr. Oswald Turner".

The man turned to look at me, a warm smile on his face.

"Mr. Melville, Welcome" He said In a soft voice "To the Bow & Arrow".

"Thank you for having me," I said.

"Please take a seat".

I nodded to him, as I put my coat, and my hat to the side, and placed my suitcase on my lap. As I took my papers, my pencils, and Inks. I glanced up to look at him again. Only to see that the man was again concentrating on the Hearth.

"Mr. Oswald?"

"Mhmm" He hummed as he gazed at me again.

"I am here to gather information about the story".

His eyebrow lifted "Story" He said In utter confusion.

"Yes Sir" I said as I leaned on forward "The Story of how the ship frigate known as the Aquila had met up with the ship known as the Essex".

Mr. Turner' eyes widened.

"Ohhh that story" He chuckled as I did as well "That story Is a lie" He said.

"W-What"

"Ayee, that was just rumors, nothing more".

"S-Sir please, there must be something to tell me about the expedition of two ships that had two opposite objectives" I leaned forward a bit more "That the most important detail I had heard, was that of the Huntresses".

There It was the sound of defeat, as I watched Mr. Turner rose up from his seat. He said.

"You know" He started "It Is a weird thing for the Sea to bring up people from different backgrounds together In a single voyage".

I started writing down everything he said.

"You see Mr. Melville, when being a young lad you are Inspired to explore the vast ocean. Of course, when you are young you wish to become a man fast. He said as he pointed his pipe at me.

"And I learned that the hard way" He turned and picked up a small frame, that of an old Sea Captain "Captain Robert Faulkner, one of the greatest Sea Men I ever sailed beside him, and he was one of my greatest teachers. He saw It all you know, War, Braving Storms, Starvation, Panic and Despair".

I saw sadness, and the small shake of his head as he placed It back to Its former position.

"A great Captain, with great connections".

"Connections?"

"Aye, the Old Captain could found you anything, from the smallest to largest trader, and even then he could summon the devil and spit right Into him, Hah" Mr. Turner laughed "It was hard at first, but I was able to be recruited under his wing, as a cabin boy at the age of 14".

I saw him turn and pick a bottle with a ship inside It.

"But even then I didn't care about the position, as I was sailing under the greatest Captain, the greatest crew, and with the greatest Ship, the Aquila" He handed to me, and I stared at It in disbelief.

Holding In my hands was an exact replica of the Aquila, I examined It closely, like a child being given his very first toy.

"For years I would cherish my voyages with It, and to this day I have fond memories of It".

I gently place the bottle beside the wooden table, carefully without damaging It.

"You're the last survivor of the Aquila, tell me how you voyaged from the coast of the Atlantic ocean all over to the other side to the Pacific".

He sighs, as If he was calculating his every word.

"Let's just say that the purpose of the expedition was merely to see the world that we few ever see. As you know we live only once in our lives".

"And yet I had gathered information that on that specific trip there were women on board" I said in persistence "Women that had a huge impact on your voyage".

He looked down as if In defeat.

"You know" He said In a soft voice "I never knew how to write during my childhood, until I met one particular woman who would dedicate me to learning the craftsmanship of literature".

He stopped only to sit down on the sofa chair, before staring at me again.

"And what a woman, she was fierce and deadly. She knew how to hold a sword, and a bow" I kept writing the details, he said "And I have seen her In action, like a devil dancing between one deck to another, and killing men without any hesitation".

I stopped.

"The women on board knew to kill" I asked with a slight hesitation.

"Aye, there are Hunters, and Hunters do what they do. They kill the prey".

"I-I see" I chuckled nervously.

"Anyways" He Continued "Back In my day, whale oil was a precious thing. The only thing that could make a man rich beyond his dream, and the one thing that could light In the dark. Aye It was precious, and so was the need to kill Whales".

I kept taking notes as quickly as possible.

"At some point the tide changed, and the whaling industry grew ever bigger. Ships sailing to the vast ocean, and returning with thousands of barrels of Whale oil. Some say God punished the ones who were greedy to seek such barbarity, and In truth he kinda did". He paused.

"He sent a group of Hunters, whose thirst for justice was unmistakable, and with them came a change to all the crew of the Aquila, even me. Before you know It, we set sail to the vast treacherous sea, with the objective to stop as many whaling ships as we could".

He chuckled as I glanced up to look at him.

"I remember one time were Pirates had destroyed one of the ships we were looking for, and then as If by God's will we fought them, and won" He Laughed "Aye It was my very first time I got Into a battle, and my very first kill" He said as he scratched his beard.

"Another time, we were sitting docks at the Coast of South America, trying to repair the damages the Pirates had done. Only to learn that another Whaling ship had been captured by the Military".

"Then" He stopped for a moment as If he was testing my anticipation "We ran over with one of the last ships we had Intended to find, The Essex".

"Did you find It" I asked.

"Nay, the ship was docking In the deepest depths of the Pacific, the damage had been done by-".

"Whale!"

He looked at me, and then smirked.

"Aye, A Whale".

"But you found the crew".

"Aye, Captain Pollard, and his first mate Owen Chase. They told their story, and as I presume you know of It".

I looked down, as I wasn't sure how to respond to It.

"It's Fine Mr. Maville" He reassured me "I have seen and heard a lot worse than what these two men have gone through". I slowly nodded as I continued writing down all the details they needed.

As the hours passed, and the more questions I asked to Mr. Turner. The more I understood how that man had seen everything In one single voyage. As his story ended, I was able to gather everything I needed for my book. I glanced at him, and I wanted to say my deepest gratitude, but before I did, a realization bestowed to me.

"Mr. Turner" I called out to him.

"Mhm".

"Did you ever sail again with those Huntresses?" I asked the question of the moment.

He smiled.

"Aye, I did".

I wanted to ask him more, but the old man stopped me as he rose from his seat.

"But that Is a story for another".

"Of course, my deepest apologies, the hours passed so quickly I didn't mean hold you up for so long Sir" I said as I started to pack everything.

"Not at all" He said gently "You know".

He started as I paid close attention.

"There was that one time where the Aquila had once been stranded on an unknown Island" He said.

"An Island" I said curiously "In…the Caribbean".

"No no" He shook his head "It was a floating Island, not known by many, but I remember that the Island was moving beneath the Sea, and I remember" He said as he scratched his beard.

"A Goddess" His eyes widened "Nay! A Titaness. She was Beauty Incarnate, she hosted us for days till our ship was repaired, and I remember our Captain almost fell in love with her".

I shook my head while I chuckled.

"Mr. Turner please don't confuse reality with fantasy, It's hardly the time to tell me bedtime stories" I said, and as I leaned to grab my coat and my hat.

However, I couldn't help but notice that In the corner of my eyes, the old man was smirking.

As I made It throughout the door, I turned and bid farewell to Mr. Turner, who In return told me that the door for his Inn would always be open for me.

As I thanked him, I moved throughout the streets of Boston, ever contemplating If the story he told was either true, or false. Either way I had information for a book, but not one that may be based on a true story. Nevertheless I started thinking of a name for the books I was about to write.

The one for the Essex would be called "The Moby Dick" while the other.

"The Huntress & The Sea".

A/N

Greeting everyone, It has been some time since I last posted a chapter, and I do apologize for the long wait. You see, College wasn't the only thing I had In mind, It was also my part time job I had started during the semester. My job and my studies were keeping me busy, and I couldn't find time to write. As such this Is the first chapter I have written In the past few weeks. I hope you enjoyed it.

Furthermore, I am excited as I hope you all are that the cast of the series of Percy Jackson has been accomplished with our favorite trio. May the God Emperor bless them and may he also bless Rick Riordan for he Is a Legend beyond belief.