Percy POV

I hate flying.

Even though I travel a lot for swimming competitions, I hate getting on a plane and soaring through he sky. Think about it, we're in a tin-metal box miles off the ground. I feel as thought he gods would just blast me out of the sky.

After all, I'm a fairly sassy and annoying person; the gods probably wouldn't like me.

I was grateful when the plane landed in Colorado without crashing. I was way too excited to get off the plane and onto dry land.

"Percy, a lot of swimmers are probably arriving today," Lupa said. "Feel free to introduce yourself and make friends, but stay close to me and Chiron."

"Sure, no problem," I replied, already looking around the airport.

Obviously, you can't tell an athlete off of first impressions, but it's a fun game to try and figure it out. Swimmers tend to be taller than average, and if they have gym bags, that would be a giveaway as well.

I walked through the airport, already on the lookout for Reyna. We were supposed to land around the same time. And, just as expected, Reyna stormed into baggage claim with a fierce expression. She seemed ready to compete today.

"Hey, Reyna," I waved her towards me.

Reyna smiled pridefully while walking over. "It's nice to see you again, Percy. Can you believe that we made it to the US Olympic trials?"

"It's an actual dream, but I'm so excited. I can't wait to compete," I stated.

"Me too!"

i've never been to Denver, Colorado before. Since it saw summer time, the weather was pleasant. Reyna arrived with her coach, Terminus, while i came to the competition with Chiron and Lupa. We decided to rent a van together.

Reyna and I talked the whole way to the hotel, which was right next to the sports complex where the Olympic Trials are being held. I was looking out the window at the sights. I do enjoy visiting new places, it's the air journey that scared me.

The hotel was bustling with activity, and I was slightly overwhelmed.

A personal hostess greeted us at the door and walked us through the hotel. Reyna and I had rooms on the same floor which was nice.

Looking out the windows, I could see the sports complex.

"Chiron, the sports center is huge," I said in awe, while throwing the curtains open. I dropped my bags on the bed closest to the window before looking outside. The sports complex was a series of three large buildings, all of which had Olympic size swimming pools. The large windows along the side of the buildings showed the bustling swimming pools.

"People are already swimming," I noted.

"Some of the swimmers might be warming up today," Lupa answered. She was staying in the adjacent hotel room with a connecting door. "Being at the Trials brings back so many memories. I've never been more stressed in my life.'

"Really? I feel good," i commented in surprise. I genuinely feel good.

Lupa and Chiron looked at me with intrigue.

"What?" i asked. "It's just like any other practice, right? That's how I('m treating this anyway. That's what you've always taught me."

Chiron smiled and nodded.

The hotel had a convention hall where the swimmers can meet fans, who are here to watch the trials. The Olympic coaches and directors were also there. Lupa thought it was a good idea for us to go hang out downstairs. It's hard to imagine the politics involved with competitive sports, but there's a lot of it.

What you do outside of the pool is just as important as how you swim. Talking to everyone downstairs was overwhelming.

The convention hall was so crowded and loud. I said hi to as many people as I could. I was surprised to find a lot of fans wanting autographs from me, specifically. It was surreal, but I made sure to do what everyone wanted (pictures, autographs, etc.)

Reyna and I were talking to a group of teen girls when someone patted my shoulder.

"Hello, Percy Jackson. I've heard a lot about you," Triton greeted me.

"Oh my god. You're Triton," I was actually so shocked that an two-time Olympian was talking to me right now. "Wow, i'ma huge fan."

'Well, now, we're competitors," Triton said, shaking my hand.

"Right. It's an honor to be competing against the likes of you,' I said. Looking around the room, I realized that there were amateur competitors and Olympic alumni. It was mesmerizing to recognize world-famous athletes.

I"m on the same level as all these legends and heroes of the swimming world.

"I hear you're going to be prime competition," Triton acknowledged.

"Well, I'm not here to fool around," I replied sassily.

Triton was a few inches taller than me, which probably helped him while swimming. He grinned at me in an intimidating yet sportive way. One thing about professional athletes is that they recognize each other's har work. We have mutual respect for each other despite any rivalries that have been formed.

"Good luck, Jackson. And you too, Arellano," Triton said. "Ponty wishes both of you luck as well even though we hope to both qualify for the Olympic Butterly events like last time."

"Thanks, Triton. And trust me, I'm going to give a tough battle," I stated. Reyna smiled at me and nodded in support. I said the right thing.

"You better!"

The rest of the day was filled with greeting the Olympic committee members, athletes, and fans. Reyna and I had a good time, but our minds were already becoming focused.

We earned our way to the Olympic Trials, so we owe it to ourselves to do our best.

...

The schedule was crazy for me.

I qualified to compete in four events: Freestyle 100m and 200m, Butterfly 100m and 200m. The Trials has a schedule of preliminaries, semifinals, and finals for each event. The finals are held on the last couple days of the competition.

The top 24 swimmers from the preliminary round (ie they have the best times) are promoted to the semifinals. I managed to reach the semifinals for all four events.

I stayed focused and prepared my mind before each swim. I implemented Lupa and Chiron's tips through the next week. I face-timed my mom, Annabeth, and Jason if I needed any mental support at the end of the day.

Today, I'm swimming in the Butterfly 100m semifinals.

Since 24 swimmers compete in this round, three heats of the event are held back-to-back since the pool has eight lanes.

I'm competing in the third (last) heat.

I took a deep breath and steadied myself on the springboard. My knees bent and my fingertips touched the end of the white board. I stared into the water in front of me. I closed my eyes and took another breath, forgetting my surroundings.

The bell rang, an I dove into the pool. My body and mind pushed my instincts forward. My muscles pulsed with every movement, cutting through the water. Every breath replenished me and made me feel stronger. This is where I thrived, and it's time to show it.

I reached the end of the 100m in no time.

My body was still buzzing from the adrenaline as my gaze traveled to the scoreboard. I was holding onto the wall at the deep end. All the swimmers were so good, we finished within seconds of each other.

Chiron and Lupa approached my end of the pool with huge smiles. I didn't make it passed either of the Freestyle semifinals, but I made this event.

Right now, after this one specific round, I had the fourth fastest time.

Eight swimmer could qualify for the final round for any event. To qualify for the Olympics, you must finished in the top 2 times in the final round. This means that I have push myself even more during my next event if I want to make it to the Olympics.

But, right now, I can celebrate this victory of making it to the next round.

"Good job, Perseus," Chiron said while clapping my back.

"Well done." Lupa agreed.

I smiled while taking a towel from Chiron's hands. I was really proud of myself for competing against these powerhouses. However, at the end of the day, my real goal is to make it to the Olympics. I have to give it my all in the final rounds for the Butterfly 100m and 200m.

As expected, Triton and Ponty were ruling the scoreboard. Ponty already clinched his spot for the Olympics Freestyle 200m. Triton and Ponty were expected to win the Butterfly events, similar to last time, even though Ponty's strength is freestyle. They were truly spectacular swimmers, but I deserve to make it as well.

"Percy, you have two days till the final rounds," Chiron informed. "Just keep focusing and do your best. I have faith in you, my boy."

"Thanks, Chiron," I whispered.

I was starting to get nervous though. This was unlike any competition that I've ever competed in.

I know that I am one of the best swimmers here, but I'm competing against the best of the best, especially considering that the United States always wins the swimming Olympics every time. My times could beat most of the Olympic swimmers from other countries. But, to qualify, I have to get in the Top 2 for the final rounds in the US Trials.

Later that day, Annabeth congratulated me over the phone. the gang was watching my performance on tv. As we expected, I made it to the finals for the Butterfly events.

"You're doing an awesome job, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth assured me.

"The real competition is now. I have to get in the top 2 to qualify for the Olympics. This means that I have to either beat Triton or Ponty," I explained.

"And, you can. Just stay focused."

"I am, but-"

"Seaweed Brain, just swim. Do what you do best. You don't need to care about the other people in the pool. Just do you. Be you," Annabeth advised firmly.

I thought for a few moments before smiling. She smiled back. Our gazes locked through the FaceTime video. I wish Annabeth was sitting right next to me so that I could kiss her.

Of course, Annabeth is always right.

"Thank you, Wise Girl. That's exactly what I needed to hear..."

...

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