Author's note:

Hey everyone! Terribly sorry for the super late update. I was very busy and I did warn you that I will not be able to update as much as I want to. I'm also sorry for any mistakes that I made in this chap. If you spot any, feel free to tell me, so that I can change it immediately. Enjoy!

~Halvax

Disclaimer: I don't own PJO. All rights belong to Rick Riordan.

Earth's Champion: Humble Beginnings

Chapter 3: Bittersweet Birthday

Percy's POV

Three weeks later

Today marks the third week of agoge. All the trainees have been going through hard training to strengthen their bodies. The day consisted of hunting for food, stamina training, wrestling, hunting for lunch, weapons training, studying, hunting for dinner, bathing then sleeping.

Although the exercises felt like tartarus to the rest, they felt like elysium compared to the training that Chiron put me through. It was actually a nice break. But that doesn't mean that I can slack.

A week ago, Chiron came to visit. He told me that I would probably stay a month more than expected. But when he found out that I was in a fight, he was furious. Icarus managed to calm him down by saying that it was his fault. He also found out how easy the trainings here were so he have me a scroll that contained the things that I really should be doing. With almost two thirds of the list having something to do with archery.

So after agoge, which ended three hours before sun down, I have to undergo Chiron's training for five more hours before being allowed to rest. Icarus' punishment for starting the fight was to make sure that I did what ever Chiron instructed. Which to him is more of a reward than a punishment.

Despite being the same age, Icarus and I didn't share the same classes aside from hunting. This is because I had all my lessons with the twelve year olds, except for studying. Which I had with the eight year olds, while Icarus had it with the twelve year olds. Grandson of the godess of wisdom for you. Even the twelve year old training was easy.

For one, stamina training consisted mostly of holding your breath for long periods of time to strengthen your lungs. Being a son of Poseidon, I can breath underwater, so I can practically die of old age before I need a breath of air. But because I was trying to hide that fact, I made sure to come up for air after half of the others have come up.

When we weren't in the water, we were forced to run laps around the arena in the sweltering heat. Another thing that I had no problems about. One, the sun doesn't bother me much as I am fire and heat resistant. Two, I would have to run about ten laps around Sparta before I am even out of breath. And three, they gave a cup of water halfway through the exercise. No matter how small the amount, water always gives me a burst of energy.

Wrestling with twelve years olds becomes relatively easy when you've wrestled with an anrgy cyclops. Weapons training is also a breeze when you have mastered the sword and the spear, the only weapons that they train you in here.

Studying was the only real thing that is giving me a hard time. But with the grandson of Athena helping me, I was able to cope well enough.

Overall, agoge is fun. I have even made other friends aside from Icarus. There was Grover, a twelve year old boy who had achne and was already showing signs of a beard. He had curly brown and a very scrawny build. Even more so than Icarus.

He loves nature and is completely against hunting animals. So when he has to eat, he goes to the forest to look for edible berries and fruits. He even goes to the deeper part of the forest with me and Icarus.

Then, there is also Malcolm, Grover's twelve year old hunting partner. He has a slight build, similar to mine. He has blond hair and grey eyes. But he is also smart, like Icarus. In fact if you didn't know any better, you could have mistaken them for being brothers.

The four of us are best friends and look like we have known each other all our lives. We all help each other in someway. Grover helps me with nature based things like tracking and figuring out which plants are poisonous and which are not. Malcolm and Icarus helps me in archery and my studies.

Unsurprisingly, I am the worst at archery among the four of us. But between their help and Chiron's rigorous training, I would say that I am improving. I am now able to hit within the target, and had a five percent chance of hitting bulls eyes.

In return, I teach them sword fighting techniques. They are not as good as me but Grover and Icarus can only be beaten by Lysandor, me and Malcolm. Being Ares's son did make Lysandor's skill with the sword improve. But he did not have my training, nor my mentor. Malcolm is at par with Lysandor when it comes blades.

I got up early, a little over two hours before sunrise. Got dressed, grabbed my hunting gear and attempted to wake Icarus up. Because of Chiron's discipline, I am used to waking up early, but Icarus is a very deep sleeper. He usually only wakes up after I will water onto his face.

My hunting gear now only consisted of a knife and a bow and quiver of arrows. Icarus suggested that I practise hunting using only a bow and arrows. After waking him up, we headed to our usual meeting place with Grover and Malcolm.

After our hunting, we would use the time given to us to do personal training. Then head about our day training with the rest of the trainees. But today was different.

"I thought you'd never show up." Malcolm said impatiently. "Sorry, but Owl head over here, is a very deep sleeper." I said and punched Icarus lightly on the arm.

"Break it up guys. Let's just hunt for our breakfast and train." Grover, the peacemaker, said.

We nodded and entered the forest. We headed straight to the place where Icarus and I got our first doe. By now, we had memorised the trail and knew where the majority of the mosters stayed.

We were walking through the forest, when I heard a yelp. I suddenly stopped which caused the rest of the gang to bump in to me. "Why'd you stop, Ion?" Grover asked, using the nickname they made for me. "Did you hear that?" I whispered and motioned them to keep quiet while I listened hard.

Another soft yelp was heard. "There it is again," I said and started heading in that direction. "Are you sure about this, Ion? That is where most of the mosters are." Icarus said uncertainly.

I didn't listen to his warning and kept going. After a few moments, we saw a wolf pup trapped in a poorly made snare. It was badly hurt and covered in blood. He had gashes all over his dark brown fur, possibly from a hell hound.

"I recognize the poorly done snare. It's one of Lysandor's." Grover said with disgust. I only half listened as I slowly approached the pup, whispering calming and soothing words to it.

Eventually, it stopped shaking and allowed me to cut him free. Once I got him out I gingerly carried him in my arms. That was when I was able to get a good look at it. The first thing that attracted my attention was the near fatal wound that was across its chest. There was a deep gash that had blood flowing freely. His body was covered in claws marks. A small cut also ran from his forehead, through it's forest green eyes and down his cheek.

"We have to get him treated." Grover said. "But we are too deep into the forest to possibly get help in time." Malcolm reasoned.

I knew that he was right. I knew that this pup had no hope of surviving. But I had to do something. I can't just let it die. I was on the verge of tears when the idea hit me. And I physically hit myself in the head for being so stupid. Water.

I started running. The creek was only a few minutes away if I was at top speed. I could here my friends calling out to me in the distance. But I could not stop. I could not let this pup die. I would face the consequences but I knew that I could trust them. They were my friends, right?

I got to the creek and set the pup down into the water. I closed my eyes and concentrated. I felt a familiar tug in my gut and I willed the water to heal the pup's injuries, starting with its gash on its chest. I made a silent apology to my father, begging him to forgive me for the promise that I was about to break.

My friends finally caught up to me panting and taking deep breaths. I could feel their stares at my back when they saw what I was doing. But I had to concentrate at the task at hand. By now, the gash was no more than a scar. But the pup wasn't out of the woods yet. It could still die from blood loss. I quickly willed more of the water to heal its wounds. As soon as the water touched a cut, it would slowly close up.

After all the effort I spent, my engry was depleted. I was sweating like mad, but the pup was safe. It was sleeping peacefully in my arms.

I snuck a peek at my friends who looked dumb founded. I let out a nervous laugh and said, "Hey guys. So..." "That is so cool! How the Hades did you do that thing with the water?" Malcolm exploded.

I laughed. "I will tell you, but you have to swear on the Styx to not tell anyone." I said seriously. They swore the oath and I let out a sigh. "You might want to get comfortable. It's a long story." So I began to tell them the story of my life. I ended my tale by saying, "So yeah, I am the first born demigod son of Poseidon."

"To get things straight, you are the son of the sea god, your grandfather didn't like your real name, so he changed it to Orion, your stepfather is the jerk prince of Athens, your mother is the lost princess of Crete, you are the pupil of Chiron, who sucks at archery, has amazing water powers and is one of my best friends." Malcolm summed up.

I thought for a moment and said,"Pretty much. So are you guys mad that I didn't tell you? Because I am so sorry I never said anything and I get it if you don't want to be friends anymore. It's just that-"

"What do you mean don't want to be friends anymore? Your parentage won't change how we think about you Perseus. I for one find it very cool." Grover said with Icarus and Malcolm nodding in agreement.

"Well I am glad you finally told us." Icarus said. I gave him a confused look.

He rolled his eyes and said, "I first suspected something when you knew just where to find this creek. It was like you were drawn to it. Also, when we have to go for stamina training, when you supposedly come up for air, you look so calm and relaxed as if you never needed to in the first place.

You should have been panting like crazy, gasping for air, but you weren't. When we go for laps, one sip of water always seemed to reenergize you more than it should. But really what tipped me off was what you did three days ago."

I raised my eyebrow but motioned for him to continue. "When you were waking me up, I decided to test the theory I had of you having some kind of connection with water. So when I saw you controlling water to wake me up, I connected the dots and came to the conclusion of being a son of Poseidon." He ended.

"But how can you be so sure that I am a son of Poseidon? I could have been a son of Hectate. I could have used a spell to control water." I inquired. He shook his head and said,

"Nope. I saw Lord Poseidon once, when he went to Crete, for a meeting with Minos. No matter how a god changed their features, they always had a physical trait that they kept. For most gods, it is their eyes. I've seen loads of people with green eyes, but none as vibrant as yours.

The shade of your eyes change when your emotions change. Similarly to Lord Poseidon. You both actually look alot alike. Your hair, eyes and firm jaw. But your nose and mouth are different. Your mom's right?" He explained, I nodded. "How'd you do that?" I asked incredously.

He just rolled his eyes and said, "Grandson of Athena, remember?" I laughed and asked, "Why didn't you confront me about it? And why didn't you tell anyone. Not that I'm not grateful." He shrugged and said,"I figured you'd tell me about it when you were ready. And it wasn't my place to tell."

I pulled all of them into a hug. "You guys are the best of friends a guy could have." "We know. But don't go all soft on us Perce." Grover said.

"No way, G-man. But remember, you have to keep calling me Orion. No one but you guys know. Not even Chiron. Especially not Chiron. He is very loyal to Zeus and Athena. I trust him but if Zeus were to ask him, he would have no choice but to tell him." I said.

"Let's go guys, we have to go. People might get suspicious. But what are we going to do about the wolf pup?" Malcolm asked.

"We can't just leave it. It will die." Grover, the nature lover said. I swear, he could have been a satyr or something, in another life. "Of course we're not leaving Sirius. We'll take him with us. All we have to do is make sure no one finds out. I can always catch extra food for him." I said still stroking Sirius' fur, while he slept soundly.

"Sirius, Perce? Sirius?" Icarus asked. "Yes Icky, Sirius. Now let go." He grimaced at the nickname I gave him and tried to stand up. Keyword being tried. I didn't realise that the healing took so much out of me. I collapsed back to the ground, and my friends rushed to my side. "Are you alright, Percy?" Malcolm asked concerned.

"I'm fine just abit tired, Mal. Just get me into the water and I will be as good as new." I said. They carried me and Sirius still snuggling against my chest. As soon as my body was in the water, I could feel a familiar sensation wash over me.

I could feel my energy flow through me as the water worked it's magic. After afew more minutes of savouring my favourite element in the world, we headed back, I felt like I could take on a whole army of monsters.

We all went to my house to decide on what to do with Sirius. After alot of arguing, we decided that Sirius will stay in my house for the day. While I am resting from my 'cold'.

I prayed to my father and asked for some food for Sirius. He told me that if I needed anything then he'd see what he can do. He must have been in a good mood because in front of me was an asortment of food for both me and Sirius. With it was a note.

It said:

Dear Perseus,

I am sorry that I have not been able to physically visit you. Things have been very busy here on Atlantis, especially since your younger half brother was born. Always remember that I love you and your mother more than anything in the world and that Triton will never change that.

There is also no need to apologise for telling your friends the secret. I can see that you trust them and I trust your judgement. I am happy that you were able to save the young wolf pup. I can see that you are already fond of him.

You will not need to worry about him running away. He has been trained by his previous master and will stay if told to. You just have to give him food and water.

I am sorry that I am not able to give you anymore protection. If it wasn't for the stupid laws that Zeus made up, I would have made your mother my queen and you my heir. If you blame me for the hard life that you will most probably live, I will not hold it against you.

But I do not have any regrets in siring you as you are the best son a father could have asked for. I know that someday, you will be the best hero to have ever lived. Far surpassing any of my idiotic brother's children.

Know that I am very proud of you and if you need anything, I will do all that I can to help. I love you, son.

Poseidon

"Thanks dad." I prayed silently. "I don't blame you for anything. I am just glad that you love me and my mother. You are a much better father than you give youself credit for. I am proud to be able to call myself a son of the sea. I love you."

I looked at Sirius to see that he was beginning to wake up. I picked him up and brushed his fur with my fingers. I slowly took a cup of warm milk and let it drink. I also gave it food and bandaged the remaining bruises that the water wasn't able to heal.

For the next few days, I stayed home saying that I had caught a cold. Icarus, Grover and Malcolm helped cover up for. They also informed me of what they were doing and would help me practise after they are dismissed.

I have been trying to teach Sirius new tricks, like sitting, heeling and rolling over. He is either a very fast learner or he has been taught before. Which leads me to my biggest question, Who was Sirius' previous owner?

I will have to face them sometime, but I doubt that they will want him back, seeing as they abandoned him in the first place.

He also knows how to hunt. I took him hunting the other day and he was able to sniff out a small doe and lead me to it.

Two months after Perseus started agoge...

It has been five weeks since I found Sirius. He has grown afew inches and is now the size of a young deer. All his previous bruises are now gone except for the cut that ran down his face. It left a white scar on the right side of his face, that made him look menacing.

My archery is now better than ever, but still miles away from perfect. But I can now hit the target quite accurately and my pecentage of hitting the bullseye has increased to forty percent.

I have also mastered the Spartan way of sword fighting which is abit more brutal than the style Chiron has been teaching me. I have also built up more muscle.

"I'm sorry we have to leave guys." Icarus told Grover and Malcolm. Both of which looked like they were on the verge of tears, similar to Icarus and me.

Today is the day that Chiron and Daedalus picks the both of us up and leave Sparta. Icarus will be going back to Crete. While Chiron and I go back to Athens, while making a few stops along the way. My training is scheduled to be completed in a month.

My birthday is also in a month's time my dad said that he will drop by on that day. He also said that once I complete my training, I will go back to Crete and live with my grandfather.

Needless to say, leaving Sparta is bittersweet.

"We promise to visit whenever we can. Being the son of Poseidon, I can guarantee us all safe trips across the sea. I'm sure grandfather will let me visit once in a while." i said reassuringly.

"We'll visit you too. Once we're done training. Make sure to take good care of Sirius." Grover said. "Yeah. We can show each other how much we've improved. Then we can all go hunting together. Then Icarus and I can see who is smarter." Malcolm said.

"Are you done with your good byes boys?" Chiron asked me and Icarus. We both gave our best friends a big hug. After sheading afew tears, Chiron and I walked Icarus and his father to the docks.

While we were walking, I could see that Icarus was visibly shaking. "What's wrong, Icky?" I asked. I knew that his mind was on other things as his face didn't even show disgust when I called him the nickname I gave him.

"The sea. You and I both know that Poseidon hates Athena. And being a grandson of Athena, there is a high chance that our boat will sink or something. My dad hides it well, but on the inside he's as nervous as me."

"Don't worry. I asked my dad to spare you. You owe me one, it was hard enough to convince him to spare you, but it was almost impossible to get him to spare your father. Apparently, he is one of Athena's favourites. But don't expect it to be smooth sailing. My dad will undoubtably have his fun along the way." I whispered, making sure that no one but Icarus heard me.

"So what are our chances of surviving?"he asked. "One hundred percent sure that you will alget to Crete in one piece and with your life." I reassured him. He gave me a nod of thanks and looked alot more confident about going on a ship.

Once we reached the docks, we said our goodbyes and went our seperate ways. "Are you ready to go Orion?" Chiron asked. I almost didn't respond when he said Orion. I have been so used to being called Percy or Perseus by my friends, trainee by the trainers of agoge of punk by Lysandor and his goons that the name Orion sounds foreign to me.

I guess I have to start getting used to my fake name again. "Yes Chiron." I answered. He nodded and started to lead the way with Sirius and I right behind him. At first Chiron was against Sirius coming with us. But he changed his mind when he saw my wolf's prowess in hunting and battle.

A month later, Perseus' birthday, early morning...

Today is the day. The day I oficially complete my training with Chiron. I have surpassed him in everything but archery. Although the contest we had was close. We both had to shoot a hundred arrows in under a minute, and see who had more bulls eyes.

Chiron had only missed ten times while I missed 20 times. Well, it was a close match in my book. Two years ago, I couldn't even get within ten feet of my target so to me, this was a big accomplishment. And I am very proud of myself.

I turn nine years of age today. I am planning to celebrate it with my mom and dad. Dad even told me through a dream that I could tell Chiron of my true heritage today. We would reach Athens by noon and my dad would drop by around that time.

After a few more hours of walking, only stopping for breakfast, we caught sight of Athens. We headed straight for my step father's castle. The moment I stepped into the castle I knew that something was wrong.

The smell of beer and wine was thick. My mother never allowed Gabe to bring drinks into the castle. Never. The lack of the smell of my mothers pastries was also enough to send a jolt of worry through my body.

"Chiron, something is wrong." I told my mentor. "I can sense it as well, my boy." He said with equal worry in his tone. I walked deeper into my old home. Bottles of wine lined the once spotless floor.

Where is my mom? She would never allow this mess. The stench of alchohol grew even stronger. I walked into the first room of the house, my mom and stepdad's bedroom. On the king sized bed was my stepfather.

He was sprawled on the bed, snoring loudly and muttering undecipherable things. Chiron, who had been searching the rest of the house, entered the room. "I can't find her anywhere my boy." He said sadly.

My worry was replaced by anger. I grabbed Gabe by his tunic and shoke him violently, making him wake up. When he saw me, he looked furious. "What is your problem boy? Can't you see that I am having a nap? I was out late last night. The girls at," He started saying.

But I cut him of, "I have no interest in your nightly escapades. All I want to know is where my mother is." I said in low whisper. I was inches from his face, and the smell of wine was rolling of him in waves.

He thought for a second, as if trying to recall who my mother is. "Sally, princess of Crete, woman you call your slave?" I said impatiently spitting out every word. I was getting angrier by the second. And his silence was not doing anything to ease me.

"Oh her." He said finally remembering. "She is with Lord Hades." He said with a shrug. As if it was the most common thing. Now I was beyond furious, I was enraged. "SHE IS DEAD?! AND YOU DON'T EVEN FEEL SORRY?! HOW COULD YOU? WHAT KIND OF HUSBAND ARE YOU?!" I shouted. "Calm down Orion." Chiron started saying.

To vent my anger, I started punching Gabe's face until it was a bloody mess. It did nothing to bring my mother back but it felt sickeningly good.

I could feel the ground starting to shake. Poseidon said that I can also cause earthquakes but I have never tried. And right now I don't care. The whole of Athens could be swallowed up by the earth for all I care. I had lost my mother.

"CALM DOWN, CHIRON?! CALM DOWN?! HOW CAN I STAY CALM AT A TIME LIKE THIS?! I lost her. I lost the thing that matters most to me in the whole world. Even with all the training I endured, I was not strong enought to protect her. I wasn't even there for her when she needed me most." I said with hurt and sorrow in my voice. I could feel my tears flowing like a river down my face. But I don't care. I had lost my mother.

"HE promised to protect us. HE promised that he loved us more than anything. HE didn't do anything to help her. HE could have helped. But HE didn't do anything." I said to the one person that could have done something but didn't.

Suddenly, the familiar scent of sea breeze entered the room. It was calming and soothing. "I am so sorry Perseus." Poseidon said his voice full of remorse and regret when he materialized. He had red puffy eyes. As if he had been crying recently.

Third Person's POV

"Lord Poseidon." Chiron said with a deep bow. He was clearly confused, confused that the Lord of the Seas was here and confused that he had called Chiron's star pupil Perseus. His name was Orion, right? But now he was not so sure just what his pupil was. The earthquake just now was clearly his doing. And as far as he knew, Poseidon has never had any demigod children.

"Rise, Chiron." Poseidon said. The centaur got up and looked at the lord of the sea. His eyes were sea green and had jet black hair, similarly to Orion. The similarity is unacanny, thought the mentor.

Now that Perseus had gotten over the shock that his father was here, his rage returned. The man who had caused his mother's death is here. Blinded by rage, he ran to his father and tackled him to the ground.

"I don't care if you are a god. You killed my mom. Your the reason that she is dead. You could have done something. But you didn't." He said while punching his father in the face. Left hook, right hook, jab, uppercut, every move that he had learned over the years, he used on the sea god.

Chiron hurried to try to pry the nine year old off the sea god, in fear for his favourite pupil's life. But he stopped when Poseidon held up his hand. "Don't. He. Needs. This. He. Needs. To. Vent. On. Someone. It. Might. As. Well. Be. His. Father." Poseidon said in between his son's blows.

Poseidon had to admit. Perseus had gotten alot stronger. A normal mortal could not have done that much damage to a god. Especially to one of the Big Three. His punches were swift and presice. They were strong and hard. Despite the pain, Poseidon was very proud of his son to acheive such power.

The god had cuts all over his face and Icor free flowed from them. After half an hour of Perseus' continuos assults on his father's face, he stopped. He was panting heavily and the efforted he exerted on his father's beating and the earthquake he had caused earlier had depleted him.

His anger had disappeared and was replaced by grief. He had lost her, his mother. And he wasn't even able to say good bye. His tears were back. His grief, depression and energy depletion caused the young hero to slipped into unconsiousness.

Seeing this, Poseidon carried his child to his old room. He motioned for Chiron to follow him. Once Poseidon was sure that his son was comfortable, he let out a sigh. It was his fault that his beloved Sally was dead.

There are laws against interfering with mortal lives. You couldn't have done anything. A part of him rationalized. But that never stopped me before. Another part of him said, the guilty part, he suspected.

Poseidon could not blame his son. If Poseidon had lost his beloved mother, Rhea, he would have done the same thing.

Chiron decided that it was time to ask the question that has been on his mind since Orion became his apprentice, "Lord Poseidon, are you the boy's father?" Chiron has noticed over the years of travelling with him that the boy was different.

He had unnatural prowess in battle, godlike speed and his greek was amazing. But he could not, for the life of him, sit still. He always had to be doing something.

Poseidon sighed and nodded. Perseus said that he trusted Chiron with his secret, so Poseidon obliged and told the centaur the truth, after he had sworn to never reveal it unless he was given permission by Perseus or Poseidon.

After his tale, Poseidon summoned a bottle of nectar to help clense his wounds. "Chiron, I have a favor to ask of you." The sea god said.

"What is it Lord Poseidon?" Chiron asked. It is not often that the sea god asked for something. "I do not wish to force this apon you, but I ask that you guide my son. I do not expect you to follow him every step of the way. I just want you to make sure that he does not stray of the path of good when I can't. Please Chiron. The death of his mother his sure to be a very traumatic event. And I can't stand to see him clouded by revenge. As much as I want to put the people who killed my belived Sally in Tartarus, I do not want to see Percy only feuled by anger." Said the broken sea god.

Chiron had never seen a more broken god. Poseidon had begun crying again, and Chiron did the only thing that he thought he could do, he gave him a hug. The hug was soothing but awkward. After the god calmed down, they each took a step back. Poseidon rubbed the back of his head, giving a nod of appreciation.

Chiron chuckled. The father and son were so alike, Orion, who Chiron now knows as Perseus, did the exact same thing when he was in an awkward situation. Poseidon gave him confused, so Chiron explained his musings.

In turn, Poseidon chuckled. He was happy that his son was like him. Before long, the god and centaur were talking like they have know each other for centuries, which is technically true.

Poseidon told Chiron about his problems in Atlantis, which Chiron helped him solve. In turn, Poseidon promises to make a place where the children of the gods can stay in safety. This place will allow them to train to prepare them for the outside. Here, Chiron will be able to fufil his life long dream of training future heroes.

At around dinner time, Percy started to stir. He had the weirdest dream- or nightmare - that he had completed his training, it was his birthday but his mother was gone. He dreamt that he had caused the strongest earthquake Athens has ever experienced. He also saw that he beat both his real and step father senseless bacause of grief.

He could understand beating Gabe senseless, but Poseidon? He would not even dream of it. But he did.

His second dream was more comforting.

He was in a forest. He recognised the forest. It was the forest that he had met his friend, Rachel the Oracle. Right in front of him, the said oracle materialised.

"Hello again Orion." Rachel said with a monotoned voice. "Hey Rachel, long time no see. You havn't been captured by bandits again have you?" Percy said teasingly. "Thankfully no. But this is no time for jokes. My time with you is limited." She said with more urgency.

Percy nodded and became serious. He knew that what oracles say are important. Chiron told him that their advice and warnings are of great value and should be followed.

"Of course Rachel. What is it?" He asked. "Orion, when you awake, a great devestation will meet you. I warn you to not be overcome by grief and depression. Do not be blinded by revenge and put the blame on innocent people. But most of all do not blame yourself for it is not your fault." She said.

Percy was confused. Why must oracles speak in riddles? Why would he be sad? He had everything he could ever need and want. But before he could continue with his internal musings, the Oracle continued speaking.

"I advise you to let go of the pain. Do not burden yourself with it. Every demigod has a fatal flaw. Yours it loyalty so I have no doubt that you will place all the blame on you. You will take on a big responsibility in the future, but do not be pursuaded by lies. In this world, things are never what they seem." She said.

"What does that even mean?" Perseus asked confused at his friend's word. But he was not even sure that this was Rachel. Her usual emerald green eyes were glazed over. She was emmiting an aura of ancient power, that could have rivalled a minor god.

"Unfortunately, my time with you is up. Heed my warning and take my advice. Live well young hero. Will meet again. But not in my life time. Farewell, Perseus." She said. The last word was almost uncomprehendable, but Percy heard it. Rachel knows his secret. But he was not very surprised. She is the oracle, afterall.

He slowly rose from his slumber, trying to make sense of his dream. Seeing that he was beginning to wake, Poseidon rushed to his son's side. Percy had a throbbing headache that was threatening to split his head open.

Poseidon materialized a flask of nectar and a small square of ambrosia. "My lord, I do not think it is wise to feed Perseus the food and drink of the gods." He said cautiously. "It is alright Chiron. As long as he doesn't take too much, it is fine, his soul won't burn. Being a half blood does mean that he is part god. So he will survive small amount of ambrosia and nectar." Poseidon said reassuringly.

Percy ate the ambrosia, which surprisingly tastes like his favourite breakfast meal, his mother's home made blue pancakes. The nectar, tasted like liquified blue chocolatechip cookies, his mother's speciality. After drinking and eating the food, his head stopped hurting and he felt like he could take on an army on his own.

He looked around to see his father and his mentor smiling sad smiles at him. Then he noticed the absence of his mother. Worry took over him. Was his dream real? Was his mother really gone? Was all the training he went through to protect her all for nothing? It couldn't be true, right?

As if reading his mind, Poseidon answered, "Yes Perseus, she is truly gone. And I am so sorry that I could not protect her." Poseidon looked down at the floor, trying to hide the tears that have been threatening to burst out. He was beyond ashamed. But he was also nervous to how Percy would react. He had alreasy lost his beloved Sally, he could not bear to loose his first born child out of love, aswell.

Although he had sired children in the past, they were the product of either lust, deceit or Aphrodite's meddling. The love that Poseidon felt for Sally was genuine and true love. Poseidon loved his wife, Amphitrite, and his son, Triton, but not as strongly as he loved Percy and his mother.

That is why, as he grows, Percy's power will rival that of a god's. The pure love that his parents have for each other, is what makes Percy the most powerful child of the sea ever. Possibly the most powerful demigod of all time.

Apon hearing this news, Percy was grief stricken. His nightmare had come true. His mother really was gone. She had left him and he didn't know how. He want to punch something. He wanted to rip the world apart. If he is experiencing this, why shouldn't the rest of the world? How come only he should suffer. He should make everyone else suffer with him. Starting with those at fault.

Who had caused his mother's death? Whoever it was, he was going to make them suffer the most. They would beg for Tartarus before Percy is done with them. But is it really their fault? If anyone it was his. A small part of him said. Huh? Another asked.

I mean, it is your fault that your mother died. You were not there to protect her. You were of in who knows where when your mother was in danger. You can not blame anybody but yourself. You should be the one experiencing Tartarus. You should be the one with Hades, not her. The voice answered.

The other part of him was silent for awhile then said Its right, you know. It is all your fault that she died. Some hero you are. You can't even protect the woman you vowed to to protect.

Now that Perseus had thought of it, voices in his head were right. It was his fault that his mother died. He cauld not blame his father, for he could not have done anything. The laws forbid him.

He could not blame Chiron. It was his choice to come train with the centaur. He could not even blame Gabe. Even if Gabe tried to do something, which Percy highly doubted, he would not stand a chance.

It was all his fault. He bet that if he had not been born in the first place, then this would not have happened to his mother. Or if he could have been a better son, then Minos would not see the need to send him to Athens.

No one would want him. His father will not want him, Poseidon has Triton, a god that would bring honor to his father. Unlike Percy, who was a murderer in his eyes. Chiron doesn't want him. The only reason why his training ended alot earlier than other heroes was because he sucks at being one. Even Chiron gave up on him and decided to send him home and out of Chiron's hair.

Icarus, Grover and Malcolm doesn't want him. The three took pity in him, so they befriended him. And Gabe had made it clear over the years that he did not want him. It would be better for everyone if he were gone.

He was just about to come to a conclusion when Rachel's voice rang in has head, "Do not be overcome by grief and depression. Do not be blinded by revenge and put the blame on innocent people. But most of all do not blame yourself for it is not your fault. Let go of the pain. Do not burden yourself with it. Every demigod has a fatal flaw. Yours it loyalty so I have no doubt that you will place all the blame on yourself."

Poseidon watched closely while Percy had his internal debate. At first his face was full of grief. His body started to tremble and tears started leaking out. But it suddenly changed to a look of fury and hatred. He stopped shedding tears, and was causing yet another earthquake.

Poseidon was about to tell his son to calm down, but as soon as the anger came it went. Instead, it was replced by look of realisation, as if he had come to terms with something. But under the realisation, Poseidon saw the look of defeat and surrender.

But again, it was replaced by a look of conflict. As if Percy was debating with someone in his head.

If it had been any other time, Poseidon would have laughed. Percy's sudden mood changes were so similar to his own and the ocean. That seas are ever changing, at one moment they are peaceful and calm. The next moment, they are violent and unmerciful.

In his head, Percy was still debating on what to do. Easy, seek revenge on who killed her. Don't stop until every single one of them is dead. Apart of him said.

No! Kill yourself. Nobody wants you. And its your fault in the first place, why should you live if she is dead. Another part of him said.

No! It isn't! Don't do anything rash. It is not your fault. Let go, Perseus. Learn to forgive. Another voice said. It was not his voice, it was foreign, but familiar.

Having come to a decision, he stood up.

After awhile of an expression of conflict, Perseus' face settled on understanding. Poseidon saw the outside of the internal battle, but he could not tell what his son has decided.

Perseus stood up, and Poseidon waited for his son's decision. He would accept it, regardless of what it might be.

Slowly Perseus walked towards his father, confident that what he decided is the right choice.