Of Storms and Bloodlines

Bree thought the stallion was an escapee. The fallen mare that had been beside him was McClarin's lost mare. Bree guessed that the mare ran off with the stallion and the foal was the result of their escapade. How they found their way to the Big Apple Ranch was anybody's guess.

"The stallion isn't McClarin's," Bree told him. "We'll put something online and see if any of the locals have lost a black stallion."

Percy curled closer to the large stallion, running the brush over his short hair. He did not want anyone to claim him. In the few short days he been there, Percy grew terribly attached. He was not sure if he could let the stallion go. Percy even named him. He dubbed the restless stallion 'Storm' after the conditions they found him in and his rebellious nature. The stable hands thought he was a terror, but he quickly became Percy's favorite horse. He loved Storm, he did not want someone else to claim him.

He smiled as Storm snorted into his hair. Foal. The fond thought curled around him, accompanied with feelings of affection and protection. Percy gave him a gentle pat. There had been a serious learning curve after Storm 'adopted' Percy. For one, the stallion had not been happy that his 'foal' did not sleep in the barn. He whined and reared against his stall when Percy left him the first night. He raged all through the night until Bree had been forced to tranquilize him for his own safety. Percy spent the better part of the next day calming him down, assuring Storm that he was perfectly alright. It took a long while to convince the horse that his 'foal' needed to sleep somewhere else. He was not happy about it, but he eventually accepted that Percy would never sleep in the barn. Still, he tried to stall Percy's departure every night. Percy would just smile and rub his neck, promising to come back.

Storm also had trouble grasping the fact that Percy did not eat hay. He kept bringing hay to Percy, or nudging Percy towards the food trough in an attempt to make him eat it. Percy deliberately ate his lunches in front of the horse so the poor stallion did not think his 'foal' was starving. Storm still did not understand, but at least he longer feared Percy would starve to death.

At the end of the day, Storm realized his foal was different. He understood Percy was not a horse, but Storm did not view him as a human either. Storm's feeble animal brain could not wrap around the concept that this little creature that could feel and communicate with him was human. Percy was simply Storm's foal. He was strange, did not eat hay or sleep in the barn, but Storm's foal all the same.

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months as school ended and gave way to summer. To Percy's immense relief, nobody came forth to claim the lost stallion. Bree officially adopted Storm, getting papers and everything from a local vet. Storm belonged to the Big Apple Horse Farm now. When Bree showed him the paperwork, Percy was so overjoyed he threw his arms around the ranch owner, thanking her over and over again. Bree patted him on the back and laughed.

"Little one, I don't think it would've mattered even if someone had claimed Storm, I doubt he would leave!" Bree chuckled. "He follows you around like a shadow. I don't think there's any force on this planet that could keep that horse from you."

Percy beamed.

"What are we gonna do with him?" Bree asked him, turning to watch the great stallion in the pasture behind them.

Storm mingled with the other horses, who warmly accepted him as one of their own. He looked up briefly, his thoughts calling out to Percy. Percy reached his mind out and gently let Storm know where he was. The stallion tossed his head and returned to grazing, secure in the knowledge that his foal was close and safe.

"What do you mean?" Percy asked in confusion, turning to Bree.

"Well, Whirlwind is a ridin' horse. Darlin' is a jumpin' horse. Hoedown, a herder. What's Storm's niche?"

"Niche?" Percy repeated in confusion.

"His place on the ranch," Bree clarified. "What do you think?"

"I don't know," Percy said slowly. Storm was staying, that was all he really cared about. Storm's 'niche' was at Percy's side. "I'd like to ride him."

"I think he might be a little too wild for that," Bree told him gently. Percy frowned. He had no doubt Storm would let Percy ride him. The stallion would be gentle, Percy would be in no danger of falling off. Storm would not allow it.

"He could be a rodeo horse. You know, meant for buckin' and rough housin'. He's wild and headstrong like one."

"I'd still like to try and ride him," Percy pressed with a frown. Bree sighed.

"Alright, but you let me try him out first," Bree said firmly. "I'm not gonna have him buck you off."

"He won't buck me off," Percy insisted, but he knew Bree had made up her mind. Times like this made him wish he could better explain how he knew the horses. But he bit his tongue and watched Bree get riding gear together.

"Bring him over here would ya?" Bree called.

"Sure!"

Percy easily hopped the fence, making his way to the black stallion. Storm flicked his tail at Percy as he walked up, foal, serenity, calm floating up to greet Percy. He grinned and ran a hand over Storm's flank.

"Hey, Bree wants to see us," He told the horse. He conquered up an image of the ranch owner and Storm tossed his head. "Come on, I know you like her."

Percy gave the horse a gentle nudge. Mild irritation radiated from Storm, not unlike the feeling horses got when too many flies bugged them.

"Don't be like that," Percy entreated. Foal, Storm thought, his thoughts mimicking the exasperated fondness that often colored Sally's tone. He followed Percy out of the pasture and over to where Bree waited, walking side by side with the young boy.

"He follows you even without a rope," Bree said in wonder. "I'll be damned. Don't tell your mama I said that."

Bree leaned over to pick up one of her worn saddles. Storm pawed the ground as she stepped closer.

"It's okay," Percy said at the same time Bree called:

"Easy boy."

Percy sent Storm images of the other ranch horses, saddled and perfectly calm. Doesn't hurt, he assured Storm. Fine. As he calmed Storm, Bree stepped up beside him and started saddling the stallion. Storm jerked away, neighing.

"Easy!" Bree called, but Storm reared up. Bree cursed, reaching out to jerk Percy down with her, but neither of them were in any danger. Storm galloped away, snorting and tossing his head, the saddle falling into the dirt.

"Dammit," Bree grumbled shaking her head. Storm snorted in response, his back turned to the ranch owner as he trotted away. Smug satisfaction rolled off the proud horse.

"I'll get him," Percy offered, but Bree shook her head, cursing as she picked the saddle off the ground.

"Absolutely not. Let him calm down. We'll figure something out. Stay outta trouble while I make a call."

Percy watched Bree walked away, muttering to herself. As she disappeared inside the ranch house, Storm sauntered back over to him. He blew his nose in Percy's hair, defiance thrumming through his thoughts.

"Honestly," Percy grumbled, petting the stallion. "Why'd you do that? Riding's fun. It doesn't hurt. I love to ride and now Bree won't let me ride you until she deems you 'safe' enough."

He tried sending Storm more images of riders. The horse seemed unimpressed. He paid Percy no mind until he suddenly stilled. Confusion rang between them and he nudged Percy.

"What?" Percy asked. Storm filtered Percy's thoughts back at him. Which was weird, none of the horses had done that before. Percy closed his eyes as the images he sent Storm came back at him, albeit grainy and distorted from the horse's point of view. He saw himself riding Whirlwind, running the track as Bree watched.

"Yeah, riding," Percy said, opening his eyes. Foal?

"Yes, I ride." Percy clarified, realizing what confused Storm. He sent Storm more images of himself riding, on almost every horse Bree owned.

Foal can't walk?

"I can walk fine," he assured the concerned horse. "Riding is just something I like to do. You know, fun. That feeling you get when you run for no reason? Fun."

Percy knew Storm did not understand. He whined, butting his head against Percy. Foal. Up.

"Huh?" Now Percy did not understand.

Foal. Up. This time the thought was accompanied by the grainy image of Percy riding a horse.

"Me? You want me to ride you?" Percy said, giving the stallion an odd look. "You're not even saddled or anything."

Foal up.

"Okay, okay." Percy grumbled. He never rode a horse bareback before, but how hard could it be? He was still pretty short (that growth spurt his mother kept alluding to better be coming soon) so Storm had to bow for Percy to mount him. Once he got himself situation Storm straighten up, Percy clinging tightly to his neck.

"Oh," Percy said as Storm started trotting back to the pasture. "Okay. This is okay."

It was…strange, riding without a saddle. A little wobbly, and he was rather afraid he might fall off.

Foal. Safe.

"Yeah, thanks for the vote of confidence," Percy grumbled. Storm tossed his head. "No don't do that!"

Storm's amusement surrounded him and Percy could not help but grin. As they headed into the pasture the other horses took notice of Storm's charge. The older ones panicked, tossing their heads and skidding around Storm.

Little lord! Their minds called fearfully. Not safe. Be careful. Little lord, must keep safe.

Storm snapped angrily at them. Foal safe. Foal strong.

"You all worry worse than my mother," Percy said out loud, rolling his eyes.

Storm snorted, almost as if he agreed with the boy. The other horses crowded in and Percy felt the stallion's irritation grow. He snapped angrily at one of them and the horse neighed back. Frustrated, Storm began to gallop and Percy clung on tight, giggling as the stallion picked up speed. He broke away from the other horses, galloping across the pasture. Percy grinned, amazed at how wild and free he felt. Trusting Storm not to let him fall, Percy slowly released his death grip on the stallion's neck. He sat up straight, grinning as the wind whipped across his face. He brought his arms up until they were parallel with the ground, laughter bubbling out of him.

"Perseus Jackson!"

Percy jumped at the call. Storm faltered as Percy lurched forward, wrapped his arms around the horse's neck in panic. Sally Jackson stood outside the fence, staring at him in utter horror.

"Oh ah, hi Mom." Percy said awkwardly, forcing a smile.

"What do you think you're doing?" Sally demanded, putting her hands on her hips.

"Riding?" Percy tried innocently.

"Without a saddle and not holding on?"

"Heh," Percy said, unable to meet her eyes.

"Off, now." Sally commanded. Percy quickly dismounted the now quiet stallion. Even Storm cowered from Sally's anger. As soon as Percy's feet were on the floor he galloped off to join the rest of the horses, leaving Percy behind.

"Jeez, thanks," he grumbled. Sally tapped her foot impatiently and Percy sheepishly went to his mother.

Time marched on. Percy convinced both his mother and Bree to let him continue to ride Storm. Storm would not tolerated anyone who was not Percy to even touch him, but was endlessly patient and gentle with Percy. Bree declared she had never seen anything like it. Percy would grin at Storm every time she mentioned it. Bree had no idea. The Big Apple Horse Ranch continued to grow and flourish. Everything was perfect.

So of course that's when everything went to hell. Yancy Academy was supposed to be the school, the place Percy would finally fit in and be happy (of course Sally said that about every school he went to). Instead, Percy went from worrying about only seeing his horses on the weekends to worrying about his teachers killing him.

Nothing made any sense, but before he could even wrap his head around the craziness a monster, the ancient Minotaur, attacked and his mom was gone. His new friend, Grover, turned out to be a satyr, who took him somewhere called Camp Half-Blood, a safe haven for demigods. Children of the gods. One of which he apparently was. After a fight with a daughter of Ares, a glowing trident appeared above his head. Son of Poseidon it declared him. Percy never wanted anything less. He embarked on a quest to save his mom, and possibly stop World War Three before it started. He made friends and enemies, lost and then found his mom. He met his father, Lord Poseidon of the Sea, sitting on his mighty throne in Mount Olympus.

Percy stared at his father as he proclaimed Percy a true son of the sea. He did not feel like one. He barely even felt like himself. He certainly felt nothing for this distant and powerful stranger except an undercurrent of anger and abandonment.

And then he was home, standing in front of the Big Apple Horse Ranch as if nothing had even happened. Sally talked softly with Bree, her face worn and tired. Percy would give anything to make her smile. He hovered around her, refusing to leave her side like he had ever since he returned from camp.

"Look at you," Bree cooed when she spotted him lurking behind Sally. She reached around to pull him into a bone crushing hug. Percy closed his eyes and inhaled the familiar scent of horse, hay and grass. Unappealing to most people but to Percy she smelled like home. Bree pulled back to cup his face in her dirty hands, her eyes crinkling as she smiled.

"Look how big you've gotten," she exclaimed. "One summer and you've sprouted up like a weed. Guess I can't tease ya 'bout bein' too short to see over the stalls anymore huh?"

She smoothed her hand over his forehead, her brow furrowed.

"When did those lines get there?" She murmured softly. "You're too young for worry lines."

Percy forced a smile.

"How've our horses been?" He asked, ignoring her statement. Sally froze at Bree's words, her worried eyes scanning her son's face. Percy forced a smile her way and listened as Bree replied.

"Good. Honeysuckle entered her first race last weekend. Took third place, but that's not bad for the girl's first try. Whirlwind bit into somethin' she shouldn't've and we had a time getting her dental work straightened out, lemme tell you." Bree paused. "Storm missed you somethin' terrible boy. Barely ate, barely slept. Real nasty to all my stable hands. Well, nastier than usual."

"Storm?" Percy asked, concerned. He was gone for almost the entire summer. Was Storm real sick?

"Yeah, why don't you go see him?" Bree suggested gently. Percy looked hesitatingly at his mother, who waved him on. Percy nodded.

"Yeah, I'll go see him."

Percy left the ranch house and headed for the pasture. Immediately, the horses rushed out to greet him. Their thoughts bombarded him almost painfully and he stumbled back at the sheer force. He nearly forgot what it felt like to have their voices join his thoughts. Tears prickled the corner of his eyes and he gladly submerged himself in their mental embrace. Before any of them could get too close, one horse shoved his way passed the others, leaping tall and proud over the pasture fence to press his nose against Percy. Storm.

"Hiya Storm," Percy sniffed, reaching out to bury his hands in the stallion's mane.

Foal. Foal. Back. Safe. Foal.

"Yeah, yeah I'm here," Percy whispered.

Storm pushed his head against Percy, his thoughts panicked and erratic. His thoughts whirled a mile a minute, actually making Percy feel dizzy. He wrapped his arms around the stallion, burying his face against the warm fur. He could feel Storm's heart racing and he lovingly ran his fingers through his mane.

"I'm okay," Percy muttered, his voice muffled against Storm's hid. "I'm okay."

His voice wavered a bit, and the stallion felt his distress even as Percy tried to bury it. He tossed his mane anxiously, checking their surroundings for whatever caused Percy his distress. He did not find any, because the one causing Percy distress was back on Mount Olympus. Or under the sea. Whatever.

Storm nudged Percy, sending him vague images of riding. He wanted Percy to climb on his back. Percy sighed, but did as the horse wanted. He leaned against Storm's strong neck, closing his eyes as the horse galloped away. He let Storm's mind surround him, taking refuge in the familiar embrace.

Percy opened his eyes when the horse came to a stop. Storm carried him to the back of the pasture, far away from prying eyes. Percy slipped off Storm's back and unsteadily got to his feet. He climbed up in the protection of one of the large oak trees that lined the edge of the pasture and settled against the rough bark. Storm neighed, his snout just able to reach Percy in his resting spot. Percy reached down to stroke his nose.

"I almost lost Mom," he told the horse softly. "I got her back, but I still almost lost her."

Tears gathered in the corner of his eyes again and he blinked rapidly to force them away. Concern flickered across Storm's mind and he snorted softly, sending strands of comfort to Percy. Percy gave a weak laugh.

"I know why I can talk to you," Percy told him. "It's because of him. Apparently Horselord falls under his domain."

His words were bitter. Percy stared miserably at the confused stallion. The last five years of his life felt like a lie. The horses only heard him because he was Poseidon's son. Little lord. He snorted to himself in disgust. They did not call him that because they trusted him, they called him it because he was the son of Poseidon. Little lord indeed.

Storm neighed angrily at Percy's dark thoughts. He butted against Percy's leg, but Percy only pushed him away. The other horses caught his misery and came closer, tossing their heads in distress. Whirlwind bravely came right up to him, forcing Storm out of her way.

Little lord, her thoughts crooned in concern. She sent waves of safe and comfort his way.

"Little lord," Percy repeated, but his anger faded at the sight of Whirlwind's distress.

The other horses pressed closer, their concern surrounding him. He mulled over their emotions. They were worried about him. They were not worried of stirring Poseidon's wrath, or out of a desire to suck up to their lord's son. Horses were too basic for that. They understood Poseidon was Horselord, and Percy, being his son, meant he was little lord, but that is where their comprehension ended. The horses trusted and loved him simply because he was Percy.

Percy, who groomed them and kept them fed. Who cleaned their stalls and comforted them when they were frightened. Their loyalty had nothing to do with Poseidon. He just allowed Percy to read their minds. Percy smiled weakly at Whirlwind and the crowd of anxious horses.

"Sorry. I freaked out a little there. Guess I just let him get to me."

Whirlwind snorted, tossing her beautiful mane. Percy sent love and comfort her way. Satisfied he was calmed, Whirlwind back away. Storm pushed his way back up to Percy, snorting at any horse that tried to get too close.

Foal. Calm.

"Yeah, I'm calm," Percy agreed, settling back against the tree.

He was more calm now. Part of him was still upset, and he knew it might take a while before he accepted the power and control Poseidon gave him. But, for the moment, he relaxed.

Storm snorted. Silly foal.

"Sometimes," Percy agreed. The other horses went back their grazing, still hovering in Percy's general area. But Storm never left Percy's side. He snorted and pranced around, keeping an eye on Percy.

"You know," Percy said conversationally. "You make a pretty good dad. Better than him at least."

Storm had no idea who this 'him' was. Percy's mental image of Poseidon meant nothing to the stallion.

"My biological dad," Percy clarified. Storm flicked his tail. 'Dad' meant nothing to him either.

"Sire?" Percy tried. "The one who's foal I really am?"

Storm threw back his head, outraged. His nostrils flared and he neighed angrily. MY foal.

Percy could not help but laugh. He jumped down from the tree and wrapped his arms around the affronted horse. The shadow around his heart lessened and he laughed helplessly into Storm's neck. Storm snorted, his thoughts still swirling with outrage.

"Relax Storm," Percy soothed once his laughter subsided. He ran a comforting hand along the stallion's neck. "He doesn't want a foal anyway. I'm just useful is all."

His mirth faded and he leaned against Storm.

"Just a means to an end," he murmured. He closed his eyes tight, refusing to let the thought bother him. He did not need Poseidon. He had his horses and he had Storm.

My foal.

"Yeah," Percy agreed. "Quit your worrying. Let's go get something to eat huh? Bree tells me you haven't been eating well."

Storm dutifully followed Percy back to the barn, his love and comfort engulfing his foal. It would be alright, Percy thought, they would be alright.

A/n Yeah, I know Poseidon did not make a real appearance here, but I promise he's coming. A huge thank you to everyone who's favorited, followed, and especially those of you who reviewed :D You guys are the best! I hope you enjoyed ~ *