Disclaimer: I do not own PJO or its characters. That is all Rick Riordans doing.
New Horizons
It was 13 weeks later.
13 weeks that he should be dead. He should have been buried with his now dead friends. He shouldn't have the luxury of coming home to a loving family and someone to care for him.
He should be down there with them. He should be with his uncle and not in his king sized bed. These are the thoughts that went through Percy's head Thursday morning. As he laid in bed hearing his girlfriend make breakfast, he couldn't escape his thoughts.
One thing he noticed is that his hair got longer. It now covered his eyes and his beard was wild and needed to be trimmed. His body wasn't as sore as before with everything healing nicely. They said they were surprised he was still alive, he was nearly dead, with how much damage his body took. He took a bullet to the shoulder that went through, he took another in his right side they had to dig out of him, another one nicked his head giving him a permanent scar next to his right eye, and a stab wound to his stomach.
They said he looked dead but when they got close he woke up waving his handgun at them. Luckily for them he was out of ammo or one of them would have been shot. They called him a wild animal. They said he had a crazy look in his eye they had never seen before. But he knew what it was. It was the part of him he has hid from everyone, even his own mother and father.
It was the survival part of him that kept him alive in Tartarus. It was the feeling he felt when he controlled Akhyls' poison.
He remembered when they were rushed by the enemy those weeks ago. When they finally killed his best friend he lost it. He took control of their blood, making them either choke on it or just make it stop. That was what allowed him to survive. His instincts kicked in and took over. He was relieved when the air support finally came.
"You're awake." Enora's voice was soft to not frighten him. "How are you holding up?"
"Just glad to be home." Was the reply as Percy sat up.
"Well I made some breakfast but I got a meeting to run to." She went to turn and grab her bag. "Oh! There is something that came in the mail for you. It is on the counter."
"Thank you." He said softly. She went to walk out. "Enora!" She turned to his exclamation of her name.
"Yes?"
"I love you and thank you for everything." He looked her in the eyes the whole time.
"I love you, Percy." She came over and gave him a kiss that showed all the love she had for him. "I will do anything for you."
"I know." He now supported a grin. "You better leave before you won't be able to walk to your meeting." She only laughed and lightly smacked his cheek.
"I got to go. But I plan to make dinner tonight…" She gave him a smirk of her own. "But I don't have anything for tomorrow morning."
"Sounds like a plan." Both laughed.
"See you later, love." With that Enora left for her meeting.
Percy waited a few minutes before getting up and going to the bathroom. Once there he started his shower and shredded his clothes. He relished in the feeling of the hot water hitting him. Even after 32 years he still found solace in water. He couldn't help but think of the last few weeks.
He was in a coma for 5 weeks, the doctors didn't know if he would pull through. His body was a wreck and he lost a lot of blood but it seemed some god or goddess was helping him. When he did wake up he learned they already had funerals for the fallen and new officers to fill the empty spots. Mitchum was promoted taking Percy's spot. Though he was still angry. He was angry at himself for missing the funerals and sad he couldn't join them. He enjoyed his life but he still feels as if he deserves to be dead and be with them.
He doesn't know how long he was lost in his thoughts but when the water ran cold he turned the water off and got out. When he went to the sink he had to wipe the mirror to see his reflection. He didn't really like what he saw. His hair was longer but still didn't touch his shoulders, it was similar to when he was still that teenage boy fighting for the gods. His beard was now longer as well though not tamed at all, it deserved to be trimmed at least. His face was thinner and showed off his cheekbones more, he needed to eat and go back to exercising. Though he didn't lose all his muscles he was less defined now. He now supported a scar on the right side of his head when a bullet skimmed his head, the hair seemed to have stopped growing there but luckily it seemed to only hit maybe half an inch in. It looked as if a hairdresser put a line in his hair. But what he saw that he hated the most was his eyes. They made him look tired. They lost that glow they once had. They were dull now showing the pain he has had his whole life.
He looked to his right shoulder where another bullet hit him and he hated that it ruined his tattoo. When he was only five years in he started working on a sleeve tattoo that paid homage to his service and his family. It supported an American flag, important dates, a trident, and some other patriotic things. But it seemed the bullet found his tattoo dedicated to his father. The once proud trident of Poseidon was now broken with his scar. He might have to get it done again it seems.
He looked back at himself in the mirror and got to work to make himself presentable.
Line Break
It was already 9 a.m. when he started to eat his breakfast, which was late for him. He had to reheat everything. He was all alone now and he hated it. His girlfriend was at work and his wonderful hellhound was most likely with his mom. It seemed he would have to pick her up some time. When his food was done, he started eating the eggs and bacon and going through the mail when suddenly he stopped.
There was a golden envelope addressed to him that originated from the Empire state building. His blood ran cold.
He thought he was done with them. The only one he dared to have any contact was his Father and that was usually once or twice a year. He didn't want to see the council or his extended family for that matter. He didn't necessarily leave on good terms.
He should have thrown the damned thing away but knowing Hermes, Percy would just find it somewhere else. So he opened it and was shocked to find a letter addressed to him personally.
Dear Cousin,
What's up? It has been what? 15 years? That is ridiculous. I know you have spoken to your dad but come on you can't speak to your dear older cousin, Apollo.
Of course it was Apollo writing to him. It couldn't have been Athena or Demeter who would have got to the point so much quicker.
I mean we could have hung out some time. Maybe you, me, and Hermes go clubbing sometime?
Percy only shook his head at that point. He would have smiled at that thought if it wasn't for the line that followed.
But I know that lady of yours wouldn't have appreciated that.
He did not want any god or goddess looking into his personal life.
Anyways, There is a party next month, we are celebrating 15 years since the second giant war and to let these demigods have some fun. But I knew it wouldn't be a proper celebration without you man. You would be the guest of honor, I mean twice a savour of Olympus and part of the seven. Like Wow! You should come by even for a few minutes. You will enjoy it!
Your awesome Cousin,
Apollo
P.S. Hope you are feeling much better and the healing process was good. Also if you know any ho-
That was when he stopped reading. It seemed he was invited to an Olympus for a party and the gods have been looking into his life.
He truly didn't know how to feel. But he lost all his appetite and he didn't necessarily want to waste his food. So he took the letter, the remaining food, and a lighter and went to the balcony.
"To my father-"
He lit the letter on fire and threw it onto the plate of food that was on the ground.
"-and Uncle Hades, please let my troops rest in peace." The food bursted into flames and left the plate untouched.
With nothing else to do he got dressed and walked to the above ground garage that was for the residents of the condo he lived at. He walked to his spot where a tarp was covering a motorcycle. He took the tarp off and grinned. He hasn't rode her in some time. It was a black Street Bob Harly Davidson. He got it a few years ago and was probably one of his best purchases. He got on and put the key in. It purred to life. Percy just grinned before taking off.
Line Break
He really didn't know where to go if he was honest with himself. But he knew he needed to get out of the city and in the open air. He was in the hospital for about 8 weeks, healing and surrounded by his family. For 5 of those weeks he was in a coma. They said he died twice on the operating table and that he was extremely lucky with the amount of blood lost.
After he was discharged, after he was told about he was getting an early retirement and that his platoon mates were already buried, he was brought to his condo where he would be in bed rest for the next 5 weeks. At first he could hardly walk around but eventually with physical therapy and help from Enora, he healed just fine. It might also help that he was half god. But for those 8 weeks he was resting out of the coma he couldn't escape his nightmares. Unlike the normal demigod nightmares, these showed his friends deaths over and over again. He yearned to join them in death, he felt like he owed it to them and that he shouldn't be alive. It didn't mean he didn't value his time alive, with his family and friends, he just felt that he was given something he should not have.
His thoughts led him to Enora. How he loved her and the support she has shown him and how much help she has been in the recovery process. She even took vacation days for work so she could help him throughout the day. Even though he may be part god he still needed to rest a lot to heal. What he did notice though was the last few weeks she was more distant as if she had a secret she couldn't tell him. No matter the issue though he loved her and hell it was like she was his anchor.
That thought left a bitter taste in his mouth.
The last time he called someone his anchor. She left when he needed her the most. Even after 15 years he still thought of her.
Annabeth.
He couldn't help it. He went through literal hell for her and yet she left him because she 'couldn't think of that place again'. Those were the words she used. He will admit, he was broken after the war. He lost so much and so many people and after Tartarus it broke his cracked mind. Being a leader and trying to be a strong one put a toll on him and when they thought they had a break it was when the night terrors came.
He was only 16 and already participated in two wars. He felt out of place so he dropped out of school when he turned 17 and got his GED. From there, a couple months since the giant war, he helped rebuild and started living in New Rome to help the Romans rebuild but that didn't last. Slowly everyone of his friends left him. Annabeth told him that she couldn't be with him because he reminded her of Tartarus everytime he looked at her. He was lost and broken in himself.
That hurt him more than anything. So he left for New York to live with his mom. When asked to attend the award ceremony he declined and sent a letter telling them he wishes the gods not to contact him again. Slowly with the help of his mother and his baby sister and some visits from his father he got better. Though still had the memories that haunted him at night.
That was until one day while walking around Manhattan he came across a recruiting office. By then he felt as if he had no purpose in life and something in him struck and he wanted to join. With his mom and a lot of talk with his family, Poseidon included, he joined the Navy. Luckily his mom gave permission so he wouldn't have to wait until he was 18 to join. He went for the SEALs training after becoming interested in the poster in their office. A lot of people doubted he would pass but they had no idea he was already in two wars and trained ever since he was 12. He learned how to use a rifle quickly and excelled at hand to hand combat. When he graduated at 18 everyone was surprised and it gave a lot of respect to him. Being the youngest in his class. Everyone doubted he would make it but Sammy didn't.
The then 20 year old encouraged Percy and both helped each other when the other had a bad day. Both graduated and surprisingly joined the same team. The rest became history.
He doesn't know what brought those thoughts but Percy was kind of happy to take a trip down memory lane. He had a sad smile on his face as he pulled up to a gate of a neatly trimmed cemetery. He doesn't know how he got here or what drew him there but he knew this was where Sammy was buried.
"Hey man." Percy looked down at the simple grave. "Life has been dull without you man."
Line Break
"Come on! Move your asses!" The drill instructor yelled at the recruits.
Only 75 of the original 120 recruits remained. Currently the recruits were forced to jog 10 miles with a boat over their head. This was some of the most ridiculous training Percy has ever gone through, he admits. Even since training when he was only 12 years old, he still thought this was hard. SEAL training was on a new level, he thought. Though compared to others he was a bit better off having been training since he was 12, although that was for fighting monsters but none of that training included exercises like this.
He could hear the drill Sergeants yelling at them to get faster. They were on the last mile as of now but Percy knew this was the worst part. They were going uphill. His legs burned and arms sore from the strain of keeping them up for so long. Currently his section was in the middle of the formation. His best friend was to his right. By the looks of it he was struggling.
"Come on Sammy. Just a few more feet." He said low enough not to allow the instructors to hear.
"Oh don't try to pull that shit on me!" Sammy let out a heavy breath. "I saw the marker back there. We got about 3/4ths of a mile left, you dick."
"Haha." Percy chuckled. "I am just trying to help."
"Well you suck at it."
Both quieted for the rest of the mile. When they finally passed the finish line they were instructed to put the boats and to fall back in formation.
"I don't know how you do this, Perce." Sammy said as he passed him.
"Honestly, me neither." Both laughed as they ran into formation.
Line break
"I still remember Hell Week like it was yesterday." Percy let out a laugh looking at the new looking headstone. "I remember seeing the anger on your face after Peter's pissed the instructor off and we were forced to do burpees."
Percy looked at the grave. It wasn't eccentric like some of the others but it was nice looking. It had a nice vase for flowers and even had a few pictures of Sammy. His family wasn't the richest and he heard stories about his youth on how they moved a lot and they lived paycheck to paycheck. He smiled. Sammy's mother was like a second mom to him. She was the sweetest but she had fire in those eyes.
"Those were the days, Man." Percy looked at one of the pictures on the grave. It showed Sammy in uniform on graduation day. "I remember that day. Your mom cried tears of joy and I know you hate to admit it but I saw a few tears in those eyes of yours."
Line Break
Graduation day was surreal for Percy. Only 10 of his class actually passed but all the smiling faces of family members and friends was a sight to see. Currently he was trying to find his mom in the mess.
"Percy!" He turned his head to see his mom and Paul behind him. Sally was currently holding a little bundle in her arms.
"Mom! Paul!" He was 18 years old and yet sounded like a happy child running to his mom.
As soon as he reached her, she gave Estella to Paul and both mother and son hugged each other as if they haven't seen each other in years. Though it really only was a year and some weeks.
"Oh My God!" She exclaimed as she looked at her son with joy in his eyes. Though she was looking up at him. "Look how much you grew!"
"Haha. I know." Percy blushed as his mom wiped tears of joy out of her eyes. "Hey Paul!" The graduated Seal hugged his stepfather. He was so grateful for the highschool teacher in making his mom happy.
"How has it been?" Percy asked, looking at his small family. He figured his father wouldn't show up, being a god and all.
"Things have been good. My book is selling really good." She looked at Paul with joy in her eyes. "And Paul here got a promotion."
"Really?" Percy smirked at Paul. "That's awesome. I'm happy for you!"
"Enough of us Percy. How are you?" Paul asked.
"Better than ever!" The green-eyed man said. His mom and step-father knew how the Giant war affected him and seeing him much better was really good. Even if he joined the military. Sally though looked at him with some sadness in her eyes. She hated that her son has been doing nothing but war ever since he was only 12. Though as long as he is happy.
"How was training?" The mother of two asked. Estella was currently asleep or Percy would have grabbed her from her parents.
"It was tough but-" Percy was cut off by a loud cough. Even with other parents and family members talking to their sons he could hear that deep voice.
"I hope I am not too late." Percy turned around and was shocked at who he saw.
"DAD!" Percy basically threw himself at Poseidon. Rarely they ever saw each other, so Percy made sure to make it memorable.
"Haha. How are you son?" Poseidon looked at Sally and Paul. He saw his former lover smile at him sadly. Even after all this time, Poseidon had a special place for Sally in his immortal heart.
"I'm doing great, dad." Percy was know eye level to Poseidon's mortal form.
"That is great, Son." Paul still couldn't get over the fact a god of the seas was speaking to his step-son in such a casual manner. "How was your training?"
To be honest Poseidon already knew how his training was. Every day Poseidon would watch his son. He was always watching him. He just wishes he could spend more time with his mortal son. He was only glad he was able to convince his brother to give him time to see his son. Though Poseidon would spend a millenia doing whatever Zeus asked for, if he allowed Poseidon just a day with his favored son.
"...then this one guy threw up everywhere. Yeah, he had to be escorted to the hospital." Poseidon tuned back right at the end of the short story. He was just looking at his son. Remembering his features. He hated when he had to leave. He glanced at Sally who was watching him with a keen eye. "It was hard but after years of training it was a little easier for me than most." the King of Atlantis smiled sadly at that. The life of a demigod was never easy. "Oh! I have someone that you all need to meet!" Percy looked around until he spotted the dark-skin man. "Sammy! Sammy!"
While Percy ran over to get his best friend, Sally approached her old love.
"Hey Sa-" Poseidon stopped talking after seeing the glare the dark hair lady gave him. Even with a baby in her arms and being almost a foot shorter than the god, it was as if she was looking down on him.
"You will watch over him and make sure he doesn't come back in a casket." That was all she needed to say to the god.
"Sally I-" Paul was silenced when Poseidon raised his hand, stopping Paul.
"It is okay Blofis." Poseidon knew Paul made Sally happy and that made Percy happy so he respected the man but he still wish he could have had Sally as his wife. He was a selfish god after all. "You know I can not guarantee that. It is at the will of the Fat-"
"I don't care." Sally said as she wiped a tear out of her right eye. "As a mother I know the risks and I know what could happen to him. But I need you to watch him."
"Sally, Percy has fought Monsters, Gods, Titans, and Giants. He will be fine." Poseidon put a hand on Sally's shoulder to calm her. "He will be just-"
"You don't understand Poseidon." She looked him dead in the eyes. "Percy hates and has always hated hurting other humans. Even when he was bullied in school, he wouldn't fight back. He just took it. When he gets deployed, and I know he will, he will most likely change. He will have to take the life of another human. It will break him, Poseidon." She composed herself. "I know humans are just as deadly, if not more, than the things he has fought. They can be cruel and will not hesitate. So please Poseidon, I beg you to watch over him."
The Sea god looked at her. He knew how humans could be. Even after thousands of years they still acted the same. Percy will be fighting a war like he has never fought one. Like the saying goes, War never changes just the tools that are fought with them. He knows Percy will change. For the better or worse, he does not know. But he looked at his former lover in the eyes.
"I will watch him and make sure he comes home to you." Sally took that answer.
"Thank you, Poseidon." Sally would be lying if she said she felt nothing for the god. She still loved him. How could she not love the first person who showed her love? Though she might love him, it didn't mean she was in love with him.
"Mom! Dad! Paul!" Percy's voice cut through the adults. Percy was followed by a dark-skinned man. Who also was supporting a bright smile just like Percy. He was slightly shorter than the demigod. "This is Sammy."
Line Break
"You mom just fell in love with my little sister." Percy scratched the back of his head lost in thought. Here he was standing in front of the grave of his best friend. He should be with him. He should have died that day. "I will watch over her for you, man. I will do everything in my power to help them." Percy will make sure his best friend's family was cared for. He needed to visit them. He heard they came to see him when he was in the hospital but that was when he was in a coma.
He was so lost in thought while looking at the grave, he never once realized he wasn't alone any more. Poseidon looked at his son. He could feel the sadness and regret rolling off him. He knew losing a loved one, by blood or not, was something that was difficult. He watched for generations as his own children lived and died. He knew the pain. Unlike most gods, the sea god cared for all his children and losing one was always tough.
"Son." Poseidon put a hand on a startled Percy. "It's okay son." Poseidon was waiting for an outburst of sorts. The usual 'no it's not' but it never came. Instead the most shocking thing did.
Percy hugged his father and cried.
To say that Poseidon was stunned was an understatement. Never once has he seen his son lose it like this. But he did like all fathers in a situation like this would. He hugged him with full force. Percy cried and let all the pain out into his fathers shoulder. So much he had to let out. He cried for all the people he lost, he cried for the families that lost their loved ones, and he cried that he couldn't join them. He wanted to curse the fates. He wanted to shout at them for letting him live and not them.
After what felt like hours, Percy calmed down and stood straight to look his father in the eyes. Poseidon looked at what looked at a younger version of himself and felt sadness. His son was broken. His eyes were dull and his face saddened from all the things he witnessed in his short life. Percy was only 33, but yet he has seen so much chaos and death. It seems he couldn't keep his promise to his former lover. He cursed the Fates.
"Why Dad?" Was the first words Percy said to his Dad. "Why couldn't have been me?"
"What do you mean, Percy?" Poseidon didn't let go of his son's shoulders.
"Why couldn't he have lived and I died? Why couldn't I have traded places with everyone that died that day? Hell why did Stevens have to die? He had a family! 3 kids and a wife!" Percy let out. "Why me?"
Poseidon's immortal heart broke hearing those words from his son. He may be a god but he couldn't answer any of those questions.
"I don't know, Son." Percy looked at his father. He took in the god's appearance. He looked to be in his fifties. He had his raven hair with streaks of grey with a matching beard, his eyes were the same as Percy's but had more of a glow to them, he appeared as if he was supporting a bear belly that most could associate with drinking too much or old age. Either way Percy knew this was just an outwards appearance and that his father was far older than he looked. Either way Percy's eyes hardened and looked him in the eyes.
"You are a god! Do something! Make it where we changed places! Make them come back!" Percy knew what he was saying was impossible for the Sea god but oh he wished he could.
"Son, You kno-" Poseidon tried to calm his son.
"Don't give me that sorry ass excuse!" Percy turned away from his father. "What is the point of being a god when you wont do anything to make a change?" Percy turned and looked at his father. "Here I thought you were the mighty Poseidon! King of the Seven Seas! And the god of all things sea life!" This time Percy's anger showed by jabbing a finger in his fathers chest. "How can someone have so much power but yet still be weak that a lowly demigod had to save their asses twice and they can't do a simple command."
Percy knew he was on thin ice. He could see and feel a storm brewing in the distance. Though he didn't know if that was his doing or his fathers. Though he could see just how his words affected his father. He could see the rage in his eyes. They glowed with power. But as fast as it came it went away. Poseidon knew his son was angry and if he was the one taking that anger than so be it. Though if it was any other person, they would have already been smited.
"What are you going to do? Smite me?" Percy said in a scoffing way. "As if the Fates would allow that." Percy looked at his dad. "I could put a gun to my head and it would jam as I see it. They just won't let me die."
Poseidon's world stopped. He never would imagine his son saying those words. Now he sees it. His son has survivors guilt and was even talking about dying, even by his own hands. He looked at his son with saddened eyes.
"Son, why do you say such things?" Poseidon pulled his son into a hug. Percy tried to fight but he just isn't stronger than a god. "You have a family that loves you son. Your mother and sister, that Blowfish…" Percy let out a small chuckle. "...and Enora." Percy caught the way his dad said that name. It was strange. It was like he was struggling to say that name as if he knew something that Percy didn't. Though in this situation he just let it go. "Son, Look at me." Poseidon put his son at arms distance to allow Percy to look him in the eyes. "No matter what issue arises. I will always be there. I will always be watching you and making sure you will be fine. I love you, Perseus."
"How can you say such things?" Percy's voice quivered at the declaration his dad made. "How can you say those things when you have your own godly life? With your own godly family?"
"Son, No matter what life we are in. You are my son and for that I love you. I so wished you would join me in Atlantis but if it is your choice to live as mortal then I accept it." Percy searched his father's eyes for anything that could be a hint he wasn't telling the truth. "I may have a godly life but you still are my son. You have proven just how strong you are time and time again. You have made me and your mother very proud. Know that we will always follow you. I will always follow you, Son. Even if you wished to turn against my own brother." The sky shook at that declaration. Though he knew it was an empty saying. "The life of a demigod is never easy."
"How many times have I heard that?" Percy interjected. His whole life people always told him that.
"But the choices you have made have proven you can overcome anything." Poseidon ignored his son's outburst. "You have shown us, the gods, that there is nothing you can't overcome. Yes your friends and your brothers in arms died." Poseidon hated how it came out and the way his son flinched at that. "But you are strong and can overcome this. It is no reason to throw away your life because of something you couldn't prevent. It was their destiny to die in battle. Whether you were there or not. The Fates already decreed that."
"I see." Percy knew from experience that the Fates pluck the strings of people's lives long before their time. He still remembers Luke's string being cut. The sound still echoing in his head. "But how can I continue to live knowing I should be with them?"
"Because you are strong, Perseus." The sea god held on tightly to his son. "You are the strongest demigod of your generation and you have overcome so much. You have proven your resilience. Even when you were 16 already fighting two wars back to back. You will survive this." He witnessed his son take a breath, calming himself. "Now do what you need to do, Son. I need to return to Olympus before Zues intervenes."
"Alright, Dad." Even Percy's voice sounded broken.
"The note you received. Please think it over." Poseidon looked to the sky where clouds started to darken. He knew Zues was getting angry at how long he stayed with his son. "You would be surprised how many people wished to see you."
"I will think about it." Percy hugged his father. "Oh and dad."
"Yes Percy?"
"I love you." Poseidon smiled at those words.
"I love you as well, son." With that Poseidon disappeared in a mist.
Percy turned and walked to his best friend's grave. He rubbed the top of it and just closed his eyes. He wished he could see his smiling face one last time.
"I love you, man." With a prayer to his uncle, Percy left the cemetery. He knew what he had to do next.
Line Break
"Alright team." The NCO grouped up his little squad. "We have a HVT here," He instructed as he was pointing at a location on the map showing a compound that the US military recently caught wind of. "The operation is a hit. Not a capture." Some of the guys let out a breath. No one really wanted to kill anyone but it was always harder to capture someone. In the midst of protecting them many more soldiers could die.
"Sir?" A man asked. He was joining the squad for the first time.
"Go ahead." The Chief let the man ask.
"If this is a kill order, why don't they just send a drone and take out the compound?" Some agreed with the man.
"Because thats the kicker." The commander paused and looked at the assembled group. "There is some intel that there may be captured marines there." Everyone paused at that. Everyone knew what that could intel. They might already be dead, but if they weren't they will surely have some psychological problems. Though that didn't deter anyone, if anything they were all wanting to raid it now. "The HVT just so happened to be there."
Percy listened with interest. He has been in the SEALs for 5 years now and has seen a lot of horrors that humans could cause. Over the past years he changed. Some for the better and some for the worse. He was fully prepared to take a human life if it came to it but it didn't mean he wanted to. Though as he looked around, he would do anything for his brothers. He listened as the NCO of the squad talked about how they will perform this task.
"We are going in as 4 teams." The squad leader pointed at certain spots on the map. This indicated locations where the teams will enter. "Teams 1 and 2 will come from the front. As they do, teams 3 will come from the left side as team 4 approaches from the right side of the compound. There are guard towers here." He pointed to several locations. "We received word that they do contain two guards at a time." Everyone nodded.
Percy listened on as he continued on with the plan. He worried for the Marines that may be captured. If they really were captured, that really did worry him. Just how did they get captured? And why?
"...These teams will be lead by Johnson, Phillips, Nix, and Jackson." Percy looked up at the man. Why was he leading? He was Petty officer 2nd class, only an E-5. They usually had someone else lead. Either way some patted him on the back for it. "Alright you teams are here. We leave at 2100."
The assembled soldiers parted and looked at their assigned teams. Percy looked at his team and smiled. It consisted of Sammy, Mitchum, Michaels, and Swanson. He has been with most of them since he joined. He noticed they were already grouped up and were in the middle of a conversation.
"...I am telling you, she was crazy." Mitchum was telling the others. "She would not stop yelling and throwing shit."
"What did you do to deserve that?" Swanson asked, smiling. He was resting against the wall of the building they were standing outside of.
"I don't know!" The dark skinned man exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air. The others only chuckled.
"Well, did you kick her out?" Michaels asked.
"Hell no!" The ox of a man replied. The others laughed. "That pu-" Whatever the man was about to say was cut off as Sammy, Martin, coughed and signaled as Percy approached. They heard that he was leading them now. As a joke they started clapping for him. The demigod only shook his head and laughed.
"First I just want to say." Percy looked at Mitchum. "You are an idiot. You're just going to dig yourself a hole." The man only laughed and waved him off. The others just chuckled. "Now to begin…" Percy explained to them just what they were doing and who took which point. He went on to explain what their team objective was.
"So we are checking to make sure where the Marines are?" Martin asked.
"Correct. We will begin by checking the buildings close to the right side of the compound where we will enter…" Percy showed them just where they needed to go and what to watch for.
"Everyone understood?" Everyone nodded their heads. "Good we leave in 30."
Everyone just confirmed this and did what they needed to do to prepare for this mission.
AN: I just want to start off by saying I really didn't mean for it to take this long. I had most of this chapter done but I just couldn't finish. In fact I sort of fell out of touch with PJO fanfiction and lost motivation to even write for a while. But I am back and I relized I wanted to add much more to this story than I originally wanted to. So expect a few more chapters. Next chapter will have more action. That I can guarntee.
So we see how Percy is taking it and how it has affected him in this chapter. I am trying to portray Percy as being strong but still very much human. I am hoping y'all like this chapter. I am trying to be realistic as possible so if you think I should fix something just let me know and I will. Hope you enjoyed and until next time :)