Alright, so this story is really to take my mind of the other story I'm working on. This one has a strange vibe to it that excites me when I write. This story might be going pretty slowly at first but everything will fall into place very soon.
A warning, this story has a complete altered history and setting, which means no New York or anything of that kind. Even the Titan history will be altered, although the subject of Camp is still undecided. Lastly, Percy might be a little OC at first, but he will change once the story picks up and he grows a little.
Please enjoy.
Shaking Task
Gargles sounded followed by a cluster of bubbles ascending into the fragmented light above. Wish-washes of the currents brushed through my arms and legs, through my thinly fabricated clothing. The eerie tune of silence ringed in my ears.
Remember.
My eye lids grew heavier, the scattered light dimmed into a faint star.
Remember. Memory is key.
Percy's eyes fluttered open, invaded by the morning light. He tried to stay still preserving the beds heat, but his aching arms stretched out almost on their own.
"Perseus, you're awake." The servant straightened from his pose against the doorframe.
"Luke, have you been waiting long?" Percy sat upwards and continued to reach for the ceiling. The blonde servant wore a jacket-less tuxedo set with a navy blue vest and black pants.
"No, young Master. I had just arrived." Luke gave a short bow. Percy glared at his personal servant but said nothing of it. "You should hurry up, young master. The meeting with Lord Zeus will occur at 10." Percy glanced above Luke and was baffled when there wasn't a clock there.
"Right, we are in Olympia." Percy sighed.
"Is the young master homesick?" Luke casually approached the bed.
"I just forgot is all." Percy moved his legs so Luke could sit down on the edge.
"We arrived late, I'm surprised you remembered at all." Percy pursed his lips into a frowned.
"You don't have to treat me like a child."
"I mean no offense." Luke stood up and drifted back to the open door. With a brief pause Luke looked over his shoulder. "It's 9:36, you should get ready, Percy." The boy left followed by Percy jumping from his bed and running to his large, unpacked luggage.
As Percy threw on his white vest over his silk undershirt, he stopped and thought. What has gotten into Luke? Usually, Luke would not have been so formal, especially when they were alone. He quickly pushed the thought away and completed his royal attire.
Once Percy prepared himself, he left the guess room into the high raised hallways. Unlike his home, Olympia's architect is often high and mighty, most impressive to the eye. Sense they had arrived late in the night; this was Percy's first time getting a thorough look of the place. Although enjoying the majestic atmosphere, Percy felt lonely without his servant and had to pace himself down the long hall.
The hallway opened up to a large waiting room. Paintings were posted on the marble walls and tall, pristine pillars supported the ceiling where the chandeliers hung. Across the vanilla floor, Luke turned around, the door behind him shut close.
"Luke!" Percy dashed up to his servant. "Who was just here?" Luke's lip twitched downward, something so settle that none others might have caught, however it did not go unnoticed by Percy.
"No one young master. Come now. We don't want to keep Lord Zeus." He led Percy out of the door. The young Lord turned both directions in the open garden but found no one but an old gardener perched on his seat comfortably.
In the hot summer sun, the trees drooped low and the watered flowers gleamed. Beds of roses lined the courtyard, circled by elegant columns. At its center was a seven-layered fountain with a real life sculpture of a man at the point.
"Who's that?" Percy squinted to see the statue in the sun's rays.
"Duke Hermes," Luke stopped beside Percy and shaded his eyes with his hand. "I believe. The keeper of travelers."
Percy nodded. "So I've heard that there are 6 grand fountains in Olympia for each child of Zeus." Luke raised an eyebrow then shook his head.
"No, Hephaestus's statue was deem 'unworthy' by Hera, so there are only five in dedication to Zeus's kinsmen and one to Hera."
"R-right, I had forgotten." Luke cracked a small smiled, but it quickly faded. They walked in silence, letting Percy absorb the white city, the towering marble buildings; layers after layers of city ground that looked almost like mountains. Trees dotted the road they walked; under ever tree would be a golden sculpture of some ancient hero.
"Hey," Luke said, not looking back at Percy. "I need you to know something." He let the suspense hang, debating whether or not to reveal the secret. They continued for some time, patting on the golden brick road that led to the royal palace. "Well." Luke sighed. "Just remember this, everything you do will be for the country, for the safety and well being of millions of citizens."
Percy blinked, he stay silent even if he was a bit confused. Luke finally stopped walking, making Percy bump into him. The servant turned around and stared Percy in the eye.
"I know this is nothing to ask of a 14 year old." He gripped Percy shoulder. "But you need to understand me when I tell you this. Sometimes, a man would sacrifice himself and his future for the better of his country. When this happens you need to remember why you are doing this in the first place. For your parents, your friends and family, and for your people." Again Percy blinked. "Do you understand?"
"I think so." Percy said slowly, he didn't want to upset his friend.
"Good." Luke turned around and started to walk again, for some reason Percy felt that Luke wasn't satisfied of the conversation…
When they enter the bar gates, the standing knights saluted, waving their spears together in an arc. After the gate closed, they climbed the twisting steps to the throne. The throne room was built standing on the edge of the highest mountain, overlooking the city from three sides.
A short distance away from the door was another fountain, the grandest of all others. Being at least twice as tall as the other, easily taller than the guest building Percy stayed at.
They made it to the gigantic golden door, a theme that was reoccurring fairy often. The gates moaned open when they approached, inside was a throne room large enough to fit a small village. Tiled, olive brown floor, so reflecting that Percy used it to make a quick check on his usually messy hair, large gold statues of knights, 22 in all, towering over the intimidated by-passers. The 22 rested their hands on their broad swords, pointed to the ground, they were set like columns, in two lines leading to the throne.
On either side of the rooms were pillars that opened up to a beautiful view of the city, wrapped around by a strip of balcony. At the end was the throne of Zeus, a golden seat matted with purple cushions, arm rests that curled in on itself. Below the seat was a small set of stairs and behind it is the flag of Olympia, a golden eagle with its wing extended wearing a three-point crown. The flag was blown out to cover a large section of the back wall, enough to reach the ceiling.
For convenient sake, the throne was minimized to human form, so was the king. A bearded man, wearing a blue robe, trimmed with gold and black, mainly covered by his long curly white hair. Upon his head rested a glowing gold crown, very cliché, however still able to give off the feeling of immense power.
"Lord Zeus." Percy bowed and so did Luke. The old king nodded, calculating the two boys with his deep blue eyes.
"Rise." Zeus ordered with a low and dominant voice, shaking the very floor. Percy turned to his father who sat next to Zeus in a lesser seat with no particular design. He bowed again along with Luke.
"Father." Percy uttered and then took his seat before the set of stairs with Luke standing behind him.
"Good, now it seems we only have to wait for Lady Grace." Poseidon said a louder and more define voice, with character. Poseidon wore a white toga with a bronze pendent that had the carvings of a horse lifted to its hind legs, the symbol of Athens. Unlike Zeus, Poseidon had a short beard with strips of grey, shorter hair and sea green eyes.
"No, she will not be attending the meeting." Zeus ended the discussion with his hard eyes.
Immediately the meeting began, Zeus and Poseidon discuss issues with borders and minor terrorisms. Then they moved into more delicate subjects, such as the territories of Hades, which was the largest of the three countries.
Most of the stuff didn't really made sense to Percy. Ever since he turned 14 a few weeks ago, Poseidon and so many others were expecting him to understand the politics that surrounds them. But it just seems so tedious, although he agrees on the necessities of a government, he often found himself stumped by paranoid and distrustful politicians. If he were ever to be elected as king maybe he would put an end to this distrust, how, he had no idea.
Several times Zeus or mostly Poseidon would involve Percy in the matter of the discussion, he would, of course, answer as robotically and politically pleasing for the two lords. Was he even registering what he was saying? No, not really, just spit out big words and go along with the exercise Luke had put up weeks in advance. The lessons were boring, but it all paid off when Poseidon smiled approvingly and Zeus gave a nod.
Lastly, they moved onto the current treaty between Valhalla and Avalon. It was shaky business of course; the two opposing countries have been on and off for centuries now, but the alliance have never lasted as long as it did now.
"Yes well, we will have to renew the documents by then, so it should go along perfectly." Poseidon clapped his hands together lightly.
Zeus nodded in agreement. "I will gather the council in the spring. We will go from there. Speaking of spring, we might have to push the wedding-"
Poseidon coughed, silencing Zeus, who seemed to have caught his mistake.
"Aha, by then Percy would be present to sigh on the document as well!" Poseidon boomed, he turned to the boy with what looked like pride, something that made Percy feel warm inside.
"So it seems, the youth will finally return in charge of the kingdoms, most exciting." Zeus nodded with closed eyes. Great. Percy's lip curled upwards. Soon Lady Grace and I will take the seats to the new future. His smile morphed into a weak frown. Did that mean he would have to bury himself in paper work and social gatherings like his father often did?
They spoke a few more words on the date and time of the renewing then the meeting was over.
"I hope you enjoy your stay." Zeus said. "We will regroup for tonight's dinning."
Poseidon smiled real wide with excitement, if anything it was a good social buffet that rung his bell. "Certainly, I will have to excuse myself for the time being, I have business to attend to." Poseidon rose from his seat and shook hands with Zeus. Percy got up and followed his father out the door, on his way, he found Luke who wore a face of disgust and disapproval…
The day passed quickly as it was already afternoon when they exited. Now that Percy felt the warmth of the sun again, he realized how much he has gotten used to these meetings. In a way, he liked them, it felt like he was becoming more like his father, however that also meant he would spend less time with his mother, who had never missed a single day in his life.
"Percy." Poseidon patted Percy on his head. "I'm afraid I must return to the Imperial Crusadest." He recently seemed to be cheerier after congregating with his brother, but Percy just indulged himself as Poseidon ruffled his hair.
"You will be back for the banquet, right?" Percy looked up through his black, matted hair. Poseidon roared heartily.
"Certainly now!" He removed his hand and walked forward a few yards. He turned back as Percy pulled on his bangs and gave another smile, a sadder one, then he vanished, washed away into a green mist.
Luke rested his hand on Percy's shoulder and gave a light squeeze. The boy turned his head over to see his friend with a similar smile, a smile of pity.
Back in Athens Luke had practically memorized every nook and cranny as to keep his eyes on the young master and his sneaky ways. Many times Percy had lost Luke in the underground water tunnels. A system of routes of glass tunnels surrounded by water and sea life, its purpose was strictly for the royal families, which were only Poseidon and his brides and kinsmen. Along with them are also a selected few guards, the highest of the high, with the exception of Luke, who gained Poseidon's trust.
However, in the city of Olympia, the streets are so cluster and twisting that navigating it was near impossible, especially for travelers who almost never visited, like the two boys. Even in the royal section, where the streets are wider and less crowded, Luke still couldn't find his young master.
Luke came to a stop from his speedy jog and huffed, he shook his head from side to side, scanning the four way intercross.
"Damn it." Poseidon was so going to kill him.
Silly Luke, Percy cracked a smile remembering when the blonde speeded pass him into the city of the royal section. His servant thought he knew Percy so well, so the young master decided to hide close to the Hermes's Cavern, his resting place during his stay. No one would have guess he would sneak to such a boring area; after all, Percy liked the city, the busy, blooming, and richness of city streets.
Percy soon found that architect could only hold his attention for so long and he was really running out of stuff to admire. So he took a risk and moved further in towards the center of the map, and as he suspected, the landscape itself seemed to radiant "magic". Trees started to appear, first in rows then in clusters at the centers of flowerbeds. Strange plants that grew up to Percy's waist, some looking like enlarged versions of their tiny counterpart, others didn't even look like flowers.
The marble floor turned into stone bricks and wooden bench dotted in front of every flowerbed. Strange. Percy would have never imagined Zeus to be the nature lover type. Of course he certainly was, although he favored lakes and meadows and obviously oceans, but this suited him just fine.
Percy kneeled down when he came up to a particular type of flower; a white lily with sprinkles of blue. He loved the color combination blue and white, Percy never liked one color it was always a mix of two like green and black, purple and yellow and just about every light color with black. But this lily seemed to send off a faint glow, a luring light.
With timid hands, Percy cupped the flower; a sudden flow of warmth shot though his palm, like the currents in water. It felt so soothing, yet so wrong.
"Intruder!" Percy whipped around, accidentally plucking the delicate flower. A flash of blue light sank into his chest, draining the color out of his eyes. His body flung backwards and hit the brick floor.
With a stain wheeze, Percy pushed himself back up, the light didn't hit, however the landing wasn't gentle. Percy rubbed his chest, founding a burnt hole, luckily he had left his white jacket back at the Cavern, or else his father would ground him for weeks. His eyes forced open and light returned to his sight, first blurry, but soon it stabled.
"Who are thou?" The commanding voice shouted from the, still blurry, figure of a lady in blue. She wore a blue coat with black stripes that reached down to her knees, with their sleeves folded and locked in place with a strap and button and two breast pockets lined with silver. Under her open jacket was a pair of black shorts that looks to be a few size too big, tightened with a belt and sturdy black boots.
Her face. Her face was something that made Percy suspect his eyesight was still misleading him. The lady had milk smooth skins and beautiful eyes and black hair that was tied in a short ponytail, such beauty that sent strange warmth in Percy's chest, one that he never quite felt before.
"What are you doing here!" The furious girl yelled, making Percy flinch.
"I-I-I was just looking at the p-pants." Percy stuttered.
"Then what's in your hands?" She tilted her head. Even when she was weaponless, Percy felt all so intimidating. He brought his left hand up, revealing the white lily, perfectly fine; this seemed to calm the girl. "O-Oh, was that it?" She smiled embarrassed, with flaming cheeks.
"You could at least apologize." Percy frowned and pushed himself up.
"N-No, you should be grateful that I wasn't using my full strength!" The girl shouted back. Percy winced at such a load voice.
"I guess you're right." Nodded and bowed, making the girl very confused. "I grateful you spared my life. I'm sorry for intruding."
"W-W-What?" The girl was dumbstruck by this kid's action. "Shudup you! Don't thank me!" She screamed this time making Percy confused. "Thank that flower if anything."
Percy raised an eyebrow. "This flower?" He examined the plant in his hand.
"Y-Yeah." The girl walked up next to Percy and slump down on the brick edge of the flowerbed, Percy did as well. "The flower's called Lev Deva, it has a special attribute to nullify electrical currents. I don't know why or how, but it does and it's rare, and it just so happens that my specialty was connected to the same attributes."
"Nullifying crazy ladies?" Percy tried to understand but his science was failing him.
"Electricity, you dummy." The girl teased and smiled when Percy pouted. "Well something of the sorts, this flower isn't very logical, scientifically speaking."
"Electricity…?" Percy mumbled. "You're a knight!" He shot up. The girl nodded proudly. "A Silver Knight of Olympia." Percy whispered in awe. "I never thought I would meet one in person!" He practically jumped with excitement. An honorary knight elected by Zeus himself to bear the mark of Lightning a symbol of courage and power, not just in name the Silver Knights is bestow the power of light and all its fury.
"Yeah, badass isn't it?" The girl pulled her sleeves up and flexed her slim bicep on the shoulder was a silver tattoo of a curvy shield with four wings, two on either side and a star on the shield. Percy did have a brief lesson on Valhallian Knights, but nothing too in depth, so of course he had no idea what he was looking at, but might as well go along with it.
"That's incredible! Can you throw lightning spears? And shoot lightning out of your hands?" Percy shook his head and tried to calm himself down, no one likes annoying seaweeds as mother always said. "You're amazing."
The Knight lowered her head and rubbed her hair, her cheeks burning crimson. "Shudup, idiot." She swayed from side to side, trying to cool down. "Come on, let's go check out some more plants." She reach out and grabbed Percy's hand and heaved him up after her. "This is a bonsai." She wave at the miniature tree on a stand. "And these are Kascetts, like the Lev Devas these have strange properties, they can paralyze if they are mixed with warm water or too much moist water vapor." She pointed to a bed of green flowers with black dots.
"That's dangerous." Percy muttered and the Knight laughed. "I think I like the Lev Devas better though." This seemed to make the Knight smile.
"Good, because that's my favorite kind of flowers." She smiled sweetly causing Percy's face to heat up. "Isn't it beautiful?"
"Yes." Percy breathed in bewilderment.
"Let's move on." She tugged at Percy's hand and walked along to the next selection. They continued through the exotic plants, from harmless to harmful to scary. Throughout the whole evening, only one thought tugged at Percy's mind and that was that his hand was locked loosely in her hand.
One moment, though, when they visited the green house, they met up with a large moving plant monster that was twice Percy's size. It chomped at them; Percy fell backwards and landed on his butt with a yelp. The knight bent down and pulled him back up with a teasing smirk.
"Don't worry, I'll protect you." She had said, bring that warm feeling into him once more.
Another time, it was the Knight that stumbled, Percy had pull hard and embraced her, the moments passed slowly as they held each other, but she pushed away, looking away from him, extremely embarrassed.
At last, the sun was beginning to set and almost in unison, they both gasped.
"I have to go!" Percy exclaimed, the Knight smiled and nodded, looking relieved.
"So do I!" She smiled nervously.
"Will we be able to meet again?" Percy asked longingly. The Knight hesitated, thinking through her options.
"Sure, why not?" She looked away at the tall clock tower in the distance and cursed. "I-I have to go." She ripped her hands away from his, leaving him cold. She looked sad, but managed a smile, and then she was gone, running off in the opposite direction he needed to go.
"I hope so." Percy whispered to himself, there was a very likely chance that he was leaving soon, maybe tomorrow or the day after.
When Percy returned, a furious Luke met him. The blonde yelled at Percy for his immaturity.
"Do you know how worried I was?!" He pressed his hand to his chest. Percy's heart sank; he could do nothing but nod. Luke sighed loudly and pinched the bridge of his nose. "By the gods, Percy. I thought someone kidnapped you. Ve Artorius is a big name around here Percy." The young master frowned at the mention of his royal name. "Very bad things could happen if you do so much as to speak it aloud in Valhalla." He crossed his arms and stared the boy down until he couldn't take to look at the pitiful form of the young master. "Go take a bath and be out quickly, I doubt we'll make it in time for the start of the dinner."
After he had washed up, Luke helped him dress in even more formal attire for the party. While he fastened the family sword, said to be used by Theseus himself, Luke looked up at Percy's faraway eyes.
"So you said you met a Silver Knight and received a thunder bolt?" He tied the final knot on the perfect flower tie.
Percy nodded. "I was saved by a Lev Deva." He answered, remembering the encounter.
"Hmm, it must have been a weak shot to have been so easily block by that flower." Luke thought out loud.
"She did say that, she wasn't using her full strength." Percy said. The blonde patted the long jacket down and pushed Percy to an arms length to view his full image.
The jacket was, again, white lined with blue and many empty pockets for show. Two long tails behind, reaching his calf, closed in the front with decretive silver buttons. Popped collar, with an inside strip that wrapped around the neck. The jacket, in some way resembled a tuxedo. Decretive belt and a white suit pants with blue stripes. The royal sword symbolizing the Ve Artorius family and armored boots, thinned to allow movements such as dancing.
"Well, at least you'll look professional." Luke sighed; he glanced down at Percy's hand and noticed the small white flower within. "What's that?" Percy opened his gentle hand to show the Lev Deva. As soon as Luke saw the flower his jaw tightened, he stared hard at the flower for a moment then snatched it.
"Hey!" Percy reached up but stopped when Luke lightly tucked it into Percy's breast pocket, nailing it between the cloth and the button.
"There," He tugged on the belt strap that held close Percy's jacket and smiled sadly once again. "You look great." He was really getting tired of that smile…
Many noblemen attended the dinner party, even some lords, however most of them were too busy with terrorism groups that has started to spark as of late. The banquet was taking place outside, in one of the famous ballrooms lacking a roof, showing the sparkling night sky. Light music played and many were paired to dance.
At one of the end tables near the back, Percy observed his father in action. Poseidon spoke loudly to a group veteran of generals, they seemed to be mixing the subject of war with cheesy jokes and complicated name calling that every time someone spits one out, Luke would hastily cover Percy's ears.
Several times now some politician would try to stir up a conversation, but Percy would just give the minimal answer necessary to answer and end them. He wasn't mean, but Luke and his mother had taught him many times a politician would always be trying to gain another mindless pond, Percy wouldn't allow that. Couple times now, a young lady would ask him for a dance but he would always give an excuse along the lines that he wasn't a good dancer or that he didn't feel too well. Which was true, ever since he took a shower his body has been very sore, which was fairly weird.
"Master Ve Artorius." Another young thing swayed up to the table. She had burning red hair with gold tips. Emerald green eyes that fit her shiny gold dress. The lady bowed. "Rachel Elizabeth Dare."
"Miss Dare." Percy nodded and gave his kindest smile.
"As I've heard, a charming face enough to woo Aphrodite." Rachel giggled.
"Is there a rumor passing around about me?" Percy furrowed his brows.
"Gaw, how innocent." Rachel pressed her hands into her chest. "You're more adorable than charming if you asked me."
"Well," Percy laughed lightly and a bit awkwardly. "That is nice to hear, miss Dare."
"Pleas call me Rachel." She said, her hand rose and touched Percy's cheek, he flinched slightly. "Ah, interesting."
"Is something wrong with my face?"
"Certainly not." Rachel smiled. "May I give an advice?" Percy nodded. "The hiding place is behind Zeus's palace, in the center of the woods. Go there if you wish to find it- I mean her." Percy titled his head to one side and gave a questioning look. "You'll get it when you get it. Once again, Rachel Elizabeth Dare. Goodnight you two." The red haired lady bowed and walked away.
Percy turned to Luke who shrugged, together they momentarily ponder on Rachel's words. That was interrupted when the torch lights dimmed, dozens of spotlights glared at the center of the stage and everyone grew silent.
On the stage, a blast of light and Lord Zeus appeared in his royal suited glory; similar to the dress he wore during the meeting.
"Good people of Greece!" The Lord's voice echoed in the dinning pavilion. "I thank you for attending this joyous event. This banquet is neither for Poseidon nor I, rather this is to celebrate our joint alliance for over 100 years! Let us wash away our past sins and anger and vengeance with these goblet..." Percy sighed and looked down in his cup. Good ol'Zeus was going on a tangent again, and Percy haven't even heard one of these in person, but he has heard them in recordings and read them in scrolls enough to get annoyed of them on sight.
After a while he tuned back in only to hear something about the youth and how they must follow the footsteps of their elders to continue these great times of peace, and immediately tuned out again. There was only so much talking Percy could tolerate before his ADHD got to him, so he decided to watch his reflections alter in the wine cup.
His curly brown hair, his define cheekbones and a small scar on his left cheek... Percy blinked and held in a gasp as the reflection was not his own, he looked once more, but it was him again; raven black hair, nice and straight covering his forehead, no scars and not quite developed facial structure.
The crowd of people began to whisper and chatter amongst themselves. Percy turned to Luke who tightened his jaws like he did before. He followed the blonde's gaze and fell upon the image of a beautiful lady in a silky blue dress, blossoming at her ankles in a tilt. Her skin was milk smooth and her hair was put down, barely reaching her shoulders. And those eyes, those beautiful electric blue eyes.
Percy grabbed Luke, his heart pounding. "That's her!" He whispered harshly. Luke raised an eyebrow.
"Who's what?"
"That's her! The girl on the stage, that's the Silver Knight I met earlier!" Luke's eyes widened and his frown deepened.
"Percy," Luke's voice sounded hollow. "That's... that's your-"
"Introducing my daughter! Thalia Grace!" Zeus boomed, so utterly loud that Percy's heart matched the beat. The boy slowly turned around staring wide-eyed at the girl he knew nothing about.
"The captain of the Silver Knights." Luke whispered behind Percy.
Poseidon slipped through the crowd and found Percy he pulled the shocked boy. Poseidon had said something in hush whispers, but Percy didn't hear, he couldn't, everything had muted. Then he was thrown on stage with Zeus on Thalia.
For a moment the two stared at one another, not understanding what was happening when Zeus spoke.
"As a bond of our alliance, these two heirs will be joined together in marriage. Thalia Le Grace and Perseus Ve Artorius!"
How was that? Please give me any thought or advise, there's no such a thing as pointless. Also, any future chapters will be shorter, this one, considering it is the beginning, will be the longer ones.