Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Family fluff again (slight filler-ish again) and plot movement! (Kinda)
Word Count: 8458
Pairings: Eventual Nico/Percy, open for suggestions to other pairings
Disclaimer: I only own the plot and my OCs, I make no money off of this
Note: Completely AU, does not follow the books little mention of it possibly as in the past.
AN: Soooo apparently my plot bunny decided it didn't want to wait that long for certain events and sneak in when I wasn't looking while typing this up and ended up making sense before I could decide to alter it. I apologize for any mistakes as I'm somewhat editing this close to 6am. So more stuff revealed with the family with their past somewhat hinting to more of their involvement. Oh and I apologize for the translation since I used google translate for it.
Characters Ages:
Percy: 10
Josh: 13
Elijah & Noah: 9
Forlorn Ocean
Chapter III: Rocking The Boat
"Mom look at this watermelon it's huggeee! Can we eat it later?" Eli asked as Claire looked over at the kids.
"Just one for now! I know how fast you two can devour a whole melon," Claire replied as the twins cheered,"Percy be careful not to accidentally grab the flowers when you're pulling the weeds, remember dig around them first so they don't grow back!"
"Okay Aunt Claire!" Percy called as he carefully dug around the weeds that were around Claire's flowers making sure he didn't grab the wrong plant with his work. He had a pretty good pile of weeds from the garden, he picked them up and deposited them in the bin.
Percy couldn't help but smile as he wiped his head with the handkerchief as the twins were trying to convince Claire to let them pick another watermelon. Claire was supervising them as she did some work trimming off some herbs like basil and cilantro. Percy couldn't believe how much has happened in just close to a year, he gained a new family and loved them as much as he loved and still loved Sally.
It was a long and audacious path to get Percy adopted since he wasn't in the orphanage or foster care system. Especially since neither Claire or Zane had any relations to him so the whole family had to go through a lot of paperwork, meetings and legal dealings to be sure everything was solid and that there weren't any openings or loopholes.
Though it was worth it when nearly a few months later Zane and Claire went with the agent to fill out the paperwork and when they got home with large smiles the kids knew they officially had Percy as a new addition of the family.
Claire dusted her hands off as she looked at the baskets and chuckles," alright you guys I think we got enough food for now we have to get ready now so everyone back inside and wash up,"
"Okay!" the three children called out as Percy dusted off the dirt from his pants as Eli and Noah carried the melon together while Claire followed after them.
Once Claire put the watermelon on the kitchen counter she instructed the twins to go grab Josh from his room and get ready. Percy shared a room with the twins since the two had bunk beds they didn't mind sharing a bed while Percy got the other one. It took a few minutes for the kids to get ready, mostly because Josh had to help the the twins since they were still full of energy. Once down stairs Claire looked them over and nodded satisfied with how they were dressed.
"Alright I think we're ready can you go grab Zane for me Percy? Also ask him if he has all the tickets ready for the trip as well." Claire asked as she looked at the twins and Josh waiting in the main room. The middle child of the family nodded smiling at Claire who kissed his forehead before he headed down the hallway until he came to the office door.
"Uncle Zane?" Percy asked as he pushed open the door to his adopted Uncle's large personal office, even though he had been taken in by Claire and Zane he didn't feel right about calling either of them mom and dad, at least not quite yet. Pushing the wooden door farther in he could see several bookshelves aligned together and pressed against the wall, with notes sticking out of them, several books opened on the spare table completely covering it. Walking in he could see several photos hanging on the wall of all sorts of places that Zane had probably gone and visited when he was younger though Claire in a few of them. He didn't look where he was going ending up bumping into the chair the person he was calling out to was sitting making him yelp as he stumbled back.
"Huh? give me a moment guys." Zane said as he removed his headpiece and looked down at Percy who rubbed his head where he had bumped into Zane, "what's up Percy? Did you need something?"
"Auntie wants to make sure you're ready to go and have the trip tickets for our vacation in California and that everything is arranged. She said making sure nothing happened like last time she took a trip with you." Percy repeated his instructions that Claire had given him," what were you doing?"
"Tell your Auntie it was one time and the tickets were in the car so I didn't technically forget it." Zane grumbled as he glared at the screen when he heard snickering coming from the headphones blantly ignoring the sounds as he paid attention to Percy, "yes everything is arranged I have the tickets in my book that's right by the door of my office all the arrangements have been finalized and our flight is at 5am since it's at least a 5 hour flight."
"Ah okay Uncle, uhm I think your friends are trying to talk to you." Percy pointed to the computer screen now that he was closer and saw two faces looking amused at Zane, as his Uncle unplugged the headpiece so that both of them could hear what the other two were saying.
The computer screen was split displaying the two people that he had been speaking to before Percy had walked in, the one on the left was fair toned skin man with light blonde haired man with unique amethyst smiling at Percy. Even though the screen only showed from the chest up he was wearing a white silk collared shirt against his tone color. On the other side was another man that was contrasted to the blonde's lighter looks as he was a fair tanned man with bright icy turquoise eyes and black hair like the night though Percy could he swore that the hair was actually a dark blue than black. The man wearing a strange sort of robe he couldn't really tell or how to call it he too was looking as curious as Percy.
::Pourquoi ne nous intoduce pas a' votre enfant? (Why don't you introduce us to your kid Zane?)::
::Anata wa betsu no ko o motte imasuka? (You have another child already?), soshite, watashi wa Amelia wa kodomo-tachi no oku o nozonde ita to. (and I thought Amelia wanted lots of kids).::
Though Percy had no idea what they were saying when he could hear while Zane rolled his eyes.
"Uncle what are they saying?" Percy asked.
"They're asking me to introduce you to them and Tatsuya your wife should be happy she has three kids already, I don't know why she still wants more." Zane replied.
::Kanojo wa dai kazoku kara kite, 4-ri no kyodai o motte imasu. Kanojo wa dai kazoku o motsu koto ni shiyo shimasu. (She comes from a large family and has four siblings she's use to having a large family.):: the one one the right replied, and Percy couldn't look away the mesmerizing icy eyes, there was something about him in a way that was calling to him, that had Percy looking curiously at him. The man saw the younger dark haired child looking at him and waved making Percy shyly smile waving back.
"The guy on the left side of the screen Adrien is talking French while the one on the right is Tatsuya who is speaking Japanese. I'm a foreign language teacher and I teach Italian at the High School I've always been interested in learning other languages so I met these two during my travels and we've been in contact since then. We've been teaching each other our languages for fun and interest. You never know when speaking another language can come in handy you know and it always helps to be bilingual or multilingual.." Zane explained as Percy's eyes widened in awe.
"That's...really cool, you know how to speak four languages?" Percy asked amazed.
::More like two and half child,:: Tatsuya laughed, ::learning one language is hard enough but two at the same time is challenging in itself. Zane has to focus otherwise he could be speaking french but slips in a Japanese or Italian word when he stumbles on something. It's pretty hilarious.::
::Tre's vrai (true), true, but nonetheless he is getting better than before.:: Adrien commented chuckling, ::our friend wishes to speak many languages non?::
"Yes yes I wish to speak many languages yes," Zane replied tempted to insult them in Italian but didn't feel like it as he stretched out from sitting for a while, "you still planning on stopping by some time to meet in person?"
::Hai (yes), Amelia has a friend that wants to open a bakery here and wants her consult and to have co-ownership since she's sharing her recipes, it's pretty much going to be a second store front one in Japan and one here in the states. That and it'll be a good trip for the family, without the In-laws mainly her siblings.:: Tatsuya explained his shoulders slumping, as Adrien, Percy and Zane could hear the man give out a muffled groan, ::I love her family but sometimes they can be a bit much even for me…::
::I still enjoy the photos we get from her, when's the next convention that she plans on dragging you to?:: Adrien asked,snickering while Tatsuya raised his head a bit to glare at the screen:: You have to admit the outfits you two get, any idea what's the theme this time around?::
::She wants to try to make it to New York in time for the convention there, and she's keeping it a secret until the costumes are done.:: Tatsuya replied and if you listened closely you could almost hear him whimper,::and you swore she never sent you any pictures!::
::Did I? Huh must've just slipped my mind about that.:: Adrien teased as Tatsuya growled at him.
::See if I give you tips on your next trick involving water, you bakadori no nõ (idiot bird brain):: Tatsuya snapped back irritated.
::Oooo tough words souffle lézard~ (Lizard breath):: Adrien teased right back no looking bothered by the insult.
"Ora ora che i bambini di sufficiente (Now now children that's enough), there's already a child here he doesn't need to learn insults from you two." Zane said watching the two.
::Says the enfant magique::
::Exactly you maho no ko::
"Oi oi knock it off you two," Zane said suddenly annoyed.
"What did they say this time?" Percy asked while Adrien and Tatsuya grinned back.
"Something that isn't your concern," Zane huffed giving a warning look to the two.
:: Back to the topic we'll let you know Amelia doesn't want to travel quite yet since she wants to make sure our youngest is alright with planes, you never know with children.:: Tatsuya replied, ::but I'll keep you updated.::
::I am not too sure about coming over to where you are my friend,:: Adrien sighed answering Zane's original question grimacing, as he rested his head against his hand ::I still have many bitter memories about that country and not quite sure I wish to return there, even if there is little chance of seeing that person again.:: Adrien said shaking his head,:: but I'll take your earlier request we talked about into consideration."
"Thanks, I think it would be good for him but I don't want to pressure you Adrien." Zane replied smiling back at his friend.
::I understand, it would be nice for all three of us to meet up.:: Tatsuya said understandably.
"Yeah don't worry it would be nice but if you feel uncomfortable coming over then don't worry about it," Zane said, as he replied back but Percy could see someone sneaking into the corner of Adrien's screen and was about to call out when a large crash was heard and Adrien swerved around, blocking whoever it was who had snuck in.
::Que se passe-t-il!? Qu'est-ce que tu fais l'enfant, avez...avez-vous laiss'e juste les lapins lache!? (What the hell!? What are you doing child, did...did you just let the rabbits lose!?):: Adrien exclaimed and the three could hear shuffling as the camera got knocked over by something as they could only hear what had happened.
::Pe're De'sole' ! Je voulais vous montrer mon nouveau truc que je fis et vous surprendre! Je ne vois pas la!. (Sorry Father! I wanted to show you my new trick I made and surprise you! I didn't see there!):: a younger voice explained as the screen was suddenly blocked by a blur of white before the rest realized it was a dove that was fluttering away,::ah! Garnet revenir ici! (Ah! Garnet get back here!)::
::Tout le monde Desole,(Sorry everyone), my son knocked over his pet rabbit's cage which knocked into the other cages releasing the other animals. I have to go chase them now I'll call you later let me know when you're settled in when you get into your hotel in your trip.:: Adrien apologized before they heard his connection end.
::Well that happened, still it's pretty interesting. I better head off as well, we're teaching my youngest how to swim better and Amelia wants to get to the pools before the class.:: Tatsuya said smiling,:: It was very nice meeting you Percy, I hope to see or talk to you again soon. Sayonara.::
"G-good bye !" Percy waved as the man on the screen waved as well before ending the session.
"Okay so you bout ready to go visit before our trip tomorrow?" Zane asked patting Percy's head as the ten-year-old nodded his head, taking Zane's hand in his own, as they walked out of the office and into the main living area where Claire, Josh, Eli and Noah were waiting for them.
The twins had a big bouquet of white hibiscus flowers in their arms while Claire and Josh had a bouquet as well only with morning glory. Zane picked up a wreath of blue roses and white pansy flowers that was laying on the table while Percy grabbed a bouquet of his own that were forget-me-not with baby's breath mixed in.
"Are you ready to head off now sweetie?" Claire asked as Percy nodded, making sure she had everything in her purse she nodded herding the children out before her as she and Zane were the last to leave the house, locking it up behind them. Piling into the car, the kids sat down as Zane started up the vehicle and were on their way though throughout the ride Percy just kept staring at the flowers moresely.
The children even the twins were silent knowing this was an important date for Percy.
"Okay kids we're here," Zane said parking and unlocking the doors and the kids got out of the car, Josh had to take Percy's hand and gently pull him towards the gates as the large black gates surrounding the area suddenly looked intimidating.
"It's a lot bigger than the last time we were here for some reason…" Percy said quietly holding his bouquet tightly.
"Probably because the last time you weren't paying attention," Claire replied, "but don't worry Percy remember why we're here."
"Right, thanks Aunt Claire," the younger dark haired boy said as he walked in step with his family through the gates following the dirt and gravel path knowing by heart where he was heading towards, ignoring the stone and statues around keeping focus. It didn't take long before they got to the destination, it was farther out from of the others sitting on almost a hill overlooking the area. Claire and the others standing back while Percy stepped up first to the stone trying not to cry as he placed down his bouquet first.
"Hi...mom…" Percy said sitting in front of the gravestone giving a watery smile, gripping the bouquet in his hands tightly but trying not to ruin them," Sorry it's been awhile I've been trying to settle in with the family that took me in. They're really amazing mom you'd love them, the twins love to garden and are always growing yummy fruits, Josh is really smart and knows a whole lot of interesting things and can even play the guitar. Aunt Claire is really tough, she works for the police force as a scientist but she does a lot of physical stuff too, in fact that's one of the reason's we're taking a trip."
Percy got a bit of a happy smile as he didn't seem so depressed, "See Aunt Claire likes to run races and there's a Marathon challenge in California and it's in Disneyland...she took some days off and going to make it a family vacation, we're going to go there and then some other places too. You would've like Aunt Claire mom, all of them really I don't know what would've happened if Josh hadn't found me and taken me home. I'll try to visit you more and tell you more about the trip and what happened, I miss you mom but I know you wouldn't want me to be sad or depressed it's hard but I'll be okay in case you were worried."
With one last smile he stood up and moved away from the grave as the others put down their bouquets along the grave until it was completely covered in a beautiful array of shades of blue, white, and some purple thrown in there. Claire wrapped an arm around Percy hugging the smaller boy, comforting him him even though he was happy he got to see his mom for a little bit.
"She sounds like an amazing woman as well Percy, taking care of you and raising such a brilliant boy all by herself," Claire said softly as Percy wiped his eyes and nodded, "when we come back you'll have lots to tell her."
"Yeah when we come back we can see again together so you don't have to be sad every time you come here Percy." Eli said grinning leaning against Percy's right side as Noah leaned against Percy's left.
"Exactly! No more tears Percy you have us now so you're not alone," Noah said moving his hand so he held the darker haired boy, and Eli followed taking Percy's other hand "we're family and nothing's gunna change that."
"Alright I think Percy gets the point boys." Zane said as Josh looked at the three fondly and gripped Percy's shoulder assuring," but we have a long trip tomorrow so that means early baths and early to bed. Also to please make sure that you have everything I do NOT want to have to ask the van driver to go back and grab something that you should've packed up."
"Yeeesssss dad/Uncle Zane," the children sighed making the adults laugh.
"Alright come on you lot let's get home, I am going to go over all your luggages to make sure that does not happen." Claire said firmly ushering the family out, "and that includes you Zane, your habit of staying up late and chatting to your friends I know the time difference so that doesn't mean trying to sneak back into bed when its 3am."
Zane coughed nervously as he pushed the kids ahead of them before the group of them ran off with an exasperated Claire laughing behind them.
The wind softly blew through the area, brushing against the greenery in the cemetery as petals from the newly placed flowers became loose flying into the air before settling on top of the piece of stone.
:: Per-cy…:::
California at Disneyland
"So you're here to pick up your registration?" the lady behind the desk said as she was handed the forms from Claire, "my you have a lot of papers."
"Oh yes just a few things I had to take care of really." Claire said smiling though the younger boys around her minus Percy seemed a bit unsure," I'm sure everything is in order."
"I just need to make sure I'm reading this right, so I see a Leolin is running the challenge both the 10k and the half-marathon, with the children in front, Elijah Leolin, Noah Leolin, Joshua Leolin and Percy Jackson all of you all running the 5k! How cute" she said as she flipped to the pages in the binder, "I just need you to sign by your names
"WHAT!? MOM!" the twins gaped gaping at their mom.
"Seriously?" Josh groaned, realizing now why their mother would 'enthusiastically' encourage them to run with her when she was training, he should've seen this coming as Claire liked to make her runs a family thing.
"Uh it actually sounds like fun, I've never ran in a race before." Percy said looking kinda excited.
"See? At least Percy understands, now let's finish up here and check out the Expo," Claire said rather eagerly as the kids got their bib numbers along with their photo taken before following the others out into the area to the expo.
"Can't believe we're doing this…" Josh groaned while the twins felt the same.
"Hush, it's one race and be thankful that it's just the 5k and I didn't make it the half-marathon." Claire teased making three of the four kids pale dramatically and quickly shake their heads," Good! now let's finishing checking into our hotel and then get we can walk around a bit."
"Yes mom/Aunt Claire." The children responded as they followed the rather happy woman out of the registration hall.
"Don't worry it'll be fine!"
Later…..
Despite the kids complaints they actually had fun running the race and had felt really happy when they had completed it. Claire and Zane were really proud of them hugging them and treating them by letting them pick the place for lunch after. After their race the family enjoyed California Adventure going on as many rides as they could, even staying up late for the fireworks and the parade. Though the next day for the kids had to be dragged out of bed to catch Claire's races both times, they groaned and whined but seeing their mother run through the finish lines proud of her racing especially when she came in one of the top runners for the women's was something to be proud of.
They had another day in southern California before they traveled up North so they spent the rest of the day on Disneyland, though the twins managed push Josh to get in line to 'meet Rapunzel', the twins knew that even though Josh would never say it the movie was actually his favorite, they were laughing the entire time that their big brother's face was burning red as he handed her the crown that the twins made to give her. They took several pictures to remember this by before thanking the princess as the family took the rest of the day to enjoy their time at Disneyland.
It was early morning the next day, the kids were still fast asleep while Claire and Zane were already up knowing that it was going to be a long drive up North decided to keep the kids asleep. They had packed up last night and just had to get the kids in the car and check out. It wasn't long before they were on the road with Josh being used as a pillow for the three younger kids curled up against him.
"I think this trip was a good idea dear," Zane said softly as he drove, "Percy could use some more bonding time with us and his new family I just hope he gets comfortable enough with us."
When he didn't hear a reply from Claire he glanced over a little bit at his wife who had been quiet the entire drive so far." Claire? what's wrong? You have that look on your face again."
"It's nothing just a feeling" She asked softly, looking at her husband. The auburn haired man frowned, managing to keep his eyes on the road but nudged Claire a bit with his elbow, encouraging her to talk more.
"Your feelings tend to be on point so why do you look so uncertain about something?" Zane replied wondering where his wife was going with this. Usually she wasn't someone to worry too much about something since she's use to planning things out and trying to keep things on track. For her to be concerned and sounding worried was a tad alarming to Zane.
"It's just that, I have this nagging feeling even though we just got Percy there's something more to him that we might not be able to handle and I'm afraid of losing the poor boy." Claire replied resigned," I know it's a silly feeling but you've noticed right? The kids we have...they're unique even if they may not show it all the time."
"You mean the not so obvious ways the twins try sneaking in new plants into the garden or the house, how they spend most of the day outside in the backyard with the plants that seem more alive when the twins are there? How Josh has a tendency to hum or sing when he doesn't realize it, not to mention to lose something as fast as he's found it?" Zane replied amused as Claire gave him a weak smile," but is this about when the kids reach a certain age that I told you about when we were dating after three years and I was telling you about the twins?"
"Yeah, from what you explained Josh is of the age, Percy and the twins are almost there. The thing that speeds things up is if they start 'seeing' them or someone helps them realize. But I get the feeling with Percy it's going to be something more and I'm not sure if we'll be there when that happens or it would be out of our control." Claire replied leaning back into her seat, taking the time to look at the kids curled up together. She couldn't help but fish out her phone and take a quick picture of the boys.
Eli was sprawled on Josh's lap holding tightly to the older boy's top, Noah was curled up on Josh's left side one hand also holding onto Josh and the other intertwined with Eli's hand. Percy took the right side of Josh and was practically holding the boy's arm as if it was a plushie.
"I know it's hard, I've taken as many precautions as I can to protect them but I can only do so much and I am going to have to tell them eventually. The twins don't know exactly but they're smart enough to know the powers they have over plants isn't that natural." Zane said while Claire sighed, "are you worried about explaining to Josh?"
"I don't even know how to begin to explain to him, how do I even try we're not even sure if he's like the twins. It's not like she told me anything about the guy." Claire sighed leaning against Zane's shoulder,"I don't want him to withdraw anymore than he already is…"
"He's a good kid Claire, if you tell him the truth it's better than hiding it from him and outright lying. As for the withdrawal problem I've talked to one of my friend's and he has a kid about a year older than Josh but I think they would be good getting along." Zane replied as his wife looked at him.
"Well I guess there's that, but honestly Zane how long do you think your protection will hold?" Claire as she watched her husband thinking quietly.
"To be fair, we were pushing our luck with having three kid and they were holding up pretty well. But since I felt Percy step into the house and the power he has not to mention the possibility of what he can do with that power I think it's holding by mere threads by now." Zane sighed," it's just going to take one thing to snap and then we'd have a whole slew of trouble. I'll try to make the protections strong but they can only hold back so much and as much as I don't like it we may have to send them there."
"You don't like thinking about that place still? Even now?" Claire asked as Zane got off of the freeway and they were in the quiet city," it's been years."
"Even so, you have no idea how...frustrating it was back then Claire. They wouldn't acknowledge anyone past the bigger named ones, shoving all of us into one cabin until it felt like we had no breathing room." Zane explained as his grip tighten on the wheel," we were tripled up on single beds and the floor it was ridiculous to the point everyone was sick of it even the patron of the cabin was getting frustrated the others weren't taking responsibility."
Claire gently laid her hand on top of Zane's calming him down as he took a deep breath.
"I don't know if they've changed since then and the incident but I can only hope because I don't want the kids to go through what I had to when I was there." the onyx haired man said reluctantly, "sometimes I wonder if my half-brother was right and question if I should've followed him.."
"I'm glad you didn't otherwise I don't know if I would've met you and the twins, but I guess we'll find out if or when it comes to that but let's focus on our vacation we came here to relax and we'll take each day as it comes but some planning wouldn't hurt." Claire assured as Zane nodded chuckling.
"To think you'd be the one to comfort me when I thought I would be the one to do so considering my experience." Zane said cracking up just as they were pulling up to their hotel.
oOo Later oOo
"Uncle Zane look at the dolphins!" Percy exclaimed excitedly as he was practically leaning over the rail of the boat making Zane grab the back of his shirt pulling him back inward though the younger boy whined wanting to see the dolphins close up,"I wasn't going to fall out you know."
"Even so I don't want to take that chance at least don't lean over the edge Percy," Zane said amused letting go and Percy quickly went back to the side of the boat looking down at the ocean," at least Percy's enjoying himself."
"I think the twins prefer being around their plants than by sea water," Claire chuckled as the twins were huddled by her side clinging to her but were still peeking at the edge of the boat," such silly thing afraid of the ocean aren't you two?"
The family had started their vacation in San Francisco by going on a whale watching trip which had Percy excited at the prospect of seeing marine life without a glass separating them so he was more than happy to go. The twins not so much.
"Moomm it's not like we're scared of the water!" Noah pouted, though his death grip on Claire told the two adults otherwise.
"We just prefer being on land near plants in particular," Eli added and squeaked when the boat hit a wave making it shake a bit and buried his face into Claire's side.
"Heh, you two can actually can be cute when you're scared," Josh teased sipping some water while the twins gave him raspberries, glancing over at the darker haired boy he saw him trying to discreetly lean over the edge to get a better look," Percy the dolphins aren't going anywhere."
"But they're actually closer now!" Percy's laughter rang out peering over the edge, he could see some fins sticking out of the water and giggled when the dolphin jumped up surprising the rest of the passengers of the boat when it made a splash soaking the younger boy," that was cool!"
"I didn't think they would get that close to the boat," Josh blinked wiping some water out of his eyes, "usually they remain a few distance away wonder why they're so interested in getting close."
"The captain did say that the pods tended to be near the boat just didn't think it would be this close," Zane said surprised and shook his head when Percy looked like he was trying to pet the dolphins that were jumping through the water.
He was about to reach over and pull Percy back again when there was some laughter and shouter with a couple of older kids practically running rather fast down the deck. He barely managed to get out of the way before he noticed too late in the kid's hurry he didn't see one of the lounge chairs sticking out and tripped over it. His arms making pinwheels flailing about trying to regain his balance when he stumbled back and with how far out Percy was leaning forward not paying attention to anything around him but the ocean so he didn't even make any sounds except for a surprised yelp and the tell tale splash.
There was a brief moment of stunned silence before the deck broke out in an uproar. Claire had stood up and was yelling at the boys, while the parents had hurried over and were upset with them as well, Zane was leaning over the side of the deck looking for any signs of Percy coming up for air and panic started to set in after several tense seconds there was no sign of Percy coming up.
Suddenly there was another splash and the terrified yells of Eli and Noah turned Claire away from the two boys who were shaking from the lecture they were getting, she saw the twins face pale staring down into the ocean depths while their mother hurried over.
"What happened!? Where's Zane!?" the red haired woman demanded looking at the two boys while Josh had his mouth opened and turned to Claire nervous.
"M-mom...Zane….he…" Josh stuttered out.
"D-dad jumped into the water! I think he's gonna try and find Percy!" Eli shouted.
"What!?" Claire shrieked.
"Oh no, wasn't there a report of a bunch of juvenile sharks appearing lately!?" another guest exclaimed worried as many of the surrounding people gasped.
"Oh damn it all to Hades!" Claire cursed gripping the edge of the railing tightly looking for her husband and Percy.
'Well tartarus this is a bit surreal.' Zane thought watching the scene in front of him. He was expecting to see Percy struggling to swim upwards, since this is his first time he assumes he swam in the ocean so obviously the combination of waves and how deep the water was would've been alarming to Percy. But no, instead after diving in after the ocean-eyed child looking for a scared and panicking ten year old he was met with the heart attack induced sight of Percy surrounded by sharks. Sharks that were poking the boy that was breathing under water like curious puppies and it looked like Percy was understanding them.
'If this doesn't confirm my assumptions of why Percy feels powerful than nothing else will.' Zane thought to himself feeling a bit surreal about what he just discovered. He swam a bit closer making the sharks alert and surround Percy but the young boy actually reached out and patted the sharks on the heads and swam over to Zane smiling.
The adult pointed upwards and held out his hand which Percy took and they swam up until they broke the surface of the ocean. They could see the boat not that far off but Zane looked down at Percy concerned and wondering why he wasn't scared when he was surrounded by all those sharks.
"Percy they the sharks I mean didn't hurt you? You weren't scared?" Zane asked a bit incredulously as Percy wrapped his arms around Zane and shrugged.
"I was mostly surprised when I fell in I didn't realize I was underwater until I opened my eyes, it was weird Uncle Zane I could breath underwater like it was air and the sharks were mostly curious about me they didn't seem to want to attack." Percy explained, "I was a bit freaked out when I saw them but when they just poked me with their noses it was actually kinda funny."
"I see, that's interesting." Zane said though he couldn't help but look around them in case the shark pups decided they wanted to follow their new friend.
"Uncle Zane? Do you...do you know how I was able to do breath underwater and feel like it was normal?" Percy asked as they started swimming back towards the boat as smaller boat that was heading towards them to pick them up."
"I have an idea but try not to dwell too much about it, I'll explain as much as I can later." Zane replied softly as they were picked up in the lifeboat. Once they got back onto the actual deck they were hauled off towards the medical bay down below while the twins and Josh hovered around Percy worriedly.
Claire stood by Zane as handed him a towel as he dried himself off.
"I think we should tell or at least explain to them once we get back home," Zane said to Claire softley," so they can be prepared but at least still enjoy their time being 'normal'."
"If you believe that's the right time then I'll follow your lead dear," Claire replied, "I just wish we had more options especially concerning Percy."
"I'll figure something out, I'm resourceful." Zane replied already thinking about what he needed to get done and who to talk to.
oOo The Next Day oOo
Percy stared at the water like he was trying to see something or at least for something to suddenly pop out of the water. After the incident yesterday the twins didn't feel like going to the beach even though Percy wanted to go there again, there was something calming and almost nostalgic about the ocean that he wanted to be on the beach for a while.
Zane compromised and said he'd stay back and watch Percy and Josh at the beach. Josh had rented a boogie board and was playing in the waves while Percy did the same, though when Percy had seen some surfers he asked Zane if they could sign up for lessons while they were here and he'd replied that he'd do so. The beach had a few people milling around here and there but Percy wanted to practice something on his own and surprise Zane.
Ever since he got a real feel for the ocean he wanted to test waters so to speak. Last he checked Zane was taking a nap under the umbrella so he wandered off a bit where there weren't that many people, but still close enough hear if Zane called for him. Taking a slow breath he felt the water around him as a memory from before, he slowly could feel him manipulate the water around him to a gree and opened his eyes. Moving his hands he couldn't help but laugh when he saw the water moving to where he moved his hands.
Getting a gleeful idea and threw his hands up high and laughed when a wave formed a little taller than him but didn't fall. Curious to what else he could do he continued to mess around with the water making mini water, creating waves just with the movement of his hands and even sliding on the water even though he couldn't balance right and ended up falling in most of the time. But Percy was in awe he could do all of this and wanted to practice some more, he concentrated really hard keeping his palms together he slowly separated his hands and watched as the water of the ocean parted allowing him to walk into the water without actually getting wet.
"Alright now I wonder…" Percy said to himself, as he stood a few surrounded by walls of water where, as he was completely new to his powers it was a bit hard holding back the water from surrounding him, "now if I try this…"
Keeping his arms apart he raised his arms up and even though he was feeling tired from his unrestrained experimenting with his powers the water followed the movement again rising high inching higher and higher above his head. Keeping one arm up he used his other arm and made a twirling motion with his finger and grinned when the wave started to spin until it was a partially made cyclone.
"This is amazing, I can do all this with water." Percy breathed as he couldn't stop the grin on his face by what he could accomplish, his mind flashed back to the bridge where the water was reacting to his state of mind at the time. He flinched as he could still hear the roar of the minotaur and with his control currently that brief lapse of concentration costed him as the water he was controlling fell apart breaking him out of his reverie and pushing him back sputtering to shore.
"Guess I need to work on that control better." Percy coughed out laying out in the sand sighing. He was feeling rather tired from the energy he used to control that water. He closed his eyes resting a bit feeling rather comfy where he was with the sun over him and the waves brushing up against him. Though he made a face when he felt the warmth of the sun being blocked.
"Care to explain what all of that was?"
Not really paying attention to the voice Percy had automatically assumed it was Josh.
"Just practice Josh, don't worry about it."
"I shouldn't worry about some kid running around the beach and making cyclones?"
"Huh? Some kid Josh since when am I some kid?" Percy huffed grumbling.
"Since when am I this Josh you keep calling me, would probably help if you opened your eyes kid." the sarcastic voice replied making Percy do so and tilted his head back to see who was actually hovering over him.
Confused Ocean eyes met calculating dark brown eyes.
The two stared at each other in silence before Percy sat up looking suddenly nervous as he laughed sheepishly, suddenly hoping the guy wouldn't ask questions but seeing the look on the other guy's face it was highly doubtful. The guy that he had thought was Josh looked to be a year younger than Josh and probably a little shorter with a light complexion of olive skin and dark wavy hair framing his face. He was wearing a black shirt with a skull on it matching the black board shorts he was wearing as well with his arms crossed.
"I...have no idea what you're talking about?" Percy tried as he stood up all he got was a raised eyebrow for an answer.
"Right it was all an illusion that some kid was literally playing with the ocean like it was a toy." the other boy replied rather snarkily as Percy made a pinched expression,"it's not everyday you see something like that."
"Why do I need to explain anything to you?" Percy huffed folding his own arms and trying to glare at the obvious older boy, all he got in return was a snort of amusement.
"You look like a puppy trying to glare like that kid," the other boy said," and at least it was just me that saw you playing around like that, doing all that sort of practice as you called it in a public beach really isn't a good idea at least I'm being nice about it and asking."
Percy wilted when the other boy had a point, it was rather reckless to do that and Zane did look worried when he noticed the twins using their abilities with plants in public so it wouldn't be any surprise he'd be just as worried if Percy was using his powers out in the open like that.
"I just wanted to try a few things out that's all, that's why I was away from most of the other people." Percy mumbled, "and stop calling me a kid would you?"
"It's not like you gave me your name bambino acqua (water child)," the older boy teased.
"Hey don't call me that, whatever it was that you said." Percy scowled puffing up his cheeks which just made the older boy chuckle and ruffle his hair making the younger boy even growl at him.
"You're right maybe that doesn't suit you, cucciolo acqua (water puppy) suits you better." The boy snickered.
"I still have no idea what that means and that sounds worse than the first name you said. if you're gunna call me whatever that is what do I call you then?" Percy grumbled as the other boy looked thoughtful before he smirked back.
"You can call me Ghost King." he replied grinning making Percy stare at him in disbelief.
"That's what you pick? Ghost King?" the water child repeated, "why would you call yourself that?"
"Reasons, that's all you need to know cucciolo acqua," 'Ghost King replied shoving his hands finding strange amusement in the water puppy he had found that looked like he wanted to push him into the water for the name.
"You couldn't give your real name like a normal person?" Percy asked .
"Says the 'normal' person that makes waves by swinging their arms around." Ghost King replied back easily. He was going to add more when he heard a familiar voice calling him and sighed, "better run off back to your family now maybe I'll run into again and we can continue this riveting conversation."
"When I find out what those names mean I'll get you back!" Percy hollered as he turned back the way he came hoping Josh and Zane weren't worried about him.
Once 'Ghost King' saw the kid disappear over the bend of the cliff he headed towards the ones that called him, and sighed as he met up with his own group.
" Where'd you run off to, we were going to looking for you or was it you couldn't wait to hit the water?" a darker skinned girl teased her hair tied up in a ponytail as she wore a light purple one piece grinning at Ghost King, "even though we had to drag your butt down here."
"Yes drag me away from my nice comfy cabin to bring me into the sunshine horror known as the beach, yeah I really wanted to go swimming," Ghost King replied rolling his eyes.
"You know you need the sun if not for your complexion then for getting some fresh air, it can't be good being in shadows all the time, and you were suppose to help Jake with the other beach supplies" a light blonde haired boy piped up wearing a white shirt and swimming trunks while his companion next to him, Jake, had an umbrella over his shoulder along with a large rolled up blanket,"doctor's orders you know."
"Yeah yeah, where's the others? I thought this was suppose to be a celebration?" Ghost King asked looking around.
"Bianca, Thalia and Annabeth went to pick out a good private spot, Luke and Frank are with them with the other umbrella and towels, I have the buckets and shovels for sand castles!" a hyperactive latino boy said eagerly bouncing where he stood," I'm going to build the biggest sandcastle ever!"
"Uh huh," Ghost King replied as he saw two people who had yet to say anything looking at him grinning which sent warning bells in his head, "Lou...Cecil what are you grinning about?"
"Nothing, just curious to what could've attracted our friend's Nico's attention he'd go gallivanting off ignoring his dear friends," Cecil replied," inquiring minds had to know and we may of over heard a few things here and there."
"You heard nothing," Ghost King hissed making the two grin even wider.
"You mean we didn't hear you pick on a poor younger boy calling him names?" Lou gasped dramatically making the others look at Ghost King who looked like he wanted to throttle the two.
"I swear by my father you two are ridiculous I was not picking on the kid," he shot back swiftly turning on his heel and headed away from the group to find the others," and shouldn't we find the others!?"
"Oh no you don't Nico diAngelo what do they mean picking on a poor younger boy! I told you to tone it down when talking to the younger campers!" the blonde admonished chasing after him, with Lou and Cecil right after him with the
"I was not picking on him!" Nico shouted without looking back.
"Come on Leo let's go stop them before it gets out of hand especially if Bianca is there." Hazel said as she followed after the group with Leo at her side.
"Alright, but I wonder what exactly caught Nico's attention? Usually hardly anything interests him if it doesn't have to do with the underworld or if Will and his other friends don't drag him out somewhere." Leo replied.
"You know I'm curious about that too, guess we can try and be nicer about it and ask him. But let's hurry I think I saw Jason sneak some water guns into one of the beach bags." Hazel said making Leo the two of them increase their pace in hopes of saving their day at the beach.
