AN: Guys! The reception to this story continues to take me by surprise. I've loved reading your comments and responding! Commenting is really what gets me wanting to put out chapters more quickly, so please! Comment! I want to know what you think. I want to know what you hated, what I can improve on, what your thoughts are, all of it!
This one is a whopping sixteen pages. So, enjoy ya little naughties.
-Wavyally
…. 10 Years Later ….
Captain Percy Jackson stood at the bow of The Queen's Eagle, the sea breeze splashing his face with water- his favorite feeling in the world. Percy loved the sea, but he also loved home, and just short of the horizon it began to come into view. Port Royal's horizon-line was getting closer and closer and Percy could hardly stand the anticipation. There was nothing he loved more than sailing the seas, but Percy was quite ready to be back home.
Percy turned towards his crew and started to shout out orders. "Drop anchor hard on port! Lower sails! Prepare to dock!"
Percy jumped off the bow of the ship and made way for the helm, nodding encouragingly at his crewmates, and then stopping at one. "Stoll!" Percy clapped Travis Stoll on the shoulder. "Raise the colors."
Travis Stoll, Percy's Master of Trade, was one of moral ambiguity, had a penchant for mischief, and even a rebellious stride in his step, but he was loyal and had been with Percy for ten years. Percy saluted the Queen's flag as it rose, as was custom, and smiled to himself. These last ten years of his life had been good to him. He sailed the seas under the Queen's flag as part of the Royal Navy and couldn't think of any other thing he'd rather do with his life.
"Captain, we're preparing to dock." Percy turned and there was his First Lieutenant Jason Grace, but off the ship, he was Percy's best friend.
Percy grinned and adjusted his captain's hat. "Excellent, Jason. That is really excellent."
Jason smirked and followed Percy to the helm. "I don't suppose there is any particular reason why you're glad to be back, Captain?"
Percy smirked as he took hold of the helm. "Just happy to be home, Jason."
Jason took a rope into his hands and started to prepare the knots needed to dock, looking over at Percy a few times. "You know," Jason began hesitantly, "The princess will be receiving us once we've landed."
Percy knew what Jason was trying to do, but wouldn't give rise to his friend's suspicion- however correct or incorrect. "Is that so?"
Jason frowned at Percy. He looked as if he were about to say something but thought better of it and shook his head. The ship had now reached the docks and Jason forcefully threw a rope over starboard to the docking crew. Percy followed suit and threw over ropes, knowing his first lieutenant and best friend was smirking in way that meant he thought he was two steps ahead of everyone.
Percy groaned. "You're doing it again."
Jason threw his last rope and stood up straight, crossing his arms. "Doing what, Captain?"
"Acting like you know something I don't, and that you're smarter than everyone else on this ship, present company included," Percy turned and shot Jason a knowing glare.
Jason laughed. "But I am smarter than everyone on this ship. Isn't that why you made me Master Strategist?"
"I made you Master Strategist because my first pick is…" Percy stumbled over his words, "occupied at the moment."
Jason suddenly let out an outrageous laugh. "Dock anchor!" Jason shouted out to the crew, then leaned in so that only Percy could hear. "It is a shame Princess Annabeth can't sail in the Royal Navy, isn't it?"
Percy glared at Jason and threw the last rope with more force than necessary. "Leave it, Jason. I mean it."
"But-"
Percy turned sharply to Jason, looking at him fiercely. "Lieutenant. Drop it. That's an order."
Jason rolled his eyes and walked away. Percy hated talking like that, especially to Jason. Ten years they had been best friends and Percy was grateful for the friend he found in Jason, but the princess was never someone Percy was eager to talk about, even to Jason.
Jason moved past Percy and made for the starboard steps. "Drop the walkway!" Jason command.
The crew then walked off the ship. Percy took one last look, not knowing this would be his last time on The Golden Eagle has its Captain.
….
"Jason!" Percy called out as he ran through the crowded dock.
Jason turned. "Captain?"
"We're not on the ship anymore, Jason. You don't have to call me Captain," Percy said. " I wanted to apologize for the tone I took with you on the ship. A captain should always respect his crew, especially his first lieutenant. I didn't show you that courtesy."
Jason chuckled as he shook his head. "You do know how to give a decorated apology, that's for certain. Even if it is unnecessary."
Jason's forgiving nature was unnerving to Percy. He could not understand how Jason was always quick to forgive. "How do you do that?" Percy asked. "How do you forgive people so easily?"
Jason threw an arm around Percy's shoulders. "Because you are my friend."
"Percy!"
Percy's blood chilled and his face felt like fire all at once. He knew the princess was behind him, but he couldn't move. What was he to say? He'd been gone for months, he couldn't possibly just say a nonchalant hello.
Percy heard Jason make a frustrated sound, and then he forcefully turned Percy around. And there she was. Princess Annabeth. She was beautiful as always, immaculate in dress and poise in stance, but Percy could never quite take his eyes away from hers. They were home to storms, and for nearly his entire life Percy has been told that a sailor never loses his head in a storm. Percy has long known that he's lost more than just his head in the storms of Annabeth's eyes.
"Hello," Percy laughed nervously, and to his left, Jason smacked his forehead.
Jason bowed before Princess Annabeth. "Princess, you are a welcome sight to this sailor's eyes." Jason looked at Percy through the side of his eyes and nudged him.
Right, Percy thought to himself, that's my cue.
Percy took a step forward towards the Princess, trying his best to give his best smile. "Princess," he said, but fell short as Princess Annabeth suddenly frowned deeply.
Oh god, Percy thought, I came on too strong. I smiled weird. She's gonna think I'm-
"Annabeth," She persisted, "Please, just call me Annabeth. How many times must I ask you to call me Annabeth?"
Percy sighed in relief and chuckled. "At least once more, Annabeth."
Annabeth smirked and looped an arm through his, guiding them away from the docks. "You must tell me of your adventures!"
"Ah. Yes, well, there isn't really anything exciting to report," Percy kept his eyes strained forward, not daring to think about the arm that was entwined with his. "Well," Percy backtracked, "There is one thing. It's quite strange really. While journeying back, we came across a sinking ship. It was still in flames and it was complete chaos, but the flags…"
Percy thought back to the sinking ship and the eerie feeling that had been plaguing him since. It made him think of a time he had so desperately tried to forget; of pirates and rum, of another sinking ship, of the Trident Key he had lost, and the last words of Nereus.
Annabeth gave his coat a tug. She looked up at him eagerly. "What did you see?"
Percy cleared his throat. "Pirate sails. We saw pirate sails."
Annabeth came to a halt. Her hand was suddenly at the chain on her neck and she looked pale. "I'm sorry," Percy gushed, reaching back for her, "I didn't mean to frighten you."
Annabeth yanked back her arm. "I'm not frightened. Just curious, is all."
This girl, Percy thought as he smiled, is full of surprises.
"Princess Annabeth!" Another voice called out.
Percy and Annabeth turned to see Lieutenant Luke Castellan waving. He was grinning at Annabeth, who Percy noticed was smiling and tucking her hair behind her ear. Percy reminded himself not to be jealous, his mother always said that was unkind and unfair.
"Princess!" Luke said again, now before her and taking her hand in his. He bowed and kissed the back of Annabeth's hand. "I've come to share the wonderful news with you!"
Annabeth grinned, her face redder than it was before. "And what news is that?"
"I've been promoted to Admiral," Luke was now closer to Annabeth, his arms gathering her in.
Annabeth's mouth opened wide and she gasped. "Luke, that's just so wonderful! Congratulations!"
Luke stepped back and placed his hands on Annabeth's shoulders. She was smiling brightly and Percy had to look away. "The Queen and King are asking for you," Luke said, "There is more news to share. I hope you find it exciting as well."
Percy looked up for a moment but only to meet eyes with Annabeth. She looked hesitant, her brows drawn close together. "Oh," Annabeth said shortly. "But I was just talking with Captain Jackson, we-"
"Annabeth," Luke laughed and shook his head. Percy hated that he had interrupted Annabeth and hated that he was taking her away. "We must go," Luke continued, turning her away.
Annabeth sighed and looked at Percy in confusion, but he shook his head at her. "It was very fine to see you, Princess." Percy bowed and did not miss the look of sadness in her eyes.
Luke nodded once to Percy and guided Annabeth towards the castle and away from Percy. Percy watched them as they walked away, hating the jealousy that was creeping in.
"If you were waiting for your moment," Jason said as he came up behind Percy, watching Luke lead Annabeth away, "That was it."
Percy rolled his eyes and spun on his heels in the opposite direction of Luke and Annabeth. There was nothing for him in that direction. "If you want to stay dry, I suggest you stop talking Jason, or I'll throw you into the bay."
Jason held his hands up in surrender and tutted. "Touchy subject, I get it. How about a drink then?"
"Hold it!" Someone had suddenly shouted at them.
Percy and Jason looked at each other, stunned and confused, then turned around looking for whomever was shouting for them. "Stop right there!" They shouted again, and Jason groaned.
"It's Leo," Jason crossed his arms. "This can't be good."
Leo Valdez was the Queen's Master of Arms. Percy thought of Leo as a good friend, but when Leo wasn't building or fixing ships, he was shouting at those that sailed them for treating them poorly. The crowd on the dock was starting to part as the shouting neared, some of it in a language Percy did not know. Leo's raised fist holding a hammer was the first thing Percy saw over the crowd, then Leo in all his angry might, was huffing before them.
"You two," Leo pointed his hammer angrily, "What did you do to my ship?"
Jason stepped forward and was about to speak but Leo waved his hammer in a "no" motion. "You come to me and say, "Leo we need a top of the line ship." You asked for speed, beauty, an entire artillery to supply a small militia, and what do I do? I deliver! I give you the best damn ship in the whole Navy and you treat it like shit!"
"Leo-"
"What happened to her?" Leo demanded, a furious look in his dark eyes.
Percy didn't scare easy, and Leo wasn't about to start frightening Percy, but Leo's attempt was admirable. He loved his ships. Leo put all his talent and dedication into every vessel he created, and he deserved an explanation as to why The Queen's Eagle came back charred and splintered, but not in a place so public as the docks.
"Let me buy you a drink, Leo," Percy wrapped his arm around Leo's shoulders and steered him away from prying eyes and listening ears.
"You cannot bribe me with the devil's milk, Captain Jackson!"
"Leo," Jason now put his arm around Leo as well, Percy and Jason both guiding and hushing him. "When have you ever turned down a drink? A free one at that?"
Leo narrowed his eyes, but tied his hammer back onto his tool belt. "Whatever," Leo resigned.
"And, it's not a bribery," Percy leaned down closer to Leo's ear. "It's a truce for The Eagle."
"And," Jason said into Leo's other ear. "Confidential intel on our last sail."
Leo smirked. "You've got my attention."
Jason stood back up, straight and proud. Again, Percy knew that look. Jason, once again, prided himself smarter and quicker. However, Percy was dreading what he and Jason would have to tell Leo.
Pirates had happened, and Percy was feeling a familiar yet unwelcome tug at his gut again. One he had not felt in ten years.
…
Annabeth sat so still on the couch in her mother's study that should anyone pay any mind to her they'd think she were a statue. Annabeth lived her entire life like this, seen and unheard. She wrung her hands thrice each time, then cracked the knuckles on her fingers. Nothing wracked her nerves more than a requested audience with her mother.
Mother being a very liberal term. The Queen birthed Annabeth, but she couldn't tell you what a mother was like. Perhaps that is the first and greatest sacrifice Annabeth has ever paid for the Queendom- her mother. The Queen had no time for her daughter and so that left Annabeth always wanting, her only solace was the friend she found in her half brother Malcolm- the Queen's first child from a short lived marriage before she had been crowned.
Annabeth wished for Malcolm now, for him to be seated next to her as she awaited her royal parents. But, Malcolm never came to audiences like this. Malcolm may not be a bastard, but he was treated as such.
Annabeth fanned herself with a fan. Her dress was too tight and the air in her mother's study was stifling. "Be calm," Annabeth scolded herself silently. "You're just nervous."
The doors then opened loudly, and Annabeth quickly stood to her feet, throwing the fan down no matter how hot and dizzy she was quickly becoming.
Damn dress, she thought to herself but then smiled as best she could at her parents. Queen Athena glided when she walked and never looked down- her eyes always forward. King
Frederick followed ten steps behind, as custom.
"Mother," Annabeth curtsied. "Father," She did so again.
Queen Athena looked vicious and beautiful as she always did, and Annabeth did not keep her mother's gaze for long. She found her mother's eyes nearly impossible to meet. They were a storming grey like hers, but unlike Annabeth's, the Queen's eyes seemed weathered and strong whereas Annabeth's, in her own opinion, were meek and silent.
"Sit, Annabeth," her mother gestured to the seat before her desk.
Annabeth swallowed hard on her nerves. She was never invited to sit in such close proximity. Annabeth looked to her father, whom only nodded. Never an expressive man, Annabeth wondered why she even looked to him. She sat in the chair, folded her hands neatly on her lap, and waited. Her mother shuffled through papers before she looked up and did the thing Annabeth would have least suspected.
The Queen smiled.
"Twenty two has been very kind to you, Annabeth," The Queen appraised as she looked Annabeth up and down.
Annabeth had just celebrated her twenty second birthday a month ago, a celebration her mother had not attended. This was the first time her mother had acknowledged her birthday. Annabeth cleared her throat. "Thank you, mother."
Queen Athena waved her hand towards the king in a forward motion. He stepped forward and stood next to her, and Annabeth could see how uncomfortable her father was. If her mother noticed she did not give any sign.
"We have news for you," her mother clasped her hands. "You're going to be married."
If Annabeth thought her corset was much too tight before, she was wrong. All the air in her lungs escaped her. Her hands shook and she felt a sweat begin to break. "Excu-" Annabeth cleared throat, trying to remember the manners Professor Chiron taught her. "Pardon, mother?"
"It's high time we've prepared a match for you, Annabeth. I won't be Queen forever."
The mother Annabeth knew suddenly appeared. Not the smiling, happy news mother, but the Queen Mother. Queen Athena did not like having to say she will not be Queen forever, that much was obvious. She had been Queen for over two decades.
"I need to groom you for the throne," Queen Athena continued. "I may not drop dead today or tomorrow, but I will one day. Or, perhaps my day is coming. We cannot know. What I do know is that it is time for you to no longer be Princess, but Queen Heir. A marriage will make this transition less of a legal headache."
Again, against Annabeth's better judgement, she looked to her father. She silently begged him for any kind of reprise, of a crack in his blank stare, of anything. She needed this to not be real and she needed her father to tell her that. Alas, he would not. Annabeth had to be own her strength.
"To whom am I betrothed?" Annabeth wanted to kick and to scream but her mother had just appointed her Queen Heir, she had to act the part, no matter how much it killed her to do so.
"Admiral Luke Castellan," Queen Athena answered, eyeing Annabeth closely.
Annabeth knew what her mother was looking for. She was searching Annabeth's well crafted armor for a crack, for weakness, for any kind of hesitation. Annabeth will show none, though Luke being her betrothed was an earth shattering shock. She may have loved him once, as a child, but she was a woman now, and wanted more than an Admiral in her mother's Royal Navy. Or perhaps the better way to say it was she wanted a Captain.
Annabeth took a deep breath, which wasn't very deep considering her tightly wound corset. "Why him?" Was all Annabeth said. She needed to know.
"His allegiance is already to us," Queen Athena answered simply. "He is just a soldier, which means he cannot outrank you even through marriage, which would keep the Queendom a Queendom. It will be ruled by Queen's so long as we can make that happen."
Queen Athena continued explaining what was to come but Annabeth could listen no more. Her vision was dotting, her breathing irregular. She knew she was beginning to panic. Luke was a smart match. He'd be ecstatic, but Annabeth suspected he already knew. But, she didn't love him. That was all she could think.
I don't love him. I don't love him. I don't love him.
Annabeth didn't love anyone. She didn't know how, and she didn't know what it was like. Annabeth had hardly even lived. She could count on one hand the number of times she left Port Royal. Annabeth wanted to be weathered by the hands of experience, not silenced by a throne and a husband. Annabeth felt her eyes begin to warm. This felt like a death sentence.
To hell with manners, she thought.
Annabeth stood abruptly, her mother taken aback and now silent. As she looked down at her mother, Annabeth reminded herself that when she was out of this damn corset and in a better mindset, she'd laugh about the look on her mother's face.
"Excuse me," Annabeth's low voice shook, her hands as well. "I must ask for your leave. I need a moment alone."
Queen Athena sat back in her chair, a cold look in her eyes. "What you need is to act like a woman, and sit back down."
Annabeth ignored her mother, and that felt incredibly good. But, looking at her father did not. He blinked once, and again, and Annabeth saw nothing. So, she ran out of the room. She bursted through the doors, nearly knocking over the guards. She didn't care. From the corner of her eye she could see Luke pacing. He must have been waiting for her.
"Annabeth!" He grinned at her, but Annabeth kept running.
Annabeth knew she couldn't keep this going for much longer, her dress nearly trying to take her life, but she had to get away.
So, she kept running.
…
Percy and Jason had successfully gotten Leo's mind off the damaged Eagle and got him roaring drunk. Which was just as well for Percy. He didn't have to talk about pirates. But, not talking didn't mean he wasn't thinking. Percy had quietly left the tavern where Jason and Leo were working on their fifth flagon of rum.
Percy hated rum.
Desperate for silence, Percy walked along the shore. He thought of his mother, which pained him in such a way he was sure that if he started, he would never stop crying. Percy thought of his father, of the trident key, and questions. So many questions. Percy looked at the setting sun and the horizon.
Keep a weather eye on the horizon, his mother would always say, but Percy was torn. He didn't want to look. He hated the sea and loved it at the same time. But, maybe the reason he was finding himself so torn was that he felt he no longer belonged. No longer fit. All because maybe he did hate the sea.
A sound of anguish suddenly rang around the previously silent shore. Percy spun, startled. "What the hell?" He muttered to himself, looking frantically for the source of the yell.
And there she was. Princess Annabeth. She was screaming and stomping, her hands waving around. Percy had never seen Annabeth in such a state. What had happened? What was the matter?
Percy's feet seemed to think for him. He was running before he knew why, sprinting straight for Annabeth. "Annabeth!" Percy called out. She didn't hear over her own screams, or if she did she didn't care. "Annabeth!" Percy called again, and again, and again, until he made onto the dock. He was panting as he took Annabeth's hands and lowered them, getting her to look at him.
Percy was astonished by the fury in her eyes. But, perhaps they belonged there, Percy thought.
Before he could even ask what had happened, Annabeth was already venting. She spoke quickly and frantically, but Percy caught every word. He wished he didn't. Annabeth engaged to Luke was more pain to his heart then he would have ever thought.
"Annabeth…" Percy wanted to say something, but he didn't know what. He would not say anything that would further distress Annabeth, so maybe there wasn't anything to say. Instead of words, Percy just took her gently into his arms and hugged her.
Percy knew Annabeth was stunned. She didn't move, not even an inch. She didn't speak, probably didn't even breath. They stayed like that for a few blissful moments before Annabeth stepped back.
"What was that for?" She said quietly, her eyes not leaving his.
Percy shrugged, suddenly very over aware of everything around him. "Because you are my friend."
Annabeth sighed deeply, and smiled. Her eyes though, began to flutter. She was gasping and all at once she fell backwards and into the bay. It all happened so quickly, Percy had not even registered what had happened, he was still so stunned by the feeling of having Annabeth in his arms. No matter it being platonic.
The sound of splashing water brought Percy to his senses and he dove in after her. He kicked downwards as hard and as fast as he could. Annabeth was sinking quickly. Percy swam as hard as he could to reach her before she hit the bottom and finally caught her, but she was heavier than he thought. He kicked upwards but her dress was weighing them down too much. Percy was running out of air in his lungs and if he didn't act quickly now, they'd both drown. Percy reached into his pocket with the hand that wasn't holding Annabeth and grabbed his knife. He cut the strings that held Annabeth's dress up and shed it off. As it came off, Annabeth became considerably lighter, making the swim up to surface easier. Percy put his knife between his teeth and kicked harder and harder until finally, they broke the surface.
Percy gasped for air, but Annabeth did not. He knew he couldn't get her back onto the dock, so he swam for shore, which was harder with another unconscious person. Percy swam hard, trying to keep his mind from wandering to whether Annabeth was going to be okay or not. He made it to the shallow and dragged her onto the shore, but it was Annabeth's corset that caught his attention. Percy took his knife from between his teeth and cut it open.
Annabeth suddenly coughed out half the sea, her breaths jagged. Percy sighed in relief but then his blood stilled. He felt freezing despite the heat. Time moved slow. Around Annabeth's neck was the Trident Key he thought was lost.
"Thank you," Annabeth panted heavily.
Percy didn't say anything. He reached for the chain. Annabeth leaned back at first, shocked that Percy was reaching for her neck until she looked down and realized she was wearing the chain she had taken from him the day they met.
"Percy…" Annabeth began slowly, but Percy shook his head.
"Why do you have that?" Percy's voice shook and so did his hands as he reached for the Trident. He took it into his hands and then there was one, deep ripple across the sea. Percy looked out at the sea puzzled, but turned back to the Trident. "This isn't yours, Annabeth!" Percy was appalled. He didn't know what else to say. "Have you any idea what would happen if anyone caught you with this? You'd be hung for treason, Annabeth! A princess cannot be caught in an act of treason against the crown!"
"I'm sorry!" Annabeth cried. "I was trying to protect you!"
Percy shook his head and ran his hands through his soaking hair. Percy could suddenly hear running behind him, and when he turned he saw Admiral Luke, Queen Athena, King Frederick, and half of the royal guard running towards them.
"Fuck!" Percy cursed, the sailor in him coming out. He turned back quickly to Annabeth. "Give me the Trident! No matter what happens you have never seen this in your life! Do you understand?"
Annabeth's eyes were wide with fear and panic. She gaped at Percy and at the fastly approaching crowd. "Do you understand?" Percy shouted again.
Annabeth nodded and hurriedly gave Percy the Trident, then they were no longer alone.
"Step away from the Princess!" Luke shouted as he pointed his sword at Percy.
Annabeth gasped, she was moving to stand before Percy but her mother had snapped.
"Annabeth you get over here right now!"
Annabeth didn't move at first, but Percy nodded once at her. He raised his hands slowly in surrender, the Trident spinning around for everyone to see. As one, the crowd gasped.
"He's a pirate!" Someone had shouted.
Luke's sword wavered. He reached a hand down for Annabeth and quickly dragged her up. She sobbed once and ran into Professor Chiron's arms, who stood behind Queen Athena. He held Annabeth silently, just as stunned as everyone else.
"What's going on here?"
Percy felt his stomach drop. He looked up and saw Jason and Leo push their way through the crowd. Jason took one look from Luke's pointed sword, to Percy, and to the Trident in Percy's hand. Percy could see the acknowledgment in Jason's eyes. Percy also saw the betrayal.
Percy was shaking his head, desperate for Jason to understand. "Jason, listen to me, it's not-"
"Arrest this man." Queen Athena did not shout. She glared murderously at Percy and then turned away. The crowd parted for her easily. She took Annabeth by the arm, but Annabeth looked back to Percy. There were tears on her face as she mouthed, "I'm sorry."
Luke sheathed his sword and beckoned for the men behind him to step forward. "Chain him," Luke said. He spat at the ground of Percy's feet. "Pirate."
Percy looked desperately to Jason and Leo as he was being chained. They were both silent, but Percy could see that Jason was hurt. Jason shook his head, his eyes wide, and turned, walking briskly away. Percy looked sadly at Leo as the guards shoved Percy.
….
Percy never knew how dark the dungeons were. The guards behind him stumbled over their feet a few times and Percy rolled his eyes. The dungeon was dark, but silent it was not. There was maniacal laughing, high pitched laughing. These were the sort of laughs that sent painful shivers down Percy's spine and haunted his nightmares. These were the laughs of pirates.
The pirates did more than laugh. What was eerie, and frightening, was that they were singing.
"Yo Ho, haul together! Hoist the colours high! Heave Ho, Thieves and Beggars, Never Shall We Die!"
The guards came to a stop. One of them, Percy will call him Bob, faltered with the key, but he eventually got the cell door to open with a screech.
"In you go, pirate," The other guard shoved Percy in the cell.
This guard, Percy thought to himself, will be called Donald. Donald seemed like a good name for a stupid fucker, Percy thought bitterly.
With a jingle of keys, Percy knew the guards had taken off into a sprint. The singing and laughing frightening them. There was more maniacal laughter. Percy began to pace the short space of his cell. Annabeth had the Trident this whole time! But, Percy couldn't do anything with this new information now. By sunrise, he was heading to the gallows.
"Yo Ho, haul together, Hoist the colours high, Heave Ho, Thieves and Beggars, Never Shall We Die! Some men have died, And some are alive, And others sail on the sea, With the keys to the cage… And the Devil to pay, We lay to Fiddler's Green!" Sang the prisoner in the cell next to Percy.
Percy jumped back in alarm to see the shadow of the person holding the bars of their cell was facing Percy. Despite himself, Percy stepped closer. The closer he got, the more defined the person's face became.
Their hair was grey and frayed. It was so long it knotted with their beard. There were scars that looked like cracked sand on the man's face. He was laughing the closer Percy got, and Percy could smell the Rum off the prisoner.
Quicker than Percy anticipated, the prisoner jerked their hand through the bars and grabbed the Trident that hung from around Percy's neck. The prisoner let out a deep chuckle and sang, "The Bell has been raised from its watery grave. Do you hear its sepulchral tone? We are a call to all, pay heed the squall, and turn your sail toward home!"
The prisoner chuckled again like he had been told a joke. "Remember what I said, boy. The sung has been song."
And then, he was gone.
All around him there was singing, and Percy felt like his head was going to explode. That was Nereus. But now, he was gone.
The night was long. Percy could not think of his imminent death. All he could do was slowly lose his mind over the song the prisoners, pirates, sang. Over, and over, and over, they sang. Always the same song.
The sound of jingling keys echoed through the dungeon and Percy stilled. This was it. He was going to die. The ringing of jingling keys came closer and stopped before Percy's cell, just as he knew it would.
"Percy!" Leo whispered.
That, Percy was not expecting.
Leo came into the cell, helping Percy to his feet. "We've got to now! Like, right now!"
Percy did as Leo said and followed him out. The sound of laughing and singing pirates following him.
"Leo, what are you doing?" Percy panted out as they ran through the dark dungeon.
Leo grabbed Percy's shoulder and guided him a way that Percy didn't come in through. Has Leo been down into the dungeon's before?
"Saving you!" Leo shoved Percy down a secret corridor, at least it looked to be secret.
"But, why?" Percy was asked, confused but grateful.
Leo stopped running, making Percy halt too. "Because you are my friend."
…
Silence. Complete silence. This was why he loved it at night. The crew slept, or pretended to, in the lower deck. He, however, would climb to the highest point on the ship and sit on the wooden pegs where the sails were raised. He could see for thousands of miles at the stretching horizon of the sea. The wind was perfect tonight. Steady and true. A perfect night for a speedy sail.
"Captain!" A voice suddenly called out from beneath him.
"Captain!" They said louder.
He slowly made the climb down and then jumped onto the deck, where his first mate was calling for him. He saw her wide smile, her feet making her bounce. "Captain, the song has been sung."
He stilled. Then, he smirked wickedly. He fiddled with the skull ring on his thumb. "Finally." He reached for his compass, and the red pointer spun East. He grinned. "Master Hazel, we have our heading."
That's it! Chapter 3. This chapter ending has been on my mind for some time now and I was so excited to write it! Stay tuned, cause this shit is about to get so good.
Con amor y hasta la proxima, (with love, and goodbye for now)
-Wavyally
P.s- Follow me on Tumblr Wavyally and tell me you came from 3