Chapter 27:

As Markus calmed down from his rage-induced trance, he realized what he had done. And he looked at the scene, with the skewered corpses of the other nameless men, and the withered and pathetic corpse of Blackbeard, and almost threw up at the gruesome scene that was in front of him. The gruesome scene that he had caused.

This, this was like the scene with Gabe from last summer, but at least he didn't kill the man then, only indirectly. This time, their deaths were caused by his hand. He didn't regret killing them, but it was the way he went about it that caused him to recoil in shock. Because he lost control of his anger, which he'd been trying to calm down and control it, he'd killed several men and practically drained, at least that was what it looked like, Blackbeard.

Markus almost shook from fear. Was his anger that powerful that he unknowingly unlocked a new power to kill the pathetic pirate? He wasn't even that ecstatic about getting a new power to use. He wasn't shocked or horrified by the deaths. He'd grown somewhat desensitised to death, though not fully, due to him living on the streets for most of his life. But he was horrified due to how he went about killing them. Markus never really feared his anger up until now. It was a part of him, so he shouldn't fear it. But know that fear was slowly resurfacing.

He was interrupted from his thoughts by a small hand on his shoulder. He almost flinched, but managed to look at who's hand it was. His eyes met the older girl, with the younger one standing behind her, looking at him with fear and amazement.

"A-are you okay?" the older girl asked in concern. Markus was shocked that, even with all that had happened, she was still concerned about him. He smiled shakily, then frowned, and then smiled more firmly. "Yeah, I am, thanks. Though I should be asking you the same thing."

The older girl nodded shakily. "Y-yes, yes we are okay. Just a few scraped and bruises, nothing too serious," she said as he nodded and then looked to the younger girl who just continued to stare at him.

Markus got rid of any rising fear or nervousness in his heart. He wasn't going to act weak when the girls needed help first. He could deal with his situation later. "And you?" He asked again in a surprisingly gentle tone.

It took her a few moments but she nodded her head and spoke in a quiet tone. "I am okay. Thank you for saving me." Her voice was firm, but Markus still saw the lingering fear in her eyes when she looked at him. He couldn't blame her for that.

"You're welcome. I 'm just happy that I got here in time. That piece of filth got what he deserved," Markus said, knowing that, although his anger gave him some annoying insecurities, he didn't regret what he did.

"If you had not come…" the younger girl said before she began to cry silently. The older girl gently began to soothe her and calm her down while Markus walked towards her and gently patted her shoulder comfortably. He silently pitied her for having to go through that at a young age. Hopefully, she could move past this and become stronger. She seemed like a tough girl.

When the young girl began to calm down the older girl looked at him and took his hand. "I can never thank you enough for saving us. May the gods bless you," she said with a smile on her face and eyes that beaming with gratefulness.

Markus smiled, but didn't say anything. Instead, he just nodded.

"May I know the name of the one who saved us from a fate worse than death?" she asked, wanting to know who their saviour was while the younger girl peaked towards him.

"Markus Henderson, son of-" He was about to say 'Poseidon' when a voice in his head, one that belonged to his father, yelled in his head, Neptune! Say Neptune!

Markus looked off to the side, confusing the girls as to why he paused. Dad? Is that you?

Yes, son. Though, not exactly me. Listen, don't tell the girls you are my son. Just say 'Neptune'.

Isn't that you? Well, your Roman name?

Yes. You weren't supposed to figure this out, but circumstances have caused this. Now say it!

Markus looked mystified as to why his father was mentally telling him this, as well as responding to him now of all times. And he couldn't even drop in through Iris message.

He was interrupted by a snapping sound in front of him. He turned to look at the older girl, who was snapping her fingers in front of his face and looking annoyed. "Hello? Anyone there?"

He blinked. "S-sorry. Got lost in thought. Anyway, I'm a son of Neptune."

Both girls' eyes widened at that. With that, the younger one still had her awed look, while the older one looked at him appraisingly, with a hint of respect and... was that lust? "Despite your... heritage, I can see you're a skilled warrior. It's no wonder the pirates fell to you." Before he could comment on the matter on his heritage, the girl introduced herself. "My name is Hylla and this is my younger sister Reyna."

So they were sisters as he thought. He thought. As he looked at the two sisters he saw Reyna just continue to look at him in wonder while Hylla looked at him with a look that he had seen a couple of times. He was flattered, really, but he wasn't sure if now was the time to bring it up to her.

"Why were you glowing?" Reyna asked curiously as she stared at him.

"Uh, that's just something that I do when I'm mad," Markus explained, having never seen this kind of 'glow' that she was talking about. It must've only kicked in when he was really mad. "Come on let's get the two of you out of here," he said extending both of his hands to the two girls. Hylla took his hand almost immediately while Reyna looked a bit more subdued before taking it.

Gently helping the two up he began to lead them away and towards the safe zone.

Along the way he talked with two in gentle tone and got to know them a little. The two girls had arrived when Hylla was five and Reyna was two and had spent their days growing up in Circe's resort and who welcomed them with open arms.

Both knew that they were demigods but neither had an idea who their godly parent was except the fact that they knew it was their mother. Plus they said during the fight with the pirates they felt a surge of energy and a symbol appear above their heads but neither got a good look at them due to the pirates. All they knew that they were suddenly very familiar with weapons and began to give the pirates an ass kicking before Blackbeard and his group subdued them.

Markus had to respect their determination. They were fighters, all right. Though he was confused on their heritage. From their description, they sounded like children of Ares, but they said it was their mother that was their divine parent. Maybe Athena, then? But they didn't look like the typical Athena kids.

"Hylla," a voice called out as they approached the safe zone and saw a girl lunge forward and wrap Hylla in a hug before grabbing Reyna and bringing her into the hug as well. "Thank the gods you are both okay."

"It's good to see you, Kinzie. We are fine thanks to our hero," Hylla said nodding towards Markus, which made the girl called Kinzie to look at him, and coyly smile.

Kinzie had nymph-like features similar to Maya, but she had light brown hair and light green eyes. She looked to be around his age. Then Markus remembered that she was one of the girls that he saved from a particular pirate.

"Ah, yes. Our hero. He did save me too. I think he deserves rewards, don't you think?" she said in a rather seductive tone that made shivers run down his spine. What was with these girls?

Hylla stepped up and, before Markus could say anything, pressed her lips against his, shocking Markus. He stayed frozen as Hylla continued to kiss him for what felt like five seconds, even weirdly adding tongue in also, before separating from his lips. Leaving him a blushing, stuttering mess.

"W-wha-" he got out, before Kinzie stepped up, holding his face gently. "Come on, hero," she teased. "Accept your reward with a straight face, at least." With that, she proceeded to kiss him the same way that Hylla did. The kiss lasted longer than the last one, before Kinzie stepped back, a smirk on her face as Markus was, impossibly, blushing even more than before.

"I-" Before he could even get another word out, he received another kiss, this time on the cheek. It seemed Maya had stepped up, deciding to kiss him on the cheek. Good thing, too. If he got one more kiss on the lips, he might've fainted. As Maya stepped back, Markus had a stupid grin on his face. That felt nice, he thought to himself.

"I think our hero likes his rewards. How cute," Kinzie smirked, making Markus break out of his daydreaming.

"Yes, it seems he does," Hylla agreed, a coy smile on her face.

As he shook himself from his thoughts, he looked around to see the group gathered and all looking towards them. All were girls and were a mixture of what he guessed was demigod's girls and nymphs. They were all looking at him in gratitude. Thank the gods that they didn't kiss him. He probably couldn't handle it.

"So what exactly do we do now?" one of the girls asked looking at Markus expectantly. "Our home has been destroyed."

"Well..." he spoke as he began to think. He looked at the ship and knew immediately that it would not hold all of them. Plus he had a quest to continue.

I can't just leave them but I cannot turn back either. Plus even with a boat they may have to go," through Charybdis and Scylla to get out. I wouldn't recommend that to them, Markus thought to himself. Then he had an idea. Might as well, since he does owe me for keeping a 'supposed' secret.

Do any of you mind going to Camp Half-Blood?" Markus asked. At their confused looks, Markus was about to explain, but was interrupted by his father speaking to him mentally again. No, Markus! They cannot go there!

And why not?! Markus relayed mentlly, annoyed.

I will explain later. I know where to take them.

You mean you'll help me to transport them?

Yes. I know where most of them need to go.

Markus smiled, but then a thought came to him. "I'm so stupid," Markus muttered to himself. Looking at the group of females, who were looking at him in worry, he said, "I know what to do. However I have to ask this question to all you girls first. Is there any of you that do not feel comfortable being around boys?"

The group of girls gave him an odd look before two of them stepped forward.

"Okay," Markus nodded. Then he tried relaying his thoughts to Poseidon, uh, Neptune. I have two girls that aren't comfortable around boys. Ideas?

Don't worry about that, son. I'll just send them to the Hunters of Artemis. Looks like Artemis will owe me a favour for later.

Who are they? Markus asked mentally. There was that name again.

He could hear his father chuckle in his mind. They're a group of maidens led by Artemis herself who have sworn an oath of chastity. Don't worry about it.

Okay. But afterwards, you have to explain what that whole 'Neptune' business was.

Markus, I-

Nope. You expect me to keep a secret that I have no idea about. What if I suddenly blab something out and that's unknowingly the secret. If this concerns them, then I have to know.

He could hear his father sigh heavily. He didn't feel any sympathy for Poseidon, though. If this concerned his new friends, then he had a right to know. Fine, the sea god said regretfully. But you must swear on the Styx not to reveal this information to anyone you know at Camp Half-Blood or Olympus. Not even Perseus.

Markus knew that this secret was a huge deal if he was told to swear on the Styx. He sighed. Fine.

Markus looked at the other girls, who were looking at him expectantly. He smiled. "Just wait a moment. Follow me."

Markus made his way to the shore, the girls following him. As he made his way near the water, the girls looked at him, confused. They were about to ask what he was doing, when a dolphin broke the shore, standing on its... well, not legs, but tail, in the water.

Trailing after it were a group of more dolphins following. Markus looked towards the lead dolphin. He didn't seem like much, but Markus could tell that this dolphin was important. He, Markus assumed that it was a he, even seemed to have a divine aura around him, indicating that he was a god. Probably a general for Poseidon or something.

Milord, came to Markus' mind. He didn't flinch from the mental message, having already guessed that it was the dolphin in the front. His heritage to the sea allowed him to understand easily.

Markus didn't know if he should bow or not, so he gave a short bow to the lead dolphin. "Uh, hello. May I ask who you are?"

I am Delphin, milord, the dolphin responded in his mind. God of dolphins.

"A pleasure to meet you. Though there's no need to call me milord." Markus wasn't sure if he should add 'lord', since he wasn't sure what to do. He was never really respectful to gods anyway, with the ones he met outside of the Greek pantheon being the exception.

But I must. You are considered royalty, the son of our king, Delphin replied. That made Markus blink. He was royalty? So that made him a prince?

Markus grinned, filing that thought for later. "Fine. Do you know-"

What Lord Poseidon has sent me to do? I do. Delphin turned his gaze to the other girls, who looked at him and his other dolphins in amazement. I know where to send them.

"Okay," Markus said. "Thank you very much. Send my regards to my father."

I will, Delphin replied with a high-pitched chatter. (A.N. - I'm going to assume that most of the girls are Roman, so they're going to Camp Jupiter. Only the nymphs and some demigoddess will go to Camp Half-Blood).

He turned to the two girls who weren't comfortable with boys. "Okay, you can go first."

Both of them looked nervous but determined. They looked towards him with a smile. "Thank you for saving us," the two said, before hopping onto two lone dolphins. With a chatter, they dived underwater, taking the two girls with them.

"Now to Camp Half Blood," he said as he waved his hand again over the girls that would go to Camp Half Blood.

"I will see you girls soon. The camp might be in a bit of bad shape when you get there but it will be back to normal soon," he said.

The girls nodded and understood what he meant before they too hopped onto a dolphin each and disappeared underwater.

"I guess this is goodbye hero," Hylla said with the girls looking a little sad.

"Don't worry about it. I am sure we will see each other again. You never knew when we might cross paths in the future," Markus said. He intended to meet up with them to check up on them. Damn them for giving him a fucking bleeding heart.

Reyna then stepped forward and the quiet girl hugged him. "Thank you for saving me."

"No problem," Markus muttered softly. After a few seconds they both ended the hug.

No words had to be said as Markus just smiled at her and nodded before Reyna rejoined her sister and held her hand. The two older girls looked like they wanted to do the same but Markus quickly beat them to it when he began to speak.

"Maya you said earlier that there was three people that came to island yesterday and were responsible for this mess. Which direction did they go in?"

"Uhhh..." Maya looked off into the distance, and pointed near the right of where they were currently. "Just right of here, roughly. Why?"

"They're my friends and I've been looking for them since we got separated. I've been looking for them, as well as another girl, since."

"Your friends with them?" Reyna asked looking a little stern as he nodded.

"Yeah. I understand that you may hate them for what they did, and I can't blame you. I apologise on their behalf," Markus said, with Hylla waving her hand dismissively.

"You don't need to apologise for them. However, I hope you don't blame me for not wishing them well as they sail onwards," she said with a hint of anger in her tone.

"I don't blame you," Markus said. Normally, he would've stood in the others' defence, but he couldn't really say anything as it was their fault. "When I meet them, I plan to give them an ass whooping, verbal and physical."

"You had better or I will be taking a spear and shoving it where the sun does not shine to them," Hylla suggested which was back up by the other girls. Markus shivered at the threat. Damn, those guys really screwed up, didn't they?

A chatter sounded next to them as Delphin, even though he was a dolphin, looked impatient.

"Right sorry," Markus said before looking at the girls. "Take care all of you. I wish you all the best."

"Thank you Markus, you will always be our hero," Hylla and Kinzie said together, making him blush while Reyna settled with a simple wave and a smile. The girls got on top of the other dolphins, before they - including Delphin - disappeared.

Markus sighed as the group of girls disappeared. Now, he was about to contact Poseidon on his little 'secret'. Seeing a lone drachma on the floor, he picked it up and walked to the shore. Manipulating a small amount of water to turn into mist, he was able to form his own make-shift rainbow. Markus said, "O Iris, goddess of the rainbow, accept my offering."

He threw the drachma into the rainbow, seeing it disappear in a golden shimmer.

"Poseidon," he said firmly. The mist was turning clear, showing a throne made out of sea shells, coral, and other sea life. Despite what it was made out of, it looked royal, like it belonged to a king.

Seated upon the throne was Poseidon, god of the sea. His trident, his symbol of power, hung in a ring near his throne, slightly humming with power.

Poseidon looked the same as he did last summer, smile crinkles and everything. His father smiled at him. "Markus, my boy. It is good to see you."

"Hello, Dad," Markus said with a smile. "It's good to see you, too. Sorry to call you so suddenly, but I wanted to hear what you wanted to say."

"Yes, the incident involving those girls," he said, his smile fading and being replaced with a frown.

"What's wrong with them? They aren't bad or anything-" Markus was saying but Poseidon shook his head.

"No, my boy. There's nothing particularly wrong with them. You just weren't supposed to meet them," Poseidon said.

"Why? And be direct. There's no need to hold anything back," Markus said firmly, wanting to know what was wrong.

Poseidon sighed. "Usually, demigods aren't supposed to know this secret. Period. But I know that you're stubborn. One of the many traits you've inherited from me. Plus, I know that you're tough and able to handle yourself, which makes me proud. But this is something serious. I'm not even supposed to be telling you this. So you must swear on the Styx not to reveal this situation to anyone. Am I clear?"

Markus was about to agree, until a thought came to his head. "Wait. What if the situation was dire, and I needed to reveal it to someo-"

"Markus." Poseidon's voice was stern and unyielding, telling him that he was pushing his luck. Gulping, Markus relented. "Fine. I swear on the River Styx not to reveal the knowledge of this secret to anyone on Olympus and Camp Half-Blood."

Thunder boomed in the sky, signifying the oath.

Poseidon nodded. "Thank you. Forgive me being stern, but this secret is important. If it were to get out, there's a good chance there could be war. Even before the incoming one with Father."

Markus nodded, knowing how serious this was. Suddenly he wasn't sure if he wanted to hear it, but he steeled himself.

"The Olympians have two different forms that we take. One is the Greek one, where we give birth to you as we are. But we have another one." As soon as Poseidon said that last part, he grunted. Markus was about to ask what was wrong until he saw Poseidon's form shift. It was almost instantaneous. One second he was wearing his Bahama shorts and had the whole fisherman vibe, the next he was wearing a white dress admiral uniform. His features were the same, although his black hair showed signs of greying at the side. And he seemed to look more stern than usual.

"This," Poseidon, or whoever he was, said in a baritone voice, "is my Roman form. Something that all the Olympians, practically all the gods, have."

Markus blinked. He wasn't that surprised. He always questioned what happened to the gods after the fall of Rome, along with their influence. His mind wasn't really blown, having already met gods from different pantheons. Still, it was a surprise. "S-so, just as you have a Greek form, you also have-"

"-A Roman form, yes," the now revealed Neptune confirmed, nodding his head. "We are the same god, but have different names, influences, attitudes, etc."

"Like a split personality," Markus compared. "You're the same person, but just... different."

"An apt comparison," Neptune nodded with a smile. "In this form, I am called Neptune. I may appear more... stern, more strict. Most Romans are like that."

Markus nodded. He certainly looked the part. Then he caught onto what he said. "Wait, are? Then that means that, just like Greek demigods, Roman demigods exist also! Which means that there's also a camp for them as well."

"Both correct," Neptune smiled. "Glad you have a good head on your shoulders. Yes, like Camp Half-Blood, there is also a camp, near San Francisco, for Roman demigods. That is where I have sent the most of the girls." Suddenly, his face twisted and strained. Suddenly, Neptune had transformed into Poseidon, with the whole laid back vibe and everything. He winced. "My goodness, that is hard to maintain at times."

"You alright?" Markus asked in concern. Poseidon just waved away his concern.

"It's alright. Just have to deal with a headache at most times when I shift into Neptune. So, anyway, now you know."

Markus nodded, taking the new information in. It certainly was a surprise to learn that. Then he looked to Poseidon. "Why is it that Greek and Roman demigods aren't allowed to meet or know about each other?"

Poseidon sighed heavily. "All I will say is that most of the wars that you know of in history, have been caused by conflict with the Roman and Greek demigods. There was large amounts of death, bloodshed, carnage. It... it was too much. So the Mist was heavily used to separate the two, so that no further conflict could arise. Greek and Roman shouldn't mix. They are natural enemies. If they were to meet... it wouldn't be pretty. Just be thankful that no conflict arose when you met the several girls that were Roman. And by the way," Here Poseidon had a proud grin on his face. "I'm proud of you for turning your ship around and saving those girls from those pirates. You are truly a hero."

Markus grunted, a little embarrassed and disgruntled at Poseidon's praise. "I'm not a hero. I only came because I assumed that Percy, Annabeth, Tyson and Clarisse were here. I didn't do it to save them."

"Then when you learned that they weren't here, why didn't you leave?" Poseidon asked with a raised eyebrow. When he received no answer, he smiled knowingly. "Markus, I know that you don't believe in the notion of heroism. I know that your thoughts are different from your brother. While your brother has the heart of a hero, your heart chooses differently." Poseidon chuckled at Markus' surprised expression. "Don't look so surprised. Despite not being there for you for a long time, I have been watching over you. Your thoughts, while not dark, are somewhat jaded from your past experience. I do blame myself for that," he said when he saw Markus about to say something, "I blame myself for not being there for you. For allowing what happened to Melissa to happen." At his mother's name, Poseidon's face seemed to darken. "No matter what you say, I will always hold the guilt for what happened to Melissa in my heart. But that doesn't change the way that I love you, my son. Even if you decide to join the Titans, even if you decide to burn the whole world, I will always love you."

Markus would forever deny the tears coming to his eyes at Poseidon's declaration. If there was any doubt of Poseidon caring about him, it was wiped away at that statement. Straining to ignore the feeling to cry, Markus furiously wiped away any incoming tears. "Damn you, you old man. If you keep talking shit like that, Blue Boy is going to get jealous."

Poseidon chuckled at that. "Have no fear, Markus. I love you and Perseus equally. There will be no favourites. And remember, if you choose not to follow the path of a hero, that is fine. But also remember those that you hold close to your heart, and stay true to yourself. If you do that, you will truly be happy."

"... Where the hell do you get all that sappy shit, you old geezer?" Markus asked, feeling a tug on his heartstrings.

"I should wash out your mouth with soap, young man," Poseidon said, playfully stern.

Both father and son looked at each other for a moment, before laughing. It was a heartwarming scene for both of them, and both would treasure it.

"So a hero and anti-hero pair, huh?" Markus said in thought. He grinned. "Guess me and Blue Boy would make an awesome duo."

"That you would," chuckled Poseidon. "Speaking of which, you should probably follow after them. They might be in trouble."

"You're right!" Markus said after a moment of realisation. How the hell could he forget. "Uh, Dad? Could you help direct my ship towards Percy's location? He's more than likely to be with the others."

"Have no fear," Poseidon said with mirth. "I'll direct to Perseus. How is your trip, by the way?" And so, Markus told him everything, from the encounter of Charybdis and Scylla, his battle with the Cetus, his trip to one of Hephaestus' forges, and his deal with pirates.

By the end of his tale, the god looked at him with pride. "So young, and already performing impressive and legendary feats. You have made me proud, my son."

Markus smiled. It was nice to hear praise from his father, even if he didn't need it. It felt good.

"Your feats will be told of from far and wide. I'll make a legend out of you in no time," Poseidon said with a smirk. "And also brag to Zeus and the other Olympians. Though I doubt Hephaestus will be happy with you raiding his forge."

"Oh, yeah. Speaking of, when were you going to tell me that me and Percy were practically royalty?" Markus asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Uh, what's that Amphitrite? You need me for that, uh, thing?" Poseidon said nervously, trying to find an excuse.

"Oi! Don't try that shit with me, old man!" Markus yelled, annoyed.

"What was that, son? You're breaking up! Can't hear you!" Poseidon said, waving his hand through the mist, the Iris message disappearing.

"Shitty old man..." Markus muttered. He sighed. "Well, time to go. Oh, one more thing." With that, Markus used his super speed to zip towards the corpses of the pirates. Taking hold of Bleackbeard's sword, he cast a shrinking charm onto it, putting it into his pocket. Blackbeard may not be a monster, but he was still pretty evil as far as Markus was concerned. Besides, spoils.

Getting Wavebreaker out, he wrote the Greek rune for fire on it, lighting it with flames. With that, he stabbed at the corpses of the dead pirates, looking with a steely face as they slowly burned. When the last remains were burnt, he sighed heavily, getting rid of surfacing memories.

Then he zipped down through the main entrance, getting to what looked like the main part of the spa. It looked trashed, with almost everything looking destroyed. But he didn't focus on that. Speeding around the place, he found several things: a bookshelf that contained books. Markus hid his excitement as he took one book, looking at it eagerly.

Beginners Guide to Transfiguration, by Hecate.

Markus almost squealed with joy as he beheld the book. He figured that a sorceress like Circe would have a stash of magic books, and it looked like he was right. "The Hephaestus and Hecate children will probably worship me if I bring these stuff to camp," he said happily. With a greedy gleam in his eye, he used his super speed to quickly grab each magic book off the shelf and cast a quick shrinking charm to place it in his bag. Damn, he was going to need another bag for all this stuff.

As he took each book, he caught a brief glimpse of the title each one had. Guide to Potions. Alchemy Performances. Spell-weaving... The list was endless. Markus was practically drooling at what he was stashing away. With all of this, he could catch up to the Hecate children in terms of magic in no time! All these spell books! All this power! He wanted it all!

Pretty soon, the shelf was cleared and Markus' bag was feeling slightly heavier. Markus was about to leave when his 'greed senses' were tingling. It wasn't an actual thing, but he was still high on greed to think normally.

Checking the area where most of the dead pirates were. Seeing a silver necklace with a skull on it, he decided to take it. With little success, Markus managed to calm his greed down and remind himself that he was still on a quest.

Going to his ship, he set sail, the boat responding to his command. Pretty soon, he was ready to sail. Surprisingly, the ship seemed to have a mind of its own. Looks like Poseidon was doing his part in helping him find Percy.

Markus smirked. Now he he had time to read the new magic books that he obtained!

XXX

Markus sat on top of the boat, reading up on the book on spell weaving and charms, dozens of other similar books surrounding him.

He was wearing his pirate hat with his skull necklace around his neck and Blackbeard's sword strapped to his side. His shirt changed a little. It was a white T-shirt that was open, exposing his chest and stomach that had lean muscle and a slightly visible six pack. He wore blue jeans that was tied by a yellow sash around his waist. To finish the look, his aviator jacket was worn over the shirt. He looked like an official badass pirate. Though he wasn't sure if he could take pride in the title after witnessing the events of the pirates at Circe's island.

It was just a day after crashing onto the island, the ship making good time. He should find the others in no time.

Now he was reading on spell weaving and actually wielding his magic as it was. Pure magic. Currently, he knew defence magic, offensive battle magic, runes and several charms. Now he was reading about wielding pure magic to implement attacks from the ideas that he had come up with.

Not only that, but he had attempted and successfully recreated the Sonido technique now that he had time. It wasn't easy, and it was a little painful and taxing to perform, but he had managed it. Now he was planning to implement the sound effect.

His notes were in full display as he constantly wrote new ideas that popped into his mind, and how he could use magic to apply them.

Taking a break from his notes, he looked up at the shore. Grabbing a set of binoculars, he looked through it and could see a bunch of cliffs protruding out of the water with a few sets of caves being just about visible.

In front of the cliffs was a large wooden boat that looked like the kind they had five hundred years ago with a pirates jolly Rodger flag on top of the mast. On the side of it was the name: Queen Anne's Revenge.

Markus grinned. He'd finally found them. Then he noticed that around the ship there looked like some weird bird like figures swooping around it and diving towards the deck of the ship.

He sighed. "Trouble seems to be following us a lot," he muttered. He stepped to the back of the ship, then ran around the ship, gathering speed. Getting enough kinetic energy, he jumped off the pirate and ran across the water and towards the ship.

As Markus dashed towards the others, he saw Percy fighting human-sized vultures with dirty plumage, grey talons and wrinkled pink necks. As he saw Percy fight the things with Riptide, he saw the faces of the monsters shift into ones Markus knew, like Tyson or Sally.

They must have the ability to turn into anyone that you know, Markus thought, feeling sympathy for Percy for having to deal with that. That was a tough monster to face. Looks like he would have to pick them off at long range. Markus was about to cast a spell when a thought came to him and he grinned.

As Percy fought the Sirens, he heard a loud BANG, like a gunshot. Immediately, one of the Sirens fell to the ground with a thud and disappeared in a shroud of golden dust.

Percy looked a little taken back before he looked where the Siren was and saw a bronze bullet on the ground.

He looked confused as he tried to look upon the newcomer.

"Need help?" A voice came from behind him and there standing with his back leaning against the wall with a gun in his hands was Markus. He looked to be wearing some sort of pirate costume, hat and everything. It looked completely ridiculous, but also very cool.

"Markus!" Percy yelled to his brother, going to give him a hug when Markus held up his hand, stopping him.

"As much as I am happy to see you, you need to pay attention to your surroundings Percy," Markus said making Percy look back to see the last Siren diving towards him with it talons out just like the last few thinking it could take him out while he was distracted.

"Wave!" he yelled a little desperately as a strong torrent of water shot out from the ocean and slammed into the Siren, knocking it to the ground.

As the Siren struggled to get up, Percy quickly appeared next to it and drove Riptide into its chest. The Siren convulsed a little at first before it disappeared just like the rest. Markus looked at Percy with a raised eyebrow. Did Percy have to yell out 'wave' every time just to summon a wave? Markus could do it wordlessly and sometimes without even thinking of it. Seems he was going to have to teach his baby brother how to use his powers better.

"Good job," Markus commented getting a happy smile from Percy who quickly went over and hugged his brother.

"You don't know how worried we have all been," he said making Markus roll his eyes a little before nodding and giving him a quick hug back before the two broke apart.

"Where did you get a gun? And why are you dressed like a pirate? And where have you been?" Percy rattled off worriedly. Markus could understand his concern.

"In order: from a hideout belonging to Hephaestus. Because I stole from pirates and I look badass. And that is what I want to talk with you about. But we'll discuss that little tidbit later. Where are the others?" Markus asked at the end.

Percy winced a little before he explained to Markus what happened with the Sirens. Apparently, as they passed by these sets of cliffs, Annabeth saw that these cliffs were the home of the Sirens where if someone heard their song and survived whatever trauma they were forced to hear and endure then they came out from it wiser than before.

Being the proud girl she was, Annabeth believed she could take it and made Percy promise to cover his ears and not help her, even if she begged and pleaded for him to do so.

Percy honestly admitted that it was one of the hardest moments of his life having to watch Annabeth shout at him in pain as he put wax in his ears to dull out the Sirens' song.

Then when he had turned around and looked back at her, she had somehow got out of the chain she had placed on her wrist to keep her tied to the mast of the ship and dove into the water and swam towards the Sirens.

He had swam after her of course and easily caught up to her before the two went under the water and he formed a bubble around them so they could breathe.

She was motionless at first and sobbing into his chest. No doubt, it had been too much for her then he thought. Annabeth always did have a problem with her pride.

When they finally made it back onto the ship and had Tyson take her to get rested the Sirens had left their perches on the side of the cliffs and began dive-bombing towards them.

Percy also admitted that he didn't know where Clarisse was after separating from her at some point.

When Percy was done with the explanation, Markus sighed. "That stupid girl."

That got Percy a little angry. "Hey. Don't be so hard on her. She-"

"-Was a fool," Markus finished firmly. He got that Percy wanted to defend her, but he wasn't relenting. "If she knew that people who had listened to the Sirens' song came out mad or experienced severe trauma, then her situation is her fault. Even more, she believed that she could take it whereas other heroes more wiser, more smarter, more older fell victim. She's a giant fool. Some daughter of Athena she is."

"Shut up!" Percy yelled in anger. Markus didn't have to be hard on her. He agreed that she got a little proud, and this showcased it big time, but couldn't he see that she was injured?! "You can't just insult a person when they're not here. Moreso when they're in critical condition!"

"Then I'll say it to her face," Markus said coldly. "And remind her how big of a fool she was until she curbs her pride. I just hope that what she experienced was worth it."

Both brothers glared at one another, dual sea green eyes staring into each other. Percy looked like he was about to say something, but Markus interrupted him. "Look, let's just meet Annabeth and Tyson and look for Clarisse. My guess is that she was kidnapped by Polyphemus, otherwise we would've known that she was safe."

Percy didn't say anything as Markus walked to the Siren that he had killed and picked up a long scraggy looking feather that had remained.

"Another spoil to add to the cabinet, you may as well get yours as well," he said as Percy looked around and picked up the two feathers from the two Sirens he had killed. They both looked up at the cliff face to see a few of the Sirens that had not attacked burrowing into theirs holes in the wall.

Markus scoffed at them before Percy led him down the ship and where Tyson and Annabeth were waiting.

The ships itself he had to admit was pretty cool and it was very big. Though there was a lot of dust and cobwebs all over the place signaling it had not been used in however long it was.

I doubt Bethy enjoyed all the cobwebs, Markus thought as he was led into what looked like some kind of dining area where he spotted Tyson leaning over Annabeth who had a drink of water in her hands and a blanket over her shoulders.

She heard them enter and smiled gratefully at Percy when she saw him before she noticed Markus a little ways behind him making her eyes go as wide as possible.

She put the drink down and threw the blanket off her and launched herself at Markus, hugging him tightly.

Markus couldn't resist the smile on his face as he hugged Annabeth tightly. Despite disagreeing with her way of thinking, he was glad to see her again. As well as Tyson.

"You idiot! Do you know how worried I was? We were all looking for you," she said sobbed into and beat his chest at the same time. Markus felt guilty at making her and the others worried. "Why? Why did you fight the Cetus alone? If we'd fought it together, we-"

"-You'd be dead, Annie," interrupted Markus, holding her tighter to himself. "I get that your worried, but I was a son of Poseidon. I was the one strong enough to fight it. I had to, Annie." He patted her back gently, hearing her sniffle into his chest. He didn't know Annabeth was that worried about his health. It did bring a warm feeling to his chest, though.

"Still you were reckless," she said as she stepped back and began wiping the tears away and watched as Tyson came over and pulled him into a tight hug.

"Good to see you too bro," he said to Tyson as he patted him on the back. However, he could hear the sniffles that Tyson was making. Ugh, it was getting onto his jacket.

"B-brother! Missed you very much! Was worried about you!" Tyson blubbered out as Markus patted his back, ignoring the bone-crushing hug as he held onto Tyson. "Aw, Tyson. Come on, you're a big boy. No need for tears." Markus listened to Tyson's low sniffles as he hugged his brother.

When Tyson finally managed to let him down - after a very long hug - Markus gave Annabeth a stern look.

"You want to talk to me about reckless? "What about listening to the Sirens' song?" he said raising an eyebrow at her making her shift a little uncomfortably.

"I thought I could handle it but it took me by surprise and what I saw made me want it so badly."

Tyson looked curious at what it was while Percy and Markus had a look of understanding on their faces.

Markus walked up to her and put a hand on her shoulder. "Look, Annie-"

"I saw my mum and we were together with my dad in Central Park. It looked so real and I wanted it so badly and would have done anything to have it. I can still hear it in my ears as if telling me I can still get it."

"Annie, I know you want it," Markus said as he gave her a small side hug. "Look, one day that possible could happen. And if it can, I will help you. But don't focus on it too much. I know you want it badly, but for now we have to focus. "We should get away from the Sirens habitats. As long as we are near them, they can probably still inflict some kind of harm to us."

"Yeah," Annabeth nodded shakily. She smiled towards him. "Thanks."

Markus smiled. "No problem."

They were so focused on each other that they didn't see Percy's look of jealousy at the two.

As Annabeth looked at Markus, she blushed at seeing his open shirt and visible six pack. "Why are you wearing that?" she asked, still blushing.

Seeing this, Markus grinned cheekily. "You like what you see?" he asked teasingly.

Blushing harder, she looked away, huffing. "No. You look ridiculous."

"I look badass," Markus corrected. "Don't be hating on my hip fashion sense."

"You're such a dork."

"And you're a nerd. You done with the name game?"

"Guys," Percy interrupted, hiding his extreme jealousy. "We need to prep the ship. I'll do it now." With that, he went back to take care of the ship.

Markus looked to Annabeth, surprised. "He can control ships too?"

"Yeah," Annabeth nodded. "I suppose you can do it, too?"

"Yeah, I can," Markus nodded. "Good to see that Percy can do it as well. So from where we are how long do you think it will take to get to Polyphemus' Island?My guess is that Clarisse already got there before us. I don't like the idea of her being on that island with the strongest and most famous Cyclops there is."

"I agree," she said "We just have to hope she's smart enough not to do anything rash."

"It's Clarisse," Markus pointed out with a deadpanned look. Annabethb paused, and then looked worried. Markus patted her on the shoulder. "Don't worry. Clarisse may not be the smartest, but she's tough and has more sense than her siblings. Or at least I hope so."

Annabeth nodded shakingly. Looking at her he notice how pale she was and guessed the whole Siren incident had taken a lot out of her. Though he did plan on scolding her and Percy for theirs action of Circe's island, he figured it could wait until Annabeth was feeling better.

Deciding that she had enough excitement for one day and that she needed her rest, he bent down a little and picked her gently up in his arms.

"Let me go," she grumbled half-heatedly.

"Nope. You're tired, so I'm putting you to sleep. Where's your room?" Markus asked.

Annabeth grumbled, but helped direct him to her room.

By the time he got their Annabeth was out like a light. He put her on the make shift bed and pulled the covers over her.

Markus was silent as he looked upon her. She looked so cute while she was sleeping.

Wait, what? Markus blinked at what he thought. And then his mind suddenly drifted to the thoughts of Kinzie, Hylla and Maya, and them kissing him. His face turned tomato red at the embarrassing, and pleasant, thought.

Markus shook his head. He could deal with his budding teenage hormones later.

They were making good time to Polyphemus' Island. Pretty soon, the quest would be over, they'd rescue Clarisse and Grover and recover the Golden Fleece.

When he left the room he cracked is shoulders a little before making his way back up on deck.

Just because he could not scold Annabeth for the actions of Circe's Island, it didn't mean Percy was going to be safe. It was his job as the older brother, after all.

Done and dusted. Hope y'all liked the chapter.

Here, Markus had a moral debate, revealing his fear of his own anger. We also get an insight on Markus' thoughts and heart and what he feels towards the whole 'hero' society. The secret of Roman gods being real as well is also revealed. Poseidon and Markus have a good ol' father-son talk (the feels!). Markus gets more magic to learn from Circe's Island, dresses like a pirate - because it looks badass - meets up with the others and... uh, what else? Oh! My boy Markus getting his first, second, and thi- actually that last one was a kiss on the cheek, but still. I'm so proud of him.

Next chapter, they go to Polyphemus' Island, rescue Grover and Clarisse, retrieve the Golden Fleece, meet Luke, etc. The Sea of Monsters arc will end in one or two chapters. Which is good. Two books down, the rest to go.

The Reviewe named 'Guest' who reviewed the story: I like the idea of giant water/ice avatars from Pacific Rim. That will be implemented in the story... probably during 'The Last Olympian' or in the 'Heroes of Olympus' series. If I get there, hopefully. Thank you very much for that.

And a big shout out to all those who favourited, followed, read and reviewed the story. Love you all! Oh, forgot to mention: last chapter was a sort of Halloween gift to you all. So, you're welcome.

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